A new Request For Proposals, or RFP, is being released for development of the former Memorial Hospital property in Cumberland’s Mapleside. The City of Cumberland wants affordable housing on the seven-acre lot and had a contract with RAZ Development of Bethesda, but after almost a year, that deal fell through.  City Councilwoman Lauri Marchini tells WCBC that the city and RAZ could not find common ground… “The further we got into it with this group, it just seemed like we just didn’t share the same vision for what we wanted there. And I’d rather pull back when it’s not going…

The West Virginia Department of Human Services has extended the application period for their Low Income Energy Assistance Program. Applications will now be accepted through December 13. The federally funded program provides financial assistance to eligible households to help cover the cost of home heating. Assistance is determined by income, household size, and responsibility for paying heating costs. Online applications are available at wvpath.wv.gov or at local Human Services offices.

The clock is ticking for those wishing to change Medicare coverage plans for 2025.  For the new year, there are many changes and new options available for coverage. Barth Frankenberrry tells WCBC that anyone who needs help deciding on a plan should reach out and his staff at Frankenberry Insurance can offer objective assistance… “If you live in Maryland and you have a Medicare supplement, come see us within 30 days of your birthday. We’ll show you  – we’re a little bit different – we don’t hide the quotes -  we’ll show everybody side by side and then show you…

The Allegany County Library System will close on Wednesday, November 27 at 5pm and remain closed through Saturday, November 30 for the Thanksgiving weekend. The Westernport location, however, will be open with special hours on Wednesday from 1 till 8pm to coincide with the Town of Westernport’s Tree Lighting Festivities which begin at 5:30pm.

Allegany College of Maryland is one of 470 colleges and universities recognized by the ALL In Campus Democracy Challenge as a 2024 Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting. The challenge recognizes colleges for outstanding efforts to increase nonpartisan student voter participation. ACM encouraged student registration, hosted National Registration Day activities, held debates and partnered with Choose Civility: Allegany County to host a post-election discussion.

Black Friday deals have already popped up for shoppers who do their shopping online for holiday gifting.  While most sites are legitimate, there has been an increase in scam websites offering deals too good to pass up.  According to cybersecurity expert Chris Maurer, highly sophisticated cyber scams aren’t always easy to identify… “With gen AI and other tools, it’s really easy to create really compelling communications and product descriptions and reviews. And so, even if a site might be fake, it appears as though it’s more legitimate.” It’s always best to stick to trusted sites for shopping and take an…

On Monday, November 25th, 2024, the Cumberland Police Department arrested Tia Marie Jones, 43, of Cumberland MD. Jones was arrested on two active Bench Warrants issued by the Allegany County District Court on November 18th. Both warrants allege that Jones failed to comply with an order of the court that had been placed upon her due to previous charges of trespassing and CDS possession. Jones was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an Initial Appearance where she was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. She is currently being held without bond. Name:    Tia Marie Jones                                 Age:   43 Charges:…

Investigators with the Cumberland Fire Department and the Office of the State Fire Marshal are asking for assistance in identifying a suspect who set a local tire shop on fire. Investigators obtained video surveillance footage of the suspect, who ignited a flammable device on a window air conditioning unit early Saturday morning at D&K Tires on Greene Street.  After a passerby discovered the fire at around 4:42 a.m., the Cumberland Fire Department and surrounding departments responded to the two-bay auto repair store at 638 Greene Street. Firefighters arrived and discovered fire coming from a window. They were able to contain…

The Fort Hill Sentinels will play at Perryville Saturday at 1 p.m.  WCBC will begin its coverage at noon.  The winner Saturday will play the winner of Northern vs. the SEED School.  The title game will be in Annapolis December 7. Due to the sports team being on the road, Saturday Morning Quarterback will not air this weekend.  The final episode will be December 7.

On Sunday, November 24, 2024 at approximately 3:06 PM, an officer of the Cumberland Police Department observed David Evans III walking in the area of E. Fourth Street.  The officer had knowledge that Evans had an active bench warrant for his arrest.  The warrant was issued as the result of Evans violating probation. Evans was originally charged with CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics.  The officer confirmed the warrant and placed Evans under arrest.  During a search incident to arrest, Evans was found to be in possession of a controlled dangerous substance and paraphernalia.  Evans was issued two criminal…