More than 30,000 graduated from Maryland colleges and universities last year alone, but a report by the Cengage Group finds only 30% are landing jobs in their career field.  Research suggests it's more proof of a disconnect between what employers want and what colleges teach.  Kim Russell, with Cengage Group, explains nearly 60% of those who feel unprepared say they lack job-specific skills for their career fields… "And that’s definitely what employers are looking for, but really what’s going to distinguish between two candidates is that technical skill, that ability to do on-the-job work day one when they land that…

Trump administration officials want to disperse research dollars from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration across multiple offices.  NOAA—responsible for innovating flood warning systems, tornado detection, hurricane tracking and more—has been a target of larger cuts as the agency requested a workforce cut of 17% in next year’s budget.  Jake Schwartz, with the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, says the restructuring of the office will hinder preparation for future natural disasters… "It actually funded research to explore for the sake of scientific exploration, and for the sake of inventing technologies that then help the next generation of Americans.  The work that…

The rest of the month of October will be filled with speculation on the future of the Allegany County Animal Shelter. Several resignations have taken place this month and longtime board member Becky McClarran left after 25 years of service. McClarran said board members had different opinions on the future of the shelter… “I think there were some philosophy differences, and I have—it was just by time.” McClarran added that staff is still on hand to care for animals… “The shelter still needs everyone’s support, and the animals certainly need everyone’s support, and make sure you spay and neuter your…

Jim Weir of Awesome Gifts and Collectables recently received recognition from the American Numismatic Association for reaching 50 years of continuous membership, making him the only person in Cumberland to receive the recognition.  On the Dave Norman morning show, Weir said collecting started in high school for him…  “I opened my first shop in Cumberland two weeks out of high school.  Now, I was going to shows and that before then, but I’ve had a shop in the Cumberland area—Cumberland/LaVale—since 1978.”

October 20th through the 24th is National School Bus Safety Week.  Over 150 individuals in Allegany County serve as bus drivers and aids.  The Allegany County Board of Education presented Mike Matthews, County Supervisor of Transportation, with this year’s “School Bus Safety Week” proclamation during Tuesday’s board meeting.  Matthews said last school year, their bus drivers traveled nearly 1.5 million miles, and asked motorists to remain aware while on the road…                                                          …

In partnership with Diversified Energy, the state of West Virginia announced an agreement to establish the nation’s first financial assurance fund dedicated to retiring oil and gas wells—The Mountain State Plugging Fund.  Diversified will retire 1,500 wells in the first 20-year period and invest $70 million into the fund which is expected to grow to $650 million of financial protection to the state.  Governor Patrick Morrisey said the agreement secures the state “Because it deals with the immediate issues at hand—to start to plug the wells—but it also sends a message that there will be economic strength and dominance for…

The Allegany County Health Department will be bringing a H.E.A.L. Mobile—an acronym for Health, Education and Access Link—to the community in early 2026.  Right now, they are seeking public input through a survey at myalleganyhealth.org on potential locations around the county where the mobile unit could set up to provide services.  Brenda Caldwell with the health department says the mobile will allow them to bring a variety of services to communities throughout Allegany County… “As a condition of the grant, services will primarily focus on maternal and child health initiatives during the first three years of the HEAL Mobile program—but…

On Sunday, October 19th, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department arrested Loenard Wayne Metzner, 59, of Cumberland MD. Metzner was arrested on three active Bench Warrants, all issued by the Allegany County Circuit Court on October 2nd, 2025. Each warrant alleges Metzner violated the conditions of pretrial release that had been placed upon him due to previous criminal charges. Those charges include fourth degree burglary, disorderly conduct and theft $1500 to under $25000. He was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an Initial Appearance where he was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. He is currently being held without…

The Allegany County Sheriff's Office is requesting assistance from the public regarding a hit and run motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian.   During the early morning hours of Saturday October 18, 2025, a vehicle lost control on Route 51 and rolled over in the area of Lower Town Creek Road blocking the roadway. The driver was able to extract themselves from the vehicle but while he was standing in the roadway being assisted by other motorists, a light colored pickup truck drove by striking him causing serious physical injury. The light colored pickup truck then immediately turned around and fled…

Bishop Walsh School will be holding its annual Race for Education Monday at the Haystack Mountain campus.  Principal Jennifer Flinn added that outdoor school will be held this week at Deer Valley, PA.  The soccer field will be renamed Rowan Field officially next summer in honor of longtime coaches Tim and Joe Rowan.