On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Officers of the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Regan Tilson. The warrant was issued as a result of Tilson failing to appear in court for a trespassing charge.  Tilson was arrested, taken before a District Court Commissioner, and released on her own recognizance pending trial. ARRESTED: Regan Karrine Tilson     AGE: 18       Cumberland, Maryland CHARGE: Failure to Appear (Trespassing)

Allegany County Administrator Jason Bennett has brought the issue of speeding and illegal passing along Route 51 to the attention of the State Highway Administration. Citizens had presented their concerns over speeding at a recent commissioner’s meeting. State Highway Administrator Will Pines suggested installation of signage that may deter speeders… “They have the “Your Speed Is” displays that kind of provide the flashing and a lot of times, so many people are used to speed enforcement, when they see the warning of their speed number, they’re thinking about a camera so they just slow down for those anyways.”

Checking the life of household smoke alarms should be a routine matter at least twice a year, according to Cumberland Fire Chief Shannon Adams.  Having an alarm on every floor, bedroom, main living area, and hallway is also important.  For residents who may struggle financially and need a smoke alarm, Chief Adams says the fire department does have a small stash of smoke alarms and they will also come and install them… “We routinely go out and check smoke alarms for residents.  We also—if someone purchases a smoke alarm but they just can’t put them up we’ll go out and…

National Weather Service issued a Frost Advisory tonight from 2 AM till 9 AM. Temperatures as low as 32 will result in frost formation in portions of north central and western Maryland, northwest and western Virginia, and eastern and panhandle West Virginia. Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered. Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

On October 15, 2025, officers responded to the 800 block of Shriver Avenue for a report of a domestic assault. The complainant advised the suspect allegedly barricaded himself inside the residence, along with their 6-month-old child, after committing the assault. Upon officers’ arrival, officers were able to facilitate the return of the child to the victim, and all other subjects inside the residence were escorted to a safe location. The suspect, identified as Malachi David Thorton, 28 YOA, of Cumberland, retreated back inside the residence, locking the door. While on-scene, officers determined Thornton also had an active arrest warrant. Thornton…

The local Pee Wee Football League has scheduled playoff games for some of its teams this coming Sunday morning.  Dustin Wharton coaches the Frankfort Colts’ C team and he told WCBC News that playing on a Sunday morning is not part of the league’s tradition… “I contacted all of the coaches that were involved on our side of the bracket—again, this is for the first round of the playoffs scheduled for Sunday morning—and I said, “Hey, guys, I just…” something to the extent of, “I don’t feel right about this.  I’ve got a seven-year-old on the team.  I’m a pastor. …

As the Allegany County Library System restores the Westernport Library, a town hall will be held on Wednesday, October 22nd from 6-8pm at the Bruce Outreach Center.  Ashley Swinford, library Director of Outreach, says community input is needed… “What can we be doing different?  Is there something that we’re missing?  You know, are they looking for something else?  Or maybe they don’t know what the library has.  It’s also about educating the community.” Swinford added an online survey will also be available at alleganycountylibrary.info.  Phone interview opportunities are available as well… “You can call 301-777-1200, select extension 1016, and you…

The American Diabetes Association has recognized Potomac Valley Hospital’s Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support service by renewing their ADA recognition.  Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control, and it is one of the areas Governor Patrick Morrisey is addressing in his program to make West Virginians healthier.

The bi-weekly Allegany County Commissioner meeting will occur at 3pm this evening at the Allegany County Fairgrounds with the special community meeting on Bel Air’s water rates issue—touted as the “Force of Four,” bringing together residents, county, state, and federal officials to discuss continuing high water rates—following at 5pm. The current provider, Maryland Water Service, is set to sell the system to American Water. Citizens are seeking relief from water rates that are many times higher than Allegany County and Cumberland water customers.