West Virginia’s EMS initiative has paid dividends in the last year.  In the past 12 months, the West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services has reported a significant increase in EMS providers.  In December of 2021, Governor Jim Justice announced that the state would allocate $10 million of its CARE Act dollars to grow and develop the EMS workforce through education and training opportunities.  This past week, the governor announced progress in the number of providers… The program to recruit and train providers was built around the theme, “Answer the Call.”  

Bomb technicians conducted a controlled detonation on explosives unearthed during a construction project in Hagerstown recently.  Construction workers were moving dirt and rock for a stormwater retention pond behind Sam's Club when they saw a suspicious item. Emergency responders observed the item and requested the bomb squad.  After a short investigation, the bomb squad determined that onsite emergency disposal was needed and detonated the ordinance.  This is the second time since July that the work site has had explosives discovered – most likely from old construction work that was not properly cleaned up. State fire marshals are investigating the history…

The University of Maryland is requiring students testing positive for Covid to isolate off campus for at least five days and may return on day 6 if a rapid test is negative. The student will have to continue to mask for an additional five days upon return and eat alone.  WCBC checked with local college campuses and currently none have such a policy in place – masking is optional at Frostburg State University and Allegany College – though they do encourage students and staff to get vaccinated.  An individual elementary school in Montgomery County recently required masks for teachers and…

The City of Cumberland Fire Department is anticipating the arrival of some new equipment later in the year, including new ambulances and other apparatus.  Deputy Chief Steve Grogg addressed the Mayor and City Council at their work session recently and shared that the new Pierce Saber Rescue Truck will be here in October and it is an addition to the City’s fleet that will greatly enhance their abilities… The City will also be taking delivery of a new pumper truck in October and received go-ahead to order an additional truck that will replace current equipment that is over 5 years past…

On Monday, September 11, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., water service will be interrupted on Greene Street for a valve and hydrant replacement. The area affected includes Greene Street from Fayette Street to Brooke Avenue. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience while the crew completes their work.

Dr. Michael L. Monahan, Chair of the Department of Management, was awarded the President's Distinguished Faculty Award.  The award was presented by President Dr. Ronald Nowaczyk at the State of the University event last week.  Dr. Monahan has a long career in private business, city management, and academia.  He serves as the Faculty Athletic Representative for Frostburg State with the Mountain East Conference.

Heritage Days in Cumberland begins today. WCBC news spoke with Dave Williams, President of the Allegany Historic Society about today's events including music performances, Cumberland Historic Jeopardy, living museums, walking tours and over 70 craft and food vendors arriving for the event today and tomorrow… https://heritagedaysfestival.com/heritage-days-schedule-2023/ SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th OPEN  11 AM – 5 PM Wills Creek Muster at Emmanuel Emmanuel Episcopal Church 18th Century Church Service 9 AM Maryland Forces Demonstrations 11 AM Emmanuel Church Tours Charlotte Browne, Ft. Cumberland Nurse 1 PM General Daniel Morgan 2 PM Main Stage Ellen McDaniel-Weissler English Country Dancing Instruction 11 AM  Michael Biggs w/ Ken Nolan 12 PM Briana…

On Saturday, 09/09/2023, at approximately 1:30 PM, the Frostburg City Police received several calls from independent citizens about a female on East Main Street who was yelling for help. When officers responded they found a 53 year old female who reported that she had been grabbed by an unknown male suspect who forced her to another location, in an attempt to, she believe, sexually assault her. At approximately 2:45 PM, the Frostburg Police received another call from a citizen who stated that her 8 year old daughter was missing from the Meshach Village area. Video of the last location the…

On September 9, 2023, Officers of the Cumberland Police Department were dispatched to a local business for a report of shoplifting. Upon arrival Officers made contact with the stores security who advised that a subject was about to steal several items. The stores security advised that the subject has done this on two separate occasions. Officers then observed the subject at the self-checkout register placing items into her bag. Officers watched as the subject exited the business. Officers made contact with the subject and asked if she had a receipt. The subject denied having a receipt for the items. She…

On September 9, 2023, Officers of the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Brandon Ridgeley. The bench warrant was issued by the District Court of Maryland. Mr. Ridgeley was released on personal recognizance. Arrest: Brandon Ridgeley, Age 45, Cumberland Maryland Charge: Bench Warrant Served. The original charge was Peace Order fail to comply.