Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
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“We are satisfied with it,” Woodbury Township supervisors said about the 2023 budget that was passed during last Thursday night’s township meeting. The budget has no millage ordinance, and is similar to last year’s. Lansberry made the motion to adopt the budget with Craig Hamilton seconding. The motion passed. Following the purchase of the F600 truck, the township said the tires on it would not be suitable for snow plowing. Supervisors discussed either selling or trading the tires. Lansberry made the motion to sell or trade the tires, which p...
When we think of giving for the holiday season, items such as monetary donations come to mind, but for one Williamsburg woman, socks are the best thing to give. For six years, Tabitha Clowson has been collecting socks throughout Williamsburg for the holiday season. "New socks are the least donated items of clothing, yet one of the most needed items in shelters. Socks keep feet dry, free from disease and warm," Clowson said. "Living on the street, many unsheltered people rarely take their shoes...
This time of year, we often think of Christmas songs playing in the background. Whether we are at church or out shopping, Christmas songs are always ready to put you in the holiday spirit. This inspired my question this week: what is your favorite Christmas song/carol? Here is what a few residents had to say: Kim Lester: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland Charlie Webb, Sr.: “Little Drummer Boy” Bonnie Good: “Silver Bells” Amy Holencik: “The Coventry Carol” Marianne Nicholas: “Silent Night” Diana Barroner: “The Firs...
It’s been some time since I’ve shared a recipe, and I think that I should drum it back up for the holiday season. This month will be all about sweets, mainly cookies. I learned to bake from my mom, Suzanne at a young age and that love of cooking and baking remains with me still to this day. I love to cook and bake for the people I love. This week will be one of my favorite cookies – Peanut Butter Blossoms. Peanut Butter Blossoms Ingredients: 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 egg 1 1/2 c...
Williamsburg is coming together to make sure the Christmas spirit is shown throughout the town. There are many events leading up to the Christmas tree lighting and the shop local event. Toy drives and donations Belly Busters Food Truck and Catering is once again sponsoring its annual Christmas Drive. Currently, there are donation boxes set up at Williamsburg stores and businesses. Belly Busters is looking for donations of toys, winter clothes, and other items to make sure Christmas is great for...
At the Nov. 15 Williamsburg Community School Board's meeting, Elementary Principal Jennifer Metzler spoke on many activities taking place at the elementary school: • Parent-teacher conferences took place Nov. 21 and 22. • The elementary student council members are also organizing a sock drive to collect socks for the homeless shelter. • Mrs. Laughlin, the district's social worker, and members of the Kindness Club planned activities for World Kindness Week. Each day, a new kindness challenge i...
Happy Thanksgiving! This year, though it has flown by, has given us a lot to be thankful for. This inspired my question this week: what are you thankful for this year? Here is what some residents had to say: Polly Eastep: That I have my 98 year old mother to celebrate with me. Dawn Mattern: My children, the two new grandchildren and the new family formed from having the grandchildren – very thankful and blessed. Dotty Herd: Salvation Melissa Wilson: My people Chris Weidig: My family Elizabeth S...
At last month’s Catharine Township meeting, frustrated voices were heard — both from taxpayers and the roadmaster — about lack of funds for the township. During this month’s meeting held Nov. 17, township supervisors voted to increase their tax revenue. At a special meeting held earlier this month, the supervisors held a budget workshop where they worked on their budget to make up for some serious deficits they faced in the upcoming year. The compromise was a .30 increase, which according to Township Auditor Daryl Cole, “was the least they can...
Williamsburg Borough Council discussed widening Spring Street between 1st and 2nd street to “increase more flow, alleviate the flooding issues,” according to Stiffler McGraw engineer John Clabaugh. PennDOT will fix the stormwater conveyance issue on 866 near the big spring. Clabaugh discussed two funding options for the borough. One was the H20 PA Project, which is due Dec. 21. It has a 67 percent, 33 percent match for the grant. The other grant was a MTF (a Multimodal Transportation Fund), which would incorporate a bike lane, but it exc...
"It's just an honor to have you here with us," Pastor Jim Spivey said welcoming the large crowd, filled with veterans from all branches of the military to Grace Pointe Community Church of God, Sunday. "Besides Christmas, this is one of my favorite services," Spivey said. Spivey said that his grandfather, father and cousins have all served in the military. "7 percent of the nation is a veteran," Spivey said before introducing esteemed guests including both Senator Judy Ward and Representative...
