Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
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Williamsburg Authority is expecting communication from Cove Forge regarding a variety of topics including hydrant testing, residual pressure, and flow testing but according to Stiffler McGraw engineer John Clabaugh, they have yet to receive an update. David Myers made a motion to add Myranda Isenberg to all bank accounts to gather information; Harry Mullins seconded motion, motion carried. Myers discussed the number of bank accounts the authority has through Kish Bank, Penn Crest, and Mid Penn and eliminating one of them. He was going to find...
“We hope to keep seeing new faces, new families and have people really enjoy the programs,” Librarian Assistant Jennifer Hoffman said. She is referring to the many new programs that the Williamsburg Public Library has to offer. On Tuesday, June 18, the Library began their first game day and hobby day with lots of games for all ages, in hopes to attract more to the library. “It was pretty cool,” Hoffman said, “I got to play a lot of different games, and it was just neat watching the kids play.” Some of the games played were Dungeons & Dragons,...
Woodbury Township Supervisors awarded multiple bids during June’s meeting. For stone and blacktop bids, the Township received two bids – one from Grannas Bros, and one from New Enterprise. Citing price and convenience for location, stone and blacktop bids were awarded to Grannas Bros; Rich Eastep made a motion to award bids to Grannas with Paul Harclerode seconding, motion passed. New Enterprise was awarded the UNIQUE paving bid with Harclerode making the motion and Eastep seconding, motion passed. With paving bids, two bids were once aga...
Following the resignation of Amy Hileman as WHS Girls’ Basketball Head Coach at last month’s meeting, her replacement was named at the June meeting, Tuesday evening. Angela Detwiler, a teacher for the district and the Junior High Girls’ Coach for the past five seasons was named as her replacement. Detwiler, is a decorated athlete in her own right, commanding accolades during her high school years at Bishop Guilfoyle. “I can’t think of a better place to teach and coach – I’d like to thank Amy for all of her support the last five years,” she s...
“Reuse, repurpose, and recycle” was the theme of the evening, last Monday night as the Williamsburg Women’s Civic Club got together for their June banquet to close out the 2023-2024 season. Emcee for the evening, Dottie DuBois, said she along with the committee really went all out for the theme – biodegradable plates, bamboo silverware and to-go containers made from sugar cane. DuBois said the silverware holders were old library card holders she found at the First Methodist Church, where t...
“A good coach can change a game, but a great coach can change a life,” John Wooden said. For many players, Lady Pirates Basketball Head Coach Amy Hileman’s short tenure has changed the lives of many ladies wearing that blue and white. She announced her resignation at the May Williamsburg Community School Board meeting. Hileman coached for five successful seasons for the Lady Pirates, winning a District 6 Championship in 2023, and leading the Pirates to the playoffs in 2021-2024. Current Williams...
The Claysburg-Kimmel Class of 2024 celebrated their Commencement exercises Saturday, June 1, at Bulldog Stadium. “Good morning, Claysburg,” Superintendent Brian Helsel said, welcoming the crowd. “It’s one of those days you’ll never forget. It’s a special day for so many of us. It’s often said that it takes a village to raise a child and a big part of your village is here today.” As he talked to the fifty-two seniors, Dr. Helsel said he had three pieces of advice for seniors. “One – in life,...
Secondary Principal Jennifer Frederick encouraged Class of 2024 to “Rise Up” during Commencement activities for Williamsburg Community School District, Friday May 24. “This has been such a rewarding experience for me, being your Principal,” she said, as she encouraged seniors. “Surround yourself with people who are proud of you in each stage ahead.” Frederick urged seniors to look deep down and see the determination that lives in each and every one of them. “I have witnessed some of your knock-downs but you have chosen to rise up and meet the...
