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For the last several months, Catharine Township has been trying to get River Front Drive, located in the township, to meet the 33-foot threshold for obtaining it as a right-of-way. Solicitor Nathan Karn was on hand at Monday evening’s meeting, Aug. 28, to explain the situation. Karn instructed supervisors that a deed would need to be made for the property that will be affected by extending length of property to make the 33-foot threshold. In turn, the township would take care of the road. However, Chairman Heather Flaig said that this idea w...
For Williamsburg Junior Eleanor Brubaker, the summer of 2023 was coming up flowers. Brubaker, along with her friend Aaralyn Briscoe, took their flower business on Blue Barn Farm to another level. Brubaker had been working on the farm located just out of Williamsburg since she was 12 years old and has worked there every summer since then. "A couple of years ago, my aunt, Karen Wilson, who owns Blue Barn, asked me if I wanted to start growing something on the farm for profit," Brubaker said. "It...
Williamsburg Community Secondary Principal Jennifer Frederick said the schools are “excited to begin the 2023-24 school year.” Lots of activities before the start of school, which was on Wednesday, Aug. 23, were announced at the School Board meeting. Seventh and ninth grade orientation was held on Aug. 7, the teaching staff held three days’ worth of in-service trainings on Aug. 16-18, and Meet the Teacher night was held on Thursday, Aug. 17. Elementary Principal Jennifer Metzler echoed that same sentiment. Kindergarten orientation was held...
We have been taking a memorable walk back in time in our great town of Williamsburg. This trip takes us to the top of Short Mountain to Louie’s Coral Lounge – an Italian eatery owned and operated by Louie Sotille and his wife, Mary. I decided to ask the Williamsburgers this week, “What were the fondest memories of Louie’s Coral Lounge?” Here is what a few had to say: Connie Brumbaugh: Weekend dates there; a great place to hang out and have good food. A Barney special with the meat warmed, and a Mickey Mouse. Or homemade spaghetti and meatballs...
The love of the Williamsburg Community Farm Show was the main message throughout the Williamsburg Fair Queen coronation ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 20. Contestants were introduced by Studio 814 co-host and emcee Morgan Koziar. Contestants included Fair Queen Morgan Reighard, Princess Adalyn Ronk and Davanee Bem, and Little Miss Isabella Harclerode. Reighard wrote a speech answering the question "Why should you come to my fair?" Reighard challenged those in attendance to think of what the farm show...
Stiffler McGraw engineer Tyler McGraw gave an update from Cenveo to Williamsburg Municipal Authority on Tuesday, Aug. 8 at the monthly meeting. McGraw said that Cenveo was meeting with its consultant about treatment plans and hopes to further their plans to install a sampler and grinder on-site to combat some of the issues as of late. McGraw assured the authority that Cenveo was “taking the necessary steps.” David Myers made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report with Daryl Cole seconding. The motion passed. The borough recently updat...
“It honestly makes us look like a slum,” Borough Council member Ed Patterson said following complaints of loitering during the Williamsburg Borough Council meeting on Monday, Aug. 7. Heidi Detwiler, a Williamsburg resident, brought her concerns to the Council. “We are just concerned citizens. No one used to sit downtown. It’s just not appropriate. Something needs to be done,” Detwiler said. Chief of Police Rowdy Kagarise acknowledged that he along with Mayor Ted Hyle are “definitely looking into it.” Hyle agreed. “I understand why there’s com...
It might be the best time of the year for us Williamsburgers! The Farm Show is in town from Sunday, Aug. 20 to Friday, Aug. 25. Being a former Farm Show Queen myself, I always get excited about this time of the year; it really highlights the best things about Williamsburg: agriculture, community and of course, good food! This year’s farm show is filled with lots of new and exciting things. Board member Angie Walason said that the Farm Show Board is excited about the amusement rides, which have been missing from the farm show for the last c...
The Williamsburg Community Farm Show will be crowning their royalty on Sunday, Aug. 20, on their fairgrounds beginning at 4pm. During last week's issue, we met the lone Fair Queen contest contestant, Morgan Reighard. This week, we will be looking at the Little Miss and Princess candidates. Little Miss Isabella Harclerode is the 8-year-old daughter of Wade and Loran Harclerode, Martinsburg. She currently attends Spring Cove School District. Her other activities include softball and cheerleading....
