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Articles from the November 21, 2024 edition


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  • Gene Decker Reflects on a Long and Fulfilling Career

    Eric Shields, Herald Correspondent|Nov 21, 2024

    This is part seven of an ongoing series about notable people who once called the Cove home. Blair County native Gene Decker started playing baseball in the Blair Twilight League. A man from Altoona came out to see him play in Woodbury. He ended up signing him up for an Altoona team in the City League. That was followed by getting involved with a team from Six Mile Run. "While I was playing for that league, a guy from Everett came out to see me play," Decker said. "That's how I got involved with...

  • Business Services Coordinator Helps Local Firms Find Top Talent

    Cati Keith, Editor|Nov 21, 2024

    As the Business Services Coordinator for PA CareerLink Blair County, Carter Cerully plays a crucial role in connecting businesses with qualified candidates and helping job seekers find meaningful employment. His day-to-day responsibilities involve working directly with employers in the region, providing support through various workforce programs, hiring events, and internships. Cerully also acts as a liaison between businesses and job seekers, ensuring that both sides are equipped to meet their...

  • Claysburg Area Public Library Upcoming Events

    Jane Knisely, Claysburg Area Public Library|Nov 21, 2024

    On a chilly fall or winter day, a cozy library is a great place to share some activities with some friends. The Claysburg library invites people to join in their upcoming events. The Best Sellers Book Club is a fun place to meet and discuss books. On November 23, the Book Club will discuss “All the Broken People” by Amy Rivers. Ms. Rivers will be joining the club on Zoom. The club meets at 6 p.m. at the library. Every Wednesday morning at 11 a.m., a group of crochet and needle workers meet to work on their projects. All are welcome to come and...

  • Cove Calendar

    Nov 21, 2024

    The Arc Blair County Events: Wednesday - Every Wednesday at 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Line Dance All are welcome. Thursdays - Every Thursday at 6 - 7 p.m. Bocce Rain or Shine All are welcome. Thursday, November 21 Food Distribution 9-11am Martinsburg Food Pantry 133 E. Allegheny St. DESA Veterans Meeting Martinsburg Fire Hall at noon Speaker--Dr. Bloomquist All Veterans welcome Friday, November 22 Restored Grounds Grand Opening 202 S. Market St., Martinsburg 10 a.m. - 8 p.m....

  • On Those Difficult Days…

    Linda Sollenberger|Nov 21, 2024

    Do you have a special book of the Bible that you turn to when life seems difficult? Each book holds its own special stories, its wonderful images, words we need to hear again and again. Many days I like to sit in the Psalms, reading the words that at first glance might seem like polite and polished poetry, but as we dig deeper, we realize these are prayers of people just like us. There is no “insider” language when coming to the Lord in prayer. In the Psalms we read the utterance of praise, of anger, of lament. Our savior prayed these pra...

  • How Is Your Hunger For Righteousness?

    Joel Kletzing|Nov 21, 2024

    In Jesus’ day, food was not as plentiful as what we are used to here in the Cove. Good drinking water wasn’t either. An individual might eat meat once a week. When Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6), His audience could well relate to the idea of hunger and thirst. In the last article we considered the righteousness that God supplies for His people through Jesus’ perfect life, His sacrifice on a cross for the sins of believers, and His resurrection and ascension...

  • Thought for the Week

    Paster Earl Herr|Nov 21, 2024

    Last time I asked you to ‘Pray for the Persecuted.’ Please continue. This week I want to urge and encourage you to take advantage of Thanksgiving Day. I know for some it will have a difference emphasis. For some it will be ‘Turkey Day.’ They will spend the day focused on food and enjoy a large, traditional meal and probably lots of snacks all day long. For others it may be ‘Football Day’ and they will spend hours in front of the T.V. There really isn’t time in only one day to bring to God...

  • Health and Welfare Meeting to be Held

    Nov 21, 2024

    The Blair County Health and Welfare Council will meet Friday, November 22, at 8:30 a.m. They will be meeting at Blair Drug and Alcohol Partnerships at 3001 Fairway Drive, Altoona, in Conference Room G and also via a Zoom meeting. A presentation on the LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) will be offered during this meeting. LIHEAP helps with heating expenses and emergencies and is administered by the County Assistance Office. The presentation will cover the three components of the program, LIHEAP Cash, LIHEAP Crisis, and...

