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“I’m going to really miss her. She was the most organized person I ever met. Right always on top of everything — number one in my book,” Chairman Don Zimmerman said of Lisa Dishong, after accepting her resignation effective July 21. During that July 10 meeting, Borough Manager Joe Lansberry echoed that same sentiment. “She was a pleasure to work with and will definitely be missed here at the borough.” Dakota Biddle, who made the motion to accept her resignation letter, said of Dishong, “Lisa was a tremendous asset to the...
The Williamsburg Municipal Authority continued discussion on Cenveo during its July 11 meeting. Stiffler McGraw engineer John Clabaugh proposed a potential plan being brought to the table by Cenveo that could include a sampler and grinder pumps to help alleviate the issues of discharge to the authority. The authority said that on June 28, a surprise test was conducted on Cenveo, and the manhole was blue, loaded with an ink product. Clabaugh said there has been a change of plant management and Cenveo asked what to do and what to buy. “We want...
As a Cleveland Browns fan in the heart of Steelers Nation, the new pastor for Grace Pointe Church of God, Josh Kirksey, has some work to do on winning over the parishioners. Kirksey took over the position after the resignation of Jim Spivey in the spring. Josh, along with his wife Rachel and his four boys Caleb, Austin, Jase and Jensen, made the trek from Amherst, Ohio. The Kirksey family was close to the Pennsylvania Overseer for the Church of God Rick Witter. After a call from Witter, "we...
I am always in the mood for something sweet. As I write this week’s articles, I am begging my sister Julie to head to Dairy Queen for ice cream for us and our dog Cooper. Since we’re still in BBQ season, sometimes, you just want some dessert after eating the picnic food. My best friend Judy Olivieri made this sweet treat for our Fourth of July party, and it was a hit! Strawberry Crunch Cake Ingredients: For the cake: 1 package white cake mix 1 – 3 oz. box strawberry jello 4 eggs 1 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup water For the strawberry...
It feels like a short few months ago when I was sitting down with Mike and Brittany Biddle in an igloo, looking at the bank building discussing their hopes and dreams for the building. Flash forward a few months. Biddle's Brewing's location in town officially opened July 1. "It feels like it's been in the making for so long," Brittany said. Luckily for the Biddles, no major renovations were needed in the building. "It was stuck in the 1990s," Mike said. "The style, the building, the pink salmon...
Dwayne Zimmerman, of Crowsnest Broadband, attended Woodbury Township Supervisors’ meeting. Zimmerman said that after receiving a grant, Woodbury Township was one of the areas most “in need” of broadband services and that Crowsnest is looking into fiber optic services in the area. Zimmerman admitted they are in the planning stages but wanted to know the priority areas of the township and asked for a letter of support from the township for any work in the future and for more grant funding support. “What I’ve heard – you all are great...
Am I the only one who struggles with what to make as a dessert for going to a cookout? I’ve made the recipe I am about to share twice now over the past few weeks, and it’s still getting requested. Sweet and Easy Banana Pudding Ingredients: 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk 1 1/2 cups ice cold water 3.4 oz. box vanilla instant pudding mix 2 tubs of cool whip 4 bananas chopped 12 oz. box mini vanilla wafers Directions: In a large bowl, beat together the sweetened condensed milk and water until well combined. Be careful, it splashes! Add...
At last week’s Historical Society meeting, I had the opportunity to look through a bicentennial book of 1976 Williamsburg. Looking back on a lot of the items and people in the book, it really occurred to me that I really don’t know all the “happening” places that we have in our small town — and that’s why this week I’d like to reminisce. Where was your favorite place to visit, eat or shop growing up in Williamsburg? Here is what a few residents had to say: Jeanne Bardell Todd: My pap’s dairy and Crownover’s Market Bridget...
For over a year, board members of the Williamsburg Historical Society have been looking to become a 501.c.3 nonprofit organization. During last Wednesday’s meeting, that wish came true. Cathy Over, who has been instrumental in the makings of the historical society, announced that the group was approved for a 501.c.3, all thanks to the help of Attorney Michael Routch. “I like the way he wrote things up,” History Society Board Member Roane Lytle said. Over then presented the bylaws for the group to look over. Some verbiage needs to be...
Williamsburg Municipal Authority member and Catharine Township’s representative for the Authority Daryl Cole attended the Thursday, June 15, meeting to give an update on projects the authority is working on. Cole talked about the PVC pipe sewer replacement project affecting two customers that the authority approved. The PVC pipe will be replaced with the correct sewer pipe at a cost of $64,000 for the authority. Cole said the authority is hoping to bid out the project in about three months. Over the last several months, the township has been...
