Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
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For the last several months, Woodbury Township had been without three men sitting at the helm as Supervisors. This followed the resignation of Craig Hamilton at the beginning of the year, and then Ed Clark’s resignation as he moved to becoming the new Roadmaster. After letters of interest, Chairman Joe Lansberry made a motion to appoint Paul Harclerode as the new Supervisor with Rich Eastep seconding, motion passed. Harclerode had previously served as Supervisor a few years ago, and that’s one of the reasons Lansberry said he took front and...
We are continuing our series this month highlighting the high school teachers at Williamsburg High School. This week, we are featuring Natalie Houtz and Angela Detwiler. Natalie Houtz Natalie Houtz is a graduate of Williamsburg High School and then went on to receive a degree from Slippery Rock University. She currently resides in Hollidaysburg with her husband, Toby and her daughter Ivey. In her spare time, she plays basketball for A.B.E. with “an amazing group of women.” Houtz said she wan...
The Williamsburg Community Farm Show will once again be having their annual Spring Craft Show on Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Farm Show grounds. More than 80 vendors have signed up for this can’t-miss event. The Farm Show food booth will be selling breakfast sandwiches, hot sausage sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs. It will also be selling original recipe gobs. Of the other food vendors, some include those offering funnel cake and fried Oreos. “We are just excited for this annual event,” organizer Angie Walason said. “It’s...
The Women’s Civic Club of Williamsburg got a sweet treat last Tuesday evening, April 23 when Lower Trail Creamery co-owner Leslie Lower came to talk with the group regarding her own business, Leslie Ann Travel. She began her story about her family’s move from Shippenburg to Williamsburg in the eighth grade in 1987, and then as fate would have it would meet her high school sweetheart, Reggie in 1988. Instead of a career right after graduation, Lower opted for motherhood having two children. She d...
Emily Carper Emily Carper is a lifelong Williamsburg resident and a Williamsburg Class of 2000 graduate. After high school, she attended the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and majored in secondary education and history. From there, she went to earn her Master’s Degree in Administration and Policy Studies in 2011 from the University of Pittsburgh. Following graduation, Carper taught high school at Claysburg Kimmel for 15 years. She then went on to join Williamsburg four years ago in 2...
“There has been a significant increase in numbers,” Superintendent Lisa Murgas told the Williamsburg Community School Board during Tuesday night’s meeting as the budget for Vo-Tech was presented. Superintendent Murgas explained there was a cap on the number of students allowed to attend the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center years ago, and since that cap has been lifted, the numbers have steadily increased. Superintendent Murgas presented that in the years of 2021-23, about 60 stude...
By NATALIE GORSUCH Williamsburg Correspondent Character, scholarship, service and leadership – all pillars of the National Honor Society and the headline of the Williamsburg School District’s annual National Honor Society banquet, Monday evening, April 22. Following a dinner at the Elementary school cafeteria, the standing-room only crowd took to the auditorium for the annual program. A welcome by NHS Advisor Kelly Over greeted the crowd, and then NHS Vice President Ayla Hileman introduced Sup...
“You’re going broke,” Catharine Township Auditor Daryl Cole told the township supervisors during last Thursday evening’s meeting, as he presented the annual audit report. Cole said over the last few years, the township has been losing money yearly – more than $10,000 per year. Cole then offered specifics from the audit report, such as Visa charges that were paid without receipts later being obtained, and the number of unnecessary late fees and interest charges on the township’s credit card. Cole suggested a treasurer backup, as no one besides...
“I just want the young people of our town, when they see the sign – that it could be them up there representing Williamsburg all around the world; for them – the sky is the limit,” former Williamsburg Mayor Bill Brantner said of the new sign coming to Williamsburg that features prominent Williamsburg residents. Brantner served as Mayor from 2004-08, and has served as a tour manager for musical artist Ricky Lee for the last thirteen years. “When I was traveling with him, I’d see all these signs...
“This is the time of the year where things are really starting to pick up and get exciting for the library,” Williamsburg Public Library Head Librarian Roane Lytle said. “We are gearing up for a lot of new and old activities for the community.” First, the library is planning to bring back one of their honored traditions with the Local Author Series. “It’s something we had back before COVID, and we’ve done it little by little during the summer. It’s nice to get it back to a month of some exciting local authors,” Lytle said. The first part of...
