With the anticipation of extremely cold temperatures over the next few weeks, the City of Cumberland Water Department recommends that citizens and business owners consider leaving a small trickle of water running in a sink to avoid water line freezing. Though not a requirement of home and building owners, most frozen water lines occur on service lines in and around residential homes and commercial buildings and are the responsibility of the property owner or occupant. Though optional, leaving a small trickle run may avoid costly damage from busted pipes and the need to thaw out water lines.  Residents and business owners…

Senator Mike McKay is back in Annapolis for the 2024 General Assembly session. This year, the Senator is planning 26 bills to introduce, twice the number from last year.  One of the bills is legislation for Nurses, addressing the statewide shortage in the healthcare arena… McKay also told WCBC that coming to Allegany County in the summer will be a large medical training camp that will benefit the area…    

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. In West Virginia, the “YOU CAN” initiative aims to help residents learn the signs of trafficking and report suspicious behavior.  Human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery where victims are forced to engage in labor services or commercial sex acts.  West Virginia Assistant State’s Attorney Andrew Cogar says young girls are particularly at risk and parents should be aware…    

Representatives David Trone and Jamie Raskin have reintroduced the Continuity in Necessary Evaluative Crisis Treatment or CONNECT ACT to connect individuals experiencing a mental health crisis with follow-up services. Inspired by successful efforts in Maryland to engage in follow-up services, the CONNECT Act authorizes $30 million to create a new grant program through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to support follow up for mental health crises. Since its July 2022 launch, the 988 Crisis Line has received over 7.5 million calls, texts, and chats. Nearly 80% of follow-up clients report intervention prevented them from attempting suicide and…

The early bird gets the worm is not a saying lost on the committee that runs the Mountain Maryland PACE Reception.  While most people are familiar with the annual Thursday evening reception for legislators in Annapolis, they are not aware of all the work and meetings that happen in the run-up to the reception.  Jeremy Irons who is the co-chair for the event, tells WCBC that the PACE Reception is early in the session for a reason… Being one of the first receptions, PACE puts the region’s needs upfront with lawmakers…    

Pennsylvania residents who have not signed up for healthcare for 2024 still have a chance to find coverage. Pennie, the state’s healthcare program, had an original deadline set for 2024 coverage plans as January 15, but since that date falls on Martin Luther King Day, the state has now been extended enrollment until January 19.  State Senator Sharif Street said the plans within Pennie are affordable by everyone…    

The 446th session of the Maryland General Assembly officially got underway on Wednesday in Annapolis.  The first day of the session is mainly housekeeping with reappointments of leaders in the Senate and House chambers. Senate President Bill Ferguson took time to address his fellow senators, charging them with their main duties and focus for the session…    

On January 10th, Officers from the Cumberland Police Department (CPD) located Shannon Lee Hewlin in the 700 block of Baker Street. Shannon was known to Officers to have two (2) separate warrants for her arrest. Upon contacting Shannon, she gave a false name in order to avoid prosecution of her warrants. This caused additional charges by her own fault. Shannon Lee Hewlin was served the warrant(s) and the addition charges. Shannon Lee Hewlin was taken to Allegany County Detention Center to await her hearing. Arrest: Shannon Lee Hewlin, age 40, Cumberland MD Charges:  Bench Warrant – The Original Charge is Attempt…

On January 10th, Officers from the Cumberland Police Department (CPD) served an Arrest Warrant on Hope Ann Schell. The warrant stems from an incident on Springdale Street where Hope used a common household tool to assault the victim. Hope Ann Schell was served the warrant and taken to Allegany County Detention Center to await her hearing. Arrest: Hope Ann Schell, age 28, Cumberland MD Charges:  Assault First degree, Assault Second Degree, Reckless Endangerment and Dangerous Weapon-Intent to Injure.

On January 10th, Officers from the Cumberland Police Department (CPD) were dispatched to the area of Fourth Street and Grand Ave for a check on well-being. Upon arrival the Officers made contact with Brett Michaels Andrew Will Bonner who was intoxicated and became aggressive towards Officers. After speaking with Brett, he continued to try and instigate a fight and attacked one of the Officers. Brett was placed under arrest and taken to Allegany County Detention Center to await his hearing. No Officers were injured. Arrest: Brett Michaels Andrew Will Bonner, age 27, Cumberland MD Charges: Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest, Assault…