Lonaconing Mayor Jack Coburn spoke with WCBC’s Dave Norman recently regarding the Allegany County Library system’s recent change to its leadership. Coburn commended the ACLS board of trustees, saying they worked through the pressure they have been under recently…     “I must commend the library’s trustees and the board. They have been under a lot of pressure and our goal from day one was to make sure that not library in Allegany County closed, and the library board did just that for us. I think we’re at the point now we are on the way back up to having…

The Centers for Disease Control report a 44% drop in overdose deaths from 2023 to 2024 in the state of West Virginia. It was the largest drop nationwide. Governor Patrick Morrisey said the decline is owed in part to the state opting to make its own settlements with drug companies, giving them quicker access to monies for programs and treatment. The drop indicates more than addressing an abuse issue…     “We’re not only making progress in reducing substance abuse disorder and reducing the number of deaths, we’re actually addressing one of the core economic problems that West Virginia faces…

A surprise announcement at the end of the last Cumberland City Council meeting revealed the city is looking at the possibility of a field house for the community.  Mayor Ray Morriss said visits have been made to a new such facility in Hagerstown to get an idea what Cumberland would be committing to financially…     “The Hagerstown facility was $25 million dollars. So you’re probably talking by the time we would construct something like that, a $30 million dollar build.” For now, the city’s economic development staff is heading up the detail work on the project…     “The…

The Historic Highlands Association of Realtors has grants for Allegany County residents affected by flooding that occurred in May. Applications will be accepted through August 15 and can be accessed at www.hharealtors.org. Association president Jessie Devore says they were approved for $60,000 from the National Association of Realtor’s Relief Fund. Each approved applicant can receive up to $1,000…     “If you had damage during the flood and have a mortgage then we will base your application off the cost of your mortgage for that month. If you do not have a mortgage then you will qualify for up to…

Authorities are investigating the cause of death for a Delaware man at the Potomac River near the U.S. 340 bridge on Tuesday, July 8, according to Maryland Natural Resources Police.  Natural Resources Police spokesperson said that it's believed the man had a medical episode, but officials will need to wait for autopsy results.  The man was identified as Cory A. Binkoski, 51, of Laurel, Delaware. Binkoski appeared to be part of a sanctioned inner tubing trip.

On Tuesday, July 8th, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served a Criminal Summons on Sean Allen Smith, 38, of Cumberland, MD. The summons was in reference to an incident that occurred on July 4th, 2025, in the downtown Cumberland area. During that incident, an officer with the Cumberland Police observed two vehicles being operated in an aggressive and negligent manner, traveling at high speeds in a well-populated area. The officer activated their emergency equipment in an attempt to stop the vehicles involved. The vehicle Smith was driving at the time failed to stop for the officer and fled the scene….

Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania dealt some harsh reality to reporters recently as he detailed what will happen to state residents as a result of the spending bill just passed by Congress. He said the state has rural hospitals already working in a deficit and their future is now quite uncertain…     “So if you’re already facing a deficit and your Medicaid is being slashed, we estimate that there’s about 25 rural hospitals that are likely to shutter in the next few years because of this.” Shapiro also cautioned that there is no large-scale state bailout coming…    …

Maryland’s six casinos combined to generate $160.6 million dollars in revenue from slot machines and table gamed during the month of June. It was a slight decline of 1.4% compared to June of 2024. The casinos’ tax contribution to the state for the month was $68.5 million also a decrease from same time last year. The MGM Grand national Harbor took in the most revenue at $67 million while Rocky Gap brought in $4.5 million dollars.

On Tuesday, July 8th, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department responded to a residence in the 300 block of Baltimore Ave for the report of an assault. Upon arrival on the scene, officers contacted two subjects who had been involved in a physical altercation. During the Investigation, it was learned that Jada Tashera Lane, 22, had attacked the other subject over their usage of a phone charger, causing multiple minor but visible injuries. As a result, Lane was placed under arrest and transported to Central Booking. She was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an Initial Appearance, where she was…

Governor Wes Moore said Monday he has spent time talking with groups and individuals throughout the state on their reactions to the passage of the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill.  Moore said over 250,000 Marylanders could lose their healthcare as well as lose coverage under program cuts to food programs such as SNAP.  The Governor is looking quickly for updates on the bill’s effects on state agencies…    “There is no state that can single-handedly absorb the impact when the federal government severs its relationship with the middle class. I have ordered every state agency to review the bill and to…