Allegany County government officials met with the Firefighters Union Friday to discuss options to avoid a $2 million dollar budget cut to county emergency medical services. Allegany County Commissioner, David Caporale joined WCBC's Dave Norman program this morning saying that he was very happy with Friday's meeting and that it was very productive, everybody came to the table, piece something together and compromised to focus on ways to continue to grow the department while keeping it more affordable and manageable at the same time. Members of the Fire Union will meet after 10:00 a.m. today to make a final decision.

Circular economies are revitalizing communities across the country and Allegany County is no exception.  At least three new industries have already or are planning to locate in the county who specialize in maximizing waste. Jeff Barclay with county economic development notes that Geocycle in Barton Business Park and Clym Environmental which is planning to locate here, are a few of the waste-to-value businesses being attracted to the area…

Construction begins this week on a $7.7 million replacement of the Friendsville Road bridge over Buffalo Run in Garrett County. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed in 2025. A temporary bridge is being constructed for motorists to use while the new bridge is built. A new traffic signal will also be in place to guide motorists through the construction. The new bridge should be complete in 2025.

“Make Time For Your Community!” is the theme behind the new Cumberland Clock being planned for the downtown area.  To be located in Hendershot Park at the intersection of Baltimore, Washington, and Greene Streets, the clock is the effort of Let’s Beautify Cumberland.  Greg Hendershot, whose father Butch was the first chair of the organization, said the clock is American made by Electric Time in Massachusetts and an image of what the timepiece will look like should be available for the public to see… Fundraising for the project is now in progress. Cumberland Broadcasting and Dave Aydelotte have made a…

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has signed a bill into law creating a “Purple Alert” that will be used by law enforcement or other agencies if a person with an intellectual developmental disability or brain injury is missing.  The new alert joins other color-coded alerts for the state – amber for children and silver for senior citizens.  West Virginia also passed legislation for a Purple alert this past session.

Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson was pleased to be at Governor Moore’s recent bill signing where several pieces of legislation were finalized to shore up the state’s juvenile justice system. Ferguson said that lawmakers had heard from constituents, law enforcement, and attorneys that the system was not working effectively and more accountability from all areas is needed… Ferguson said it was difficult legislation to draft since the subject matter is younger children and shaping their futures for a positive outcome…

Attempts to balance the Allegany County budget for 2025 are being met with pushback from many of the organizations that rely on funding from the county.  Allegany College of Maryland is one of those groups who are set to lose over $800,000.  Dr. Cynthia Bambara spoke at the recent Allegany County Commissioner’s meeting, saying that the 10% cut to their funding will reduce the funding they receive from the state of Maryland… Dr. Bambara said the funding cut for one year has a cascading effect in years to come on money the college would lose from Maryland…

Gov. Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice issued a statement after learning of the death of a coal miner in Wyoming County.  Virgil Paynter, of Lynco, was fatally injured Thursday morning at the CM Energy Operations LP Surface Mine in Wyoming County while operating an excavator. This marks the first coal mine fatality in West Virginia in 2024. “This is truly a heartbreaking tragedy because we lost another incredible West Virginia hero,” Gov. Justice said. “We should all be grateful for Mr. Paynter’s service, just as we should be thankful for all the miners across our state and country. We…

Michael "Mike" Brant, 72, died Friday.  Brant was a longtime leader at CBIZ in Cumberland, rising to Senior Vice President.  He was a community leader in Wamba Caravan 89, the Scenic Railroad Board of Directors, and the Downtown Development Commission.  Brant is survived by wife Lynelle and children Alex and Olivia.  Mass of Christian Burial will be May 28 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Construction begins this week on a $7.7 million replacement of the Friendsville Road Bridge over Buffalo Run in Garrett County. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed in 2025. A temporary bridge is being constructed for motorists to use while the new bridge is built. A new traffic signal will also be in place to guide motorists through the construction. The new bridge should be complete in 2025.