Active forces and military veterans are often overlooked when it comes to suicide prevention. Recently, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks highlighted some of the ways the Department of Defense is stepping up suicide prevention efforts…

Repairs are completed to the trestle bridge connecting the Great Allegheny Passage to the C&O Canal towpath.  The bridge had been closed and a detour in place while needed repairs including re-decking and painting were completed by Hanada Contracting.  Walkers and bikers can once again use the bridge for access to the towpath or GAP trail.

Cumberland Police report Eastbound Interstate 68 in the area of the Maryland Avenue exit will be reduced to one lane for accident reconstruction. 

On 09/12/2023 at approximately 9:00 PM the Cumberland City Police were dispatched to the 300 block of Pennsylvania Ave for an assault in progress. Upon arrival there were no active assaults. Officers spoke to witnesses who provided video footage of the assault. Officers then contacted Thomas Lancaster 4th and Timothy Holtschneider. Officers observed visible injuries on both parties. They were arrested and transported to the Allegany County Detention Center. During a search incident to arrest a suspected Clonazepam pill was located on Lancaster. Holtschneider was seen by a District Court Commissioner and released on his own recognizance. Lancaster was seen by…

On 09/06/2023 at approximately 7:00PM the Cumberland City Police were dispatched to the 300 block of Arch Street for a disturbance. Upon arrival Officers contacted the complainant who advised they observed a female yelling in the roadway and throw a bottle of alcohol on the ground. The complainant was able to point out the suspect to the officers. Officers located Megan Pettit and she started to have a medical emergency. The Cumberland Fire Department arrived on scene and rendered aid. A short time later Cumberland Police were called to assist the Cumberland Fire Department. Officers learned that Pettit had assaulted…

Dr. Jeff Graham, Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at Frostburg State University, was the 2023 recipient of the President’s Distinguished Staff Award, recognizing a staff member who has provided exceptional service to the University and has helped to advance its mission, goals and priorities.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, Graham was instrumental in leading efforts to keep faculty, staff, and students safe as part of the response and recovery team. Students rely on him to answer questions about health, prevention or veterans services and career and professional development. Graham is a member of the National Association of Student Personnel…

September is Suicide Prevention Month and an often overlooked part of the population is the military. Recently, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks shared some of the ways the Department of Defense is stepping up suicide prevention efforts among military ranks… Hicks also promoted the national Lifeline phone number for crisis intervention that can be used by military service members, veterans, and their families…

The Garrett County Commissioners have announced the appointment of Samuel Grant as the new Director of Emergency Management. Grant brings a wealth of experience and a diverse background in emergency services, disaster preparedness, and executive fire leadership to this position. For the last 3 years, he has been part of the Caroline County Department of Emergency Services in Maryland. Prior to his time in Caroline County, Grant spent over 10 years in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he worked in progressive leadership and emergency management roles. He holds a Master of Science degree in in Leadership with Emphasis in Disaster Preparedness…

The American Red Cross national blood supply has fallen to critically low levels—dropping nearly 25% – since early August. Back-to-back months of worsening climate-driven disasters have further strained the blood supply.  The shortage is potentially threatening the medical care of patients with an emergency need for blood, or those living with critical conditions such as cancer and sickle cell disease and who depend on lifesaving blood transfusions.  Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, and there is an emergency need for platelet donors and type O blood. To make an appointment to give blood or platelets, donors can use…

This past weekend’s Heritage Days was declared a success by all parties and Allegany County Historical Society President Dave Williams took time to talk with WCBC’s Ella Holly about the event. Williams said the committee worked to discover what made the festivals of previous years so popular…   Williams also encouraged listeners who would like to get involved to contact the historical society…