Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
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The Grace Pointe Community Church of God held its annual Veteran's Day service last Sunday, November 10, in Williamsburg. Pastor Josh Kirksey welcomed the packed house to their annual service that was to celebrate both the veterans and those who had attended the Blair County Children's Home, which was on the grounds of the present-day church. He told the audience about a 7-year-old boy staring at a plaque in the church honoring those for their service, and the little boy asked what the plaque...
Who are the Veterans in your family? Richard Pope: My dad – World War 2, 2 brothers and myself – Army and Navy Michelle Troxell: My pap, Chalmer Troxell – Army Ashley Morgan: My husband – Marines, my Pap – Army, my Uncle Butch – Navy – and my Uncle Al, Army Ricci Michelone: Our daughter and son, Taylor and Vince – in the Navy like their grandfather, Ron Michelone Sr. Peggy Whitfield: My dad, uncle, two cousins and brother-in-law Joleen Burger: My dad, Joseph Farringer – Navy, World War 2 Gaynelle Longenecker: My uncle, “Bill” Waite, Jr....
Nine members of the Williamsburg FFA Chapter attended the National FFA Convention and Career Expo from October 22 – 26, 2024. While at the convention, students participated in workshops, explored career opportunities, visited with colleges and learned more about different agricultural businesses. Students attended general sessions, including one with guest speaker Temple Grandin, who reminded members that it takes people who think differently for an entire group to succeed. The Milk Quality a...
The Roaring Spring Borough Council approved its tentative 2025 general fund and liquid fuels tentative budget during its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Ordinance 2024-1 was approved to set the real estate taxes for 2025. The rates will include three mills for the general fund and half a mill designated for the fire department. With the additional funding, the borough’s usual donation will be redirected to a much-needed paving project. Council also approved advertising both the tax notice and the tentative budget inspection notice for 2025...
The Greenfield Township Board of Supervisors gathered on Oct. 22 to develop the 2025 budget. No tax increase is planned. A draft is available for review at the township office and will be voted on at the board’s Dec. 3 meeting. Also at the special meeting, supervisors approved the purchase of a new 2024 Chevy Tahoe for the police department at a cost of $81,914. The township moved to obtain a warranty for the highway department’s recently purchased 2024 F600 truck at a cost of $4,085. A 7-foot-tall light-up snowman was purchased for the Cla...
Last week was Student Homelessness Awareness Week and Martinsburg Elementary School Principal Cheyenne Calderon talked about how they deal with homelessness in their building. She said anyone in the community can contact the Spring Cove school their child attends to speak with Homeless Liaison Harry Gregg. The faculty working with the student are then made aware and a referral will be made to one of the school's social workers who will speak with the family to determine their specific needs....
The Blair County Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Nov. 13, recognized the agriculture skills and long farming history of a Curryville-area farm family. The family operating Cove View Farms since the 1930s received The Chamber's Agricultural Community Excellence Award (ACE), which was presented with the award at a dinner at the Freedom Township Fire Hall. The dinner featured service by FFA members from the Central, Bellwood, Tyrone and Williamsburg clubs. Also featured was the Blair County...
The Northern Bedford County School District held its ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Wellness Building prior to its monthly school board of directors meeting. Superintendent Todd Beatty announced that it would be available for students and staff immediately. Beatty said he looked forward to the building being used and benefiting everyone. PA. State Senator Pat Stefano was present before the board meeting for informational purposes. They discussed the need for additional special education alternative ed. funding. When a student has to be...
Ralph Dilling and Drew Rhodes were recognized and presented a plaque of thanks at the November Spring Cove School District Board meeting for their 50 years of service in school bus driving for the district....
The Northern Bedford County School District held its ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Wellness Building prior to its monthly school board of directors meeting. Superintendent Todd Beatty announced that it would be available for students and staff immediately. Beatty said he looked forward to the building being used and benefiting everyone. PA. State Senator Pat Stefano was present before the board meeting for informational purposes. They discussed the need for additional special education alternative ed. funding. When a student has to be...