Williamsburg Borough Chief of Police Rowdy Kagarise announced during last Monday evening’s borough council meeting that an intelligence operation snagged three drug dealers in the Williamsburg area. Chief Kagarise said that $3,000 worth of methamphetamine was taken off the streets, and three persons were in custody for drug charges. “It’s taken a long time,” Chief Kagarise told borough council members. “I couldn’t have done it without my team of officers.” Chief Kagarise praised both police officers, Dave Flaig and Adam Hauser. “Thank you for a...
Following the acceptance of Ed Clark’s resignation letter as supervisor during last Thursday evening’s April Woodbury Township meeting, Secretary Kelsie Lego announced that there was one letter of interest. However, that interested person is a state employee, and supervisors were not sure if they can be both a state employee and a township supervisor. Supervisors and Solicitor Aimee Willett said they would look into the matter and tabled discussion until next meeting. Ed Clark was hired as a full-time roadworker. Following his 90-day probation...
“He missed his calling. He should have been a minister,” Pastor Matt Roberts of the First Methodist Church said of Brady Appleman, who at Sunday’s service performed as Pontius Pilate. “It’s just amazing. His gift of memory is amazing and the ability to speak these messages for everyone to understand is just phenomenal,” Pastor Roberts said. Appleman has been doing the skits for five years for the church and for more than 20 years at the Jaffa Shrine, where he serves as degree master for the Scot...
During the Williamsburg Community School Board’s meeting last Wednesday evening, the board approved the comprehensive plan for 2024-27. At the February board meeting, Superintendent Lisa Murgas had presented the plan, with “goals for the next three years.” The plan has as its the main goal student achievement. Specifically, the district is planning to increase test scores in English, language arts and math. The comprehensive plan is online for public viewing. To view the plan online, go to https://www.williamsburg.k12.pa.us/Page/1 and scroll do...
Stiffler McGraw Engineer John Clabaugh announced during the Tuesday morning meeting of the Williamsburg Municipal Authority that Cenveo had been in contact with him about a treatment system. Clabaugh said that Cenveo is testing a treatment system to re-initiate discharge, and the company is currently analyzing treatment alternatives. Authority members said that one of the biggest problems had with Cenveo discharge is the color. Clabaugh suggested setting specific parameters instead of using the word “clear” and defining it as a measurement sam...
Quick – name one thing associated with Williamsburg and wrestling. Up until last weekend, the words of Williamsburg and wrestling didn’t necessarily go together. Enter Williamsburg High School Senior Andrew McMonagle. McMonagle is the son of Dan and Tracy McMonagle and has two brothers, Austin and Aden, a sister Alexi, and a niece, Millie, and a nephew, Ellis. McMonagle’s father, Dan, encouraged him to try out the sport of basketball at a young age, and according to McMonagle, “I just didn’t...
This past Saturday, a group of students and their teacher got together to honor High School Band Director James Gibboney and the 1974 Williamsburg High School band trip to Ireland, 50 years later. “Look, it’s probably been 50 years since I’ve last seen you,” Linda (Moyer) Smith said to those who came to the Williamsburg Farm Show building where the event was held. Most of those in attendance were looking for the main attraction – Mr. Gibboney, affectionately referred to as “Gibb.” “It’s just ni...
“When you are ready for childhood to end, give your child social media,” Shape the Sky owner Ryan Klingensmith told the crowd at Williamsburg High School’s presentation, “Parenting in a Digital World,” last Tuesday evening. “We see the effects of mental health in our district, and these effects are aligned with cell phones and devices,” Williamsburg Secondary Principal Jennifer Frederick said. “I’m glad,” Superintendent Lisa Murgas said. “We were able to bring in a knowledgeable speaker to talk...
In the Supervisor’s Report during the regular Woodbury Township meeting last Thursday evening, Vice Chairman Ed Clark announced he was stepping down as Woodbury Township supervisor, in hopes of becoming the new roadmaster. Because it was not on the agenda, his resignation will be approved at the April meeting. Those who are interested in becoming a supervisor for Woodbury Township are encouraged to write a letter of interest and return it by Thursday, March 28, so that the two remaining supervisors can look at letters of interest before the A...
Story Hour Story Hour is once again back at the Williamsburg Public Library on Wednesdays from 10-11am. Recommended for ages 3-5 but all are welcome. Story Hour is a place to read stories, do crafts, play games, sing songs, welcome guests and most importantly, to have fun! Ireland Reunion A 50th reunion celebration will be held this Saturday, March 16th at the Williamsburg Community Farm Show building for anyone who was in the band, traveled with the band, or helped the band get to Ireland. The reunion will be held from 1-4pm. Correction This...
