Attorney General for West Virginia Patrick Morrissey is speaking out against the failure of the Biden Administration to control illegal drugs coming across the southern border of the US. He talked about how the uncontrolled entry of these drugs have devastated states like West Virginia. Morrissey says that calls for the White House to take action on the cartels have not worked and many states are doing what they can independently…

On Thursday, March 14, the Maryland Cannabis Administration conducted a lottery for 174 social equity business licenses across micro and standard grower, processor, and dispensary categories. The lottery is the first in the nation designated exclusively for social equity applicants. Office of Social Equity Executive Director Audrey Johnson said the lottery affirms our commitment to foster diversity and inclusion in the cannabis industry. As part of the review process, any claims regarding social equity ownership and control made in the application will be verified.

Maryland State Comptroller Brooke Lierman wants to be sure Maryland tax filers are getting everything due to them during tax season.  Lierman spoke with WCBC about the often overlooked EITC or Earned Income Tax Credit that many are eligible for…     The Comptroller related a story of a woman who used the EITC to better herself and family…    

Plans around cleaning up the entrance into Cumberland were discussed at Tuesday’s work session of the Mayor and City Council. Ken Tressler, Director of Administrative Services, discussed a stretch of houses along Central Avenue adjacent to I-68 East.  Letters are being sent to property owners to get their interest on a buy-out plan… No firm plans are set for the land, but getting the lots into city ownership is a first step…

Maryland State Comptroller Brooke Lierman spoke with WCBC News this week about a hot topic – tax season. The filing deadline is April 15th and Lierman says last minute tax filers in the state should use the internet to complete their filing… The Comptroller says there are plenty of ways to get assistance if you need help getting your taxes completed…   

Cumberland City Fire Department dispatch just after 3:00AM to Fort Hill High School for report of lightning strike and fire. 911 caller stated they observed a lightning strike followed by smoke and a fire alarm at the building. Fire fighters arrived on scene with no smoke showing from the structure. Investigating the building's roof, second floor, and basement with no detection of fire. Cumberland Fire Department cleared the scene just after 4:16AM and returned the building back to the Allegany County Public School District.

Monday, April 1, 2024 Donte Ammon Vanpelt, 28 of Rawlings, was arrested on a District Court Bench Warrant for Failure to Comply. His original charges include: Firearm Possession-Crime Violence with a Felony Conviction, Regulated Firearm: Illegal Possession, and two counts of Illegal Possession of Ammunition. He was previously released on a $5,000 Unsecured Personal Bond (UPB) and is currently being held without bond pending a bail review in District Court. Mark Paul Jackson, 39 of Cumberland, was served a Circuit Court Warrant for Violation of Pre-Trial Release for Drug Court. His original charge includes: Motor Vehicle Unlawful Taking. He is…

Motor Vehicle Crash – Rt.220 near Diplomat Inn – Roadway closed – Emergency units on scene as of 1:40pm Tuesday afternoon. Update:  Route 220 reopened at 2:15pm.

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice is urging residents to be vigilant as storms move through the state today. "We are closely monitoring today's storms and the related damage across West Virginia. We know power lines, trees, and other debris are in the roadways. We have also issued a State of Preparedness for all 55 counties. I extend my gratitude to our first responders, who bravely run to the fire when called upon—they are truly heroes. With the possibility of more weather tonight, I urge you to exercise additional caution."

The West Virginia Human Services is recognizing April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month highlighting the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect.  Governor Jim Justice also proclaimed April as Family Strengthening and Child Abuse Prevention Month in West Virginia.  To show support and give attention, West Virginians are encouraged to participate in “Wear Blue Day” on Friday, April 5th.  The colors blue and silver and blue pinwheels are the recognized symbols for child abuse prevention.