Maryland Congresswoman April McClain Delaney hosted a workshop for seniors in Gaithersburg to discuss issues facing the older Americans in her district. Topics such as Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare and access to these services amid staff reductions by the Trump Administration were discussed. Service providers offering information on federal benefits, health programs and aging services, staffed resource tables for the 350 attendees.

The Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Carey Wright, has put a strong emphasis on getting students reading early in their education. Incoming Allegany County Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano tells WCBC that he is also planning to concentrate on literacy levels with students. Martirano says reading sets students up for success…     “Really, really ramp up in terms of those early years on reading. Because reading is the gatekeeper – reading to learn, learning to read. Creating that total community effort about everybody having a role in making certain our young people are reading. And when they’re failing, how…

The Cumberland Main Street organization has achieved Accreditation status, the top designation tier for 2024. Main Street America offers these designations to programs with a proven track record of achieving outcomes in specific areas. Frostburg and Oakland’s Main Street programs were also accredited. Melinda Kelleher, Cumberland Main Street Manager, says the recognition aids the programs they do…     “The biggest thing is that it makes us eligible for grant funding that we get from the State of Maryland and that’s huge because those dollars help run our Main Street organization. The other part is just like branding, we can…

Governor Wes Moore this afternoon declared a State of Emergency to strengthen the state’s coordinated response to historic flood damage in Western Maryland. The governor announced the State of Emergency declaration during his visit to Allegany County to survey the major damage incurred as the result of Tuesday’s statewide storm activity.  “After surveying the damage and receiving updates on the work still ahead in Western Maryland, I’ve declared a State of Emergency to accelerate our response,” said Gov. Moore. “Today, our thoughts are with the Marylanders who have been directly impacted by this storm, and our gratitude is with all…

A major detour is taking place on U.S. Route 219 in Somerset County.  A bridge connecting Boynton to Salisbury will be closed until further notice due to damage caused by flooding this week.  The 80 foot long bridge may need replaced altogether.  Six thousand vehicles travel that part of Route 219 daily.

All Mountain Ridge District schools will be closed Friday, May 16, 2025. This includes Beall Elementary, Frost Elementary, George’s Creek Elementary, Mount Savage School, Mountain Ridge, Westmar Middle, and Westernport Elementary. Westernport staff should not report to work. All other staff are to report, if possible. Those unable to, should contact their school principal. All other schools are following the regular schedule.

On Friday, May 2, 2025, Officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 700 Block of Greene Street for the report of a theft of a package.  Upon arrival, Officers were able to look at security footage and observed the suspect to be Deron Elbin. An application for charges was completed and submitted to the Allegany County District Court.  The application yielded a criminal summons for theft. On May 14, 2025, Officers located Elbin, and he was served with the summons. Elbin was released pending his trial at the District Court.  ARRESTED:  Deron Michael Elbin     AGE: 50   …

The settlement of an antitrust lawsuit is bringing some money to local West Virginia counties. West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey said the state filed the lawsuit against pharmaceutical company Pfizer for conspiring to delay the release of a cheaper generic version of the cholesterol drug Lipitor. Hampshire and Mineral Counties will each receive $30,000 from the settlement to reimburse healthcare costs incurred from purchasing name-brand Lipitor.

Two graduation ceremonies are set for Saturday at Allegany College of Maryland. The Spring Commencements are scheduled for 11am for career and transfer students and 2pm for Allied Health students. Over 375 students will be awarded 442 degrees and certificates. Andrea Beall, ACM Spokesperson, said one of three student speakers will be Justice Warner, recipient of the WCBC Jim Robey Memorial Scholarship…      “Justice Warner is a multi-media technology student from Cumberland. Warner, who holds a 4.0 GPA, is a versatile artist whose works were featured in ACM’s Expressions literary magazine. She is a graduate of Pearblossom Private School.”

The incoming Superintendent of schools for Allegany County already has a few areas he would like to focus on. Recently, Dr. Michael Martirano talked with WCBC about one area he sees as a statewide issue to be addressed – attendance – a problem that has been worse since the COVID-19 pandemic…     “Very concerned first and foremost about attendance rates across the state. Allegany County as well as the nation – we’ve got to get our kiddos in school and they’ve got to be present every day. And every parent in this community can help with that. So I…