The Williamsburg Community School District passed its 2023-24 annual budget with a $206,000 deficit during Tuesday evening’s Regular meeting, June 13. The amount of revenue estimated for the district is $8,724,623 with expenditures an estimated $8,931,240, necessitating a .4 mill tax increase. The new millage rate will be 9.482, costing residents an estimated $45 extra this year. The budget was passed with a 5-4 vote. Board member Patricia Kensinger said she voted no “strictly because of the tax increase that’s reflected in the...
“We are just fixing a problem, unfortunately,” Williamsburg Municipal Authority Treasurer David Myers said of the Yellow Springs project during the Tuesday, June 13, meeting. Surveyors were on site this week with regard to replacing the sewer line to a few homes in Catharine Township. Stiffler McGraw engineer John Clabuagh said that the Authority will need a permit from PennDOT because the work will be done in a right of way and will need to acquire easements from residents. Clabaugh expects the permitting and easement process to take at...
Thirty-two ladies and guests gathered for the Williamsburg Ladies Civic Club's annual dinner on June 12. The group enjoyed a dinner provided by the Country Sisters Catering at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church. Following dinner, the installation of officers began as well as special award winners. Club member Diana Barroner offered three donations to the Williamsburg Public Library in honor of Peggy Campbell, Dr. Barry and Diane England, and President Donna Tate. Sue Brubaker presented...
The Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau has entered its third year of the "Farm Tour Fridays" program. The grant-sponsored program invites residents of both Blair and Huntingdon counties to visit farms in both counties and learn about a wide range of farming specialties in the area. The farm tour recently led participants to the Clover Creek Cheese Cellar, located ten minutes outside of Williamsburg. Clover Creek Cheese Cellar is owned and operated by David and Terry Rice and their children....
“We have a lot on the table,” Williamsburg Public Librarian Roane Lytle said of the activities the Williamsburg Public Library has planned for the summer months. “We are all really excited for them.” The summer reading program for all ages will be Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m., from June 15 to Aug. 17. The theme for this year’s program is “All Together Now.” Lytle said along with reading stories, there will be crafts and appearances by some of the library’s robotic technology. The Office of Commonwealth Libraries provided a grant t...
Class Treasurer Chelsie Noah welcomed the packed crowd to the brand-new Bulldog Stadium on Saturday, June 3, for Claysburg-Kimmel High School's 102nd Commencement Ceremony. Noah quoted rapper J. Cole and told her classmates "not to compare yourself to others,." Noah also quoted poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, saying, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Secretary Sarah Helsel led the class and crowd with the pledge of allegiance. "Today is a great d...
"We've all been anxious, on edge, full of joy and excitement," Class Secretary Liliana Neri told the packed Williamsburg High School auditorium during Commencement exercises Friday, May 26, at 6 p.m. Forty-six students received their diplomas. "We have had these emotions this whole year, but especially this week," Neri said. Neri thanked the teachers, family, coaches, friends and classmates for "memories that will last a lifetime." Class Treasurer Connor Craig talked about his 13 years with the...
Woodbury Township Solicitor Aimee Willett and Stiffler McGraw Engineer Jim Young have noticed an increase in land development in the township, and both stressed to township supervisors that it is imperative to have an ordinance that streamlines land development, erosion and sediment control and stormwater management. Over the last year, both Willett and Young have been working on new ordinances streamlining the process for all three, which will make it much easier for landowners in the township to complete a project. Willett announced at last T...
This is the last installment of meeting the teachers at the Williamsburg Elementary School. This week, we meet the teachers who make up the "second level" of the elementary school - the fourth, fifth and sixth grade teachers. Fourth Grade Hillary Long Hillary Long is another "Coveite," growing up in Martinsburg and graduating from Central High School. Long then attended UPJ to study Early Childhood Education. Long has since finished up her Master's Degree with a specialization in reading....
I am always in the mood to talk about graduation. Let it be known that 17 years ago, I walked those same hallowed halls one last time in Williamsburg as a student, and came out an alumni. This inspired my question for the week: what advice would you give to this year’s senior class? Here is what a few residents had to say: Stan Grove: “Have fun.” Drew Appleman, Jr.: “Give your best and be kind to all.” Judy Miller: “Be yourself. Have respect and don’t be afraid to say no. Be strong and do what’s right, be truthful.” James...
