Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
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Woodbury Township residents will be paying $21 more, per $100,000 in assessed value of home, in taxes in 2025, per the township supervisors during Thursday evening’s meeting. The millage will increase from .74 to .95; this is the first millage increase in the township since 2021. Supervisor Rich Eastep made a motion to increase millage with Paul Harclerode seconding, motion passed. The increase in taxes will generate revenue of an estimated $21,000 more for the township. Harclerode then made a motion to approve the 2025 budget with the i...
The Williamsburg Municipal Authority received a capacity letter from Cove Forge, on behalf of the authority’s engineer John Clabaugh. The authority will not be able to provide enough water to handle all needs at once. The letter, litigates the authority from any responsibility when they have firefighting issues. The letter also enables Cove Forge to get their permits approved. The authority voted to pave the borough parking lot, but are about $3,000 short using the ARPA funds. Harry Mullins made a motion to allow the authority to pitch in $...
A chance to sign up in sixth grade led to a Williamsburg freshman placing 20 out of 247 runners for states for cross country, one of the first in a couple of years. That girl is Ava Dixon. "At the end of sixth grade, my math teacher (who is the head cross country coach) asked if anybody wanted to sign up to run," she said. "I had never heard of cross country before, but a couple of friends and I decided to sign up and try it out." Dixon is the daughter of John and Shakirah Dixon of...
The start of the Christmas season kicked off Saturday afternoon with the annual Christmas parade - filled with sightings of the Dairy Princess, lots of candy, and a special visit from the Grinch. Following the parade, a large crowd watched Santa Claus light up the tree followed by a meet-and-greet with the big man himself, with plenty of festive music. The fourth annual Shop Local vendor show will shut down West Second Street where it will be filled with local vendors and food trucks on...
“We knew it was going to be an expensive project,” Superintendent Lisa Murgas said, displaying the updates and projects to fix the roofing problems at the Williamsburg Elementary School and High School during last Tuesday evening’s board meeting. “This is a project that needed to be done,” Board Member Jimmy Grager said, noting the leaking problems, especially in areas such as the elementary school and boys’ locker rooms. The elementary school was looking at mostly lower-level updates and the high school was looking at replacing a majority of...
The Williamsburg Borough will once again be looking for a new Council member following the resignation of Mike Biddle during last Monday evening’s meeting, December 2. Biddle and his wife moved out of the borough, and therefore, can no longer serve as a council member. Dakota Biddle made a motion to accept a letter of resignation with Matthew Webb seconding, motion passed. “Mike did a lot for us here as a member of the borough council. In his short time, he brought his wealth of business perspective and his background in grant funding to ben...
"What a wonderful day it is to be spent with all of you," Williamsburg Women's Civic Club second Vice President Robin Brantner said welcoming the large group of ladies to the club's annual event, the Christmas Tea. The theme for this year was "Gnome for the Holidays," and gnomes were all over the First Methodist Church for the event. Susan Houck, one of the chairwomen this year for the event, said that she picked this theme because she found a love of Christmas gnomes during a trip to Germany...
For the Williamsburg Women's Civic Club, this month's meeting topic was "Hospice Care," presented by UPMC Home Healthcare/Family Hospice account representative Pam Hettinger. Once known as Home Nursing Agency, UPMC Home Healthcare got its start, according to Hettinger, in 1968, and the first hospice nurse in the area, she says, is still living. Hettinger said she has worked in home healthcare/family hospice for over 30 years and truly loves her job. According to Hettinger, hospice is a care bene...
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Williamsburg. Christmas Parade The annual Williamsburg Christmas Parade will take place this Saturday, Dec. 7, at 4:30 p.m. The parade route follows: Sage Hill Drive to Taylor Street, to First Street, to High Street, to East Second Street, and ends at East Second/Spring Street. Following the parade, gift bags will be provided to children who visit Santa. Light Up Night Santa will light the tree at 5:30 p.m. and will be available for photo...
The main lesson learned throughout Christina Brown's third-grade unit, "Every Vote Counts" is that only six out of ten Americans exercise their right to vote. The theme was to host a schoolwide election for the 2024 Presidential election, and each student in grades K-6 exercised their right to vote. According to Brown, the unit gives students an idea of the voting process to increase their likelihood of voting later. Equipped with glue, stars, and markers, the class created patriotic...
