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Articles from the March 25, 2021 edition


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  • Betty C. Kifer

    Mar 25, 2021

    Betty C. Kifer, 79, of rural Williamsburg, went home to be with the Lord on Friday morning, March 19, 2021, at her residence. She was born June 21, 1941, in Baltimore, Md., daughter of the late August S. “Augie” and Mary R. (Briggs) Bilka. She married Roy E. “Sonny” Kifer Dec. 2, 1961, in Williamsburg. He preceded her in death Jan. 30, 2018. She is survived by three sons: Roy S. (Tina) Kifer of Sunbury, Thomas S. (Judy) Kifer of Altoona and Robert W. Kifer of rural Williamsburg; nine grandch...

  • Kathryn G. "Kate" Baughman

    Mar 25, 2021

    Kathryn G. “Kate” (Holland) Baughman, 80, of Fredericksburg, rural Martinsburg, passed away into glory on Saturday evening, March 20, 2021, at the place she called home for the past few years, Garvey Manor, after a brief illness. She was born May 27, 1940, in Altoona, daughter of the late Clifton and Ida Belle (Imler) Holland. She married Charles O. “Ted” Baughman Oct. 12, 1958, in Martinsburg. He preceded her in death Aug. 3, 2013. She is survived by a daughter, Carmen B. (Ken) Bilek of Holl...

  • Kenneth P. Smith

    Mar 25, 2021

    Kenneth P. Smith of Martinsburg passed away March 4, 2021, at home. He was born Jan. 19, 1950. He is survived by three children, nine grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, one sister, one brother and girlfriend. Private services to be held at a later date....

  • Rodney Dale Frye

    Mar 25, 2021

    Rodney Dale Frye, 62, of Lakemont, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at home. He was born May 14, 1958, in Roaring Spring, the son of the late I. Dale and Ora D. (Patterson) Frye. He is survived by a brother, Barry H. Frye (Deborah) of Roaring Spring; his step mother, Helen (Long) Frye; four step sisters, Elaine Mobley, Michele Howard, Wendy Gates, and Vickie Woods; and a step brother, Drew Long. Rodney was a 1976 graduate of Central High School. He enjoyed working in arts and crafts and especially designing floral...

  • Constitutional Amendment Proposes End to Pennsylvania Property Taxes

    CHRISTEN SMITH, The Center Square|Mar 25, 2021

    A bicameral pair of lawmakers proposed a constitutional amendment on Thursday ending the collection of school property taxes. Sen. John DiSanto, R-New Bloomfield, and Rep. Perry Stambaugh, R-New Bloomfield, said Senate Bill 424 and House Bill 927 – if passed in two consecutive sessions – would allow voters to decide if the General Assembly should replace the levy with a combination of state and local sales and income taxes. “It’s past time to allow the people of Pennsylvania to directly decide the future of school property tax elimina...

  • Pa. Extends Tax Filing Deadline to May 17

    Mar 25, 2021

    The Department of Revenue announced March 18 that the deadline for taxpayers to file their 2020 Pennsylvania personal income tax returns and make final 2020 income tax payments is extended to May 17, 2021. This means taxpayers will have an additional month to file from the original deadline of April 15. The Internal Revenue Service also announced earlier this week it would extend the federal income tax filing deadline to May 17, 2021. The IRS said in its announcement that the extension is another action the agency is taking to do everything it...

  • Other Voices

    SEN. JUDY WARD|Mar 25, 2021

    As advocates for unborn children, we are proud to jointly introduce legislation to protect unborn babies with beating hearts. Similar to heartbeat legislation passed in 11 states, under Senate Bill 378 and House Bill 904, detection of an unborn baby’s beating heart would prevent an abortion in Pennsylvania. Abortion is one of the most difficult topics to discuss in our nation, as it is tied to deeply personal and emotional issues. But now is the time to have an open and honest discussion on this very difficult matter. Scientific and medical a...

