A traffic light at the intersection of Falcon Way and West Virginia Route 28 has been discussed for several years, and Delegate Gary Howell says the planning process is now underway.  Since the Frankfort Primary School opened last school year, Howell says traffic has doubled.  The state conducted a traffic study, deciding that the intersection would benefit from a light, but Howell says the project will entail more construction…     “Apparently there is a water line that’s really close to the edge of the road and also some of the power lines.  In addition to the traffic light, there’s…

On Tuesday, October 28th, 2025, officers with the Cumberland Police Department responded to the area of Virginia Ave and Industrial Blvd for the report of a female subject running in and out of traffic. Upon arrival, officers observed the female standing in the travel portion of the roadway, yelling at cars traveling by. Officers then contacted the female who advised she was "just playing chicken". While speaking with the female, she continued yelling at passersby, disrupting the flow of traffic. As a result, Brittany Lynn Rice, 40, of Cumberland MD, was placed under arrest. After being detained, Rice began to…

Funds are now being distributed to agencies across the state through the Maryland Department of Transportation from federal highway safety grants. Funding was dispersed based on local crash data. Locally, the Allegany County Sheriff’s office will be receiving $7,500. Mykia Bennett of MDOT said the funds are for programs to prevent highway crashes and save lives….      “The grants will help prevent impaired, distracted, and aggressive driving. Boost seatbelt use, protect pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. Promote proper child safety seat use. Support law enforcement training, fund overtime traffic enforcement, an improve traffic data systems.”

So far, seats up for election in Allegany County are not seeing many takers. WCBC News checked the state board of elections and only five people have filed for open seats, with two of those being incumbents. Dawne Lindsey and Mary Beth Pirolozzi have both filed to maintain their positions as Clerk of the Circuit Court and Register of Wills. Two people have filed for Sheriff – Dave Morgan and Rich Godlove, and Westley Marks has filed for a position on the Republican Central Committee.

Healthcare costs for Maryland residents could skyrocket if the Obama-era subsidies of the Affordable Care Act are not continued.  In her role as the state comptroller, Brooke Lierman sees how the combined rise in prices for housing, food, and other necessities is affecting state residents. She spoke on the Maryland Democratic Party’s “Burn the Talking Points” podcast about cost increases…    “Americans and Marylanders understand the need to have affordable healthcare. They do not want to go back to where we were before. And part of the reason is because of something that I see as Comptroller every day which…

WCBC is pleased to be able to bring listeners live coverage of the South Cumberland Business and Civic Association’s annual Halloween Parade.  Join WCBC AM1270 at 7pm for coverage with Jim Zamagias and Rock Cioni as the annual parade featuring local bands, mummers, and other groups moves along Virginia Avenue. This year’s Grand Marshal is Reverend Rick Jewell. Parade organizer Sean Thomas said parade units start to assemble early Wednesday evening…     “I think usually around 5:30 they start shutting the streets down. The lineup then starts about six o’clock, with the parade starting at seven.”

Maryland’s Department of Human Services has announced that they will end the practice of putting up foster children in hotels. In September, a 16-year old was found dead in a Baltimore City Hotel after DHS placed her there. The cause of death was termed suicide. House Republicans were quick to respond saying they are glad the practice is ending. House Minority Leader Jason Buckel said that putting children who need support in hotels with minimal oversight is an absurd policy that is blatantly wrong.

Messiah Christian Academy is holding a special event today (Wednesday).  Administrator Dan Thompson told WCBC News that helping the needy is part of the school’s mission. “We are packing Meals of Hope, which will be packing 10,000 meals for Allegany, Mineral, and Hampshire County.” Thompson added that the whole school will be involved in the process. “And we’re looking forward to doing that with our Pre-K students right on up through into our high school students who will be doing the packing and getting everything ready to ship out.”

Update: October 30, 2025 at 3 a.m. The Cumberland Police Department, in conjunction with the Cumberland Fire Department, Allegany County Department of Emergency Services, Maryland State Police, Mass Transit Authority, Department of Natural Resources, The Allegany County Sheriff's Department, Mountain Maryland Search and Rescue, Chesapeake Search and Rescue, Mid Atlantic Search and Rescue, Maryland State Police Trooper 5, and  several other assisting agencies, has concluded the active ground search efforts for Jessica Roman. Despite extensive search operations over multiple days involving numerous agencies and resources, Mrs. Roman has not been located. At this time, all coordinated ground search activities are…