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Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
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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 amazing w...
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 da...
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 on...
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 and th...
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 years...
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 followi...
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 changing wo...
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 w...
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 bes...
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 worki...
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 Savan...
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 offic...
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 p...
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 i...
“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 event will benefi...
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 motio...
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 Nat...
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 tim...
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 med...
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 any org...
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 k...
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 Servi...
Isabella Paris, an eighth-grade student at Claysburg-Kimmel High School, has been working on a project for her school district and community. She is a member of the Claysburg–Kimmel Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Last year, she placed first at the state level with her public speaking event and placed seventh nationally in Atlanta, Georgia. She was the first middle-level FBLA member from C-K to place on the national level. This year, Paris has taken on a bigger project that i...
Stylish Fashions located at 908 Spruce St., Roaring Spring, opened for business in November 2023. Owner Susan Knisely has sold fashions on eBay for over 23 years. She also had a store about 12 years ago in Roaring Spring. Knisely has always been interested in fashion and decided to open this store selling new and used items. Used items are accepted and bought by appointment only. A variety of clothing and shoes can be found in many sizes. T-shirts can also be made to order. Saturday event sales...
On Sunday morning Feb. 11, the congregation of Trinity United Methodist Church of Roaring Spring celebrated 125 years in their current building. The congregation’s origin dates back to 1830 in Rodman and in 1867 built a new structure on North Main Street which it used for 31 years until it was sold to the Roaring Spring Mennonite Church. The church’s present location at 434 East Main Street was dedicated on Nov. 29, 1898. The Anniversary Sunday Celebration took place with worship at 9:30 a.m., being led by Pastor Ryan Gephart of Trinity Uni...
A local organization continues its mission to provide joy to children battling cancer across the United States. For its 10th non-consecutive year, Easter for Eli is asking that the community create Easter baskets and leave them at one of the many drop-off locations in the Cove by Friday, March 8. “It’s the same old song and dance as previous years,” said Martin Garrett, the founder and organizer. “But we are in a time crunch because of when Easter falls this year.” Easter for Eli was created i...
Megan Marie Ritchey and Dylan Lance Barkman were united in marriage at 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 12 at the Woodbury Church of the Brethren. The bride is the daughter of Steven and Jeri Ritchey of Roaring Spring. The bridegroom is the son of Lance and Wendy Barkman of Breezewood. The double-ring ceremony was performed by Pastor David Ulm and Pastor Steve Corbett. The bride was given in marriage by her father. Kimberly Carson, sister of the bride, was the matron of honor. Shane Barkman, brother of the...
According to Kassi Leidy, the Business Club at Central High School normally attended Accounting Career Day hosted at different college campuses each year by the PICPA organization. They host guest entrepreneurs and visit local businesses to talk to owners about how they got their start and the challenges of running a business. The club members also attend various “United We Can” luncheons, and attend the Annual Business Day hosted by St. Francis University each spring. Leidy said that while the...
Claysburg-Kimmel’s Future Business Leaders of America Chapter (CK FBLA) has created a community service project for the 2023-24 school year. This year, Helping Hands aims to help community members in need by relieving financial strain on families, promoting inclusion within the community, and providing low-cost entertainment in hopes to bring our community closer together. This year’s community service project was created by Launa Musselman, Levi Kennedy, Makenzie Ebersole, and the C-K FBLA cha...
The 2023-2024 American Enterprise Project, Encouraging Entrepreneurship, has been busy promoting entrepreneurship in the Northern Bedford County School District and beyond. The project, led by co-chairs Avery Aungst, Aiden Wadel, and Myah Douglas, aimed to educate students and community members on the American Enterprise System. Encouraging entrepreneurship From Jan. 8-12, FBLA members lead second-grade students in a series of entrepreneurship lessons. To begin, students learned the definition...
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. SANDLOT BALL IN MARTINSBURG Like many communities across the U.S., sandlot ball or pickup ball in the 1950s was common in Martinsburg. In the cities ball was played in the parks and in the streets. In Martinsburg, public and private land was used at several locations across town. Baseball and...
Special Recognition...
For many months, the supervisors of Catharine Township, Williamsburg, have been working to make a right-of-way along River Front Drive, but needed the support of the residents. Supervisors have worked trying to get support from all residents because without full support, there would be no way to deed the property needed for the right of way for the township. Chairman Heather Flaig updated the supervisors on River Front Drive during Thursday’s township meeting, stating that there is still one holdout resident who wanted a letter from the t...
