Early afternoon on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, flash flooding occurred throughout Allegany County. Water levels rose very quickly throughout the county. Areas such as Westernport and George’s Creek were impacted more than others, rapidly making Westernport Elementary School, Westmar Middle School and George’s Creek Elementary School inaccessible. Emergency Services of Allegany County deemed transportation of students from schools unsafe and advised all students and staff remain in place. Emergency Services took over operations at all three schools. Water levels at Westernport Elementary School rose, covering Church Street and flooding the first floor of the three-story building. Students and staff were…

Maryland lost its triple-A bond rating from Moody's on Wednesday, a rating the state has cited for more than 50 years as a sign of strong fiscal stewardship. Moody’s downgraded the state’s credit rating to Aa1. Maryland had received a triple-A bond rating from Moody’s since 1973. The state has benefitted from the higher rating by paying the lowest rates when it sells bonds to pay for infrastructure, likes roads and schools.

The City of Cumberland Engineering Department, on behalf of Carl Belt Inc., would like to notify the public that the Marion St Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Thursday, May 15th, through Friday, May 30th. This is in order to perform important concrete repairs. Signage will be in place to detour vehicles during the temporary closing. Pedestrian traffic on the bridge will remain open at this time. The Engineering Department will issue further notification when closures are scheduled and when traffic patterns change.

Due to the devastating impact of recent floodwaters, the Gene Mason Sports Complex as well as Jaycee Field will be closed until further notice. This includes any league play or practices. At this time both facilities are off limits to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. This closure will allow city staff the necessary time to fully assess the extent of the damage and determine the cleanup and restoration efforts required to ensure the safety of all visitors. 

The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Maryland…West Virginia…Virginia… North Branch Potomac River Near Cumberland affecting Allegany, Mineral and Hampshire Counties. Potomac River at Harpers Ferry affecting Washington and Jefferson Counties. Shenandoah River at Millville affecting Jefferson, Warren and Clarke Counties. Rapidan River Near Culpeper affecting Culpeper, Orange and Spotsylvania Counties. Opequon Creek near Martinsburg affecting Berkeley and Jefferson Counties. Cacapon River near Great Cacapon affecting Morgan County. Rappahannock River at Fredericksburg affecting Spotsylvania, City of Fredericksburg and Stafford independent cities. The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in West Virginia…Maryland…Virginia… South Branch Potomac River near…

On Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department arrested Shawn Erin Lockett, 38, of Keyser, WV. Lockett was arrested on an active Arrest Warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court on April 28th, 2025. On that date, the victim submitted an Application for Statement of Charges to the District Court, alleging Locket engaged in multiple criminal acts against them. Lockett 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. ARRESTED -  Shawn Erin Lockett,    B/M 38yo CHARGES –…

Visitors to Maryland State Parks this year have a chance to win prizes including a year-long admission pass and camping experiences by completing 25 parks-related challenges. The challenge encourages visitors to find and photograph scenic and historic features in several state parks. Visitors can register for the challenge at www.shopdnr.com. Anyone can participate, registration is only required to enter the prize drawing.

Mineral County has named its citizen of the year. Frances Jones won the award in recognition of her work with the Loving Hands Outreach Center. This faith-based center provides a wide range of services including assistance with food, clothing, and addiction recovery. Ms. Jones has also been recognized by the West Virginia House of Delegates. She is a member of the Potomac Valley Hospital Board and she has chaired National Day of Prayer services in Keyser.

The Allegany County Chamber of Commerce will be accepting donations of water, either bottled or jugs, that they will be delivering to the Georges Creek area. Donations will be accepted until 5pm today.  You can also donate cash through the Chamber's Venmo account:  @alcochamber21502

The high waters flash flood that came against the western part of Allegany County yesterday trapped students in Georges Creek and Westernport Elementary schools as well as Westmar Middle School. All students and personnel were rescued by first responders by late Tuesday night.  County School Superintendent Jeff Blank spoke to WCBC said they’ll know more about damage once the water goes down…