On Monday, August 26, 2024 at approximately 12:27 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a business in the 400 block of Virginia Avenue for a theft complaint.  Police located the suspect, David Swanger, on Virginia Avenue.  An officer contacted the staff who reported that Swanger stole property from the store.  After further investigation, Swanger was issued a criminal citation and released pending trial. ARRESTED:  David Joe Swanger        AGE:  66         Cumberland, MD CHARGE: Theft less than $100 On Monday, August 26, 2024 at approximately 8:46 AM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a business in the…

After a weekend of trading written statements publicly about continued budgeting and staffing issues between Allegany County and the union representing EMS employees, it seemed like all that was getting done was pointing fingers. The county’s administrator took to the airwaves Monday with WCBC’s Dave Norman saying that a solution can still be worked out, even though the county has to continue to find ways to close a budget gap that started at $2 million dollars.  Jason Bennett says the county works well with several different unions…   “We have five different unions we deal with.  We have really good…

Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss spoke with WCBC regarding the ongoing Rolling Mill Project, also known as Cumberland Gateway. He said the city has about $3.5 million dollars in the project, but there was more to doing it than an immediate return-on –investment strategy.  He spoke of looking more at the long-term benefits the project will have once completed…   “In some instances, you have to look at it and say, is it about the revenue source that’s going to come quickly after a project is done, or is it the best the long-term for the City? And the best long…

A tougher law to address animals running at large without their owners was passed at the most recent Allegany County Commissioners meeting.  A public hearing was held and there being no testimony, the commissioners passed the amendment to the Code Home Rule.  County Attorney Lee Beeman said that Animal Control has been getting an increasing number of calls for animals, particularly dogs, running free, some being aggressive towards people and other animals…   “Primarily what this act is looking to do is to establish a procedure for Animal Control to forfeit animals that are habitually running at large, or habitually…

A new solar plant will power an estimated 90,000 homes in Nicholas and Clay counties in West Virginia.  The state Public Service Commission approved construction of the 150-megawatt solar electric plant on a former surface mine. The construction phase will produce 300 construction jobs.  Gary Zuckett with the West Virginia Citizen Action Group says the move is a win for the state and the environment…   “West Virginia will generate probably 89% of its electricity by burning fossil fuel. Any kind of new renewable energy is good news. We have a lot of policy makers in the state who sort…

Governor Moore announced a nearly $23 million initiative from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Building America initiative to connect more than 7,000 jobseekers to new apprenticeship opportunities in Maryland.  The funding will help recruit under-represented Marylanders to fill registered apprenticeship programs in industries including health care, technology, and transportation.  Among those receiving funding are The University of Maryland Global Campus, The Asian American Center of Frederick and the Amalgamated Transit Union.

Maryland’s State Fair is underway through September 8th at the Timonium Fairgrounds in Baltimore County. The Department of Natural Resources will have displays, exhibits, and activities including a boating simulator, interactive games and a kids’ camping cabin to explore. The DNR is also recruiting for positions including foresters, rangers, biologists, and conservation law enforcement officers.

The Baltimore Banner, an online news site, published a feature article Sunday entitled "Cumberland Comeback:  How Remote Work is Reviving This Western Maryland Mountain Town."  The article, written by Brenna Smith, focuses on Max and Jessie Green, Cumberland natives who returned to town when remote work became more popular and feasible.  The article also details the Centre Street Collective and Drew Knippenberg's return to Cumberland.  The article centers upon a post-pandemic boost in interest in downtown Cumberland.  

Monday was the first day of school for students enrolled in Allegany County Public Schools, Calvary Christian Academy, and Bishop Walsh School.  Bishop Walsh is a pre-K through 12th grade Catholic school on Haystack Mountain and opened in 1966.  The school is named for Cumberland native and Maryknoll missionary Bishop James Edward Walsh, who was imprisoned in China for 12 years.  Tony Orndoff is the academic dean at BW and he told WCBC News that the first day was successful thanks to the prep work of the teachers last week and the family atmosphere at the school.

A Pennsylvania man drowned in Cheat Lake Sunday. Authorities said the body of Jeffrey Gerhardt, 61, of Smock, Pennsylvania, was recovered from the water near the Morgan Run Road Dock. Gerhardt with his wife and dog Sunday at 12:30 p.m. when he jumped into the water to retrieve a dog toy. Investigators said he began to struggle before going under the water. Officers from the West Virginia Natural Resources Police responded along with the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department, Morgantown Police Department and Cheat Lake Volunteer Fire Department and Mon EMS. Gerhardt was recovered around 5 p.m. Sunday.