Week of November 21, 2024
Week of November 21, 2024
As officials continue to investigate the cause of the wildfire that claimed 300 acres of woodlands near Canoe Creek State Park on Nov. 8, the question of how it spread so fast is no mystery. Dry conditions coupled with a steady wind created the perfect environment for the fire to thrive. While wildfires are not a new occurrence this time of year with spring and fall being considered peak seasons for them, their frequency and scope has been on the rise. Rising Danger The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)...
A reunion of Central High School wrestlers from 1966 - 1973 reunited for the first time in 50+ years. The event was held at Morrison's Cove Memorial Park on Friday November 15, 2024. Coach Jim Marlett hosted the catered event. 25 former wrestlers attended, and 2 assistant coaches. Coach Marlett is eighth from the left, in the maroon long-sleeve sweatshirt. Photo...
It is with much disappointment that I learned yesterday of the Blair County Salary Board’s decision to eliminate seven parole and probation officer positions thereby reducing the number of non-supervisory parole and probation officers from nineteen (19) to twelve (12). The abolishment of these officer positions was in addition to the elimination of a probation officer aide and administrative assistant position both of which are critical to the daily operation of the parole and probation office. For those in the public who are unaware, a...
The Blair County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple reports of residents receiving phone calls from a male caller identifying himself as a Deputy of the Blair County Sheriff’s Office. The caller claims that a “jury duty or witness” appearance has been missed, resulting in an arrest warrant being generated for the recipient. The actor provides instructions on how to handle the warrant, by paying a dollar amount that could resolve the outstanding warrant. The actor also gives a case number and the victim’s personal information...
Northern Bedford County School District recently completed the construction of their new wellness center last Tuesday, and it officially opened to be used the next day. To celebrate, there was a ribbon cutting held on Tuesday, November 12, by the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce. The $1.3 million dollar facility and equipment was funded through a grant process. The project is an improvement of the former small weight room that was there before. It is a result of the vision, collaboration, and...
The Northern Bedford County School District held its ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Wellness Building prior to its monthly school board of directors meeting. Superintendent Todd Beatty announced that it would be available for students and staff immediately. Beatty said he looked forward to the building being used and benefiting everyone. PA. State Senator Pat Stefano was present before the board meeting for informational purposes. They discussed the need for additional special education alternative ed. funding. When a student has to be...
Ralph Dilling and Drew Rhodes were recognized and presented a plaque of thanks at the November Spring Cove School District Board meeting for their 50 years of service in school bus driving for the...
The Northern Bedford County School District held its ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Wellness Building prior to its monthly school board of directors meeting. Superintendent Todd Beatty announced that it would be available for students and staff immediately. Beatty said he looked forward to the building being used and benefiting everyone. PA. State Senator Pat Stefano was present before the board meeting for informational purposes. They discussed the need for additional special education alternative ed. funding. When a student has to be...
The Blair County Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Nov. 13, recognized the agriculture skills and long farming history of a Curryville-area farm family. The family operating Cove View Farms since the 1930s received The Chamber's Agricultural Community Excellence Award (ACE), which was presented with the award at a dinner at the Freedom Township Fire Hall. The dinner featured service by FFA members from the Central, Bellwood, Tyrone and Williamsburg clubs. Also featured was the Blair County...
Last week was Student Homelessness Awareness Week and Martinsburg Elementary School Principal Cheyenne Calderon talked about how they deal with homelessness in their building. She said anyone in the community can contact the Spring Cove school their child attends to speak with Homeless Liaison Harry Gregg. The faculty working with the student are then made aware and a referral will be made to one of the school's social workers who will speak with the family to determine their specific needs....
The Greenfield Township Board of Supervisors gathered on Oct. 22 to develop the 2025 budget. No tax increase is planned. A draft is available for review at the township office and will be voted on at the board’s Dec. 3 meeting. Also at the special meeting, supervisors approved the purchase of a new 2024 Chevy Tahoe for the police department at a cost of $81,914. The township moved to obtain a warranty for the highway department’s recently purchased 2024 F600 truck at a cost of $4,085. A 7-foot-tall light-up snowman was purchased for the...
The Roaring Spring Borough Council approved its tentative 2025 general fund and liquid fuels tentative budget during its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Ordinance 2024-1 was approved to set the real estate taxes for 2025. The rates will include three mills for the general fund and half a mill designated for the fire department. With the additional funding, the borough’s usual donation will be redirected to a much-needed paving project. Council also approved advertising both the tax notice and the tentative budget inspection notice for...
Nine members of the Williamsburg FFA Chapter attended the National FFA Convention and Career Expo from October 22 – 26, 2024. While at the convention, students participated in workshops, explored career opportunities, visited with colleges and learned more about different agricultural businesses. Students attended general sessions, including one with guest speaker Temple Grandin, who reminded members that it takes people who think differently for an entire group to succeed. The Milk Quality...
