Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
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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...
Those unable to attend Blue Pirate and Lady Pirate games might find themselves heading over to YouTube to find them on the channel WilliamsburgBluePirateGamesGalore. Behind the channel is Patrick Detwiler, 19, whose love of filming has tremendously helped connect families, friends, and fans of all things Williamsburg sports. He is a 2023 graduate of Williamsburg High School and is the son of Stan and Patty (Helsley) Detwiler. At the age of four, Detwiler was diagnosed with high-functioning...
The Williamsburg Community School Board updated many board policies during their meeting on Thursday, August 15. These policies included: records management, use of electronic signatures, open records policy, school organization, school calendar, school day, emergency preparedness, relations with law enforcement, school security personnel, child/student abuse, opening exercises/flag displays, food services, transportation and video/audio recording. The school board approved a five-year contract with Raystown Transit Services ending June 30,...
I think it may be ingrained in our blood as Williamsburg residents that Farm Show week is one of the best weeks out of the year. A great time to appreciate a lot of what Williamsburg has to offer, a great agricultural town and a tight-knit community that we are all so thankful to be a part of. I was lucky enough to head down to the Farm Show, for three days – Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Farm Show Queen competition, the Celebrity Milking Contest, and my f...
Eight young ladies were named either Little Miss or Princess at the Williamsburg Community Farm Show during Royalty festivities on Sunday afternoon, August 18. Competing for Little Miss included: Ava Emery, Frankie Giansante, Scarlett Leidy, Alexis Morningstar, Addyson Stringer, and Halle White. Those competing for Princess included: Elizabeth Dively and Addison Dodson. Following the introduction of the candidates, the outgoing Little Miss Isabella Harclerode and Princess Adalyn Ronk were also...
Wayne Baker, a resident of Catharine Township, presented a laundry list of questions to Catharine Township supervisors during their meeting last Thursday evening in Williamsburg. Baker asked for an update on Oak Alley, which he has maintained for about 15 years. Three years ago, the supervisors said they would take care of it. Baker asked why the maintenance has been so poor ever since. He said he went so far as to buy coal patches himself to fix the road. “No further discussion, but repairs were talked about,” Chairman Heather Flaig said, on...
Honestly, being a Williamsburger, one of the best weeks of the whole year is Farm Show week. Lucky for us – it begins this Sunday. Organizers are excited to bring another year of Farm Show fun, food, and agriculture. There will also be carnival games and amusement rides, which Farm Show organizers are hoping are a big hit with those all coming far and wide for the fair. Some of the highlighted events include: Sunday: Car Show beginning at 10 a.m. highlighted with an antique pedal tractor display, Jeff Corle music, the Williamsburg Community F...
If anything is certain, it's that Morgan Reighard enjoyed her reign as the 2023-24 Williamsburg Community Farm Show Queen. Reighard will crown a new Farm Show Queen to kick off the weeklong festivities of the Williamsburg Farm Show, on August 18. "I am so sad that my reign is coming to an end, but when I look back at all of the wonderful opportunities I was given, I have to smile," Reighard said. "I have completed so many wonderful things this year – from helping out at the Farm Show during one...
Ashley Sollenberger, the 20-year-old daughter of Eric and Jamie Sollenberger of Curryville, hopes to win the title of the 2024-25 Williamsburg Farm Show Queen. She has an older sister, Lily, and two younger brothers – Levi and Reed. Sollenberger has lived and worked on her family's dairy farm her whole life, and continues to help out there when she's not at work. Sollenberger is currently employed at Renaissance Nutrition in Roaring Spring, working in the warehouse – loading and unloading tru...
Jesse Weaver, an alumnus of Williamsburg High School, made his way back to Williamsburg, speaking for his company, Weaver Electric at last Monday evening’s Williamsburg Borough Council meeting. Weaver said that he had heard some rumblings about the Borough building and the fact that although they are a heating/cooling place for the community, they have no backup energy source. He said after his first tour of the Borough building, that the building presented some unique challenges. Weaver then detailed his proposal which included solar panels o...
Several months ago, a new sign was constructed to welcome visitors into town. Bill Brantner, at the time, said he had wanted the back of the sign to have information regarding the trail and some pictures of the trail. Brantner's dream came to fruition at the end of last month. The sign was sponsored and paid for by the Williamsburg VFW Post 6086. Prough's Masonry volunteered to put the new sign up and do the landscaping around it. "I can't thank both of those groups enough," Brantner says....
