Emergency services are on the scene of a building collapse at 55 W. Main Street in Hancock. Reports indicate that the first and second floors have collapsed into the basement. It is unconfirmed whether anyone was in the structure at the time of the collapse.
The Maryland Comptroller’s Office says the state has collected more than $14.5 million in cannabis sales tax revenue between October and December. This is a $2.5 million increase over the inaugural quarter of sales that started July 1. Maryland’s Central region continues to lead the state in generating revenue from cannabis sales, turning in over $6 million in taxes. The Western region of which Allegany County is part, collected $1.7 million. Cannabis sales are taxed at a rate of 9%.
City of Cumberland and Allegany County has award $100,000 in grant funding for downtown businesses affected by the construction. WCBC news spoke with City of Cumberland Council member Rock Cioni who says the grant collaboration was with Allegany County and preliminary discussions with Commissioner Dave Caporale. Cioni added that it was a perfect financial storm for downtown businesses: Not only have businesses been dealing with the construction impact but are still recovering from Covid-19 loans, and minimum wage increases…
On Sunday, March 24th, 2024, the Cumberland City Police responded to a residence in the 800 block of Bedford St for the report of an assault. Officers arrived on scene and made contact with a female victim. The victim alleged that she and Robert Lee Harris, 37, had gotten into a verbal disagreement inside the home. The incident then turned physical, and Harris assaulted the female, leaving visible injuries. Harris fled the scene on foot prior to officers’ arrival on scene. Harris was able to be located later in the night and was taken into custody without issue. Wight was…
The money put together by the City of Cumberland and Allegany County to help downtown businesses survive the construction period has been given out. Nathan Price of county economic development delivered a report on how the $100,000 fund was dispersed to businesses affected by the construction that has shut down streets and minimized parking… Commissioner Bill Atkinson said the funds should help the businesses get through the worst of the project…
Occupational Therapist Assistant students at Allegany College of Maryland have a new and unique training experience on their campus in Cumberland. A full size “smart apartment” constructed to provide simulations of what students may encounter includes ADA-compliant features from lights to ovens. ACM spokesperson Kristin Kehrwald says the apartment presents real-life experience… Plans are also developing for the community to use the apartment space for training purposes around adaptive technology…
Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller was inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame during a ceremony at Government House in Annapolis. The honor goes to Maryland women whose lives and work are of historic significance to the history of the state. Along with Miller, other inductees were Comptroller Brooke Lierman, House Speaker Adrienne Jones, and Maryland Secretary of State Susan Lee. Miller said the honor belongs to all those who have encouraged her…
A surprise music act has been announced for the Allegany County Fair this summer. Christian group Casting Crowns will be returning for their second appearance at the fair as part of its 100th anniversary celebration. Fair Manager Kevin Kamauf said having Casting Crowns a second time is actually a first for the fair… Other surprises are planned but not announced yet. Ticket sales for Casting Crowns will start on Good Friday, March 29. Kamauf says to be aware of scam ticket sites…
If you’ve noticed all the cranes around JFK Apartments on Mechanic Street, it’s because the building is getting a $30 million renovation. Ninety 1-bedroom and 10 efficiency apartments are being updated with new kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, lighting, heating and air conditioning. Current tenants living at the development will move into newly renovated units as they’re completed. Forty units will be available for new residents with preference given to those who are 62 years of age and over. The high-rise is owned by the Housing Authority of the City of Cumberland.