For many years, the Williamsburg Lady Pirate Volleyball team was led by a quiet coach who helped train many lady Pirates to become much better young women, leaders, and volleyball players. During the Williamsburg Community School Board meeting on Tuesday evening, the school board regretfully accepted the resignation of long-time head coach Marina Brubaker. “She did a really great job with the program, and really taught those girls a lot,” Board President Dr. Barry England said. “She definitely will be missed.” No further discussion was held on...
Move over Santa, there’s a new Christmas sheriff in town – the Grinch. The Williamsburg Community Farm Show will be hosting Breakfast With The Grinch, this Saturday from 7-11 a.m. at the Farm Show Building, Williamsburg. “We are really looking forward to this event,” Farm Show Board Director Angie Walason said. The menu includes special green pancakes, buckwheat pancakes, sausage, biscuits and gravy – all you care to eat. All tickets will be sold at the door, with children six years and younger free....
Catharine Township supervisors voted for the purchase of two traffic signals, much like those purchased by the Williamsburg Borough during their meeting last Thursday evening, November 22. “I think you need a traffic signal (speed sign) at both ends of Robeson Extension,” Resident Dorrie Johnson said. Signs were purchased to try to combat speeding in the area. Vice Chairman Ken Brenneman made the motion to use ARPA funds to buy the traffic signals at $6,850 for both, with Ralph Rispoli seconding, the motion passed. Supervisors signed an agr...
The 2023 LSA grant applications were acted upon, and unfortunately, the Williamsburg Municipal Authority’s grant application was denied. The authority decided to put up a small match in the amount of $5,000 for the purchase of a new dump truck for the 2024 LSA grant application. Ed Patterson made the motion for the match by applying for a grant with Troy Everhart seconding, motion passed. Stiffler McGraw Engineer John Clabaugh said there had been some confusion with regard to the Cove Forge combined flow requirements. The designer of the p...
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...
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...
A Blair County landmark for many years, along with one of the home's own, were celebrated in Williamsburg last Saturday, November 9. Staff Sgt. Glenn Harry English Jr., along with the Blair County Children's Home were forever etched in Williamsburg's memory with two signs representing each placed at the bridge beside Martin General Store. "It's a real honor to be the pastor of a church in a building that has been the beacon of hope for many, for so many years," current Grace Pointe Community...
The year 1924 saw the Statue of Liberty declared a National Monument, the first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Ford Motor Company manufacturing the ten millionth automobile, and the birth of Ethel "Marie" (Kensinger) Cole born on November 9. This past Saturday, she celebrated her 100th birthday with her family and friends. Cole was born in Fredericksburg as the first daughter of Earl and Susie (Snowberger) Kensinger. She had three older brothers and two younger sisters. "We lived on a...
“I think it’s a good budget, a lot of work was put into it,” Williamsburg Borough Council President Ed Patterson said of the 2025 budget. Patterson praised all of those who were involved in the budget-making process including Young, Oakes, and Brown, the borough’s accounting firm. The budget does not include any millage increase. Karyn Shaw made a motion to advertise the budget with Matthew Webb seconding, motion passed. Chief of Police Rowdy Kagarise praised workers during Trick-or-Treat and said everything went well. The Council asked a...
Woodbury Township resident Dave Greaser was on hand during last Thursday evening’s township meeting to ask about the future of Shultz Road. The township looks to shale the road next year, and Greaser asked if they could rethink their plans with the first section of the road. He said that Shultz Road services at least 21 homes and was concerned with the safety. Greaser also said besides safety, the sheer volume of cars back and forth daily should change their minds. No further discussion was held on the topic. The township is looking to do s...
One thing people can always count on is that when local author and historian Patty Wilson is there, she will bring a crowd, and ghost stories. Wilson made a return visit to the Williamsburg Public Library last Wednesday, October 30, as part of their Fall Book Talk for some scary stories before Halloween. "We are always happy to have Patty here. She's a fantastic storyteller and really can connect to the audience. She always gives a great presentation," Williamsburg Head Librarian Roane Lytle...
