Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
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Ron and Jaynne Bowers on Oakdale Road in Martinsburg have decorated their yard once more to collect donations for the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society as they have done for several years. This year they have everything on just two yards instead of the three they had before, and it has been a challenge because of the weather. "The weather is giving us a lot of trouble with the ice and snow," Ron said. Between the two yards there are about 80 different decorations and blow ups. Jaynne's...
Churches across Martinsburg and Roaring Spring are preparing to celebrate Christmas with special services that emphasize tradition, reflection, and community. For Joel Kletzing of Christ Church in Roaring Spring, the candlelight portion of the Christmas Eve service holds deep meaning. "There is a beauty in the simplicity of each person having a basic, little candle while the darkness surrounds us," Kletzing said. "God grants faith to His people, and a little measure is as truly faith as is a gre...
Claysburg's giant-sized Christmas cards are once again on display at the Claysburg Community Park. This is a tradition, along with the tree lighting, that goes back to 1971. It all began when the Claysburg-Kimmel Alumni Association promoted the idea of displaying giant-sized Christmas cards at the General Refractories Co. Claysburg Plant in the center of town along Bedford Street in 1971. This year marks the 53rd year of giant-sized Christmas cards. Community groups, churches and other...
To All Churches in the Morrison’s Cove Area: St. John’s United Church of Christ on 117 East Julian Street in Martinsburg, along with The Martinsburg Church of God and St. Matthews Lutheran Church, will be ringing their church bells on December 25, 2024, Christmas Day morning at 10 a.m. They will ring the bells for about five minutes. Any churches that has a bell or the ablitiy to add bells with some type of technology, are encouraged to join them on Christmas morning in celebration of the Christ Child's birth. It is such a thrill to hear the...
RJ Sottile's home on Lock Mountain Road, Roaring Spring, features an array of Christmas decorations both inside and outside. The display includes colorful lights, blow-ups, trees, and even a decorated Corvette. Sottile's tradition of decorating began with his grandparents in 2001 and 2003 at their home in Roaring Spring. "When we moved to Lock Mountain, tradition continued, and it will continue to grow and get bigger," he said. The Sottile family starts decorating in October, aiming to complete...
Woodbury Township residents will be paying $21 more, per $100,000 in assessed value of home, in taxes in 2025, per the township supervisors during Thursday evening’s meeting. The millage will increase from .74 to .95; this is the first millage increase in the township since 2021. Supervisor Rich Eastep made a motion to increase millage with Paul Harclerode seconding, motion passed. The increase in taxes will generate revenue of an estimated $21,000 more for the township. Harclerode then made a motion to approve the 2025 budget with the i...
Williamsburg first year coach Angela Detwiler talks with her players during practice Saturday morning....
The Williamsburg Municipal Authority received a capacity letter from Cove Forge, on behalf of the authority’s engineer John Clabaugh. The authority will not be able to provide enough water to handle all needs at once. The letter, litigates the authority from any responsibility when they have firefighting issues. The letter also enables Cove Forge to get their permits approved. The authority voted to pave the borough parking lot, but are about $3,000 short using the ARPA funds. Harry Mullins made a motion to allow the authority to pitch in $...
Big Buck Contest in Williamsburg...
Shades of Joy Coloring Contest Winners...
The Community Angel Tree, organized by Trinity United Methodist Church (TUMC) in Roaring Spring, continues to provide Christmas gifts for local families in need. Hosted by the Roaring Spring True Value, the program provides gifts for children in the Claysburg, Northern Bedford, Spring Cove, and Williamsburg school districts. The tradition, which began decades ago under the leadership of George Kensinger, has been ongoing for at least the 10 years that Lisa Ebersole has been involved. Now...
The borough council has approved plans to purchase a new fire truck for the Friendship Fire Company, which has been under discussion for several years. The new vehicle, a Pierce rescue pumper from Glick Equipment, will replace the aging rescue truck currently in use. Rodney Green explained the decision during the recent council meeting. He said that the fire company recently received a $1.3 million bid for the rescue pumper. "The negative on it is it will take four years from the point that we...
