Before one shovel has been lifted on new housing at the former Allegany High School site, several citizens showed up at the Allegany County Commissioner’s meeting to disagree with the choice of developer for the project.  D.R. Horton was the winning builder chosen but six citizens spoke against the choice.  Resident Doug Schwab did some research and took issue with the builder’s business ratings…   A group of citizens wants the county to revisit another developer that bid on the project – Live Together – but Commissioner Bill Atkinson said that developer does not have the financial wherewithal to take…

It would seem that the City of Cumberland would welcome help dealing with the issues of homelessness and vagrancy throughout the area.  While help is indeed needed, sometimes that help can have different effects than intentioned.  City Resident Dave Biser brought up the issue of people who are spending their time at Riverside Park, some carrying weapons. Mayor Ray Morriss agrees that some kind of action needs to be taken, but groups that attempt to help may be doing more harm than good…  

A grant from the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund has enabled Brook Lane Mental Health to open a new out-patient facility in Cumberland.  Primarily providing child and adolescent mental health services, the facility will also provide some adult treatment. The new location will do evaluations, counseling, and psychiatry care.  CEO Jeffrey O’Neal said the Cumberland clinic will provide much-needed services to the citizens of Allegany County. Brook Lane’s main campus in Hagerstown is home to the second largest private mental health facility in the state.

House Minority Leader Jason Buckel is pleased that parts of the concealed-carry gun laws have been successfully challenged in court. Republicans says they had told Democrats that the passed bill went too far. Portions of the bill that restrict where people with permits are allowed to conceal-carry their weapons now have a preliminary injunction prohibiting the limitations going into effect…  

Autumn Michelle Vanous, 45 of Frostburg, Circuit Court Bench Warrant for Violation of Pretrial Release pending a Violation of Probation charge. Her original conviction was for Conspiracy – CDS: Possession with intent to Distribute: Narcotics. She is being held without bond at the Allegany County Detention Center pending a bail review. Debra Lee Linaburg, 63 of Cumberland, Circuit Court Bench Warrant for Violation of Pretrial Release. Her original charges include 3 counts of Assault-2nd Degree, Reckless Endangerment, Resist/Interfere with Arrest, Disorderly Conduct and Obstructing & Hindering. She is being held without bond pending a bail review. Aaron Devon Manning, 47…

The Allegany County Commissioner's meeting was filled with citizens not happy with the choice of developer for the housing project on the land where Allegany High School once stood.  Six citizens spoke against the decision to go with D.R. Horton Builders, mostly concerned with quality of building and the absence of intergenerational housing and greenspace concepts.  Citizens who spoke also asked for more due-diligence in future projects including community listening sessions for input and to avoid being "hoodwinked" by companies who have not done research into the community. 

Several events this weekend will dictate traffic changes around the City of Cumberland.  Beginning at Noon on Friday, Centre Street from Dexter’s Alley to Frederick Street will be closed for Friday After Five events.  Live music begins at Noon with Sam DeMartino, Hyatus at 3pm followed by the Never Too Late Ladies and Scott Ross. At 7:30pm Gilbert Lee & The Ghost on the Radio is on the main stage.  On Saturday morning, most downtown streets from Harrison Street to Southern States as well as Route 40 through the Narrows will have traffic interrupted between 8 and 11am for the…

In our news series this week, Silence During Crisis, WCBC News looks at how emergency information is disseminated to the public. We look at yesterday's National test and concerns local emergency service officials have with the emergency alert system.  While the official report will not be available for another 3 to 4 months FEMA officials are calling yesterday's test a success. Millions of cell phones, TVs and radios in the United States blared distinctive emergency alert tones for about a minute at 2:18PM Wednesday. "The test went extremely well," said Antwane Johnson, acting deputy assistant administrator for FEMA’s National Continuity Programs Directorate. Wednesday alert…

Due to an allegation of a threat, Westmar Middle School was placed in a HOLD status befroe 8:30AM of the Standard Response Protocol, this morning. A HOLD status is used when the hallway needs to be kept clear of occupants. Administration followed protocol and the allegation was found non-credible. The HOLD status has been lifted after 8:30AM today..

Due to an allegation of a threat, Westmar Middle School was placed in a HOLD status of the Standard Response Protocol, this morning. A HOLD status is used when the hallway needs to be kept clear of occupants. Administration followed protocol and the allegation was found non-credible. The HOLD status has been lifted.