Recently, West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner sat down with the state’s Small Business Development Center Director Will Miller to talk about business coaching services available to small businesses at all stages of development. Miller said coaches are available across all 55 counties to help develop goals and facilitate growth to spur economic development…     “Whether you’re already in business or you’ve been in business for a while, or whether you’re even looking to purchase a business – talk to the coach one-on-one and they will give you the guidance you need. Whether it’s to find funding, whether…

Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen is asking voters to read between the lines of the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill.” Recently, the Congressional Budget Office weighed in on the budget bill, saying between 11 and 16 million Americans will stand to lose their health coverage as well as see cuts to nutrition programs and heating assistance. Van Hollen says it shows where Republicans put their priorites…     “So the Republican calculation is very straightforward. Budgets tell you what your values are. And what they value is providing huge tax cuts to billionaires and very rich people, at the expense of…

The development of a new City Seal for Cumberland has been an ongoing project for almost two years.  A contest had been held previously to get ideas for a new seal. Mayor Ray Morriss told WCBC the new design better represents what showcases  Cumberland, moving away from the canal boat icon that has been displayed on the seal for some time…    “I think of the train, I think of the steeples on the west side there on Washington Street. I think of those things. And the new design really shows the revitalized Baltimore Street and the steeples on Washington…

West Virginia improved its overall child well-being ranking compared to last year, although that meant moving from 44th to 41st among the states.  That’s according to the most recent Kids Count Data Book, a 50-state report of recent data developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation analyzing how kids are faring in post-pandemic America.  The annual project assesses national and state data in economic well-being, education, health and family and community factors.

Federal authorities moved Friday to drop a racial discrimination lawsuit against the Sheetz convenience store chain, part of a broader effort by President Donald Trump’s administration to halt the use of a key tool for the EEOC’s interpretation of the country’s civil rights laws.  The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the top federal agency for enforcing workers’ rights, filed a motion in a Pennsylvania federal court to dismiss the Sheetz lawsuit, citing Trump’s executive order directing federal agencies to deprioritize the use of “disparate impact liability” in civil rights enforcement.

On Sunday, June 8, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Jason Winfield.  The warrant was issued as the result of Winfield failing to appear in court on an original charge of Theft less than $100.  An officer located Winfield in the area of S. George Street and placed him under arrest. Winfield was found to be in possession of a controlled dangerous substance.  He was transported to Central Booking and issued a criminal citation for the CDS violation.  He was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center on…

UPMC Western Maryland recently named Barbara McIntyre, lead medical laboratory technician, as its 2024 Pinnacle Award winner and employee of the year.  She, along with 11 other monthly Values In Action award winners were honored recently at a dinner given by UPMC.  McIntyre has been employed at UPMC Western Maryland since 1981. Her nomination pointed out her attention to quality and safety as well as a person patients and co-workers lean on.

Maryland’s six casinos combined for their seventh-best month in May, generating over $176 million dollars in revenue.  The statewide total for income from slots and table games was up just under 2% from May of last year. Tax revenue to the state for the month came in at $76 million dollars and contributions included $54 million to the Education Trust Fund. MGM National Harbor led the way for the month with a take of $75.3 million dollars. Rocky Gap Casino brought in just under $5 million dollars in May.

A former mayor of Luke is exploring his options to run for House of Delegates in Maryland District 1-A. Reverend Edward Clemons, Jr, a Republican,  announced he has established a committee to explore entering the race for the Delegate seat currently held by Jim Hinebaugh, also a Republican.  Clemons was mayor of Luke for seven consecutive terms until 2024. He has also served on the Maryland Municipal League and is currently president of the North Branch Lions Club. Clemons said he wants to work to preserve and protect rural communities.

Prospect Square resident Dean Devic brought a parking issue to the Cumberland Mayor and City Council’s attention. Devic said almost overnight, the Allegany County Courthouse took over what was left of public parking on Prospect Square without notifying other offices or residents in the area… “I made a few calls, talked to some people in the city, found out it had come up the food chain, didn’t know exactly when it was approved or anything because we never received any written notices. No email, nothing in a box in any of the buildings.” The courthouse maintains a lot for parking in the…