Williamsburg Borough Council Chairman Ed Patterson held a moment of silence in honor of councilmember Jim Foreso. Chairman Patterson offered “a prayer for our fallen comrade, a great loss to our group, and the community.” “He was quite a guy,” Patterson said. One letter of interest was received for the vacant spot. Councilmember Bruce Hamilton made a motion to appoint Mike Biddle. With Councilmember Paula Hamilton seconding, the motion passed. Later in the meeting, Biddle accepted the seats o...
Author’s Note: It has come to my undivided attention that there have been complaints about who is selected for this weekly article. First, these questions are posted on the Williamsburg PA Now Facebook page, roughly two to three days before I actually begin writing the article. In that time, I do get a fair amount of answers to my questions. While I am writing, I then go through the answers without any bias and choose answers based basically on a first-come, first-serve basis. This does not have anything to do with my likes or dislikes of c...
It’s been awhile since I shared a favorite recipe – so I thought I’d bring back one of my favorite writing venues for this week, only. This past weekend, we were blessed to visit two local diners – Tom and Joe’s in Altoona and Dean’s Diner in Blairsville – both sampling breakfast favorites. Both times, my mother got corned beef hash, and I thought with corned beef being a “March” type food – why not share a special recipe of corned beef hash inspired by my Mom’s pickings at the diners? Corned Beef Hash Ingredients 6 TBSP. butter, divided 4 cup...
On an initial vote of 5-2-1, Patricia Kensinger was reappointed to the Williamsburg Community School Board on Feb. 21. Kensinger had previously served on the school board for 17 years before losing a re-election bid. Also competing for the open position were Billie Jo Greaser and WHS senior Jack Sheesley. Greaser said that she “cared about the children and families in the community,” during her interview with boardmembers. Senior Jack Sheesley impressed school board members. “Wow, just wow,” School Board Director Joseph Detwiler said followi...
Patricia Kensinger sat on the sidelines looking in during last Wednesday evening’s Williamsburg Community School Board meeting – with hopes of being reappointed to the Williamsburg School Board. Her hopes came true following the interview session. She was nominated and then voted in at the meeting, 5-2-1. “My goal has always been the mission statement of our district,” Kensinger said. The district’s mission statement is, “All students will be given the opportunity to succeed in a changing wo...
When Williamsburgers think of the Williamsburg Community Farm Show Board and the activities it presents, what likely comes to mind is the Farm Show in late August. But this slate of boardmembers want the Farm Show to stay relevant all year long and take a more active role in the community. Thus, the board would like an expanded list of events, especially events in the spring. Coming in early March, the Farm Show is offering many events to the community. Board Secretary Angie Walason said of the upcoming events, “We are excited as a board of w...
“He loved life,” Jessica Brua, the mother of Scotty Brua, says, discussing the upcoming event to honor the memory of her late son. “His smile lit up everything,” she said. Scotty passed in March 2023, and with the anniversary of his passing coming up, “we just wanted to have an event to honor his memory with joy and love,” Jessica said. Scotty’s Smile will be held on Saturday, March 9, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hollidaysburg First United Methodist Church, Hollidaysburg. The event will benefi...
Borough Manager Joe Lansberry said that according to the Williamsburg Municipal Authority’s records, there are six properties in the area who have a bill up to $500 with little to no payment in the last year. Lansberry asked authority members, “What should we do?” Last year, Authority members agreed to lien properties with unpaid water and sewer payments. “We have to do something,” Treasurer David Myers said. Authority Member Myers made a motion to start the lien process on the delinquent property owners. Member Ed Patterson seconded the motio...
The Morrisons Cove Rotary Club has announced its students of the month for January and February 2024. January – Jayse Snively Jayse is the son of Robbin Snively and Joseph Snively, Williamsburg. In school, Snively is a member of the National Honor Society, and has been voted as the Class of 2024’s class treasurer. Snively is also a member of the track and field program, as well as swimming for the district for two years. His plans after graduation are to serve in the Pennsylvania Air Nat...
For many months, the supervisors of Catharine Township, Williamsburg, have been working to make a right-of-way along River Front Drive, but needed the support of the residents. Supervisors have worked trying to get support from all residents because without full support, there would be no way to deed the property needed for the right of way for the township. Chairman Heather Flaig updated the supervisors on River Front Drive during Thursday’s township meeting, stating that there is still one holdout resident who wanted a letter from the t...