After a short hiatus of these favorite articles of mine, I decided to come back and ask a new question – “Who are the Veterans in your family?” Here is what a few had to say: Author’s Note: This will be Part one of two; there were so many responses to this question and I feel every Veteran is important, so next week will be Part Two of the responses. Polly Eastep: Brother John – Army, brother Don – Air Force, brother Dave – Navy, brother Kenny – Marines and son, Josh – Marines Marianne Nicholas: My dad, Dr. Marion Morelli – Army Air Corp and U...
Biddle’s Brewing Biddle’s Brewing said that Williamsburg VFW Post 6086 approached them with an idea to offer meals to veterans. This is something that is typically done on Memorial Day as well. “We were happy to say yes, it’s the least we can do to show appreciation to our Veteran community, it’s because of them that we have the freedom to live in a free country,” Biddle’s owner Mike Biddle said. Meals can include one food or pastry item along with a regular-sized drink; this event will take place on Veterans Day during normal business hour...
“God is the vine, we are the branches,” Gordie Trimer, a member of the First Methodist Church, Williamsburg said of the community initiative which this past week revamped the old Hauser’s Barbershop. The First Methodist Church has had a Faith in Action team along with the Mission of the Branch team to help out those in the community with yard work, paint jobs, and small construction projects. Trimer says the Mission of the Branch team is based on the Rosebud Missionary Projects in South Dakot...
“I chose the Peace Corps for many reasons, and in many ways, Tonga chose me,” Scarlett Vogle, of Alexandria, said at Biddle’s Brewing in Williamsburg last Wednesday evening October 23. She was on a break from the Peace Corps and was doing two lectures during her time back in the States. “There are so many reasons I wanted to join the Peace Corps – I applied when I was fresh out of college and ended up teaching abroad through a different organization, and then applied in February of 2020,” Vo...
A few months ago, 16-year-old Kevin Stiver of Bellwood presented his first book, "Glen White PA: The Town That Was Forgotten in the Allegheny Mountains," to a crowd at the Williamsburg Public Library. This past Thursday evening, he was invited back for their fall edition of the Thursday Book Chats with local historians and local authors. "Kevin was definitely one of our more popular speakers, and with his second book, we definitely wanted to have him back," Williamsburg Head Librarian Roane...
Pictured on the left is are the men's mixed bracket winners: Jeff and Colt Detwiler. Picture on the right are the women's bracket winners. From left, Kara and Beth Lansberry took first place, and Valerie Wyland Prough and Susan Houck took second place. Pickleball is in the air. A group of Williamsburg residents got together last Sunday, October 13 all in the name of pickleball. The group of residents, typically play each other on normal days but wanted to have a tournament to raise funds for a...
Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Shane Munarik was on hand at Catharine Township to address local issues within the Township – mainly speeding. Residents who were in attendance of the meeting complained of speeding on Yellow Springs Drive throughout the day, and Recreation Drive to beat the school bus in both the morning and after school. Supervisors discussed adding a speed sign, which they later voted on to purchase for $3,300 with ARPA funds, at a location to try to combat speeding in the Township. “We definitely appreciate you com...
“Things are gearing up here at the library and we are excited for our upcoming events,” Williamsburg Public Library’s Head Librarian Roane Lytle said. He said the Thursday book club held during the spring and summer months which featured local authors who talked about their books was successful. “We got such a great response from patrons and attendees, we wanted to keep the momentum going and bring in the authors again,” Lytle said. Kevin Stiver, Patty Wilson, and Jim Snyder Jr. will all be coming to the library. Stiver started the series, b...
For a few months, the Williamsburg Historical Society was at a standstill waiting to become a 501.c.3 organization. They were also waiting to move into their renovated space in the downstairs area of the Williamsburg Public Library. Following Tuesday evening's meeting, it looks like things are on the upswing for the Historical Society. Williamsburg Historical Society President Marge Troxell gave an update on items received from Dave Sollenberger's extensive collection and is waiting to hear...
