Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
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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...
Every August, the residents of Williamsburg get ready for one thing – the Williamsburg Community Farm Show. Not only is it Blair County's largest fair, it's been called the "Big Time" since the '70s/'80s. This year's fair is promising to keep up with fairs of the past with a slew of new features for this year. "We are really excited for the changes and new categories," Farm Show Board President Jeff Walason said. Walason, along with the other board members have been busy prepping the farm s...
Hues of ivory, Claysburg blue, lavender and pink donned the yards of the Claysburg Park this past Saturday for the annual Little Miss Claysburg pageant – one of the highlights of the Claysburg Community Days. Following ceremonies, Trinity Grayce Weyandt, daughter of Mindy Weyandt and Garrett Weyandt, came out the new Little Miss Claysburg. Judges for the event included 2010 Little Miss Claysburg Eden Eicher, State Representative Jim Gregory of the 80th District and Tame Your Mane hairstylist L...
Lacey Lynn of Roaring Spring is hoping that she will become the 2022-23 Williamsburg Farm Show Queen. Lynn is the daughter of Julie Ott and Scott Lynn, and is the youngest of four siblings – Jerica, Jordan and Josten Hardy. She also has two loving grandmothers, Deborah Lynn and Betty Bechtel. "My mom's side of the family has been farming generations," Lynn said. "When I was younger, I would help my grandmother by collecting the eggs from the chickens or giving calves their bottles." Lynn's f...
On Aug. 4, Woodbury Township Solicitor Aimee Willett discussed the upcoming SALDO (Stormwater and Land Development Ordinance) with Woodbury Township Supervisors. She has been working with Stiffler-McGraw engineer Jim Young on this ordinance. “We just want to make sure SALDO is streamlined,” Willett said. At the beginning of her tenure as township solicitor, both Willett and Young made reference to the fact that the township lacks a solid stormwater and land development ordinance. Both wanted to make it a priority for the township. Willett gav...
Daryl Cole, a Catharine Township representative, gave an update to Williamsburg Municipal Authority members during its meeting last Tuesday, Aug. 2. Cole said that at the last Catharine Township meeting a lot of Ganister residents attended to ask about updates to the sewer, and ultimately, “the sewer connecting to our (the authority’s) system,” Cole said. Cole said that a lot of residents talked about a gravity feed system, and that township supervisors would talk to Keller Engineers about the next step to getting sewer to Ganister. Borou...
A few years ago, the borough was looking into fixing the flooding problem coming off Route 866 from Piney Creek coming into town. Although those plans fell through, the borough announced last Monday evening that PennDOT was looking into other options. PennDOT sent a proposal to channel the runoff after heavy rains into the race. Borough members said that the county bridge below Liberty Street, where the race currently flows, would have to be widened. Ed Patterson made the motion to grant up to $15,000 to allow Stiffler-McGraw engineers to get s...
What do you think of when you think of fair food? There’s so much to think about – deep fried Oreo, caramel apples, and especially funnel cakes. Each week this month, I am going to share a special fair recipe so even when it’s not Farm Show week, you can bring the fair right to your kitchen. Funnel Cakes Ingredients: 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 1/2 cups milk 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 2 cups flour 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. salt Oil for deep frying Powdered sugar Directions: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk and brown sugar. Combi...
It’s almost Farm Show time. This inspired my question this week – what do you look forward to when it comes to Farm Show time? Here is what a few residents had to say: Linda Lemin: The animals, the music and all the fellowship with friends Renee Criswell: Taco salads Polly Eastep: Sights and sounds, plus fellowship. Zena Saylor: The food and getting to talk to people you haven’t seen in a long time. Joanne Sorge: Being a vendor with my garden flags Kevin Wise: Animals and our kids entering their crafts Marcia Bee: The goats Holly Hamil...
It's hard to believe that it's Farm Show month. The Farm Show is all about our community and what it stands for – farming, family and fellowship. For the next three weeks, we will devote one article to each of the Farm Show Queen candidates as a way for those in the community to meet them before the pageant. I know, as a former Farm Show Queen myself, being queen is quite the honor, and my Farm Show week gave me a lot of memories that I will cherish forever. Charlotte Simpson Outgoing, helpful a...
