Four Cumberland men are charged in connection with a kidnapping and assault incident earlier this month.  Maryland State Police Troopers responded to the 16000 block of McMullen Highway on September 4 where a 41-year old male claimed to have been kidnapped from a residence on Bedford Street, driven out into the county, assaulted and put out from a vehicle.  Allegany County C3I executed search warrants within the county and Cumberland, resulting in the arrests of James Miller, Xavier Barger, Kevin Hope, and Sincere Isaac. All have been charged with attempted first degree murder, robbery, assault, kidnapping and other charges.

Maryland Congressman Andy Harris has been chosen to be the new chair of the House Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative Republican lawmakers.  Harris replaces Bob Good of Virginia who lost his primary election bid.  Harris shared with reporters that he’s been with the Caucus from its beginnings and wants to work on several issues facing the country… “Our mission is to return fiscal sanity to Washington. We have to get rid of 2.3 trillion dollar deficits that are driving inflation. We have to get rid of the wasteful spending. We have to control our border and we have to…

The Cumberland Mayor and City Council authorized Fire Chief Shannon Adams to accept the Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response or SAFER grant awarded through Homeland Security and FEMA.  The grant of $2.5 million dollars will go toward the hiring of nine new firefighters for the City.  Mayor Ray Morriss tells WCBC they are always looking at ways to keep police and fire fully staffed… “We’re always looking for new people as people retire and this is significantly help us in our ability to hire people for our firefighters and our EMTs for our EMS service.”

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad received the Certified Autism Center designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards The board also did an onsite review at WMSR and provided recommendations on additional accommodations for visitors. Tina Beal, Retail Specialist Manager for the railroad, tell WCBC the certification allows staff to have the training needed to help those who have sensory sensitivities but still want to experience the scenic train ride… “When we have children or families who may be a little more reserved about coming to experience the railroad because of the sights, sounds, and noises –…

Ed Taylor, Jr. – the president of the Cumberland Historic Cemetery Association, approached the Cumberland Mayor and City Council about the makeup of the Heritage Days Committee.  He said his organization has been part of the festival doing historic cemetery tours since 1983 and their desire is to have more of a voice in the planning of the event.  He requested that CHCO member Peggy Keene be appointed to the committee along with others… “In our opinion, any organization that has been part of Heritage Days for a long time – they should have a seat at the table. It…

The Allegany County Commissioners voted to accept over $700,000 in Maryland 9-1-1 funding at their recent meeting. The Maryland 9-1-1 Board coordinates the enhancement of county emergency telephone service systems, which now include multiple means of contacting and dispatching emergency services. Money will go toward several needs including GIS Services, equipment testing, consoles, and stress management training for 9-1-1 specialists.

On September 22, 2024, Officers of the Cumberland Police Department served a Grand Jury Indictment Gregory Thomas Welch III. Mr. Welch was transported to the Allegany County Detention Center awaiting his initial appearance. Arrest: Gregory Thomas Welch III, age 24, Baltimore Maryland. Charges: Three (3) Counts of CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotic, Three (3) Counts of CDS Possession not Cannabis and Three (3) Counts of CDS Distribute Narcotic. On September 22, 2024, Officers of the Cumberland Police Department served a Fugitive out of State Warrant on Stephanie Lynn Wright. Wright was transported to the Allegany County Detention Center….

A discrimination suit brought against the Maryland State Police will be allowed to move forward, after a ruling by a federal judge.  The civil suit alleges the department discriminates against nonwhite officers in disciplinary measures and promotions. Three current and ex-state police officers are bringing the lawsuit of discrimination based on race, color, or national origin and would like it to become a class action where additional officers can come forward.

One man is dead and a second hospitalized after a collision with a bear in Barbour County, WV. Authorities said the man who was killed was on a motorcycle and struck a bear in the area of Dartmoor and Junior along Route 250.  The collision caused the biker to fly into an oncoming vehicle. The motorcycle rider was killed instantly. The driver of the passenger vehicle was flown by HealthNet to Ruby Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. The bear was also dead. The Barbour County Sheriff’s Department is investigating.