A federal appeals court on Friday upheld Maryland’s handgun licensing requirements, rejecting an argument from gun-rights activists that the law violated the Second Amendment by making it too difficult for people to obtain guns. A majority of judges from the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, affirmed a district court judge’s ruling in favor of the state of Maryland. The majority rejected plaintiffs’ argument that the state’s handgun qualification statute tramples on applicants’ Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms. The law requires most Maryland residents to obtain a handgun qualification license before purchasing a handgun.

Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss says downtown restaurants should soon return to seating for outside dining.  Downtown renovation work has severely impacted businesses such as City Lights and Baltimore Street Grill.  Morriss said charging just a one dollar fee for putting tables outside shows the city's commitment to boosting businesses downtown.

The City of Cumberland is offering up to $20,000 to new families to buy a home in the city and stay for at least five years.  The package includes $10,000 in relocation cash plus up to $10,000 for approved renovations on an existing home.  Applicants for the program must be at least 18 years old and not currently live in the city or Allegany County.   The offer is available on a first come, first served basis and details are available on the city website.  Ruth Davis-Rogers is the city employee executing the program.  

WCBC News has received a statement from Allegany County Government pertaining to a letter circulating through local Fire and EMS Stations urging member to NOT volunteer at stations. At Thursday’s county commissioner meeting, both IAFF President Steve Corioni and IAFF member Luke Merkel both said that was not happening.  The letter is from IAFF 203 saying it is putting out a message on behalf of IAFF 1715 to volunteers to abstain from running volunteer services or working part-time jobs with Allegany County Department of EMS. The letter is signed by Nicholas Miller, IAFF 203 Secretary.  County Commission President Dave Caporale…

A meeting notice published Thursday in the Cumberland Times-News was not authorized by the Frostburg American Legion.  An advertisement inviting all members to attend a meeting at the Legion on Sunday noted that topics being discussed include the sale of the post home.  WCBC spoke with the Post Commander, Wesley Harper, who said the meeting is a regular monthly membership meeting and there is no intention of selling the post home. Harper said a member had placed the ad without the post’s knowledge.

The second to last weekend in August brings a weekend of music to the area. On Saturday evening, the Shorty Slim Quartet returns from Washington DC with jazz, funk, and clues at Loft 129 on Baltimore Street. The Bandit Queen of Sorrows will be at Gallery Stage on North Centre Street in Cumberland blending 60s jazz, 20s blues, and folk with original poetry from 8 to 10pm.  On Sunday, the South For Winter trio will be at Loft 129 performing acoustic duets, folk, and bluesy murder ballads.

On Thursday, August 22, 2024, the Cumberland Police Department served a Criminal Summons on Rodney Smith. The Allegany County District Court issued the summons for an incident that occurred on August 3, 2024. During the investigation, Officers learned that Smith entered a business in the 700 Block of Park Street and attempted to steal several items. Smith fled the scene but was later identified using security footage. Smith was served with the summons and released pending his trial at District Court. On Thursday, August 22, 2024, the Cumberland Police Department served a Criminal Summons on Tia Jones. The Allegany County…

Adult Arrest: On Thursday, August 22, 2024, the Cumberland Police Department served a Criminal Summons on Rodney Smith. The Allegany County District Court issued the summons for an incident that occurred on August 3, 2024. During the investigation, Officers learned that Smith entered a business in the 700 Block of Park Street and attempted to steal several items. Smith fled the scene but was later identified using security footage. Smith was served with the summons and released pending his trial at District Court. Arrest: Rodney Lee Smith, age 57, Cumberland, Maryland. Charge: Attempted Theft less than $100. Adult Arrest: On…

Safe driving tips have been issued by the West Virginia Highway Safety Program as students return to schools across the Mountain State. Drivers are urged to slow down and watch for children gathering near bus stops. Drivers should be alert for children darting into the street and focused on friends and technology instead of safety. Adults should also be on the watch when backing out of driveways as students may not be paying attention.

As a new school year begins, there is concern about an increase in COVID cases for students and their families.  Allegany County Schools Superintendent Jeff Blank says schools will be following the County Health Department guidelines in order to reduce the spread of COVID…   “Students who are positive for Covid-19 should stay home and away from others until they have both an improvement in their symptoms who are positive for Covid return to school, they need the added precaution of wearing a mask for 5 days. So, when a student has tested positive for Covid, those are the directions…