Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
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Famously, it's not always easy to say goodbye. In my personal life, specifically with my family, I often try to do the "Irish Goodbye," to some extent (for those unfamiliar, an Irish Goodbye is leaving without saying goodbye). I do always say goodbye to my mom and dad and I like to kiss my nieces' and nephews' heads before I go, but it takes a lot for me to announce to the room "I am now leaving." This is likely because I'll see them again soon. Usually within the next day. Sadly, this isn't...
After an closed-door session during its November meeting, Martinsburg Borough Council voted to hire Amy Hockenberry as a full-time clerk for the borough at $19 an hour for 90 days. After this probationary period, the salary will be bumped to $20 an hour. This conversation led to discussing raises for the part-time patrolmen and part-time laborer. “The full-time employees had a raise in the middle of the year,” Police Chief Kerry Hoover said. “We don’t expect another one. I don’t want to overlook him [the part-time patrolman].” The council agr...
Speed signs At the September Martinsburg Borough Council meeting, members James Dell, Charles Kensinger and Edward Bennett, with Borough Manager Rich Brantner Jr. and Police Chief Kerry Hoover, established a committee designed to speed up the borough’s purchase of solar radar speed signs. The conversation began with Kensigner, who is the safety commissioner. Kensinger expressed concern that the 35 mph speed limit coming into Martinsburg was too high; he told the council that he would like to see this limit decreased to 25 mph, as it is on the o...
"The beginning of every new school year presents an opportunity to refocus on what is important across our district," Claysburg-Kimmel School District Assistant Superintendent Brian Helsel said. As the four school districts of the Cove - Claysburg-Kimmel, Northern Bedford, Spring Cove and Williamsburg - look at the daunting task preparing for an entire school year ahead, two superintendents are keeping their attention laser-focused on the students and how to best educate them. "To embrace...
Martinsburg Borough Council held its monthly meeting the day before Martinsburg’s annual Ag Parade on Monday, July 10. The council discussed the possibility of compiling commonly broken ordinances into a sheet and giving it to new residents. Some of these ordinances are already listed on martinsburgpa.org/home. Police Chief Kerry Hoover instructed those interested to go to the website, hover over Police Department and click on ordinances. Hoover continued the ordinance discussion by suggesting that the council review fireworks ordinance. H...
When a log cabin was constructed in East Sharpsburg in the early to mid-1800s, its future was unknown. Who could predict that after its purpose as a post office, it would serve as a general store? Would the builders have guessed that eventually it would have kitchen and bathroom areas added on before becoming a residential unit? Certainly no one would think that two decades later, the establishment would hold pot belly pigs for a five-year stint. Subconsciously, all involved in the construction...
The pollution exposure insurance discussed at the May Martinsburg Borough Council meeting was rejected by the council at the June meeting. Borough Manager Rich Brantner Jr. said the Martinsburg Authority has opted in to this, but he wasn’t sure if it was necessary for the borough to do so. “[The authority] has bodies of water they’re contending with,” Brantner said, noting the reservoir. If someone were to dump something into the reservoir and the person wasn’t found, the authority would have to pay for the cleanup. The authority also had...
The Morrisons Cove Herald has won nine awards in the 2023 Professional Keystone Media Awards contest. The awards are: • Correspondent George Berkheimer, Second Place in Enterprise Reporting for his series, "The Changing Cove" • Publisher Allan Bassler, Honorable Mention for Feature Story for his article, "Cove Woman Details 'Amazon' Phone Scam" • Staff Writer Rick Boston, Honorable Mention in Editorial for his piece, "Survival of the American Newspaper Critical to Democracy" • Columnist...
Martinsburg Borough Council’s May meeting featured a discussion on a new street sweeper grant. The street sweeper is from 1991 and was purchased by the borough in 2003. The “vintage” sweeper, as denoted by Council member Durban Metzler, has more than 8,000 hours on the vacuum and the hopper is rusting, according to Richard Brantner Jr., Martinsburg borough manager. The borough will receive grant writing assistance from the Blair County Planning Commission. The USDA grant the borough is considering requires a 30 percent match. The borough will...
If you go over each edition of the Morrisons Cove Herald with a fine-tooth comb, you might have noticed on last week’s front page, our volume went from 138 to 139 and our edition number went back down to one. This means that the 138th year of the Herald is done. Published first on April 9, 1885, the Herald celebrated its birthday on Easter Sunday. There is too much to say on the history of the Herald, and I feel unqualified to embark on such a telling. But I have to say a little something on my favorite little paper. Our recent history is l...