  • Santa and Mrs. Claus Coming to Claysburg

    Nov 21, 2024

    Santa’s coming to Claysburg this Saturday, November 23, at the Claysburg Community Park. Festivities will begin with a parade forming at 3 p.m. at the American Legion. It will continue on Bedford Street and end at the community park. Santa, Mrs. Claus and his workers will be in the gazebo for visits with children immediately following the parade until about 4:45 p.m. A mailbox will be provided for “Letters to Santa.” All booths and events in the park are free including food, drinks, crafts, caroling and games. The Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt...

  • County's Canal Era History Brought to Life at Library by Snyder

    Natalie Gorsuch, Williamsburg Correspondent|Nov 21, 2024

    Jim Snyder, Jr., President of the Blair County Genealogical Society, presented "Canal Era Personalities" to those in attendance at the Williamsburg Public Library, last Thursday evening, November 15. He began getting into history in 1983, before joining the Genealogical Society in 1985. Snyder has served on the board since he joined. Before COVID, the Hollidaysburg Area Library received a grant, and that's when Snyder began his research on the county's canal history. "Some of these stories are...

  • Grace Pointe Honors Veterans During Service

    Natalie Gorsuch, Williamsburg|Nov 21, 2024

    The Grace Pointe Community Church of God held its annual Veteran's Day service last Sunday, November 10, in Williamsburg. Pastor Josh Kirksey welcomed the packed house to their annual service that was to celebrate both the veterans and those who had attended the Blair County Children's Home, which was on the grounds of the present-day church. He told the audience about a 7-year-old boy staring at a plaque in the church honoring those for their service, and the little boy asked what the plaque...

  • Ask the Williamsburgers

    Nov 21, 2024

    Who are the Veterans in your family? Richard Pope: My dad – World War 2, 2 brothers and myself – Army and Navy Michelle Troxell: My pap, Chalmer Troxell – Army Ashley Morgan: My husband – Marines, my Pap – Army, my Uncle Butch – Navy – and my Uncle Al, Army Ricci Michelone: Our daughter and son, Taylor and Vince – in the Navy like their grandfather, Ron Michelone Sr. Peggy Whitfield: My dad, uncle, two cousins and brother-in-law Joleen Burger: My dad, Joseph Farringer – Navy, World War 2 Gaynelle Longenecker: My uncle, “Bill” Waite, Jr....

  • Williamsburg FFA Team Places 11th at National Convention

    Nov 21, 2024

    Nine members of the Williamsburg FFA Chapter attended the National FFA Convention and Career Expo from October 22 – 26, 2024. While at the convention, students participated in workshops, explored career opportunities, visited with colleges and learned more about different agricultural businesses. Students attended general sessions, including one with guest speaker Temple Grandin, who reminded members that it takes people who think differently for an entire group to succeed. The Milk Quality a...

  • Roaring Spring Borough Approves Tentative 2025 Budget

    Cati Keith, Editor|Nov 21, 2024

    The Roaring Spring Borough Council approved its tentative 2025 general fund and liquid fuels tentative budget during its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Ordinance 2024-1 was approved to set the real estate taxes for 2025. The rates will include three mills for the general fund and half a mill designated for the fire department. With the additional funding, the borough’s usual donation will be redirected to a much-needed paving project. Council also approved advertising both the tax notice and the tentative budget inspection notice for 2025...

  • Greenfield Supervisors Review 2025 Budget, Approves Police Vehicle Purchase

    Michael Sell, Herald Correspondent|Nov 21, 2024

    The Greenfield Township Board of Supervisors gathered on Oct. 22 to develop the 2025 budget. No tax increase is planned. A draft is available for review at the township office and will be voted on at the board’s Dec. 3 meeting. Also at the special meeting, supervisors approved the purchase of a new 2024 Chevy Tahoe for the police department at a cost of $81,914. The township moved to obtain a warranty for the highway department’s recently purchased 2024 F600 truck at a cost of $4,085. A 7-foot-tall light-up snowman was purchased for the Cla...

  • M-burg Elementary Recognizes Student Homelessness Awareness Week

    Cati Keith, Editor|Nov 21, 2024

    Last week was Student Homelessness Awareness Week and Martinsburg Elementary School Principal Cheyenne Calderon talked about how they deal with homelessness in their building. She said anyone in the community can contact the Spring Cove school their child attends to speak with Homeless Liaison Harry Gregg. The faculty working with the student are then made aware and a referral will be made to one of the school's social workers who will speak with the family to determine their specific needs....

  • Public Notices

    Nov 21, 2024

    Sealed Bids Woodbury Township (Blair Co) is accepting sealed bids for in-house construction of the township building. Construction may include bathroom updates, painting, ceiling tile replacement and flooring. Sealed bids must be received by the township on or before 7:00 PM December 12th, 2024. Woodbury Township reserves the right to reject any and all bids. Bid packets can be requested from the Woodbury Township Office, 6385 Clover Creek Rd, Williamsburg, PA 16693. Office hours are Monday-Wednesday 9:00am-3:00pm. SEALED BIDS FOR PAVING OF...

