For the third Cumberland Mayor and City Council meeting in a row, citizens requested clarification to the City’s new event permitting policy during last night’s meeting.  Local resident and public figure, Al Feldstein, said he believes the current City administration when they say the policy does not hinder citizens’ freedom to spontaneous rallies and protests.  However, Feldstein does not want to assume the understanding of the policy will be upheld the same way by administrations to come… “I also believe, and this through experience, that this needs to be precisely articulated within ordinance 4019 and not left up to interpretation…

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey says part of his plan to help the Mountain State’s economy involves a significant boost in electricity production. Morrisey has already been encouraging the location of data centers to West Virginia because of the state’s resources of energy. Now, Morrisey says, the goal is to be a leader in power production within 25 years…     “This strategy is going to set a goal of increasing the state’s base load of generating capacity from 16 gigawatts to 50 gigawatts by 2050. It’s pushing to increase reliability by prioritizing stable sources of fuel – primarily coal,…

The City of Cumberland has set its sights on revitalizing the Virginia Avenue corridor in South End. A stakeholder kick-off meeting is taking place Tuesday September 9 beginning at 6p in the Virginia Avenue Event Center. Melinda Kelleher, City Main Street Manager tells WCBC the meeting is a “listen and learn” event for the future of Virginia Avenue…    “This is an opportunity for anyone interested in Virginia Avenue – residents, business owners, building owners, anyone who lives in that neighborhood – to come and just share their thoughts and experiences and vision.”

The Maryland State Fire Marshal is investigating two recent fires in the area. On Labor Day, a fire in Westernport displaced two occupants and animals. The fire was discovered just before 7pm in the basement of the two-story home on Marsh Avenue. Tuesday morning, the LaVale Volunteer Fire department responded to a structure fire on Locust Grove Road. Preliminary investigation revealed the fire started in a bedroom of the residence. The American Red Cross is assisting those affected by the fires.

When Wes Heinz took over the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in 2021, there were seven full-time employees and no benefits.  In just four years, employment has increase four-fold with 27 people now employed full time and two part-time workers. Heinz said he is excited that the railroad can employ people at a living wage as well as provide good benefits for the workers…    “We also have full medical benefits, we have full retirement benefits. We also have an education program – if they want to learn a trade, we will support that and help fund that for them. Our…

Garrett County Sheriff’s Office is looking for the following individual relating to an Arson on Pergin Farm Road. The suspect fled the area and is currently on foot. Anyone with information is asked to immediately contact the Sheriffs Office at 301-334-1911 or 911.    

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has been frequently mentioned as a possible presidential candidate for the Democratic Party in 2028 and photos just released will further fuel that discussion.  Governor Moore and his wife were photographed in Italy on a yacht owned by actor George Clooney, a major contributor to the Democratic Party.  Many observers believe Clooney’s concerns about President Joe Biden’s fitness for office helped lead to him leaving the presidential campaign last year.

The area’s newest school, Messiah Christian Academy, will open its doors Monday, September 8.  Administrator Dan Thompson told WCBC News that the venue for the school will be Holy Cross United Methodist Church in Carpendale, WV.  The school’s volleyball team has already won matches in its inaugural season.

Close to three out of four respondents to the most recent edition of the MetroNews West Virginia Poll support requirements for children to be vaccinated.  Seventy-one percent of respondents answered “yes” to the question “Should states require children in grades K-12 to be vaccinated against highly contagious disease before entering school?”  Seventeen percent said “no” and 12% responded “not sure.”

Baltimore County police are reviewing video to determine whether to file charges after a group of juveniles was involved in a fight Saturday night outside the Maryland State Fair.  County police said officers working at the fair around 9:15 p.m. encountered a large group of juveniles fighting.  Officers arrested several people, but an investigation continues to determine whether additional charges and/or arrests will be made.  Police said some of the officers suffered minor injuries.