While the minimum wage in Maryland is $15 per hour, in neighboring Pennsylvania it’s only $7.25.  The Keystone State’s minimum wage has been stagnant for over a decade.  Other states bordering Pennsylvania have also raised their minimum wage including Delaware and New Jersey. State Democrats are pushing for a minimum wage hike this year. Governor Josh Shapiro doesn’t want to lose workers to other states…     “Pennsylvania workers living in border counties would rather drive into another state for work so they can earn a higher wage than take a job at home in Pennsylvania.”

From the desk of Sheriff Bryson Meyers: The Garrett County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the theft of a 2004 white Dodge Ram 1500 truck with Florida Registration JZLC84. The truck was stolen around January 5, 2025, from the 2300 block of Steyer Mine Road. As a result of the investigation, deputies obtained an arrest warrant for Jennie Rebecca Hesson, 47 years old, charging her with Motor Vehicle Theft. Anyone with information relating to the stolen motor vehicle and/or location, as well as information leading to the arrest of Jennie Hesson, is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 301-334-1911.

The Cumberland Mayor and City Council decided to rework the parking ordinance for Baltimore Street for another two weeks during last night’s Open Work Session.  Several Cumberland residents and business owners further expressed their concern regarding the parking changes in the Public Meeting.  Brian Bowers, the owner of Hobbies and Toys, said the parking fees may negatively affect the businesses on Baltimore Street after the positive effect its reconstruction has made… “We did a little study and our store is up over 200% from two years ago, pre-construction stage. I think the parking fees has the potential to offset all…

The Maryland General Assembly opens its 2025 session on Wednesday. During the 90 day session, state lawmakers and Governor Wes Moore have financial challenges centered around a looming deficit. Senator Mike McKay tells WCBC News that the key is finding a way to balance the budget…     “The biggest issue is – where are we going to cut?  What services are going to be cut to be able to balance the budget?  I don’t expect a lot of bond bills – legislative bond initiatives this year. I think there will be something. But I just don’t think there’s going…

The Allegany County Board of Education and School system is facing a few changes. New member Max Green was sworn in on Tuesday and applications are being reviewed by the county to fill the open school board position of the late Bob Farrell.  Also, Superintendent Jeff Blank has a new term to decide on.  He tells WCBC he must let the board know by the end of the month…     “I’ll be talking to the board in our next meeting. I’ll get direction from Ms. Bender, our Vice President. It has to be in January, so by law it…

Eugene Frazier and Brian Lepley were sworn in Tuesday afternoon as Cumberland city council members during a ceremony in the City Hall rotunda.  Frazier is starting his second term as a council member while former Cumberland police officer Brian Lepley is stepping in to his first city term. Councilman Lepley said he is ready to be active in moving Cumberland ahead. “Starting today, let’s go, let’s move Cumberland forward. We’ve got a good group of people, and I hope to be a part of that in continuing the progress forward.”

Frostburg State University’s Computer Science and Information Technology will be working on development of a telehealth platform aimed at transforming gastrointestinal care. USGI-AI received a Maryland Industrial Partnership grant that will be used to enhance patient care thorough artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. FSU students will gain educational access by integrating them into the initiative that will enable doctors to deliver evidence based medicine to underserved communities.

The West Virginia Department of Human Services is highlighting its successes in child welfare in 2024. Children in residential care decreased by 10% with an overall 16% reduction. More children have been connected to family and community care options. Job vacancies in Child Protective Services and Youth Services have decreased. The state also established Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics that provide services to anyone seeking help for mental health or substance abuse conditions.

The City of Cumberland Engineering Department, on behalf of First Energy, would like to notify the public that Allegany Street between Washington Street and Fayette Street will be closed between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM on Thursday, 1/9/25, in order to replace a utility pole. Signage will be in place to detour passenger vehicles around the road closure. Traffic is expected to be fully restored after work is completed at 2:00 PM. Additional information will be released in the event the operation needs to be extended. Thank you for your cooperation during this time. Please use caution in the area and follow…

As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, Allegany County Schools announced a 3 hour delay for Wednesday.  Bishop Walsh has a three hour delay.  Mineral and Hampshire County Schools are closed.  Garrett County Schools have a 2 hour delay.