Stiffler McGraw Engineer John Clabaugh discussed with Williamsburg Municipal Authority Members the lack of communication between Cove Forge and the authority. The authority asked for a capacity letter from Cove Forge, which has yet to be received. Clabaugh sent a letter to Cove Forge architect and others about the instantaneous water demand for the campus. Following this, a letter was sent to Woodbury Township making them aware that a letter was not received and the required certificate was not issued from the authority, which could hinder an...
Take Back Day The Williamsburg Lions Club will be hosting their annual National Take Back Day for prescription and over the counter drugs that are not being used or are expired. The event will take place at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m....
“He was a great soldier – in the truest sense of the word, dedicated to his country and led his men,” John Evans, the son of Keller E. Evans said during the bridge dedication to his father Saturday morning, October 12. The bridge is located along Lower Piney Creek in Williamsburg. John said this was something the family had wanted to do to honor his father. They chose this spot because it is close to the family farm Keller grew up on, and where he went to school, the old Eighth Square Chapel. Jo...
Mark Ickes, Executive Director, and Patrick Schurr, Director of Partnership Development of Explore Altoona attended last Monday evening’s Williamsburg Borough Council meeting. Ickes talked about the ongoing situation with the Blair County Commissioners trying to decertify Explore Altoona as the county’s marketing organization. He said that at the September 17 meeting of the Blair County Commissioners, they voted 2-1 to decertify Explore Altoona, but could not do so without a public hearing. Ickes said that he was unsure of when the public hea...
This is part one of many for the history of Point View. This week focusing on one of its main attractions in its hay-day and one of the sixteen iron furnaces in Blair County. It can be said that Henry Spang was one of the masters when it came to operating and updating iron furnaces to meet the changing needs of the land and surrounding environment, a visionary, if you will. Spang found immense success as an iron master, especially with the Mt. Etna Furnace, which ran from 1820-1849. Spang was a...
Woodbury Township supervisors voted to hold a special budget meeting next Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. during their meeting last Thursday evening, October 3. Both new members Rich Eastep and Paul Harclerode wanted Township Secretary Kelsie Lego to explain the budget process to them a little better, and give more insight on making the budget for townships. Lego told them to come with ideas, especially on decision-making ideas on new machinery for the township and roads. Harclerode made the motion to advertise for the special meeting with...
Over $634 was raised for the Huntingdon County Humane Society during the Laces for Alli event last Sunday, October 6th. This was the 10th annual Laces for Alli event, in honor of the life of Allison Edwards, a Williamsburg graduate who passed away from a car accident. Each year, her family and the Reason to Run group organize the 5k run and walk in her memory. "It was just an absolutely beautiful day - it was an amazing turn out from Alli's family, friends, and great community," Allison's mom,...
Isn’t it funny how recipes or food around a table can just bring back memories for some? For me, eating with and enjoying the company of the people I love – those memories always stay. Two months ago, a family friend, Mason Weidig, was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident. My mom and I were reminiscing about Mason and how he always called her “Tootie” and I was thinking about Mason, as I usually do daily now since his death. For those of you who were not blessed to know Mason, he was som...
The Williamsburg Girls’ Volleyball team held their Senior Night festivities before their game with Southern Huntingdon on Thursday evening, September 26. The four seniors honored were: Scotlyn Barroner, Abby James, Samantha England, and Eleanor Brubaker; the team also honored Coach Marina Brubaker who will be handing the reins over to a new coach following the end of the season. Coach Brubaker led the Lady Pirate volleyball team for six seasons. Scotlyn Barroner Scotlyn is the daughter of V...
A little known area outside of Williamsburg, tucked away near Short Mountain in Catharine Township, is an area called Point View. For the next few weeks, we are going to dive into the history of this area, but first – I wanted to ask, what are some memories the readers have of this quaint little village? Here is what a few had to say: Elise Eastep: Mrs. Waddington lived in the castle (what I called it), and I spent a lot of time there in my younger years. She was an amazing woman – taught me how to crochet and how to upholster furniture. Bec...
Superintendent Lisa Murgas talked to Williamsburg Community School Board on the new and updated Title IX regulations at the meeting on Tuesday, September 17. She talked about regulations that require no discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation and other criteria. Murgas said these regulations were handed down federally and that no policies were written yet regarding the issues that were vocalized by some of the board members. She told the school board that before any changes occur there must be a meeting with parents to come...
