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If you've wondered when it was finally going to stop raining and feel like spring, the answer is Saturday, May 18. Despite forecasts for rain, morning sprinkles gave way to a surprisingly hot and sunny afternoon. It was the perfect day for the Historic Hollidaysburg Springfest. Presented by the Hollidaysburg Area Community Partnership (HACP), a membership-driven organization that plan and promote downtown events, support streetscape improvements and other community efforts, Springfest was...
Chloe Pup ran circles around me in her excitement about going for a walk, but at the gate beside the meadow fence she sat down to wait. Too many zaps from the electric fence taught her to fear an unseen enemy in that area. Even though the grass along the fence was mowed evenly, she was taking no chances. When I came back, she leaped and bounded out the field lane ahead of me. At the first house she sniffed at the dead bluebird babies I tossed out and waited till I marked into my booklet, the casualty of our cool, wet weather earlier in the...
The Playhouse at McConnellstown will open its 2019 season on Friday, May 24, with “Love, Lies, and the Doctor’s Dilemma” A white lie is a simple mistruth told to save face, but what happens when one little white lie leads to further deceit? Find out when “Love, Lies, and the Doctor’s Dilemma” opens at 7:30 p.m. “Love, Lies, and the Doctor’s Dilemma” will continue at 7:30 p.m. on May 25, 30 and 31 and June 1 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinee showings will be held at 2 p.m. on May 26 and June 2. For reservations call (814) 627-0311. This farce is wri...
Burglary State Police, Hollidaysburg, are investigating a theft that occurred along 167 Acres Lane, Taylor Township, Blair County, sometime between April 9 and April 10. According to police, someone stole a Stihl chainsaw valued at $200, a Stihl weed trimmer valued at $200, a fishing rod and fishing tackle valued at $100. DUI State Police, Bedford, have charged Noris Preis, 33, of Claysburg with driving under the influence of alcohol and a controlled substance along Landmark Road and Business Ro...
Can you keep a secret? The ability to keep a secret is usually seen as a good thing. We never want to break a confidence. However, sometimes secrets can be a problem. It is no secret that I want to consider that topic. Last week I went to a Russ Taff concert. You may remember him from the Imperials. Many know him because of his work with the Gaithers. He has performed for over four decades and won a number of Grammy awards. His voice is incredible. So is his story. For a long time, he had...
Paul is in Philippi. Three people tell stories about how they came to receive Jesus Christ as Savior. We have heard just a tad about Lydia. She would have been of the upper echelon of society. No doubt she was wealthy, had a large enough home to entertain multiple visitors and had a staff likely as well as her family. We do not know much about her, but we do know she was a worshipper of the true God. When she understood Who Jesus Christ was, she became a part of the Church. She had a generous...
At their May 14 meeting, the Blair County Commissioners issued a proclamation declaring that May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Blair County. Commissioner Bruce Erb read the proclamation and presented it to two of the founding members of the Altoona Area Lyme Disease Support Group. Shown are (from left): Jim Beauchamp, Commissioner Bruce Erb and Regional Leader Amber Altiero, RN. Absent from the photo was Regional Leader Lisa Worrell. The support group is the Altoona Region of the PA Lyme...
Gladys A. Dodson of Roaring Spring celebrated her 100th birthday on Thursday, April 25, 2019, with an open house. Dodson was born on April 25, 1919, in Donner-town, the daughter of David and Susan Beck. She married Russell D. Dodson, who is deceased. They have two children: David of Washington, D.C., and Barbara J. Maruschak of Harrisburg; one grandson; and three great-grandchildren. Mrs. Dodson retired from Nason Hospital, Roaring Spring, where she worked for many years. She is a member of...
Blair Senior Services Inc. will be administering the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) in Blair County for 2019. The program, which will begin on June 4, issues vouchers for income-eligible older adults to exchange for fruits and vegetables at local farmers' markets. Each eligible individual will receive four vouchers worth five dollars each. Vouchers must be picked up by Sept. 30, 2019, and used by Nov. 30, 2019. Blair Senior Services asks those interested to please be aware that vouchers will be distributed until the supply i...
