The West Virginia Health Habits School Contest challenges schools to showcase their innovative approaches in promoting health and wellness.  Prize money awarded can be used to further support health initiatives such as purchasing sports equipment or enhancing playground facilities. First prize wins $2,500. Secretary of Health for West Virginia, Dr. Sherri Young says highlighting these efforts seeks to inspire other and foster statewide improvements in health outcomes… " Our primary goal is to recognize and celebrate elementary schools across the state who are making remarkable strides in improving health outcomes for their students and their communities. The contest also serves…

A prominent member of the Cumberland business community, John Buchanan, passed away suddenly at his home in LaVale on Saturday at th age of 67.  Buchanan was born in Cumberland to Rosalyn and Howard Buchanan.  He recently retired from CBIZ in Cumberland but continued to serve on the Downtown Development Commission. He was also active in the LaVale Lion’s Club and the Allegany High School Class of 1975. Upchurch Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, August 23 from 1-3pm with a funeral service to follow at 3pm.

The Maryland Energy Administration announced on Thursday that it has opened the application window for the Rebate Program, offering rebates to Marylanders in order to expand the state’s electric vehicle charging network. The program provides financial incentives to homeowners and businesses to install charging stations. Rebates of up to 50% of costs will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis and funds are limited. To find out more on how to apply, visit energy.maryland.gov.

The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles has worked with Champ Titles and Tyler Technologies to lead the country in digital vehicle titles. West Virginia auto dealers and fleet operators can now better manage inventory and eliminate the need for manual matching of titles with vehicles on the lot or in the system with real-time updates that ensure the record is kept current. If a lien is filed, a brand is added or a new owner is listed, the digital title is immediately updated into the system.

Maryland added 6,100 total jobs in July, including 5,300 in the private sector, according to monthly data from the U.S. Department of Labor. The state’s job growth was particularly strong in industries of cybersecurity, life sciences research, and transportation. For the first seven months of 2024, the state’s job growth rate of 1.2 percent has outpaced the national average. Maryland’s labor force participation rate increased to 65.5 percent. The state’s unemployment rate of 2.8 percent is unchanged from June and remains – one of the lowest in the nation.

Lawyers representing the owners of The Greenbrier Resort have filed for a preliminary injunction to halt the forced auction of the historic resort. The motion was filed Monday in Greenbrier County court on behalf of The Greenbrier Hotel Corporation, which has a majority stake by Jay and Jill Justice, the son and daughter of Gov. Jim Justice. The Greenbrier Resort has been announced for auction on the courthouse steps at 2 p.m. August 27 — next Tuesday — because of default on the terms of a longstanding loan through the financial giant JPMorgan Chase.

U.S. Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania is skipping this week’s Democratic convention in Chicago.  Fetterman says he wants to spend time with his family.  He is known to have had disputes with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who is attending the convention.  Fetterman is also at odds with the left wing of the Democratic Party as he is a fervent supporter of Israel in its war with Hamas.

The USA Today 10Best Poll asking readers for the best place to visit for Fall has Allegany County in good company.  Right now, the County is in second place behind Gatlinburg, Tennessee. County Tourism Director Ashli Workman tells WCBC News that being listed among very well-known locations is an honor in itself and brings recognition to the area…   “You have Ashville and Gatlinburg is number one right now currently.  You know those are destinations of very recognizable national names.  So to see us listed and to actually get in the top 10…anyone who gets in the top 10 is…

Platelet rich plasma is becoming an increasingly popular option for patients to turn to for injury support and wound healing.  Using a patient’s own blood, platelets are isolated and then injected back into the body.  Locally, the procedure is done at Advanced Diagnostic Radiology on Seton Drive.  Dr. J Kim spoke with WCBC recently about the procedure that patients find brings relief to some conditions…   "Typically, we do that for arthritis, if you are suffering from some arthritis or any other particular joint arthritis, we will inject in to it. Or in the situation of acute injury, either a…

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia hosted a Girls Rise Up event in Charleston where she promoted female empowerment, education, fitness, and self-confidence. During the program, Senator Capito discussed with fifth grade female students their career paths and the importance of leadership. Senator Capito said that she originated the program in 2015, and that inspiring the next generation of West Virginians—especially young women—is important to her…   “Hopefully we did a job convincing them they can do whatever they want, but also that we are just regular people, we have children and grandchildren and we have things we…