Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
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‘Tis the season for all of those Christmas specials and movies! For some of us, there is nothing better than snuggling up with a good Hallmark movie or a Christmas movie, celebrating the joyous holiday. This inspired my question this week: What is your favorite Christmas movie? Here is what a few had to say. Lori Brubaker: The Grinch Patrick Detwiler: The Polar Express Kevin Wise: Christmas Story Robert Kifer: Home Alone 2 Rachel Greene: Christmas Vacation Cody Frederick: Santa Clause with Tim Allen Chris Grannas: The kids’ classics: Rud...
Stiffler-McGraw engineer John Clabaugh gave an update regarding the two pending grant applications from the Williamsburg Municipal Authority during their Tuesday, Nov. 14, meeting. Currently, the authority has two grant applications pending: a replacement of two pumps and two valve assemblies within the sewer system. On the water side of things, the addition of an emergency generator at the water pump station was applied for. The applications according to Clabaugh were supposed to be acted on in November, but that has been postponed until...
Honestly, this is one of my favorite times of the year, especially to admit how much I love being in the kitchen and baking up good memories. My mom, Suzanne, instilled in me a love of cooking that came with age, but a love of baking came in my early teens. The first recipe that I will share to begin our “cookie exchange” for December is one that has been in my family for many, many years, and it’s a simple sugar cookie. Honestly, it’s probably one of the first cookies I ever made because I am not a fan of roll out cookies that need decorat...
We couldn’t start our famous Christmas cookie exchange without adding a question about cookies to the newspaper! What is your favorite Christmas cookie? Here is what a few residents had to say: Harlee Sioux: Ricotta cheese cookies Michelle Troxell: Peanut butter blossoms with both Hershey kisses or Reese’s cups Darleen Rhule: Pinwheels with dates and nuts in them Brandi Schwaderer: Pizzelles Crystal Hamilton: Preacher cookies Donna Gibson: Sugar cookies Sherry Banks: Raisin-filled Patty Shultz: Cherry Winks Maureen England: Peanut Butter Bal...
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around Williamsburg, and with our community, it’s sure to get a kick start this weekend. The annual Christmas Parade will be held this Saturday, Dec. 2, beginning at 4 p.m. Following the parade, Biddle’s Brewing will once again be hosting the Light Up Night, where the big guy himself — Santa Claus — will be making an appearance to initiate the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. with photo opportunities to follow at Biddle’s Brewing. The Royer Mansion will have its annual Christmas Tour on Saturday, D...
Happy Thanksgiving! When we look around to see all the blessings we have in life, there is always a reason to be thankful. I wanted to see what some residents are thankful for this year. Here is what a few had to say: Marilyn Kaurudar: My mom being healthy Polly Eastep: To celebrate my mom's 99th birthday Victoria Frye: My church family Don Zimmerman: Being alive Richard Gorsuch: My family Paula Hamilton: God's hand of protection Anna Gibboney: So many people following my cancer journey posts...
As I get ready to start making the family’s ham, deviled eggs and dessert for our Thanksgiving dinner and thinking about next month’s recipes of cookies – I wanted to include one last Thanksgiving recipe that is near and dear to my heart, even if I won’t eat it. My grandmother was Louise Speck, and for twenty-nine years served proudly as the Librarian of the Williamsburg Public Library, as well, “ Bubba” as we called her, wasn’t always the best cook but she could make green bean casserole – and it’s a dish eventually my sister, Julie, gr...
Vice Chairman Ken Brenneman called the 2024 budget, “workable” before making the motion to advertise the budget during last Thursday’s Catharine Township meeting. The budget ,which was approved for advertisement, includes a millage increase from .941 to 1.41, with the supervisors citing inflation as the main cause for the increase. The supervisors agreed to apply for a grant, which covers 100-percent of the cost of a new truck. The new truck is estimated to cost $120,340, and a resolution was signed to apply for grant funding. The residents of...