Going into the Catharine Township meeting, both sides – the Catharine Township Supervisors and the Farm Show Board – were hopeful to have a lease signed and finalized, but this was to no avail. The lease would be for 8 years, then 33 and then another 33 so that it coincides and matches the other lease between the two parties. Jeff Walason, president of the Farm Show Board, attended to discuss some of the clauses he questioned. One of those was the notice to sell. In the lease as it was presented by Solicitor Nathan Karn, who was also in att...
Blair County Commissioner Bruce Erb attended Monday evening’s LERTA meeting held by the Williamsburg School District, Williamsburg Borough and Catharine and Woodbury townships. LERTA is the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance program, created by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1977. This tax abatement program was created to help entice new businesses, to start new construction projects and have homeowners motivated to improve their properties. The meeting was presented by Nathan Karn, solicitor of the Williamsburg Borough, C...
Jennifer Frederick was hired as the new secondary principal for the Williamsburg Community School District in June, replacing Michael Jones following his resignation. Frederick has a history in Williamsburg, as she was previously one of the kindergarten teachers in the district. The kindergartners that were part of her class will be her new seventh and eighth graders at the high school. Frederick, a graduate of Central High School, attended Penn State University and went on to receive her...
Chrissy Neri, on behalf of the Baseball Boosters, addressed the Williamsburg Community School Board during its meeting on July 19. Neri wanted to know if the Board was willing to do any improvements to the baseball and softball fields in Catharine Township. Neri said the boosters from both were willing to raise funds and she was attending to see what the school district was willing to do. The estimate for the baseball field with improvements could cost up to $15,000. Superintendent Lisa Murgas said that there was a meeting held between coaches...
For over a year, Nic's Grab 'N Go in Williamsburg has participated in a round-up campaign that started because of the coin shortage. Customers are asked to round-up their change to make their bill even. The extra change adds up to make a donation. One of the past recipients of the round-up campaign was the Williamsburg Fire Company. The newest recipient is the Williamsburg Public Library. Kristin Bigelow, manager of Nic's Grab 'N Go, presented a check to Library Director Roane Lytle for almost...
Williamsburg residents have to be excited for the influx of new businesses coming to our town, and there is now another one to celebrate. Tom and Sarah Dean are bringing their car detailing business to Williamsburg. "It's just something that I am beyond proud of," Sarah said. How the business started is one of their favorite parts of their story. "We started this business from a dream that was expedited by necessity," Sarah said. It was a dream of Tom's to own and run a car detailing shop....
Williamsburg Municipal Authority Treasurer David Myers announced during last Tuesday evening’s meeting that the audit report was ready for authority members to inspect. Myers said there were “no findings” in the 2021 Audit. The 2021 audit and report were accepted. An update was given about the Christian Missionary Alliance Church and its water issues for members who have been absent. Woodbury is designating the CMA Church as a center for emergencies (natural disasters, floods) and were to take this to the Blair County Hazardous Mitig...
As with the other townships, Williamsburg Borough and the Williamsburg School District, Woodbury Township Supervisors discussed LERTA at its Thursday, July 7, meeting. LERTA, Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance, is a tax program created in PA authorizing local municipalities and townships to give a tax break for new construction. The program seeks to draw new residents and businesses to the area. Woodbury announced that the Farm Show Building would hold the LERTA informational meeting on July 18. Full coverage of that meeting will be...
A little bit of an old school question this week – what is your favorite movie? I have been stuck inside with COVID and I get a little tired of watching WWE wrestling from the 1990s and my all-time favorite show – “Dateline” – so I was hoping this question would give me some good movies to watch while I’m in quarantine. Here is what a few residents had to say: Patrick Detwiler: Facing the Giants Jeff White: Hoosiers Cathy Evans: Dragonfly Angie Ryan: The Book of Eli Nancy Lombardo: White Christmas Rebecca Miller: Star Wars: Empire Strikes Bac...
Cathy Over, of the Williamsburg Historical Society, said that the Historical Society “is well on it’s way to finally becoming a legal entity.” The group was created by Williamsburg residents to help keep the history of our town alive and their Executive Board met last Wednesday evening, July 6th. For months, the Society has been looking for a lawyer to complete their 501.c.3. application to become a legal entity, and one was introduced during the meeting – Michael Routch said he would complete 501.c.3. for the Historical Society. Routch was als...
