UPDATE at 7:01 a.m.  Emergency crews have cleared the rock slide. All lines are open. Allegany County Emergency Services out on a rock slide, Oldtown road/R51 near Wagoner Road. This is east of Oldtown… one lane blocked at this time.

Saying the state is facing storms on two fronts -  the worst fiscal crisis in 20 years and new Trump administration policy that threatens Maryland’s economic growth, Governor Moore presented his Fiscal Year 2026 budget on Wednesday.  Moore is holding the line on no property or sales tax increases. There is large targeted investment in science and technology and $750 million in operating and capital funding for economic development. The $67 billion dollar budget, he said, is built on four pillars to help the state grow…     “First, grow the economy. Second, strengthen the labor force. Third, modernize government….

County United Way is putting together 200 hygiene kits this Saturday, January 18th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The hygiene kits will go to Mt. Savage and WestMar middle schools for students in need.  At least 10 volunteers are wanted to pack the kits at the Canada Hose House on North Mechanic Street.  Those wanting to help should register at www.volunteermd.org.  United Way Director Michele Walker says they have found hygiene kits are a need for the middle school students…     “Last year our request for hygiene items were up about 300%, and I would say this year…

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act this week. West Virginia Congressman Riley Moore was an original co-sponsor of the bill that clarifies that sex is based solely on biology. The bill makes it a violation of Title IX for schools that receive federal funding to allow a male to participate in athletic programs designated for females. Maryland’s April McClain-Delaney voted “no” on the Act, saying it is poorly constructed and raises concerns about how girls will have their privacy invaded through potentially invasive checks or sex inquiries.

Allegany County Public Schools Superintendent announced he would be retiring at the end of his current term. He gave notice at Tuesday’s school board meeting that he would be leaving in July.  Blank talked with WCBC’s Dave Norman and said he had discussed the issue with family and also with late school board president Bob Farrell who knew of the decision. Blank feels it is the right time to retire…     “I’ve got 38 years in. I have thirty-seven of them here in Allegany County. Right now, from the board members to the employees, the students, the community, the…

The Maryland Freedom Caucus held their first event in Annapolis this week.  Maryland is the thirteenth state to join the State of Freedom Caucus Network, a conservative Republican group.  Maryland Congressman Andy Harris who leads the House Freedom Caucus was a featured speaker at the event.  Harris said it was time for Maryland to have a group that works to restore fiscal responsibility…     “The bottom line is the way you save your freedom is you limit the size and scope of government interfering in decisions by businesses and individuals who can help to grow the economy.”

On January 15, 2025, Officers of the Cumberland Police Department served a Criminal Summons on Ryan Andrew Roach. On two separate occasions, Officers were called to a local business for a report of a theft. Officers were able to review camera footage and identified the suspect as Ryan Roach. Arrest: Ryan Andrew Roach, age 36, Cumberland Maryland. Charges: (2) Counts of Theft

The Maryland Transportation Authority is warning drivers to avoid responding to text messages claiming that money is owed for unpaid tolls.  Users of EZ Pass have also experienced these fraudulent messages.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has issued several announcements as he begins his term.  Morrisey said his administration will be announcing a process for people to declare their religious objections to vaccines.  The governor said his administration will also pursue strict definitions of “man” and “woman.”

Frostburg State University President Ronald Nowaczyk has sent a letter to the campus community that he will be stepping down as President at the end of January. Nowaczyk says he has had medical issues in the past and recently new challenges have arisen that will make it difficult to fulfill his duties and responsibilities as university president.  The University System of Maryland Chancellor is expected to make an announcement about the future leadership of the college.