WCBC has learned that reasons behind the resignation of all members of the Allegany County Animal Shelter Foundation are complicated.  For some time, there had been ongoing conflict between foundation board members and a former shelter director as to how the shelter should be managed. While all concerned see the care of the animals paramount, board members felt it was best for the county to start again with a clean slate and more oversight.

A 7am call from the Maryland governor’s office Thursday morning brought news County Administrator Jason Bennett was not happy to hear.  On top of problems with the animal shelter and the Bel Air water system, a denial for FEMA funding for Georges Creek was a gut punch.  Bennett spoke with WCBC, saying that the county needs assistance from the state in recovery or loans are in the future…    “If they don’t come through, we’ve sort of planned and spoken a little bit withthe commissioners that we would have to do a borrowing backfill for some of this money. Because…

There may be hope for a resurrection of the AES Warrior Run power plant. The plant was shut down in June of 2024 because of economic and environmental pressures. But the need for power in the region may see the plant’s revival. Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss said it would be a benefit to see the plant back online…    “We’re hearing good things, but I can’t put a definite timeframe on it. They’re definitely doing some work to try and get it back online again and probably as quickly as they can using gas instead of coal.”

Maryland has a shortage of 100,000 housing units and needs to build 590,000 new units to meet demand and growth projections by 2045. Among the factors impacting housing supply is land use regulations, which can vary by county or locality. State Comptroller Brooke Lierman said that changing some of those regulations is one way to meet the housing demand…    “In some of our residential areas, only 30% of the land allows for duplexes. And we found that in some of the growing areas in North Carolina, more than 80% of residential land allows for duplexes. Also not lost on…

The Allegany County Chamber of Commerce along with Chessie Federal Credit Union delivered more than $17,000 to six local businesses affected by May’s flooding. The Community Trust Foundation continues to collect funds for flood victims. The Chamber’s Juli McCoy said being the financial bridge for a short period of time has made them consider future preparation…    “It’s definitely given us pause to think about how we can continue to keep businesses thinking about unexpected issues like this and to keep that at top of mind so that if something were to happen in the future that they would know…

Across West Virginia, 71 high schools have been recognized for their efforts in helping students to plan for college. Four area high schools made the list – Frankfort, Keyser, Moorefield, and Paw Paw. The “Champion of College Access and Success” award is presented each year to high schools that go above and beyond to build a culture of college and career readiness within their communities with events that include college exploration and a College Decision Day initiative.

Governor Patrick Morrisey announced that West Virginia driver’s licenses and state IDs can be added to Apple Wallet. The launch of ID in Apple Wallet through the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allows residents to seamlessly and securely add their state-issued driver license or state ID to Apple Wallet, and present their ID for verification using their iPhone and Apple Watch.  With this capability, West Virginians can present their ID in Apple Wallet for identity verification at over 250 TSA checkpoints at airports across the U.S., including Charleston Yeager Airport and Huntington Tri-State Airport. The state is actively working…

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, has denied Allegany County's appeal for federal disaster relief funds. The county received notice early Thursday morning from Governor Moore's office. House Minority Leader Jason Buckel said he felt the denial wasn't totally unexpected and the county needs to move on…  "Get down to brass tacks of what needs to be funded, and in what fashion, to get these communities back to a fairly functioning level."