The Zion Lutheran Church hosted baccalaureate exercises for the Williamsburg Class of 2023 on Sunday, May 21. Following the entry of the graduates, Pastor Matt Roberts of the Williamsburg United Methodist Church told the students in attendance, "just remember - wherever life takes you - to college, to a trade school, to a job, to the military - or just backpacking through, you are each Blue Pirates, and Children of God." Liliana Neri read the First Reading (Jeremiah 29:11-13); Abbie Merritts...
Stiffler McGraw Engineer Jon Clabaugh talked about estimates following last month’s discussion of sewer replacement in Robeson Extension. Clabaugh said the cost estimates were “high” and that they included using a two-inch line. Estimates totaled $46,000-64,000, the higher total soliciting grinder pumps, too. For the extension to reach the remaining two residents on the same side as existing customers, the cost estimates were $85,000-$120,000. Daryl Cole made the motion to advertise for bids for the sewer line to Everhart property in the...
Catharine Township supervisors unveiled their mailer for the 245 township residents, looking for answers to questions supervisors have and how they can improve the township. All residents are strongly encouraged to participate and can send answers back via mail, email or in-person. “We just want to better serve the residents in our township. This gives us insight on what is important to them, and how we can make things better,” Chairman Heather Flaig said. Questions include issues facing Catharine Township today, supporting a mill increase...
SECOND GRADE Traci McCall For Traci McCall, a book sale could arguably be one of the deciding factors as to why she wanted to be an elementary school teacher. "I had always wanted to be a teacher," McCall said. "When I was young, I loved to play school. I remember when the elementary school would have a book sale in the summer. There were teacher books, student books, and library books you could buy for just a few centers. I was especially excited about the teacher books with the answers."...
This week's article will introduce us to the two first grade teachers – Amber Rhodes and Jayme Elvey. Amber Rhodes "I wanted to make fun and exciting lessons that would help kids develop a love for learning," Central graduate, now Williamsburg first grade teacher, Amber Rhodes said. Rhodes is in her second year teaching at Williamsburg. She started as the reading remediation teacher, then moved to third and finding a home in first grade. Rhodes went to Penn State, and previously taught at...
The Williamsburg Community School Board listened to a presentation from senior Levi Hoover and parent Cathy Mock about the expenses of track and the cross country teams for Williamsburg. At last month's meeting, the school board asked for a listing of equipment needed and other costs, and Hoover delivered. Superintendent Lisa Murgas said that in the preliminary budget, which was approved earlier in the evening, that track and cross country received $1,500 for transportation and an $1,100...
Residents of Williamsburg who drive on High Street have fond memories of the small blue building that once housed Charlie Hauser's barber shop. Jim Baney remembers "looking at all the memorabilia and how reasonable Charlie's prices were." Scott Bumgardner recalls "just sitting there watching cars and talking to everyone." One thing that seems to be the highlight is the fellowship that Charlie brought, whether that be waiting on the steps until 8 a.m. for the shop to open, looking at old comic...
In many times going to school board meetings, I often don't know of the elementary and secondary teachers in the district. I sent out a questionnaire about each grade and the teachers involved, hoping to learn more about the teachers, their passions and their vision for the students in our district for years to come. This week, we welcome the kindergarten teachers. My kindergarten teacher Mrs. Nancy Byler left a profound impact in my life. She was an absolutely delightful teacher and one of the...
Cove Forge submitted letters about its new treatment plant facility. After review, Jim Young of Stiffler-McGraw offered comments about the proposed treatment plant. Cove Forge is planning to use fill dirt to make the area bigger. The township needs to make sure they don’t use fill into the flood zone areas. The financial security for Cove Forge expires in August. Supervisors discussed having Solicitor Aimee Willett reach out to Cove Forge and see what the plans are regarding the financial security and proposed treatment plant. “They know...
Many high school juniors do not have many worries and surely aren't running their own business. But Williamsburg Junior Chloe England isn't your typical high school junior. England is the proud owner of Chloe Renee Media. England grew up on her family's farm, Penn England LLC, with her parents and two older sisters. "Growing up in the eyes of a family business inspired me to start my own business one day," England said. "My sister is also a business owner with Haley England Photography." England...