Borough employee Brandy Frank questioned the Williamsburg Borough’s FMLA/personnel policy during last Monday evening’s Borough Council meeting. Frank is coming back from maternity leave and asked borough if, being a full-time employee, she could come back for a set number of days the next few weeks, before coming back into her full-time position as office personnel. The borough council permitted the schedule coming back into maternity leave, but decided to work on adding FMLA and maternity leave to the borough’s personnel policy. Later in th...
For many of us, a great song can literally change your mood – music can make you laugh, cry, smile, remember good and bad times. This inspired my question for the week – What is one song that you never skip no matter how many times you hear it? Here is what a few residents had to say: Patrick Detwiler: “Bridge Over Troubled Water” Barb Dulaney: “When A Man Loves a Woman” – Percy Sledge Anna Gibboney: “Sound of Silence” – Disturbed Shirley Flaugh: “One Day at A Time” – Merium Bellina Beverly McCaulley: “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe Timmy R...
Williamsburg senior Chloe England is putting her social media management skills to work in a co-op work arrangement with Biddle’s Brewing of Williamsburg. In her sophomore year, England signed up to attend the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center (GACTC) for digital communications. She had been posting to social media since she was seven years old, making YouTube videos. “Now, not a day goes by when I do not receive a sponsored package in the mail to share with my online aud...
Following last month’s surprise resignation of Woodbury Township Supervisor Craig Hamilton, the remaining supervisors appointed Rich Eastep to that position during the Feb. 1 meeting. Supervisor Ed Clark made the motion to appoint Eastep with Chairman Joe Lansberry seconding, and the motion passed. The supervisors also approved Hamilton’s resignation. Resolution 2014-01 was passed regarding fee increases and the township tax collector. Supervisor Clark made a motion to hire Young, Oakes, and Bro...
For many families in the Cove and surrounding areas, the Pa. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a god-send. WIC provides health screenings, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, referral services and nutritious foods. WIC has improved the nutrition and health of families in Pennsylvania since 1974 by providing nutrition services, breastfeeding support, health care and social service referrals, and healthy foods. Through WIC, pregnant women, mothers, and caregivers of infants and young children...
Back in 2008 when I was the Williamsburg Farm Show queen, I had the wonderful opportunity to run against many young women at the Hershey Lodge to vie for Pennsylvania State Fair queen, and it was one of the best experiences I had as queen. Lucky for us, we get to relive that experience through this year’s Farm Show Queen Morgan Reighard, who recently traveled to Hershey to compete at the Pennsylvania State Fair. Reighard is the 19-year-old daughter of Brian and Lisa Reighard of Williamsburg. S...
Lacie Merritts received a check for (at the time) $1,800 to help financially during her battle with cancer. The donation occurred as the Williamsburg Lady Pirates hosted a “Bigger than Basketball Game” on Jan. 22, when the team played Southern Huntington. The event was spearheaded by Sideline Cancer. Sideline Cancer has helped throughout this area by raising more than $80,000 for those who are battling cancer. In the fund-raiser games, proceeds raised from Sideline Cancer merchandise and oth...
When Pastor Josh Kirksey and his wife, Rachel, were beginning their tenure at Grace Pointe Community Church of God, Williamsburg, a few months ago, they talked about opening a pantry to help people get needed household and personal-care items. This plan is now coming to fruition. The Essentials Pantry was launched a few weeks ago and is now open for business. According to Rachel, “Essentials is a ministry open to the community to provide items – personal care and household items – for free....
In a surprising turn of events last Tuesday evening, it was announced that Williamsburg School Board Director Jill Norris had turned in her resignation letter. “It was a tough decision,” Norris told the Herald via email. School Board Director Jimmy Grager said of Norris, “I am unsure of the reasons why she resigned, but we are thankful for her time, and selfless devotion she dedicated to her community by being on the school board. She is a generous contributor with her time, and knowledge not only on our school board but in our community as we...
On Saturday night as I was watching (and subsequently crying) watching our quarterback Lamar Jackson run into the tunnel after scoring his second touchdown, beating the Texans 34-10, I thought about heroes. Often times, we think about heroes as being sports stars and athletes, or something closer to home – such as a teacher or our parents, or another special family member. This inspired my question this week – Who was your childhood hero? Here is what a few had to say: Kevin Wise: Kent Tekulve and Joe Montana Don Zimmerman: Butch Hall and Beef...
