The federal government is allowing the South Fork Coal Company to haul coal through West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest, despite a lawsuit arguing they do not have valid rights to do so. Coal and equipment have been hauled through the area since 2022. Olivia Miller with the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy says advocates will continue legal action, and local communities remain opposed to mining activity in the region…    “There were over 2,300 public comments opposing South Fork Coal Company’s valid existing rights determination. So we need to speak up again and continue to demand accountability.”  

Maryland’s lottery, casinos, sportsbooks, and fantasy sports combined to bring in over a billion dollars in tax revenue for state programs and services in Fiscal Year 2025. The Lottery had its fourth-best year in its 52-year history, with sales of $2.6 billion dollars in scratch-off games and tickets. Lottery players won $1.7 billion dollars in the fiscal year. The state’s six casinos brought in $831 million in tax revenue, and sports books contributed $89 million in taxes to the state.

Local resident Dana Tinnen recently approached the Cumberland City Council about the search for a new police chief. Tinnen says this is an opportunity to diversify the force and when choosing someone, a minority candidate should be a focus…     “I think this would go a long way in building our police force and diversifying it. When you see a Black face, an Asian face, or a Latino face, those kids and those youth will have someone to look at, role models. And it could possibly change the face of our police force to diversify it.” Mayor Ray Morriss…

After 48 years, Flowerland on Virginia Avenue is under new ownership. Now-retired owner Tim Wotring told WCBC the transition to the new owner has been smooth.  He said local wedding planner Lauren Long came to the shop after he announced his retirement…     “I”ve had other people come in and ask me about the business, but Lauren – I just stuck with her. She had a very ‘go get ‘em’ attitude which is what you want in a business. New owner Long says she will keep the same quality of flowers for funerals, hospitals and churches, and is adding…

As work on developing their next comprehensive plan continues, the City of Cumberland will be having a meeting to focus specifically on neighborhoods. City Historic Planner Ruth Davis-Rogers says a meeting at City Hall on August 21 at 6pm will be for neighborhood groups and residents to express their thoughts on the future of their parts of town…    “What we’re going to do is just have one meeting where we can talk about the various neighborhoods. And this isn’t to talk about, ‘my trash is picked up too early or oh, there’s dogs barking,’ because that’s really not a…

The City of Frostburg’s second annual event called “The Scoop” takes place on Wednesday at City Place on Water Street. Starting at 7pm, city staff and elected officials will give updates on what’s going on in the community. Director of Community Development Bethany Fife says its one way the city honors its commitment to transparency and engagement…     “It’s a great way for the public to get information and to have their voice heard about some of the things going on, what are they excited about, what are they hesitant about. The Frostburg Freeze will be there serving free…

One of the casualties of the Big Beautiful Bill is the SNAP Ed program. Run locally by the University of Maryland Extension Service, SNAP Ed offers nutrition education to low-income families and SNAP participants. The federal government cut funding for the program and approximately 70 people across Maryland will lose their jobs October 1. Program Director Lisa Lachenmyer said the education program provides needed information…   “Nutrition education is really valuable. We see a lot of chronic disease; we see a lot of obesity and so it is something that is a really necessary, impactful skill and information that will…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – NOAA – expects an above normal season of major weather events this hurricane season. While this area usually only experiences heavy rains, preparing for storms ahead of time should include stocking up on essentials, checking the outside of your home, and staying tuned to weather updates. Steve Powell, who works with Sedgwick Claims Management, says planning ahead is key…    “Food supply, water supply. You should always have your medications. You should always know how to access your insurance policy information. But you should also have an established plan for taking care of…

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The Mayor and City Council of Cumberland will meet in public session beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the 2nd floor Conference Room of City Hall on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 for the purpose of immediately closing the meeting to discuss personnel matters in regard to the recruitment of a Chief of Police and to receive advice from the City Solicitor regarding whether the entrance road to Woodlawn Cemetery is a public right of way. Authority to close the session is provided by Sections 3-305(b)(1)(i), (b)(3) and (b)(7) of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The Open…