Pre-motion hearings for three members of the so-called Zizian cult will take place today at the Allegany County Courthouse on Washington Street. Jack Lasota, Daniel Blank, and Michelle Zajko have been held at the county detention center in Cresaptown since February on trespassing, firearms, and drug charges. A trial date has not been set. Members of the Zizian cult have been linked to murders across the country including the death of a border patrol agent.

The March of Dimes, out with a sobering picture of maternal and infant health in the United States. ABC's Cheri Preston, with more on why.      “For the fourth year in a row, the March of Dimes has given the U.S. a D+, saying one in ten babies are born prematurely–and that more states saw rates worsen rather than improve. There were just over five deaths for every one thousand live births last year, and more than 20-thousand babies died before their first birthday.”

A box truck on side was blocking entire roadway of Rt 51 in Spring Gap just after 3 a.m. Wednesday. Allegany Emergency service report no injures. Old Town Road/Rt 51 reponed at 4:45 a.m.

On November 18, 2025 officers were dispatched to 801 Fayette Street for a missing person report. Officers made contact with the  mother of the missing person. The missing person was identified as Randi Snowden (13 year old female juvenile). Snowden was last seen November 17, 2025 at 4:00AM, however, no clothing description was able to be given to officers at this time. If you, or anyone who has any information pertaining to the whereabouts of Snowden, please contact the Cumberland Police Department at 301-777-1600.

A petition with 1400 signatures was presented by Washington Street residents to the Cumberland Mayor and City Council demanding answers and results regarding the eight-year long closure of the Washington Street Bridge.  Laura McElhaney, Washington Street resident, asked how a city bridge could remain closed for so long… “What I don’t understand—as someone who has been in federal, state, and local Regulatory Compliance for over 20 years—is how a street, damaged by a private company still is closed since 2017 and there has been no written plan to address it.  Nothing.” The council said negotiations with CSX are continuous, but…

After several months and meetings of brainstorming, the City of Cumberland Planning Commission has released the “Cumberland 2045: Comprehensive Plan” out for state and public review.  The draft can be found on the City of Cumberland’s website and feedback can be left through the online comment form through December 31st, according to City Historic Planner Ruth Davis-Rogers…     “It may seem a little progressive to some people or it may not, but we want to manage change wisely, and this is something that we can use as a guide so that we can see how we can move forward…

Governor Patrick Morrisey celebrated Toyota’s announced $453 million investment into their Buffalo plant in Putnam County, a move promising to create 80 new jobs. The investment will increase production of 4-cylinder hybrid-compatible engines, sixth-generation hybrid transaxles and rear motor stators. Toyota assembles more than one million engines, transmissions, and transaxles annually. Morrissey said the expansion complements the state’s energy expansion…      “And it further solidifies the commitment we have to the West Virginia manufacturing sector. That’s really important for West Virginia. As you’re building out all of this energy capacity, you want to make sure that there’s good manufacturing…

Part of the damage that came from May’s flood event in Allegany County is visible along National Highway in LaVale.  One of the concrete bridges that allows shoppers access to LaVale Plaza has been closed since the flood and will need to be replaced.  At this week’s State of the County review, County Administrator Jason Bennett said they are working with the plaza’s owner and the state to get it repaired since it is tied to economic development…     “Their quick estimate on that bridge is about $4 million dollars. So, the owner of the plaza will tell you…

On Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at approximately 10:02 AM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 200 block of Virginia Avenue for a disturbance.  Officers learned that an assault had occurred and determined that the alleged victim had sustained injuries from the altercation.   The suspect was identified as Christina Lewis.  After further investigation, Lewis was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters.  She was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and released on her personal recognizance. ARRESTED:  Christina Marie Lewis       AGE:  34     Cumberland, MD CHARGES:  Assault-2nd Degree

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad will be taking passengers to the North Pole beginning this weekend on their annual Polar Express train ride.  Steam locomotive No. 1309 will return this winter for excursions on the first weekend only this Friday, November 21st through Sunday, November 23rd.  Tickets for the opening weekend are tight, but Executive Director Wes Heinz says to visit wmsr.com or call the railroad for availability…     “Polar Express is a wonderful time of year to see so many great people and to share what we have to offer with our community.  If you’re a party of…