Nearly 330 third grade students in area schools were presented a Flag Etiquette and Education program by the local Post 43 VFW Auxiliary members. Earlier in the school year, VFW Post 43 auxiliary members visited Williamsburg Elementary, Northern Bedford County Elementary, Martinsburg Elementary and Claysburg-Kimmel Elementary Schools to educate the third-grade students on the importance of proper use and etiquette of the American Flag. The program began with a brief history of the flag, highlighting the Grand Union Flag and the Continental...
Three local third-grade students were recognized for their entries in a Loyalty Day Coloring Contest. Maylin Doty, Martinsburg Elementary; Ryan Crawford, Northern Bedford County Elementary; and Tierrence Garman, Claysburg-Kimmel Elementary received an emblem of recognition and a monetary gift for their winning entry in the contest. Auxiliary President Anna Klepser and Americanism Committee Chairwoman Jane Fagans made the presentations. Pictured above are (from left): Doty Maylin, Martinsburg...
Roaring Spring Boy Scouts Troop 57 and Martinsburg Boy Scouts Troop 358 recently were recognized for their efforts in support of Veterans. President Sarah Kriebel, national president of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary, awarded Boy Scouts Troops 57 and 358 "In recognition of Your Youth Group Supporting Our Veterans during the 2018 -2019 year." Both Boy Scouts Troops assisted the Auxiliary of the D. Merle Tipton Post 43 VFW with the annual flag retirement ceremony...
Woodland stands need periodic tending, or “intermediate treatments,” to foster and maintain their health, function, productivity, and benefits to wildlife. These treatments are conducted in immature stands and focus on adjusting stand structure (vertical and horizontal space), species composition, and the relative density of trees in the stand. These adjustments improve the growth, quality, vigor, and species composition of the remaining trees within a stand. In Pennsylvania’s and many other northeastern U.S. forests there are many oppor...
Are you interested in becoming a Penn State Master Gardener? Penn State Extension in Blair County is now accepting applications for the 2019-20 class of Master Gardeners. The volunteer training course is designed to provide the applicant, a home gardener, with the skills and knowledge necessary to volunteer and share researched gardening practices to county residents. Weekly training classes will start on Thursday, Oct. 3, and continue for approximately 40 weeks. A meet-and-greet is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. All applications must...
For the first time in three years, the Williamsburg School Board voted to increase the millage of its three municipalities – Williamsburg Borough, Woodbury and Catharine Townships to .2921. This increase is to cover the costs of the expected expenditures for 2019-20 which is an estimated $7,853,316, as compared to the anticipated expenses of $7,361,748. The school board also voted to give principals Jennifer Metzler and Michael Jones a 4-percent increase every year for three years. School lunch prices were also increased for the 2019-20 s...
With an original song and a speech about the mental health of dairy farmers, Vannika Rice won the title of 2019-20 Blair County Dairy Princess during last Saturday evening's festivities in Williamsburg. Rice competed against Elizabeth Frederick of Williamsburg and Dana Heltzel of Martinsburg, both crowned Alternates. For her skit, Rice, who is the daughter of Dave and Yolanda Rice, used the health and wellness theme for a middle school classroom by singing to the audience an original song, "Ode...
“We need to move forward,” Catharine Township Chairman Ken Brenneman said during last Thursday evening’s regular Catharine Township meeting, Brenneman was referring to the Act 537 plan process for the Williamsburg-area sewer project. The purpose of the Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection sewage facilities program is to implement the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537) in order to help address existing sewage disposal needs, and to help prevent future problems through the proper planning, permitting, and design of all types of sewage...
A few weeks ago I asked Williamsburg residents the question, “If you could bring back one store/restaurant from Williamsburg’s past, what would it be?” An overwhelming response was Louie’s Coral Lounge. For many years, this family-owned and operated restaurant at the top of Short Mountain was the go-to place for good home-cooked food. I decided to ask residents to elaborate more on the question from weeks ago – “What was your favorite thing to eat at Louie’s Coral Lounge?” Here is what a few had to say: Nancy Decker: Prime rib and breaded steak...
Memorial Day Events There will be a Veteran’s Breakfast at 7 a.m. at the Williamsburg Community Center. This event is open to any veteran from Williamsburg even if they do not belong to the American Legion. The Memorial Day Parade will begin at 9 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church then to all the cemeteries in town; then to a re-dedication of the plaques at the Community Center. Going Out of Business Sale Gorsuch Auto Parts and Shanty Crafters will be holding a “Going Out of Business Sale” on Saturday, May 25, beginning at 8 a.m. Trail T...
