Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
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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...
Roadmaster Michael Fay had a lot on his agenda during last Thursday evening’s Catharine Township meeting. Fay discussed bidding on a loader from Ferguson Township. Fay said currently the bid was at $8,500, and he would like to talk to Ferguson about going to check out the equipment. Fay said the equipment would be used for loading salt and other projects in the Township. Chairman Heather Flaig made a motion to allow Fay to bid up to $15,000 if he deems the loader appropriate for the township’s needs. The motion passed. There has been talk ove...
It’s our last issue before the Christmas season. The Christmas season brings lots of great, warm and fuzzy memories for me. Whether it’s the church services, the getting together of family and friends, or just celebrating Jesus’ birth – Christmas is a time to celebrate. This last question was inspired by Christmas and all the activities surrounding the holiday – “What is your favorite Christmas carol or song?” Here is what a few residents had to say: Jill Norris: “What Child is This?” Stephanie Rhodes: “Oh Holy Night” Ann Jones: “Silent Night...
Stiffler-McGraw engineer John Clabaugh told Williamsburg Municipal Authority members during last Tuesday’s meeting that the Yellow Springs sewer replacement is now complete. All of the testing has also been completed, and Clabaugh said the next inspection of the project will be in October of 2024. At last month’s meeting, Cenveo requested permission to continue to monitor the waste stream for non-sanitary wastes following the conversion to air dryers. The authority was willing to permit this last month, in lieu of a grinder for the time bei...
Royer Mansion site representative Huston Godwin. Godwin has always been into antiques and said it’s in his blood. Godwin’s grandmother was an antiques dealer and collector from the 1930s, and his mother was an antique dealer. “I’ve always had my foot in the door with antiques and junk,” Godwin said. How they got here Godwin said he and business partner Michael Stipanovic were approached in 2016 about renting the property. “We had heard of the property, but it didn’t mean anything to us,” Godwin said. The Royer Mansion had originally star...
Some, well most of us dream of one day meeting our favorite celebrity or our celebrity crush. Very few of us ever do. I’m taking a break this week on the Christmas questions to ask residents – Who was the most famous celebrity you’ve ever met? Here is what a few had to say: Jill Norris: WWE Superstar Ric Flair Diana Barroner: Oral Roberts and Larry Gaitlin James Flaig: Donald Trump Martain Ferguson: Jean Stapleton Dotty Herd: President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore – the VP office called my classroom and asked if I would bring my clas...
“He was always willing to listen to the concerns of the employees, citizens and always was looking to save money for the Borough,” Borough Manager Joe Lansberry said of borough council member Don Zimmerman during the meeting last Monday evening, Dec. 4. Zimmerman did not seek reelection after serving the borough for more than 22 years. “With him as president, we now have a very good police department and the very best working crew that can do just about anything we need done in the Borough,” council member Jim Foreso said. Council member...
The Williamsburg Community School District Board swore in six board members during its December meeting/reorganizational meeting last Tuesday, Dec. 5. Those sworn in include Dr. Barry England, Austin McMonagle, Jimmy Grager, Joseph Detwiler, Adam Hileman and Dr. Carlee Ranalli. Following the administration of the oath of office, board members ballot voted for president of school board. With a vote 6-3, England was once again reelected to that position. "We are just fortunate to have the school...
‘Tis the season for all of those Christmas specials and movies! For some of us, there is nothing better than snuggling up with a good Hallmark movie or a Christmas movie, celebrating the joyous holiday. This inspired my question this week: What is your favorite Christmas movie? Here is what a few had to say. Lori Brubaker: The Grinch Patrick Detwiler: The Polar Express Kevin Wise: Christmas Story Robert Kifer: Home Alone 2 Rachel Greene: Christmas Vacation Cody Frederick: Santa Clause with Tim Allen Chris Grannas: The kids’ classics: Rud...
Stiffler-McGraw engineer John Clabaugh gave an update regarding the two pending grant applications from the Williamsburg Municipal Authority during their Tuesday, Nov. 14, meeting. Currently, the authority has two grant applications pending: a replacement of two pumps and two valve assemblies within the sewer system. On the water side of things, the addition of an emergency generator at the water pump station was applied for. The applications according to Clabaugh were supposed to be acted on in November, but that has been postponed until...
Honestly, this is one of my favorite times of the year, especially to admit how much I love being in the kitchen and baking up good memories. My mom, Suzanne, instilled in me a love of cooking that came with age, but a love of baking came in my early teens. The first recipe that I will share to begin our “cookie exchange” for December is one that has been in my family for many, many years, and it’s a simple sugar cookie. Honestly, it’s probably one of the first cookies I ever made because I am not a fan of roll out cookies that need decorat...
We couldn’t start our famous Christmas cookie exchange without adding a question about cookies to the newspaper! What is your favorite Christmas cookie? Here is what a few residents had to say: Harlee Sioux: Ricotta cheese cookies Michelle Troxell: Peanut butter blossoms with both Hershey kisses or Reese’s cups Darleen Rhule: Pinwheels with dates and nuts in them Brandi Schwaderer: Pizzelles Crystal Hamilton: Preacher cookies Donna Gibson: Sugar cookies Sherry Banks: Raisin-filled Patty Shultz: Cherry Winks Maureen England: Peanut Butter Bal...
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around Williamsburg, and with our community, it’s sure to get a kick start this weekend. The annual Christmas Parade will be held this Saturday, Dec. 2, beginning at 4 p.m. Following the parade, Biddle’s Brewing will once again be hosting the Light Up Night, where the big guy himself — Santa Claus — will be making an appearance to initiate the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. with photo opportunities to follow at Biddle’s Brewing. The Royer Mansion will have its annual Christmas Tour on Saturday, D...
Happy Thanksgiving! When we look around to see all the blessings we have in life, there is always a reason to be thankful. I wanted to see what some residents are thankful for this year. Here is what a few had to say: Marilyn Kaurudar: My mom being healthy Polly Eastep: To celebrate my mom's 99th birthday Victoria Frye: My church family Don Zimmerman: Being alive Richard Gorsuch: My family Paula Hamilton: God's hand of protection Anna Gibboney: So many people following my cancer journey posts...
