Maryland State Police are encouraging people to take part in National Drug Take Back Day in an effort to combat opioid addiction. People can drop off unwanted prescription drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, at all 23 state police barracks—no questions asked. The biannual program allows the safe disposal of unwanted prescription drugs, while educating the public about medication misuse. All state police barracks are equipped with secure drug collection boxes that are available 24/7.

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will improve the driving surface of the MD 742 Bridge over the Youghiogheny River in Friendsville, Garrett County beginning April 29. To complete the project quickly, the bridge will be closed and detoured during the work. Drivers will be guided to First Avenue to MD 42 and back to MD 742. The bridge deck project should be complete by May 2, weather permitting.

Telephone problems have been plaguing the area, especially for businesses or individuals trying to call from a landline to certain cell phone numbers.  Gary McKenzie, president and CEO of TWR, told WCBC News that the issues are not completely dealing with all cell phone numbers…  

It’s down to the wire for the annual County United Way campaign.  United Way Director Michele Walker says that goals have been exceeded in two counties and two counties need a push before the April 30th deadline… Walker says there are many more first-time requests for assistance this year and there is a considerable uptick in what is needed by the community…

A major fundraising effort spearheaded by callers to WCBC Radio has helped the First Way Pregnancy Center of Cumberland with a donation of $10,880. The donations by listeners were met with a one-to-one match by WCBC Owners, David & Brenda Aydelotte. Client advocate Sherry McMillan said the money donated to the center will help new and expectant mothers in need…

The Maryland State Board of Education took seven months to search for a new state school superintendent, but the perfect candidate was already doing the job. Late Wednesday, the board announced they had chosen Dr. Carey Wright as the new Superintendent, a job she’s been doing as an interim since October.  Dr. Joshua Michael of MSDE described the search history… Jeff Blank, Superintendent for Allegany County Schools, says Dr. Wright is a good choice as she is familiar with the state systems… Dr. Wright says that growing up in Maryland, she knows how good schools can be and she has…

The Reimagine Cumberland project continues at a brisk pace, working toward a possible ribbon cutting this fall.  DDC executive director Melinda Kelleher says that 52 trees are being planted this spring and summer, bringing even more shape to the developing structure of downtown…   The DDC Director said that the London Plane and Honey Locust trees being planted were picked for specific reasons…  

UPMC has announced that 1,000 jobs across the health system are being eliminated.   Chief Communications Officer Paul Wood released a statement to WCBC saying, “The entire health care industry continues to face the realities of a still-evolving, post-pandemic marketplace. UPMC is responding to these challenges and opportunities while remaining true to its mission of providing exceptional care for patients, employees, members and communities.”  Most of the lay-offs are among non-clinical, administrative staff.  The healthcare system had a $198 million dollar operating loss in 2023.

On April 25th, 2024 at approximately 9:10 pm, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the teen block of Wempe Drive for a reported disturbance. Upon officer’s arrival they contacted the victim, and Brandon Fishel. The victim indicated that they were involved in an argument that turned physical when they attempted to call 911. The victim alleged that Brandon had grabbed their wrist in attempt to prevent them from calling 911. Officers observed evidence of injury and placed Brandon under arrest. He was taken before a District Court Commissioner where he was released on his own recognizance.   Arrest: Brandon…

On April 25th, 2024 at approximately 9:43 pm officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 300 block of Bedford Street for a reported theft. Upon officer’s arrival they spoke with the victim who advised that their bicycle had been stolen. The officer was then contacted by Craig Patterson, who advised he had stolen the bicycle. The bicycle was then returned and Craig was placed under arrest, and later released on a Criminal Citation.   Arrest: Craig Nathaniel Patterson, age 26, Cumberland Maryland. Charge: Theft $100 – $1,500.