If you weren’t aware, Maryland has an official State Dinosaur – the Astrodon –  found in 1887 in Prince Georges County. Now, the bones of another large dino have been uncovered in the same area – belonging to a species 115 million years old. Found in the Laurel Maryland Dinosaur Park, officials suspect the bones belong to a species known as Acro-cantho-saurus.  The remains were found in what is called a bone-bed where different species are in the same geologic layer of earth.  Paleontologist JP Hodnett who works at the park spoke to reporters about the find… The Dinosaur Park…

Expansion to a fourth class in additional West Virginia High School sports cleared another hurdle on Wednesday. The State Board of Education approved the WVSSAC constitution and a series of new provisions. Included in the provisions was the option to expand some sport offerings to add a Class AAAA, similar to what has been in place for basketball over the last three seasons. Currently, basketball is the only sport to utilize a competitive balance formula. Unlike in the 3-class setup, which uses strictly enrollment to determine the classifications, each school receives a score based on enrollment, location and economics. That…

Legislative package provides modern solutions and tools to combat corruption, deter trafficking, tackle passport issues and support diplomatic personnel worldwide U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), the second-ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, praised committee approval Thursday of the Department of State Authorization Act of 2024. Favorably reported to the full Senate for consideration, the package provides robust authorities for the management and operation of the State Department that included key amendments brought forward by Senator Cardin. Senator Cardin serves as Chair of the Subcommittee on State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Management, International Operations, and…

The City of Cumberland Water Department had an emergency shutdown due to a water leak on Frederick Street.  The area affected includes Frederick Street and Bedford Street from Davidson Street to Naves Cross Road including all connecting streets.   We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience while the crew works to repair the problem.

Maryland’s second round of funding available through the state’s Cannabis Business Assistance Fund will open on August 1st. Approximately $0 million will be available in this round of funding to support social equity licensees who held a stage one pre-approval. Applicants must provide details descriptions of how the funding will be used as well as a timeline to become operational. Up to $5 million is available for each rewardee.  Future rounds of funding will be offered to Historically Black Colleges and universities for cannabis-related programs and to business development organizations.

Maryland U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and U.S. Representative Jared Huffman of California have introduced a bill to require the federal government to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Titled the IDEA Full Funding Act, the bill would make sure Congress fulfills its commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.  In the initial legislation, the federal government committed to pay 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditure for special education. However, that pledge has never been met, and current funding is at less than 13 percent. The new law would require regular, mandatory increases in IDEA spending…

Even though Governor Wes Moore says violent gun crime is the number one priority for his administration, calling a special session of the General Assembly has been dismissed as unnecessary.  Instead he outlined to reporters actions his administration is taking to support laws already enacted to deal with gun violence.  But for some lawmakers, that isn’t enough.  Republican representatives say not having a special session shows that addressing the ongoing issue is not a priority.  House Minority Leader Jason Buckel told WCBC that too much time is spent in Annapolis dealing with wrongful convictions instead of going after criminals… Buckel…

On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Shawn Nida.  The warrant was issued as the result of Nida failing to comply with an order of the court.  Nida was originally charged with three counts of CDS: Possess-Not Cannabis and CDS: Possess Paraphernalia.  Nida was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  He was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center without bond. ARRESTED:  Shawn Cody Nida          AGE:  33          Frostburg, MD On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant and an arrest…

Cumberland’s Economic Development Corporation held their monthly meeting on Tuesday with a short agenda, reviewing the Quarterly Town Hall on the downtown construction project, how Triton Construction is progressing with the construction, and plans for an upcoming trip to the area from members of the Maryland Economic Development Association.  Matt Miller, Executive Director of the CEDC, updated the group on progress with the Downtown Comprehensive Investment Program with details on the façade and residential components…

One of the grandstand attractions this week at the Allegany County Fair is Christian performing artist Zach Williams.  Williams is a Grammy-winning artist and has recently performed with Dolly Parton on his hit, “There Was Jesus.”  Other familiar songs from the performer include “Chain Breaker” and “Old Church Choir.”  His newest release is called “Rescue Story.” WCBC Radio is the presenting sponsor for the concert, scheduled for Tuesday, July 18th at 8pm.  Fair Manager Kevin Kammauf says it was good fortune to be able to book Williams for the fair as he had an open date on his current tour…