CSX reports it has completed a “significant upgrade” to the Cumberland Yard in Maryland, doubling the terminal’s switching capacity “to improve freight handling and operational efficiency.”  CSX launched the project in 2024 to streamline operations by enhancing railcar movement through the yard. A cross-functional team worked several months to remove an outdated hump lead and tower, replacing them with a new lead that CSX says “significantly boosts capacity.” Apex Rail Automation supplied the technology, which CSX notes is expected “to enhance freight flow for customers by reducing car handlings, optimizing traffic routing and expediting delivery times."  “This is the largest Apex switching system we’ve…

State transportation officials said they are working on strategies to protect the two bridges over the Chesapeake Bay following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.  The response from Maryland’s transportation secretary comes a month after the National Transportation Safety Board called for nearly six dozen bridges nationwide to undergo collapse-risk evaluations.  Some of the short-term strategies could include new communications requirements for ship pilots, reduced speeds, one-way transits and managing vehicle traffic on the bridge.  Longer-term strategies could include physical measures to prevent a strike. The east-bound span opened in 1952, making it more than 70 years old….

The Maryland state government is seeking bids for construction of a new building to house the Maryland Supreme Court and Appellate Court.  The state Department of General Services on April 18 announced it had opened bids for construction of the new five-floor facility, which will house the state’s two appellate courts, the Thurgood Marshall State Law Library, a legal history museum and offices.  The current supreme court building opened in 1972.

On 04/21/2025 at approximately 11:00 AM an officer observed Jerry Brown crossing the train tracks near Park Street in an area with posted no trespassing signs visible. The officer contacted Brown and advised him of the offense. Brown was issued a Criminal Citation for trespassing on posted property and is free pending trial in District Court. Arrested – Jerry Lee Brown (46) Cumberland, MD Charge – Trespassing posted property  

There’s a new Chief of Police in Ocean City. The announcement comes just in time for summer when crowds will be flocking to Maryland’s most well-known resort town. Raymond J. Austin is the new chief. Austin rose through the ranks of the OC police force over a career spanning three decades. Despite being a Pittsburgh native, the department says Austin is home-grown, having started as a seasonal officer in 1991.

Maryland State Police Medevac Trooper 5 performed an aerial extrication over the weekend in Virginia. Trooper 5 was called to Front Royal to assist in the rescue of an injured hiker who fell 60 feet off Buzzard Rock. Trooper 5 was utilized due to the steep terrain and extrication time. The hiker was hoisted into the aircraft and then flown to Winchester Medical Center for treatment of injuries.

On 4/21/2025 at approximately 9:00 PM the Cumberland City Police were dispatched to the 200 block of Baltimore Avenue for a disturbance. Upon arrival officers made contact with Terry Davis. Davis was intoxicated and was advised to not cause any further disturbances.  As officers were leaving a resident came outside stating that Davis was threatening to stab them. Davis exited the residence with a large kitchen knife in his hand pointing it at the victim. Davis was told to drop the knife and he complied. Davis was placed under arrest without incident. Davis was transported to the Allegany County Detention…

On 04/21/2025 at approximately 4:30 PM the Cumberland City Police Department were dispatched to the 30 block of Weber Street for an assault. Upon arrival officers spoke to the victim who advised they were assaulted by Dennis Bolden. Officers observed injuries consistent with the victim’s complaint. Bolden was placed under arrest without incident and transported to the Allegany County Detention Center. Bolden was seen by a District Court Commissioner and was held on a $5,000.00 bond. Arrested – Dennis Joey Bolden (47) Cumberland, MD Charge – Assault 2nd Degree

Three area students will be receiving scholarships to Frostburg State University through the Student Salute program sponsored by WCBC, Chessie Federal Credit Union, and the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce. Qualifying Allegany County high school seniors are featured on WCBC outlining their academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. All three winners this year are seniors at Fort Hill High School. The top winner of a $5,000 scholarship to FSU is Kamryn Rice. Two scholarships of $500 each were awarded to Charlotte Crawford and Gunner Wilson.

Cumberland residents will face increases in both water service and trash pick-up in the coming year.  The water increase is 20% but the trash increase is much steeper. Currently, trash charges are approximately $16.50 per month, rising to $28.55. City Comptroller Mark Gandolfi says the increase just covers the new contract with Burgmeier’s Hauling, but residents will still pay less than those in the county…      “Just in fiscal ’25, we rebid the trash contract, and as a result of those results, we’re recommending a 73% trash rate increase. There are no sewer or property tax rate increases recommended.”