Week of March 14, 2024

  • Woodbury Twp. Looking for Another Supervisor

    NATALIE GORSUCH, Williamsburg Correspondent

    In the Supervisor’s Report during the regular Woodbury Township meeting last Thursday evening, Vice Chairman Ed Clark announced he was stepping down as Woodbury Township supervisor, in hopes of becoming the new roadmaster. Because it was not on the agenda, his resignation will be approved at the April meeting. Those who are interested in becoming a supervisor for Woodbury Township are encouraged to write a letter of interest and return it by Thursday, March 28, so that the two remaining supervisors can look at letters of interest before the...

  • Expert Warns Parents about Social Media and Artificial Intelligence

    NATALIE GORSUCH, Williamsburg Correspondent

    “When you are ready for childhood to end, give your child social media,” Shape the Sky owner Ryan Klingensmith told the crowd at Williamsburg High School’s presentation, “Parenting in a Digital World,” last Tuesday evening. “We see the effects of mental health in our district, and these effects are aligned with cell phones and devices,” Williamsburg Secondary Principal Jennifer Frederick said. “I’m glad,” Superintendent Lisa Murgas said. “We were able to bring in a...

  • SCP Reunion Upgrades Club Kitchen

    JUDITH OTT, Southern Cove Correspondent

    The Southern Cove Power Reunion Club met on March 7 in the clubhouse with 29 attending. The group was very enthusiastic about planning the 2024 season. Joe Teeter discussed insurance for the club and answered questions. Teeter said that event insurance is hard to get because of the many different events, but also because there are many protocols that must be in place. Teeter said the club has had an “outstanding record” in safety and this is one reason the club can continue to get insurance. Insurance costs increased about 20 percent over...

  • N. Woodbury Township Supervisors Hear Police Dept. Update; New Cameras Received

    THOMAS SCHMITT, Correspondent

    The March monthly North Woodbury Township Supervisors regular board meeting featured some in-depth discussion on new business on their agenda. There was some question about payment of the Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Co. fuel bill for 2022. The board had just paid their 2023 fuel bill which was submitted, the 2022 bill for $4,741 came in afterward. Solicitor Larry Lashinsky said the township had always paid the fuel bill in past years as a courtesy, but they may want to look at how they handle payments in the future. There was no explanation...

  • New BCHS Director Offers History Group a 'Fresh Perspective'

    CATI KEITH, Staff Writer

    The Blair County Historical Society has welcomed its new executive director to its team. Dustin Smith, an Altoona native, said that he is looking forward to bringing a “fresh perspective” to the organization while putting an emphasis on the community in the county, including the Cove. After he graduated from Bishop Guilfoyle High School, he went on to Penn State Altoona to initially pursue a degree in mechanical engineering, but soon realized it was not for him. Assistant history Professor Jared Frederick talked to him about the history...

  • Claysburg Rotary Presents 'Hee Haw' March 15 and 16

    ERIC SHIELDS, Correspondent

    The Claysburg Rotary is presenting its 21st “Hee Haw” show at the Claysburg Kimmel High School auditorium at 7 p.m. March 15 and 16. The comedy variety show offers jokes and skits and singing and dancing. Performing on Friday evening are Will’s Mt. Cloggers, Mt. City Grass, Becky’s School of Dance, Marshal Neff, Lauren Albright Hall, Cindy John and Ridge Hershberger. On Saturday night, there will be the Horseshoe Cloggers, Country Traditions, Shining Stars Twirl and Dance, Marty...

  • Woodbury Borough Makes Appointments; Buys CD

    JUDITH OTT, Correspondent

    Woodbury Borough Council met at the Woodbury Community Center on March 4. One person from the community attended. The mayor was not present. Barb Wilt gave the treasurer’s report. The borough has a balance in the General Fund of $109,537. Rounds are being made by the mayor as requested by Shawn Claycomb to make sure ordinances are being followed. Rita Miller committed to being appointed as auditor. Caroline Shank was appointed as Judge of Elections. Briana Weist and Sharon Graybill agreed to be appointed to Inspector of Elections. A...

