Maryland employers are now required to five works an extra break when the heat index rises above 90 degrees. New regulations to protect workers come after the state say a spike in heat-related deaths in 2024. More than 27 people died and 1,200 went to emergency rooms due to heat exposure. Sam Williamson of the Public Justice Center says enforcing new standards are vital…     “I’ve spoken with workers who, working outside all day, they’re lucky if their employer gives them a small 8-ounce bottle of water that’s been sitting out in the sun. I’m hoping that now, with…

After over 40 years in business, Beckman’s Greene Street Pharmacy has closed its doors. Pharmacist John Beckman sent a letter to patients, saying he has always stood behind his motto of “We dispense information as well as medication,” and taken pride in the service he provided patients.  Plans are for the diabetic durable medical equipment service to continue in the near future.

The area is mourning the passing of community leader Barb Buehl, who passed away after a long battle with cancer.  Buehl held many prominent positions in the community, including President of the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce and director of county tourism for 14 years.  She was also instrumental in the origins of DelFest, acting as a community liaison for the annual event. Most recently, she was the owner-operator of Alpacas at River’s Edge Farm in Oldtown.  Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Mechanic Street & Centre Street Viaduct Bridge intersection at Queen City Drive will be closed to thru traffic on today, June 2nd.  Traffic is expected to be restored by 8 PM on June 2nd for Mechanic Street & Centre Street intersection at Queen City Drive.

West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito will have some competition in her bid to win re-election. State Senator Tom Willis, also a Republican, has announced his intentions to run for the office.  He is a Lt. Colonel in the West Virginia National Guard and has served one year in the West Virginia legislature, representing Hampshire, Morgan, and Berkeley Counties. Capito recently received an endorsement from President Donald Trump for her re-election.

As America prepares to turn 250 years old in 2026, local residents are seeking to put together a commission to organize local celebrations. Cumberland’s Michael Mudge explained to WCBC that he has approached the commissioners of Allegany County to create a group similar to that organized for the nation’s bicentennial in 1976…     “In the nation’s bicentennial of 1976, there were a lot of countywide events. Each community had different events and there was a countywide celebration parade down Main Street in Frostburg, and it takes a long time to put a parade together, so we just want to…

Two new bills were signed into law by West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey to improve pregnancy programs and to toughen up laws on child abuse. At a stop in Raleigh County, Morrisey signed bills to expand funding for the West Virginia Mothers and Babies Pregnancy Support Program and a bill that extends jail terms for child abusers…      “We have to protect the most precious among us and if you harm a child as a parent or guardian, you’re going to pay a heavy price. We’re now increasing the jail time for abuse of a child that causes bodily…

Some say Maryland is going through growing pains while others say living and doing business in the state is a pain.  Either way, the best way to improve the situation is to be part of it. Political elections are a way to do that.  Maryland’s House Minority Leader Jason Buckel tells WCBC that people who want to see change need to become more active in the political system…    “Until we rise up, folks from suburbs, folks from rural communities on the Eastern Shore, Southern Maryland, ourselves, Frederick, Carroll, all these places. Until we rise up, like kind of what…

The city of Hagerstown continues to add new businesses. A company called NewCold plans to invest $275 million dollars in a temperature-controlled automated warehouse. NewCold is a leader in advanced food logistics, with 22 warehouses on three continents, specializing in advanced automation to move and store product. The new warehouse will be located on Oak Ridge Drive and will create up to 150 new jobs.