“The Weekend,” as the celebration committee for the Fairview Church of the Brethren refers to as the occasion of the church turning 150 years old, will take place on July 19-July 21, in Williamsburg. Plans for this event have been almost two years in the making. In 2023, Pastor Alan Brumbaugh along with church members Dave Sollenberger and Tisha Ray began meeting bimonthly with three goals for the weekend – picking a weekend for the celebration, booking a keynote speaker, and booking a band....
“This is the one I’ve been waiting for,” Loranne Keithley said of local author Patty Wilson who closed out the month-long Williamsburg Public Library series featuring local authors and historians. Wilson is no stranger to the library as she has presented many times there. She grew up in Williamsburg and has family in the area. She said her first book was supposed to be a “quick project.” Wilson has written stories for the Altoona Mirror, Bedford Gazette, and has articles published nationall...
The 4th Annual Wine in the Woods will be held on Saturday, June 15 from 4-9 p.m. on the grounds of the Historic Royer Mansion. “We haven’t been able to have this event since June of 2019, mainly because of COVID,” Mansion caretaker Michael Stipanovic said. “We are so excited to have the event back here on the grounds,” he continued. Huston Godwin, another caretaker at the Royer Mansion agreed that it is a great event. “It’s our biggest fundraiser to continue the preservation of the Mansion, and it really does get more people out here to see h...
“He served this community for a great number of years,” Council President Ed Patterson said of long-time Council member and former Mayor of Williamsburg Dennis Hammel, who passed away unexpectedly last Sunday. Council had a moment of silence to remember Hammel. “Denny always cared for the community. You can see that through the many years that he invested into being on Council and the years as Mayor. He will be greatly missed,” Council member Mike Biddle said about Hammel. The Council has thi...
Author’s Note: This is the last of the secondary teachers’ biographies. It was great getting to know more about them. Micah Lingenfelter had a family emergency that kept him from writing, and the teachers who were not featured did not respond. Suzanna Long Hailing all the way from the sandy beaches is Suzanna Long, who came to Pennsylvania on a tennis scholarship to Saint Francis University. Long is married and has three daughters. She loves to travel and coach soccer when not teaching. “Th...
“When was it going to be my turn?,” Anna Longenecker, 17, said as she was welcomed and introduced as the new 2024-2025 Blair County Dairy Princess following festivities last Saturday evening in Williamsburg. She comes from a long line of past Dairy Princesses andState royalty with her sisters Yvonne, Victoria and Katheryn. As Longenecker grew up, she couldn’t wait for the opportunity to become the next Dairy Princess. She is the daughter of Douglas and Yvette Longenecker, and the grand...
For last week’s installment of local authors and historians, the Williamsburg Public Library’s speaker was Jim Snyder, Jr, the self-proclaimed “Cemetery Nerd.” Snyder has served as the Blair County Genealogical Society’s President for the past twelve years, and he gave a presentation on lost and forgotten cemeteries of the Cove. Snyder said for a three-year time span between 2007-2009, he along with others, researched and logged most cemeteries in Blair County. This researching process m...
The historic Keller Church located in Catharine Township, Williamsburg opened its doors on Saturday, May 25 for their second annual Memorial Day Celebration of History and Music. The Rev. David Donnelly, who is President of the church’s Board of Trustees, presided over the service. History The Keller Church, as it stands today, has been part of the community since its inception in 1846. The church’s beginnings have it dated all the way back to 1786 when predominantly German immigrants set...
“Life is full of next steps,” Pastor Matt Roberts said to the Class of 2024 during the Baccalaureate services on Sunday, May 19, at the Williamsburg First Methodist Church. “There’s always fear, worry and anxiety about making that next step forward,” Roberts said, “There’s always going to be new life stages – a new school, a new job; we always doubt our capabilities and we fear the unknown.” Roberts told the class the story of Moses, who was called by God to lead the Israelites to the...