The Williamsburg Borough, Catharine and Woodbury townships, the Williamsburg School District and Blair County have been tossing around the idea of the LERTA program. LERTA, the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance, is a tax abatement program created in PA authorizing local municipalities and townships to give a tax break for five years to new construction. This program seeks to draw residents and businesses to the area. The borough is putting on a meeting on Monday, July 18, at 7 p.m. at the Farm Show Building to answer any questions...
Williamsburg will have its first Fourth Fest on Saturday, July 9, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and keeping the party alive until 8 p.m. The Trail Town Market will be open from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Riverside Park to start the day off. There will be a nature tour from 10 to 11 a.m. at Riverside Park and a Walking History Tour with former sixth grade teacher Cathy Over beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Riverside Park gazebo. There will be a barbecue at the Lower Trail Creamery from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Slingers Throw House will also be at the Lower Trail...
The Williamsburg Community Farm Show Board is still accepting applications for the 2022 Farm Show Royalty. As always, this is a great opportunity for students to give back to the community through community service, and by advocating for our hometown fair. The age groups are as follows: Fair Queen (16-21), Princess (11-15) and Little Miss (7-10). Some of the requirements for the Farm Show Queen are as follows: • Have exhibited at the Williamsburg Community Farm Show, attend fair events • M...
Farm Show Board President Jeff Walason attended last Thursday evening’s Catharine Township meeting. Walason, along with Treasurer Arianne Waddington, discussed the proposed Farm Show lease with supervisors. The lease presented would be for eight years, then 33, and then another 33 to keep in line with other lease. Walason said the board had some concerns about the proposed lease – one being how much involvement the supervisors had in the lease. For example, any work done on the Farm Show grounds would have to be approved by the supervisors in...
Fourth of July is right around the corner, and I’m always in the mood for food. For this week’s question – before I start my recipe section again – I wanted to know: What is your favorite 4th of July food? Here is what a few residents of Williamsburg had to say: Diana Barroner: A good grilled hot dog with ketchup and mustard and onions with baked beans, macaroni salad with some ice-cold Diet Pepsi and some great strawberry cheesecake. William Dunn: Hot sausage and potato salad with corn on the cob Terry Figart: Lobster Jeffrey Schwade...
For many who attended Williamsburg Elementary School, Donna Tate is always remembered as one of the fourth grade teachers who left an indelible mark on her students. But for 20 years, Tate has served as the Women's Civic Club President, and at last Monday evening's banquet, she was honored for her service with the club. Current Civic Club Treasurer Shirley Kurtz-Flaugh called Tate up to the front of the CMA Church banquet facility and talked about her "working all the time." Flaugh said...
Father’s Day is right around the corner, and I have been surrounded by wonderful men in my life. My dad, Rick, and my two grandfathers, Pete and Gene, have truly blessed my life. This inspired my question for the week – what is one of your favorite memories with your Dad and grandfather? Here is what a few had to say: Scott Bush: Sam Saylor was my Pap, I have so many great memories of him – I couldn’t just pick one. He was like a father to me when I was growing up. The last time I spoke to him was when I left for the Marine Corps. in 1986. He p...
During last Tuesday evening’s meeting of the Williamsburg Municipal Authority, member Daryl Cole wanted to know if there was any update on the CMA Church. For the last several months, the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Williamsburg has been coming to the authority meetings asking for assistance and guidance to deal with the Department of Environmental Protection questioning their water source. Borough Manager Joe Lansberry said that a “last-ditch” effort was being made for the CMA Church to be a shelter-in-place for Woodbury Towns...
Thirty-two students received their diplomas during Williamsburg High School commencement on Friday, May 27, at the high school gym. Class Secretary Morgan Webb welcomed the packed audience to the graduation ceremony. Webb will be heading to UPJ for softball. She introduced Principal Michael Jones, who was participating in his last graduation ceremony for the district. Jones is heading for a new career in community outreach and ministry. Jones joked with the crowd that this group of seniors made...