  • Those with Autism in Criminal Justice System Get Attention of Pennsylvania Supreme Court

    Mar 25, 2021

    Recognizing the importance of criminal justice reform for those with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, along with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), took steps toward addressing access to justice issues. “The goal here is simple – listen to those living in silence for too long, learn from their experiences and give power to their voices to educate those around us,” Justice Kevin Dougherty said. “That’s the way you work together to bring about real and lasting change for people in need. “Th...

  • Books to Borrow Martinsburg Area Public Library Recommends

    Mar 25, 2021

    As I travel, I often listen to NPR on my car radio. One of my favorite programs, Fresh Air, commonly does interviews with a variety of interesting people, including many authors. This program caught my attention because the author being interviewed grew up in nearby Johnstown, during the same period I was coming of age here in Blair County. Russell Shorto, a best-selling writer of historical narrative, such as The Island at the Center of the World and Amsterdam, was approached by a family...

  • 125 Years Ago

    Mar 25, 2021

    Herald of March 26, 1896 John Wanamaker won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate and J.D. Hicks was nominated for Congress. Nominees for assemblyman were M.M. Morrow and George M. Patterson. A large flock of wild geese were heard flying north over the Cove at midnight, an unfailing sign of a storm, closely followed by spring weather. A substantial new walk was being laid from the northern limits of town to Fairview Cemetery. The editor noted that this is the time of year to blow your nose, drink sassafras tea and pay your Herald...

  • 50 Years Ago

    Mar 25, 2021

    Herald of March 25, 2071 The Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company asked the borough council to pledge future financial support for the fire company if it proceeded with plans to construct its own building. The firemen, during a special meeting of council, asked that a certain amount of tax millage be set aside each year for the fire company. John T. Miller, 22, of Roaring Spring, was reported in fair condition at Nason Hospital after his automobile plunged 150 feet down an embankment along Route 36 a short distance south of Hollidaysburg. State...

  • 100 Years Ago

    Mar 25, 2021

    Herald of March 25, 1921 Danile D. Stoltzfus of Morrisons Cove wrote a letter to the Herald describing his trip through Syria, Mesopoyania and Anatolia. Mr. Stoltzfus described the plight of the Armenians. He described the rationing of food and the high number of orphans. Stationed with the military during the summer of 1920 at Syria, Mr. Stoltzfus saw the French and the Turkish people at war. Mr. And Mrs. Harry Rhodes of Martinsburg and son Willard attended a quilting at the home of the former’s parents, Mr. And Mrs. Saumuel Rhodes of C...

  • 25 Years Ago

    Mar 25, 2021

    Herald of March 21, 2011 After much anticipation dispite sustaining serious damage in the Jan. 19-20 flooding the Lower Trail plans to officially kick off its season next month. The Spring Cove School Board Monday evening approved a general obligation bond issue of $1,935,000 to finance a three-year upgrade of its technology education program. The money will be used to pay for computer hardware and software, wiring of classrooms and labs and training ofteachers. The Roaring Spring Community Library will celebrate its 30th anniversary in the...

  • 75 Years Ago

    Mar 25, 2021

    Herald of March 25, 1921 A wildcat or bobcat was caught alive in the barrens of Huston Township by Robert W. Guyer, Paul H. Cowen, Vernon Kensinger and Richard Myers. The animal, about 18 inches high and over two feet long, was placed in a cage at the Guyer farm where hundreds of persons stopped to look at it. Samuel C. Henry, 82, died of a skull fracture received when he fell from a loft to the barn floor at his farm opposite the Woodbury Church of the Brethren. He was preparing for a farm sale when the accident happened. Lt. Harold E....

  • 10 Years Ago

    Mar 25, 2021

    Herald of March 24, 2011 According to data compiled during the 2010 U.S. Census, the Morrisons Cove area had a 4.6 percent population gain between 2000 and 2010. Several technology initiatives were presented to the Williamsburg School Board on March 15. Josh Wakefield, network administrator, said plans for improving technology in the district for the 2011-12 school year will go hand in hand with long-term savings. Four victims followed an unknown man through Roaring Spring after he allegedly threatened them with a handgun. The victims, two...