The Williamsburg Municipal Authority discussed purchasing a jetter from Martinsburg, Borough Manager Joe Lansberry said the jetter would be used for open drains and sewer mains. Lansberry said he had been in talks with Martinsburg Mayor Rich Brantner, Sr. regarding the jetter. Harry Mullins made a motion to spend less than $6,000 for the jetter with Ed Patterson seconding, motion passed. The Authority was awarded a small sater/sewer grant which included the purchase of two new flow rate control valves and two new wet well pumps. A purchase...
Elisabeth McMullin “I wanted to become a teacher because of my mother’s example,” Williamsburg High School English teacher Elisabeth McMullin said. She said her mom was an English teacher who went on to work with students who were unable to be in a school building. “I mostly followed in her footsteps — I also love literature and reading, so it was a good fit for my career,” McMullin said. She graduated from Altoona Area School District and then went on to Lock Haven University to become an Engli...
The Williamsburg Community School District accepted Amy Hileman’s resignation as Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach, with regret, during last Tuesday evening’s meeting. Hileman served as Coach for five years and had quite an impressive resume, leading to State Finals runs for the Lady Pirates. “She will be greatly missed,” Dr. Barry England said after accepting resignation. Hileman will continue with the team until after summer activities. Superintendent Lisa Murgas praised seniors Ivan Brubaker, Andrew McMonagle, and Luke Uplinger for winning G...
Randy Stoltz is the author of “Civil War and Morrison’s Cove” which takes a look at the Morrison’s Cove area and the impact it had on the Civil War. He said he took an interest in the Civil War when he was 12 years old, and through friends, he began reenacting and the love affair began. Stoltz said the reenactments then turned to spreadsheets of cemeteries, “It started from there,” he said. Stoltz first got into the history of the start of the Civil War – President Abraham Lincoln winning, Sout...
Jana Mock Jana Mock may be the teacher who was born the furthest from Williamsburg – born in Chicago. However, Mock and her family moved to Williamsburg when she was in the 5th grade. Mock graduated from Williamsburg in 1985 and then graduated from Lock Haven University in 1989 with a Bachelor’s in Health and Physical Education. When she is not teaching, Mock can be found with her family, attending Penn State football games with her sister, attending craft shows, reading or walking. She and hus...
“It’s just frustrating,” Williamsburg Mayor Ted Hyle said during discussions at Monday evening’s Williamsburg Borough Council meeting. Hyle expressed frustration upon some residents with lack of caring for lawns and cutting grass. Hyle said that it seems to be repeat offenders, or people who own properties in the Borough but don’t live there all the time. Borough Manager Joe Lansberry said the Borough received a copy of Martinsburg’s grass and lawn ordinance, and thought it may be “easier to enforce,” as the current Borough one, has “no te...
A few months ago, Catharine Township purchased a 2012 International truck with the knowledge that the truck needed a total engine repair; during Thursday evening’s meeting, it was announced that repairs were going to cost more than originally estimated. The township purchased the truck for $6100, and now, the estimate for the engine and labor would be roughly $17,000 with Catharine already putting $10,000 into it for repairs. Supervisors discussed whether it would be worth it to continue, and after reading some values of how much the truck i...
A few months ago, the Williamsburg Public Library announced each Thursday of May, it would highlight local authors and bring authors in to discuss their books. This past Thursday was the first week of the author series, and Bryon Smail of the Cove came in to discuss his book “The Iron Furnaces of the Cove” detailing the Iron furnaces of the Cove. Smail said he has always enjoyed history and credits his father Ron, who was in attendance, for that love. “My dad always took us to state parks...
The Morrison’s Cove Rotary Club has announced their Williamsburg High School seniors recognized for March, April and May. March – Claire Carper Claire Carper is the daughter of Dran and Michelle Carper, of Williamsburg. Some of her school accomplishments include being a member of the National Honor Society. In school, she is very active in Varsity Lady Pirate Basketball, Aevidum, Yearbook, Careers in Health, Fellowship, Student Council, and the Math League. In the community, she spends her free...
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...
