On Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at approximately 12:50 AM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a residence in the 100 block of S. Lee Street for an assault involving a firearm.  Police contacted the alleged victim who reported that Todd Becker pointed a rifle at him and threatened to kill him.  After further investigation, Becker was placed under arrest and transported to Central Booking.  He was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center without bond.   ARRESTED:  Todd Fitzgerald Becker                AGE:  61   …

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Natasha Groves.  The warrant was issued as the result of Groves violating probation on an original charge of CDS: Posses-Not Cannabis. Groves was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  She was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and held without bond. ARRESTED:  Natasha Marie Groves              AGE:  41                Cumberland, MD

The City of Cumberland received an update Tuesday night from the city’s lobbyist, Rich Rheinhardt, from Percy Public Affairs.  Despite the year’s tight budget, the city received capital funds from the state for several things, including $100,000 for the Harrison and Mechanic intersection project, another $100,000 for the Allegany Museum, and $250,000 for the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.  Rheinhardt also said that $10 million was approved for the Edward’s fund for fiscal year 2026.  However, he said this is the last of that money for the fund… “We did see a bill that changed some of the alterations around the…

Visitors to the Constitution Park pool this summer will be greeted with vending machines instead of food concessions.  Last year’s vendor was unable to do the job this year and Cumberland Parks and Rec Director Ryan Mackey said the season is too far along for someone to come in now…    “Thought about maybe putting out another bid, but at this point you have to wait so many weeks to see the bid, turn it back in,  and then you make your decision and for people to get their health permit and get that squared away, that’s another couple weeks….

Recently, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney questioned the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture on Administration plans to ensure those living in rural America will not be left behind in the development of high-speed, affordable broadband. The question comes amidst proposed funding cuts to the budget for National Telecommunications budgets. Delaney said getting broadband to rural areas is crucial for those economies…     “How do you intend to ensure that our farmers and ranchers aren’t left behind? And do you have a clear roadmap or strategy about coordination of the USDA funds with other funding streams? Because it is really important that…

The so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” being debated on Capito Hill will have far-reaching effects on local health care recipients. One-third of the residents in Maryland’s three westernmost counties are on Medicaid. David Stewart from Western Maryland AHEC tells WCBC that there could be legislative changes that would leave working people without coverage through Medicaid…     “The majority of people that get the free health care are working.  They just don’t work enough to come anywhere near the ability to pay for their insurance premiums.” Stewart says the income limits for Medicaid are outdated, which will leave many without coverage,…

As America approaches its 250th birthday, communities across the country are preparing ways to celebrate. There has been discussion at both the city and county level about what to do to commemorate the special July 4th so that events do not overlap.  Allegany County’s Administrator Jason Bennett says Maryland’s America 250 Committee is tapping statewide groups to organize events…     “They’re authorizing all the Heritage Areas locally to get interest and topics from the locals. So our Heritage Area, headed up by Canal Place, is heading that process up for us locally.”

A couple in Bedford have submitted no-contest pleas in a case that saw over 100 animals rescued from a hoarding situation last March.  Nyal and Renee Piper avoided a jury trial by entering the plea to over 50 various counts of animal cruelty. Most of the animals were taken by local rescues for care and placement, but several animals had to be euthanized.  Sentencing in the case is scheduled for the end of September.    

A longtime businessman in Lonaconing has passed away.  Everett “Ebb” Spiker died on June 13 at the age of 88.  For 49 years, Spiker owned and operated Lonaconing Motors on Route 36.  Spiker was a three-sport star at Valley High School in the mid-1950s, excelling in soccer, basketball, and baseball.  A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Bruce McBride and Rev. David Sandvick officiating. Interment will be held at Frostburg Memorial Park.