When Governor Moore signed the most recent budget into law, the state had intentions of addressing a deficit through tax and fee increases alongside spending cuts.  Added to those steps now is a hiring freeze and an employee buyout plan.  With a state budget of $67 billion dollars, House Minority Leader Jason Buckel says there are a lot of moving parts to manage…    “At the state budgeting level, it’s hard because we have revenue fluctuations from our tax collections and we have fluctuations from things like federal policy of how much money we’re going to get from them. The…

Following on the heels of the City of Frostburg, Cumberland government is also prepping for the America 250 celebrations in 2026.  City Administrator Jeff Silka announced at a recent council work session that a committee is being assembled to recognize the event…     “Coordinate some of the city’s activities and I’d like to have at least one council person so we can guide our activity. We’re going to apply for some funding – one is for the citizens local government academy – they have a funding stream for that. And also they have it for interns to help plan…

More than 6,000 volunteers joined forces across West Virginia recently to clean up over 140 tons of litter from roadways, streams, trails, and public lands. Through the state’s Adopt-A-Highway and Make It Shine programs, volunteers helped to clear nearly 900 miles of roadway and streambanks, reclaiming dumpsites and restoring the state’s landscapes. More than 10,000 volunteer hours were involved in this year’s event.

Some of the changes in the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” have to do with annual healthcare coverage enrollment. Recently, Dave Stewart from Western Maryland AHEC spoke to WCBC about changes. He said certain groups will see some major change when they enroll for 2026 coverage plans…     “The eligibility rules have changed significantly. The people who are going to be affected the most are people ages 50 and older, so people ages 50 to 64. Their costs are going to go up quite a bit.” He also told listeners not to put off any medical appointments or procedures into…

A press release from Messiah Christian Academy indicates they are ready to go for a fall school-year start.  Dan Thompson who is heading up the new school, spoke with WCBC saying they have secured a location while they await an auction of the former Frankfort Intermediate school property…     “As soon as those plans are finalized we’re going to put that information out for the community, but we are planning to open here for the fall of 25-26 school year.” Currently, almost 60 students have registered to join the school, and there has been a good bit of interest…

On July 22nd, 2025 the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Heidi Storm Townsend. The summons was issued as a result of a private citizen filing for charges at District Court. Townsend signed for her copy of the summons and was released pending trial at District Court. NAME: Heidi Storm Townsend  AGE: 20 Cumberland, MD CHARGE: Assault 2nd degree

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia will face a primary challenge in 2026 for the Republican nomination.  State Senator Tom Willis launched his campaign in Berkeley Springs Monday.  Willis represents Morgan County and parts of Berkeley and Hampshire counties in the state legislature in Charleston.  Capito was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014 and began her term in 2015. Prior to that, she served in the U.S. House of Representatives beginning in 2001.

There will be a road closure on Oldtown Road Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The impacted area will be between Massachusetts Avenue and White Oaks Avenue.  Utility line work will be taking place. 

On Monday, July 21st, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served a Criminal Summons on Neroli Mae, 53, of Cumberland, MD. The summons was issued in reference to an incident that occurred on July 20th,2025 at a business in the 700 Block of Park Street. On that date, it is alleged that Mae concealed several items on her person then left the business without paying for them. The officer reviewed security footage positively identifying Mae and filed for charges at the Allegany County District Court Commissioner’s Office, and a criminal summons was issued. ARRESTED – Neroli Mae W/F AGE: 53 CHARGES…

The Allegany County Board of Education has completed a number of personnel actions.  Among the moves, Charles Moran, formerly the interim principal at Allegany High School is now Principal at Washington Middle School.  Scott Bauer will assume the principal’s duties at Allegany High School. Kate Loughrie has been named the Chief Academic Officer for the school system. Dr. Wendy Main is Director of Special Education and Student Services and Dr. Kendra Kenney is the Supervisor of Special Education.