  • Movie at Mishler to Offer 250 Years of Blair County History

    Cati Keith, Staff Writer

    Blair County: A People’s History is set to premier at the Mishler Theatre in Altoona next month, on Thursday, April 18, a film that encapsulates roughly 250 years worth of history from indigenous people up until the present. This film was produced and directed by Mark Frederick, and written by his older brother Jared Frederick. Some of the themes the movie will highlight include the early canal system and other transportation methods, the iron industry, the railroad industry and how it is all...

  • Regional Swimmer Sets Her Sights on Olympics

    PHILIP CMOR, For the Herald

    Leah Shackley’s typical day begins at 5 a.m. It’s not so the 17-year-old Olympic swimming hopeful can get into the pool and work out before her virtual classes begin. No, she’s up the crack of dawn so she can make breakfast and take care of the horses for a 93-year-old neighbor in Bedford and her Parkinson’s-afflicted daughter in her 70s. Only later in the day is Shackley driving 45 minutes or so up Interstate 99 to the Blair Regional YMCA for 12 to 18 hours of training each week in...

  • Silly Woes To Ponder In 2024

    Linda Williams

    My least favorite quirks of man and nature are happening in 2024. I detest Easter coming in March. I know, this beautiful religious event occurs on the first Sunday after the first full moon of the vernal equinox. I have to blame the moon for what will probably be a cold and chilly day with few spring flowers emerging from the cold ground. Growing up I remember the excitement of a new Easter outfit. With a frilly dress, patent leather shoes, and a light weight “topper”, I would fret over the anticipated weather. If it were to be cold and...

  • Books to Borrow Roaring Spring Community Library Recommends

    PAULINE AMICK

    The plot of Marley & Me is that of a dog and his owner, which is both predictable and rather cliché. You’ve come to the correct place if you pick up this book hoping to read a heartwarming yet incredibly entertaining novel about owning a dog. This book chronicles Marley’s life with the Grogan family from his early years as a puppy to his final moments. If you’ve ever lived with a dog, you’ll be able to relate to the humorous tales of how difficult dogs can be to live with and how much...

  • Letters to the Editor

    Why I will be voting for Jim Gregory To the Editor: Unlike some candidates, Jim Gregory doesn’t pretend to know it all. He doesn’t wake up every morning looking for conflict with targeted constituencies just to polish his bona fides with certain core groups. Instead, he approaches each day with one goal in mind: to serve the residents of the 80th District. Sometimes this involves helping residents cut through the red tape of government; sometimes it involves supporting legislation that helps our communities; sometimes it just involves...

Judy Kay Dilling

Judy Kay Dilling, 80, Roaring Spring, passed from this life into God’s presence on March 6, 2024. She was born April 29, 1943, in Jefferson, daughter and only child of the late John and Kathryn (Wertz) Thompson. After graduating from York Suburban High School, Judy attended Shippensburg University, where she studied business education. It was at Shippensburg where she met the love of her life, Joseph E. Dilling of Martinsburg. They married Aug. 19, 1967, and were blessed with 56 years of...

Gerald Wareham

Gerald Wareham of Alexandria, Va. passed March 3, 2024, with his family by his side. Loving husband to Odell Wareham; beloved father to Kevin and Kelly Wareham; grandfather of Michael, Aidyn, and Spencer Wareham; brother to Janet Magill. He retired from Delta after 29 years then worked for Dunbar for 10 years. He will truly be missed. A funeral service was held Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Wesley Methodist Church, Va. Interment was in Quantico National Cemetery Triangle. In lieu of flowers,...

Patricia Ann "Pat" Bonebreak

Patricia Ann “Pat” Bonebreak, 85, of Williamsburg, passed away Friday morning, March 8, 2024, at UPMC Altoona. She was born Feb. 21, 1939, in Altoona, daughter of the late Thomas E. and Kathryn G. (Hall) Bonebreak. She is survived by her twin sister, Ellen M. Estus of Wilmington, Del; a niece, Elizabeth “Libby” Austin (Michael); three nephews: Christopher Estus (Pat), Jon A. Jr. “Tony” Estus (Denise) and Todd Estus (Marla Jamison); and a great-niece and great-nephew; her two dear...

Nancy Jo Imes

Nancy Jo Imes, 77, of Martinsburg, passed away Friday morning, March 8, 2024, at Conemaugh Nason Medical Center, Roaring Spring. She was born April 26, 1946, in Huntingdon, daughter of the late Ellis R. and Pauline C. (Graffious) Martin. She was twice married, first on July 13, 1970, to Edgar A. Stoltz, who preceded her in death, and then to G. Michael Imes on Jan. 1, 1988, in Curryville. She is survived by her beloved husband, Mike of 36 years; a daughter, Aimee Jo Stoltz of Martinsburg; a...

