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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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 for...
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...
“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 knowledg...
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...
Last October, areas of the continental United States were able to experience an annular eclipse, and now the opportunity has arrived again with a full solar eclipse happening on April 8. Fred Marschak, retired Hollidaysburg Planetarium director, volunteer and Martinsburg resident, said he saw his first total solar eclipse with his wife, when they visited China in 2009. “Seeing one in person is like being in the front row for a show,” he said. The cities in the path of the totality which are...
After helping rescue more than 90 dogs at the start of the year, the Bedford County Humane Society has good news, including adoptions and clean bills of health. During New Year’s Eve, the Pennsylvania State Police alerted the humane society about the dogs. Shelter manager Kathy Ramsey said the way they found them was horrifying. “You could tell they were neglected,” she said. “They were matted, their skin was so bad. It was all heartbreaking.” Because the shelter does not have a lot of...
Martinsburg Business & Professional Women’s Club (BPW) welcomes new members to our meeting on Thursday, March 21 at 5:30 p.m. Dining with author Kevin Stiver starts the evening. Followed by a discussion about Kevin’s book, “Glenn White PA, The Town That Was Forgotten in the Allegheny Mountains,” and the BPW business of fundraising and volunteering. Please join us at Homewood at Martinsburg’s Terrace Café, 437 Givler Drive in Martinsburg. Don’t forget to order your meal from the café before 5:00 pm (814.793.1355.) For more info,...
Claysburg Area Hall of Fame Committee will be holding its 10th induction ceremony on Saturday, April 13, at 3 p.m. at the Claysburg-Kimmel High School Auditorium. The public is invited to this no-charge event. No advance tickets are needed. The program will include the presentation of Hall of Fame Members with a reception immediately following with light refreshments. The inductees for the 2024 program are: Bill’s Place - Bill and Suie Burket - Pioneer Award, Dahl Bowser, Lynn and Janice Crist, Brent Miller, Dolan Mosser....
Dark Hollow Sugar Camp, a maple syrup business located in Jack’s Corner in Northern Bedford County, has benefited from the colder temperatures in February, which has allowed them to produce more of the sweet substance than in previous years with more mild winters. Owner Tyler Hrivnak, said the sap in the sugar maple trees they use on his property and in the surrounding woods, was running pretty well because of the conditions. He uses the sap that is tapped from about 800 trees. The sap collect...
The Claysburg-Kimmel School District was generously awarded an $80,000 grant from the Claysburg Education Foundation to create a sensory room for the Multi-Disabilities Support classroom and the Life Skills Support classroom at Claysburg-Kimmel School District. This donation will provide critical resources to support students with sensory processing needs and enhance their educational experience. Sensory rooms are designed to provide a safe and calming space for students with sensory processing issues, allowing them to regulate their sensory...
The Claysburg Education Foundation is excited to unveil plans for a hydroponics educational facility generously funded by Mark and Karen Barnhart. This innovative initiative aims to benefit students and communities within the Claysburg-Kimmel School District and beyond, fostering educational advancement, community engagement, and sustainable agriculture practices. Hydroponics, a method of growing plants without soil, utilizes a water-based nutrient solution. This technique has gained traction among small farmers, hobbyists, and commercial...
Students from a local school district are set to wow audiences with an updated version of a children’s classic story. Northern Bedford County High School will be putting on a production of Matilda from Thursday, March 14 through Sunday, March 17 as this year’s musical. According to musical director Brett Keith, he chose this particular musical due to its popularity with the students. “Last year, a film adaptation of it was put onto Netflix,” he said. “Because of the feedback I saw...
Pennsylvania State Police said the surge in cadet applications last year brought in 175 new officers and dropped vacancies into the double digits for the first time in nearly three decades. Although recent retirements pushed that number to just under 240, Police Commissioner Christopher Paris said the 158-percent increase in recruitment will fill the gap. “I’m encouraged by the cadets that I see in the academy,” he told the House Appropriations Committee on March 4. “I believe there are people out there who want to become Pennsylvania...
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, and some are personal. He wishes that you enjoy...