Borough Manager Joe Lansberry, during last Monday’s Williamsburg Borough Council meeting, talked about the numerous calls and complaints the Borough office has had about stray cats. There is currently no ordinance limiting the number of animals at a residence nor is there an ordinance prohibiting the feeding of stray cats. Lansberry said the Humane Society has a “trap, neuter and return” program. “It’s our best alternative,” Mayor Ted Hyle says, “we don’t want a repeat of the issue of stray cats in the past.” While cats are...
The Williamsburg Community Farm Show is gearing up for one of their biggest events of the year — the Spring Craft Show Extravaganza. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, May 13, beginning at 9 a.m., on the Farm Show grounds. Over 100 vendors will be in attendance, highlighted by crafts, handmade items, signs, garden flags and food items. There will also be numerous food vendors. “We are excited about this event — it’s one of our biggest every year, and it seems to keep growing,” Farm Show Board President Jeff Walason...
Cathy Mock, a teacher at Williamsburg School District and a track & field mom, presented to the Williamsburg School Board during its meeting last Tuesday evening about the district’s lack of financial support for their teams. Mock presented each School Board member with a packet containing yearbook photos depicting the growth of the track team throughout the years and with a letter and comments from former and current students and parents about the positives of the track team. In 1999, the cross country team had only two members on it....
Auditor Daryl Cole asked supervisors during the April Catharine Township meeting, “Where do you see the township in 5 years? What is your vision for the township?” Both supervisors in attendance — Ralph Rispoli and Ken Brenneman — agreed that adequate road repairs top the list, along with having money to purchase items like a new truck. Roadmaster Michael Fay said his goals include to make roads more easily passable, as only three roads have been completed in the last eight years. Fay presented four roads in the township that are in...
Many may tune out the sound of a siren, but for first responders, it’s the beginning of a serious situation. The First Church of the Brethren in Roaring Spring honored first responders during a church service on Sunday, April 16. The idea sprouted from the Outreach and Missions Club of the church, and the service will now be an annual event for the church. Some of the first responders in attendance included Assistant Chief Corey Eicher, Landon Beers, Tim Laird, Bill Beers, Gary Thompson, Fred Beers, and Bobbi Beers, who led the call to worshi...
Picnic season is coming up soon. I have already been hounding my parents to make the trek up to our house to have a cookout. I am just so hungry for picnic food. This inspired my thoughts for two recipes this week — staples at any picnic — potato and macaroni salad. Potato Salad Ingredients: 8 medium red potatoes, cubed 4-5 hard boiled eggs, chopped 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise 2/3 cup sour cream 3 Tbsp. sugar 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 2 Tbsp. chopped onion 2 tsp. mustard 1 tsp. celery seed Directions: Place potatoes in a saucepan and cover with...
Robeson Extension residents asked Williamsburg Municipal Authority members about a sewer/water extension during the meeting on Tuesday, April 11. Extending the sewer and water lines was discussed. It was noted that when lines were researched back in 2006 that there was a “mystery” sewer line out in that area. At the time, that line was owned by Catharine Township system. The authority agreed to replace a short piece of existing sewer line so that some residents can hook up....
The Williamsburg Borough Council held a special meeting on Wednesday, April 12, at 7 p.m. following the recess of the Monday, April 3, meeting. At the April 3 meeting, a public hearing was held regarding the dangerous structure on High Street, owned by Amy Morris. Following an inspection, the property was deemed to be dangerous. Sinking floors and a poorly constructed crawl space both contributed to the determination. Morris was given 120 days to file, pay fees and obtain a building permit from the borough. Following the building permit,...
For the past few months, Rick Houck has been planning on a stormwater project at his home in Woodbury Township. Houck attended last Thursday evening’s township meeting with his engineer Josh Gunnett to finalize a waiver and to get plans for approval. The first waiver asked to use private wage rates instead of prevailing wages on cost estimate. Ed Clark made the motion to grant waiver with Craig Hamilton seconding. The motion passed. Next, Houck asked for plans to be finalized. Plans cannot be finalized until a financial security was in the...
Each Easter, my mom asks for a specific flower — hyacinth. They are her favorite flower. My sister Julie and I were not blessed with mom’s “green thumb,” but it inspired my question this week — what is your favorite flower? Here is what a few residents had to say: Michael Kelly: Columbine Stan Grove: Dandelion Tammy Detwiler: Lilacs Kevin Wise: Lillies Polly Eastep: Roses Kayla Detwiler: Hydrangeas Nancy Lombardo: Hibiscus Joy Nelson: Dahlias and yellow roses Joyce Helsel: Love them all! Sheryl Hart: Carnation, mostly because of its...
