The competition between Maryland and Virginia over the new FBI headquarters picked up over the last week as both sides made what’s believed to be their final pitches to leaders from the GSA and FBI. Now, one side is asking President Joe Biden to get involved. The day after their meeting, leaders from Maryland sent a three-page letter to the president asking him to also reiterate to GSA and FBI leaders what he expects out of the process, and made a public statement about racial equity that had been whispered in frustration for months. The letter begins by citing a pair of executive…

Frostburg State University’s second annual Bobcat Giving Day, an online 24-hour fundraising campaign, broke last year’s totals by raising more dollars and donors.  Organizers of this year’s campaign, held on March 1 and 2, set a goal of engaging 1,250 donors to celebrate FSU’s 125th anniversary in 2023. They surpassed that by 169 percent with a final total of 2,122 donors. Overall funds raised during the 24-hour period amounted to $167,969, nearly $23,000 more than last year.  “The challenges of running a campaign for only 24 hours is that anything can happen in that one day,” said Stephanie Loar, FSU…

The Maryland House voted Friday to enshrine the right to abortion in the state Constitution, one of several steps lawmakers are taking this legislative session to protect abortion rights after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year. The House voted 99-37 for the constitutional amendment, which also is advancing in the state Senate. If the measure passes the General Assembly, voters would have a chance to approve it in November 2024. “There’s nothing more important than ensuring that Marylanders’ personal rights and freedoms are protected and extended equally," House Speaker Adrienne Jones, a Democrat who is sponsoring the…

Allegany County Emergency Services reports a vehicle accident at Mile Marker 53 West Bound Interstate 68. 

Allegany County Emergency Service reports a vehicle accident at Oldtown Road near Green Rdige Road.

On Thursday, March 9, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Johnna Buckley.  The warrant was issued as the result of Buckley failing to comply with a court order.  Buckley was originally charged with Assault-2nd Degree and Reckless Endangerment.   She was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  Buckley was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center on a $5,000 bond. ARRESTED:  Johnna Maxine Buckley     AGE:  32       Cumberland, MD   On Thursday, March 9, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on James Feagin.  The warrant was issued…

During the recent town hall meeting on the upcoming construction and redesign of Baltimore Street and the downtown mall some of the questions centered on how parking would be addressed- with one person suggesting free parking be allowed.  The issue was raised again during Thursday’s regular monthly meeting of the Downtown Cumberland Development Commission by vice-chair Larry Jackson. He suggested free parking during construction would provide incentive for people to shop downtown even when it will be challenging to navigate the downtown shopping area… Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss disagreed, noting that not only would the city lose the revenue stream from…

Delegate Jason Buckel tells WCBC News that the announcement this week that the Hunter Douglas Cumberland plant is closing is unfortunately further reflection on a lack of planning and urgency on the part of local officials in the area of ecomomic development. Buckel says in many ways the county is not adequately prepared for the high tech 21st century business model- focusing instead on tourism, lite manufacturing and small business. He said he finds it disconcerting when he hears local officials lament losing major employers like Hunter Douglas or Verso without ever having reached out for assistance… He says while…

The city of Cumberland has engaged the Lakota Group to assist in developing a historic preservation strategic plan. The Chicago based firm has completed projects in more than 300 towns and cities across the nation, gaining recognition for its work in planning. Landscape architecture and historic preservation. City Councilwoman Laurie Marchini says the group has been retained to assess Cumberland’s historic preservation review process, collect information and seek community input…

All Allegany County Public Schools will be CLOSED, Friday, March 10, 2023 due to the forecast of inclement weather. Synchronous learning will take place for students via the Schoology platform with login hours at 8:30 am for elementary and 8:00 am for middle and high.  As always, students without access to connectivity will be given up to two days to submit assignments. Additionally, all staff may work remotely Friday, March 10, 2023, with the exception of essential personnel. Calvary Christian Academy is closed tomorrow, Friday, March 10, 2023.  Daycare is available at the Early Learning Center Bishop Walsh School will…