At last month’s Williamsburg Municipal Authority meeting, two different grant opportunities for the authority were discussed. One was a small water/sewer grant for projects $30,000 to $500,000. The other was an H20 program for projects over $501,000. At that meeting, authority members voted to mix and match smaller needs and Stiffler McGraw pursued grant. However, following directions from DCED, the authority had the option to either separate grants (sewer and water) or just pick one. Daryl Cole made the motion to apply for the grant that w...
Following several complaints of residents of Woodbury Township, supervisors passed a noise ordinance during last Thursday evening’s meeting. “It’s not really strict,” Chairman Joe Lansberry said “A lot of it is respect for the neighborhood.” Larry Mock attended to confront supervisors about ordinance. “I think you’re opening a can of worms,” Mock said. A lot of the complaints from residents stemmed from animal safety with horses and dogs. Holidays such as the Fourth of July are exempt from the noise ordinance, and it only covers noises fro...
The Williamsburg Public Library hosted Penn State landscape architecture students last Tuesday, Nov. 1. Students from a landscape architecture class taught by Alec Spangler presented ideas on addressing different aspects of the town. The beginning The relationship between Penn State University and the town of Williamsburg started in early 2020 when Sustainable Communities Collaborative Program Manager Ilona Ballreich met with Greg Williams and Dave Cadle. The purpose of the Sustainability...
For over three years now, Jeff Walason has been a staple on the Williamsburg Community Farm Show Board and is currently the president. During the Pennsylvania State Fair Association Board Zone-3 meeting held in Williamsburg last Thursday evening, Walason was elected as one of the PA State Fair Board's Directors. Walason will represent Zone 3 as a "new voice," Walason said. Pennsylvania has four zones, with six representatives per zone. "This is just me getting to represent the Williamsburg Farm...
Since the 1950s, the Williamsburg VFW building along Lower Clover Creek has been a staple for many Williamsburg events. Now the VFW is giving back to the community. Members of the VFW recently sold the building and are giving the profits back to the community. "It was the idea of the members to give back to the community via the sale," VFW Commander Michael Fay said. Big decisions The Williamsburg VFW began roughly around 1946, following World War II. The building joined shortly after in the...
The Planning Commission hosted the first of two public input open houses for the Williamsburg Community Comprehensive Plan at the borough building last Wednesday, Oct. 26. The purpose of a comprehensive plan is to guide decision making for the community and to recognize items that have impacted the community, such as Rails to Trails. “The trails and the popularity of the notion of a trail town really kicked this comprehensive plan into high gear,” said Blair County Planning Commission’s Dave McFarland. McFarland said that future, “more specifi...
The property behind the Williamsburg Community School’s football field is causing some issues for the school board. Residents Joe McCall and Tom Haas attended to talk about any updates with the land in question and if they were able to purchase the parcels. The district was to complete land surveys and McCall discussed this issue “as a big decision for the homeowner” if the district was willing to sell the land in question. There was also an issue with a tree close to falling on Haas’ property. Superintendent Lisa Murgas gave permiss...
With Trick or Treat tonight from 6 to 8 p.m., one has to think to themselves, what's the best part of trick or treating? For some it could be the costumes, but for me, it was always going home and sorting through all that tasty candy on the table and basking in that sugary goodness. This inspired my question this week, what is your favorite Halloween candy? Here is what a few residents had to say: Paula Hamilton: All of it Patrick Detwiler: Kit-Kats James Gibboney: Mallo Cup Smoothies Lisa Dibar...
Catharine Township Supervisors heard many frustrations during the Oct. 20 meeting. Resident Dave Harding was first to voice his frustrations with the township in regard to Etna Furnace Road. The road was slated to be fixed this past spring, but Harding discussed the poor conditions of the road. Chairman Heather Flaig said that the township requested bids for the project but “cost was outrageous.” The township could complete the project itself, but citing lack of staff, Flaig said they “still want to get the project done.” Grant funding for the...
During the Farm Show this year, many Williamsburg residents and visitors of the Farm Show were treated to something different in the Williamsburg Veteran's Memorial Building – the Firehouse Café. The Firehouse Café was named because the Williamsburg Volunteer Fire Company owns the Community Center now and "when we have anything to sell there, the Firemen are always serving up the good food," Danielle McCall, a member of the Fire Company said. "We were at a monthly meeting and the committee cam...