Chief of Police Kerry Hoover informed the council of a recent hacking issue that affected him and his wife. The hacker was able to get copies of checks by hacking into a business’s account, where Hoover had recently shopped. The hacker “washed” the check, which means they changed the check number, who it was made out to and the amount. Hoover advised council to check their online banking often to make sure fraudulent purchases aren’t being made. “They could drain you dry before you know it,” Hoover said. The search for officers continues....
Central High School is gearing up for its first theater production in about 14 years. The last show Central performed was "Little Shop of Horrors" during the 2008-09 school year, according to Central Principal Stephanie Thompson. Led by Director Rachel Wagner, the students will put on "Footloose" from March 30 to April 1. All three performances will start at 7 p.m. in the Central High School auditorium. This production was made possible by an anonymous donation of $25,000 from the Dragon Pride...
Hollidaysburg American Legion Ambulance Service (HALAS) members Jacob Reilly and Susan Rea attended the Martinsburg Borough Council March meeting to “strengthen relations with the community.” Reilly informed the council that HALAS has been serving the community since 2002. The nonprofit uses mostly money from fundraisers, and Reilly said they hope the council will support HALAS, as HALAS will support Martinsburg in their events. “We’re grateful to serve this community,” Reilly said. “The community out here is so family-oriented.” He noted that...
Martinsburg Borough Council’s February meeting had high attendance, as Mayor Richard Brantner Sr. invited candidates running for office to attend. There was also a presentation on Martinsburg’s Indian School. Candidates introduced Brantner invited David Consiglio, running for Blair County judge, Court of Common Pleas; Dave Kessling, running for Blair County commissioner; Ray Benton, running for Blair County coroner; Judge Fred Miller, running for Blair County judge, Court of Common Pleas; and Amy Webster, running for Blair County com...
Spring Cove Elementary School surprised students with a new reward system. Kindergarten teachers Casey Zimmerman and Glenda Everetts and Reading Specialist Susan Zangrilli wrote a grant that the Dragon Pride Foundation approved for a book vending machine. Students will be able to earn special coins to get a book out of the machine. The school had an assembly on Friday, Jan. 27, to reveal the surprise, which had been teased with multiple clues leading up to the assembly. Dragon paw prints with...
Martinsburg Borough Council voted to retain most commissioner, staff and committee appointments during its January meeting. The following were the only changes: • The council appointed Nathan Karn of Evey Black Attorneys, LLC as the solicitor. Karn was unable to attend the meeting. • The W. Gene Henry Memorial Committee was closed, as the memorial is finished. The council noted that there is a vacancy on the Zoning Hearing Board. They are actively looking for someone to fill this vacancy. Those interested can contact the borough office at (814...
What do you get when you combine passion for music, eclectic taste and style, and four high schoolers? You get the Pines, a local band made up of three Central students and one Bellwood student, which, coming up on its one-year anniversary, has quickly grown in popularity, sound and catalog. The Pines began with three members: Alex Snyder on bass/keyboard, Benjamin Brumbaugh on drums, and Logan Warner as the lead guitarist. The group played instrumental pieces and had no lead singer. As they...
Martinsburg Borough approved using American Rescue Plan funds to supply bonuses to active employees in good standing of $750 for full-time employees and $375 for the part-time secretary. This was determined after an executive session during the council’s last meeting of the year on Dec. 5. The council also approved the following: • Adopt 2023 Budget • Adopt 2023 Tax Ordinances (no changes from 2022) • Adopt Ordinance No. 2022-644 Act 57 of 2022 Effect of Failure to Receive Real Estate Tax Notice, which allows taxpayers failing to receive real...
Martinsburg Borough Council welcomed Claysburg-Kimmel Junior Trevor Finnegan at the Nov. 7 meeting. Finnegan was shadowing the Herald’s editor to learn more about journalism. Police news Chief of Police Kerry Hoover was notified that the department’s new cruiser was going from the dealership for upfitting. “We’re lucky we’re still getting a 2022,” Hoover said after noting the cruiser was ordered in June. Hoover noted that Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company assisted the department with Trick or Treat. Though Hoover thought it was not “as big...
I’ve been the editor of the Morrisons Cove Herald for one year, 6 months, and 26 days. Of those 574 days, one major highlight was putting together the Christmas Jingles. I’ll admit, I was worried last year going into the task. December and January are busy months here at the Herald, and I thought this would just be another edition I had to get through as efficiently as possible and move on to the next thing. However, as soon as I started reading poems from our Claysburg-Kimmel, Northern Bedford, Spring Cove, and Williamsburg fourth gra...