One of my mother's favorite parts about spring is to head up to Brubaker's Greenhouse to buy flowers and to Potted Memories for mulch. She then turns her attention to her flower beds. She prides herself on having beautiful flowers around our family home. This is just one of many flower beds in bloom now....
Girl Scouts from the Bedford Service Unit spent four hours on Saturday, April 27, at Smith Transport in Roaring Spring. There is a new patch for Girl Scouts called the WIT (Women in Trucking) patch. Luella Bates was the first woman in the world to drive truck. The girls started the day with orientation from Jennifer Hillegass, the marketing brand manager at Smith Transport and who is in charge of all driver awards, and Janelle Grapes, one of their own troop leaders who is an over-the-road truck...
The Claysburg-Kimmel Lady Bulldog Softball Boosters will host a “Cash Bash” drawing on Saturday, June 15, at the Imler Area Volunteer Fire Hall. The event will benefit C-K’s chapter of Future Business Leaders of America. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. The dinner will be at 6 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded through the night starting at 6:45 p.m. The donation to attend the event will include food, adult beverages, drinks, snacks and a chance to win prizes totaling $1,000. The boosters are seeking items for their auction drawing including baske...
Expanding routes for those who drive clean-fuel vehicles in Pennsylvania, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Department of Transportation (PennDOT) on May 16 announced grants for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and the designation of 500 more miles of highway as “Alternative Fuel Corridors,” with compressed natural gas (CNG) or EV charging stations readily accessible. One of the highways newly designated as a CNG corridor includes Interstate 70 from the Ohio border to the intersection with the Turnpike (New Sta...
“Celebrate! You Are a Child of God!,” a new book by Suzanne E. Caldwell, has been released by RoseDog Books. “Celebrate! You Are a Child of God!” is a children’s book that was written in acrostic style poetry and uses scripture to enhance it. The author chose very simple, childlike stick figure illustrations to represent all people of every nation. The book was written to acknowledge and reinforce the dignity and self-worth of every person as a Child of God. The author believes it will be an excellent resource for parents, teachers, and all t...
Homeowners who enjoy tending to their lawns know that grass is vulnerable to a host of problems, many of which appear at a time of year when lawn enthusiasts want to showcase the fruits of their lawn-and-garden labors. Crabgrass is a common problem that appears in summer. According to Lowes, crabgrass plants produce thousands of seeds between midsummer and early fall. While the first frosts of late-fall or early winter kill the crabgrass plants, the seeds produced by the plants remain dormant...
Thick grass is often a hallmark of a healthy lawn. If grass begins to thin, homeowners may feel as though all the time and effort they spent tending to their lawns was for naught. Thinning grass can be caused by any number of things. And while it might take a little effort to address, thinning grass can be treated if homeowners correctly identify that cause of the problem. Leaf spot The Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment at the University of Massachusetts Amherst notes that leaf...
Dogs love spending time outdoors. Dog owners with yards know that dogs benefit greatly from some exercise in the backyard. While that time might be great for dogs, it can take its toll on lawns. Dog urine and feces can adversely affect the look and health of a lush green lawn. Nitrogen is essential to healthy soil, but only at certain levels. When those levels are exceeded, the result can be lawn damage. According to The Spruce Pets, an advisory site that offers practical tips and training advic...
Poison ivy is an unwelcome guest on many properties. Unfortunately, many people don't recognize the presence of poison ivy on their property until it's too late and they've already fallen victim to the uncomfortable, itchy red rash that is the plant's hallmark. According to Poison-Ivy.org, a website providing information about poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac, the rash from poison ivy may first appear as just a slight itchy spot. But that spot will gradually get worse and can even cover...
Many an amateur landscaper has encountered grubs while tending to their lawns, but even the most attentive green thumber may have a lawn infested with grubs and not know it. According to the pest and weed experts at Roundup®, grubs often go unnoticed until late summer, when they've already done substantial damage to a lawn. Oddly enough, one of the telltales signs of a grub infestation is not the grubs themselves but the animals looking to dine on them. Fully grown grubs make for hearty meals, so homeowners who notice raccoons, skunks,...