Sidney Sheldon once said, "Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life. Libraries change lives for the better." For many years, the Williamsburg Public Library has been doing just that - all the way back to the 1950s. Some of our generations can remember the library being housed in the old borough building, followed by the location on Second Street. Head Librarian...
During last Monday evening’s meeting, the Williamsburg Borough decided to raise its millage by 1 mill. The council cited an increase of $4,000 in health insurance costs, along with an unknown increase anticipated with worker’s compensation. Council member Ed Patterson, who is on the personnel and finance committee for the borough, said that it was the “recommendation” of the committee to increase the millage. Paula Hamilton made motion to advertise the budget with a millage increase and Bruce Hamilton seconded. The motion carried. Borough Manag...
When you think of the Thanksgiving meal, you’re often thinking of the main course and the sides – who is thinking about dessert? Typically, one is too full to think of dessert, and in most cases, it’s pumpkin pie. So what happens if you don’t like pumpkin pie? Enter your trusty Williamsburg correspondent and her love for her sister. My sister, Julie is obsessed with Oreos and I am responsible for this Thanksgiving to bring dessert. Add those two together, and you get this tasty Oreo treat for dessert. Easy Oreo Dessert Ingredients: 1 – 14.3...
Grace Pointe Community Church of God hosted its annual veterans service this past Sunday, Nov. 12. Pastor Josh Kirksey welcomed the packed church to the ceremony. "We pray for our vets and are so very thankful for them, not just today, but everyday," Kirksey said. Kirksey then introduced a slideshow put on by church member and Martinsburg Mayor Rich Brantner Sr. with military church members. Each branch – the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marines and Air Force - was recognized. Veterans who a...
Is it Thanksgiving yet? Honestly — besides my birthday — it’s one of my favorite days of the year. For me, the best thing about it is being around the table with the people that I love the most. This inspired my question this week. If you could invite someone to your Thanksgiving Day, dead or alive – who would it be and why? Here is what a few residents had to say: Shannea Fetters: My pappy Tom, my pappy Dave, my Nanny and my fiancé Barb Dulaney: My mom and dad, and my one grandmother – the reason is love. Nancy Decker: My brother Jeff, my sist...
I don’t know if it’s just me or does anyone else seem to get a lot of cooking videos on their social media? It’s probably just me because I am typically searching for “easy dinners” or “football appetizers,” as I like to pre-plan meals to accommodate my sister’s and my busy, busy schedules. Thanksgiving allows us to have some time to relax, spend time with our family, eat delicious food and watch what we love (at least in our family) – football. This past Sunday as I was enjoying the extra hour of sleep, a video shared by my Mom came up on my...
Woodbury Township supervisors voted to advertise the proposed 2024 budget with little to no objection from the supervisors. The budget included no millage increase for the upcoming year. The SALDO (Stormwater and Land Development) ordinance for the township was also approved during meeting. Solicitor Aimee Willett said she received appreciation from Blair Planning for the township’s diligence on updating this ordinance. One bid was received for the township’s winter maintenance bids. The bid was from Prough’s Masonry to help aid in snow remov...
It’s November, home to my favorite holiday: Thanksgiving. Any excuse to cook a big meal, enjoy some great shopping, and watch football is a perfect day for me. As usual with this time of year, I like to know what is on the readers’ Thanksgiving tables — and maybe get some ideas for my family’s. So what is your favorite Thanksgiving side dish? Here is what a few residents had to say: Robin Brantner: My mother-in-law’s stuffing balls and my mom’s candied sweet potatoes Terry Shooter: Mashed potatoes sandwich – and my homemade stuffing and...
Deborah La Valla of the Blair County American Rescue Workers (ARW) presented to the Williamsburg Women's Civic Club on Monday, Oct. 23. La Valla said she and her husband came to Hollidaysburg in 2006 for a six-week training course for the ARW. La Valla and her husband lived in Ohio from 2007-2015, and then returned to Hollidaysburg in 2015. La Valla said the American Rescue Workers began in 1884, with the Blair County chapter beginning in the 1920s. ARW depends on the support of the community, a...