Who are the Veterans in your family? Richard Pope: My dad – World War 2, 2 brothers and myself – Army and Navy Michelle Troxell: My pap, Chalmer Troxell – Army Ashley Morgan: My husband – Marines, my Pap – Army, my Uncle Butch – Navy – and my Uncle Al, Army Ricci Michelone: Our daughter and son, Taylor and Vince – in the Navy like their grandfather, Ron Michelone Sr. Peggy Whitfield: My dad, uncle, two cousins and brother-in-law Joleen Burger: My dad, Joseph Farringer – Navy, World War 2 Gaynelle Longenecker: My uncle,...
The Grace Pointe Community Church of God held its annual Veteran's Day service last Sunday, November 10, in Williamsburg. Pastor Josh Kirksey welcomed the packed house to their annual service that was to celebrate both the veterans and those who had attended the Blair County Children's Home, which was on the grounds of the present-day church. He told the audience about a 7-year-old boy staring at a plaque in the church honoring those for their service, and the little boy asked what the plaque...
Jim Snyder, Jr., President of the Blair County Genealogical Society, presented "Canal Era Personalities" to those in attendance at the Williamsburg Public Library, last Thursday evening, November 15. He began getting into history in 1983, before joining the Genealogical Society in 1985. Snyder has served on the board since he joined. Before COVID, the Hollidaysburg Area Library received a grant, and that's when Snyder began his research on the county's canal history. "Some of these stories are...
Santa’s coming to Claysburg this Saturday, November 23, at the Claysburg Community Park. Festivities will begin with a parade forming at 3 p.m. at the American Legion. It will continue on Bedford Street and end at the community park. Santa, Mrs. Claus and his workers will be in the gazebo for visits with children immediately following the parade until about 4:45 p.m. A mailbox will be provided for “Letters to Santa.” All booths and events in the park are free including food, drinks, crafts, caroling and games. The Candy Cane Scavenger...
The Blair County Health and Welfare Council will meet Friday, November 22, at 8:30 a.m. They will be meeting at Blair Drug and Alcohol Partnerships at 3001 Fairway Drive, Altoona, in Conference Room G and also via a Zoom meeting. A presentation on the LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) will be offered during this meeting. LIHEAP helps with heating expenses and emergencies and is administered by the County Assistance Office. The presentation will cover the three components of the program, LIHEAP Cash, LIHEAP Crisis, and...
On a chilly fall or winter day, a cozy library is a great place to share some activities with some friends. The Claysburg library invites people to join in their upcoming events. The Best Sellers Book Club is a fun place to meet and discuss books. On November 23, the Book Club will discuss “All the Broken People” by Amy Rivers. Ms. Rivers will be joining the club on Zoom. The club meets at 6 p.m. at the library. Every Wednesday morning at 11 a.m., a group of crochet and needle workers meet to work on their projects. All are welcome to...
As the Business Services Coordinator for PA CareerLink Blair County, Carter Cerully plays a crucial role in connecting businesses with qualified candidates and helping job seekers find meaningful employment. His day-to-day responsibilities involve working directly with employers in the region, providing support through various workforce programs, hiring events, and internships. Cerully also acts as a liaison between businesses and job seekers, ensuring that both sides are equipped to meet their...
This is part seven of an ongoing series about notable people who once called the Cove home. Blair County native Gene Decker started playing baseball in the Blair Twilight League. A man from Altoona came out to see him play in Woodbury. He ended up signing him up for an Altoona team in the City League. That was followed by getting involved with a team from Six Mile Run. "While I was playing for that league, a guy from Everett came out to see me play," Decker said. "That's how I got involved with...
Pleased to see Eric Shields’ remembrance of the late Don Witherspoon in the Nov. 7 Herald, and happy that Shields included state Rep. Jim Gregory’s mention of Witherspoon’s golf exploits, what was left out was, to me, glaring. Williamsburg’s Don Appleman, a 1950s and ‘60s peer of the former Claysburg Kimmel athlete, can attest to Witherspoon’s comparable skills on the basketball court. When John Bush and I were managers of the Morrison Cove High School basketball teams from 1958-1960, we witnessed the sensational play of both...
Nancy L. Mobley, 79, of Roaring Spring, went home to be with the Lord Friday morning, Nov. 16, 2024, at UPMC Altoona. She was born Aug. 29, 1945, in Roaring Spring the daughter of the late Roy Edward and Anna R. (Miller) Jewell. She married Donald R. Bookhammer Feb. 14, 2016. She is survived by her husband; three daughters: Kim Poorman and husband Harry of Bellefonte, Stacey Wold and husband Jim of Cannonsburg, and Stephanie Kensinger and husband Ryan of Martinsburg; 10 grandchildren: Marissa...
John L. Coates, 61, of Roaring Spring, passed away Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 13, 2024, at UPMC Altoona. He was born March 14, 1963, in Roaring Spring the son of the late Charles E. and Naomi R. (Koones) Coates. He is survived by two sisters and a brother, Ruth Coates of Roaring Spring, Richard Coates and wife Janet of Roaring Spring, and Rose Bishop and husband John of Hollidaysburg; three nephews: Preston Coates (Trish), Tyson Coates (Sarah), and Kevin Bishop; and a great-niece and a...
