The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating a Monday fire in Bel Air that caused over $100,000 in damages. Fire crews responded to 14400 North Bel Air Dirve just before 9am for a fire at a two-story family dwelling. Fire alarms in the home did activate to warn residents. Preliminary investigation indicates an electrical malfunction caused the fire. Numerous pets were able to get out of the house unharmed while one cat was treated with oxygen on scene and is expected to make a full recovery.

Gov. Wes Moore and Democratic leaders on Monday announced an energy rebate targeted at combating rising energy costs. The governor said the relief comes as a result of the Next Generation Energy Act that took effect on July 1. Senate President Bill Ferguson said every Maryland household would receive two utility bill credits, each averaging about $40. The first credit is expected to come as the summer ends and another in the winter, in January or February. Speaker of the House Adrienne Jones said the rebate is a start at reducing energy costs….     “We may not be able…

The City of Cumberland’s plans to build a sports complex took another step recently when it was revealed that the Appalachian Regional Commission has agreed to a grant to help pay for a feasibility study on the proposal. Mayor Ray Morriss said the A-R-C will pay for about 70% of the study…    “We believe it will cost the city around $25-27,000 to cover the city’s portion of that. So, we’ll take a good look at that, you know, because quite frankly, in talking with a lot of people, they would like to see something like that in our community.”

Governor Patrick Morrisey is calling on West Virginians to help shape the state’s application for the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. Money available through the recent federal spending bill provides $500 million dollars to West Virginia to transform healthcare in traditionally rural areas. Morrissey says everyone needs to weigh in on innovative ways the money may be used…     “We have to tap in to the best knowledge and experience that West Virginia has. We have to develop the right strategy that is truly transformational and put together and application that will transform rural healthcare and quality. But also,…

At Friday’s ribbon cutting for the new judicial annex to Mineral County’s courthouse, WCBC had the opportunity to ask West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey about plans to call the legislature back to Charleston in a special session. Morrisey said earlier in the year he had planned such a session for September to address employee insurance issues.  While not committing, he says the plans are an ongoing conversation…     “We’re going to continue to talk to the legislature about PIA and about the budget overall to put our state in the best possible position so that we can return more…

Changes in attitudes about coal-powered energy occurred when President Trump took office in January. For the local AES coal-powered energy generation plant, it was about 6 months too late as it closed in May of 2023. Now, there may be hope that the plant could reopen. AES has never sold off the location and had been testing different materials. Allegany County Economic Director Jeff Barclay says the company has said there’s a possibility of reopening…     “I guess there’s not a hundred percent verification that they are opening, but they told us, I guess they shared, that they’re looking…

A documentary on the life, career, and legacy of Roberto Clemente will be aired Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. on the History Channel.  Clemente was a member of two World Series championship teams in 1960 and 1971 and was National League MVP in 1966.  He died tragically while airlifting supplies to earthquake stricken Nicaragua in 1972.  The rifle-armed rightfielder was beset throughout his career with racial challenges and language barriers, leaving him often misunderstood.  Mount Savage star and Pirate teammate Bobby Robertson is quoted in the documentary.  Hall of Famer Clemente ended his career with exactly 3,000 hits and a…

A body was discovered by a child in Somerset Friday evening.  The body was found in the 700 block of North Centre Avenue.  The investigation is continuing by authorities.

Today, September 22, 2025, South Penn Elementary School was placed in a brief HOLD status due to a medical emergency. First Responders arrived on scene and provided medical service. School administrators gave the “All Clear” and the instructional day resumed as normal.

Allegany County Emergency Services responded to a two-story residential house fire at 14400 North Bel Air drive just after 8:43 a.m. Monday.   Fire crews arrived to find smoke and flames coming from the building. During the primary search a number of animals were rescued from the home. There was no report of any serious injuries . The fire was extinguished just after 9:35 a.m. The state fire marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.