The Maryland State Fire Marshal is requesting the public’s help for information about a dumpster fire.  Cumberland City Fire responded to West Oldtown Road and Gay Street at 5:30pm on February 14 for a trash fire. The fire was quickly put down but it was determined the cause was some kind of incendiary. Anyone with information is asked to call the State Fire Marshal’s office at 301-766-3888.

President’s Day means a long weekend for some, and that means some extra time to check your tires.  AAA Mid-Atlantic is reminding drivers that worn tires can increase stopping distance by 43% – that’s an additional 87 feet on wet roads, compared to new tires. Since it’s President’s Day, let George Washington help you. Slip an upside-down quarter between tire grooves – if you can see all of George’s head, it’s time to shop for new tires.

On February 15th, 2024 at approximately 4:05 am officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 300 block of Baltimore Avenue for a reported assault. Upon officer’s arrival they spoke with Jennifer Brooks, who advised that she had assaulted the victim of this incident, and that the victim had fled the area. Officers were able to locate the victim who advised that Brooks had struck them in the face with a closed fist. Officers observed evidence of the assault and Brooks was placed under arrest. She was taken before a District Court Commissioner where she was released on her…

On February 15th, 2024 at approximately 4:33 pm an officer of the Cumberland Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of York Place. The officer contacted the operator of the vehicle, Jessica Schultz, and observed criminal indicators. A k-9 was requested and positive alert was indicated. During a subsequent search a quantity of a controlled dangerous substance was located. Schultz was placed under arrest and later taken before a District Court Commissioner where she was released on her own recognizance. Arrest: Jessica Noel Schultz, age 29, Cumberland Maryland. Charge: Possession not Cannabis

On Thursday February 15th, 2024, officers of the Cumberland Police Department served an Arrest Warrant on Matthew Bradshaw. The Arrest Warrant was issued by the District Court when a citizen filed an application for charges against him. Bradshaw was taken before a District Court Commissioner where he was released on a $10,000 unsecured personal bond. Arrest: Matthew James Bradshaw, age 27, Cumberland Maryland. Charges: Assault First Degree, Assault Second Degree, False Imprisonment. Arrest Warrants Served On Thursday February 15th, 2024, officers of the Cumberland Police Department served two Arrest Warrants on Christopher Platter. One Arrest Warrant was issued by the…

Maryland families who had SNAP benefits stolen may now be able to recover more of that money.  Originally a federal program allowed reimbursement for funds stolen through the end of September 2022.  Now Maryland is expanding that window and wo;; restore cash and SNAP benefits not covered by the federal program and stolen after October 1, 2022.  Those who were originally denied may be able to receive reimbursement under the new program. More information is available at dhs.maryland.gov.

Governor Wes Moore’s job approval rating has only dipped two points since September of 2023.  The latest Gonzales Research poll shows the governor has a 58% approval rating statewide with 74% coming from fellow Democrats.  That support level may see change downward if the state’s fiscal picture doesn’t get better.  Another question in the poll asked voters whether they would support a sales tax increase to 7% to pay for transportation projects – 60% said they would oppose that move, 48% saying they would “strongly” oppose it.

The American Climate Corps was created by President Joe Biden to hire and train 20,000 people in conservation, climate and clean-energy jobs. Groups in Appalachia say the program could potentially steer a significant number of young people in the region into well-paying jobs. Mark Swiger of the West Virginia University Extension Service says the Climate Corps specifically looks to invest in rural community development…    

Testimony was heard Thursday in Annapolis by the House Ways and Means Committee on House Bill 787 –  establishing the Allegany Regional Recreational Economic Development Authority to support the development of regional recreation facilities to benefit residents and economic development in Allegany County. Bill Co-Sponsor Delegate Jason Buckel gave the reasoning behind wanting the Authority created…    

One of the four Cumberland City Council candidates recently spoke with WCBC about his decision to run for office. Brian Lepley is a retired Cumberland Police officer and lifelong city resident.  He said he is a huge supporter of the River Park project and downtown Cumberland’s development.  Lepley shared his reasoning on why people should select him for City Council…