From landscaping, to tending the lawn and garden to getting your family's recreational equipment prepped for warm weather, the common denominator is that these activities require fuel to get going. Now is the ideal time of year to make sure equipment is properly fueled, and fuel storage containers are in tip-top shape. "Whether it's using a tiller to start a garden or preparing the family boat for the first fishing trip of the year, consumers rely on fuel to jumpstart seasonal activities," says...
Backyard barbecues are synonymous with warm weather. And why wouldn't they be? Grilling over an open flame when the weather is warm embodies the relaxing spirit of spring and summer, prompting many people to leave their oven ranges behind in favor of charcoal and gas grills. As relaxing as backyard barbecues can be, they can quickly take a turn for the worse if cooks don't emphasize safety when grilling out. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an average of 9,600 home fires...
A home is a safe haven for its residents. No matter what's going on at school or the office, many people know they can relax in comfort and safety when they arrive home at the end of a day. Safety at home is something that can be taken for granted until it's too late. The National Fire Protection Association notes that each year more than 47,000 home fires in the United States are caused by electrical failure or malfunction. Overloaded electrical circuits are a frequent culprit in residential...
Sunny days and warm weather beckon us to the great outdoors. A day spent in the pool or lounging around the patio is a great way to embrace the relaxing spirit of summer. But those who want to go the extra relaxing miles should consider adding a hammock or swinging chair to their backyard oasis. Hammocks and swinging chairs make great investments. Outdoor enthusiasts can take them on camping trips, and they're equally at home right in the backyard. People on the fence about these symbols of...
From dripping popsicles to grassy soccer fields, your clothes will become susceptible to a wide array of stains and odors over the coming months. Use these tips to keep your wardrobe fresh-smelling and looking new as long as possible: •Air out: Give wet, sweaty clothes and towels a chance to breathe. When you get home from the beach, gym or baseball diamond, empty your bag of soiled items. • Understand stains: Science shows there is no single one ingredient that cleans every kind of stain well. For example, spaghetti sauce stains are best treat...
Living in close proximity to one's neighbors has its benefits. But many homeowners would no doubt admit that privacy at home is a good thing. Whether homeowners are enjoying their yard in spring or summer or simply want their in-home activities to be less obvious to neighbors, their privacy is a year-round concern. If privacy is a concern, homeowners can take certain steps to ensure their homes stay or become the sanctuaries they were designed to be. Window treatments and frosting Windows allow...
When traveling overnight, travelers may have their minds on any number of things. Vacationers may be focused on fun in the sun, while the minds of business travelers may be preoccupied with important meetings. Few travelers may be thinking about bed bugs, even though hotels can be vulnerable to infestations of these unwelcome creatures. Bed bugs might be considered a pesky nuisance, but such a reputation overlooks their potential to cause serious harm. According to the United States...
While we all know that minimalism is "in" right now, thanks to Japanese cleaning guru Marie Kondo and her "Tidying Up" show on Netflix, decluttering your whole house can feel daunting. Instead, start small with these tips for tackling the areas that tend to collect the most dirt and clutter. 1. Purge your refrigerator weekly. The day prior to garbage collection, clean out your fridge of all leftovers and expired foods, and wipe down the shelves to prevent stickiness and mold from leaking...
The season for fresh fruits and vegetables grown right in the backyard is upon us. Warm weather breathes life into fresh berries, tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, and many other delectable fruits and vegetables. Home gardens can be supplemented with delicious finds from the supermarket or farmer's market, including melons, corn and more. The bounty of the garden can be made more abundant and fruitful with the addition of the right soil amendments. Compost is a key element of rich, nutritious...
Heat waves are an inevitable part of summer in many places across the globe. While humans can escape indoors to air conditioned rooms when heat waves hit full swing, flowers planted around a property have no such luxury, putting their survival in jeopardy whenever the mercury rises to especially steamy heights. Wilted flowers that have succumbed to the summer sun are a sight many gardening enthusiasts can recognize. But there are ways to keep flowers safe and vibrant during periods of extreme...
In spite of what their name might suggest, bed bugs can be found in places other than beds. While bed bugs are most often found in beds, where they can feast on people while they sleep, the pest control experts at Terminix note that bed bugs can be found on anything that’s upholstered. That includes chairs and couches, but also curtains and carpets. Bed bugs also may be lurking behind dressers or beneath beds. Some might even be hiding behind beds by attaching themselves to headboards. Bed bugs also can attach to clothing, which is how bed b...