The Williamsburg Municipal Authority held its reorganizational meeting last Thursday, Jan. 8, before the regular meeting. Former Chairman Ed Patterson announced that he no longer wanted to be chairman, and authority Member Dave Myers nominated Member Daryl Cole to fill the vacated position. With Member Harry Mullins seconding, the motion passed. Myers also nominated Mullins to continue to be vice chairman with Member Chet Bingham seconding, and the motion passed. Myers then nominated Bingham as the new secretary of the Williamsburg Municipal...
The Williamsburg Lady Pirates will be hosting a “Bigger than Basketball Game” on Wednesday, Jan. 24, when they play Southern Huntingdon, spearheaded by Sideline Cancer. Sideline Cancer throughout this area has raised more than $80,000 for those who battle cancer. In these games such as the upcoming one in Williamsburg, proceeds raised from Sideline Cancer merchandise and other fundraisers will help benefit a local person who is battling cancer. According to Sideline Cancer Executive Dir...
It’s a cold Sunday while I’m busy in the office writing this week’s Herald and we just got back from my parents’ home eating Sunday lunch before I’ll enjoy some football for the evening. Sunday dinners always give me a warm and fuzzy feeling – there’s just something about a meal gathered around with the people you love the most that just makes me smile. This instance motivated my question for the week – What is your favorite comfort food? Here is what a few residents had to say: Lou Ann Grove: Meatloaf and mashed potatoes Linda Lemin: Lasagna,...
Woodbury Township Supervisors were surprised before their meeting, Tuesday, Jan. 2, to a note that current Supervisor and Roadmaster Craig Hamilton had resigned from both roles effective Dec. 31, 2023. Solicitor Aimee Willett instructed supervisors that since this was not on the agenda for the evening, the supervisors would have to wait until the February meeting to accept Hamilton’s resignation and at that meeting, if warranted, could appoint a new supervisor. Vice Chairman Ed Clark made a motion to accept Speed Limit Ordinance 100, which l...
The Williamsburg Borough, following a nomination by Council member Paula Hamilton, chose to appoint Ed Patterson as the new council president. Patterson acknowledged Don Zimmerman's many years as Council President. "I've got big shoes to fill," Patterson said. Patterson made a motion to nominate Jim Foreso as vice president. Bruce Hamilton made a motion to appoint Dennis Hammel as the president pro tem. Before the various appointments, Mayor Ted Hyle administered the Oath of Office to three...
Senior Rowan Gorsuch hit his 1,000th point in the third quarter of the Blue Pirate game versus Glendale on Dec. 28, 2023. According to Head Coach Jeff Detwiler, the game was the second game in the Cambria Heights holiday tournament, with the Blue Pirates coming out on top 67-45. Rowan is the son of Ryan and Jennifer Gorsuch of Williamsburg, who Rowan acknowledges as his mentors. His father, Ryan, was a breakout basketball star for Williamsburg who also made 1,000 points in his career at...
Catharine Township officials agreed during their reorganizational meeting that meeting dates will now be the 2nd Thursday of the month, still at 7 p.m. Township office hours will continue to be Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 4 p.m. Heather Flaig was once again named chairman of the supervisors, with Ralph Rispoli as vice chairman and Ken Brenneman as supervisor. Flaig was reappointed as secretary with Brenneman as Treasurer. The following roadworkers were also reappointed: Paul Miller, Shawn Zimmerman and Elva Fay. Lisa Imler was...
For almost nine years, I have been the news correspondent for Williamsburg. This job has been a fantastic part of my life for those nine years. What has come to my mind beginning in 2024 is that some of you may not know me. Thus – for the new year – I would like to introduce myself, or reintroduce myself to some. I began writing for the Herald in 2015, as the Williamsburg correspondent. When I am not writing for the Herald, I am the full-time Director and Lead Preschool-4 teacher at Bright Beg...
Was it just me or did 2023 seem to fly by? Each year, I always do a year in review of Williamsburg, and I just can’t be anything but optimistic for Williamsburg in 2024 and the years to come. As Williamsburg knows, there is always and has always been potential in our small town. We are undoubtedly rich in our history, prideful in our school district, sports teams and traditions, and without a doubt, a community centered on just that — community. For the past few years, things have not always looked up in our small town — the closing of our g...
More than 50 citizens attended the Alleghenies Broadband Inc.'s Broadband Outreach town hall in Williamsburg last Tuesday evening. This was one of four outreach meetings in the area: others were held in Altoona, Tyrone and East Freedom. "This is probably our best turnout," Blair Planning Director said, who ran most of the meeting. McFarland outlined two of the major issues in Williamsburg – gaps in cell phone service and lack of broadband. "There is zero service," McFarland said. "We are very a...
