West Virginia Delegate Gary Howell was unanimously elected vice chair of the Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs Committee for The Council of State Governments Southern Office (CSG South) by members of the committee. The CSG South Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs Committee is comprised of state legislators and legislative staff from the 15 CSG South member states. Recent policy and program issues addressed by the committee include the current state of infrastructure, maritime shipping and ports as economic development, craft brewing and distilling to promote downtown revitalization and tourism, and how to invest federal infrastructure funding for generational…

Although temperatures are expected to hit the 70's on Thursday, a winter weather advisory is in effect through Wednesday morning. Freezing rain is expected overnight into Wednesday morning.

Treasurer Dereck E. Davis was today sworn in as Treasurer of the State of Maryland for a four-year term. Treasurer Davis initially took office in December 2021, completing the term of former Treasurer Nancy Kopp.  “It has been an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Maryland these past 14 months,” said Treasurer Davis. “I thank the members of the General Assembly for their vote of confidence and remain committed to acting as a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars and ensuring that the state receives full value for our investments.”     On February 14, Treasurer Davis had an…

Allegany County Emergency Services reports that Valley Street near Valley Road was closed for a short period this morning as the result of a motor vehicle accident. There are reports a vehicle had overturned A multi vehicle accident reported this morning in the Frederick Street area involving a school bus. No details are available from either Emergency Services or the Board of Education.

Allegany County Emergency Services dispatched crews just after 2:00am to a commercial fire on East Main Street in Frostburg. Fire crews arriving on the scene quickly sounded a second alarm. The blaze was reported at the site of the new Frostburg restaurant El Maya which opened just last week at 295 Main Street. The scene was cleared at approximately 5:30 and there were no injuries reported. The State Fire Marshall’s office is investigating. Photo credits Co17, Co33 Luke M and Mike P

On Monday, February 20th, 2023, The Cumberland City Police served two criminal summonses on Erica June Rea Martin, 24, of Oldtown Md. The summonses were in reference to two separate theft complaints that occurred at local businesses. On January 26th, Martin entered a business in the 1300 block of Industrial Blvd and concealed a cordless drill under her shirt. When confronted by store employees, she refused to pay for the item and fled the scene. On February 9th, Martin entered a restaurant in the 13000 block of Ali Ghan Rd. While placing her order with an employee, Martin grabbed the…

Hunter Douglas has announced that its workforce in Cumberland will be reduced by 60 employees by March 1st.  According to a release from the company’s human resources manager, the decision was made “in order to operate at the appropriate capacity required to fulfill customer needs”.  Allegany County Commissioners President David Caporale tells WCBC News that the action was not completely unexpected… He said that talks about the situation have already begun… Hunter Douglas opened it’s Cumberland facility in 2001 and at it’s peak employed around 900 and at one point was listed as Allegany County’s third largest employer.    …

Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan continues to make the rounds in the Sunday morning network news programs- with an appearance on “Meet the Press” where he talked about his political future; potential GOP candidates and expected campaign issues. Hogan, a popular two term Republican governor in a Democrat heavy state, has been rumored as a possible presidential candidate for the past two years-  and he says he’ll announce his decision in the next few months… On the national scene, Hogan says unfortunately many in his party are focusing on culture issues such as gender identity and what is being taught…

The Cumberland Mayor and City Council, following a public hearing, voted unanimously to move forward with plans to obtain $4.2 million via the issuance of a state municipal bond. The money is targeted to  update the vehicle fleet and make repairs in the city sanitation system. During a recent work session, City Comptroller Mark Gandolfi said the equipment additions and improvements include $1.2 million for general fund needs such as information technology upgrades as well as the acquisition of several emergency services and maintenance vehicles including four police patrol vehicles totaling $250,000 and a new ambulance for $385,000. Gandolfi said…

The Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization will be recognized this week during the regular public meeting of the Allegany County Commissioners. Celebrating it’s 40th year, President Ed Taylor tells WCBC News that the organization began with modest goals back in 1983 but has since developed into an operation dedicated to restoring and building monuments across multiple states… The major event for last year was a monument unveiling at Green Mount Cemetery for a police officer,  Patrolman August Baker,  killed in the line of duty 115 years ago and laid to rest in a previously unmarked grave; and this year the tributes will…