Healthy eating is important at any age and can set the course for a life of vitality and wellness. Sufficient nutrition can help prevent chronic illnesses and make sure that growing bodies develop properly. As one ages, various changes take place in the body, making healthy eating even more essential. According to Healthline, nutritional deficiencies can effect aging individuals, which can decrease quality of life and lead to poor health outcomes. Individuals should pay attention to their vitamin and mineral intake at various ages so they do...
Most seniors recognize that routine visits to their physicians are an important component of preventive health care. Annual physicals are important for everyone, but they’re especially important for individuals 65 and older who may be more vulnerable to disease and various other health conditions than younger adults. The National Institute on Aging reports that millions of individuals 65 and older have visited their physicians and learned they have a condition known as prediabetes. For some, the day they receive a prediabetes diagnosis also...
Stroke has been described as a “brain attack.” Stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain becomes blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain breaks, which can damage or kill brain cells. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion says stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability in adults. It also can cause irreversible damage to the brain. Individuals who experience stroke may end up with memory problems or experience difficulty thinking or forming words. Mobility issues like difficulty walking or...
Williamsburg Borough Council Chairman Ed Patterson held a moment of silence in honor of councilmember Jim Foreso. Chairman Patterson offered “a prayer for our fallen comrade, a great loss to our group, and the community.” “He was quite a guy,” Patterson said. One letter of interest was received for the vacant spot. Councilmember Bruce Hamilton made a motion to appoint Mike Biddle. With Councilmember Paula Hamilton seconding, the motion passed. Later in the meeting, Biddle accepted the...
After 30 years, Jeff Batzel will be retiring as an athletic director at the end of 2024, with his time spent at Northern Bedford and Everett school districts. Batzel is an NBC alumnus, and a lifelong resident of the district residing in the Yellow Creek area. “My father was the first AD in the school’s history, and I am the third,” he said. Ryan Cherry will be taking over the position and will be the district’s fourth athletic director in 60 years. “That is pretty interesting and...
The creation of the calendar and why the leap year exists is a story of trial and error, according to James Lowe, board chairman of the Blair County Historical Society. From his research, he found that the first calendar year was created in 753 BC by Romulus with only 10 months and 304 days, plus an undefined winter period. This was eventually modified to include 12 months with a total 354 days with no fluctuating winter period. “Since the actual time for the Earth to orbit the Sun is 365.224...
Spring Cove School Board Board Member Misti Fisher spoke adamantly about changing the district’s absentee policy during the attendance policy discussion (Policy No. 204) while other boardmembers expressed opposition during the February regular Board of Directors meeting for the Spring Cove School District. Fisher said that in other nearby school districts, five days off with the flu would not even count as one day absent. She cited Northern Bedford’s attendance policy several times, saying other districts were not as strict as Spring Cove...
The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art has announced the launch of its Annual Giving Campaign, aimed at fostering art education, preserving cultural heritage, and making art accessible to all members of the community. The Annual Giving Campaign represents a crucial initiative for SAMA as it seeks to expand its impact and reach within the local community and beyond. With the generous support of donors, the museum aims to enhance its educational programs, curate thought-provoking exhibitions, and host engaging events that celebrate the diversity...
After a hiatus, Central High School is putting on a production of “Bye Bye Birdie,” a musical comedy set in the 1950s, according to show Director Rachel Wagner, who is also a first-grade teacher in the school district. Tickets can be purchased online at centralhigh.booktix.com or at the door. The play will be presented at Central High School Thursday. Feb. 29, through Saturday, March 2, in the high school auditorium at 7 p.m. Wagner said that the school chose the show because of the music an...
One of the fastest-growing segments of Pennsylvania’s rural economy are workers 65 years old and older. To learn more about older rural workers, the Center for Rural Pennsylvania used employment and demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau and found that: • Rural workers under 65 years old and older have increased by 50 percent from 2012 to 2022. Among similarly aged urban workers, there was a 56 percent increase. • From 2012 to 2022, the number of rural workers under 65 years old decreased by 5 percent. Among urban workers under 65...