Thomas W. Sell

Thomas W. “Tom” Sell, 64, Martinsburg, previously of Johnstown, went home to be with the Lord early Tuesday morning, March 5, 2024, at UPMC Altoona, following an extended illness. He was born March 17, 1959, in Roaring Spring, son of Margaret L. (Sollenberger) Sell and the late H. Wayne Sell. He is survived by his mother, Margaret L. Sell of Martinsburg; four children: Sarah E. Frederick (Nick) of Altoona, Charity L. Foor (Matt) of New Paris, Michaela A. Miller of Jerome, and Nathanael W. Sell of Nanty Glo; nine grandchildren; a brother,...

  • What's the Word in Williamsburg?

    NATALIE GORSUCH, Williamsburg Correspondent

    Story Hour Story Hour is once again back at the Williamsburg Public Library on Wednesdays from 10-11am. Recommended for ages 3-5 but all are welcome. Story Hour is a place to read stories, do crafts, play games, sing songs, welcome guests and most importantly, to have fun! Ireland Reunion A 50th reunion celebration will be held this Saturday, March 16th at the Williamsburg Community Farm Show building for anyone who was in the band, traveled with the band, or helped the band get to Ireland. The reunion will be held from 1-4pm. Correction This...

  • Spotlight on Blair County 4-H Lamb Chop Members

    Herald Staff Reports

    Katie Ross School: Williamsburg Jr/Sr High school Parents: Cathy and Kevin Ross 4-H Club: Lamb chops Years involved with 4-H: 6 4-H projects: (lambs or other animals vs. business projects, etc.)Sheep and goats. Description of 4-H project responsibilities: feeding, watering, cleaning pens, working with them, maintaining their hooves and grooming needs. Favorite 4-H memory: My first year showing 4-H accomplishments: Third place light weight, reserve light weight dairy beef, reserve medium weight...

  • 10 Years Ago

    Herald of March 13, 2014 A meeting was held on Thursday, March 20, at the Martinsburg Community Library to gauge interest in saving Royer Mansion, which was in jeopardy of being closed for good at the time. The site has been a financial drain for the Blair County Historical Society, since it took responsibility for the home after the “Friends of Royer Mansion” dissolved in 2012. Organizers wanted to form a new committee to champion the 200-year-old house. Organizers were looking for fundraising ideas, citizens who will carry out the plans...

  • 25 Years Ago

    Herald of March 18, 1999 The Cove area received between 14 and 24 inches of snow during a hard-driving storm that raged for about 12 hours on March 14. The storm struck a relatively small region that included Bedford and Somerset counties and northern Maryland. Cove Shoe Co. received the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence. The shoe company won the award for its development of an 18-month emission reduction program that significantly reduced the amount of volatile organic compounds, and hazardous air pollutants, which resulted in...

  • 75 Years Ago

    Herald of March 17, 1949 A recently modernized dairy barn along Clover Creek, owned by A.E. Martz and operated by tenant farmers Mr. and Mrs. Frank Faulkner, was destroyed by a fire of unknown origin Tuesday night, March 15. The $15,000 was partially covered by insurance. The herd of 18 cows, eight heifers and two calves were rescued. Only one tractor could be saved. Bobby Showalter, 5, of Roaring Spring fell into the community’s reservoir where he has been pretending to fish with his friend Bobby Long, also 5. His friend held onto his...

  • 100 Years Ago

    Herald of March 14, 1924 For the first in Cove High history, an honor roll was to be made of all graduating students who attained above a 90 percent average during their attendance at the school. The large number of 1924 students who excelled in scholarship in addition to five other categories, brought about the faculty’s decision to list the following: Rosanna Garner, valedictorian; Ella Sorrick, salutatorian; David Alberston, Emma Acker, Wilmer Kensinger, Fred Everhart and Calvin Hetrick. A specially designed watch charm was received by...