Recycling key card price raised At the monthly Martinsburg Borough Council meeting, Borough Manager Richard Brantner Jr. brought to the council's attention a revenue disparity in relation to the recycling center key. According to Brantner's calculations, the dumpster expense is $869 monthly (a leap from the $720 it was at the beginning of 2022) and $10,432 annually. The customer cost is $25 annually, with an annual income of $9,925. This leaves the borough with a negative balance of $507....
Martinsburg Borough’s monthly meeting was highlighted with an audience of community members raising concerns. First Alley speed Gloria Hartman of East Allegheny Street expressed her concerns about First Alley, which runs behind her house. Hartman claims she has seen many drivers speed up this alley. Hartman said she has not seen an accident or close call, but she has seen “the opportunity for danger and damage.” Hartman provided the council with various scenarios on how a child could get hit by a car. With the alley being so close to Morri...
Growing up, my family attended a Fourth of July parade in Osceola Mills, where my dad grew up. When I described preparation for this year’s Ag Parade to my mom, she said it sounded like the Osceola Mills parade: people look forward to it all year, they lay their seats out in advance, and it’s the highlight of their summer. I have many fond memories of this Osceola Mills parade (upon looking it up, the parade is actually part of the yearly Fireman’s Fair, put on by Columbia Volunteer Fire Company. This year’s celebration was the 100th anniver...
Nuisance Ordinance No. 563 will be revised after discussion at Martinsburg Borough Council’s July meeting. This ordinance says that police issue a warning when a resident’s grass and/or weeds are too high, and the resident has seven days to fix their yard before being issued a citation. Police Chief Kerry Hoover said the problem this summer is that residents are receiving warnings, mowing their grass in the seven-day period, then waiting until they receive another warning to mow again. Hoover said the department has had more issues this sum...
The 40th Agricultural Parade will take place on Tuesday, July 12, at 6 p.m. As always, the parade will run rain or shine. This year's grand marshal will be Dawn Theofield, who passed away in November of 2021. The honoree will be the Blair County Dairy Promotion Committee. Central High School and Everett High School baseball teams were invited to the parade as well and will have their own floats to commemorate both winning state championships. The parade committee reminds participants to have...
Martinsburg Borough Council's monthly meeting began early with a presentation from Cris Frederickson of the Blair County Emergency Management Agency. Frederickson attended to go over what is expected of municipalities during an emergency. She also informed the council of what the county can offer during emergencies. One topic of discussion was having mutual aid with other municipalities. Frederickson pointed out that if the borough doesn't have a multual aid agreement with North Woodbury...
Claysburg-Kimmel had two athletes sign their intent to continue at the collegiate level. Bailey Garver will continue her basketball career at Mount Union. Wyatt Buell will attend Juniata College and resume his football career. Buell was recognized as an all-star punter multiple times. Garver was also recognized as an all-star player. According to C-K Principal Charles Kassick, Garver was also named first vice president in Pennsylvania for FBLA. She was chosen out of 2,000 qualified individuals....
The Daily Doubles helped Central graduate Danielle Maurer find double the success on her Jeopardy! run. Maurer was named the Jeopardy! champion two days. Her first win was against Mattea Roach, a Canadian contestant who had a 23-day win streak. Because Jeopardy! films a week's worth of episodes in a day, Maurer knew she would be up against a "Jeopardy! giant." Maurer sat through four other games and watched Roach compete. "Every time someone new went up, it was like 'Is this going to end?'"...
The moving of the desks I grew up in a household where when one needed help, 10 jumped up to volunteer. Where I live has always allowed that to be the case: all of my aunts, uncles and cousins on my mother’s side live on the same block in Altoona. Though many have moved away – including those in my own house – I can still send out an SOS, and multiple people will come running to assist. This was proven two weeks ago, when I decided that I wanted our new desks at the new Herald office to be assembled well before our move (which is taking place...
Members of the Blair County Antique Auto Club attended Martinsburg Borough Council’s monthly meeting to propose the idea of having a car show at the Morrisons Cove Memorial Park. They suggested the show coincide with Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Department’s annual ox roast. The representatives said they had a car show in Cresson and 145 cars showed up. The event made money for local businesses, according to the auto club. The council suggested that the club members leave the borough council meeting to attend the park’s meeting that was happe...
