On 08/05/2024 at approximately 12:30 AM the Cumberland City Police were dispatched to the 300 block of Williams Street for an assault in progress. Upon arrival officers contacted the victim and observed injuries to their neck and face. The victim advised they were strangled and struck in the face by John Northcraft. Northcraft was placed under arrest and transported to the Allegany County Detention Center for central booking. The victim received medical treatment on scene for their injuries. Northcraft received a hearing before a District Court Commissioner and was held without bond. Arrested – John Edward Northcraft (42) Cumberland, MD…

Maryland made the top twenty, coming in at number 16 in a recent CNBC quality of life rankings. For areas like Cumberland, the advantage of a good quality of life has been what’s attracted many new remote-workers to the area, according to Matt Miller who leads Cumberland Economic Development… " We rank 16th in the nation in quality of life and I think Cumberland especially has been an extreme benefactor of that because of the ability for people to work remotely. We strive on that quality of life factor because people want to locate here so it's a great place…

The US Senate Appropriations Committee has approved $500,000 for the Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority to conduct sediment analysis above and below the Cumberland Dam at the Blue Bridge. The testing is needed before the dam can be removed as part of the River Park project. Canal Place Director DeeDee Richie tells WCBC News that testing is crucial for more than just the River Park – it is important for residents that have the Potomac River as their drinking water source as well…   "This is also Washington DC's drinking water so, this project isn't just about recreational use and…

Last week the US Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it has granted over $120 billion dollars in benefits to 1.1 million Veterans and their survivors during fiscal year 2024, an all-time record. The VA noted that wait times are down, claim applications are up, and 80% of veterans polled indicate they have trust in the VA. Ken Smith, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Operations, says the record production comes with more than 60 days left in fiscal 2024…   "In total VBA is awarded $137 billion in benefits including $127 billion in compensation and pension benefits to veterans and…

On Wednesday, West Virginia U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito led a press conference discussing oversight findings that show the Environmental Protection Agency funding radical, extremist groups through the Inflation Reduction Act.  Capito said the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works has found up to $200 million dollars allocated to groups that have not been fully vetted. The EPW is urging the EPA not to disburse any funding without more oversight as to where the money is going …   "In our investigation we found a lot of this money that is going out has little to do with the…

City Hall remains open to the public and all tax & utility payments will be taken at City Hall, 57 N. Liberty Street. The Community Development Department will remain in the Willetts Building, 446 N. Mechanic Street (the corner of Valley and Mechanic) until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience or confusion the previous closure may have caused. If you have any questions or need more assistance, please visit our website at www.cumberlandmd.gov or call 301-722-2000.

Pennsylvania has added to its solar power capacity. Aspen Power announced last week that it has completed six solar projects in the state which are expected to bring approximately 480 jobs through the development, construction and maintenance of the projects.  The six projects are also expected to produce over 37 million kilowatts of electricity in the first year alone. Pennsylvania has set a goal that 18% of its electricity will be produced by renewable sources by 2025.

The West Virginia First Foundation met on Thursday and made plans to fast track the process of distributing funds related to the state’s recent opioid settlements, according to West Virginia Watch.  West Virginia will receive over $350 million in settlements over the next few years from major pharmaceutical companies related to lawsuits brought by the state.  The major steps on Thursday included naming members to an expert panel, discussing a timeline for disbursement of funds, and forming a subcommittee to field applications.  Members were tasked with working quickly to get funds into communities as fast as possible.   

On 8/03/2024 at approximately 10:00 PM the Cumberland City Police were dispatched to Willow Brook Road for a subject walking in the middle of the roadway. Upon arrival officers observed Raymond Miles standing in the middle of the roadway actively blocking traffic. Miles was escorted off the roadway and advised he needed a ride. Miles was issued a criminal citation for disorderly conduct and released pending trial in District Court.   Arrested – Raymond John Miles (55) Cumberland, MD Charge – Disorderly conduct hinder free passage

On 08/3/2024 the Cumberland City Police Department served an Arrest Warrant on Victoria Maria Taylor. The warrant was issued when Taylor failed to appear in District Court for a previous disorderly conduct charge. Taylor received a hearing before a District Court Commissioner and was released on her personal recognizance.   Arrested – Victoria Maria Taylor (18) Cumberland, MD Charge – Failure to appear