Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss seems to be cautiously optimistic about the housing project developing on the city’s West Side.  The land where Allegany High School once stood is owned by the county and officials there are working with builder D.R. Horton to make headway on a housing project.  Morriss says he is excited about what the project means to the city… Morriss is also familiar with the backlash from some residents about the choice of developer and horror stories that have circulated.  He says that Cumberland’s Code Enforcement will be very involved in the building process…

The holiday shopping season has started and Allegany County is encouraging shoppers to stay local and support local businesses.  The county’s tourism office, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, Canal Place, Downtown Cumberland and Frostburg First is giving shoppers the chance to win cash prizes through December 20th.  Shoppers who purchase online or in-person from participating small businesses can submit their receipts as contest entries to win $50 Visa gift cards as well as a grand prize of a $550 Visa gift card.  Visit mdmountainside.com/winbig for details on the “Shop Small, Win Big” contest.

Frostburg State University’s Children’s Literature Centre is presenting its 20th annual Storybook Holiday on Saturday, December 2.  This year’s featured author is Will Hillenbrand whose new book “Little Red” is dedicated to the City of Frostburg.  Dr. Sara O’Neal, director of the Literature Centre talked to WCBC about the volunteers that help with the large-scale celebration each year…

The highly anticipated Holiday Tree Lighting Event is set to illuminate Canal Street at Western Maryland Station on November 24th. In the spirit of ensuring the safety of participants and facilitating smooth traffic flow, temporary alterations to the standard traffic pattern are scheduled. Bedford Street will be closed between Centre Street and Mechanic Street starting at 5:00 pm. Mechanic Street Southbound traffic will temporarily divert onto Frederick Street at approximately 5:30PM. Northbound traffic will be detoured onto Harrison Street from Mechanic Street during the same time period. Pershing Street Traffic will not be permitted to exit from Pershing Street onto…

Business and property owners in the downtown Cumberland area can have a specialized visit from the Cumberland Police Department to do a crime-prevention checkup.  Police officers are providing a program called Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design that will assist shopkeepers and building owners with actions they can take to deter criminal activity.  Police Captain James Burt explains the visits…

West Virginia’s firearms deer season is in full swing through December 3. Because of the size of the deer herd this year, the state is allowing two deer to be harvested in the same day as long as only one is an antlered buck. Governor Jim Justice encourages hunters to get out and enjoy the season but to take appropriate cautions while out in the woods…

Arthur "Gerald" Arthur of Cumberland passed away on Nov. 21, 2023, at the age 88. Born on May 29th, 1935, in Cumberland, he was the son of the late Arthur G. Arthur and Bessie (Brown) Arthur. He was also preceded in death by his sibling, Irvin Arthur. A graduate of Fort Hill High School. He also earned a degree in Engineering Science from Johns Hopkins University. He was a Registered Professional Engineer. Early in his career, served as acting City Engineer for the City of Frostburg, followed by Field Engineer for Allegany County Sanitary District, and also worked under the…

On Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023, The Cumberland City Police arrested Araya Maureen Plauger, 30, of Ridgeley WV. Plauger was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court. The warrant alleges that Plauger failed to appear in court on November 14th and also violated the terms and conditions of her probation. Plauger was taken before a District Court Commissioner for her Initial Appearance where she was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. She is currently being held on $2500 bond. Arrested: Araya Maureen Plauger           Age: 30 Charges: Bench Warrant – Violation of Probation ***Adult Arrest***…

In the waning moments of the 2023 General Assembly session, legislation was passed making it illegal to stop and search a vehicle due to the smell of cannabis.  The Joint Republican Caucus is hoping to eliminate that provision in the next session through the Drug-Free Roadways Act of 2024.  House Minority Whip Jesse Pippy says the current provision is dangerous… Pippy cited the increase in accidents in Canada since the legalization of cannabis there in 2018…

Shop Small Saturday takes place this weekend, kicking off the holiday shopping season for small businesses.  The Maryland Retailers Alliance is cautiously optimistic about this year’s retail spending, predicting an increase of 3 to 4%.  Gift cards, clothing, accessories, and books lead the shopping lists of gift buyers for the holiday season.  Locally, Downtown Cumberland is planning an eventful Shop Small Saturday with treats at stores, contests, and visits with Santa Claus.  Downtown Development Commission Director Melinda Kelleher says Saturday is one of the most critical days to downtown businesses…