For The Cumberland Times-News

The seventh episode of Preservation Maryland’s Revolution@250 podcast series, sponsored by the Maryland Two-Fifty Commission, examines the Whiskey Rebellion of 1791–1794. Hosted by Nicholas Redding and Katie Caljean, the episode features Western Maryland historians Chris Logsdon of the Allegany Museum and Dave Williams of the Allegany County Historical Society. They discuss the rebellion’s significance in local and national history, including George Washington’s response and the early federal government’s struggles over taxation and authority.

UPMC Western Maryland was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as high performing in heart bypass surgery, heart attack care, pacemaker implantation and hip fracture care. President Michele Martz said the recognition reflects the hospital’s commitment to quality care and the work of its staff and physicians. The ratings are intended to help patients and doctors make informed decisions about where to receive care.

The 31st annual Country Fest and Auction will take place Aug. 22 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Garrett County Fairgrounds in McHenry. The family-friendly event will feature an auction, home décor and crafts, demonstrations including forging and horse shoeing, apple cider pressing, ice cream making, children’s activities, food, live animals, rides, gospel music and free parking. Proceeds will support Christian education for children from the Bittinger and Pillar of Life Mennonite churches.

The American Association of University Women Garrett Branch will celebrate its 80th anniversary with a 1980s-themed community event on Aug. 26 at Tamarack Pavilion in Deep Creek Lake State Park. Held in partnership with the Garrett County Commission for Women and the Dove Center, the free gathering will include an ’80s dance lesson, throwback music, a potluck, snacks, drinks and opportunities for community connection. Attendance is limited to 75 guests, with advance RSVP required.

Allegany College of Maryland has been selected to participate in the Engineering for US All College Credit Pathways Initiative. The program will help the college develop opportunities for high school students to earn college credit through coursework aligned with an innovative engineering curriculum, which the College Board is considering as the basis for a future Advanced Placement Engineering course. ACM will receive professional learning, curriculum-development resources and collaboration opportunities to create a pathway from secondary education into engineering programs and to broaden access to high-quality engineering education.

Garrett County Public Schools’ Summer Food Service Program has served 70,042 meals to children across the county, reaching an average of 710 students each week. A 19-member staff provides free breakfasts and lunches during the school break to help address food insecurity and support children’s health. School officials praised the program’s staff and described the effort as a major success.

Ten federally qualified health centers have joined Maryland’s Vaccine Program, expanding access to recommended vaccines at no cost for uninsured and underinsured residents aged 19 and older. Administered by the Maryland Department of Health, the program works with health centers to provide state-purchased vaccines, including those for influenza, measles, pneumococcal disease, HPV and shingles. Maryland children without adequate insurance can receive vaccines through the separate Vaccines for Children Program.

The feature-length documentary “Sweet Appalachia: The Story of DelFest,” directed and produced by Frostburg State University professor Annie Danzi, will debut on Maryland Public Television on Aug. 2 at 6 p.m. The film examines how Del McCoury and his family developed DelFest into a nationally and internationally recognized bluegrass festival while contributing to Cumberland and the Appalachian region through music, philanthropy and community connections. It also highlights collaboration among university faculty, students and professional filmmakers, with interviews and behind-the-scenes access involving artists including Rob and Ronnie McCoury, Billy Strings and Sierra Hull.

Garrett College is accepting applications for the Garrett County Citizens Academy, supported by a Maryland 250 Commission grant. The program will teach participants about the history and responsibilities of law enforcement, fire services and emergency medical services in Garrett County, with sessions held at locations throughout the county. Enrollment is limited to 20 applicants aged 18 or older.

West Virginia defeated Maryland 18.5–9.5 at King Valley Golf Course in Imler, Pennsylvania, retaining the Mountain Cup. West Virginia took an early lead in the four-ball matches, expanded it in the second team session, and finished strongly in the singles matches. The next Mountain Cup is scheduled for June 2026 at Buck Hollow Golf Course in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.

Local historian Chris Nichols presented a lecture at Garrett College connecting 250 years of Garrett County history with parallel developments in the broader American story. His presentation covered Indigenous life, settlement, slavery, transportation, military conflicts, industrialization, tourism, Deep Creek Lake, energy development and recent civic milestones, emphasizing how national events and infrastructure projects shaped the county.

Garrett Regional Medical Center was ranked first in Maryland for patient satisfaction on the 2026 Lown Institute Hospitals Index and earned A grades in health equity, patient satisfaction, community benefit and avoiding overuse.

A free six‑week Walk with Ease program will be offered at Broadford Park from August 3 to September 14, supported by WVU Medicine Garrett Regional Medical Center and the Garrett County Health Department. Designed by the Arthritis Foundation, the evidence‑based initiative aims to reduce joint pain and increase physical activity through structured group walks held three mornings each week.

A feature-length documentary titled Sweet Appalachia: The Story of DelFest will debut on Maryland Public Television on August 2. Directed by Frostburg State University professor Annie Danzi, the film highlights the DelFest music festival and its cultural and philanthropic impact on Cumberland and the Appalachian region through interviews and behind-the-scenes perspectives centered on Del McCoury and his family.

Delegates of the CSG South Economic Development, Transportation and Cultural Affairs Committee reelected West Virginia Delegate Gary Howell to a second one-year term as chair during the 2026 Southern Legislative Conference in Lexington, Kentucky, continuing his leadership on regional economic, transportation, and cultural policy work.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources opened the lottery for the annual six-day black bear hunt in Western Maryland, with entries accepted through August 31. Participation in the hunt, scheduled for October 26–31 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties, requires entry into the lottery system.

Maryland launched the “Slow the Fast Down” campaign to reduce traffic fatalities linked to speeding, with Governor Wes Moore emphasizing roadway safety as a top priority and encouraging drivers to reduce aggressive and reckless behavior.

Two new rabies cases were confirmed in Garrett County, involving a lamb in the Grantsville area and a raccoon in a separate incident. The lamb tested positive after exhibiting neurological symptoms and being examined by a veterinarian before laboratory confirmation by the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

Thomas Cumberland Subaru Hyundai continued its annual Subaru Loves to Care initiative by donating a large supply of specialized Subaru blankets to the UPMC Western Maryland cancer center to provide warmth and comfort to patients undergoing treatment.

Carissa Rodeheaver stepped down as chair of the Garrett College Foundation board on June 30, citing her recent retirement and desire to commit fully to future plans. Her leadership included guiding two major capital campaigns.

Five Cumberland-area musicians will perform a three-hour, 34‑song tribute program celebrating The Beatles at 1812 Brewery on July 10, offering a free event built around some of the band’s most popular hits.

AHEC West assumed management of Allegany County’s Wellness Recovery Center, known as Hope Station, effective July 1, as part of its new responsibility for both Allegany and Garrett counties’ recovery centers. The transition aims to expand supportive environments for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges.

Allegany College of Maryland will hold a Tour and Explore Day on July 8 at its Cumberland campus, offering prospective students and community members a chance to learn about academic programs, tour facilities, and meet faculty, staff, and current students while gaining insight into campus life and extracurricular opportunities.

Dr. Mary Ann Riley has been named vice president of Medical Affairs at UPMC Western Maryland and will continue serving as medical director of Primary Care and Hospice Services. She brings nearly twenty years of clinical, academic, and administrative experience and has been with the organization since 2015.