The Morrison's Cove Rotary Club picks students for each month from each local school district. The two winners from Williamsburg for September and October were recently announced. September – Kara Lansberry Kara is the daughter of Joe and Beth Lansberry of Williamsburg. In school, Lansberry is a member of the National Honor Society, and has been on the High Honor Roll. Other school activities include Varsity cross-country, varsity softball, FFA, student council, yearbook, Careers in Health C...
As with most holidays, the best memories seem to always come out. For my family, the best (and funniest) memories seem to happen around the table or eating. Many years ago, we were always invited to my Aunt Rita’s Thanksgiving dinner out at different church halls each Thanksgiving, and it’s always something that we all looked forward to. During that dinner, we always loved Aunt Rita’s dad’s Edwin Gunnett’s stuffing balls, and although Edwin is no longer with us, I will always associate stuffing balls with Edwin, and smile at those memories....
Stiffler-McGraw engineer John Clabaugh gave an update to Williamsburg Municipal Authority during its Tuesday, Oct. 10, meeting. Clabaugh provided an update for the Yellow Springs sewer line replacement project indicating that its start date would be the week of Oct. 17, and the project would not take long to complete. The authority also adopted a resolution authorizing the submission of the LSA (Local Shares Grant) application. If successful, the grant will allow the authority to acquire a trailer mounded sewer jet to help aid in system mainten...
Catharine Township supervisors were on one mission during last Thursday evening’s meeting: to work on the budget. The one thing on their minds? Taxes. Chairman Heather Flaig presented a preliminary budget with Ken Brenneman and Ralph Rispoli. They pointed out the questionable spots on the budget for 2024. Auditor Daryl Cole suggested adding to the Capital Reserve fund that has been significantly depleted the last few years. The first order of business was the street lights. Brenneman said that in 2024, the township would face a $2,200 d...
Superintendent Lisa Murgas talked to Williamsburg Community School Board last Tuesday evening, Oct. 17, about entering a contract with IU8 for substitutes. Murgas said that the district is hurting for substitutes, and this contract seems like another option besides the ESS program the district currently uses. The contract with IU8 Substitute Consortium will cost the district $500 for the school year. "We will just see if that brings us more substitutes," Murgas said. The district is also...
It’s apple season! Apples always take me back to the first week of school and the old saying, “A is for apple.” Although that can be somewhat frowned upon in the new education system, for me, it’s a tried and true way to teach my preschoolers all about letter A. This year, several of our classrooms at Bright Beginnings have been busy making all kinds of apple desserts, and that got me thinking: I need a new cake recipe, and this recipe luckily fell on my lap. So delicious! Apple Spice Cake Ingredients: 4 medium Honeycrisp apples, peeled...
“No bids received,” Woodbury Township Secretary Kelsie Lego said during the October township meeting about the bids to help with winter maintenance. Vice Chairman Ed Clark made a motion to re-advertise for bids with Craig Hamilton seconding. The motion passed. The Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance that the township has been discussing for almost a year came to fruition at the meeting. Clark made a motion to advertise the ordinance with Hamilton seconding. The motion passed. This ordinance sets the guidelines for development within the...
"We were all friends with him," Martinsburg Mayor Rich Brantner Sr. said of William "Bill" Peck, who was recently buried at Arlington National Cemetery with his wife, Rose. Brantner along with three classmates - Dan Ross, John Mayhue and Dave Stubbs - traveled to Arlington on Tuesday, Sept. 5, for the military honors funeral. Peck was a classmate of Brantner's and a member of the Williamsburg High School Class of 1965. Peck passed away in October of 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. Peck was born on...
