One of the grandstand attractions this week at the Allegany County Fair is Christian performing artist Zach Williams.  Williams is a Grammy-winning artist and has recently performed with Dolly Parton on his hit, “There Was Jesus.”  Other familiar songs from the performer include “Chain Breaker” and “Old Church Choir.”  His newest release is called “Rescue Story.” WCBC Radio is the presenting sponsor for the concert, scheduled for Tuesday, July 18th at 8pm.  Fair Manager Kevin Kammauf says it was good fortune to be able to book Williams for the fair as he had an open date on his current tour…

West Virginia is reminding residents that participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP that there is a heightened risk of EBT card fraud and stolen benefits. The Department of Health and Human Resources for the state has recently received several reports of card skimming, phishing, and cloning scams to steal SNAP benefits. The theft of SNAP benefits is punishable under federal and state law and can include imprisonment and financial penalties, including suspension from participating in the SNAP program.  The DHHR can replace stolen EBT benefits retroactive to October 1, 2022. West Virginia residents who believe benefits have…

Sixty-seven child care facilities in Maryland have been awarded $11.5 million through the first round of the Child Care Capital Support Revolving Loan Fund. Governor Wes Moore says the fund will help ensure that Maryland’s families have access to high quality child care and Maryland’s children will have access to more learning opportunities. The fund offers no-interest loans for capital expenses to child care providers who are licensed and participate in the Maryland State Department of Education’s Child Care Scholarship Program. Funding may only be used for capital expenses related to a child care facility and includes the purchase of…

Although up to two inches of rain may hit the region over the coming weekend, the Maryland Department of Environment says the area is in drought conditions.  A “drought watch” was issued for the state’s western region bordering Pennsylvania because of lower-than-normal stream flows feeding water supplies for the area.  Rainfall amounts have been erratic since March, though June’s precipitation was slightly above normal.  For right now, residents are encouraged to cut back on watering lawns, long showers, and only run washing machines and dishwashers when full.  Long range weather forecasts show a 40% chance or better of rain or…

Allegany County Commissioners meeting Thursday afternoon features a return to the AES application for a tax exemption.  The first item on the action agenda is a manufacture’s tax exemption credit application from AES, which was tabled by the commissioners last month when Commissioner Creade Brodie Jr. expressed concerns.

A city fire marshal investigation determined last week’s fire at 310 Broadway Street was “unintentional and caused by fireworks sparklers,” according to the Cumberland Fire Department. Three firefighters were injured, including one who was taken to UPMC Western Maryland, during the fire operation that began at 7:20 p.m. Four adults and three children were displaced from the two-story dwelling located off Maryland Avenue that CFD said was a rental property. The tenants did not have insurance to cover their property losses.

The We Are Fort Hill Committee has announced the newest inductees into the Fort Hill Hall of Fame.  Hazel Lawler from the class of 1974 and Francis “Pat” Yarnall from the class of 1941 were chosen from among nominations from the community. Hazel Lawler practiced nursing throughout her life, making her mark in providing services to families of children born with disabilities.  Through her efforts, what is now known as the Hazel E. Lawler Children’s Center in Clifton Forge, Virginia continues to serve all aspects of life for youth with intellectual disabilities. Francis Yarnall served in the US Navy during World…

Telephone scammers are now using artificial intelligence to trick senior citizens out of money. Coupled with spoofing technology where familiar phone numbers are used, A-I can create a voice clone that the senior may recognize to trick them out of money or commit other frauds.  Dr. Katie Shilton is a professor of information science at the University of Maryland who says raising awareness is the best defense… Scammers often act with urgency and ask for gift cards, wire transfers, or even cryptocurrency.  If you encounter a scam, report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov

On Tuesday, July 11th, 2023, The Cumberland City Police arrested Rufus Clark, 60, of Cumberland MD. Clark was arrested on an active Arrest Warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court on July 10th, 2023. The warrant was in reference to an incident that occurred on July 3rd in the 300 block of Oldtown Rd. During that incident, it is alleged that Clark had been involved in an altercation with another subject and assaulted them with his vehicle. Clark was taken before a District Court Commissioner for his Initial Appearance where he was released on his own personal recognizance.   Arrested:…

On Tuesday, July 11th, 2023, The Cumberland City Police arrested Jeremia Scott Abe, 32, of Cumberland MD. Abe was arrested on fugitive charges when it was discovered he had an active warrant for his arrest in Mineral County WV. The original warrant was for the charges of breaking and entering, forgery, conspiracy, firearms possession, and deadly weapon for sale or hire. Abe was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an Initial Appearance where he was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. He is currently being held without bond and is awaiting extradition to WV. Arrested: Jeremia Scott Abe     …