Week of January 9, 2025
Week of January 9, 2025
JANUARY Two students from Northern Bedford County Middle School were fighting cancer and their community has stepped up to help them. TJ Helsel, 13, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Quinton Morrow, 14, was diagnosed with Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT). NBC teamed up with Sideline Cancer to hold a basket raffle at the basketball game at NBC on Jan. 10. All the proceeds from the event went to benefit Helsel and Morrow. —————————— AAA Color Card Company, printing shop in Martinsburg, closed as of Dec. 31,...
The Central Cove FFA Veterinary Science Team recently placed 8th in their national competition out of 46 teams from all states. Team members include: Danielle Heltzel Hope Dively Cameron Bailey. Absent was Sarah...
Submitted to the Herald Kelly Hechler is a member of the environmental services department at Conemaugh Nason Medical Center and was recently given the Laurel Award. She received a framed honoree certificate and a $65 gift card to Roots in the Cove. Named after the majestic mountain laurel, the state flower of Pennsylvania, this award embodies a symbol of high achievement and excellence. The mountain laurel is known for its enduring beauty and resilience, qualities that perfectly reflect the...
Lyla Imes Parents: Matt and Shelly Imes Activities/Clubs/Sports: Student Council, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Basketball, Track and Field Hobbies/Interests: Camping, boating, playing with her dog, spending time with loved ones. Honors/Awards: 2-Year Varsity Letterman basketball and track, President Student Council, President Foreign Language Club (2024-25), President Spanish Honor Society (2024-25), Treasurer for Foreign Language and Spanish Honor Society. Favorite Quote:...
The Northern Bedford County School District (NBC) Fencing Team, led by Coach Stuart Crocker, is carving out a niche in the local sports scene. Now in its third year, the team has grown from a small club into a promising program with approximately 18 members. "There were six kids that said they wanted to learn how to fence," Crocker said, about the team's beginnings. "We started off as a club that fenced against each other, and then we joined in with Grier." Crocker, who has been coaching high...
Catharine Township supervisors now leave their fate in the hands of the solicitor following a deadlock vote for roadmaster. During their reorganizational meeting, Ralph Rispoli motioned to nominate Ross Brubaker as the township’s new roadmaster, with Ken Brenneman making a motion to keep current roadmaster, Michael Fay, in his spot. “Mike has been with us a long time, and knows the roads,” Brenneman said. Heather Flaig abstained from the vote since her father is Fay. With a deadlock vote, Rispoli, the new chairman, said that Fay would...
Bridge No. 5, or Lark Bridge in Woodbury Township is in dire need of repair, Woodbury Township supervisors announced at their regular meeting, on Monday evening January 6. The bridge, at the end of Rosser Road, was recently inspected by the Municipal Bridge Program, and the beams are rusted through. Supervisors said the inspection program has a rating scale of bridge repair with a “0” score of immediate shut-down and this bridge qualifies as a “1” which needs immediate repair. Stiffler McGraw Engineer Jim Young said the inspection...
"I have a passion for coaching," Williamsburg Lady Pirate Head Coach Angela Detwiler said. "Sometimes I think about it too much and watch a little too much film, but I love being in the gym with my team. Detwiler took over the Lady Pirate Basketball team following the resignation of Amy Hileman last year. She started coaching when her daughter, Faith, was 5 years old. "I coached her group in elementary school with Jamie Houck and Carrie Royer," she said. "I'm currently involved with coaching my...
The Central PA Council of Republican Women spread Christmas cheer throughout the area with donations made to two prominent groups in the area. Council members Babette Gottshall and Cathy Schimminger presented a check of $590 to the members of the Guardians of the Children to put towards their sponsored Angel Tree Project. Another new community initiative for the holiday season, on behalf of the club was the $150 donation towards the Blair County Shop with a Cop. The organization, put on by the...
Northern Bedford County held the high school and middle school Christmas concert for the band and chorus students on Monday, December...
NBC Elementary made cards and collected socks for the residents of the healthcare side of Homewood. Fifth grade student council members delivered the socks and cards to the residents with the assistance of school guidance counselor, Madison Brumbaugh. Picutred above are Hailey Pepple and Parker...
The employees at HH Brown Work & Outdoor Group held a food drive and collected food items, household items, hats, and gloves that were all donated to the Martinsburg Food Pantry on Tuesday, December 17. Pictured from left, Kim Butler, Danielle Treece, Lee Elder, Jeannette Matney, and Denise...
This article is part of a series which focuses on notable people who have at one time called the Cove home. "He was a person with goals in mind when he was a child to change things," Joe McDonald said of his father, Ray. Born in Sproul in 1922, Ray J. McDonald had some hills to climb, one of them being the death of his father at the age of 16. Ray had to assist in helping a family of six. That was back in 1938. McDonald enlisted to go to World War II. He joined the Marines. It was in his third...