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,...
Homewood at Martinsburg has announced the appointment of Juls Bratton as its new director of sales and marketing. Homewood at Martinsburg provides retirement living for seniors in the region. With a focus on creating a supportive and engaging environment, Homewood offers a range of services including independent living, assisted living, rehabilitations, memory care, and skilled nursing care. Bratton has a background in sales and marketing, with a history in both sales and management roles. She h...
On an initial vote of 5-2-1, Patricia Kensinger was reappointed to the Williamsburg Community School Board on Feb. 21. Kensinger had previously served on the school board for 17 years before losing a re-election bid. Also competing for the open position were Billie Jo Greaser and WHS senior Jack Sheesley. Greaser said that she “cared about the children and families in the community,” during her interview with boardmembers. Senior Jack Sheesley impressed school board members. “Wow, just wow,” School Board Director Joseph Detwiler said...
Patricia Kensinger sat on the sidelines looking in during last Wednesday evening’s Williamsburg Community School Board meeting – with hopes of being reappointed to the Williamsburg School Board. Her hopes came true following the interview session. She was nominated and then voted in at the meeting, 5-2-1. “My goal has always been the mission statement of our district,” Kensinger said. The district’s mission statement is, “All students will be given the opportunity to succeed in a...
When Williamsburgers think of the Williamsburg Community Farm Show Board and the activities it presents, what likely comes to mind is the Farm Show in late August. But this slate of boardmembers want the Farm Show to stay relevant all year long and take a more active role in the community. Thus, the board would like an expanded list of events, especially events in the spring. Coming in early March, the Farm Show is offering many events to the community. Board Secretary Angie Walason said of the upcoming events, “We are excited as a board of...
Bright Beginnings Early Learning Center held its first annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Albright Church of the Brethren, Roaring Spring. Students from the center got a pancake-and-sausage breakfast while meeting the big hopper himself, the Easter Bunny. Instead of charging for the event, those in attendance were asked to bring in “Easter for Eli” donations. Shown here with the Easter Bunny are Addison Potter, daughter of Ray and Kennedie Potter; and her...
Local police departments gave an update on an individual who was disrupting services in churches in the Cove and a few others in the area. Chief Kerry Hoover of the Martinsburg Police Department said that the departmeint is not releasing the man’s name, but said the man causing the disruptions was having medical or mental health problems. “The incident has been addressed and there is no further threat,” Chief Hoover said. Hoover said Sunday patrols have been added as a precaution in Martinsburg Borough and Huston Township and police are...
In celebration of FFA Week and what FFA offers to students and the community, the Herald is publishing FFA news from the Cove’s school districts. See more FFA news and photos on Pages B-3, B-4 and B-5 in this week’s Herald. Shown in the photo are Northern Bedford’s FFA officers. They are (front): Student Advisor Aaron Conley; (back row, from left): Reporter Aaliyah Pepple; Treasurer Emily Koontz; Vice-President Samantha Corle; President Emma Byler; Secretary Lindsey Bolinger; Chaplain...
Roaring Spring Borough Manager Lisa Peel gave an update on the Five Points Traffic Light project (which began earlier in February) at the most recent borough council meeting. “Right now, we are waiting on Penelec to come out and approve where we would like to put the electric meters for the traffic lights,” she said at the council’s monthly meeting on Monday night. Changes were made because the original plan had the traffic lights wired back into the borough building as the current ones are. But with the possibility of moving the borough...
Traditions has been a part of the Cove community since 2007, offering a place to dine and also experience the Pennsylvania Dutch traditions of the area. Restaurant Owner Tyler Zimmerman, who has been there since the restaurant opened, said the retail store was opened in 2003 by Marcus Zimmerman. He said the store was opened as an opportunity in the area to provide the essentials of food and clothing that people needed while also creating jobs. “We have created a lot of jobs for a lot of...
