December 28th, 2024 by WCBC Radio
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WCBC’s Top 12 Stories For 2024
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December 26th, 2024 by WCBC Radio
WCBC’s List of the Most Compelling People for 2024 has been finalized. These individuals or entities have had an influence on the area this past year.
DR. WALTER BOWMAN – TEABOW RESIDENTIAL – Dr. Bowman came to Cumberland with the intention of reinvigorating several neighborhoods with new-build housing. His construction teams are currently putting up new homes in South Cumberland with plans for other in-fill homes throughout the city. He obtained the building lots through negotiations with the Cumberland Mayor and City Council.
JASON BUCKEL – MARYLAND HOUSE MINORITY LEADER – Buckel has continued to provide leadership in Annapolis for the Western Maryland Delegation and the Joint Republican Caucus. In June, Buckel was arrested on a DUI charge in LaVale, a case that ultimately resulted in a plea deal in November of 2024. Buckel received probation before judgement as well as suspension of his driving license for 270 days.
DANIEL DIEHL – SWIMMER – Diehl graduated early from Allegany High School and began attending North Carolina State, pursuing his competitive swimming career. He competed in the Olympic swim trials for the Paris Olympics, making it to the finals in the 200-meter backstroke.
TOM FERLEMAN – GALLERY OWNER – Ferleman, along with his wife Rebecca, has created both an art gallery and performance stage in Downtown Cumberland. The recent move to the former location of the Allegany Arts Council has allowed the art dealer to expand the gallery’s offerings as well as create an intimate performance venue.
LARRY JACKSON – BUSINESS OWNER – Larry Jackson has had a varied career as an educator and business owner. He was the band director for the Allegany High School Marching Band for several years. He has played a key role within Cumberland’s Downtown Development Commission and will now be serving as the new chair, taking over from Doug Schwab. Jackson is the owner of Western Maryland Music Center and Downtown Hobbies and Toys.
TY JOHNSON – NFL PLAYER – Ty Johnson continues his successful football career that started at Fort Hill High School and continued as a stand-out at the University of Maryland. Originally drafted by the Detroit Lions, he has also played with the New York Jets. He is currently playing in the NFL as a running back for the Buffalo Bills.
DAVID JONES – ALLEGANY COLLEGE OF MARYLAND – Jones was named the sixth President of the Allegany College of Maryland in November of 2024. He has been part of Allegany College for 28 years where he was most recently the vice president of advancement and community relations. He is also the executive director of the Allegany College of Maryland Foundation. He will take office in January, replacing Dr. Cynthia Bambara.
BRIAN LEPLEY – CITY COUNCIL MEMBER-ELECT – Brian Lepley is no stranger to the city of Cumberland. He served as a police officer for the City as well as a former military policeman. In his first run for public office, Lepley defeated incumbent Laurie Marchini. He will take office in January.
AVERY MILLER – TRACK & FIELD ATHLETE – Miller is a senior at Allegany High School and an outstanding athlete in track, softball, and basketball. She won the heptathlon at the New Balance National Competition and will be attending Penn State University on a full athletic and academic scholarship.
ED MULLANEY – LET’S BEAUTIFY CUMBERLAND - Mullaney’s name has become almost synonymous with the city he calls home. This past year, his passion has been the fundraising efforts around a town clock to be located in Hendershot Park at the intersection of Greene, Washington, and Baltimore Streets. Over $40,000 has been raised to purchase and maintain the clock, which will be dedicated on New Year’s Day, 2025.
TRITON CONSTRUCTION and BELT CONSTRUCTION – These two construction companies have literally paved the way to a revitalized downtown Cumberland. Belt Construction was tasked with replacing the Baltimore Street Bridge over Will’s Creek. The new bridge has been renamed in honor of the late Cas Taylor. Triton Construction’s job was to bring the reimagining of the Baltimore Street corridor to life. The multi-million dollar project was completed on time, with businesses in the downtown very pleased with Triton’s work ethic and quality.
KEVIN WHITEMAN and ZACK ALKIRE – FRANKFORT and FORT HILL FOOTBALL – Both Whiteman and Alkire brought recognition to the area this year with both football teams winning state championships. Kevin Whiteman’s Frankfort Falcons were undefeated for the season, winning their title in Charleston, West Virginia against Roane County. Zack Alkire coached the Fort Hill Sentinels to their fourth straight state title, defeating Northern Garrett at the Naval Academy.
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