In last week’s Herald edition, a lot of history was brought up. I — like so many of the younger generation of our town — don’t know how great and lively Williamsburg once was. According to my mom Suzanne some of “the best places to be growing up was both Rat’s and Shickle's.” This inspired my question for the week: what did you love most about Rat's and Shickle’s? For context, the location of Rat’s was the Rhodes’ building and Shickle’s was located by the Williamsburg Hotel. Here is what a few residents had to say: Walt Frank: I could read the...
Over the next few weeks leading up to the Williamsburg Community Farm Show, we will be taking a look at some of the contestants running for fair queen and other little miss races. For most of us Williamsburgers, the Farm Show elicits all types of warm and fuzzy memories, and also serves as the bridge between the end of summer vacation and the start of a new school year. For Williamsburg native Morgan Reighard, her sights are set on becoming Williamsburg Fair Queen. Reighard says the Farm Show,...
Williamsburg Borough is applying for a grant on behalf of the volunteer Fire Company for a new tanker engine, and needed grant support letters from the townships they service. Chairman Joe Lansberry made the motion to send letter with Hamilton seconding. The motion passed. Supervisor Ed Clark was absent from the meeting. Neither Solicitor Aimee Willett nor Engineer Jim Young were in attendance at the meeting, but Township Secretary Kelsie Lego said that they were still working on the proposed erosion and stormwater ordinances for the...
As controversial as this may sound, being from and graduating from Williamsburg is sort of like a nostalgic cult. We all - regardless if we want to admit it or not - beam with that "Blue Pirate Spirit," that former Superintendent Linda Smith talks about. What exactly is that Blue Pirate Spirit? It's tradition, it's pride, it's being proud of where you came from - and it's etched in all of us. On Saturday, July 22, more than 200 graduates and guests came to those hallowed grounds one more time...
The Williamsburg Community School Board announced during last Tuesday evening’s meeting, June 18, that they were purchasing a new K-6 ELA curriculum, McGraw Hill’s Wonders. According to Elementary Principal Jennifer Metzler, the school’s curriculum “is based on Pennsylvania’s Academic ELA standards, instruction and assessment.” Some of the Keystone Exam and PSSA test scores also motivated the District to also purchase the seventh through 12th grade curriculum for English language arts: Mirrors and Windows, along with the Understanding Pennsylva...
Catharine Township Supervisors gave updates on several projects that have been discussed in the last year with the township during its meeting last Thursday, July 20. Roadmaster Michael Fay said there is still some concern with the idea of the township taking over River Front Drive. Meeting the 33-foot threshold may not be possible, as Fay said some areas “may not widen the 16 feet needed.” Chairman Heather Flaig said this issue has been discussed with the solicitor, who will be at the August meeting to discuss how to proceed with project. The...
“I’m going to really miss her. She was the most organized person I ever met. Right always on top of everything — number one in my book,” Chairman Don Zimmerman said of Lisa Dishong, after accepting her resignation effective July 21. During that July 10 meeting, Borough Manager Joe Lansberry echoed that same sentiment. “She was a pleasure to work with and will definitely be missed here at the borough.” Dakota Biddle, who made the motion to accept her resignation letter, said of Dishong, “Lisa was a tremendous asset to the Williamsburg...
The Williamsburg Municipal Authority continued discussion on Cenveo during its July 11 meeting. Stiffler McGraw engineer John Clabaugh proposed a potential plan being brought to the table by Cenveo that could include a sampler and grinder pumps to help alleviate the issues of discharge to the authority. The authority said that on June 28, a surprise test was conducted on Cenveo, and the manhole was blue, loaded with an ink product. Clabaugh said there has been a change of plant management and Cenveo asked what to do and what to buy. “We want t...
As a Cleveland Browns fan in the heart of Steelers Nation, the new pastor for Grace Pointe Church of God, Josh Kirksey, has some work to do on winning over the parishioners. Kirksey took over the position after the resignation of Jim Spivey in the spring. Josh, along with his wife Rachel and his four boys Caleb, Austin, Jase and Jensen, made the trek from Amherst, Ohio. The Kirksey family was close to the Pennsylvania Overseer for the Church of God Rick Witter. After a call from Witter, "we...
I am always in the mood for something sweet. As I write this week’s articles, I am begging my sister Julie to head to Dairy Queen for ice cream for us and our dog Cooper. Since we’re still in BBQ season, sometimes, you just want some dessert after eating the picnic food. My best friend Judy Olivieri made this sweet treat for our Fourth of July party, and it was a hit! Strawberry Crunch Cake Ingredients: For the cake: 1 package white cake mix 1 – 3 oz. box strawberry jello 4 eggs 1 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup water For the strawberry crunc...