  • Family with Long History in Ag Earns ACE Award

    ALLAN J. BASSLER, Publisher|Nov 21, 2024

    The Blair County Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Nov. 13, recognized the agriculture skills and long farming history of a Curryville-area farm family. The family operating Cove View Farms since the 1930s received The Chamber's Agricultural Community Excellence Award (ACE), which was presented with the award at a dinner at the Freedom Township Fire Hall. The dinner featured service by FFA members from the Central, Bellwood, Tyrone and Williamsburg clubs. Also featured was the Blair County...

  • Library Book List Creates Controversy

    THOMAS SCHMITT, Herald Correspondent|Nov 21, 2024

    The Northern Bedford County School District held its ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Wellness Building prior to its monthly school board of directors meeting. Superintendent Todd Beatty announced that it would be available for students and staff immediately. Beatty said he looked forward to the building being used and benefiting everyone. PA. State Senator Pat Stefano was present before the board meeting for informational purposes. They discussed the need for additional special education alternative ed. funding. When a student has to be...

  • 50 Years of Service

    Nov 21, 2024

    Ralph Dilling and Drew Rhodes were recognized and presented a plaque of thanks at the November Spring Cove School District Board meeting for their 50 years of service in school bus driving for the district....

  • NBC Holds Ribbon Cutting for New Building

    THOMAS SCHMITT, Herald Correspondent|Nov 21, 2024

    The Northern Bedford County School District held its ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Wellness Building prior to its monthly school board of directors meeting. Superintendent Todd Beatty announced that it would be available for students and staff immediately. Beatty said he looked forward to the building being used and benefiting everyone. PA. State Senator Pat Stefano was present before the board meeting for informational purposes. They discussed the need for additional special education alternative ed. funding. When a student has to be...

  • NBC Students and Staff Already Using New Wellness Center

    CATI KEITH, Editor|Nov 21, 2024

    Northern Bedford County School District recently completed the construction of their new wellness center last Tuesday, and it officially opened to be used the next day. To celebrate, there was a ribbon cutting held on Tuesday, November 12, by the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce. The $1.3 million dollar facility and equipment was funded through a grant process. The project is an improvement of the former small weight room that was there before. It is a result of the vision, collaboration, and...

  • Nancy Ann Brumbaugh

    Nov 21, 2024

    Nancy Ann Brumbaugh, 67, of Hollidaysburg, formerly of Fredericksburg, passed away Saturday morning, Nov. 16, 2024, at Cedarwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Tyrone. She was born Dec. 20, 1956, in Roaring Spring, daughter of the late Clark Atlee and Dorothy E. (Smith) Brumbaugh. She is survived by a brother, Richard C. Brumbaugh of rural Roaring Spring; a sister-in-law, Janet Dawson of Camp Hill; a niece, Sharon J. Reese (Jeremy); three nephews: Glenn A. Brumbaugh Jr., Joshua L....

  • Audrey Mae Hite

    Nov 21, 2024

    Audrey Mae Hite, 92, of Martinsburg, went home to be with her Lord, Saturday morning, Nov. 16, 2024, at Homewood at Martinsburg. She was born July 24, 1932, in Fredericksburg, daughter of the late Paul Olbert and Helen H. (Appleman) Kensinger. On March 1, 1952, she married John Kenneth "Jack" Hite in Winchester, Va. He preceded her in death Aug. 3, 2017, following 65 years of marriage. She is survived by a daughter, Susan K. Matuska (Robert) of Bloomingdale, Ohio; a son, Jeffrey K. Hite (Susan)...

  • Steven Wayne Clapper

    Nov 21, 2024

    Steven Wayne Clapper, 73, of Martinsburg, formerly of Hopewell Township, passed away Nov. 15, 2024, at the Village at Morrisons Cove. He was born Dec. 4, 1950, in Roaring Spring, son of Joseph H. Jr. and Dolores Marie (Batzel) Clapper. He is survived by his mother, Dolores M. Clapper; brother, Eric J. Clapper (Maggie); brother, Joseph H. Clapper, III (Christy); sister, Jill A. Clapper; nephews, Seth Clapper (Allie) and Bronson Clapper (Hannah); niece, Laura Zabanal (John Rine); and great-nephews...

