Delegate Nino Mangione (R-District 42A) today filed the Taxpayer Disclosure and Protection Act designed to provide Maryland taxpayers with full disclosure on any vote to raise taxes or increase fees. The legislation carried 12 Co-Sponsors. “I am and remain greatly concerned about the Maryland budget situation and on-going spending in the Maryland legislature. We have been advised that we are facing at least a $761 million dollar deficit, and we have other obligations running into the billions for big ticket items such as Kirwan and climate change. I feel like we are constantly looking for opportunities to spend taxpayer monies…

On Wednesday, January 17th, 2024, The Cumberland City Police served a Criminal Summons on Jordan Marshall Shook, 37, Cumberland MD. The summons was in reference to an incident that occurred on January 16th, where it is alleged Shook stole items from a Queen City Drive business. He was served the summons and released, pending trial in District Court. Arrested: Jordan Marshall Shook             Age: 37 Charges:  Theft less than $100 On Wednesday, January 17th, 2024, The Cumberland City Police served a Criminal Summons on Justin Tyler Braithwaite, 35, Cumberland MD. The summons was in reference to an incident that occurred on November…

On Wednesday, January 17th, 2024, the Cumberland City Police arrested Rachael Nicole Dolly, 35, of Cumberland MD. Dolly was arrested on an active Bench Warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court on January 16th, 2024. The warrant alleged Dolly failed to comply with an order of the court that stemmed from a previous destruction of property charge. She was taken before a District Court Commissioner for her Initial Appearance where she was released on her own recognizance. Arrested: Rachael Nicole Dolly        Age: 35 Charges: Bench Warrant – Failure to Comply On Wednesday, January 17th, 2024, the Cumberland City Police…

Two Cumberland residents were arrested in Frederick on Sunday after a routine traffic stop turned into a major drug bust. Based on certain factors gained during the stop, The Frederick county sherriff’s deputy requested K-9 support and a positive alert was made on the vehicle. A systematic search of the vehicle found: – 1,117.5 grams of suspected cocaine – 10 grams of suspected crack cocaine – 4 crack pipes The estimated street value of the narcotics equals $161,000. Deputies arrested Joshua Ian Cline, age 47, and Gennifer Mae Frost, age 39, both of Cumberland, Maryland.  Cline has an additional charge…

Governor Wes Moore provided a one-two punch this week by restoring $150 million to the state’s transportation budget from the general fund that had anticipated cuts of over $3 billion, providing a bit of relief to those communities that depend on funding such as Highway User Revenue and local transit system operating grants.  On Wednesday, he also presented his FY 2025 Budget of $631 billion dollars saying there are four targeted investments and strategic choices to make the state better…    

Tuesday evening’s City Council meeting included the approval of a bid from Walter Yoder and Sons for a new heating and cooling system for City Hall.  The price tag for the new system comes in at just under $2.2 million.  Mayor Ray Morriss admitted the price was a bit of a shock, but the project is important in the long-term maintenance of the building…    

The annual PACE Reception takes place this evening at the Westin Annapolis Hotel. State lawmakers, agency heads, as well as a host of business owners, organizations, and other stakeholders from Allegany and Garrett counties will be present to make sure the Western Maryland region is heard and remembered in Annapolis.  State Comptroller Brooke Lierman is expected to attend Thursday’s reception and Governor Wes Moore is confirmed to attend the PACE Breakfast on Friday morning.  WCBC will bring live coverage of both events, beginning Thursday at 5pm.

WCBC’s Dave Norman is conducting a matching fundraiser for the purchase of one or more sonogram machines for First Way Pregnancy Center.  The effort is in response to Ryan and Jamie Sawyers social media post concerning WCBC’s choice for Person of the Year. The Sawyers’ are raising money to support the Women’s Health Center in Rawlings that provides abortion services.  Norman is requesting donations from the public that he will match up to $10,000 to purchase sonogram machines to enable those who are pregnant to see their baby before deciding whether to abort it. Mail donations to WCBC, PO Box…

The Allegany County Board of Education received an update on the State Board of Education’s recently released Maryland Report Card. The Report Card shows star ratings for schools from one star to five stars, with schools earning a five or a four among the top in performance across Maryland. The star rating is based on a complicated set of data marks assigned through the state accountability system. Trina Simpson, Director of Assessments and Accountability, said that all schools showed improvement in recovering from the covid pandemic and shared how the schools in Allegany County came through in the ratings…  …

 Moore-Miller campaign is announcing an impressive $4 million raise by Governor Wes Moore and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller across Wes Moore for Maryland, Friends of Aruna Miller, and the Maryland Democratic Party. “Our movement would not be possible without our grassroots supporters,” said Governor Moore. “From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everyone who continues to support our mission to leave no one behind. From a historic service year option to supporting our veterans and more, this first year of the Moore-Miller Administration has been one of incredible progress and partnership with leaders across the state of…