Danielle Maurer has been working toward going on Jeopardy! since the early 2000s. In January of this year, she found out she would compete, and the dream became reality when the episode was recorded on Feb. 15. Maurer auditioned for the Teen Tournament when she was in her early teens. "I have vague memories of going there," Maurer said. "But they have more eligible candidates than they can put on TV, and I didn't make it." This didn't stop Maurer. After graduating from Central in 2008, she went...
On Friday, April 1, Claysburg-Kimmel held a signing event for two seniors, Rebekah Claar and Sierra Walters. Claar will be continuing her basketball career at Juniata College. Walters will resume her softball career at Mount Aloysius College. "You're not going to find two better examples of student athletes," Principal Charles Kassick said. "Academically and athletically." Kassick noted that Walters is fifth in the class. He also commended Claar for her 98 percent GPA. He spoke on the girls'...
Martinsburg Borough Council saw guests at its monthly meeting. State Rep. Jim Gregory (R. Blair) attended as part of a previous promise to visit the municipalities he represents at their meetings. He also attended Taylor Township's meeting earlier that evening. Gregory noted that he is up for re-election in May. Trish Haight also attended the meeting. This year, Haight announced her candidacy for the Pennsylvania General Assembly in the 80th District. Haight attended this meeting to introduce...
More restoration than expected had to take place at Martinsburg's new coffee shop, Restored Grounds. When owner Sunshine Sassano began renovations, she knew that a lot of work would have to be done to achieve her vision of a coffee bar and lounge, but she found even more groundwork than anticipated. The building at 202 S. Market St. suffered from major termite damage, carpenter ant damage, a leak that required a complete replacement of the plumbing system and an HVAC system that didn't work. "I...
Taylor Township Supervisor Jerome Dodson has been working to make the Woodbury Pike/Cross Cove Road intersection safer for years. After multiple adjustments to the intersection, the township is taking another step in the right direction. Advance flashing warning lights and electronic radar speed signs will be installed before the intersection. Dixson Electric Inc. in Claysburg was awarded the project at a little under $75,000 after Taylor Township’s meeting in February. The advance flashing warning lights and electronic speed signs will a...
The annual J4 Celebration will have a new name and a new date this year. The Cove Carnival will be held July 12 to 16. Important dates within that week are as follows: • Little Miss Pageant: Monday, July 11 • Parade: Tuesday, July 12 • Fireworks: Tuesday, July 12; Friday, July 15 • Bargain Day: Friday, July 8 • Fire Company Ox Roast: Friday and Saturday, July 8 and 9 • Boosters Chicken BBQ: July 16 The decision comes from a chain of events. After conducting a survey on what the community wants f...
Bus driver Brian Figard was recently recognized by Maxwell Transit for 25 years of service. Over past 25 years, Figard drove in Northern Bedford School District for one year and has driven in Spring Cove School District for the other 24 years. Maxwell Transit CEO Charles Maxwell presented Figard with a plaque to commemorate the company's "grateful recognition" for Figard's 25 years of bus driving. Upon receiving the award, Figard was "in shock and awe." "I told them, 'I'm speechless. I'll keep...
When Austin Berkhimer started Cross Cove Metal Works, he was using it as a "go-between for what God had for me next." Berkhimer didn't realize at the time that his business – both the profits and the flexibility – would set up his next step perfectly. Berkhimer spends half of the year in the Cove completing metal working orders and attending trade, craft and vendor shows. The other six months, Berkhimer travels to Barbuda for mission work. Starting off In high school, Berkhimer took Tom Rit...
Bridget and Terry Bechtel have decided to open their personal paradise to others in the form of a bed and breakfast. The Bechtels opened the Cove Suite March 1 and had their first guests last weekend. The bed and breakfast is "in the heart of Morrisons Cove and surrounded by mountain views," according to Bridget. The location offers bedroom, full bathroom, living room, and kitchen. The location can "comfortably sleep four or five," according to Bridget, with a king-size bed, a daybed and...
Don Corl of the Blair County Tea Party attended Martinsburg Borough Council’s monthly meeting to present the council with an alternative draft for a local agreement supporting the Second Amendment. The original draft was constructed by solicitors across the county. This draft was to be voted on by the municipalities – boroughs, townships, and the county – in Blair County to adopt and intergovernmental agreement making Blair County a Second Amendment sanctuary. Corl described the original draft as “feckless,” “weak,” and “limp-wristed...
