Business and property owners in the downtown Cumberland area can have a specialized visit from the Cumberland Police Department to do a crime-prevention checkup.  Police officers are providing a program called Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design that will assist shopkeepers and building owners with actions they can take to deter criminal activity.  Police Captain James Burt explains the visits…

West Virginia’s firearms deer season is in full swing through December 3. Because of the size of the deer herd this year, the state is allowing two deer to be harvested in the same day as long as only one is an antlered buck. Governor Jim Justice encourages hunters to get out and enjoy the season but to take appropriate cautions while out in the woods…

Arthur "Gerald" Arthur of Cumberland passed away on Nov. 21, 2023, at the age 88. Born on May 29th, 1935, in Cumberland, he was the son of the late Arthur G. Arthur and Bessie (Brown) Arthur. He was also preceded in death by his sibling, Irvin Arthur. A graduate of Fort Hill High School. He also earned a degree in Engineering Science from Johns Hopkins University. He was a Registered Professional Engineer. Early in his career, served as acting City Engineer for the City of Frostburg, followed by Field Engineer for Allegany County Sanitary District, and also worked under the…

On Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023, The Cumberland City Police arrested Araya Maureen Plauger, 30, of Ridgeley WV. Plauger was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court. The warrant alleges that Plauger failed to appear in court on November 14th and also violated the terms and conditions of her probation. Plauger was taken before a District Court Commissioner for her Initial Appearance where she was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. She is currently being held on $2500 bond. Arrested: Araya Maureen Plauger           Age: 30 Charges: Bench Warrant – Violation of Probation ***Adult Arrest***…

In the waning moments of the 2023 General Assembly session, legislation was passed making it illegal to stop and search a vehicle due to the smell of cannabis.  The Joint Republican Caucus is hoping to eliminate that provision in the next session through the Drug-Free Roadways Act of 2024.  House Minority Whip Jesse Pippy says the current provision is dangerous… Pippy cited the increase in accidents in Canada since the legalization of cannabis there in 2018…

Shop Small Saturday takes place this weekend, kicking off the holiday shopping season for small businesses.  The Maryland Retailers Alliance is cautiously optimistic about this year’s retail spending, predicting an increase of 3 to 4%.  Gift cards, clothing, accessories, and books lead the shopping lists of gift buyers for the holiday season.  Locally, Downtown Cumberland is planning an eventful Shop Small Saturday with treats at stores, contests, and visits with Santa Claus.  Downtown Development Commission Director Melinda Kelleher says Saturday is one of the most critical days to downtown businesses…    

The weather is turning colder, but the plans for Cumberland’s Skatepark are warming up.  Jeff Silka, Cumberland City Administrator, was able to give an update recently to the Mayor and City Council about the plans for the park, following up on a field trip council members had taken to see a similar location in Hagerstown…

Congressman David Trone has introduced the Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act.  The act would bring subject matter experts, researchers, and other stakeholders together, unifying efforts to increase social connections. Trone said the Act will address and treat the impact  of loneliness on mental and physical health. Earlier this year, the Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared loneliness a public health epidemic in the country, saying it has more than mental side effects…

Officials from the City of Cumberland have met with the developer of the Rolling Mill project.  The developer, Kline-Scott-Visco from Frederick has made little progress other than an unfinished shell building and some landscaping.  Mayor Ray Morriss says there is still interest on the developer’s part… However, the City is now in a 30-day waiting period for a final decision and the Mayor tells WCBC that using eminent domain with the developer and/or the property hold-outs in the area is possible…

David Trone leaving his District 6 Congressional seat to run for Ben Cardin’s Senate position has invited a large field of candidates.  Mariela Roca is a Republican candidate from Frederick who served in the Air Force in Afghanistan, and has worked at Fort Detrick.  Issues she is concentrating on in her campaign include school choice, second amendment rights, and lowering the cost of prescription drugs.  She explained to WCBC why she chose to run for office…