On Saturday, Clover Creek Cheese Cellar received first place in the 10th annual Cheese Competition at the 2025 PA Farm Show in Harrisburg. The cheese competition is held annually to determine the best cheeses in Pennsylvania, spread across 11 different categories. Clover Creek's Winemakers Select cheese placed first in the Flavored Cheese, Open Class from All Milk category, competing with 15 fellow cheesemakers such as Goat Rodeo Farm & Dairy, Birchrun Hills Farm, and Conebella Farm. Winemakers...
Emma Frederick, a nurse at Conemaugh Nason Medical Center, was recently recognized with the DAISY Award, an honor that celebrates extraordinary nurses. Frederick's dedication and compassion earned her this accolade out of 29 nominations submitted by patients and staff. "With deep appreciation for all that you do, Emma. You are incredible and make a difference in the lives of so many people," Michelle Buttry, Chief Operating Officer of Conemaugh Nason Medical Center said, during the award...
Former President Jimmy Carter, who recently passed away on December 29, 2024, is being remembered by many locally, including Martinsburg resident and borough council member Chuck Kensinger, who had the chance to meet him about 10 years ago in July of 2014 in Spruce Creek. He said Carter often went to Spruce Creek to fish which is a well known trout stream. The meeting happened at the annual Rattlesnake Dinner held by The Ancient Gastronomic Group, of which Kensinger and Carter were both...
Martinsburg’s Police Chief Kerry Hoover announced during Monday night’s borough council meeting, that he would be retiring effective May 2, 2025. Before the announcement, the borough approved both Kerry and Sgt. Justin Davis for their current job positions for 2025. Towards the end of the meeting Hoover said that he would be retiring. He has been with the borough’s police department for about 37 years. Hoover said part of the reason he was able to stay so long was because of the borough...
The Central High School Varsity wrestling team along with their junior high wrestling squad captured the championship at the Central Cambria Red Devil Dual Invitational tournament. Their results at the tournament are as follows: Central 36 Moshannon Valley 27, Central 53 Conemaugh Township 23, Central 42 Mount Union 33, Central 53 Penn Cambria 17, Central 48 Central Cambria 23. In the championship match, Central downed South Williamsport 51-24. During the tournament, Thaide Mickel 145 and...
"I bought the cabin for $7500 from a guy on Craigslist. He was a tugboat captain." So begins the adventures in carpentry for Patrick Hutchinson, a self-avowed dabbler in carpentry. This adventure will completely change how he looks at life and his occupation. The central questions that will confront the reader is why do it and how does this copywriter and author for several outdoor magazines do a renovation of a small cabin with almost zero knowledge or skill in carpentry? The 120 square foot...
After a couple month hiatus, I was all set to write my “Blessings” column. I had picked a subject and my fingers were itching to type when something happened! It was not a good something but one of those “life happenings”. Our little gray cat of 15 plus years died very suddenly. She went over the Rainbow Bridge with the finesse which we all hope to have. After a day of zoomies, checking out the basement, and napping on our laps, she simply collapsed. In February 2009, the year of our 50th wedding anniversary, our big orange cat named...
Diane K. (Hall) Wright Mason, 74, of Meadville, formerly of Loysburg, passed away Dec. 25, 2024, at Meadville Medical Center. She was born June 22, 1950, in Roaring Spring; daughter of the late Richard B. and Edna Pearl (Miller) Hall. On Dec. 16, 1995, she was united in marriage to Thomas "Tom" Robert Mason; he preceded her in death Aug. 15, 2017. She is survived by her son, James L. Wright (Sherrie Mock) of New Enterprise; daughter, Jonda Peace (Robert) of Flinton; grandson, Jeremy Wright of...
William Alvah Chase, 83, of Martinsburg, formerly of Winter Haven, Fla., passed away Thursday morning, Jan. 2, 2025, at UPMC Altoona. He was born July 20, 1941, in Bristol, Maine, son of the late William T. and Olive M. (Curtis) Chase. On Nov. 25, 1988, he married Deborah L. Walter in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Deborah; two sons: William Chase (Katherine) of Mechanicsburg, and Timothy Chase of Clearfield; a daughter, Rebecca Neff (Shane) of Darnestown,...
Steven E. Helsel, 73, lost his battle with cancer Wednesday evening, Nov. 6, 2024, his bride of 52 years holding his hand. Steve was born Feb. 24, 1951, in Roaring Spring, the beloved son of A. Eugene "Moxie" and Tessie E. "Sally" Helsel. Steve leaves behind his wife, Mary K.; a sister, Karen A.; and a considerable amount of family members who will forever miss his vibrant story telling. Steve grew up on his family's farm. He graduated from Claysburg-Kimmel High School in 1969, where he served...
Ethel M. Edwards, a resident of Homewood at Martinsburg, went home to be with the Lord Dec. 23, 2024, at UPMC Altoona following recent health complications. She was born in 1939 in Flinton, Pa., a daughter of the late Brady Ralph and Emma (Schroll) Delaney. At a young age, Ethel was adopted by the late Alfred G. and Christina (Wightman) Reeder following the death of her mother, and was raised in Altoona. She graduated from Altoona High School in 1957 and married Carl Edwards, Sr. Oct. 3, 1958,...
