West Virginia’s summer EBT program has been launched to provide short-term grocery benefit assistance to eligible households during the summer months.  School age children will receive a one-time benefit of $120 on a Summer EBT card. West Virginia Schools Superintendent Michele Blatt says that summer poses a significant challenge to children who are away from school who already face food insecurity. Over 200,000 children will be eligible for the benefit.

City Hall will be closed to the public today and tomorrow, April 29th and 30th, due to extreme construction noise inside the building.  Staff is still on site and available by phone and email.  Tax and Utility customers can make payments in the following ways:             • Online at www.cumberlandmd.gov             • Drop box outside City Hall             • Drive-by box at the Chamber of Commerce             • Pay with a credit card by phone at 844-984-0459 Citizens who require in-person assistance with their payment may visit the Tax and Utility Department, which has been temporarily relocated…

Maryland should become more affordable for housing, due in part to three bills signed into law by Governor Wes Moore. The new laws will create a Tenants Bill of Rights which protects renters, creates the Maryland Community Investment Corporation to access federal funding for housing, and removes barriers to new construction to address housing shortages.  Governor Moore says action on housing is urgently needed across the state…    

The first case of measles since 2209 was recently confirmed in a Morgantown resident.  The person had recently traveled internationally and was undervaccinated.  West Virginia state health officials are encouraging parents to make sure all children are receiving the measles vaccine, as well as adults who were never vaccinated – usually given in two doses. WVU Health Epidemiologist Dr. Michael Stevens says measles is the most infectious virus known…    

Progress continues in downtown Cumberland with hope for a fall ribbon cutting for a renewed shopping area.  Melinda Kelleher, executive director of the Downtown Development Commission, told WCBC News that three water fountains have been installed and will soon be operational…    

Land line users in Cumberland have struggled to make outside calls to certain cell phone exchanges in recent weeks. Often landline phones won’t connect to cellphones, and sometimes the reverse occurs. Gary McKenzie, president and CEO of TWR, tells WCBC that a resolution should come soon.    

A bill no longer requiring estate notices to be published in newspapers passed unanimously in both chambers of the General Assembly.  Now, the Maryland DC Press Association is asking the Governor to veto the bill, saying it would cause irreparable damage to print news outlets.  Allegany County Register of Wills Mary Beth Pirolozzi says the bill had absolutely NO opposition in either the House or Senate during hearings where the Press Association could have voiced their opinion… The Press Association has published editorials in newspapers throughout the state in opposition to the bill since it was passed, but Ms. Pirolozzi…

A Maryland beach has made the top ten again on a list of best beaches. In February, Trip Advisor listed Ocean City as one of the best beaches in the eastern United States.  Now, Travel and Leisure magazine has chosen Ocean City’s shore as one of the best in the country. Twenty-five beaches made up the list, including popular sites in Florida, Hawaii, and California.  Ocean City was recognized for its groomed shoreline and classic Americana vibe with its boardwalk.

On 04/28/2024 at approximately 4:30 AM the Cumberland City Police Department were dispatched to a business on Welton Drive for a disturbance. Upon arrival the officers made contact with staff who pointed out several subjects involved in a disturbance. As officers were speaking to the individuals involved, Cairae Fitzgerald and Bobbi Patterson began to actively assault each other. Both were arrested without issue and taken to the Allegany County Detention Center for central booking. There they received hearings before a District Court Commissioner. Fitzgerald was released on a $1,500.00 unsecured bond and Patterson was released on a $2,500.00 unsecured bond….

On 04/28/2024 the Cumberland City Police Department served a Criminal Summons on Dalton Ray Brimhall. A citizen had submitted an application of charges to the District Court Commissioner alleging Brimhall was harassing them over a period of time. Brimhall signed for his copy of the summons and is pending trial in District Court.   Served – Dalton Ray Brimhall (29) Cumberland, MD Charge – Harassment a course of conduct