Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss spoke with a caller to WCBC on Thursday regarding security in areas like George Washington’s Headquarters, which has been having issues with vandals and vagrancy.  Morriss says there are plans to expand the camera system recently installed downtown to include surveillance of other trouble spots like Riverside Park…     “The next phase is the underpass itself going under the railroad tracks there at Queen City Drive. But, we are also taking a good look at exactly where you’re saying, going over to George Washington’s Headquarters…and I would say underneath the interstate there where the parking…

For the 55th year, Heritage Days will take place on Cumberland’s historic Washington Street for four days with activities starting September 12. While the main festival days are Saturday and Sunday, other events have expanded the festival to Thursday and Friday as well. Dave Williams of the Allegany County Historical Society spoke to WCBC about the return of the Women’s Civic Club Gala to the weekend…     “The night before the first Heritage Days, which I think was 1968 or 69, they had a kick off dinner at the Women’s Civic Club up on Washington Street.  They wanted to…

The Union Rescue Mission held their ground-breaking ceremony Wednesday. David Ziler, Executive Director for the Mission, spoke to WCBC News about what the move means for the future of Union Rescue. Ziler is hopeful for the new location at North Centre and Franklin Streets to be an expansion of the current one, offering a long-term option for those seeking help…     “A lot of time when we are pushing people thru systems, I know that the catch phrase now is housing first, but when we do that and people don’t have the coping skills to maintain their housing, we…

On Thursday, September 5, 2024, the Cumberland Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Baltimore Avenue. During the traffic stop, it was learned the operator, Trenten Shoemaker, had an extraditable warrant out of Kentucky. The Whitley County Circuit Court issued the Warrant for sexual exploitation of a minor. Shoemaker was arrested and taken to the Allegany County Detention Center where he awaits extradition.   Arrest: Trenten Shoemaker, age 27, Hyndman, Pennsylvania. Charge: Warrant – Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

On Thursday, September 5, 2024, at approximately 8:35 am, the Cumberland Police Department responded to a residence in the 800 Block of Mans Terrace for the report of an assault. Upon arrival, Officers observed several individuals with injuries. Through the investigation, it was learned that Michael Baker had assaulted a female after being confronted in an argument. During the assault, Kyle Carder intervened and began fighting with Baker. While fighting with Baker, Carder grabbed a blunt object and began striking Baker. As a result of the investigation, both Baker and Carder were placed under arrest for assault. They were both…

On Thursday, September 5, 2024, at approximately 5:37 am, the Cumberland Police Department responded to a business in the 12000 Block of Willowbrook Road for a trespassing complaint. Upon arrival, Officers made contact with staff who advised Douglas Hamilton was intoxicated and creating a disturbance. Through the investigation, it was learned that staff had advised Hamilton to leave the property several times but refused to cooperate. As the incident continued, Hamilton became increasingly irate and acted in a disorderly manner. As a result, he was placed under arrest and taken before a District Court Commissioner. Hamilton was released on a…

The state of Maryland has released its Consolidated Transportation Program covering capital investments for the next six years.  Part of the package is dealing with the I-68 crosstown bridge through Cumberland. The bridge was constructed in 1968 and is only rated “fair” in condition.  Thus, the state has determined it is nearing the end of its structural life.  The goal will be to replace the bridge decks before they are deemed to be in “poor” condition. Traffic across the bridge averages 30-48,000 vehicles each day.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has drawn the lottery numbers for this fall’s bear hunt. A total of 950 lottery entrants were randomly selected and will receive a permit valid for the six-day bear hunting season open from October 21-26 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. A total of 4,507 hunters applied for the lottery with 58% of the permits going to Western Maryland residents, 32% to all other Maryland residents, and 10% to non-residents.

Maryland will join the Internal Revenue Service Direct File online tool for the 2025 tax filing season. The tools will enable taxpayers to prepare and file taxes electronically and free of charge. For the 2025 filing season, more than 700,000 Marylanders will be eligible to use the Direct File tool.

The Cumberland Police Department has located Charliena Rodriguez and her child, Prince Cohen. They are safe and back home. The Cumberland Police Department wants to thank the community for their assistance.