June K. Myers, 95, formerly of Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County, passed away Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, at Messiah Lifeways, Mechanicsburg, where she had been residing for several years. Born June 14, 1929, in Roaring Spring, Blair County, she was a daughter of the late Blair F. and Bertha M. (Riley) Ketner. On Sept. 19, 1949, June married the love of her life, Fred E. Myers, with whom she spent a union of 66 wonderful years prior to his passing on Sept. 30, 2015. June is survived by her...
Mary Elizabeth Boose, 96, a cottage resident of The Village at Morrisons Cove, Martinsburg, formerly of Woodbury, went home to be with the Lord, on Dec. 29, 2024, at The Village, following a brief illness. Family and friends will be received from 5 until 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, at the Woodbury Church of the Brethren. A celebration of life service is being planned for the spring at the Hollidaysburg Church of the Brethren. Arrangements by John K. Bolger Funeral...
Dennis L. Smith, 84, of Martinsburg, went home to be with the Lord on Monday morning, Dec. 9, 2024, at home. He was born March 5, 1940, in Taylor Township, son of the late Elmer F. and Thelma I. (Shiffler) Smith. He married Constance A. Vaughn Jan. 23, 1971. He is survived by his wife; two children, James D. Smith of Roaring Spring and Mary A. Smith of Martinsburg; a sister, G. Jean Claycomb and husband, Ray, of Roaring Spring; and 10 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister,...
Rodger S. "Bacon" Hoover, 97, of Martinsburg, passed away Thursday evening, Dec. 26, 2024, at Homewood at Martinsburg. He was born June 2, 1927, in Henrietta, son of the late George D. and Edith (Steele) Hoover. On Sept. 11, 1948, he married Hazel M. Over in Roaring Spring. She preceded him in death Sept. 2, 2019, following 71 years of marriage. He is survived by a daughter-in-law, Debra Hoover of Hollidaysburg; three grandsons: Justin Colin Hoover of Hollidaysburg, Andrew Bacon Hoover (Debby)...
Mary Kathryn Smith, 91, of Martinsburg, went home to be with her Lord, Friday afternoon, Dec. 27, 2024, at her home. She was born March 6, 1933, in Taylor Township, rural Roaring Spring, daughter of the late Franklin C. and M. Edith (Metzler) Kauffman. On June 30, 1951, she married R. Leroy Smith at the Clover Creek Church of the Brethren, Martinsburg. She is survived by her beloved husband, Leroy of 73 years; two daughters: Cynthia K. Nell (Carl) of Dillsburg and Debra A. Byler (Jim) of rural...
Rose Marie Brenneman, 73, of Huntingdon, went to be with the Lord Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. Born May 19, 1951, she was the daughter of Glenn and Ruth Kyler. Glenn preceded her in death, while Ruth survives in Martinsburg. She is survived by three children, including Jodi Brenneman and husband, Jeff Taylor; Lani (Niki) Rhodes and husband, David; and Dustin Brenneman and wife, Megan; grandchildren Ryan Taylor, Raegyn Taylor, Leeyn Taylor, Courtney Brenneman, Josh Rhodes, Conner Rhodes, Tyler Rhodes,...
Jesus was born into a world where success was unlikely for His mission of establishing a worldwide, eternal, holy kingdom. The Roman empire began in 27 B.C. when Octavian was declared first citizen by the Senate. He then was called Augustus, which means venerated, and Caesar, a family name which became synonymous with the title emperor. He conquered many lands and managed an imposing empire. Most people liked him because he established a distribution system for grain from Egypt and built aqueducts and the first amphitheater. It was said that...
How did he do that? "It's a small world after all." We are all interconnected. "The whole earth is full of His glory." I am amazed. How is it possible that Neil Armstrong spoke on the moon and I heard him and can hear him again if I want to? We are amazed by technology. What should truly amaze us are the things God does. We are about to embark on a New Year. When we think upon God in this New Year, we should be using words like, marvelous, magnificent, mysterious, even magical, for God is truly...
That first Christmas was not about presents neatly wrapped, huge turkey or ham dinners, singing carols, or watching football games. It was not about baking cookies or shopping for hours. Rather it tells of a poor, young couple who found only a humble stable where the best gift to humankind came to dwell among us. And it is a tale filled with so much hope. In the midst of this fearful time, God showed up in the flesh, in a dirty stable, as a vulnerable baby. God in the flesh---Emmanuel—who came to bring good news to us all, bring sight to...
LEPC MEETING NOTICE Meetings for Local Emergency Planning Committee of Blair County are held bi-monthly, the first Thursday of every even month at 8:00 AM, at the Amtran TrolleyWorks, 3316 5th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602. The Meeting Schedule for 2025: February 6 August 7 April 3 October 2 June 5 December 4 ESTATE OF: HAROLD W. HOOVER LATE OF: North Woodbury Township, Blair County Letters testamentary on said estate having been granted to the undersigned, all persons indebted thereto are requested to make payment and those having claims against...