The Spring Cove School District held elections for board president and vice-president for the upcoming year at their re-organizational board meeting. Current president Troy Wright was nominated for the board presidency by Amy Acker-Knisely, with a second by Linda Smith, and was retained by a unanimous 9-0 vote. Amy Acker-Knisely was nominated for vice president by Kevin Smith with a second from Linda Smith and was unanimously retained as vice president by a 9-0 vote. All committee members opted...
The Northern Bedford County School District Board of Directors held an election of officers for the upcoming year at their December reorganizational meeting. Temporary President Andrea Poteat nominated Randy Wiand for board president with Steve Cottle seconding the nomination. There were no other nominations and Wiand was elected president by a 7-1 vote with John Eshelman voting no. Board member Jack Briggs was absent. Ralph Scott nominated Jenn McCoy for vice president with Cottle seconding the nomination. McCoy nominated Cottle and Poteat sec...
The election for president and vice-president of the school board of directors at the Claysburg-Kimmel School District reorganizational meeting was a lengthy process. Solicitor Crystal Edwards assumed the role of temporary chairperson for the elections. The current president, Amy Claar-Gill, and Richard Gergley were nominated for board president. Gergley, however, could only accept the nomination if the board would move to change school board meetings to Monday nights instead of Wednesdays due to his work schedule. He also wanted to eliminate...
A contingent of New York City police personnel arrive at the Altoona Police Department Monday afternoon after Altoona police had taken into custody a person of interest in the New York City shooting of a healthcare CEO....
The start of the Christmas season kicked off Saturday afternoon with the annual Christmas parade - filled with sightings of the Dairy Princess, lots of candy, and a special visit from the Grinch. Following the parade, a large crowd watched Santa Claus light up the tree followed by a meet-and-greet with the big man himself, with plenty of festive music. The fourth annual Shop Local vendor show will shut down West Second Street where it will be filled with local vendors and food trucks on...
“We knew it was going to be an expensive project,” Superintendent Lisa Murgas said, displaying the updates and projects to fix the roofing problems at the Williamsburg Elementary School and High School during last Tuesday evening’s board meeting. “This is a project that needed to be done,” Board Member Jimmy Grager said, noting the leaking problems, especially in areas such as the elementary school and boys’ locker rooms. The elementary school was looking at mostly lower-level updates and the high school was looking at replacing a majority of...
The Williamsburg Borough will once again be looking for a new Council member following the resignation of Mike Biddle during last Monday evening’s meeting, December 2. Biddle and his wife moved out of the borough, and therefore, can no longer serve as a council member. Dakota Biddle made a motion to accept a letter of resignation with Matthew Webb seconding, motion passed. “Mike did a lot for us here as a member of the borough council. In his short time, he brought his wealth of business perspective and his background in grant funding to ben...
"What a wonderful day it is to be spent with all of you," Williamsburg Women's Civic Club second Vice President Robin Brantner said welcoming the large group of ladies to the club's annual event, the Christmas Tea. The theme for this year was "Gnome for the Holidays," and gnomes were all over the First Methodist Church for the event. Susan Houck, one of the chairwomen this year for the event, said that she picked this theme because she found a love of Christmas gnomes during a trip to Germany...
"It is never too late to go back to school, never too late to follow your dreams no matter how old you are," Lesly Miller-Jacobs, Patient Advocate and Community Liaison at Conemaugh Nason Medical Center said. At 57, Miller-Jacobs is about to complete a nearly four-decade-long journey to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her classes officially end on December 13, and she will graduate on December 21. "I didn't think going back to school would make me a better nurse knowledge-wise," she...
A caravan of hay, cattle feed, fencing supplies, food, hygiene kits, and other essentials left the Cove on Monday morning, November 25, at 5 a.m. It was all a part of an effort organized by Lila Sollenberger of Curryville to help victims of Hurricane Helene in parts of North Carolina. "Our family was on vacation at Myrtle Beach when the hurricane happened," Sollenberger said. "When we got home on September 25, we listened to the news and I had this feeling that I needed to do something to...