It feels like a short few months ago when I was sitting down with Mike and Brittany Biddle in an igloo, looking at the bank building discussing their hopes and dreams for the building. Flash forward a few months. Biddle's Brewing's location in town officially opened July 1. "It feels like it's been in the making for so long," Brittany said. Luckily for the Biddles, no major renovations were needed in the building. "It was stuck in the 1990s," Mike said. "The style, the building, the pink salmon...
Dwayne Zimmerman, of Crowsnest Broadband, attended Woodbury Township Supervisors’ meeting. Zimmerman said that after receiving a grant, Woodbury Township was one of the areas most “in need” of broadband services and that Crowsnest is looking into fiber optic services in the area. Zimmerman admitted they are in the planning stages but wanted to know the priority areas of the township and asked for a letter of support from the township for any work in the future and for more grant funding support. “What I’ve heard – you all are great with custom...
Am I the only one who struggles with what to make as a dessert for going to a cookout? I’ve made the recipe I am about to share twice now over the past few weeks, and it’s still getting requested. Sweet and Easy Banana Pudding Ingredients: 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk 1 1/2 cups ice cold water 3.4 oz. box vanilla instant pudding mix 2 tubs of cool whip 4 bananas chopped 12 oz. box mini vanilla wafers Directions: In a large bowl, beat together the sweetened condensed milk and water until well combined. Be careful, it splashes! Add the...
At last week’s Historical Society meeting, I had the opportunity to look through a bicentennial book of 1976 Williamsburg. Looking back on a lot of the items and people in the book, it really occurred to me that I really don’t know all the “happening” places that we have in our small town — and that’s why this week I’d like to reminisce. Where was your favorite place to visit, eat or shop growing up in Williamsburg? Here is what a few residents had to say: Jeanne Bardell Todd: My pap’s dairy and Crownover’s Market Bridget Dimond: Hornberge...
For over a year, board members of the Williamsburg Historical Society have been looking to become a 501.c.3 nonprofit organization. During last Wednesday’s meeting, that wish came true. Cathy Over, who has been instrumental in the makings of the historical society, announced that the group was approved for a 501.c.3, all thanks to the help of Attorney Michael Routch. “I like the way he wrote things up,” History Society Board Member Roane Lytle said. Over then presented the bylaws for the group to look over. Some verbiage needs to be edite...
Williamsburg Municipal Authority member and Catharine Township’s representative for the Authority Daryl Cole attended the Thursday, June 15, meeting to give an update on projects the authority is working on. Cole talked about the PVC pipe sewer replacement project affecting two customers that the authority approved. The PVC pipe will be replaced with the correct sewer pipe at a cost of $64,000 for the authority. Cole said the authority is hoping to bid out the project in about three months. Over the last several months, the township has been w...
The Williamsburg Community School District passed its 2023-24 annual budget with a $206,000 deficit during Tuesday evening’s Regular meeting, June 13. The amount of revenue estimated for the district is $8,724,623 with expenditures an estimated $8,931,240, necessitating a .4 mill tax increase. The new millage rate will be 9.482, costing residents an estimated $45 extra this year. The budget was passed with a 5-4 vote. Board member Patricia Kensinger said she voted no “strictly because of the tax increase that’s reflected in the budge...
“We are just fixing a problem, unfortunately,” Williamsburg Municipal Authority Treasurer David Myers said of the Yellow Springs project during the Tuesday, June 13, meeting. Surveyors were on site this week with regard to replacing the sewer line to a few homes in Catharine Township. Stiffler McGraw engineer John Clabuagh said that the Authority will need a permit from PennDOT because the work will be done in a right of way and will need to acquire easements from residents. Clabaugh expects the permitting and easement process to take at lea...
Thirty-two ladies and guests gathered for the Williamsburg Ladies Civic Club's annual dinner on June 12. The group enjoyed a dinner provided by the Country Sisters Catering at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church. Following dinner, the installation of officers began as well as special award winners. Club member Diana Barroner offered three donations to the Williamsburg Public Library in honor of Peggy Campbell, Dr. Barry and Diane England, and President Donna Tate. Sue Brubaker presented...
The Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau has entered its third year of the "Farm Tour Fridays" program. The grant-sponsored program invites residents of both Blair and Huntingdon counties to visit farms in both counties and learn about a wide range of farming specialties in the area. The farm tour recently led participants to the Clover Creek Cheese Cellar, located ten minutes outside of Williamsburg. Clover Creek Cheese Cellar is owned and operated by David and Terry Rice and their children....