  • Wilbur Loy Mountain

    Nov 21, 2024

    Wilbur Loy Mountain, 91, of Lower Paxton Township, passed away peacefully Nov. 10, 2024, in his home. He was born April 22, 1933, in New Enterprise, son of the late Oro Mountain and Dollie (Reighard) Mountain. Wilbur is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marian (Miller) Mountain; children, Brian (Janice) Mountain, Todd (Amy) Mountain and Kristen (Van) Thorson; grandchildren: Emily (Matt) Boise, Libby (Caty) Mountain, Evan and Eric Thorson, Alison and Claire Mountain; great-grandchild, Henry Boise; brother, Paul Mountain and many nieces &...

  • George R. Gilbert, Sr.

    Nov 21, 2024

    George R. Gilbert, Sr., 82, of Martinsburg, passed away Thursday evening, Nov. 14, 2024, at Conemaugh Nason Medical Center, Roaring Spring. He was born Sept. 13, 1942, in Altoona, son of the late Derwin D. Gilbert and Nina M. (Lansberry) Gilbert-Donnelly. On Oct. 1, 1966, he married Martha A. "Martie" Piper in Winchester, Va. He is survived by his beloved wife, Martie, of 58 years; a son, George R. Gilbert, Jr. (Tina) of Fishertown; a daughter, Shari L. Gilbert (Carrie) of Waynesboro; two...

  • John L. Coates

    Nov 21, 2024

    John L. Coates, 61, of Roaring Spring, passed away Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 13, 2024, at UPMC Altoona. He was born March 14, 1963, in Roaring Spring the son of the late Charles E. and Naomi R. (Koones) Coates. He is survived by two sisters and a brother, Ruth Coates of Roaring Spring, Richard Coates and wife Janet of Roaring Spring, and Rose Bishop and husband John of Hollidaysburg; three nephews: Preston Coates (Trish), Tyson Coates (Sarah), and Kevin Bishop; and a great-niece and a great-nephew. He was preceded in death by a brother, David...

  • Nancy L. Mobley

    Nov 21, 2024

    Nancy L. Mobley, 79, of Roaring Spring, went home to be with the Lord Friday morning, Nov. 16, 2024, at UPMC Altoona. She was born Aug. 29, 1945, in Roaring Spring the daughter of the late Roy Edward and Anna R. (Miller) Jewell. She married Donald R. Bookhammer Feb. 14, 2016. She is survived by her husband; three daughters: Kim Poorman and husband Harry of Bellefonte, Stacey Wold and husband Jim of Cannonsburg, and Stephanie Kensinger and husband Ryan of Martinsburg; 10 grandchildren: Marissa...

  • Blair Sheriff's Office Warns Residents of Scam

    Nov 21, 2024

    The Blair County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple reports of residents receiving phone calls from a male caller identifying himself as a Deputy of the Blair County Sheriff’s Office. The caller claims that a “jury duty or witness” appearance has been missed, resulting in an arrest warrant being generated for the recipient. The actor provides instructions on how to handle the warrant, by paying a dollar amount that could resolve the outstanding warrant. The actor also gives a case number and the victim’s personal information (making i...

  • Letters to the Editor

    Nov 21, 2024

    Pleased to see Eric Shields’ remembrance of the late Don Witherspoon in the Nov. 7 Herald, and happy that Shields included state Rep. Jim Gregory’s mention of Witherspoon’s golf exploits, what was left out was, to me, glaring. Williamsburg’s Don Appleman, a 1950s and ‘60s peer of the former Claysburg Kimmel athlete, can attest to Witherspoon’s comparable skills on the basketball court. When John Bush and I were managers of the Morrison Cove High School basketball teams from 1958-1960, we witnessed the sensational play of both Witherspoon...

  • Kagarise On The Blair County Salary Board's Decision To Reduce Court Positions

    Nov 21, 2024

    It is with much disappointment that I learned yesterday of the Blair County Salary Board’s decision to eliminate seven parole and probation officer positions thereby reducing the number of non-supervisory parole and probation officers from nineteen (19) to twelve (12). The abolishment of these officer positions was in addition to the elimination of a probation officer aide and administrative assistant position both of which are critical to the daily operation of the parole and probation office. For those in the public who are unaware, a parole...

  • 125 Years Ago

    Nov 21, 2024

    Herald of Nov. 24, 1899 From Nov. 21, 1974 Edition Construction was completed on a lime kiln north of Martinsburg by John Lehman. It was described as one of the largest operations of that kind in the Cove, and Mr. Lehman announced he would be able to furnish lime in quantities as well as building stones. W.C. Long, son of Mrs. Harriet Long of Taylor Township, purchased the W.S. Pote property at Potetown and opened a general store in the mercantile building included in his purchase. The ore washer leased by Canan and Waite at Oreminea was...

