On Thursday, March 24, 2022 at approximately 8:15 AM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a residence in the 100 block of Arch Street for a disturbance.  An officer contacted an alleged victim who reported that she had been arguing with Janelle Keating because she suspected Keating of stealing an ATM card from their roommate.  The victim advised that Keating then scratched her neck and punched her in the face.  The officer observed injuries to the victim consistent with her statement.  Keating was located by police on Virginia Avenue.  She was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  She…

A sometimes contentious discussion on the budget and the tax rate versus actual taxes dominated Thursday’s meeting of the Allegany County Commissioners. The county is in the middle of it’s budget process with a public hearing on the constant yield topping the agenda. While one constituent emphasized that even if the rates remain the same- there are some people who will actually have to pay more in taxes due to an increase in property assessments. The commissioners meanwhile focused on the rate… On a separate budget matter, Commissioner David Caporale took exception to a recent media report which suggested the…

This time two years ago, Maryland recorded its first COVID-19 cases. Over 1 million recorded cases later, the state is now recording it's lowest number since August. The declining metrics have led to a number of eased restrictions across Maryland, and though it may feel like a reprieve from life in the pandemic, health officials are quick to say that it is not over yet. UPMC Western Maryland President Michele Martz, appearing on WCBC’s “ Dave Norman Show”, said that while metrics now look good, another wave of COVID-19 may be likely…

As major crime fighting initiatives are being debated by lawmakers in Annapolis- local officials have concerns that many of the proposed laws and some  already on the books-  are soft on crime and punishment.  During a budget presentation before the Allegany County Commissioners on Thursday afternoon, Sheriff Craig Robertson said many of the Maryland laws in place- and some being considering benefit the criminals while impeding law enforcement.  It’s a situation that is not lost on sheriff’s departments across the state.. It is a trend that also concerns County Commissioner Creade Brodie Jr…

The C&O Canal Towpath and Greater Allegany Passage have been nomiated as one of the top best recreational trails in North America by USA Today's '10 Best.'  Allegany County is home to approximately 70 miles of these two trail systems which merge here in Cumberland creating a 330 mile connection from Pittsburgh to Washington DC. With spring weather just  on our doorstep Wheelzup Adventures located in downtown Cumberland on Baltimore Street is beginning their Weekzup Wednesday. WCBC News spoke with shop owner Mandela Echefu about their weekly event. You can vote for your favorite trail at www.10best.com once per day until the…

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has spent most of the last two years worrying about how to deal with COVID-19, now he's thinking about the president's warning this week that Russia may be ready to launch new large-scale cyberattacks against entities in the United States. President Biden said the administration has issued “new warnings” and said the magnitude of Russia’s cyber capacity is fairly consequential, and it’s coming.” Hogan said no one in his administration is taking these threats lightly…

On Thursday, just before 5:00 PM, troopers from the Maryland State Police Cumberland Barrack with the assistance of the Allegany County Sheriff’s department responded to Western Correctional Institution (WCI) located at 13800 McMullen Hwy, regarding two suspicious individuals on the WCI property who were dressed in suspicious clothing and video recording the institution. As law enforcement arrived at WCI they located two individuals wearing tactical ballistic style vests, BDU pants, equipment belt, and masks. The individuals refused to comply with the trooper’s orders and continued to video record the troopers and the institution. The two individuals were arrested for disorderly…

During a Thursday afternoon news conference, Gov. Larry Hogan called on lawmakers to pass his crime initiatives.Hogan said he's pleased with progress on the Judicial Transparency bill. which has passed the Senate in modified form, but said work needs to be done on the violent offender sentencing bill. Neither the House nor Senate has approved that bill. “These are critical investments of funding and manpower to assist Baltimore City law enforcement, and we will continue to take additional actions at the state level to back them up in every way we can,” Hogan said. “With only 18 days left of…

Today, members of the Joint Republican Caucus called on Democratic Leadership and members of the General Assembly to address the unfinished business of combating violent crime before the Legislative Session ends in nineteen days. Specifically, Republican Senators and Delegates are pushing for SB 861 and SB 652 to make it to the Governor’s desk. “Rising crime, particularly violent crime, is affecting Marylanders across our state,” said House Minority Leader Jason Buckel. “Cracking down on violent and career criminals shouldn't be a partisan issue, and it's time for our Democratic colleagues to start taking this issue seriously and stop blocking meaningful…

On 2/12/22 @ approximately 0230 hours, the Frostburg Police Department received a report of an assault with what was believed to be a bb/pellet gun.  The first victim to report the incident was walking on E. College Avenue, near Broadway, in Frostburg.  The victim was struck in the arm with the projectile and sustained a non life threatening injury.  The subject walked to a nearby police station and reported the incident to authorities.   A short time later (approximately 0300 hours), two residents of an E. Main Street address were shot/shot at as they were attempting to enter the door…