June marked the first month of increased taxes to Maryland from sports betting. The amount paid to the state rose to 20% from 15% in accordance with the Budget and Reconciliation Act passed in April. For the final month of the fiscal year, bettors wagered more than $403 million dollars at mobile or retail outlets. Winners took home $346 million. Tax contributions to the state for June were $9 million, bringing the year total to just under $89 million dollars, a 47% increase from 2024.
Energy deregulation is happening in DC under EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. His efforts to get rid of backlogs and waste to fulfill the core mission of creating American energy hit home with West Virginia Senator Jim Justice. The Senator recently said that the coal industry and the businesses that surround it are building back in his state at a needed time… “If we don’t watch out, in a year and a half from today, we’re going to have an energy meltdown in this country and then you’re going to have to decide whether you’re going to take care…
On the Cumberland City Council’s agenda Tuesday was approval to execute a new collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Council 3, Local 553. The three-year contract that covers water, sewer, and street department employees was negotiated for the city by Administrator Jeff Silka and Administrative Director Ken Tressler. Mayor Ray Morriss said it was a good contract for both parties… “Just the normal cost of living adjustment raises – that will be based on the future cost of living adjustments. It works anywhere from two to three normally. The last few years, that’s what the cost of living adjustments have…
Events at the Allegany County Fair continue this week through Sunday. Tonight features the Truck and Tractor Pull, starting at 7:30. Friday evening, Fair Director Kevin Kamauf says Reithoffer rides open at 5pm with pay-one-price of $20. There is also the 4H & FFA Master Showman Contest, followed by two crowd-favorite events for the evening… “We have Bull Mania returning again at seven o’clock and at 10:30pm we have our annual fireworks spectacular.”
Frostburg’s Mayor and Council discussed plans for what their participation in the country’s 250th birthday celebration coming up next year might look like. City Administrator Patrick O’Brien said since there are plans at the federal and most likely the state level, Frostburg should start a plan of their own… “I thought it would be a good idea for us to have a citizen committee to investigate what those things are and see in what ways Frostburg can participate in that. What events we wanted planned for ourselves.”
The City of Cumberland adopted a new city seal design, created by artist Brett Nelson. The new insignia highlights the city’s historic church steeples and streetscape. It replaces the older seal that featured the C&O Canal. There will be a gradual updating of equipment and accessories with the new seal. Mayor Ray Morriss told WCBC the City feels the updated seal is a nice change. “I shows a street scene with the Emmanuel Episcopal in the back, and it has a nice sort of sunrise over Emmanuel with a street scene in front of it—I guess it’s more of a…
Since the flooding that occurred back in May, the City has been looking at the current state of the Mason’s Sports Complex. Because of flood damages, the Parks and Recreation Department concluded that fields at the complex would have to undergo a total re-facing. Director Ryan Mackey said the playing fields would be closed for the rest of the year, focusing on preparation for next season. “I would definitely say as soon as we get someone in here and, you know, as fast as they can do it, we want to be open for spring when the activities start picking…
On Wednesday, July 16th, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department responded to a vacant property in the 100 block of Polk St for a trespassing complaint. Upon arrival, it was observed that the property had been posted "Unfit for Human Habitation" by the City of Cumberland. Officers then observed a male subject climbing out of an open window of the property. As a result, Glenn Taylor Williams, 29, of Cumberland MD, was placed under arrest and transported to Police Headquarters. He was issued a Criminal Citation for trespassing and released, pending trial in District Court. ARRESTED - Glenn Taylor Williams, …
The highlight event tonight will be the concert by Christian singer Anne Wilson at 8 p.m., sponsored by WCBC Radio. Rides open at 5 p.m. with a pay one price for $15 after presenting a coupon. The 4-H, FFA Goat Show is at 5 p.m.
Maryland will not see the return of so-called machine-gun conversion devices, thanks to efforts by Attorney General Anthony Brown. Brown along with 15 other states had filed suit against the Trump administration to stop Forced Reset Triggers from being sold in the state. The devices dramatically increase a firearm’s rate of fire, some up to 20 bullets in one second. They have been frequently used in violent crimes and mass shootings. Brown said the victory protects Maryland families from the devastation of these devices.