Due to the co-op with Juniata Valley, Williamsburg doesn’t get to host a home varsity football game, but that doesn’t dampen the spirits of the seniors for homecoming. All homecoming festivities will be held on Saturday, Oct. 14. The gates for the field will open promptly at 6 p.m. The candidate parade will be held at 6:15. Those competing for this year’s homecoming court include: Talmadge Gunnett, Isaac McGregor, Andrew McMonagle and Luke Uplinger for the gentlemen; for the ladies, Claire Carper, Chloe England, Ayla Hileman and Kara Lansb...
It’s homecoming week, and for us older people – Cash Party week – which means all generations will be busting their dance moves on the dance floor. This inspired my question for this week: what was your favorite song to dance to at high school dances? Here is what a few residents had to say: Melodie Bowers: “Electric Slide” Wendy Martin: “Mony Mony” Renee Douglas: “Wipe Out” John Fay: “Rock Around the Clock” Christina Wheeler: “Rosa Parks” by Outkast Steve Butcher: “You Dropped A Bomb On Me” by the Gap Band Amber Imler: “Electric Slide” Kent...
Williamsburg Borough announced following its Oct. 2, meeting, that Trick or Treat will be held on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 6-8 p.m. Mayor Ted Hyle informed the council that the school district had inquired about borough police being on hand at the school district because the district has been unable to find a school police officer. “Nothing is written in stone,” Hyle said. Borough Manager Joe Lansberry discussed the LSA (Local Shares) grant that is available, and said that the Borough could use a new leaf vacuum. Lansberry said that Sti...
The Williamsburg Community Farm Show’s Fall Extravaganza is “much bigger than it was 10-15 years ago,” board member and Farm Show Secretary Angie Walason said. “Following COVID, this has really ballooned into something we can be proud of.” This Saturday, Oct. 7, will be the next Fall Extravaganza at the Farm Show and its grounds, beginning at 9 a.m. Walason said over 50 vendors have signed up with a wide variety of craft and homemade items along with a variety of food vendors. “There’s really something for everyone here,” Walason said. T...
After being out of school seventeen years, I still think back to some of the delicious school lunches we had at Williamsburg – the turkey dinner, the hot roast beef sandwiches, and the piled high with cheese grilled cheese were always some of my favorites. A lot of great memories surrounded that food – spending time with my friends, talking about our day and just enjoying life. I was just having this conversation with a friend a few days ago about how I would sell my soul to have the school’s mashed potatoes one more time. Even though they...
“This was the easy way to go,” Blair County Planning Commission’s Dave McFarland told Catharine Township Supervisors during the meeting Thursday evening, Sept. 21, in regard to getting funding for the Ganister Sewer project. McFarland is referring to the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funding. In previous years, surveys garnered a 49 percent low-income result, with only two homes needing to complete surveys and supervisors were hopeful to get the 51 percent to qualify for CDBG funds. However, this wasn’t the case. A new round of surv...
Fall is here and there’s nothing I love more. From the leaves changing to my favorite sport — football — making its long-awaited comeback, to the pumpkins, caramel and of course, apples. For as long as I can remember, we make this special and super-easy apple crisp in our family, and I’d like to share that recipe. Ingredients: Crumble Topping 2/3 cup old fashioned oats 1/2 cup flour 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 cup of salted butter, cubed Apple Filling: 3-4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced...
Superintendent Lisa Murgas told the Williamsburg Community School Board during last Tuesday evening’s meeting that she is looking into cutting buses going to the Altoona Career and Technology Center. Murgas said the numbers for the Vo-Tech are down this year from almost 70 students to almost 50. “We are looking to see if we need that second bus,” Murgas said. Currently, the school district sends two buses daily to Altoona, if they would cut it to just one, it would save the district $37,000 which according to Murgas, “is a significant amount...
While I was visiting my parents’ house to celebrate my birthday this past weekend, we were talking about our relatives’ old meals and how much my parents missed good home cooking. I often miss the taste of my Bubba’s (Louise Speck) cracker soup, which she used to make when I was sick. This inspired my question this week: What is a food dish that your parents, grandparents or another relative made when you were younger that you loved? Here is what a few residents had to say: Marianne Nicholas: Homemade spaghetti and ravioli Maureen Engla...
