Wednesday evening, WCBC News hosted a candidate forum for those running for Cumberland City Council.  Two seats are open on the council with four individuals vying for a position.  One of the questions asked of the candidates had to do with vagrancy and homelessness problems.  Candidate Brian Lepley gave his viewpoint… “We got to work with our partners to get these people the help that they need. And a lot of these people do suffer from mental illness and addiction and we have to make sure that they get the resources they need to get the help if they want…

Maryland added 2.700 total jobs in September, all in the private sector, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics. The state’s unemployment rate remains 2.9%, one of the lowest in the nation. As of now, Maryland’s employment has grown 1.2%, slightly ahead of the national rate of 1.1%. Maryland’s September job growth came in the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation sectors. Job losses occurred in Administration and Support, Waste Management, and Remediation.

The Allegany County Health Department reports that the number of confirmed whooping cough cases in Allegany County is now at four. The ACHD is urging the public to help prevent the spread of illness by practicing common-sense precautions and making sure that everyone in your household is up to date on their vaccinations. Early symptoms of pertussis are much like the common cold and include sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, a low-grade fever, and a cough that becomes progressively worse.

Donna Mae Easton-Blair, 54 of Cumberland, was served an Allegany County Circuit Court Grand Jury Indictment on Wednesday on three separate drug charges. These include Controlled Dangerous Substance possession charges, possession with intent to distribute narcotics, and distribution of narcotics. Blair is being held without bond at the Allegany County Detention Center.

Wednesday, October 22, 2024 Anthony Michael McCullough, 55 of Lavale, was served an MSP District Court Arrest Warrant for Stalking. McCullough was released from Central Booking on a $15,000 Unsecured Personal Bond (UPB). Eric Lynn Clark Jr., 33 of Oldtown, was arrested on a District Court Bench Warrant for Violation of Protective Order. Clark is being held without bond at the Allegany County Detention Center. Bruce Allen Williams, 27 of Cumberland, was arrested on a Circuit Court Bench Warrant for Violation of Pretrial Release – Failure to Comply on a Violation of Probation charge. Williams was originally convicted of Regulated…

Press Release The City of Cumberland Engineering Department, on behalf of Excavating Associates, would like to notify the public of the following paving that will be occurring starting Thursday, October 24 until November 15th Virginia Avenue from Underpass to River Avenue curb to curb Virginia Avenue from River Avenue to Roberts Street overlay one lane Virginia Avenue from Roberts Street to Clement Street overlay one lane River Avenue from Virginia Avenue to Canal Parkway overlay Alley #165 from Queen Street to King Street overlay Bowen Street from Alley #165 to Virginia Avenue curb to curb Lafayette Avenue trench patch and…

While many counties in Maryland are still struggling to fill vacant election judge positions, Allegany County is staffed and ready as early voting begins on Thursday morning.  Voters can cast early ballots at the County Office Complex on Kelly Road from 7am to 8pm daily.  Election Administrator Diane Loibel says that the election judge positions are filled and balanced across the Republican and Democrat parties, according to Maryland law – but it isn’t always easy to strike the balance… “It’s harder – I’m not going to say it’s not harder to find Democrat judges because you know we’re predominantly a…

Passages of the Western Potomac Heritage Area was recently accepted in to the Chesapeake Gateways Visitor Experience Network. The network is a system of locations providing opportunities to enjoy, learn about and conserve the Chesapeake Watershed. Kim Folk, Marketing Manager for the heritage area, told WCBC the program is part of the National Park Service and was a good fit for Passages of the Western Potomac. The affiliation will also open new funding pathways for the organization… “Heritage areas are one of the categories that can be identified in the Gateway program. In addition, parks can, trails can, everything that…

Garrett County Fire services along with Somerset and Allegany County emergency services responding to a vehicle fire, mile marker 24, westbound Interstate 68. Additional units responding for brush fire in the area westbound Lanes of Interstate 68 shut down.  

WCBC's News Team will be conducting a Candidates Forum this evening beginning at 5pm with Candidates for the Cumberland City Council.  Then, at 6:30 for the Candidates of the Allegany County Board of Education.   The Forums will be streamed live at wcbcradio.com "Listen Now." Radio Broadcasts will on 1270AM and 103.1FM and on Facebook Live on WCBC's Facebook site. The audio will be available on WCBC's website www.wcbcradio.com under Audio Highlights after this evening's event. The Forums will be rebroadcast on Monday, November 4th at 5pm on 1270AM and 103.1FM.