Rest areas along the Pennsylvania Turnpike are being targeted for cleanup, specifically tobacco-related litter. The “Keep America Beautiful” program is granting $20,000 to help implement a cigarette litter prevention program at 17 service areas and interchange buildings along the turnpike system. A physical scan, or count, of discarded cigarette butts will occur at the start and end of the program to monitor success rate.  Educational messaging will also be installed relating the consequences of tobacco-related litter.

Underwater grass abundance–a key indicator of water quality and habitat–remained steady in 2023 in Maryland’s portion of Chesapeake Bay, reaching almost 38,000 acres, according to data released this week by the Chesapeake Bay Program and Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources. Overall, 83,000 acres of underwater grasses, also called submerged aquatic vegetation, were noted throughout the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries in 2023, a 7% increase over 2022.

Free healthcare services at the Allegany County fairgrounds provided by reservists of the United States Army for Innovative Readiness Training, a 2-week field training exercise for reservists in the Western Maryland region. Army Major, Kim Nadeau was a guest on WCBC's Dave Norman program, was asked should people feel skeptical about free health care? "I can imagine people would feel that way, it’s certainly a rarity that somebody would come into the community to provide services that won't cost anything but this is something that AHEC West worked really hard to obtain a partnership with the military to provide much needed services for the…

On Wednesday, July 31st, 2024, the Cumberland Police Department responded to a business in the 200 block of Greene St for the report of a disturbance. Upon arrival, officers contacted employees who advised that a male subject had been causing a disturbance inside the store, yelling obscenities and disturbing other patrons. When asked by staff, the male subject refused to leave. Officers then contacted the male, Steven Delaine Kienhofer, 71, of Cumberland MD. Officers advised Kienhofer to cease creating any further disturbances and leave the property. After repeated requests, Kienhofer refused to comply with the officers on scene. As a…

The United States Army Reserve is continuing a specialized deployment training at the Allegany County Fairgrounds. The Innovative Readiness Training runs through August 5 and offers free medical, dental, optometry, physical and occupational therapy, vaccinations, and veterinary care with no appointments needed. Major Kim Nadeau spoke to WCBC News, saying the two-week mission offers assistance to the public while it provides needed training for reservists… "Anyone in the community that has an interest in receiving care at no cost to them, insured or not we have resources on site. After they complete their services if they would like to pursue…

Because of the efforts of Governor Jim Justice and his wife Cathy, the Communities in Schools program has now been established in all 55 counties in West Virginia. This week, school CIS leaders are coming together in Morgantown to celebrate the success of the program that seeks to meet the behavioral, academic, and attendance needs of every child in school.   Governor Justice addressed attendees, telling them the work they have done improves the lives of all students in the state… "Not only can you change that life to make things so much better but you're doing something that affects all…

Canal Place Preservation and Development’s board met recently with Acorn Hill Strategies of Pittsburgh in a continuing effort to develop an expansion and management strategy for the Passages of the Western Potomac Heritage Area. Peter Samuel of Acorn Hill stays the strategy is not only for marketing the heritage area but also for educating residents and tourists… "To be able to share information, to be able to celebrate the history heritage of a region to young people so they become future stewards of these resources."

A third mediator representing insurance carriers is being added to the group responsible for coming up with a settlement between sex abuse survivors and the Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore. Lawyers, citing duplicate and vague claims that need clarification, have not revealed the exact number of cases needing to be settled.  The Baltimore Archbishop, Father William Lori, wants to work out a solution that is equitable to all parties involved… "We're going to work to achieve a number that is mutually agreed upon but will still enable the church to continue its mission."

Working with the Association of Community College Trustees, Allegany College of Maryland is continuing its recruitment efforts to find a new college president. Current President Cynthia Bambara has announced January 1 as her retirement date.  The search committee has set a target date of August 27 for receipt of applications for candidates interested in the position with interviews beginning in October. The announcement of a new college president is scheduled for November of this year.

CSX released an annual report this week that highlights the company’s advancements in key issues dealing with the environment, safety innovations, and worker benefits. The report shows that CSX helped rail customers avoid almost 13 tons of CO-2 emissions – the equivalent of 3 million passenger cars. The company also reforested 144 acres of land and launched the company’s first–ever hydrogen fuel cell locomotive. CSX became the first Class-1 railroad to offer paid sick leave to union workers and trained more than 6,000 first responders to safeguard employees and communities where CSX operates.