  • Heart of Grief and Peace

    PASTOR LEE SEESE|Mar 25, 2021

    Recently I found myself in an interesting position. Although I help people prepare for grief and in the midst of their grief, this was a new one. It is different when family is involved. What made it even more unusual is that it was my brother’s dog that had died and I had never been a fan. But my sibling and his wife were much shaken with the unpleasant death of their first and only beloved canine. She had lived beyond her life expectancy and been a good pet for the family of four. So, I did m...

  • RS Churches Holding Prayer Walk

    Mar 25, 2021

    Two Roaring Spring churches are offering a community-wide prayer walk starting at 6 p.m. March 31 at the Spring Dam. The Roaring Spring Ministerium is providing an ecumenical time for prayer in the community leading up to the Holy days before Easter. All are invited to the event. The event will be a two-mile walk around Roaring Spring including the lifting up of prayers for aspects of the community, including local police and fire companies, businesses, people experiencing job loss and borough leaders. The walk is approximately two miles, begin...

  • St. Luke Announces Holy Week Services

    Mar 25, 2021

    St. Luke Lutheran Church in Roaring Spring has announced its Holy Week services. They are as follows: • Palm/Passion Sunday, March 28 - 9:45 a.m. - In-person and on Facebook Live • Maundy Thursday Service - April 1 - 7 p.m. - In-person and on Facebook Live • Good Friday Service (In collaboration with Trinity UMC) - April 2 - 7 p.m. - In-person at St. Luke Lutheran and on Facebook Live • Easter Sunday Worship - April 4 - 9:45 a.m. - In-person and on Facebook Live. Masks and social distancing required at all in person services. St. Luke Luther...

  • Thought for the Week

    Pastor Earl Herr|Mar 25, 2021

    We come to St. Matthew 18:21-35 and the parable for discussion this week. This is the only passage that records this parable but forgiveness is a topic for discussion frequently. Jesus had been talking about restoring right relationships between family members who had sinned against (wronged) one another. Noted rabbis had pronounced three as the number of times to forgive before relationships were cut off. They seemed to look to the Old Testament Prophet Amos. He proposes God will punish...

  • Public Notices

    Mar 25, 2021

    PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE OF GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP The Board of Supervisors of Greenfield Township hereby notifies all interested parties that a SPECIAL MEETING will be held at the Greenfield Township Building, 477 Ski Gap Rd, Claysburg, PA, on Friday, March 26, 2021, at 8 am, for the potential purchase of a 2021 Ford Explorer AWD Interceptor, and any such other business as may become necessary may also be conducted. If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend these public meetings and require an auxiliary aide, service, or other... Full story

  • Cove Schools Could Receive $8 Million

    RICK BOSTON, Staff Writer|Mar 25, 2021

    The $1.9 trillion federal stimulus package signed by President Joe Biden earlier this month includes an estimated $168 billion "American Rescue Plan" for schools. According to the U.S. Department of Education, Pennsylvania is in line to receive an estimated $13 billion to distributed to school districts, with nearly $8 million going to Cove-area schools. While area schools have not yet been notified of the exact amount they will receive, reports indicate that Claysburg-Kimmel School District...

  • Pa. Senate Urges 'Smart Use' Of School Stimulus Money

    Christen Smith, The Center Square|Mar 25, 2021

    The American Rescue Plan delivered more than $5 billion in stimulus to Pennsylvania’s 501 school districts, but senators last week urged caution when spending the “windfall.” Pa. Acting Secretary of Education Noe Ortega told the Pa. Senate Appropriations Committee on March 18 that some of the money comes with strings attached so that schools focus on pandemic-induced learning loss first. But the department can’t dictate how each dollar is spent – and districts face many needs, most the result of ongoing funding challenges that predate C...

  • Pa. Accelerating Vaccinations; More than 4 Million Administered

    Mar 25, 2021

    Gov. Tom Wolf and Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam on March 19 detailed the state's vaccination progress as the process accelerates. "The pace of vaccinations in Pennsylvania is accelerating each day," Gov. Wolf said. "We know we have more work to do. We appreciate all the providers and locations working to vaccinate Pennsylvanians. The commonwealth is committed to ensure that we can vaccinate all those in Phase 1A as soon as possible." As of Friday, March 19 (Cumulative since...