The Taylor Township supervisors approved the 2025 budget for $1,439,681 with no change to the Local Service Tax (LST) or Earned Income Tax (EIT). The 2025 0.600 mil increase for fire and real estate tax was approved. For a $180,000 home, this would mean an annual increase of $50/yr. or for a $400,000 home, it will be an increase of $100 per year. The Friendship Fire Co. asked for a .141mill increase, bringing the current fire tax to .2 mills. A home valued at $150,000 would increase by $30/yr. in fire tax. Friendship Fire Co. Chief James...
The Martinsburg Borough Council approved the 2025 budget totaling $1,055,810 during its meeting Monday night. Alongside the budget, council members adopted the 2025 tax resolution, maintaining the same real estate tax millage as in 2024, permitted under Act 51 of 2019. The tax rate for general purposes remains at 1.967 mills, or $0.1967 per dollar of assessed valuation, effective January 1, 2025. Additionally, the council approved ordinances setting the per capita tax for 2025 at $5, the earned income tax for 2024 at 0.5%, and the local...
It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas...
The members of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 115 East Penn Street, Martinsburg, Pa, are once again presenting “Journey to Bethlehem” after a five-year break. The walk-through event will be presented on Sunday, Dec. 15., from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.The presentations take about 30 minutes. This year a special presentation has been added to accommodate persons who are unable to travel steps or need to use assisting devices to move around. This modified presentation of Journey to Bethlehem will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the sanctuary, on Sunday, Dec...
Trinity United Methodist Church in Roaring Spring held their annual Thanksgiving Meal on Thanksgiving Day last Thursday. Rev. Ryan Gephart said about 260 people in total attended during the two hours the meal was held. He said about 130 people dined in person and another 130 take-out or delivery meals. Gephart said their Thanksgiving meal has been held since the early 2000s. He said they started preparing for the meal the Monday before. "We always enjoy it, and I like being able to talk and...
The Grace Pointe Community Church of God hosted their first Turkey Bowl on Thanksgiving Day. Donations were accepted for the Essentials Pantry which helps to provide essential grocery and health items for the community....
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Williamsburg. Christmas Parade The annual Williamsburg Christmas Parade will take place this Saturday, Dec. 7, at 4:30 p.m. The parade route follows: Sage Hill Drive to Taylor Street, to First Street, to High Street, to East Second Street, and ends at East Second/Spring Street. Following the parade, gift bags will be provided to children who visit Santa. Light Up Night Santa will light the tree at 5:30 p.m. and will be available for photo...
Claysburg-Kimmel's Future Business Leaders of America Chapter (CK FBLA) has received so much support from our community over the years, and our chapter wanted the chance to show our appreciation and give back to the community that has given so much to us. To aid our community in as many ways as possible, this year's Community Service Project team (Makeznie Ebersole, Levi Kennedy, and Launa Musselman) created Community Connections with the main goal of leaving a positive impact on our community....
Daniel Longwell Parents: Paul and Beth Longwell School Activities: marching band, Envirothon, ski club, foreign language club, mock trial, prom committee, American History Club. Hobbies/Interests: playing piano, boy scouts, spending time with family and friends, Redefined Community Church youth group and worship team, Camp Blue Diamond counselor-in-training. Honors/Awards Received: 1st Award 2024 PJAS State Competition Marching Band Commanding Officer Junior Award Recipient of the 2024...
The main lesson learned throughout Christina Brown's third-grade unit, "Every Vote Counts" is that only six out of ten Americans exercise their right to vote. The theme was to host a schoolwide election for the 2024 Presidential election, and each student in grades K-6 exercised their right to vote. According to Brown, the unit gives students an idea of the voting process to increase their likelihood of voting later. Equipped with glue, stars, and markers, the class created patriotic...