“We have a lot on the table,” Williamsburg Public Librarian Roane Lytle said of the activities the Williamsburg Public Library has planned for the summer months. “We are all really excited for them.” The summer reading program for all ages will be Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m., from June 15 to Aug. 17. The theme for this year’s program is “All Together Now.” Lytle said along with reading stories, there will be crafts and appearances by some of the library’s robotic technology. The Office of Commonwealth Libraries provided a grant this year for pro...
Class Treasurer Chelsie Noah welcomed the packed crowd to the brand-new Bulldog Stadium on Saturday, June 3, for Claysburg-Kimmel High School's 102nd Commencement Ceremony. Noah quoted rapper J. Cole and told her classmates "not to compare yourself to others,." Noah also quoted poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, saying, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Secretary Sarah Helsel led the class and crowd with the pledge of allegiance. "Today is a great d...
"We've all been anxious, on edge, full of joy and excitement," Class Secretary Liliana Neri told the packed Williamsburg High School auditorium during Commencement exercises Friday, May 26, at 6 p.m. Forty-six students received their diplomas. "We have had these emotions this whole year, but especially this week," Neri said. Neri thanked the teachers, family, coaches, friends and classmates for "memories that will last a lifetime." Class Treasurer Connor Craig talked about his 13 years with the...
Woodbury Township Solicitor Aimee Willett and Stiffler McGraw Engineer Jim Young have noticed an increase in land development in the township, and both stressed to township supervisors that it is imperative to have an ordinance that streamlines land development, erosion and sediment control and stormwater management. Over the last year, both Willett and Young have been working on new ordinances streamlining the process for all three, which will make it much easier for landowners in the township to complete a project. Willett announced at last T...
This is the last installment of meeting the teachers at the Williamsburg Elementary School. This week, we meet the teachers who make up the "second level" of the elementary school - the fourth, fifth and sixth grade teachers. Fourth Grade Hillary Long Hillary Long is another "Coveite," growing up in Martinsburg and graduating from Central High School. Long then attended UPJ to study Early Childhood Education. Long has since finished up her Master's Degree with a specialization in reading....
I am always in the mood to talk about graduation. Let it be known that 17 years ago, I walked those same hallowed halls one last time in Williamsburg as a student, and came out an alumni. This inspired my question for the week: what advice would you give to this year’s senior class? Here is what a few residents had to say: Stan Grove: “Have fun.” Drew Appleman, Jr.: “Give your best and be kind to all.” Judy Miller: “Be yourself. Have respect and don’t be afraid to say no. Be strong and do what’s right, be truthful.” James Gibboney: “Life i...
The Zion Lutheran Church hosted baccalaureate exercises for the Williamsburg Class of 2023 on Sunday, May 21. Following the entry of the graduates, Pastor Matt Roberts of the Williamsburg United Methodist Church told the students in attendance, "just remember - wherever life takes you - to college, to a trade school, to a job, to the military - or just backpacking through, you are each Blue Pirates, and Children of God." Liliana Neri read the First Reading (Jeremiah 29:11-13); Abbie Merritts...
Stiffler McGraw Engineer Jon Clabaugh talked about estimates following last month’s discussion of sewer replacement in Robeson Extension. Clabaugh said the cost estimates were “high” and that they included using a two-inch line. Estimates totaled $46,000-64,000, the higher total soliciting grinder pumps, too. For the extension to reach the remaining two residents on the same side as existing customers, the cost estimates were $85,000-$120,000. Daryl Cole made the motion to advertise for bids for the sewer line to Everhart property in the Exten...
Catharine Township supervisors unveiled their mailer for the 245 township residents, looking for answers to questions supervisors have and how they can improve the township. All residents are strongly encouraged to participate and can send answers back via mail, email or in-person. “We just want to better serve the residents in our township. This gives us insight on what is important to them, and how we can make things better,” Chairman Heather Flaig said. Questions include issues facing Catharine Township today, supporting a mill increase for...
SECOND GRADE Traci McCall For Traci McCall, a book sale could arguably be one of the deciding factors as to why she wanted to be an elementary school teacher. "I had always wanted to be a teacher," McCall said. "When I was young, I loved to play school. I remember when the elementary school would have a book sale in the summer. There were teacher books, student books, and library books you could buy for just a few centers. I was especially excited about the teacher books with the answers."...