  • Officials Warn of Fake Caller IDs

    Rick Boston, Staff Writer|Mar 25, 2021

    Scamming in the United States is as old as the country itself. For centuries scammers have used the same basic method of deceit to con people out of their money with only their methods changing with technology. The newest scam involves a tactic known as "spoofing." Spoofing is when a caller, using easily available technology, intentionally changes the number that shows up on a caller ID to show a local number or number of a well-known business or government office, fooling the recipient into...

  • Helicopter Service Owner Charged With Deception

    Rick Boston, Staff Writer|Mar 25, 2021

    A Winter Park, Fla., man was in Martinsburg District Court on Thursday, March 18, where he waived multiple felony counts of deceptive business practices to Blair County Court. James C. Housel, 48, was extradited from Florida to face charges after an investigation by police allegedly turned up deceptive business practices by Housel, doing business as Cove Helicopter at Blue Knob Airport. Police allege he bilked customers out of nearly $200,000. According to the complaint filed by Freedom...

  • Officials Asking Public to Help Control Insect Invader

    Margaret Steinfurth, For the Herald|Mar 25, 2021

    Forest and agriculture officials in Pennsylvania are warning residents about the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) and asking residents to report sightings of the pest and its egg sacs. The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive species native to Asia. It does not bite or sting humans or pets but causes serious damage to at least 70 different host plants which are often found in Pennsylvania yards or gardens. It damages grapevines, red maples, silver maples, willows, sumacs, sapling trees and other hardwoods...

  • The Herald's Weekly COVID-19 Update

    Mar 25, 2021

    The Herald's weekly COVID-19 pandemic update. Reported on 3/23/21 #Cases / #Deaths / Rate* Bedford: 2,883 - 130 - 271.5 Blair: 8869 - 309 - 253.6 Cambria: 8,896 - 402 - 308.8 Centre: 12,707 - 213 - 131.2 Clearfield: 4,935 - 124 - 156.5 Fulton: 665 - 15 - 103.2 Huntingdon: 3,786 - 126 - 279.1 Somerset: 5,088 - 185 - 251.9 *Rate is number of deaths per 100,000 population. It is used to compare county death rates. Week of March 9, 2021 Area Counties #Cases - #Deaths - Rate* Bedford: 2,795 -...

  • Pensilvania Ofrece una Actualización Sobre los Esfuerzos Para Mitigar COVID-19

    Mar 25, 2021

    El 22 de marzo, el estado de Pensilvania publicó una actualización semanal sobre los esfuerzos del estado para frenar la propagación de COVID-19. La actualización se basó en el sistema de Aviso Temprano y Monitorización de COVID-19. Entre los datos nuevos, hay un aumento de 14,182 casos nuevos en los últimos 7 días, un índice de resultados positivos de 6.5 por ciento, y 25 condados con el estatus de "nivel abundante" de transmisión. El sistema se diseñó para proveer avisos tempranos de los fact...

  • It's Softball Season!

    Mar 25, 2021

    Northern Bedford's Deerin Davis dives for a ground ball during the team's practice session Friday. The team begins the season with an away game on March 1, then plays the home opener on March 30 against Forbes Road at 2 p.m. (Editor's note: The date of the home opener was incorrect in the print edition of the Herald. The correct date is March 30. The Herald apologizes for the error.)...

  • It's Softball Season!

    Mar 25, 2021

    Claysburg's Rebekah Claar runs in from the outfield with a bucket of softballs during the team's practice Friday. The Bulldogs begin their season with a home game against Mount Union on Friday....

  • It's Baseball Season!

    Mar 25, 2021

    Members of the Central High School baseball team groom the infield with rakes at the end of their practice session Friday. The team begins its season with an away game against Clearfield on April 1 then play the home opener against Bellwood on April 5 at 4:30....