For many years, the Williamsburg Lady Pirate Volleyball team was led by a quiet coach who helped train many lady Pirates to become much better young women, leaders, and volleyball players. During the Williamsburg Community School Board meeting on Tuesday evening, the school board regretfully accepted the resignation of long-time head coach Marina Brubaker. “She did a really great job with the program, and really taught those girls a lot,” Board President Dr. Barry England said. “She definitely will be missed.” No further discussion was held on...
Move over Santa, there’s a new Christmas sheriff in town – the Grinch. The Williamsburg Community Farm Show will be hosting Breakfast With The Grinch, this Saturday from 7-11 a.m. at the Farm Show Building, Williamsburg. “We are really looking forward to this event,” Farm Show Board Director Angie Walason said. The menu includes special green pancakes, buckwheat pancakes, sausage, biscuits and gravy – all you care to eat. All tickets will be sold at the door, with children six years and younger free....
Catharine Township supervisors voted for the purchase of two traffic signals, much like those purchased by the Williamsburg Borough during their meeting last Thursday evening, November 22. “I think you need a traffic signal (speed sign) at both ends of Robeson Extension,” Resident Dorrie Johnson said. Signs were purchased to try to combat speeding in the area. Vice Chairman Ken Brenneman made the motion to use ARPA funds to buy the traffic signals at $6,850 for both, with Ralph Rispoli seconding, the motion passed. Supervisors signed an agr...
The 2023 LSA grant applications were acted upon, and unfortunately, the Williamsburg Municipal Authority’s grant application was denied. The authority decided to put up a small match in the amount of $5,000 for the purchase of a new dump truck for the 2024 LSA grant application. Ed Patterson made the motion for the match by applying for a grant with Troy Everhart seconding, motion passed. Stiffler McGraw Engineer John Clabaugh said there had been some confusion with regard to the Cove Forge combined flow requirements. The designer of the p...
Brian Kelly, Corn Originator at Pennsylvania Grain Processing (PGP), emphasized the significant role of ethanol in the fuel industry during his address at the Blair County Chamber of Commerce’s 599th breakfast meeting. Held Thursday at The Casino at Lakemont Park, the event brought together business leaders and agricultural stakeholders to discuss ethanol’s impact on energy and agriculture. PGP, located in Clearfield, is Pennsylvania’s only ethanol plant. It grinds 40 million bushels of corn annually to produce 115 million gallons of ethan...
The Christmas Bazaar took place on Saturday, November 22 at the Cove Lions Club Community Building in Loysburg. Hopewell Homestead hosted the event with various items such as handmade soaps, and balms sold by different vendors. There will be vendors available at the Replogle School Building Craft Show on November 29....
On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Miss Louise Wilson's Spanish IV class at Central High School (CHS) attended the first-ever Immersion Day, held at Juniata College (JC) in Huntingdon. Students made comiditas, or small foods, as a craft. They glued rice and tiny plastic fruits and vegetables into a small clay bowl. (See the picture.) Next, they learned about cacao and chocolate. They tasted the bitterness of the cacao beans and sampled some hot chocolate into which they were allowed to put various sp...
A Bedford County dairy farm recently received a prestigious award for dedication to animal care, the environment, their community, and the high-quality milk that their cows produce. Bowman Brothers Farm in New Enterprise, Pa., has been recognized as the District One Producer of The Year by Maola Local Dairies. Brothers Chris and Rick Bowman established the farm in 1997 and credit their attention to cow care for their success. "The cows have to be first – they're the ones paying the bills," C...
Winter made its first visit to Pennsylvania including in the Cove before the official winter season on December 21. During an interview with Accuweather Senior Meteorologist Renee Duff, around 3 p.m. last Friday, the area had about three to five inches of snow depending on the elevation. The mountain areas received the heavier amounts of snow while the valleys were on the lower end of the accumulation amounts, she said. "It was snowing a lot and the roads were wet, but not much of a travel...
