The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), along with Aetna Better Health of West Virginia, Mission West Virginia, and ten foster care agencies have joined in collaboration to launch a statewide campaign focused on recruiting foster parents and addressing the shortage of foster care placements in West Virginia. The campaign’s message targets single and married adults who have considered opening their home for foster care in the past but have not taken action to become qualified. Research indicates that it is common for individuals to consider fostering for months or even years before taking action. “This initiative aims to…

Gov. Jim Justice announced today that an agreement has been reached between the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to reinstate trout stockings to their original schedule. "This agreement represents a victory for West Virginia's longstanding tradition of world-class trout fishing,” Gov. Justice said. “My administration has fought to ensure that anglers across the state continue to enjoy the benefits of responsible, sustainable trout stocking practices. I'm proud of our continued commitment to both conservation and recreation, and I applaud the collaborative efforts of the WVDNR, USFWS, and West Virginia University…

UPMC facilities had required masks at all facilities again in December of 2023, but that mandate has now been lifted.  The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, pointing to improvements in hospitalization and death rates from COVID-19 are also backing off guidelines including no need to isolate for five days after getting a COVID diagnosis. High-risk individuals should still access available treatments if positive.

Safe Cars Save Lives. That’s the message for Vehicle Safety Recalls Week from March 4-10. The West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are reminding drivers about important safety recalls. You can visit nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your vehicle’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number to find out if your vehicle has open safety recalls. You can also sign up for recall alerts on the NHTSA website. You will get an email if your vehicle is part of a future recall.

Frostburg State University's Annual Bobcat Giving Day runs through Noon today.  Make a gift of $75 or more and you will get a pair of limited edition Bobcat socks, while supplies last.  Donors can give to their favorite area of Frostburg State University or the FSU Foundation.  Give online at  https://www.givecampus.com/schools/FrostburgStateUniversity/bobcat-giving-day-2024.  

UPDATE:  Power in the area has been restored. Earlier:  Allegany County Emergency Services on scene of a substation fire 14,000 block Bedford Road. Fire crews initially reporting an electric pole within the substation on fire, no lines are down. Power is currently out for 1,107 customers this includes traffic lights and traffic signaling equipment in the Cumberland area. First Energy Potomac Edison as well as emergency crews remain on scene.

On Thursday, March 7, 2024, from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm,  Maryland Avenue will be reduced to one lane from Cecelia Street to Interstate 68 for water department work. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience while the crew completes their work.

A sports tradition dating back to March, 1961 is not continuing this year.  The ACIT is on hiatus as Wamba Caravan 89 is reassessing if the tournament is still viable.  In the meantime, WCBC’s Jim Zamagias will share some ACIT memories. In today’s segment, Jim remembers some of the names, the sights, and the sounds surrounding the ACIT.  

Cumberland’s City Council heard an update from their Annapolis lobbyist on Tuesday.  Richard Reinhardt of Percy Public Affairs shared that the Governor’s Miscellaneous Grants program has a hearing next week that includes money for a city intersection…. Reihardt also shared that money will be coming through bond initiatives for another project…   

The Maryland House and Senate will now have to hammer out differences over the Juvenile Justice Reform Act. The Senate passed their version of the bill late Monday evening by a 43-2 vote. The bill tightens up what happens to children 10-12 years of age who commit crimes like carjacking. The House passed a similar bill last week, but it will be compromise legislation that goes to Governor Wes Moore for his signature. Senator Stephen Hershey said this bill is only a step…