When the first Sunday of August rolls around, it can only mean one thing – time for the annual Keller Reformed Church's annual homecoming. The homecoming has taken place since the historic church's closure in 1926, and it's nearing its almost 100th anniversary. "We just want to recreate the type of service they would have had back then," Board of Trustee President Rev. David Donnelly said to the congregation. The church opens its doors twice a year – once for the Memorial Day service in May and...
A resident phoned in and asked about living in an RV (recreational vehicle) while improvements were being made to their home. This topic was discussed at last Thursday evening’s Woodbury Township meeting. Supervisors agreed that they wanted to maintain consistency for this issue and granted homeowners six months from the time the RV is hooked up to sewer and water to finish the project. Supervisors also wanted a developer’s agreement, written by township Solicitor Aimee Willett, to be signed and completed before the start of RV living. Rich Eas...
The Williamsburg Community School board approved new hires and volunteers for the upcoming fall and winter seasons during its meeting on Tuesday, July 16. Mandi Prough was hired as the girls varsity basketball assistant coach, following Angela Detwiler’s hire as the girls varsity basketball coach. Carrie Royer was hired to take on the junior high girls basketball coach position left open by Detwiler’s hire. Jamie Houck was appointed as the assistant junior high girls basketball coach. For the football season, Jimmy Grager, Bobby Lee and Mit...
By Natalie Gorsuch Williamsburg Correspondent In my life, I have been blessed to have great cooks around me. One of those cooks was my great Aunt Annie. Aunt Annie had a funny laugh, a deep voice, and a knack for cooking up great memories in the kitchen along with her food. Deep in her Czechoslovakian heritage, Aunt Annie loved to make recipes from her mother and pass those traditions onto us. One of my favorite memories of Aunt Annie is her making paska – a special Easter bread for our O...
It’s been awhile – and I am finally back to share some more delicious recipes with the readers. With picnics around in the summer, I always struggle on what to bring to a party and, as you may know, I am a sucker for something sweet. As I was browsing Tik Tok the other day, I found a very good recipe and my good friend, Judy Olivieri made it for me. It was a hit and I decided to share that recipe with all of you. Nutter Butter Icebox Cake Ingredients: 27-36 Nutter Butter cookies 1 ¾ cup milk, divided 1 box (3.4 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mi...
A group of six landlords representing Williamsburg properties made their presence known at the Williamsburg Borough meeting, on Monday, July 1. The topic of concern was the length between inspections. When the borough first enacted the ordinance, the length between inspections was two years, and landlords are asking for more leniency when it comes to that length. “Maybe we can meet somewhere in the middle,” Council President Ed Patterson said. Brian Meiser, who has thirteen units in Wil...
The topic of Oak Alley has been on the minds of Catharine Township supervisors for a long time, and at last Thursday evening’s meeting, residents showed up for answers. Residents wanted an update as to what Township supervisors are going to do to update the alley, and Supervisors still didn’t have many answers. One resident, Wayne Baker, offered to get the alley surveyed for the Township to see where points of ownership are. Township said they would have to talk to the Solicitor before plans move forward. Chairman Heather Flaig said she rec...
Due to age and condition, the Williamsburg Municipal Authority made the decision to rehabilitate the Cedar Hill water storage tank during Tuesday morning’s meeting, July 9. The tank is currently 27 years old and has experienced multiple leaks throughout the time it has been in use. Stiffler McGraw engineer, John Clabaugh, suggested five levels at which the township could go with rehabilitation – an interior rehab, corrosion protection, exterior cleaning, resealing the exterior, and a level that took care of all the above. David Myers made a m...
At the June meeting, Woodbury Township Chairman Joe Lansberry said there had been multiple complaints regarding the intersection of Bluebird Drive and Robin Lane; supervisors gave permission to Solicitor Aimee Willett to write an ordinance for the installation of the stop sign. At the July 3 meeting, supervisors voted to advertise the ordinance with Paul Harclerode making motion and Rich Easter seconding, motion passed. Cove Forge submitted a permit application regarding the building that will house a new cafeteria and dormitory with Rich...
Catharine Township Supervisors received and discussed their annual PennDOT Winter Service Agreement during last Thursday evening’s meeting. Chairman Heather Flaig made a motion to sign the winter maintenance agreement for Fox Run Road for five years. According to Flaig, the annual amount the township will get will start at $13,798, a 2% increase from the previous year. Vice Chairman Ken Brenneman seconded motion, motion passed. The township contacted several other municipalities and townships regarding a burning ordinance; Flaig said most do no...
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...