This week's article will introduce us to the two first grade teachers – Amber Rhodes and Jayme Elvey. Amber Rhodes "I wanted to make fun and exciting lessons that would help kids develop a love for learning," Central graduate, now Williamsburg first grade teacher, Amber Rhodes said. Rhodes is in her second year teaching at Williamsburg. She started as the reading remediation teacher, then moved to third and finding a home in first grade. Rhodes went to Penn State, and previously taught at N...
The Williamsburg Community School Board listened to a presentation from senior Levi Hoover and parent Cathy Mock about the expenses of track and the cross country teams for Williamsburg. At last month's meeting, the school board asked for a listing of equipment needed and other costs, and Hoover delivered. Superintendent Lisa Murgas said that in the preliminary budget, which was approved earlier in the evening, that track and cross country received $1,500 for transportation and an $1,100...
Residents of Williamsburg who drive on High Street have fond memories of the small blue building that once housed Charlie Hauser's barber shop. Jim Baney remembers "looking at all the memorabilia and how reasonable Charlie's prices were." Scott Bumgardner recalls "just sitting there watching cars and talking to everyone." One thing that seems to be the highlight is the fellowship that Charlie brought, whether that be waiting on the steps until 8 a.m. for the shop to open, looking at old comic...
In many times going to school board meetings, I often don't know of the elementary and secondary teachers in the district. I sent out a questionnaire about each grade and the teachers involved, hoping to learn more about the teachers, their passions and their vision for the students in our district for years to come. This week, we welcome the kindergarten teachers. My kindergarten teacher Mrs. Nancy Byler left a profound impact in my life. She was an absolutely delightful teacher and one of the...
Cove Forge submitted letters about its new treatment plant facility. After review, Jim Young of Stiffler-McGraw offered comments about the proposed treatment plant. Cove Forge is planning to use fill dirt to make the area bigger. The township needs to make sure they don’t use fill into the flood zone areas. The financial security for Cove Forge expires in August. Supervisors discussed having Solicitor Aimee Willett reach out to Cove Forge and see what the plans are regarding the financial security and proposed treatment plant. “They know wha...
Many high school juniors do not have many worries and surely aren't running their own business. But Williamsburg Junior Chloe England isn't your typical high school junior. England is the proud owner of Chloe Renee Media. England grew up on her family's farm, Penn England LLC, with her parents and two older sisters. "Growing up in the eyes of a family business inspired me to start my own business one day," England said. "My sister is also a business owner with Haley England Photography." England...
Borough Manager Joe Lansberry, during last Monday’s Williamsburg Borough Council meeting, talked about the numerous calls and complaints the Borough office has had about stray cats. There is currently no ordinance limiting the number of animals at a residence nor is there an ordinance prohibiting the feeding of stray cats. Lansberry said the Humane Society has a “trap, neuter and return” program. “It’s our best alternative,” Mayor Ted Hyle says, “we don’t want a repeat of the issue of stray cats in the past.” While cats are returned to the a...
The Williamsburg Community Farm Show is gearing up for one of their biggest events of the year — the Spring Craft Show Extravaganza. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, May 13, beginning at 9 a.m., on the Farm Show grounds. Over 100 vendors will be in attendance, highlighted by crafts, handmade items, signs, garden flags and food items. There will also be numerous food vendors. “We are excited about this event — it’s one of our biggest every year, and it seems to keep growing,” Farm Show Board President Jeff Walason said. “The...
Cathy Mock, a teacher at Williamsburg School District and a track & field mom, presented to the Williamsburg School Board during its meeting last Tuesday evening about the district’s lack of financial support for their teams. Mock presented each School Board member with a packet containing yearbook photos depicting the growth of the track team throughout the years and with a letter and comments from former and current students and parents about the positives of the track team. In 1999, the cross country team had only two members on it. F...
Auditor Daryl Cole asked supervisors during the April Catharine Township meeting, “Where do you see the township in 5 years? What is your vision for the township?” Both supervisors in attendance — Ralph Rispoli and Ken Brenneman — agreed that adequate road repairs top the list, along with having money to purchase items like a new truck. Roadmaster Michael Fay said his goals include to make roads more easily passable, as only three roads have been completed in the last eight years. Fay presented four roads in the township that are in dire ne...
Many may tune out the sound of a siren, but for first responders, it’s the beginning of a serious situation. The First Church of the Brethren in Roaring Spring honored first responders during a church service on Sunday, April 16. The idea sprouted from the Outreach and Missions Club of the church, and the service will now be an annual event for the church. Some of the first responders in attendance included Assistant Chief Corey Eicher, Landon Beers, Tim Laird, Bill Beers, Gary Thompson, Fred Beers, and Bobbi Beers, who led the call to worship....