We are so blessed to be in a community that is surrounded by good ice cream, whether you want to trek on down to the Lower Trail Creamery or hit up the Cove for some delicious options! This inspired my question for the week – what is your favorite ice cream flavor? Here is what a few residents had to say: Tim Blough: Peanut Butter Lori Brubaker: Mint chocolate chip Elizabeth Smith: Chocolate vanilla cherry Connie Brumbaugh: Strawberry John Fay: Peanut butter ripple Patrick Detwiler: Cookies and cream Chris Weidig: White House Wendy Martin: C...
Residents complained about noise violations during last Thursday evening’s Woodbury Township meeting. A resident said that there were very loud fireworks set off over the past Memorial Day weekend as well as carbide and acetylene bombs. The resident said that those who set off bombs and fireworks must have known about ordinance because they were done by 11 p.m. The resident asked if anything could be done as she has to sedate her animals. Solicitor Aimee Willett said she would take a look at noise ordinance and offer suggestions to the t...
The Brickhouse Bistro attended the Williamsburg Borough Council meeting to ask about having a “bring your own beverages” option at their establishment. Solicitor Nathan Karn said that the borough cannot say, “No facilities or establishments can not be BYOB.” Karn went on to say that the Borough cannot regulate it, and “doesn’t think it’s enforceable.” The council voted on the noise ordinance discussed at last month’s meeting. This ordinance would be in effect from 9:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday to Saturday. On Sunday morning, the ordinance would b...
Memorial Day is in a few days, and my sweet tooth is calling! Last week, I gave you some recipes to take to the picnic. What if you have to bring dessert? Don’t worry about it, I’ve got you covered. Easy Cheesecake Ingredients: 1- 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup sugar 2 tsp. vanilla Graham cracker crust – premade, store bought 1 – 8 oz. Cool Whip Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for topping Directions: Beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar and vanilla until a smooth mixture forms. Gently fold i...
Williamsburg Community School District is bringing in an old face as high school principal. During its meeting on Tuesday, May 10, the administration appointed former Kindergarten teacher Jennifer Frederick as the new high school principal, effective July 1st, 2022. Frederick will be replacing Michael Jones, who will step down from the position that same day. Jones was with the district for over five years. May is the time for budgets with the district and they were all adopted at the meeting. The 2022-23 athletic budget in the amount of...
For many years, those searching for anything Williamsburg online found no website with information about our great town. Enter Jamel Foster – an IT student at Juniata College. Foster, along with his small group – Matilda Suli, Jenna Waughen, My Vu, Chi Hoang, and Hanah Thatcher were given the opportunity to create a website for Williamsburg in their "Innovations for Industry" class. Sponsored by William Thomas – who is also the instructor of the class – the group was assigned to meet with cl...
For the last several months, the Catharine Township supervisors have been discussing the expired Farm Show lease. Chairman Heather Flaig, during the meeting last Thursday, presented an update to those in attendance. Flaig said that the proposed lease needed some last-minute “tweaks” and they were sent into township Solicitor Nathan Karn for him to re-work the new lease before presenting it to both the supervisors and the Farm Show Board. Flaig also presented an update on the ongoing Barker sewage issue. According to Flaig, the Barkers are no...
Memorial Day is fast approaching, and if you’re like me – invited to a BBQ or hosting one of your own – the question always arises: what can I make or bring? My family and I had our first cookout of the season last Sunday that was highlighted with beer can chicken, parmesan potatoes, salad and strawberry cheesecake poke cake. This inspired my article this week – two recipes that you can take to any Memorial Day picnic. Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad Ingredients: 20 oz. bag cheese tortellini 1 cup pesto 1 – 23 oz. container marinated mozzarell...
Williamsburg High School students were honored as the school district held its annual National Honor Society banquet/awards ceremony on May 11. This was the first time since COVID-19 that a banquet preceded the awards ceremony in the elementary cafeteria. Superintendent Lisa Murgas welcomed students and family members to the ceremony. NHS inductees wore gray gowns purchased by the school district. Murgas was introduced by NHS Vice President Cyrus Simmons. Murgas talked about the qualifications...
The Williamsburg Christian Missionary Alliance Church has been meeting with the Williamsburg Municipal Authority for the last several months on a potential water project for the church. During last week’s meeting on May 3, “one last effort” was discussed. First, Stiffler McGraw engineer John Clabaugh sent down some estimates that the authority requested at last month’s meeting about the cost of a water line extension. The first estimate included a waterline extension to the church and Potted Memories Greenhouse at an estimated cost of $1 mill...