Northern Bedford County School District recently completed the construction of their new wellness center last Tuesday, and it officially opened to be used the next day. To celebrate, there was a ribbon cutting held on Tuesday, November 12, by the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce. The $1.3 million dollar facility and equipment was funded through a grant process. The project is an improvement of the former small weight room that was there before. It is a result of the vision, collaboration, and...
The Blair County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple reports of residents receiving phone calls from a male caller identifying himself as a Deputy of the Blair County Sheriff’s Office. The caller claims that a “jury duty or witness” appearance has been missed, resulting in an arrest warrant being generated for the recipient. The actor provides instructions on how to handle the warrant, by paying a dollar amount that could resolve the outstanding warrant. The actor also gives a case number and the victim’s personal information (making i...
It is with much disappointment that I learned yesterday of the Blair County Salary Board’s decision to eliminate seven parole and probation officer positions thereby reducing the number of non-supervisory parole and probation officers from nineteen (19) to twelve (12). The abolishment of these officer positions was in addition to the elimination of a probation officer aide and administrative assistant position both of which are critical to the daily operation of the parole and probation office. For those in the public who are unaware, a parole...
A reunion of Central High School wrestlers from 1966 - 1973 reunited for the first time in 50+ years. The event was held at Morrison's Cove Memorial Park on Friday November 15, 2024. Coach Jim Marlett hosted the catered event. 25 former wrestlers attended, and 2 assistant coaches. Coach Marlett is eighth from the left, in the maroon long-sleeve sweatshirt. Photo Provided...
As officials continue to investigate the cause of the wildfire that claimed 300 acres of woodlands near Canoe Creek State Park on Nov. 8, the question of how it spread so fast is no mystery. Dry conditions coupled with a steady wind created the perfect environment for the fire to thrive. While wildfires are not a new occurrence this time of year with spring and fall being considered peak seasons for them, their frequency and scope has been on the rise. Rising Danger The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)...
A Blair County landmark for many years, along with one of the home's own, were celebrated in Williamsburg last Saturday, November 9. Staff Sgt. Glenn Harry English Jr., along with the Blair County Children's Home were forever etched in Williamsburg's memory with two signs representing each placed at the bridge beside Martin General Store. "It's a real honor to be the pastor of a church in a building that has been the beacon of hope for many, for so many years," current Grace Pointe Community...
Back in 1989, two local sisters, Iris Stern and Janice (Jan) Colbert, had a dream of owning their own store. After lots of planning and hard work, they set that dream in motion. The Village Closet originally opened as a consignment shop in the village of McKee in the building currently housing The Cut on November 15, 1989. One year later, The Village Closet moved to just outside Martinsburg along route 164 in the plaza then known as Towne's Edge Exchange, owned by Don & Shirley Weyandt. Sadly, o...
Over the weekend fire crews from the Cove and surrounding area joined together to fight a large brush fire at the Huntingdon Pike about one mile from Canoe Creek State Park. According to Geeseytown Community Fire Company's Facebook page, their crews were dispatched at 3:45 p.m. on Friday, November 8. Upon arrival crews found about two acres burning and endangering a structure. With the windy and dry conditions, the fire quickly outran crew members and moved beyond five acres rapidly. The many...
On Monday morning, many people in the community learned of the passing of Judge Fred B. Miller, who will be missed by many in the county including here in the Cove. We ask that the citizens of Blair County join us in celebrating Fred's service to the community. Miller served as a magisterial district judge for over two decades until he was elected to be a part of the Court of Common Pleas, and was sworn in in 2024. People knew him as a "no nonsense" judge who worked hard for the people in the...
On Friday, November 8, 2024, the campus at Northern Bedford County schools was buzzing with activity as both the elementary students and middle school/high school students prepared to celebrate Veterans Day. Veterans Day was first recognized on Nov 11, 1918 when the agreement was signed to end WWI. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day in remembrance of the soldiers who served in WWI. In 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower changed the name to...
