Thomas R. Marsh, local businessman and community activist, died Wednesday, November 22.  Marsh became the leading spokesman for preserving Bruce High School in Westernport in the mid 1980s when the Allegany County Board of Education consolidated Bruce into Valley High School, later Westmar High School.  Marsh, a 1963 graduate, was a fierce advocate for keeping Bruce open.  Marsh spearheaded political campaigns for himself and others dedicated to "community schools" as high schools would eventually also close in Mt. Savage, Flintstone, Oldtown, and even Lonaconing. Marsh operated several businesses, including the Chat-N-Chew Restaurant, Marsh Kitchens and Building, the Laundry Basket, and…

A Construction Christmas on Baltimore Street continues Saturday.  WCBC news caught up with Allegany County commissioner Bill Atkinson who coordinated this year's event with Triton Construction and the City of Cumberland. During shop small Saturday little ones can have their pictures taken with incredibly large construction equipment. Even big kids like Cumberland Mayor, Ray Morris got in on the action. Saturday night Christmas lights will be strung up for the holiday season. 

Holiday cheers at Friday nights Cumberland Christmas tree lighting event at Canal Place Plaza counting down the seconds to the tree lighting. The Koelker family donated the spectacular holiday tree this year. Cumberland Mayor Ray Morris addressed the crowd and city councilman, Eugene Frazier read the holiday poem. Following the tree lighting Santa Claus made an appearance, Cumberland Fire Department escorted Mr. and Mrs. Claus to a crowd of Christmas carolers young and old. You can find a video of Friday night's Christmas tree lighting on our Facebook page if you missed the event. Following the lighting of the Cumberland Christmas…

On Friday, November 24, 2023 at approximately 9:21 AM, an officer of the Cumberland Police Department was patrolling the business plaza on Queen City Drive when he observed Damian Seltzer walking on the property.  The officer had prior knowledge that Seltzer was barred from the property. The officer lost sight of him and began searching the area.  Police were then dispatched to the same area for a male subject exposing himself to the public.  It was determined that Seltzer was the subject exposing himself.  Seltzer was located and arrested.  He was then transported to Central Booking.  He was later seen…

On Friday, November 24, 2023 at approximately 2:56 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a business on Queen City Drive for a shoplifter.  Police contacted an employee who reported that the suspect stole merchandise from the store.  Officers located the suspect and identified him as Ollie Howell.  After further investigation, Howell was placed under arrest and transported him to police headquarters.  Howell was issued a criminal citation and released pending trial. ARRESTED:  Ollie William Howell                AGE: 48                Cumberland, MD        CHARGES:  Theft less than $100

On Friday, November 24, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Cory Sisk.  The warrant was issued as the result of Sisk violating probation.  He was originally charged with Assault-2nd Degree.  Sisk was arrested and later seen by a District Court Commissioner for a bond hearing.  Sisk was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center on a $500 bond. ARRESTED:  Cory Alex Sisk             AGE:  31               Cresaptown, MD  

During your Small Business Saturday escapades, please join the merchants of North Centre Street as we launch our holiday season with the lighting of our various trees and decorations at 5PM. Be sure to check out the North Centre Street Potted Christmas Tree, graciously provided by Nature Art and decorated by local artist Annie Kilcoyne. Make plans now to hang out for the day in downtown Cumberland or pop by while you are out and about.

A new event is coming to the area for the holiday season – a Winter Market.  The event was initially conceived by DeDe Richie of the Canal Place Preservation Authority and Melinda Kelleher of the Downtown Development Commission.  The Winter Market will take place on the first two Saturdays of December on the Canal Place Plaza, starting at 5pm and feature over 20 vendors.  Kelleher says it is a great family event… The Winter Market will transform the Canal Place Plaza with twinkle lights, music, and the ways to celebrate the season…

Maryland’s Public Service Commission has opened a new proceeding to explore ways that could provide relief to utility customers on a limited income.  The commission is seeking ideas and suggestions on what mechanisms relief could entail from customers, advocates, elected officials and social justice organizations.  PSC Chair Frederick Hoover said in a release that energy affordability is a priority of the Commission and the comments received will lead to solutions for Maryland families. Comments can be filed on the PSC website at www.psc.state.md.us

Governor Josh Shapiro continued the tradition of Pennsylvania governors by attending and speaking at the Pennsylvania Press Club November luncheon in Harrisburg.  The state’s governors attends the luncheon and give a review of their first year in office.  Governor Shapiro spoke about the importance of the press holding elected officials accountable…