As I’m in the mood for Fall recipes and given some of the answers from the Herald’s “Ask the Williamsburgers,” feature, I think a great recipe for this week would be one of my best-kept secret recipes, and an easy way to get that Fall flavor all year-round. Apple Crescent Dumpling Ingredients 2 medium Honeycrisp apples (about two cups) 2 cans (8 count) crescent rolls 3/4 cup butter, melted 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 2/3 cup lemon-lime soda such as Sprite or 7-Up Directions Heat oven to 350 degrees F, grease a 13x9 pan. Pe...
I am getting into the Fall spirit at my house this week by spending time outside in the cool, brisk weather walking my dog Cooper, and enjoying one of my favorite fall drinks – apple cider. These activities inspired my question for this week – What is your favorite Fall food? Here is what a few residents had to say: Patty Shultz: Mom’s apple streudel Polly Eastep: Apple dumplings Melissa Baker: Homemade soup Donna Gority: Squash soup Stan Grove: Venison Ashley Morgan: Apple dumplings and pumpkin roll Vince Williams: Chili Angie Walker: Pumpk...
Three WHS girls' volleyball seniors were honored last Wednesday during Senior Night festivities. Shown are Ruth Eger (kneeling); and Alexia Brumbaugh (left) and Abbie Merritts....
Williamsburg Public Library The Williamsburg Public Library has been busy this past summer and into the fall, according to Head Librarian Roane Lytle. Lytle spoke about the Story Hour program the library is offering along with the Women's Civic Club. Story Hour is on Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. at the library, and anyone aged 3-5 is welcome to attend. "There are many fun things for children to do", Lytle said, including singing songs, reading books and crafts. Some of the upcoming Story Hour...
Blair County Planning Commission’s Trina Illig attending Williamsburg Borough’s October council meeting to give an update on the property on First Street. The first bid made was for total rehabilitation on both sides of the property, which proved to be too costly. A special meeting was held on Sept. 12 to discuss scaling back the project to where the 424 side would be demolished, and the other side (426), where a resident resides, would receive minor renovations. The project was awarded to BCS Contracting and a change order was made at the spe...
During last Tuesday evening’s authority meeting, grants were presented by Borough Manager Joe Lansberry. “Anything we can use in the next five years, we should use to our advantage,” Williamsburg Municipal Authority member Daryl Cole said. Lansberry discussed two specific grants: one with a budget of between $500,000 and $20 million, and another small systems grant that is worth between $30,000 and $500,000. Lansberry suggested two grinder pumps, a generator, a grinder head along with a butterfly valve to be added to the list of items to inclu...
Sticking with the theme of apples for the month, my preschoolers learned about what an orchard is and all the different parts of an apple. We even took the day to make our own homemade applesauce and then used the leftover applesauce to make these delicious applesauce muffins. Easy Applesauce Muffins Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened 2 cups sugar 2 large eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 2 cups applesauce 4 cups flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. allspice 1/4 tsp. ground cloves Cinnamon sugar, optional Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees....
When someone's face lights up while talking about their career choice, they are clearly passionate about their path. This was the case when I sat down with Robert Johnson, a retired Army sergeant who fought in Desert Storm, and is currently the owner of one of Williamsburg's food trucks – the Red Bird Café. Johnson began working with food trucks 35 years ago. In 1987, Johnson, who was stationed in Fort Campbell, purchased his first food truck and began selling two festival must-haves: nachos an...
The amount of nominations the Williamsburg Volunteer Fire Company received for its grant for grain bin rescue equipment “caught a lot of people’s attention,” according to Captain Jon Isenberg. Isenberg said that for many years, the fire company has participated in the Nominate Your Fire Department Contest as part of Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety advocacy campaign and has been denied. Led by Isenberg, the fire company dove head first into this grant process. The fire company went door to door to...
This little section has taken a long summer vacation, but we are back for fall. When I think of fall, besides pumpkins, I think about apples. A few weeks ago teaching at Bright Beginnings in Roaring Spring, we had "A is for Apple" Week, where we talked about Adam & Eve, the life cycle of an apple and the different parts of an apple. At the culmination of the week, we taste tested different kinds and colors of apples to determine which one was our favorite. This inspired a new recipe – apple c...
"Every fall this is something that we definitely look forward to," Williamsburg Community Farm Show Board Secretary Angie Walason said about this weekend's annual Fall Extravaganza. The extravaganza is happening on the Farm Show grounds and in the buildings on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. "We are really proud of the vendors," Walason said. The event will have over 50 vendors, which includes many food vendors such as Ladies Auxiliary, Rainbow Concessions, Red Bird Café, Biddle's...
