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Two honorees from The Cove will be celebrated by WISE Women of Blair County at the organization’s tribute dinner happening on April 17 at The Casino at Lakemont Park. Juls Bratton and Michele McIntyre are the two honorees who were selected by a committee. WISE is an acronym that means Women Involved in Scholarship and Empowerment and the organization is dedicated to empowering women and eliminating racism through collaboration, service and education. Through the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation, funds raised at the annual tribute dinn...
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...
Boy Scout Troop 358 held a fundraising event at the Martinsburg Fire Hall on Saturday, March 23. Pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee were provided for a donation. Troop members were eager to talk and serve folks who came to enjoy this breakfast and support the cause. The boys helped serve and clean up while socializing with the attendees. Three troop members welcomed everyone at the door. They had a table full of baked goods. This included Easter cookies, brownies and cakes. A donation allowed the...
Spring is a season of rejuvenation, and perhaps nowhere is that rebirth more noticeable than in the yard. Each spring, grass begins to grow again as inviting landscapes beckon people outdoors. Extra sunlight and rising temperatures make spring a great time to plant flowers, grasses and trees. To ensure successful planting, homeowners must take steps to prepare the soil. Healthy soil can provide the ideal conditions for roots to take hold, helping plants establish themselves before potentially harsh summer conditions arrive. Preparing soil...
“He missed his calling. He should have been a minister,” Pastor Matt Roberts of the First Methodist Church said of Brady Appleman, who at Sunday’s service performed as Pontius Pilate. “It’s just amazing. His gift of memory is amazing and the ability to speak these messages for everyone to understand is just phenomenal,” Pastor Roberts said. Appleman has been doing the skits for five years for the church and for more than 20 years at the Jaffa Shrine, where he serves as degree master for the Scot...
During the Williamsburg Community School Board’s meeting last Wednesday evening, the board approved the comprehensive plan for 2024-27. At the February board meeting, Superintendent Lisa Murgas had presented the plan, with “goals for the next three years.” The plan has as its the main goal student achievement. Specifically, the district is planning to increase test scores in English, language arts and math. The comprehensive plan is online for public viewing. To view the plan online, go to https://www.williamsburg.k12.pa.us/Page/1 and scroll do...
Kim Helsel (at left), representing UPMC Family Hospice, posed with Scotty Brua’s parents Jessica and Brad. Jessica is holding a photo of their late son during Scotty’s Smile, a fundraiser for UPMC Family Hospice. Scotty Brua passed away in March 2023, and his parents wanted to create an event that would carry on his legacy. This year, it was a take-out pulled-pork meal and a basket raffle on Saturday, March 9. The event raised more than $5,000 to benefit UPMC Family Hospice, which cared for and...
Stiffler McGraw Engineer John Clabaugh announced during the Tuesday morning meeting of the Williamsburg Municipal Authority that Cenveo had been in contact with him about a treatment system. Clabaugh said that Cenveo is testing a treatment system to re-initiate discharge, and the company is currently analyzing treatment alternatives. Authority members said that one of the biggest problems had with Cenveo discharge is the color. Clabaugh suggested setting specific parameters instead of using the word “clear” and defining it as a measurement sam...
As college basketball fans enjoy the NCAA men’s basketball championship tournament, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers not to get fouled online by ticket scams. Additionally, BBB is reminding fans to be aware of potential streaming scams and is urging those who are looking to place a bet to seek legitimate websites and avoid clicking on links being sent and promoted online and on social media. “Big events with high demand provide the perfect opportunity for scammers,” says Caitlin Driscoll, public relations director of the B...
On March 16, 2024, Alpha Beta Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society met at Hoss’ Restaurant in Bedford. Sandra Hoenstine introduced Mary Ellen Laird, Northern Bedford science and geography teacher and theater owner in Loysburg, one of the recipients of Alpha Beta’s Teacher Enrichment Grants. Part of Ms. Laird’s presentation was the distribution of hats and other costume items to demonstrate how she has used the award to enhance the Drama Club she has instituted at the Northern Bedford County Middle School. The positive effects for students i...
Morrisons Cove 1st Federal Credit Union has been loyal supporters of the community and its members since it was founded. Lynnette Hamm CEO said the Morrisons Cove 1st FCU started out as D.M. Bare Paper Co. Federal Credit Union in 1954. It was established and chartered by the late Vance D. Myers along with six other credit union charter members to aid the employees of the D.M. Bare Paper Co., which would be later known as Appleton Papers, Inc. “A group of men at the paper mill decided to start a...
As the 2023-24 Martinsburg Community Fund drive comes to a close, we are thankful for the generous donations of the Martinsburg area organizations, residents, businesses, and churches that donated to the fund. The 2023-24 Martinsburg Community Fund goal of $45,000 has been met and exceeded. The total funds donated these five months is $50,742. We achieved our goal, just this month, with a huge donation of $8,000 from the Clover Creek Church of the Brethren. Once again, we are grateful that we...
A local school production showed that talent can come from any walk of life, no matter age or region. Northern Bedford County High School put on Matilda as the 2024 musical, featuring over 50 students and many special effects to big crowds every night. The show ran from Thursday, March 14 through Sunday, March 17, with the final date being an afternoon performance. This was so that more people had the opportunity to come and watch. The students made the stage come alive using the original West End script and music. To keep things moving, a...