When you think of the quiet heroes of the Cove, who comes to mind? Is it a neighbor who cares for their community? A child who has left the Cove to do amazing work? A school teacher who goes above and beyond for students? A farmer who does things in a different way? Is it yourself? The Herald often hears that readers would like to see more personality profiles. We would love to feature people in the Cove who deserve the spotlight but who don’t seek it. Oftentimes, the people who do the most aren’t widely known, so we need our readers’ help...
After years of discussion, Martinsburg Community Library has installed a coffee bar. "Board members have wanted one, but we were waiting for the right time to purchase it," said Director Danette Feathers. The library set up a card table for now, but Feathers said they hope to add an area rug and comfortable couch or chairs. The coffee bar has coffee (regular and decaf), tea and hot chocolate. Everything is $1. "We say proceeds benefit the library, but we're mostly just hoping the coffee bar...
Martinsburg Borough Council's monthly meeting had a special guest. Solicitor from Gieg Law Offices, Attorney Matt Gieg, brought his daughter Emily along after she asked if she could attend a meeting with him. "It's nice, you have your daughter here, and I have my son here," said Mayor Rich Brantner Sr., in reference to Borough Manager Rich Brantner Jr. "I'm the proudest guy in the room," said Gieg. Solicitor Report Gieg reported that he attended a conference call with the other solicitors in Bla...
Are you a budding photographer? Do you like to take pictures around the Cove? Do you like to see local pictures in the pages of the Herald? The Herald is reminding readers and subscribers that they are encouraged to send in local photos or photo suggestions. If you see something around the Cove and think, “That belongs in the Herald,” please feel free to call and ask us to come out. You can also snap a photo and forward it along to us at [email protected]. When people ask what I like about my job, I often tell the same story. One day I w...
Mid Penn Bank, formerly Riverview, had a Customer Appreciation Day on Jan. 19. The merger between Riverview and Mid Penn happened on Dec. 1, 2021, and will be official on March 4, 2022. The purpose of this event was to have people stop in and meet the Mid Penn staff. The bank also offered many giveaways on this day, including hats, t-shirts, bags and cookies. Part of Mid Penn's offerings is an agricultural lender. Riverview did not have an ag lender for four years. After 21 years in real...
Frederick's Meat Market is finally opened – or, reopened. The grand opening took place on Friday, Jan. 21. Customers could see the new spacious store, sample food from vendors and participate in giveaways. The 50-by-60-foot building holds seven freezers and an 8-door cooler. There is a 32-foot counter full of deli meat, and 8 feet of produce. The new location – built directly beside the old building – also offers a variety of dry goods. "We wanted to showcase local products," said owner Mitch...
After 20 years of service at Taylor Township, Barb Greenleaf is heading into retirement. Greenleaf became the secretary/treasurer at Taylor Township on April 29, 2002. Before that, she had worked at North Woodbury Township in the same capacity from 1996 to 2002. “This is not a regular office job,” said Greenleaf. “I do everything here, and now Michele will do everything here.” Michele Dick will be replacing Greenleaf as the secretary/treasurer. “I think she’s going to do a great job,” said Greenleaf. “She fits in very well with other employees...
Publisher’s Assistant Lugene Shelly and I had the pleasure of attending the Williamsburg Lions Club General Membership meeting on Jan. 10 to discuss the Morrisons Cove Herald. The club was very positive about the Herald’s Williamsburg correspondent’s performance. “Natalie Gorsuch is great about getting information in,” said Club President Jason Radmann. Radmann noted that he has spoken to other Lions Clubs that have issues with local newspapers and news stations reporting their club information. Radmann and the club are grateful that Natalie al...
Much stayed the same after Martinsburg Borough Council's reorganization meeting on Monday, Jan. 3. Reorganization Magisterial District Judge Andrew Blattenberger attended to swear new and old members into office. Edward Bennett and Charles Kensinger were again sworn in on council for 4-year terms. Durban Metzler also returned for a 2-year term. M. Jane Staily was sworn in as the tax collector for a 4-year term. New member James Dell took his oath for a 4-year term on council. Other new...
For about four years, Parker Gregg and Cayden Wright have been developing and perfecting their invention, Air Alert. The Central seniors have officially received a patent for this life-saving invention. Air Alert is a device designed to detect carbon monoxide and automatically shut off an engine when the carbon monoxide levels get too high. The idea originated from Gregg, who lost his father to carbon monoxide poisoning four years ago. Gregg approached Wright, his friend "pretty much since the...