During its meeting last Tuesday evening, the Williamsburg Community School Board adopted its first Title I school-wide plan. Title I is remediation in reading and math for the elementary school. Superintendent Lisa Murgas said that the school-wide goal was to increase proficiency in math by 10 percent. Murgas said she wanted to get more professional development for teachers in the math field. Adam Hileman made the motion to adopt the Title I plan with Patty Kensinger seconding, motion passed. In her report, Murgas said it’s been “a great beg...
To qualify for a USDA grant, the median income of an area has to equal around $50,000. Catharine Township supervisors announced during last Thursday’s meeting that the township is not eligible for a grant because the median income was too high to qualify. Supervisors read the email from SPUR LLC, which showed the median income is slightly above the USDA threshold, which disqualifies them for a grant for a new truck for the township. It was then suggested that the township try to obtain a loan for the truck. No further discussion was held. Ganis...
Seeing all the pumpkins, mums, and of course – watching my Ravens play football, has me in the mood for fall! Thus inspiring my question this week – what’s your favorite fall activity? Here is what a few had to say: Walt Frank: PSU football Stan Grove: Hunting Wendy Martin: Camping Zena Saylor: Pumpkin Festival at Old Bedford Village Robin Brantner: Going to fall festivals Polly Eastep: Taking walks through fallen leaves Judy Markley: Fall car rides to see the leaves, with a stop for ice cream. Marge Troxell: The fall craft shows Bridg...
Mary Camberg of the Lakemont Lions Club visited with the Williamsburg Lions Club during Monday evening's meeting to talk about the Leader Dog Program. Camberg has been with the Leader Dog Program with the Lions for over six years. With the Leader Dog Program, anyone can sponsor a dog or "adopt" a puppy for 12 months and raise it. Following those 12 months, the Leader Dog Program takes over with the dog and they become a service animal through a rigorous training program in Michigan. Typically,...
Following last week’s tour of Williamsburg, I got to reminisce about the town that Williamsburg was. I was privileged to grow up here and got to know some of the places that the past generations knew and loved. This inspired my question for the week – what old-school place in Williamsburg was your favorite? Here is what a few residents had to say: Bethany Stokes: Rhodes Shaena Brantner: The Blue Pirate Restaurant Tyrel Merritts: The OIP – buffalo chicken subs! Blair Saylor: Pool Hall Shelby Maynard: Pizza shop when Jake (Belardi) was worki...
“We just want people to pack the stands and support all of us,” Williamsburg co-op football coach Matthew Neri said. For the first time in two years, Williamsburg will be hosting a Friday night football game between Juniata Valley and Claysburg. It will also be homecoming for the Blue Pirates. The homecoming court includes Colton Verbonitz, Alex Brantner, Ridge Shultz and Justin Brubaker. For the ladies, the homecoming court consists of Jade Carper, Camryn Beatty, Lily Neri and Kendel Norris. The homecoming parade will begin promptly at 6 p.m...
Sherry Socie of the Blair County Planning Commission attended last Tuesday evening's Williamsburg Borough Council meeting to give an update on the Comprehensive Plan of Williamsburg. Despite the DCNR grant being awarded to the borough two years ago, COVID and staff turnover in the planning commission's office is to blame for delays, according to Socie. Socie said that a rough draft was complete and the next step is to involve the community via an open house meeting where residents can voice their concerns and goals for Williamsburg. Socie gave...
For over a year, the Woodbury Township supervisors have been discussing the new noise ordinance for the township. During the Sept. 1 meeting, the supervisors made a huge step in finalizing the new ordinance. Craig Hamilton made the motion to adopt the new noise ordinance in November with Ed Clark seconding. The motion passed. Some of the highlights of the new noise ordinance are a 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. time frame for no noises in the township, with an exemption for celebrating a holiday (such as the 4th of July). Residents who wish to look at the...
Summer is almost over. For us fall lovers, this may be a good thing. The end of summer also happens to mean my birthday, which is actually today! However, most of us had a pretty good summer and lots of great memories that were made. I decided to ask the residents of Williamsburg — what was the best part of your summer? Here is what a few had to say: Lou Ann Grove: Having grandchildren staying at our house various times throughout the summer. Walt Frank: Biking almost every day. Linda Lemin: Spending time with my family and going to my g...
