The Maryland State Fire Marshal is continuing its investigation of a fire in Kitzmiller that resulted in the loss of a summer vacation rental. Neighbors in the area noticed smoke on the property, owned by Matthew McKenzie.  McKenzie was preparing the house for summer rentals and had just left the residence.  Twenty-five firefighters controlled the blaze in ten minutes but the structure suffered over $200,000 in damage. Preliminary investigation shows the fire started in a rear bedroom.

Allegany County Emergency Services Fire Rescue out on a motor vehicle accident Eastbound Interstate 68 near mile marker 36 just before the Clarysville Bridge. Motor vehicle over the embankment with  entrapment and serious injuries. Maryland State Police Trooper 5 is on scene, Aviation crews will execute a basket hoist of a trauma patient from the vehicle. West bound lanes of Interstate 68 in the area will be closed during Trooper 5 operations. First Energy also being dispatched to the site for powerlines down.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is known for the most famous battlefield on the North American continent, but the small town in Adams County is also known as the retirement home of Dwight David Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States and a hero of World War II.  This coming weekend will feature an open house at the Eisenhower Farm. National Park Ranger Dan Vermilya told WCBC that events are free…

A Maryland man who spent 31 years in prison for a murder he did not commit has received $3.1 million from the State of Maryland after being exonerated of the charges.  Gary Washington served 31 years of a life plus 20 years sentence for a murder in 1986.  A witness who was 12 at the time has recanted his testimony three times, saying he was manipulated.  Governor Wes Moore apologized to Washington during the Board of Public Works meeting where the compensation was approved…

Allegany County government honored its first round of “Positive People” awards this week.  People and organizations were nominated by the public based on the impact they had on positivity in the community. Commissioner Bill Atkinson said the nominations were reviewed and chosen via committee… One of the winners was in the business category – the Department of Social Services Fraud Investigation Team. Atkinson says their work helped many families in the area…

While no specific date has been announced, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the revitalized and reimagined downtown area of Cumberland should be sometime this fall. Downtown Development Commission Director Melinda Kelleher says plans are in motion and a date should be set soon…

Allegany County Public Schools received eight 2024 Maryland Green Schools Awards from the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education.  All of the secondary schools in the county achieved recertification, demonstrating continuous efforts in sustainable environmental management, education, and professional development. Currently, there are 654 active Maryland Green Schools in the state.

The Maryland Board of Public Works on Wednesday approved additional funding for the Coal Miner’s Memorial Park in Frostburg.  The board approved Program Open Space monies for just over $49,000 for site work, drainage improvements, concrete walkways and pads, retaining walls, seating, memorial wall and associated site amenities. The memorial is located at the switchback at the rail depot in Frostburg.

On Thursday, May 2, 2024 at approximately 10:49 AM, an officer of the Cumberland Police Department was on patrol on Virginia Avenue when he observed Jon Vanetta Jr.  The officer knew that Vanetta had active bench warrants through Allegany County.  One warrant had been issued as the result of Vanetta violating probation where he was originally charged with Resisting Arrest.  The other warrant was issued as the result of Vanetta failing to appear in court where he was originally charged with CDS: Possess-Not Cannabis.  The officer contacted Vanetta and placed him under arrest.  During a search of Vanetta, he was…

On Thursday, May 2, 2024, the Cumberland Police Department served a Circuit Court bench warrant on Brian Johnson.  The warrant was issued as the result of Johnson failing to appear in court.  He was originally charged with Threat/St Official/To Injure.  Johnson was arrested and transported to the Allegany County Detention Center where he is currently being held without bond pending his initial appearance before the court. ARRESTED:  Brian Elsworth Johnson     AGE:  59        Cumberland, MD CRIMINAL SUMMONS SERVED On Thursday, May 2, 2024, the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Kerri Bohrer.  The summons was issued as the result…