“Why have an ordinance if you can’t enforce it?” Catharine Township Vice Chairman Ken Brenneman said during last Thursday evening’s township meeting. He was referring to the township’s proposed burn ordinance. Supervisors discussed having an enforcement officer, but it was noted that it would be for all ordinances not just this one. This enforcement officer would, according to Solicitor Nathan Karn, issue non-traffic citations with the Magisterial District Judge. Karn said that some of the townships he represents use a third-party enforceme...
For the first time in over two years, the Williamsburg Blue Pirates along with the Juniata Valley Hornets will host a home game in Williamsburg at Veteran's Field, tomorrow evening beginning at 7 p.m. The team will welcome West Branch. "We are excited to experience Friday night lights here in Williamsburg for the first time in two years," Williamsburg Athletic Director Jeff Detwiler said. "Having the opportunity to host a varsity game again will be special for our school and community." He gave...
Over 200 people enjoyed the Wild Game dinner put on by the Williamsburg First Methodist Church and the Williamsburg Community Farm Show on Saturday, September 14. The dinner menu featured alligator, venison, crawfish, elk and other home-cooked sides made by volunteers. The Wild Game Dinner was the brainchild of First Methodist Church Pastor Matt Roberts and parishioners. "There hasn't been one of these locally for a while, and we just wanted to get the locals to come out and have something to...
During their meeting last Tuesday morning, September 10, the Williamsburg Municipal Authority looked at current sewer rates as compared to surrounding areas. Currently, the sewer monthly rate is $60 a month. Authority members threw around ideas of a straight increase or incremental increases per year. Authority members wanted recommendations for the October meeting, as a decision needs to be made for the November meeting. No further discussion was held. The authority also discussed removing telechecks as a payment option. They were told that...
At the August meeting, Williamsburg Borough Council member Brandon Chamberlain had to resign citing a conflict of interest with his position at PennDOT. At the meeting on Tuesday, September 3, Chamberlain’s resignation was approved and Matthew Webb was appointed to fill Chamberlain’s vacancy. The borough received four letters of interest for the vacant position, but Webb was the only one present at the meeting. “I would be willing and honored to serve on the board,” Webb, a lifelong Williamsburg resident, said. Council member Bruce Hamilton sai...
At the September 5 meeting, Woodbury Township supervisor Paul Harclerode said, “We need to advertise for help.” The township is currently looking for both full-time and part-time workers, CDL preferred. The supervisors approved a motion to advertise for help. The township’s red International Truck would not pass inspection. A motion to advertise the truck for sale, but keep the plow and spreader was approved. Stiffler McGraw presented an opportunity to apply for a Local Share Account Grant. The grant would help the township purchase a single-ax...
It seems that whatever Norma Saylor-Grove chooses to do with her life, she leaves an undeniable legacy. For over 33 years, she taught third grade at Williamsburg Elementary School. Grove was also on the Board of Directors for the Williamsburg Community Farm Show, where she was recently awarded the Friend of the Fair Award. Education Grove is the daughter of the late John and Ida Saylor of Williamsburg. She has one sister, Nancy, a niece, Ashley, and a nephew, the late Jim Bob. Grove is a 1974...
Students at Bright Beginnings had a mission to do a community service project while having fun. Bright Beginnings in Roaring Spring, is owned and operated by Stephanie Kensinger, of Martinsburg. The teachers of Bright Beginnings brainstormed ideas on how to get the students who varied in age from kindergarten to fifth grade involved in the Roaring Spring community. "We just wanted to show these students how to give back to the community – elementary students can help make the community a b...
Over 200 years ago in the Brethren Church, a man sported a beard to show that he was married. Present day, men at the Fairview Church of the Brethren were sporting beards during the 150th Anniversary celebration in mid-July, vying for the honor of Best Beard. During the second week of December last year, Pastor Alan Brumbaugh announced that there would be a beard contest during the church's anniversary celebration. The votes would take place via collections jars, and the one collecting the most...