When it was announced earlier last week that former sixth grade teacher Cathy Over was doing another Walking History tour of Williamsburg, I was more than excited. Saturday, Sept. 3, I set out with a group of five plus Over to walk around town to learn some of the history. Over said she has done this walking history tour at least 20 times, most with her sixth grade class, some in cooperation with Trail Town Market (as this was) and some with the Williamsburg Senior Center. Over said she enjoys...
Farming, food and family — that’s undoubtedly the Farm Show tradition. There have been so many wonderful memories of the Farm Show for me, and as I walked down the grounds with my sister — so many of those memories came flooded back to me. This year’s fair was packed with many changes, mixed with some of those old traditions that bring back the Williamsburg nostalgia. I decided to ask some Williamsburg residents — what was your favorite part of this year’s Farm Show. Here is what a few residents had to say: Linda Lemin: The bands Edna Dively...
The 2022-23 Williamsburg Community Farm Show Queen Charlotte Simpson emceed the Little Miss and Princess Contest last Monday evening, Aug. 22. The contestants for Little Miss included Davanee Bem, daughter of Ashley Bem, and Elizabeth Mary Jo Dively, daughter of John and Edna Dively. Outside of school, Bem is involved in basketball and twirling. Dively is involved in her church and loves spending time with horses and cows. For the princess contest, there were also two contestants: Alana...
“The teachers have been in the classrooms preparing for the start of the new school year,” Elementary Principal Jennifer Metzler said. Metzler talked about kindergarten orientation, which took place on Thursday, Aug. 11, and Meet the Teacher Night, which took place Thursday, Aug. 18, during her presentation with the Williamsburg Community School Board. The school district began its new school year yesterday on Wednesday, Aug. 24. During the meeting, the professional substitute rates were approved for the following school year: substitute day...
Charlotte Simpson of Alexandria was crowned the new 2022-23 Williamsburg Farm Show Queen following festivities held Sunday afternoon on the Farm Show Grounds. Each contestant was walked down the aisle of the main stage by one of the special men in their lives. Simpson is the daughter of Charann and Patrick Webb. She is a student at Juniata Valley and is involved in the FFA, chorus and the Huntingdon Dance Academy. Lacey Lynn and Lillian Anderson were the other two contestants. The emcee of the...
For years, the residents of the Ganister portion of Catharine Township have been hearing about Catharine Township’s plans to provide sewer service to that area. At last month’s meeting, many residents attended to confront the supervisors about the status of those plans. At last Thursday’s meeting, they finally had the opportunity to talk to the Township Engineer Dave Cunningham from Keller Engineers. Cunningham spoke about the two potential systems that could work in this project: a low-pressure grinder pump system and a gravity feed syste...
"Can we capture the smells in here?" Blair County Commissioner Bruce Erb asked as attendees walked into the gathering room of Friends Farm last Wednesday morning for the annual Blair County Farm Bureau Tour. The sights and sounds will make anyone feel at home on the 23-acre farm owned by Christine Wise. Wise, following the meeting about the updates with the Blair County Farm Bureau, talked about the history of the farm. Wise and her late husband purchased the farm in 1992, but were unable to...
Helpful, kind and outgoing – that's how Lillian Anderson would describe herself using three adjectives. Anderson, 18, is one of three young women vying for the title of Williamsburg Community Farm Show Queen. Lillian is the daughter of Lacie Anderson and Chris Semple and she has two brothers, Iaian and Hunter Semple. Anderson has shown dairy cattle previously in dairy shows and now works with sheep on a hobby farm. Following graduation, she is planning on going to school for laparoscopic A.I. A...
Run by Amanda Biddle, with the help of Micah and Azriela Clouse, Naomi’s Nursery Blessings is a non-profit children’s pantry in Williamsburg. Naomi’s Nursery Blessings provides free children’s items to anyone and everyone with no questions asked. Naomi was Biddle’s daughter who was born sleeping at 33 weeks gestation. “The pantry is something we do in her memory by helping others in need. It’s been our way of finding good in what was the worst time of our lives. We just want to bless as many babies, children and families as possible in h...
Two Williamsburg girls will be competing for the second annual Williamsburg Community Farm Show Little Miss title. The contestants are Davanee Bem and Elizabeth Dively. Elizabeth Mary Jo Dively is the daughter of John and Edna Dively. Elizabeth resides in Williamsburg. She wants to be a barrel racer when she grows up. She is involved in her church and loves to play with horses and cows. Her favorite part of the Williamsburg Farm Show is auction day, spending time with her friends and the...
