In Governor Wes Moore’s budget for the next fiscal year, he is making major investment in the state’s economy, but also wants a simplified, fairer tax structure.  At a presentation in College Park, Moore said his proposed budget actions would lighten the load on the majority of citizens in the state…     “82% of Marylanders are about to either get a tax cut or have no impact on their taxes at all, that we are not going to raise sales taxes, we are not going to raise property taxes, and the first time in a long time Maryland will…

The Western Maryland Health System Auxiliary is hosting the 67th Snow Ball this Saturday, January 18th at 7 p.m.  Those interested in going can purchase tickets at www.wmhsfoundation.com.  Julie Westendorff, chair of the event, told WCBC this year the auxiliary will be completing their pledge of raising money for the Center for Hope and Healing’s construction…     “In 2025 we are going to be completing a pledge that we made in 2019 to raise one million dollars toward the construction of the Center for Hope and Healing.  So, this is our last major fundraiser before we complete that goal. …

A large structure fire at Friends Stockyard in Accident remains under investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s office.  The fire was discovered shortly after 5pm Wednesday night and Accident Volunteer firefighters responded to the blaze. The building houses cattle and hogs -  many were able to escape but three cows perished in the fire. Cowboys were called in to wrangle the cattle who were roaming the area of the fire. The estimated loss is $300,000.  The Fire Marshal does not suspect a criminal act for the cause of the blaze.

UPDATE:  10:54  All lanes of I68 now open. There has been an accident on I68 East Bound near the 58 mile marker near Flintstone that has caused lanes 2 and 3 to be shutdown.  FIRE/Law Enforcement are on scene.

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.”