On Thursday, September 7, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served three bench warrants on Meredith Grimm. Two of the warrants were issued as the result of Grimm failing to appear in court. In one case, she was originally charged with CDS Admin Equip Poss/Dist and CDS: Possess Paraphernalia. In the other case, she was originally charged with Con-Assault-2nd Degree. The third warrant was issued as the result of Grimm violating the conditions of her probation on the original charge of Con-Assault-2nd Degree. Grimm was arrested and transported to the Allegany County Detention Center where she is currently being held without…

On Thursday, September 7, 2023 at approximately 10:34 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a residence in the 700 block of Lincoln Street for a disturbance. Officers contacted and separated the parties involved. An alleged victim reported that she had been assaulted by Justin Durbin. Officers observed that the victim had sustained injuries. After further investigation, Durbin was arrested and transported to Central Booking. He was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and posted a $1,500 unsecured personal bond. ARRESTED: Justin Harold Durbin AGE: 37 Cumberland, MD CHARGES: Assault-2nd Degree

On Thursday, September 7, 2023 at approximately 9:54 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a business on Beall Street for an intoxicated female refusing to leave. Police contacted the female who reported that she had been assaulted by Andrew Seifert. Officers observed that the victim had sustained injuries. Seifert had left the scene, but he was later located in the area of George Washington Headquarters and arrested. Seifert was transported to Central Booking where he is currently being held awaiting his initial appearance before the court. ARRESTED: Andrew Jeremiah Seifert AGE: 44 Cumberland, MD CHARGES: Assault-2nd Degree…

This weekend’s Heritage Days Festival will include activities for all ages and interests.  Saturday and Sunday, the Wills Creek Muster will be ongoing at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, car shows will be happening on Smallwood Street, and Cumberland History Jeopardy will be happening on the main stage on Washington Street. Tours of Rose Hill and Saints Peter and Paul cemeteries and the Gordon Roberts House will also be available.  Saturday’s entertainment includes the Arion Band at 10am and Sunday the Potomac Concert Band will perform at 2pm.

Cumberland’s City Stars were recognized this week at the Mayor and City Council meeting.  The awards are given by the City to those nominated by citizens who lend a helping hand to others, volunteer time on service organizations or community projects and have a positive impact on the community.  Awards were presented to individuals and organizations who promote the community through clean-up, charity work, or encouragement to others. Ed Mullaney of Let’s Beautify Cumberland was on hand to salute a couple who were recognized for the many areas where they volunteer – Charlotte and Paul Lapp…

Sunday night marks the start of a 3-day outreach at the Allegany County Fairgrounds – “Unite on the Rock.”   Evangelist Jay Lowder of Harvest Ministries in Wichita Falls, Texas will be the featured speaker each night. Lowder’s life was drastically changed after a suicide attempt at the age of 21. Sunday is Youth Night with special music by Christian recording artist Jason Crabb. Sunday’s Youth Event kicks off at 3pm, while Monday starts at 6pm and Tuesday’s events begin at 7pm.  One of the local organizers for the event, Dan Bible, tells WCBC it has been in the planning for…

Senator Mike McKay presented his “90-Day Report” to the Cumberland City Council this week.  The report covers the 2023 legislative session in Annapolis and is a review of all the legislation and funding that McKay either sponsored or co-sponsored … McKay thanked the Council members for being team members with the Western Maryland delegation to Annapolis and said that isn’t always the case…

Remembering those who helped develop the region will be a feature of this weekend’s Heritage Days celebration.  The Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization will be participating in its 40th Heritage Days with tours of Saints Peter and Paul and Rose Hill Cemeteries on Fayette Street. Ed Taylor, Jr. of the cemetery organization shared that  among other sights, visitors will see the monument to local Patriot David Lynn… The walking tours are free to the public and begin at Noon and 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.  

Thirty-one organizations benefited this year from the casino slot revenue generated at Rocky Gap Casino and Resort.  According to State of Maryland Law, 5.5% of the slot revenue goes to Allegany County and 20% of that must be spent on capital requests from municipalities and non-profits in the county.  This year, over $990,000 was disbursed by the Local Development Council. Groups receiving funds are awarded based on a variety of factors including community impact and need.  A complete list of those receiving funding is available on the Allegany County website.

Maryland’s Office of Social Equity will open a portal today for the second round of cannabis licensing in the state.  Maryland is the only state exclusively reserving licenses for social equity applicants.    The application process will ensure an entity is at least 65% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who meet one of three criteria:  1 – Has lived in a disproportionately impacted area for at least five of the last 10 years.  2 – Attended a public school in an impacted area for at least five years and   3 – Attended a four-year institution of higher education…