The Williamsburg Historical Society met on Tuesday evening, Sept. 12, to update the board of directors with some new information. Secretary Peggy Mingle read off the minutes from the June meeting, which saw the following officers appointed: Marge Troxell, president; Cathy Over, vice president; Peggy Mingle, secretary; and Lugene Shelly, treasurer. Over announced that the group was finally approved for its 501(c)(3) designation, officially making it a non-profit. Treasurer Lugene Shelly gave her report, noting that the group has a checking...
The Williamsburg Municipal Authority opened its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 12, by announcing the six bids received for the Yellow Springs sewer replacement project. Stiffler McGraw engineer John Clabaugh announced that the bids ranged from $57,590 to $121,000 and that one bid did not file the correct paperwork. The bid was awarded to Prough’s Masonry, which had the lowest bid. Daryl Cole made the motion to award the bid to Prough’s with Stan Grove seconding. Borough Manager Joe Lansberry said he would not be present when the replacement pro...
Woodbury Township Supervisors approved two ordinances, and advertised the hearing for another ordinance during last Thursday evening’s meeting, Sept. 7. For the last year, Solicitor Aimee Willett and township Engineer Jim Young have been working on streamlining the process for Subdivision and Land Development in the township. Their work produced three new ordinances — Erosion and Sediment Control, Stormwater Management and the new Subdivision and Land Development ordinance. Both erosion and sediment control and stormwater ordinances are sta...
Before approving the minutes of the August meeting, Monday evening, Sept. 5, Williamsburg Borough Council member Ed Patterson said a change needed to be made to last month's minutes, where he made the motion to start the process for a venomous reptiles ordinance banning the reptiles in the borough. According to Patterson, a lot of local municipalities like Roaring Spring and Hollidaysburg have similar ordinances. The proposed ordinance once passed would not prohibit current owners of the...
Speaking of all things Farm Show: I decided to ask the residents of Williamsburg what their favorite part of the Farm Show was. Here is what a few had to say: Holly Hamilton: Deep fried Oreos Patrick Detwiler: Helping a church friend judge the corn and other items Morgan Reighard: Getting to be the Farm Show Queen Bobbi Bookhammer: Taking my grandson, Killian, there for the first time! He loved seeing the animals Robin Brantner: The outhouse race was cute! Polly Eastep: The rides were one of the best in a long time; grandkids loved them....
This past week, I tried a new recipe for a brunch with my sister and my parents and this recipe was a hit. Breakfast Burritos Ingredients: 3 – rolls of loose sausage, divided 1 dozen eggs 5 Tbsp. butter, divided 3 cups cheese 10 medium tortillas 1/3 cup flour 3 cups half and half 1 tsp. paprika 1 Tbsp. pepper Salt to taste 1 tsp. garlic powder Directions: In a bowl, mix together a dozen eggs to scramble, add some salt and pepper to taste. Fry two rolls of sausage, and drain – put in a larger bowl. Scramble eggs in a skillet with 2 Tbsp. but...
A small group in Williamsburg is really hoping to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. “Cancer has affected so any people I know, and it took my sister and my dad,” Lucinda Richardson, of Angel Baskets said. “This past year, a friend started her battle and she shared her journey. The Lord laid out on my heart to put together a basket for her containing things that would provide some comfort and relief, just to let her know that I care.” Though hesitant at first, Richardson had a few more friends who were diagnos...
The Williamsburg Community Farm Show's Livestock Auction is typically one of the biggest events during the week of the Farm Show. This year's did not disappoint. According to Board President Jeff Walason, the Livestock Sale auctioned off 115 items and animals making those showing $62,000. "It's double what we usually do," Walason said. However, this year was a little different: a lot of those who showed animals were giving back to the community. "Some kids donated back to the show ring fund,...