During the public comment section of the June 2024 Spring Cove School District Board of Directors meeting, former board president Brian Gahagan asked why board member Misti Fisher was never present at the meetings and only attending by phone, while she was at other school functions. The number of times a board member could attend meetings electronically instead of in person was a topic of heated discussion at the Monday, August 12, meeting of the Spring Cove School Board. The number of times a board member can miss a voting meeting in person...
Claysburg Area Community Theatre will present Nine to Five: The Musical which is based on Dolly Parton’s 1979 movie of the same name. The show will be presented November 22 and 23 at 7 pm at the Claysburg Kimmel High School. The three main ladies include Violet Newstead, played by Typhani Russo, Judy Bernley played by Bethany Claar, and Doralee Rhoades played by Heidi Kennedy. The role of the ignorant bigot of a boss Franklin Hart is played by Ted Fiess. Director Maria Leppert says that she h...
A discussion took place on the computer fee for Southern Cove Joint Municipal Authority used for Wastewater during the South Woodbury Township Board of Supervisors meeting on November 6. The conclusion was that the fee for this computer, which is new, would be paid by the Joint Municipal Authority, which is 36% of the bill. Roadmaster Rick Mussleman reported last month the black top was completed on Golden Rule Road. A report was given by Rachael White who attended the Bedford County Township Officials Association Convention where they were...
Seated, from left, G. David Barnes Sr. (Marines); Rod Guyer (Marines); Joe Gates (Air Force); Robert Smith (Navy) (Standing): John Coho (Army); Don Martin (Army); Mark Claar (Army) On November 9, 2024, Faith Assembly of God Church Men's Ministry provided a men's breakfast at the church to recognize those who served in the military. The Men's Committee planned, decorated, and cooked for about 25 men. After the meal, the Committee recognized eleven veterans who had composed and submitted a copy...
Mike Teeter, formerly of Martinsburg, is an outdoor enthusiast and advocate, who now lives in Bedford. "I was always big into outdoor recreation and did a lot of hiking with my family growing up," he said. Teeter said this allowed him to gain appreciation for the parks and outdoors areas near the Cove. "Getting outdoors is important for physical health and also mental health," he said. "Walking outside is good for both the body and mind. Teeter said Pennsylvania has a total of 123 state parks...
September Student Name: Jaylyn Resh Parents: Steve and Susan Resh School Activities: Varsity soccer captain, varsity cheerleading captain, band feature twirler, girls'basketball team statistician, FBLA Treasurer, National Honors Society President, FCCLA Secretary, Class Treasurer, reading competition, scholastic scrimmage, varsity club School Honors and Accomplishments: 3x FBLA regional champion, 2x FBLA state champion, 2x FBLA national champion, "Women in Business" Award Recipient, multiple...
The Roaring Spring True Value Hardware, one of Blair County's longest-standing businesses, has deep roots that stretch back to the 19th century. Owned by Doug and Jo Ellen Mingle, the store was known as the Roaring Spring Department store until about 2009, but when it was opened in 1863 it was simply known as the "Company Store". It was established by Roaring Spring's founder D.M. Bare, and has been meeting community needs for over a century and a half. Since then each generation of the Mingle...
Things are going great and the community response has been excellent since adding flights to the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, according to Blair County Airport Authority Manager Tracy Plessinger. The flights are provided by Contour Airlines. “We are seeing a big jump in people using it,” he said. “Charlotte is a better hub and provides connections for transferring.” Plessinger said the schedule is better with two flights being offered everyday. He said when the flights were going to Philadelphia, they got 66 passengers per week. T...
During the monthly meeting of the Southern Cove Power Reunion they had a discussion on the fall show, which was deemed successful. There were 132 hook ups for Friday night and 199 for Saturday night’s tractor pull. On Sunday, 48 kids signed up for the kiddie pull. Over 50 craft and flea market vendors were set up. They said the kitchen, cider, and apple butter also did well. A John Deere tractor was purchased to be raffled for next year’s show. Improvements to the bathrooms will allow more people to use the bathrooms more quickly. The SCPR mem...
