Maryland’s new plan for climate-action shows some hefty goals for the state.  In 2022, the state legislature passed the Climate Solutions Now Act, calling for Maryland to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2031 and for the Maryland economy to reach net-zero emissions by 2045. Key parts of the plan involve shuttering coal-fired power plants, electrifying school and transit buses, and increasing solar and wind power. The plan calls for nearly $1 billion a year in new state spending but State Secretary of the Environment Serina McIlwain knows it’s a reach with current budget issues…   

Melinda Kelleher is looking to a future beyond construction in downtown Cumberland. The Executive Director of the Downtown Development Commission says work is progressing on schedule and visitors are starting to see the reimagined area take shape…    

WCBC’s 2023 Person of the Year, Michael Mudge, has been active in many community and church endeavors through the years.  While his current project involves Abortion Free Allegany, he was also a committee chair for the recent Unite on The Rock event in September, where he had to recruit and train counselors for the event…    

On Saturday, December 30, 2023 at approximately 8:40 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the first block of E. Elder Street for the report of an assault.  Police contacted the alleged victim who explained that she was assaulted at a residence in the 900 block of Virginia Avenue.  The victim reported that Kaitlyn Bucklin slapped her in the face and scratched her legs.  Officers observed injuries to the victim that were consistent with her statement.  Police located Bucklin at the residence on Virginia Avenue and placed her under arrest.  Bucklin was transported to Central Booking at the…

On Saturday, December 30, 2023, Deputies of the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office were requested to respond to a residence in the Corriganville area for a male suffering from a gunshot wound. Upon arrival Deputies were assisted by the Maryland State Police.  During the course of the investigation it was learned that the suspect(s) had fled the area in an unknown vehicle. The victim was treated on scene and refused to be transported for further care. This was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public. This case remains under investigation by the C3I Unit.  

The news department and management of WCBC Radio have selected the top news story for 2023 and it is the opening of the abortion clinic on Route 220 in Rawlings.  Protests have taken place and opposition grooups have formed as the clinic opened last summer.  Director Katie Quinonez said the clinic was located here to serve the "abortion desert" of Western Maryland.

The Maryland Transportation Authority says the eastbound span will be closed for maintenance work Tuesday from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. Wednesday.  The same work will take place on January 5 and 6,

The first meeting of 2024 for the Cumberland Mayor and City Council will take place January 2 at 6:15 in council chambers.  Presentations will be made to Fort Hill's 1A state football champions, as well at the United Flag Football team from Fort Hill.

TRANSIT REMINDER: Buses,and Vans are not running on Monday, January 1st or Tuesday, January 2nd. Resume on Wednesday January 3.

On December 29, 2023, Officers of the Cumberland Police Department were on patrol when they observed Jeremy Yetter. Yetter was sitting on the porch of an Arch Street residence. Based on previous encounters with Yetter and the property owner, Officers had knowledge that Yetter was evicted from that location. Officers were called to that location numerous times in the past by the Property owner. The property owner advised that Yetter was told numerous times he was not permitted on the property. Yetter was transported to Police Headquarters and later released with a criminal citation. Arrest: Jeremy A. Yetter, age 38,…