Ordinance 336 Dangerous Structures was the topic of conversation at the Williamsburg Borough Council meeting last Monday evening, April 3. A house owned by Amy Morris on 1st Street was at the center. Morris had applied for Community Development Block Grant funding for renovations for her house. Upon inspection of the house, the floors were buckling and it was deemed that the foundation of the structure was not secure. A make-shift crawl space was made under the property that attributed to the issues. Tim Campbell of Stiffler-McGraw, who...
At last month’s Williamsburg Municipal Authority meeting, issues with Cenveo and what they were dumping down their drains were discussed. Authority members wanted to meet with Cenveo personnel to discuss findings and ways for Cenveo to rectify their actions. Stiffler McGraw engineer John Clabaugh gave an update during last Tuesday’s meeting, March 14. Clabaugh said a site visit and tour of the property was made in early March. He said Cenveo did have some items in place to fix complaints. “The history between you (Authority) and Cenveo...
During her superintendent’s report last Tuesday evening, March 21, Lisa Murgas pulled up the PVAS website to discuss test scores. The website offers scores and charts from both the Keystone Exams and PSSA scores over a typical five-year span. “This gives us an idea of where our students are,” Murgas said. The school district is meeting targets in math testing, and the charts showed exemplary growth in sixth grade. With English and language arts, most targets were met but there is work to be done. “We need to continuously target what we...
There will be a new food truck hitting the streets of Williamsburg and surrounding areas soon. Keep your eyes out for Tabbycakes Bakes LLC. Tabbycakes is the brain child of Williamsburg native Tabitha Clowson, who is combining her love of sugar and baking into a new, tasty food truck. "I'm just a girl from Williamsburg with a passion for sugar. I've had a sweet tooth for as long as I can remember," Clowson said. Clowson grew up in Williamsburg and went to Penn State. The name for her business...
Catharine Township Supervisors heard from Auditor Daryl Cole about the 2022 audit report during last Thursday evening’s meeting. Cole said that there were four new items on the audit report, but praised Secretary Heather Flaig for working hard for the township and having items organized. One of the biggest indiscretions of the audit was the capital reserve funds: $10,000 was used out of capital reserve during 2022. Part of the budget is supposed to have ways to replenish the capital reserve, and that was missing from the budget. Cole also...
Williamsburg Borough Council discussed a proposed speed limit sign, much like the one in Hollidaysburg. “It’s a good thing for reminders,” Chief of Police Rowdy Kagarise said. The borough wanted the public to know that it is 25 mph along most of the streets in town, “and that’s fast,” Council member Ed Patterson said. The council said they would look into this, and no further discussion was held. The borough received the USDA Grant. The grant is for $16,570 and was used for HVAC upgrades in both the borough offices and fire...
With Easter coming up in just a few short weeks, I thought it was time to kick this back up with some Gorsuch family Easter traditions. We were raised Russian Orthodox, and our old church is the current location of the River Valley Custom Apparel shop in Williamsburg (or what is considered to be Ganister.) Our Easter holiday doesn’t always fall with the Christian Easter holiday and is usually the week after. I have so many wonderful memories of Easter at the Orthodox Church. Waking up early, getting a fabulous Easter dress, and packing our...
The Williamsburg Lions Club met on Monday, March 13, at the United Methodist Church, Williamsburg. The group discussed working in the community of Williamsburg and surrounding areas to better the communities involved. The Huntingdon PRIDE telethon will be this weekend, March 15 to 18. According to its website, "PRIDE is an all inclusive, nondiscriminatory organization for persons with disabilities caused by birth defects, injury, disease, learning and developmental disorders, again and other...
With the increase of land development in Woodbury Township, supervisors advised Solicitor Aimee Willett and Engineer Jim Young to work on an update of their SALDO (Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance). The update will contain revisions and planning recommendations to make the land development process in the township easier. “It’s just consistent with what’s current,” Young said. The process will look into ordinances 509 and 511, which specifically work with stormwater management and sediment/erosion control. “We just want to...
Following Joe Detwiler’s resignation from the Williamsburg School Board, Jimmy Grager has taken the seat. “I see how much just this high school diploma did for me, and I’m hoping that it’ll give students a solid foundation to build upon as they grow,” Grager said. Both Grager and his wife Julie graduated from Williamsburg. Following graduation, Grager left to start his Air Force career in the Fall of 1998. After retiring in 2018 with 20 years in the military, Grager and wife moved back to the district. “The sense of community, the...