A pilot program announced this week will expand affordable housing by providing grants for mixed-use development. The $10 million funding comes from PA SITES, a $400 million new program created to spur development and draw businesses to Pennsylvania. “The PA Mixed-Use Housing Development pilot program is a strong first step towards boosting the availability of affordable housing, increasing housing for our growing workforce, and providing crucial support for Pennsylvanians struggling to obtain housing,” said Rick Siger, secretary of the Dep...
The Central High School Band drum line poses for a quick photo before taking their place in the parade line for Altoona's Veteran's Day Parade Monday morning....
The year 1924 saw the Statue of Liberty declared a National Monument, the first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Ford Motor Company manufacturing the ten millionth automobile, and the birth of Ethel "Marie" (Kensinger) Cole born on November 9. This past Saturday, she celebrated her 100th birthday with her family and friends. Cole was born in Fredericksburg as the first daughter of Earl and Susie (Snowberger) Kensinger. She had three older brothers and two younger sisters. "We lived on a...
“I think it’s a good budget, a lot of work was put into it,” Williamsburg Borough Council President Ed Patterson said of the 2025 budget. Patterson praised all of those who were involved in the budget-making process including Young, Oakes, and Brown, the borough’s accounting firm. The budget does not include any millage increase. Karyn Shaw made a motion to advertise the budget with Matthew Webb seconding, motion passed. Chief of Police Rowdy Kagarise praised workers during Trick-or-Treat and said everything went well. The Council asked a...
Woodbury Township resident Dave Greaser was on hand during last Thursday evening’s township meeting to ask about the future of Shultz Road. The township looks to shale the road next year, and Greaser asked if they could rethink their plans with the first section of the road. He said that Shultz Road services at least 21 homes and was concerned with the safety. Greaser also said besides safety, the sheer volume of cars back and forth daily should change their minds. No further discussion was held on the topic. The township is looking to do s...
The Blair County Board of Elections convened at approximately 7 a.m. on Tuesday, November 5, to begin the process of canvassing mail-in ballots. This process went smoothly until approximately 6:50 p.m. when a bomb threat was received, affecting the Elections Office. Emergency protocols were enacted. Commissioner Laura Burke and Solicitor Chris Furman remained at the Elections Office to maintain custody of the mail-in ballots. Once the building was cleared by the Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit, canvassing was able to resume. County employees w...
These are the unofficial results from The Blair County Board of Elections and Bedford County Office of Elections from Friday, November 18. Numbers posted on the websites are unofficial and will remain subject to additional updates. The state requires counties to certify their election results by Nov. 25. Blair County President Democrat - 17,852 Kamala D. Harris, President Tim Walz, Vice President Republican - 45,901 Donald J. Trump, President JD Vance, Vice President Libertarian - 270 Chase Oliver, President Mike Ter Maat, Vice President Green...
The Central High School Marching Band participates in Altoona's Veterans Day parade Monday morning....
This is part six of an ongoing series featuring notable people who once called the Cove home. For longtime president of the Blair County chapter of the NAACP Don Witherspoon, human rights wasn't about color. He was also from Claysburg. Witherspoon's vice-president, the late Bill Sweet, said that Witherspoon would advocate for civil and human rights. "We would visit prisons and answer complaints from the prisoners," he said. "If they needed representation, we would sit down with them and listen...
In recognition of Children’s Grief Awareness Month this November, the Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program is coming together with other members of the National Alliance for Children’s Grief to “flip the script” on grief. Throughout the month, we are collectively committed to providing essential tools and resources to foster a more grief-informed society. This initiative seeks to address the common challenges people face when supporting those who are grieving, aiming to replace potentially hurtful statements or silence with action-based respo...
One thing people can always count on is that when local author and historian Patty Wilson is there, she will bring a crowd, and ghost stories. Wilson made a return visit to the Williamsburg Public Library last Wednesday, October 30, as part of their Fall Book Talk for some scary stories before Halloween. "We are always happy to have Patty here. She's a fantastic storyteller and really can connect to the audience. She always gives a great presentation," Williamsburg Head Librarian Roane Lytle...