  • 100 Years Ago

    Nov 21, 2024

    Herald of Nov. 21, 1924 From Nov. 24, 1949 and Nov. 24, 1999 Editions Three persons were rescued from their overturned touring car at the brow of Ebersole Hill, just west of Martinsburg, by Harvey A. Stoner. Earl Hartman, the driver, suffered rib fractures; Miss Nancy Higgins was bruised, and Miss Ethel Smith suffered a brain concussion. Recitations, readings and speeches filled the programs at the flag raisings at the Benson School on Armistice Day, and seven schools in the Claysburg area. The POS of A (Patriotic Order Sons of America)...

  • 75 Years Ago

    Nov 21, 2024

    Herald of Nov. 22, 1949 Two young men from Taylor Township each paid a fine of $100 early Sunday morning, after admitting to game protectors that they had shot a deer in the Plum Creek section Saturday night, Game Protector Roland F. Turley announced yesterday. A program of free vaccinations of calves for the control of Bangs disease of cattle has been announced by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Among the men from Morrisons Cove who attended the Philadelphia meeting of the Inter-State Milk Producers Cooperative Monday and Tuesday...

  • 50 Years Ago

    Nov 21, 2024

    Herald of Nov. 21, 1974 Morrisons Cove area residents may attend the community workshop services next week in observance of Thanksgiving – the holiday originated by the Pilgrims as a day to give thanks to God for their survival. A single-engine plane made a wheels-up landing at the Altoona-Blair County Airport, seriously damaging the aircraft but causing no injury to the pilot and two passengers. John M. Drake, active in civic affairs and a supervisor in North Woodbury Township, was elected president of the Martinsburg Booster Association f...

  • 25 Years Ago

    Nov 21, 2024

    Herald of Nov. 24, 1999 Spring Cove Middle School competed Thursday, Nov. 18, in the Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 Interscholastic Reading Competition at Windber Elementary School. Finishing in second place were The Mustangs, coached by Virginia Stuby, while Bookworms, coached by Penny Maugle, took third place. The Roaring Spring Dam twice in the past few months has been hit with vandalism, causing approximately $4,000 to $5,000 damage. The Acme Construction Co. has completed the rebuilding of four grade railroad crossings along the line of...

  • 10 Years Ago

    Nov 21, 2024

    Herald of Nov. 20, 2014 On Tuesday, Oct. 28, it was announced that the project to connect the Lower Trail and Canoe Creek State Park was one of 86 projects in 35 counties approved to improve safety and mobility in Pennsylvania. Northern Bedford High School senior Jared Helsley was the high-scoring individual in the 2014 National FFA Dairy Cattle Handlers’ Activity held in conjunction with the 87th National FFA Convention & Expo, held Oct. 29-Nov. 1 in Louisville, Ky. Claysburg-Kimmel’s improvements from its 2012-13 School Performance Pro...

  • Traditional Bear Season To Begin

    Nov 21, 2024

    Saturday (Nov. 23) ushers in the statewide traditional four-day rifle bear season. As with deer hunting, archers have had early dibs on opportunities to hunt bears. Also, an early season for muzzleloader hunters and some rifle hunters occurred during late October. Significant numbers of bruins were tagged during these hunts. Last year, the traditional rifle season accounted for slightly more than one-third of the bears that were harvested. Many of these bears were taken by hunters who were hunting out of camps, especially in northcentral...

  • Practice Underway

    Nov 21, 2024

    Practice Underway...

  • Central Wrestlers from 1966-1973 Reunion

    Nov 21, 2024

    A reunion of Central High School wrestlers from 1966 - 1973 reunited for the first time in 50+ years. The event was held at Morrison's Cove Memorial Park on Friday November 15, 2024. Coach Jim Marlett hosted the catered event. 25 former wrestlers attended, and 2 assistant coaches. Coach Marlett is eighth from the left, in the maroon long-sleeve sweatshirt. Photo Provided...

  • Wildfire Season in High Gear. Local Chiefs Stress Prevention

    RICK BOSTON, for the Herald|Nov 21, 2024

    As officials continue to investigate the cause of the wildfire that claimed 300 acres of woodlands near Canoe Creek State Park on Nov. 8, the question of how it spread so fast is no mystery. Dry conditions coupled with a steady wind created the perfect environment for the fire to thrive. While wildfires are not a new occurrence this time of year with spring and fall being considered peak seasons for them, their frequency and scope has been on the rise. Rising Danger The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)...