The abrupt abandonment of the Allegany County Animal Shelter by the entire Animal Shelter Foundation left the county in dire straits and over 400 animals in need of immediate care. The county acted quickly to contract the services of the former shelter director, manager, and animal control officer so animals could get needed attention, but County Administrator Jason Bennett says it’s a mystery to all what exactly happened…     “I frankly do not know. You know, we as the county contracted with that nonprofit to handle this on our behalf so we weren’t handling it. I really don’t know…

West Virginia State Police have arrested 60 illegal immigrants since beginning operations through the Immigration and Customs Enforcement program on September 22.  This past Saturday, Bridge Day traffic control at New River Gorge led to arrests of 18 individuals.  During a recent press conference, Governor Patrick Morrisey reaffirmed that West Virginia is a law and order state…     “If you’re here illegally, if you’re caught breaking our laws, if you’re smuggling drugs, you will be arrested, you will be tried, and if found guilty, you will pay a price.”

Cumberland’s Mayor and City Council proclaimed this week as Economic Development Week, recognizing individuals who promote statewide economic wellbeing by improving Maryland’s business climate in Cumberland.  The city’s Economic Director Matt Miller thanked the council for highlighting the collaboration with the city has with the CEDC, businesses and residents…    “Economic development is about more than just projects and investments, it’s about creating opportunities, supporting entrepreneurs, attracting new industry, and helping our existing businesses thrive.  I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and excited about what lies ahead as we continue building a stronger, more resilient Cumberland.”

The Allegany County Library System is opening a temporary location November 3rd  for its Westernport branch at 121 Main Street, which locals may know as the Reeve’s building.  Open hours will be Monday 1pm till 8 and Wednesdays and Fridays 10am till 5.  Ashley Swinford with ACLS says what is offered will be minimal to start…     “We’re hoping to have like a little play space for the kids, and maybe a couple seats for people that come in and read the newspapers.  Unfortunately we’re not going to be able to offer public computers right off the bat.”

At Tuesday’s Cumberland City Council meeting, a group from St. Luke’s Lutheran Church made a presentation requesting a change to part of the city code.  Evan West and Father Lark Muncy approached the council asking for changes that would create what they are calling a “safe haven” for the LGBTQ community. West requested a change to the city’s anti-discrimination code to include specifically gender identification…     “Declaring Cumberland a safe haven for LGBTQA+ people is an intentional act that shows commitment to the belief that every person who lives here, works here, worships here, or visits here should know…

On Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department arrested Justin David Crabtree Jr, 24, of Frostburg MD. Crabtree was arrested on an active Arrest Warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court for an incident that occurred on October 18th, 2025. During that incident, officers with the Cumberland Police Department responded to a Broadway Circle residence for the report of an assault. Upon arrival, officers contacted a female victim who advised she had been assaulted by Crabtree inside the home, causing minor injury. Crabtree fled the scene prior to officers arrival and was not able to be located. As…

A former Virginia Avenue businessman has died at the age of 61.  Christopher “Butch” Young died Sunday at UPMC Western Maryland.  Young operated Young’s Unlimited Trophy Shop for decades on Virginia Avenue.  He was a longtime bowling coach at Bishop Walsh and bowled locally and in national tournaments since the 1970s. 

A building in the 200 block of Glenn Street in Cumberland was evacuated shortly after 1pm Wednesday following a car crash. A car hit the VA Clinic building and compromised the front of the structure. Those in the building were evacuated as a precaution.

On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served a Circuit Court bench warrant on Jacob Haines.  The warrant was issued as the result of Haines violating probation on an original charge of Assault-2nd Degree.  Haines was arrested and transported to the Allegany County Detention Center where he is currently being held without bond pending his appearance before the court. ARRESTED:  Jacob Lee Haines                   AGE:  36                    Cumberland, MD