Allegany County Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Blank informed the school board Tuesday evening of his decision not to seek another term. The announcement came at the end of the public meeting.  "To Boardman members, in accordance with section 4-201 of the Education Article… Please allow this letter to serve as notice that I will not be seeking an additional term as superintendent of Allegany County Public Schools. It's been an honor and a pleasure to serve as superintendent." Mr. Blank had until the end of the month to announce his decision. His term as Superintendent will end in July.  Work now begins…

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at approximately 10:14 AM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a business on Queen City Drive for a subject wielding an axe.  Police contacted the subject who was identified as Gary Trenter II.  Trenter was found to have a small hand axe in his possession.  Multiple people were disturbed by Trenter’s actions.  Witnesses advised that Trenter was not attempting to assault anyone, but they were concerned about his behavior.  Trenter was issued a criminal citation and released pending trial. ARRESTED:  Gary Randall Trenter II               AGE:  37                   Westernport, MD CHARGES:  Disorderly Conduct

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served an arrest warrant on Lucas Peterson.  The warrant was issued as the result of an incident that occurred on December 9, 2024.  On this date at approximately 11:10 PM, police responded to a residence in the 300 block of Bedford Street for an assault in progress.  Officers contacted the alleged victims who reported that they had been assaulted by multiple suspects after they had forced their way inside the residence.  One of the suspects was positively identified as Lucas Peterson.  After further investigation, police filed for charges against Peterson at…

Sources tell WCBC News that over 10 candidates submitted their interest for the open Allegany County School Board seat once held by the late Bob Farrell.  The list has been reduced to four possibilities – Tom Farrell who is the brother of Bob Farrell, former board members Tammy Fraley and Dr. Ed Root, and Linda Widmyer.  Sources also indicate that school system superintendent Jeff Blank is waiting to make a decision on his next term until a replacement is announced.  Blank must inform the board of his decision by the end of the month.

A Baltimore television station released video footage of House Minority Leader Jason Buckel’s June traffic stop in LaVale that resulted in drunk driving charges. WBFF has obtained over two hours of officer body-cam footage showing the entire process of Buckel being pulled over, performing roadside sobriety tests, as well as a preliminary breath test.  Buckel was also found to be driving on a suspended license that he claimed to be unaware of. A plea bargain agreement in November resulted in Buckel having his license suspended for a time and two years of supervised probation.

Governor Wes Moore has signed an executive order directing state agencies to work with the Governor’s Office of Performance Improvement to find operational cost savings, review operations, and eliminate redundancies. The Governor likened the government modernization initiative to buying a house “as-is,” and updating instead of making cosmetic improvements…     “Fix the window! And that’s oftentimes what state government found itself doing – is trying to paper over things – that we actually should have just fixed foundations in the first place.”

In 2023, The Senator George C. Edwards Fund was established to encourage economic development in the state’s three western counties. That funding needs to be renewed by the state legislature for fiscal year 2026. An overview of the fund shows $18.4 million dollars was awarded in 2024 for 26 projects including projects for National Jet, CG Enterprises and Clym Environmental. Since its inception, over 1,100 new jobs have been created and $36.3 million dollars awarded in grant funding.

One of the more popular local tourism attractions in Allegany County is the rail bike tours offered by Tracks and Yaks.  The rail bike is available to rent and ride down the Western Maryland rail tracks from Frostburg to Cumberland.  Recently, the county and Tracks and Yaks agreed to a new lease agreement that will keep the attraction running in the county until at least January of 2028. Adam Forshee of the railbike company, said he was happy that the company can continue in the county…     “We’re hoping to continue our stretch here in Allegany County. This should extend…

The 48th PACE Reception is Thursday evening at the Westin Annapolis Hotel.  WCBC has covered the reception every year since its start in 1977.  The reception enables business and community leaders in Allegany and Garrett counties to meet with lawmakers to educate and lobby for projects specific to Western Maryland. WCBC’s live coverage begins at 5pm Thursday. The PACE breakfast Friday morning features Governor Wes Moore, Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congressman April McClain-Delaney.

From Allegany Public Schools: All Allegany County Public Schools are closed tomorrow, Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Virtual synchronous learning will take place for students via the Schoology platform with login hours at 8:30 am for elementary and 8:00 am for middle and high. As always, students without access to connectivity will be given up to two days to submit assignments. Virtual learning information and schedules are located on the Allegany County Public Schools website. Select the homepage link for the 24-25 virtual learning schedules.