On Sunday November 17, The National Semi-Pro Baseball Hall of Fame held its Third Annual Mid-Atlantic Region Hall of Fame Induction Banquet at the Blair County Convention Center. Several players who are originally from the Cove or played for a team from the area were inducted. Twin brothers Brandon and Ryan Ickes from Claysburg along with team members from Thomas Chevrolet were inducted. The Thomas teammates were John Brouse, Duke Neatrour, Scooter Ronan and Chad Swogger. Ryan Ickes started playing baseball in high school alongside his twin bro...
Kurtz and Kurtz DDS is helping those in need on the Caribbean island of Barbuda by making sure those who live there get the dental care they need. This is part of the Bonnie Floyd Ministries that works closely with their church, Martinsburg Grace Brethren. Douglas Kurtz and his wife Jamie said they are working on creating a dental clinic within a medical facility that is already on the island. Douglas will be going on a mission trip to Barbuda for the first time in March to provide dental care to the residents. On the other hand, Pastor Brian...
For Pennsylvania hunters, the real action starts one day later, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, when the statewide firearms deer season begins. No other single point of the hunting calendar draws as much participation. Opening day, which falls on Nov. 30 this year, will put more than half a million hunters in the woods, all looking to bring home healthy venison to fill their freezers. It’s about more than just that, though. For many families – those who hunt from camps and those who hunt closer to home – the deer opener is an event, a cha...
This is part seven of an ongoing series about notable people who once called the Cove home. Blair County native Gene Decker started playing baseball in the Blair Twilight League. A man from Altoona came out to see him play in Woodbury. He ended up signing him up for an Altoona team in the City League. That was followed by getting involved with a team from Six Mile Run. "While I was playing for that league, a guy from Everett came out to see me play," Decker said. "That's how I got involved with...
As the Business Services Coordinator for PA CareerLink Blair County, Carter Cerully plays a crucial role in connecting businesses with qualified candidates and helping job seekers find meaningful employment. His day-to-day responsibilities involve working directly with employers in the region, providing support through various workforce programs, hiring events, and internships. Cerully also acts as a liaison between businesses and job seekers, ensuring that both sides are equipped to meet their...
On a chilly fall or winter day, a cozy library is a great place to share some activities with some friends. The Claysburg library invites people to join in their upcoming events. The Best Sellers Book Club is a fun place to meet and discuss books. On November 23, the Book Club will discuss “All the Broken People” by Amy Rivers. Ms. Rivers will be joining the club on Zoom. The club meets at 6 p.m. at the library. Every Wednesday morning at 11 a.m., a group of crochet and needle workers meet to work on their projects. All are welcome to come and...
The Blair County Health and Welfare Council will meet Friday, November 22, at 8:30 a.m. They will be meeting at Blair Drug and Alcohol Partnerships at 3001 Fairway Drive, Altoona, in Conference Room G and also via a Zoom meeting. A presentation on the LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) will be offered during this meeting. LIHEAP helps with heating expenses and emergencies and is administered by the County Assistance Office. The presentation will cover the three components of the program, LIHEAP Cash, LIHEAP Crisis, and...
Santa’s coming to Claysburg this Saturday, November 23, at the Claysburg Community Park. Festivities will begin with a parade forming at 3 p.m. at the American Legion. It will continue on Bedford Street and end at the community park. Santa, Mrs. Claus and his workers will be in the gazebo for visits with children immediately following the parade until about 4:45 p.m. A mailbox will be provided for “Letters to Santa.” All booths and events in the park are free including food, drinks, crafts, caroling and games. The Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt...
Jim Snyder, Jr., President of the Blair County Genealogical Society, presented "Canal Era Personalities" to those in attendance at the Williamsburg Public Library, last Thursday evening, November 15. He began getting into history in 1983, before joining the Genealogical Society in 1985. Snyder has served on the board since he joined. Before COVID, the Hollidaysburg Area Library received a grant, and that's when Snyder began his research on the county's canal history. "Some of these stories are...
