A grant from the Maryland Connected Devices Program was approved by the Allegany County Commissioners at their Thursday meeting.  The COVID pandemic revealed a major deficiency in citizens having equitable access to key programs and services including the lack of reliable computing devices.  With this grant, low income and elderly residents will receive devices to provide access to resources for education, medical, workforce and government programs. County Grants Writer Tanya Gomer told the commissioners what the grant provides…

If you are a Virtual Railfan you probably saw a new passenger car arriving for the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. Good Vibrations, the car's name, is a Pullman car from the Long Island Railroad and seats 40 passengers in lounge chairs with a full service bar all decked out in the art deco period. The lounge car was donated by KC and Carol to the scenic railroad. Wes Heinz, Executive Director with the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, spoke with WCBC about the need for rail cars as the current Fleet rotates in for maintenance giving the railroad some breathing room…

2023’s “State of Lung Cancer” report reveals Maryland ranks 36th in the nation for lung cancer screening. That puts the state below average in addressing lung cancer early. The American Lung Association says that in Maryland, the lung cancer survival rate has improved but this report shows that more needs to be done to focus on screening.  Dr. Janani Reisenauer of the Mayo Clinic discusses new screening guidelines…

Maryland’s Blueprint for Education allocates over three billion dollars to schools over the next 10 years and includes five pillars that school systems will work within to improve the educational system.  Pillar Four deals with providing more resources to ensure student success.  Allegany County Superintendent says within that pillar, resource people have been added to help the mental health of students and employees…

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging is celebrating 40 years of the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly Program. PACE offers low-cost prescription medication to qualified Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older. The program works with Medicare Part D plans and other drug plans such to lower out-of-pocket costs for medications. Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich says the program is vital for older state residents…

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a major pet food recall over bacterial contamination. Multiple popular brands of dog and cat food including Victor brand Hi-Pro Plus dog food, Super Premium Dog Food, Wayne Feeds Dog Food, Eagle Mountain Pet Food and Mid America pet food. Owners should throw away any of the food they have at home, and avoid touching them if possible, as they may be contaminated with salmonella. Many pets will likely only show symptoms such as decreased appetite, but can still transmit the bacteria to other animals and humans.

The Salvation Army is working hard to provide gift cards for senior citizens in the area to be able to have food for the holidays.  Captain Ronnette Smith tells WCBC that the number of monthly food boxes given out has doubled since last year. The Captain says the hardest hit are the area’s older population. You can help their efforts by sending a check made out to the Salvation Army to WCBC – PO Box 1290 Cumberland…  

On Thursday, November 16, 2023 at approximately 9:32 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a business in the 600 block of Queen City Drive for a theft.  It was reported that the suspect stole items from the business as well as the neighboring business.  The suspect was located on Queen City Pavement and identified as Richard Gray.  Gray was issued criminal citations and released pending trial. ARRESTED:  Richard Lynn Gray            AGE:  52             Ridgeley, WV CHARGES:  Theft less than $100 (x2), Disorderly Conduct

On Thursday, November 16, 2023 at approximately 4:05 PM, an officer of the Cumberland Police Department conducted a traffic stop on York Pl.  A police K-9 was utilized and it alerted to the odor of drugs in the vehicle.  A search of the vehicle was conducted and suspected drug paraphernalia was located.  It was determined that the paraphernalia belonged to a passenger, Jennifer Dolly.  Dolly was issued a criminal citation and released pending trial. ARRESTED:  Jennifer Ranae Dolly            AGE:  42             LaVale, MD CHARGES:  CDS: Possess Paraphernalia

On November 16th, 2023 Deputies of the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office were conducting traffic enforcement in the area of Westernport, Maryland. Deputies observed a moped committing several traffic violations in the area of Maryland Avenue. As deputies attempted to stop the moped, it failed to yield and began screaming obscenities toward the deputies. As the moped reached the 200 block of Maryland Avenue it began traveling through the yards of local residences where the deputies then created distance. The operator parked the moped and began to flee on foot toward the area of Westernport Elementary School. Deputies observed the operator…