"There's nothing like Mom's cooking." This quote has often been spoken, but two Clappertown sisters, are really hoping to change that quote to, "There's nothing like Sisters' Country Cooking." The self-proclaimed "Negley Girls" – Sondra Wisecarver and Sue Negley-Martz – recently opened their food truck, Sisters' Country Cookin', in the middle of March, and the pair have been rolling ever since. The venture began when the pair's cousin got married and they were asked to cater the event. The...
Paving bids were opened during last Thursday evening’s Woodbury Township meeting on May 5. The paving bids were for the project that involves paving Royer Road and part of Lower Clover Creek Road. Two bids were received – one from Grannas Bros., and one from New Enterprise Stone & Lime. Grannas Bros. came in at $376,337.50 and New Enterprise came in at $392, 896.35. “We are willing to get this project done,” Vice Chairman Ed Clark said to other supervisors, who were all surprised at the cost of the project. the supervisors thought the project...
It’s Mother’s Day, and many of us (well my sister and I) never know what to get our mother. Who ever knows what she wants? Her answer when we ask is always a “good meal.” This year, she was quite specific with what she wanted for dinner – fried chicken and waffles. So, I felt like sharing my recipe for the waffles – just in case the special lady in your life may want this meal on Sunday, too. Waffles Ingredients: 2 eggs 2 cups flour 1 3/4 milk 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 TBSP sugar 4 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. vanilla Directions:...
Late U.S. President Abraham Lincoln once said, “All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” For most, our mothers mean the world to us and we wouldn’t be where we are without her presence, love and support in our life. I know that my sister Julie and I are blessed with a wonderful Mom – Suzanne. She is not only funny, a great cook, but is always there for us when we need advice; I don’t know what we did to get such an incredible Mom, but I am so thankful she is ours. I decided to ask the residents of Williamsburg – what is/was your...
Farm Show Spring Extravaganza The Williamsburg Community Farm Show will be having their annual Spring Extravaganza on Saturday, May 7, beginning at 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. “It’s shaping up to be the biggest extravaganza yet,” organizer Angie Walason said. There will be plenty of antiques, primitives, arts & crafts, clothing boutiques and home décor. The Blair County Antique Auto Club will be having their Cruise-In, as well. Walason said there will be over 80 different vendors under the roof of the barns, inside the Farm Show Building, and outsid...
Officer Adam Hauser of the Williamsburg Police Department questioned Solicitor Nathan Karn about the proposed noise ordinance at the Williamsburg Borough Council meeting, Monday, May 2. Hauser wanted times changed from the current 9:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. This ordinance would be in effect from Monday to Saturday. On Sunday morning, the ordinance would be in effect until 8 a.m. Noise would be considered loading operations, construction noise and power equipment. There are some exemptions to this ordinance including snow...
A “Let’s Go Brandon” sweatshirt sparked debate during last Tuesday evening’s Williamsburg Community School Board meeting. According to Frank and Tracy Despot, their son asked a teacher about wearing the sweatshirt, and the teacher “wasn’t sure if it would be appropriate.” The Despots came to the meeting wanting clarity regarding the dress code. Superintendent Lisa Murgas brought out the dress code policy and read it to the board. The policy prohibits what could be deemed “offensive” clothing. The board then went into discussion on wha...
Though Michael Jones, the current secondary principal at Williamsburg Community School District, will be leaving the district following the Class of 2022 graduation, his mark on the district will remain. Jones is leaving to pursue a career in ministry. Jones began his tenure as principal in 2017, following a position teaching at Penn Cambria School District. Jones said that while teaching at Penn Cambria, he earned his principal K-12 certification from California University of Pennsylvania. For...
My parents, Rick and Suzanne (shown in the photo) celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this past Tuesday, April 26. Being in the wedding spirit, I decided to ask the residents of Williamsburg – What was one of the best memories you have of your wedding or wedding day? Here is what a few had to say: Kirstie Stayduhar: My husband lost his wedding band. When we got home, he noticed his wedding band was missing. We drove back to the reception and found it on the ground. Brittany Clowson: My wedding day was absolutely perfect but my favorite p...