  • Old Order Mennonite Memoirs

    Roseann Zimmerman, Herald Correspondent|Mar 25, 2021

    Like a whirlwind, the first week of daylight saving time took me into its swirling action. Sometimes it seemed to take my breath away, other times I collapsed into unconsciousness as sweet sleep revitalized me for the next round of activity. Coming to life again, after that first "dead" Monday on March 15 when winter weather ruled, I looked forward for the arrival of Tuesday when our middle daughter and her children would come to visit for the first time since Christmas. Although it was still...

  • It's Softball Season!

    Mar 25, 2021

    Claysburg's Becca Shriver positions a basket of balls for the team's batting practice drill Friday. The team begins the season with a home game against Mount Union Friday....

  • It's Softball Season!

    Mar 25, 2021

    Northern Bedford girls softball coach Christa Moyer (on right with cap) puts her team through an after school practice session Friday. The team begins the season with an away game on March 30 against McConnellsburg, then plays the home opener on March 31 against Forbes Road at 2 p.m....

  • Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing in 814 Area Code Begins Soon

    Mar 25, 2021

    The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is encouraging residents and businesses in the current 814 area code to prepare for the start of mandatory 10-digit dialing for all telephone calls, which will begin on Saturday, April 3, 2021. The current 814 area code covers all or parts of 27 counties across central and Northwestern Pennsylvania, For the last several months callers across the 814 area code have been able to use 10-digit dialing for local calls. This was set up to allow callers...

  • Pandemic Highlights Shortcomings of Pa.'s Open Records Law

    Christen Smith, The Center Square|Mar 25, 2021

    News outlets said in March that Pennsylvania’s Department of Health “hides behind other state statutes” to block the release of COVID-19 data – but it’s far from the only agency or organization to do so. During a hearing with the House State Government Committee on March 9, Pa. Media Group President Cate Barron said law enforcement agencies, the Department of Community and Economic Development and other governmental organizations routinely deny right-to-know requests by claiming the information sought is protected by other state laws. In...

  • Duncansville Turned 130 Years Old on March 4

    Eric Shields, Hollidaysburg Correspondent|Mar 25, 2021

    March 4 marked Duncansville's 130th anniversary as a borough. It all started around 1830 when Samuel Duncan settled on land on the western banks of the stream which cut through the area. He named the town Duncansville. Around the same time, Jacob Walters settled on the eastern side of the stream and named his settlement Walterstown. Eventually, the two settlements decided that it would be mutually beneficial to merge. A big celebration was held, where the locals came out and assembled on the...

  • St. Luke Holding Soup Sale to Benefit Local Family

    Mar 25, 2021

    St. Luke Lutheran Church of Roaring Spring is holding a soup sale fundraiser for a family that is going through an ordeal with cancer. Kristen Thomas is a young mother of two who has been diagnosed for a second time with a cancerous brain tumor. In December, her family received the news that Kristen could no longer continue with treatment. Her family is left with insurmountable medical bills from her surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and treatments. To help, St. Luke is selling vegetable soup for $6 a quart and family-size salads for...

  • Holy Week Services, Walk Planned in Roaring Spring

    Mar 25, 2021

    Wednesday, March 31 6 p.m. – Prayer walk through Roaring Spring. Gather at the Spring Dam. Thurs., April 1 - Maundy Thursday 6 p.m. – Bare Memorial Church of God: Worship service with Communion, feet washing and baptisms 7 p.m. – Christ Church: Worship service w/ Communion, in-person and online 7 p.m. – St. Luke Lutheran: Worship service in-person and online 7 p.m. – First Church of the Brethren: online Love Feast and Communion 7:30 p.m. – Trinity UMC: Worship service w/ Holy Communion Friday, April 2 - Good Friday 2 p.m. – Christ Church: Readi...

  • Williamsburg High School Eyes Return to 'As Regular and Normal As Possible'

    Natalie Gorsuch, Williamsburg Correspondent|Mar 25, 2021

    Williamsburg High School Principal Michael Jones said during last Tuesday evening’s School Board meeting, March 16, that plans were still in place for a “regular and as normal as possible” end of school year for 2021 seniors. Jones announced that the Prom will take place on Friday, May 7, with “regular numbers” since the announcement of Gov. Tom Wolf’s permitting an increase in the number of people who can gather in public places. Jones also announced that the Class of 2021 graduation ceremonies will be held Wednesday, May 26, barring any...

