WCBC has learned that on Wednesday, August 30th, a parent reported to the Allegany County Board of Education that their child had been left on a school bus for the entire school day.   The parent said the Braddock Middle School student was put on the bus at 6:40am and they did not receive any automated call from the school saying the child was not present in class.   A release from the Allegany County Board of Education indicates that the sleeping student was discovered during the next pre-trip inspection and pursuant to ACPS procedure was examined by a health nurse and…

Governor Wes Moore addressed the opening ceremonies of Climate Week in New York City on Saturday.  Climate Week takes place annually to focus on the fulfillment of climate goals and the need to increase the commitments made by companies, governments and organizations. The Moore administration has an aggressive climate strategy for Maryland including offshore wind power and the goal of being 100% clean energy by 2035.  Moore says these hitting those goals will help defend against the consequences of climate change…  

The UAW strike is continuing to hit the Big 3 auto makers but owning a new car continues to be a pricey investment.  AAA’s latest figures say that owning and operating a new vehicle in 2023 has increased almost $900 monthly in the past year.  Car prices rose an average of $1575 over last year.  And finance charges rose a staggering 90% over last year.  One of the higher annual cost categories is fuel, but it is worth nothing that the cost of charging electric vehicles has also increased by over two cents per kilowatt hour.  AAA reports that the…

Allegany County Board of Education President Bob Farrell weighed in on Mohammed Choudhury’s announcement that he would not be interested in a second term as Maryland’s State Superintendent of Education.  Choudhury made the announcement this past Friday that he would be pursuing other opportunities.  Farrell says he thinks Choudhury knew his days were numbered… The State Board of Education is beginning a search for Choudhury’s replacement, but Bob Farrell believes they shouldn’t have to look far for a good candidate…

Pennsylvania Tourism is hitting the gas on encouraging outdoor recreation.  Governor Josh Shapiro made the announcement recently in Connellsville along the Great Allegheny Passage that the state has established the Office of Outdoor Recreation.  Shapiro says the office will focus on growing the outdoor sector of recreation, travel and attractions that adds $14 billion to the Pennsylvania economy each year…

Two City Council seats are open for re-election in 2024. Interested candidates should file a Certificate of Candidacy with the City Clerk’s Office. The deadline for interested candidates to file is February 9, 2024. The term of the two newly elected Council seats will be four (4) years, beginning January 7, 2025. A candidate for Council must be: 1. Twenty-one (21) years of age at the time of his/her election 2. A citizen of the United States at the time of his/her election 3. A resident of the City of Cumberland for one (1) year immediately preceding his/her election More…

There will be no COVID testing at the Allegany County Health Department on Tuesday, September 19. Testing will resume at 9 a.m. on Thursday, September 21.

The FDA approved and authorized the new COVID vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer on Monday, amid an increase in COVID hospitalizations and concern about the spread of several new variants. The injections are being shipped to healthcare providers this week.  Dr. Sampathkumar from the Mayo Clinic says that these new vaccines will act more like the annual flu shots people receive… Health experts also are urging people to get vaccinated for influenza. Experts say it is safe to get both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time.

Streets are not the only area being worked on downtown.  The Cumberland Economic Development Corporation has implemented a Downtown Façade Improvement grant that is allowing retailers in the downtown district to make upgrades to the front of their businesses.  $400,000 is available in funding and according to Stu Czapski of the CEDC, many businesses have already taken advantage of the program…

Deputy First Class Plummer with the Allegany County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in identifying the individuals in the pictures below. Any information involving the registration plate will also be helpful.  Anyone with information, please contact DFC Plummer, via phone 301-268-3751 or via email aplummer@alleganygov.org. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.