On Feb. 9, 2024, after a weeks-long investigation, Blair County District Attorney’s Office detectives filed eight counts of Statutory Sexual Assault; one count of Intimidation of a Witness; two counts of Tampering with Evidence; one count of Interference with Custody of a Child; one count of Unlawful Contact with a Child; and two counts of Corruption of Minors against John David Mollica for cultivating a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old child. After the 14-year-old victim disclosed her abuse, Blair County detectives began an...
“He loved life,” Jessica Brua, the mother of Scotty Brua, says, discussing the upcoming event to honor the memory of her late son. “His smile lit up everything,” she said. Scotty passed in March 2023, and with the anniversary of his passing coming up, “we just wanted to have an event to honor his memory with joy and love,” Jessica said. Scotty’s Smile will be held on Saturday, March 9, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hollidaysburg First United Methodist Church, Hollidaysburg. The eve...
Borough Manager Joe Lansberry said that according to the Williamsburg Municipal Authority’s records, there are six properties in the area who have a bill up to $500 with little to no payment in the last year. Lansberry asked authority members, “What should we do?” Last year, Authority members agreed to lien properties with unpaid water and sewer payments. “We have to do something,” Treasurer David Myers said. Authority Member Myers made a motion to start the lien process on the delinquent property owners. Member Ed Patterson seconded...
The Morrisons Cove Rotary Club has announced its students of the month for January and February 2024. January – Jayse Snively Jayse is the son of Robbin Snively and Joseph Snively, Williamsburg. In school, Snively is a member of the National Honor Society, and has been voted as the Class of 2024’s class treasurer. Snively is also a member of the track and field program, as well as swimming for the district for two years. His plans after graduation are to serve in the Pennsylvania Air...
Making rural health care better in Pennsylvania may require some significant changes in state law. Some experts point toward funding problems while others note legal barriers to improvements. “Rural health care in Pennsylvania faces some very unique challenges specific to its population and location,” Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-Erie, said during a Feb. 14 meeting of the Senate Majority Policy Committee. From vast distances to an aging population and a lack of providers, problems in the rural parts of the commonwealth will not disappear with...
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,...
At the February monthly meeting of the Northern Bedford County School District, both middle school and high school principals announced the results of an undertaking called Unplugged Day. All students gave up electronic devices connected to the internet for one day. The purpose of this activity was to raise awareness of addiction to technology, specifically social media. High school Principal Shawn Cerully reported the day a “complete success.” Many of the students said this experience opened their eyes to the specific addiction to social...
An informational session was held prior to the Spring Cove School District Board of Directors Committee of the Whole meeting with the solicitor regarding the state’s Sunshine Act. The public’s right to attend governmental agency meetings in Pennsylvania is based upon a state law called the “Sunshine Act.” The Sunshine Act applies to public agencies, which include Pennsylvania executive branch agencies, the General Assembly, and municipal authorities, such as township boards of supervisors and local school boards. The Act also covers...
Interim Acting Superintendent Darren McLaurin announced his resignation after only four months in the position at the February monthly Committee of the Whole meeting of the Hollidaysburg Area School District Board of Directors. The new superintendent, Curtis Whitesel, will not come in to fill the position until April. Until that time, Special Education Director Rodney Green will fill the superintendent slot. McLaurin thanked the board for a chance to serve the district for the past four months as interim superintendent and would be glad to...
Martinsburg Borough Council approved dissolving the Trooper Landon Weaver Fund and splitting the remaining funds between Cove Christmas Love and the Martinsburg Food Pantry. During borough council’s monthly meeting on Monday, Feb. 5, Mayor Richard Brantner, Sr. talked about what the borough would do with the fund during his report. Trooper Weaver was killed in the line of duty on Dec. 30, 2016, while investigating a protection from abuse (PFA) order violation. Brantner, Sr. said he did not...
At 91 years old, Herbert Houp of Woodbury, a Korean War veteran, is a testament to a life well-lived, marked by dedication, craftsmanship, and a passion for painting. He served in the Korean War from 1953 to 1954, where he drove tanks. “I got out on Christmas Day,” Houp said. When he returned home, he went to work at the Blank Book Company in Roaring Spring where he spent 11 years operating a ruling machine that added lines to paper. Houp’s career took him to Martinsburg Cove Building...