Borough employee Brandy Frank questioned the Williamsburg Borough’s FMLA/personnel policy during last Monday evening’s Borough Council meeting. Frank is coming back from maternity leave and asked borough if, being a full-time employee, she could come back for a set number of days the next few weeks, before coming back into her full-time position as office personnel. The borough council permitted the schedule coming back into maternity leave, but decided to work on adding FMLA and maternity leave to the borough’s personnel policy. Later in th...
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One out of every five residents in Blair County and Bedford County is over the age of 65. Broadband infrastructure is improving, but many still don’t have reliable access. Food and nutrition insecurity is a growing concern, and obesity, diabetes, and access to mental health resources top the list of things people here worry about. That’s based on the raw, untouched snapshots taken by the 2021 Community Needs Assessment in each county. It doesn’t mean that life here is bleak. Quite the contrary, as many who filled out the CNA survey prais...
It was quite a contest, but Dave Baker finally found the opponent he couldn’t outfox. Time. Central High School is seeking a new football coach this week after Baker stepped down on Friday, Feb. 2. The 78-year-old Baker has experienced health problems in recent years but continued to guide the Scarlet Dragons and do so successfully: His last three teams all were District 6 Class 3A champions with a combined record of 28-5. The 2022 and 2023 squads’ seasons ended in the state semifinals. Bak...
A Martinsburg native and Central High School graduate, is set to embark on the Iditarod 2024, Alaska’s iconic sled dog race commencing on March 2. Jeff Reid is a retired Navy SEAL, and is finding support from his hometown and family, particularly from Spring Dam Brewing Co. in Roaring Spring. Owner Anita Baker, his mother-in-law, is committed to help him and her daughter Jeri achieve their dreams. Baker said that the brewery is collecting donations and organizing fundraisers to offset the expens...
Delays Expected at Five Points Roaring Spring Borough and Police Department put out a notice on Friday, Feb 2, that construction to install new traffic signals and poles at the Five Points intersection would begin on Monday, Feb. 5, and continue until Friday, Feb. 19, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The notice said to expect delays until construction is completed. Man Disturbs Local Churches There was a report of an individual causing a disturbance at a few local churches including the Martinsburg Grace Brethren Church. Executive Pastor Brian McCall...
The Southern Cove Power Reunion met Feb. 1. Tractor and gun raffle tickets are being sold. Those interested should contact any club member. Additional electrical work was completed in the museum building. With the new shelving and flooring, the building will be better set up for equipment displays. May 18 will be the member banquet, held on the grounds. More information will be released in the newsletter and at the next meeting. June 29 will be the club’s tractor ride. More information is forthcoming. The club is always looking for members a...
A well-known and loved Cove restaurant closed its doors forever on Jan. 21. What was known for 44 years as the Creekside Inn was originally called Bull Snyders and The Red Lantern. Original Creekside owners Nancy and Ron Brumbaugh purchased the property near East Freedom at 3059 Everett Road in 1980 and Nancy renamed it the Creekside Inn. The establishment’s fish tank was always noticed and commented on. Nancy tells the story of how a woman came in to the restaurant who sold fish tanks. B...
The longtime victims of flood waters in Gaysport received good news with the announcement that the borough of Hollidaysburg had been awarded $690,000 in grant money for the Gaysport stormwater project. Approval was given by Hollidaysburg Borough Council to use a portion of the grant money to purchase 7.8 acres of the Stowell Farm to construct a retention pond as part of the stormwater project. The original estimate of the cost was around $1million for the project. The final cost will be above that. Borough Solicitor Nathan Karn said the match...
The Spring Cove School District has released information about the 2024-25 Kindergarten registration for those interested in all-day kindergarten classes for five-year-old children. The online registration date for children who will begin kindergarten in the 2024-25 school year is Wednesday, Feb. 7. To be eligible to enter the kindergarten program, a child must be five or become five years of age on or before Sept. 1, 2024. Any child who did not attend kindergarten and will be six years of age on or before the first day of the school term may...
A former Cove business woman and pastor recently published a devotional book. The book titled “Simply, Good Morning and Shalom” written by Millie Baker, is a year-long devotional with an extra section at the end for special days that have no set date. “Each thought I send out — now to over 100 people — begins with a greeting of good morning and ends with a blessing of Shalom — a wish for inner peace,” she said is how the book got its title. Baker said the devotional is meant to help people s...