  • Yellow Springs Sewage Project Raises Questions for Catharine Township

    Natalie Gorsuch, Williamsburg Correspondent|Mar 25, 2021

    During last month’s regular meeting, it was quoted that the “3M” plan for the Yellow Springs Project would cost Catharine Township $8,000. Following that, the board members were under the assumption that the authority would take over the project. However, Chairman Heather Flaig said that she discussed the matter with the authority, and the authority has decided that it would look at the project and “see if it was feasible first, before moving onto anything.” With this statement, Flaig and the other supervisors during last Thursday evening’s mee...

  • From the 'Burg to Your Kitchen

    Natalie Gorsuch, Williamsburg Correspondent|Mar 25, 2021

    Easter time is upon us! I love Easter time, and I have such fond memories of the Easter holiday growing up. My family was Russian Orthodox, so our Easter is on a different date, but that doesn’t stop us from celebrating the blessed holiday twice! Typically, I do the cooking on Easter, and I decided to share two of my favorite things on the Easter table this week. I hope they are already or can become staples on your family’s Easter table, too. Deviled Eggs These are one of my favorite things to make, and eat – but being the picky eater that...

  • Time for Flowers!

    Mar 25, 2021

    Owen Black, 5, of Williamsburg, delivered flowers from Brubaker's Greenhouse in Martinsburg to his grandmother, Helen Teeters. Owen is the son of Nichole and Corey Black, Williamsburg....

  • What's the Word in Williamsburg?

    Mar 25, 2021

    Easter Egg Hunt The Civic Club and the Lions Club will once again sponsor the beloved Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 3, at 2 p.m. at the WHS Practice Football Field on Sage Hill Drive, Williamsburg. This Easter Egg Hunt is open to toddlers up to 3rd-graders. Participants are asked to bring an Easter basket to collect eggs....

  • Gas Prices Stabilize in Pennsylvania

    AAA East Central|Mar 25, 2021

    Increases at the pump have come to a halt in Western Pennsylvania, with this week’s average dipping by three cents to $3.036 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. This week’s average prices Western Pennsylvania Average – $3.036 Average price during the week of March 15, 2021 – $3.065 Average price during the week of March 23, 2020 – $2.358 Trend Analysis After weeks of seeing almost daily increases, the national gas price average is showing signs of stability, holding steady at $2.88 for the last 5 days. Today’s ave...

  • Pa. Again Extends Expiration of License to Carry Permits

    Mar 25, 2021

    The Pennsylvania State Police announced March 19 that Gov. Tom Wolf has granted an additional extension to license to carry firearms permits. Permits expiring on March 19, 2020, or later, are now valid through June 30, 2021. The previous extension was set to expire on March 31. The extension of license to carry permit expiration dates is necessary due to the closure of some county courthouses and sheriff’s offices, as well as other ongoing COVID-19 mitigation efforts. In Pennsylvania, an individual 21 years old or older may apply for a l...

  • Home Construction Tips

    Ashley Hicks, AgChoice Loan Officer|Mar 25, 2021

    After you've identified your future home site, you can begin planning for your home construction. Choose a reputable builder – There are many options for home construction and many different builders. Some builders offer turnkey contracts, while others offer contracts that are more open to interpretation. Contracts that don't address all aspects of construction can create additional costs and headaches during construction, especially if some items weren't considered upfront. Think about cost o...

  • PennDOT Plans Bridge Work in Greenfield Township

    Mar 25, 2021

    The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will conduct a virtual plans display to inform the public of the proposed work on a Greenfield Township bridge. Blair County Bridge 70 and Blair County Bridge 82 are planned for replacement. Bridge 70 carries County Road 101 over South Poplar Run in Greenfield Township. Bridge 82 carries T-375 (Monastery Road) over the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata River in Blair Township. The projects will include concrete arch rehabilitation on Bridge 70 and replacement of the existing superstructure...