WCBC continues to follow the leadership situation within the Cumberland City Police.  As reported by WCBC, Captain Jim Burt remains on administrative leave pending an investigation while still employed by the City, and Captain Chuck Ternent is on a health-related leave but has also been considering retirement or other career options. Lt. Eric Bonner is the acting Chief of Police. Councilman Rock Cioni did share with WCBC that HIPAA and legalities are preventing city council or administrators from speaking on anyone’s status…    “My interactions with these two guys over the years has been nothing but positive. I wish them…

West Virginia cell phone users will see a 10.2% increase in their bill fees starting July 1st, according to the Public Service Commission of West Virginia.  The wireless enhanced 911 fee will increase from $3.64 to $4.01.  On top of that, wireless tower fees will increase eight cents and public safety wireless fee will increase twenty-nine cents.  The fee is established by the state legislature and goes to improve the effectiveness and reliability of 911 services across the state.

The City of Cumberland has two new firefighter and EMT recruits on staff. Tyler Hochard and David Rice have each been working for the fire department for several months now and Fire Chief Shannon Adams says they have been learning and adapting to their new positions     “They have completed their Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 fire certifications, their emergency vehicle operations, hazmat, and they both recently completed their EMT course and have recently gotten their Maryland medical license to be an EMT.”

June 22-24 marks the first round of interim meetings for the West Virginia Legislature after the adjournment of the 2025 Legislative Session.  Committees including Education, Government and Finance, Government Organization, Judiciary, Health, and Special Investigations are set to meet in Charleston through Wednesday to develop policy and recommend legislation. Despite recent weather events, the Committee on Flooding is not scheduled to meet, though other interim meetings are scheduled through the end of the year.

Wednesday, a one-day detour of eastbound I-68 starting at Exit 52 just before Allegany Aggregates will allow for pavement patching starting at 7 a.m. The pavement repair project is weather permitting. Motorists will follow Maryland 144 to exit 56, back to eastbound I-68.  SHA contractor, Belt Paving from Cumberland, will use electronic message boards, signs, barrels and cones to notify motorists about the work zone, road closure and detour.  Signs will guide motorists through the detour. Motorists are encouraged to stay alert, slow down and focus on driving safely through work zones.

This is the final week to apply to the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce “Leadership Allegany” program. The program is beginning its 28th year of aspiring leaders coming together to learn about shaping the future of their communities, according to Chamber Director Juli McCoy… “The Leadership Allegany Program is the set-up to provide participants with a deeper understanding of local and state operations, and also dive into community challenges and systems that shape the public and private sectors and kind of what makes our community unique.”

THIS IS AN URGENT MESSAGE FROM THE ALLEGANY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT. RAW SEWAGE CONTINUES TO FLOW INTO GEORGES CREEK AT SEVERAL POINTS BETWEEN SHAFT AND WESTERNPORT.  THIS ALSO AFFECTS THE POTOMAC RIVER DOWNSTREAM FROM THE MOUTH OF GEORGES CREEK IN WESTERNPORT (WHERE GEORGES CREEK EMPTIES INTO THE POTOMAC RIVER).  DO NOT DRINK, FISH, OR COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT WITH THOSE WATERS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.  THE AFFECTED PORTION OF THE POTOMAC RIVER IS DOWNSTREAM FROM THE MOUTH OF GEORGES CREEK.  CONTAMINANTS FROM RAW SEWAGE CAN CAUSE SEVERE ILLNESS.  AGAIN, THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS URGING THOSE IN THE VICINITY OF THESE WATERS NOT TO DRINK,…

Governor Wes Moore this morning signed a State of Preparedness declaration ahead of a potentially hazardous heat wave with dangerously high temperatures for much of Maryland. According to the National Weather Service, extreme heat is expected Monday through Thursday, with increasing humidity during that time, requiring heightened awareness and preparedness from Marylanders and those visiting our state. “Our top priority is the health and safety of Marylanders,” said Gov Moore. “This State of Preparedness will ensure that Maryland is coordinated and poised to protect our people in anticipation of extreme heat and humidity. We ask that all Marylanders do their part to stay…

On Sunday, June 22, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Megan Carbaugh.  The summons was issued as the result of an incident that occurred on May 11, 2025 at approximately 2:13 AM when police responded to Merchant’s Alley for a hit and run complaint.  The victim reported that his vehicle had been struck by another vehicle, causing damage.  A suspect was developed and identified as Megan Carbaugh.  Police filed for charges against Carbaugh at the District Court of Allegany County.  Carbaugh signed for her copy of the summons and she was released pending trial. ARRESTED:  Megan…

Garrett County’s Health Department has issued a notice after the county confirmed its fourth case of rabies this year.  A feral cat made unprovoked attacks on five people last week in McHenry. The cat was euthanized and testing confirmed rabies.  Those attacked have sought medical attention. Sydney Stein of the CDC says there are signs that an animal may be rabid…     “Excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, having paralysis or having seizures. They can also be acting aggressively. Or, if it’s a wild animal, it might be timid and allow you to approach it which it should not.”