After a short hiatus of these favorite articles of mine, I decided to come back and ask a new question – “Who are the Veterans in your family?” Here is what a few had to say: Author’s Note: This will be Part one of two; there were so many responses to this question and I feel every Veteran is important, so next week will be Part Two of the responses. Polly Eastep: Brother John – Army, brother Don – Air Force, brother Dave – Navy, brother Kenny – Marines and son, Josh – Marines Marianne Nicholas: My dad, Dr. Marion Morelli – Army Air Corp and U...
Biddle’s Brewing Biddle’s Brewing said that Williamsburg VFW Post 6086 approached them with an idea to offer meals to veterans. This is something that is typically done on Memorial Day as well. “We were happy to say yes, it’s the least we can do to show appreciation to our Veteran community, it’s because of them that we have the freedom to live in a free country,” Biddle’s owner Mike Biddle said. Meals can include one food or pastry item along with a regular-sized drink; this event will take place on Veterans Day during normal business hour...
Cohen Burket, 5, of Roaring Spring poses for the Grace Pointe Community Church of God's annual Trunk or Treat Saturday October 26. Over 115 children participated in the event. Burket is the son of Cole and Dawn Burket....
A quick trip to Altoona First on Halloween left this customer wondering with whom I was depositing my money. After a few questions and a quick photo, these very friendly but "alarming" bank robbers told me everything I wanted to know...or did they? From left to right: Rachel "Money Bags" MacIntyre, Taylor "Dr. Evil" Zimmerman, Chris "The Cannoli" Wagner, Courtney "The Pyrex Pixie" Whitfield and Doris "The Swindler" Albright. Sarah "The Phantom" Estright is missing from the photo....not...
Bloomfield Road, Taylor Township A crash occurred on Wednesday, October 23 at 4 p.m. on 1500 block of Bloomfield Road in Taylor Township involving Diana Johnson, 31, and three children who were the passengers of Roaring Spring and Beverly Smith, 66, of New Enterprise. This crash happened as Johnson was traveling south on Bloomfield Road behind Smith’s vehicle when they stopped for a school bus which was in front of her and stopped to drop off students. The school bus proceeded to travel south of Bloomfield Road at which time Smith started to m...
The Central Cove FFA Veterinary Science team competed at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis and placed eighth in the nation. They competed against 46 teams from 45 states and territories, including Puerto Rico. We are so proud of their hard work and dedication to accomplish such a high award! From left: Cameron Bailey, Sarah Disney, Hope Dively, Danielle Heltzel....
Claysburg, Blue Knob and Freedom Township Fire Departments have all responded to many calls for brush fires within the last two weeks. Scott Eicher, fire chief for the Claysburg Volunteer Fire Department said they have been on several calls for brush fires recently. "People really need to be careful with burning outside," he said. Eicher said the whole state of Pennsylvania is under a Red Flag Warning due to the dry conditions from the lack of rain. On Friday, Novemeber 1, The National Weather...
There was a problem at the Martinsburg Elementary School polling site in Martinsburg Borough Tuesday morning. Around 7:10 a.m., a truck from Blair County delivered one of the electronic devices that accepts and counts the ballots. Director of Elections Sarah Seymour said the machine for Martinsburg Ward One was delivered to Ward Two. She said they had to get a trailer from the election office to switch the machines, which caused a slight delay in opening these locations in Martinsburg. As of...
Martinsburg Borough Council Board approved the purchase of a new street sweeper for the amount of about $230,000 at Monday night's meeting. Borough Manager Richard Brantner Jr., said he was going to be able to see the new street sweeper on Tuesday and they would purchase the vehicle if found to be satisfactory. The Martinsburg Municipal Authority will pay half at about $150,000 and the borough will cover what is left. About $65,000 from the borough would come from the American Rescue Plan Funds...
Taylor Township Supervisors passed a motion to approve the preliminary budget for 2025 which includes a .600 millage increase. The township needs an increase to assist the fire company in their purchase of a new vehicle. The proposed millage increase means a home worth $400,000 would pay $130 more in taxes per year. The fire company would get $45,000 per year. The township has not seen a tax hike since 2010. The Friendship Volunteer Fire Company reported their main rescue truck is out for repair and they have borrowed a truck from Saxton...