George R. Gilbert, Sr., 82, of Martinsburg, passed away Thursday evening, Nov. 14, 2024, at Conemaugh Nason Medical Center, Roaring Spring. He was born Sept. 13, 1942, in Altoona, son of the late Derwin D. Gilbert and Nina M. (Lansberry) Gilbert-Donnelly. On Oct. 1, 1966, he married Martha A. "Martie" Piper in Winchester, Va. He is survived by his beloved wife, Martie, of 58 years; a son, George R. Gilbert, Jr. (Tina) of Fishertown; a daughter, Shari L. Gilbert (Carrie) of Waynesboro; two...
Wilbur Loy Mountain, 91, of Lower Paxton Township, passed away peacefully Nov. 10, 2024, in his home. He was born April 22, 1933, in New Enterprise, son of the late Oro Mountain and Dollie (Reighard) Mountain. Wilbur is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marian (Miller) Mountain; children, Brian (Janice) Mountain, Todd (Amy) Mountain and Kristen (Van) Thorson; grandchildren: Emily (Matt) Boise, Libby (Caty) Mountain, Evan and Eric Thorson, Alison and Claire Mountain; great-grandchild, Henry...
Steven Wayne Clapper, 73, of Martinsburg, formerly of Hopewell Township, passed away Nov. 15, 2024, at the Village at Morrisons Cove. He was born Dec. 4, 1950, in Roaring Spring, son of Joseph H. Jr. and Dolores Marie (Batzel) Clapper. He is survived by his mother, Dolores M. Clapper; brother, Eric J. Clapper (Maggie); brother, Joseph H. Clapper, III (Christy); sister, Jill A. Clapper; nephews, Seth Clapper (Allie) and Bronson Clapper (Hannah); niece, Laura Zabanal (John Rine); and...
Audrey Mae Hite, 92, of Martinsburg, went home to be with her Lord, Saturday morning, Nov. 16, 2024, at Homewood at Martinsburg. She was born July 24, 1932, in Fredericksburg, daughter of the late Paul Olbert and Helen H. (Appleman) Kensinger. On March 1, 1952, she married John Kenneth "Jack" Hite in Winchester, Va. He preceded her in death Aug. 3, 2017, following 65 years of marriage. She is survived by a daughter, Susan K. Matuska (Robert) of Bloomingdale, Ohio; a son, Jeffrey K. Hite (Susan)...
Nancy Ann Brumbaugh, 67, of Hollidaysburg, formerly of Fredericksburg, passed away Saturday morning, Nov. 16, 2024, at Cedarwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Tyrone. She was born Dec. 20, 1956, in Roaring Spring, daughter of the late Clark Atlee and Dorothy E. (Smith) Brumbaugh. She is survived by a brother, Richard C. Brumbaugh of rural Roaring Spring; a sister-in-law, Janet Dawson of Camp Hill; a niece, Sharon J. Reese (Jeremy); three nephews: Glenn A. Brumbaugh Jr., Joshua L....
Last time I asked you to ‘Pray for the Persecuted.’ Please continue. This week I want to urge and encourage you to take advantage of Thanksgiving Day. I know for some it will have a difference emphasis. For some it will be ‘Turkey Day.’ They will spend the day focused on food and enjoy a large, traditional meal and probably lots of snacks all day long. For others it may be ‘Football Day’ and they will spend hours in front of the T.V. There really isn’t time in only one day to...
In Jesus’ day, food was not as plentiful as what we are used to here in the Cove. Good drinking water wasn’t either. An individual might eat meat once a week. When Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6), His audience could well relate to the idea of hunger and thirst. In the last article we considered the righteousness that God supplies for His people through Jesus’ perfect life, His sacrifice on a cross for the sins of believers, and His resurrection and...
Do you have a special book of the Bible that you turn to when life seems difficult? Each book holds its own special stories, its wonderful images, words we need to hear again and again. Many days I like to sit in the Psalms, reading the words that at first glance might seem like polite and polished poetry, but as we dig deeper, we realize these are prayers of people just like us. There is no “insider” language when coming to the Lord in prayer. In the Psalms we read the utterance of praise, of anger, of lament. Our savior prayed these...
Sealed Bids Woodbury Township (Blair Co) is accepting sealed bids for in-house construction of the township building. Construction may include bathroom updates, painting, ceiling tile replacement and flooring. Sealed bids must be received by the township on or before 7:00 PM December 12th, 2024. Woodbury Township reserves the right to reject any and all bids. Bid packets can be requested from the Woodbury Township Office, 6385 Clover Creek Rd, Williamsburg, PA 16693. Office hours are Monday-Wednesday 9:00am-3:00pm. SEALED BIDS FOR PAVING OF...
