A new report recommends ways to fix a shortage of professionals in behavioral health.  The Maryland Health Care Commission finds a 50% shortage in the number of professionals needed to care for the state’s population. A workforce investment fund of $145 million dollars established in 2023 suggests an “earn while you learn” approach with paid fellowships and college stipends, according to Tiara Fennel of the University of Maryland…      “That would make a huge difference getting people interested in this type of work. But also maintaining that workforce and having people that want to be there long-term and spend…

The Maryland Historical Trust is accepting applications for small commercial projects on a rolling basis until the program cap of $2 million dollars for the current fiscal year is reached. Eligible projects may earn a state income tax credit equal to 20% of rehabilitation costs. Projects must not exceed $500,000 in total qualified rehab expenses and can include roof repair, window restoration, masonry repointing, floor refinishing, and structural repairs. The tax credit may be used with federal and local historic tax credits. More information can be found at mht.maryland.gov.

The swearing in of two city council members will take place at noon Tuesday at the City Hall rotunda.  The event was rescheduled due to Monday's storm.  Eugene Frazier and Brian Lepley will be sworn for four year terms.

Allegany and Mineral County Schools are closed Tuesday.  Hampshire and Washington County Schools are closed.  Bishop Walsh School is closed, as are Calvary Christian and Lighthouse Christian Academies.  Garrett County Schools have a two hour delay.

Cumberland’s Mayor and City Council will meet in both a public work session and public meeting Tuesday evening. The work session begins at 5:15pm, followed by the public meeting at 6:15pm at City Hall.  Agenda items include authorization of new parking rates for Baltimore Street, several property transfers, and the authorization of an employment agreement with current City Fire Chief Shannon Adams.

The Fort Hill Sentinels won their fourth straight state high school football championship in December, but the team had to take the long way to Annapolis. An ineligible player caused the Sentinels to forfeit five games.  WCBC talked with Allegany County School Superintendent Jeff Blank to find out if any legal action may be taken to recover costs from the student’s family for education, additional bus costs and lost home game revenue due to the false information given the school system…     “I’ll hear from board members either separately or in exec session to get direction on what the…

Maryland Governor Wes Moore is finally acknowledging the elephant in the room when it comes to the Blueprint for Education.  Too much, too soon, funding issues and a teacher shortage has the governor saying he is hitting pause on the Blueprint. His intention is to introduce new legislation concentrating on filling the teacher pipeline, as well as focus on areas where the system is already strong…     “We will pause the elements that need a closer look or require laying a stronger foundation for full implementation. And we will continue to craft and pass legislation that elevates education and…

From ABC News:    Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced he intends to resign as Liberal Party leader and prime minister once a new party leader is determined. "I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process," he said Monday from Rideau Cottage in Ottawa. Trudeau will serve as prime minister until March 24. He will then be replaced by a new Liberal Party leader. The Canadian Parliament was supposed to begin its new session of 2025 on Jan. 27, but Trudeau said Monday he…

Around 7:29 PM on Sunday, January 5, 2025, Officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 200 Block of Washington Street for the report of a motor vehicle crash. Officers were advised that a dark-colored SUV had struck a parked car and continued traveling without notifying the owner. The investigation is ongoing and the Cumberland Police Department requests the public’s assistance. Please contact 301-777-1600 with any tips or information.

City of Cumberland Police had a busy year, responding to over 27,000 calls for service, according to a year-end review.  Notable cases the department dealt with this year included the murders of Celina Smith on Oldtown Road and the ongoing investigation into the murder of Todd Adams in downtown. Detectives with the Combined Criminal Investigation Unit and the Narcotics Division pursued over 600 investigations.  While there has been a nationwide shortage of police officers, Cumberland’s force has maintained 45 officers and 6 civilian employees.  All officers have their own patrol cars for the first time as well as updated body…