  • 50 Years Ago

    Herald of March 14, 1974 Airline passenger service at the Blair County Airport ended abruptly on March 7 when the Federal Aviation Administration revoked the certification of Air East, the airport’s commuter provider, citing unsafe operations. Service was restored, however, four days later when Allegheny Airlines began operating two round trips per day. A fire on March 10 destroyed a dairy barn on the Donald Johnson farm west of Woodbury. About 15 cows died in the blaze, and loss was estimated at $80,000 to the building, livestock and...

  • 125 Years Ago

    Herald of March 16, 1899 The Herald published six pages instead of the usual four in order to carry the 1898 financial report of Blair County. Among the hundreds of receipts and expenditures published was a list of fees for coroner’s viewings with the names of the deceased. The fees charged were between $2.87 and $7.38 per corpse. Charges for inquests ranged from $11 to $34 per case. Taxes turned over to the county by the tax collectors totaled $130,464. The most county taxes collected in the Cove were by S.S. Layman, North Woodbury...

  • Three Sons born in Leap Years

    Kylee and Lennae Trotter of Martinsburg have three sons who were all born in leap years. Henry was born on October 2, 2016, Miles was born on September 24, 2020, and Lewis was born on January 23,...

  • NBC Elementary Character Kids

    The students are (front, from left): Mila Smith, Harper Hainsey and Kaiyah Brockus; (rear, from left): Peter Sarvey, Allie Brennan, Grayson Rodgers and Avery...

  • A Martinsburg Boy's Memories and Stories from the 1950s

    John Bush

    John Bush was raised in Martinsburg and graduated from Central High in 1961. He spent most of his adult life in the Pacific Northwest. He has many memories as a boy in the 1950s that give some insight to the people and culture of Martinsburg in the 1950s. John likes to tell stories and over the years he has repeated the stories of his youth many times. His belief is that those years in Martinsburg influenced him all of his life. Some of the stories are historical in nature, some are colorful,...

  • Explaining the Meaning of Easter To Children

    Explaining Easter to children can be a delicate matter, especially for very young children who may not fully understand the tenets of the Christian faith. Although Easter ends with Jesus Christ emerging from his tomb, prior to this glorious miracle there are subjects of betrayal, suffering and death. These religious messages can confound when commingled with the imagery of bunnies delivering chocolates, chicks and pastel-hued eggs. How do well-meaning parents relay the message of Easter without scaring or confusing children? A child’s age...

  • Hezekiah IV

    Pastor Earl Herr

    I wish I could tell you that everything after what we have seen turns out wonderfully well. But I cannot. Yes, everything so far looks good. God did perform multiple miracles. Hezekiah recovered from his life-threatening disease. He did live fifteen more years. God sent His ‘death-angel’ through the Assyrian army camp and that night. 185,000 of the army that mocked God and God’s people died. Sennacherib (S) did return to Assyria in shame at this terrible defeat at the hand of the God he...

  • Schools Rebrand to Form New Bishop Guilfoyle Academy

    LISA GEORGIANA

    A new school brand of Bishop Guilfoyle Academy is being formed from the combination of Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic School and Holy Trinity Catholic School. In addition to the name change, the school announced the opening of an additional site for PreK and Kindergarten, and ultimately a full elementary school in Hollidaysburg. This campus adds to the existing two elementary school campuses in Altoona which are reaching capacity due to growth in enrollment. The changes will be effective for the 2024-25 school year, beginning July 1. “We are...

  • Living Our Daily Discipleship

    Linda Sollenberger

    Mark 1:29-39 In his three short years of ministry here on earth, Jesus healed many people. This tale in Mark is fairly easy to imagine. Simon’s mother-in-law is sick in bed with a fever. Jesus heals her and then takes her by the hand and lifts her up. It is a tender image. Even though she literally stood up, there is also a sense of being lifted up emotionally which so often comes with being healed. Imagine how she must have been feeling as she was lying in her bed sick while her son-in law brings Jesus into her home. This woman, more than...

  • Public Notices

    NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Policyholders of Bedford Grange Mutual Insurance Company will hold their Annual Policyholders Meeting at the home office at 477 West Pitt Street, Bedford, PA on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 10:30 AM for the purpose of electing directors whose terms are expiring and other such business that has been properly brought before the meeting. Executor Notice Estate of Patricia A Clowson. Late of Martinsburg Borough, Blair County. Letters testamentary on said estate having been granted to the undersigned, all... Full story

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