Last week, we took a walk down memory lane with Louie’s and this week, we are going to continue that final walk – looking at some of the readers’ favorite memories and of course, food at the once highly-acclaimed restaurant on the top of Short Mountain, Williamsburg. Kendra Brubaker: Gnocchi and meatballs with a side of garlic bread and a Mickey Mouse. French fries and gravy was also one of my favorites. Tisha Ray: Always loved going here with grandparents and having Shirley Temples. Tammy Mills: Friday night with family – homemade spaghet...
For the last several months, Catharine Township has been trying to get River Front Drive, located in the township, to meet the 33-foot threshold for obtaining it as a right-of-way. Solicitor Nathan Karn was on hand at Monday evening’s meeting, Aug. 28, to explain the situation. Karn instructed supervisors that a deed would need to be made for the property that will be affected by extending length of property to make the 33-foot threshold. In turn, the township would take care of the road. However, Chairman Heather Flaig said that this idea w...
For Williamsburg Junior Eleanor Brubaker, the summer of 2023 was coming up flowers. Brubaker, along with her friend Aaralyn Briscoe, took their flower business on Blue Barn Farm to another level. Brubaker had been working on the farm located just out of Williamsburg since she was 12 years old and has worked there every summer since then. "A couple of years ago, my aunt, Karen Wilson, who owns Blue Barn, asked me if I wanted to start growing something on the farm for profit," Brubaker said. "It...
Williamsburg Community Secondary Principal Jennifer Frederick said the schools are “excited to begin the 2023-24 school year.” Lots of activities before the start of school, which was on Wednesday, Aug. 23, were announced at the School Board meeting. Seventh and ninth grade orientation was held on Aug. 7, the teaching staff held three days’ worth of in-service trainings on Aug. 16-18, and Meet the Teacher night was held on Thursday, Aug. 17. Elementary Principal Jennifer Metzler echoed that same sentiment. Kindergarten orientation was held...
We have been taking a memorable walk back in time in our great town of Williamsburg. This trip takes us to the top of Short Mountain to Louie’s Coral Lounge – an Italian eatery owned and operated by Louie Sotille and his wife, Mary. I decided to ask the Williamsburgers this week, “What were the fondest memories of Louie’s Coral Lounge?” Here is what a few had to say: Connie Brumbaugh: Weekend dates there; a great place to hang out and have good food. A Barney special with the meat warmed, and a Mickey Mouse. Or homemade spaghetti and meatballs...
The love of the Williamsburg Community Farm Show was the main message throughout the Williamsburg Fair Queen coronation ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 20. Contestants were introduced by Studio 814 co-host and emcee Morgan Koziar. Contestants included Fair Queen Morgan Reighard, Princess Adalyn Ronk and Davanee Bem, and Little Miss Isabella Harclerode. Reighard wrote a speech answering the question "Why should you come to my fair?" Reighard challenged those in attendance to think of what the farm show...
Stiffler McGraw engineer Tyler McGraw gave an update from Cenveo to Williamsburg Municipal Authority on Tuesday, Aug. 8 at the monthly meeting. McGraw said that Cenveo was meeting with its consultant about treatment plans and hopes to further their plans to install a sampler and grinder on-site to combat some of the issues as of late. McGraw assured the authority that Cenveo was “taking the necessary steps.” David Myers made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report with Daryl Cole seconding. The motion passed. The borough recently updat...
“It honestly makes us look like a slum,” Borough Council member Ed Patterson said following complaints of loitering during the Williamsburg Borough Council meeting on Monday, Aug. 7. Heidi Detwiler, a Williamsburg resident, brought her concerns to the Council. “We are just concerned citizens. No one used to sit downtown. It’s just not appropriate. Something needs to be done,” Detwiler said. Chief of Police Rowdy Kagarise acknowledged that he along with Mayor Ted Hyle are “definitely looking into it.” Hyle agreed. “I understand why there’s com...
