WCBC’s Jim Zamagias files this report on new laws regarding traffic fines in Maryland… The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is reminding motorists that new laws regarding work zone safety are now in effect. More speed cameras will be placed in work zones across the state in an effort to help protect highway workers. Fines will be doubled in work zones as of June 1. The state has tightened laws following the deaths of six highway workers on the Baltimore Beltway in March of 2023.

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia announced Friday that he has changed his party affiliation to Independent.  Citing partisan extremism, Manchin who has been a long-time Democratic Centrist, says he wants to remain true to himself and his country and will continue to fight for America’s sensible majority as an Independent.  Republicans who do not back party candidate Patrick Morrisey have recently approached Manchin to run again for Governor of West Virginia.

The City of Cumberland Engineering Department, on behalf of Excavating Associates, would like to notify the public that locations along Industrial Boulevard (near Virginia Avenue) and Virginia Avenue will be affected by overnight construction work on the week of Tuesday, May 28th to Friday, May 31st between the hours of 8pm to 5am each day. Traffic Control will be in place to direct vehicles around the site, during the work. The Engineering Department will issue further notification when any closures or water outages are scheduled and when traffic patterns change. Thank you for your cooperation during this time. Please use…

Pavers are being installed in multiple areas throughout the project, and this will continue to be the main construction activity for the next few weeks. Centre Street will soon have all driving and parking area pavers installed. However, please note that this street will remain closed until all sidewalk pavers and other construction items are completed in the immediate area in order to ensure safety to motorists and construction workers. Installation of the new concrete lid on the Verizon access vault in Liberty Street is nearing completion. The roadway and crosswalks will be installed after the lid is completed. Underground electric installation…

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrissey is claiming victory for those participating in college sports across the country.  A lawsuit against the NCAA had challenged the association’s Transfer Eligibility Rule. The agreement, which must be approved by U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey, removes what the coalition views as an illegal restraint on student athletes to market their labor and control their education. The lawsuit came after the NCAA denied RaeQuan Battle a transfer waiver allowing him to immediately play basketball for WVU.  A U.S. District Court for West Virginia temporarily ordered the NCAA to allow transferring students to participate…

Wednesday, May 29, 2024 James Timothy Davis Jr., 36 of Westernport, was wanted by Frederick County District Court on a Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear for the original charge of: CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis. Upon arrest, Davis was found to be in possession of suspected Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Drug Paraphernalia. Davis was then additionally charged with 2 counts of CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis and CDS: Possess Paraphernalia. Davis was released on his own recognizance in both cases.

By Maryland state mandate, Allegany County had to adopt a budget for fiscal year 2025 at Thursday’s commission meeting. That budget still has a hole in funding emergency services in the county. Union representatives and county officials have been working to come to an agreement on how to move forward without loss of service or employees.  Union Representative Steve Corioni spoke during the public meeting, saying the current system is struggling to keep up with calls and making cuts would not be the way to go… Commission President Dave Caporale tells WCBC talks continue with the Union to find a…

Ed Mullaney with Let's Beautify Cumberland spoke with WCBC news about the 21 annual National Road Yard Sale in the Cumberland Times-Newe parking lot, off of Mechanic Street. It's a partnership with the Downtown Cumberland Business Association and Canal Place with a number of events and things to do in downtown Cumberland this weekend… To reserve your space or for more information you can contact Let's Beautify Cumberland at 301.268.2135.

On Thursday, May 30, 2024 at approximately 12:42 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the area of Arch Street for the report of male subject carrying a firearm.  The subject, later confirmed to be a juvenile, was located by officers at which time he fled on foot.  Officers began searching the area and located the juvenile in an alleyway.  As an officer approached him in his police vehicle, the juvenile turned around and aimed a handgun at the officer.  The juvenile then turned back around, began running, and threw the handgun into the backyard of a residence…

In addition to finding some great deals at the annual National Road Yard Sale this weekend, car buffs will also get a chance to look at some classic automobiles.  DeDe Richie of Canal Place says that in addition to yard sale tables downtown, there is a car show scheduled…