Penn State Altoona will host a community viewing event for the total solar eclipse that will take place on Monday, April 8. As the moon passes in front of the sun, it will cast a shadow over Earth’s surface, and Pennsylvania is in the direct path of this celestial event. Viewers are invited to gather outside of the Slep Student Center beginning at 1:30 p.m. Eclipse glasses will be available to the first 300 people on a first-come, first-served basis. The eclipse is expected to begin around 2 p.m., with totality between 3:12 and 3:27 p.m. T...
Fire companies from all over in Blair and Bedford counties were fighting a massive fire which started at 10:05 p.m. Monday night and continued to burn into Tuesday in Claysburg at the site of the U.S. Lumber Distribution Center. At 8 a.m. there were still flames and big clouds of smoke coming from 218 Ward Drive, which is a lumberyard and distribution center. Scott Eicher, Fire Chief for Claysburg Volunteer Fire Company said they do not know what started the four alarm fire, and it will be...
Claysburg-Kimmel will present the musical “Camp Rock” at the high school auditorium on Saturday, March 23, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 24, at 2:30 p.m. The show is based on the Disney movies Camp Rock 1 and Camp Rock 2. It is about a group of kids at a music camp for the summer. There is a rival music camp across the lake that they do battle with. Theatre advisor and show Director Maria Leppert said that this is the first show that the school has done since 2011. She said that the district wan...
Representatives from Garver YMCA presented their plans to apply for some grants to update their facilities to the Roaring Spring Borough Council members during their monthly meeting. On Monday, March 11, Holly Keller of Garver said that there is some COVID money available through grants for a multi-purpose community facilities program. She said the purpose of these grants are for community development, and what they need to do is show that their organization was affected by COVID. “We would like to improve Garver YMCA – it needs much imp...
Several important bids were approved along with major purchases involving building and grounds committee matters during the Northern Bedford County School District Board of Directors March monthly meeting. The purchase of training equipment and flooring for the Wellness Building in the amount of $209,320 was approved. A Pa. Commission on Crime and Delinquency Mental Health and Wellness grant will cover $112,800 of this purchase. The remainder will be paid from the district’s capital reserve fund. Other major district projects approved from t...
Here are the February Students of the Month for NBC Middle School: Grade 8 – Lilly Johnson, daughter of Ryan and Aleecha Johnson Erik Swanseen, son of David and Emily Swanseen Grade 7 – Lily Miller, daughter of Lucas and Jennie Miller. Jerran Moyer, son of Jerry and Christa Moyer Grade 6 – Leah Steele, daughter of Jonathan and Lucene Steele Ryen Pepple, son of Gabriel and Danelle Pepple...
Four regional veterans’ organizations will team up to sponsor the area’s annual celebration of Vietnam Era veterans, slated for Friday, March 29, at 1st Summit Arena at the Cambria County War Memorial. Veteran Community Initiatives, Inc. (VCI), Conemaugh Valley Veterans, Laurel Highlands Chapter 364 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 2 will hold the event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a brief ceremony starting at 10 a.m. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act was signed into law in 2017, setting asi...
The Martinsburg Friends of the Library met on March 5, 1924 at the library. The book club discussed Fly Girls at their last meeting. April’s title is The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. The book club meets at 1:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the library. This month’s selection is available for checkout at the library. Everyone is invited to join. A fundraiser for the library, Cash Bash Bingo, is scheduled for April 14 at the park at 1PM. National Library Week will be observed April 7-13. The next used book sale is scheduled for...
The resignation of Martinsburg Elementary School Principal Melissa Cerully was accepted at the March Regular School Board of Directors meeting. Cerully had served in the position since July 2021. Prior to assuming her position at Martinsburg Elementary School, she had served as assistant principal at Central High School since 2018 under Principal Stephanie Thompson. She assumed her position at Martinsburg Elementary following the resignation of long time administrator Kendra Prichett. Cerully attained her Principal Certification in 2018 from...
Facing scrutiny from state lawmakers, the Pennsylvania Game Commission said it will not renew a controversial contract it signed late last year with a politically connected lobbying firm. Spotlight PA revealed the existence of the agency’s contract with Allegheny Strategy Partners, a lobbying firm run by former state Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, in February. The commission defended the agreement as an effort to help it improve its relationship with the legislature. In a letter to several Republican senators this week, the c...
Five participants, all students from Northern Bedford, competed in the “4 way speech” contest. Morrisons Cove Rotary encompasses and serves the Northern Bedford, Spring Cove and Williamsburg Community School Districts. Any high school student is invited to participate in the yearly event. The first place participant receives a $500 scholarship. There are also scholarships for 2nd place ($300) and 3rd place ($200). Missing from photo: Max Gochnour - participant and Abby Martin - Interact Clu...
In advance of the solar eclipse that will darken skies across all of Pennsylvania on April 8, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC), and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) are advising residents to plan ahead, especially those living in or traveling to the Northwest Region. “Pennsylvania is lucky to be one of only 13 states in the path of totality for this e...
This past Saturday, a group of students and their teacher got together to honor High School Band Director James Gibboney and the 1974 Williamsburg High School band trip to Ireland, 50 years later. “Look, it’s probably been 50 years since I’ve last seen you,” Linda (Moyer) Smith said to those who came to the Williamsburg Farm Show building where the event was held. Most of those in attendance were looking for the main attraction – Mr. Gibboney, affectionately referred to as “Gibb.” “It’s just ni...
The U.S. Census Bureau on March 14 released estimates of the total population as of July 1, 2023, at the county level. The estimates have been made available to the public by the PA State Data Center. Blair and Bedford counties both lost population. Blair County was one of 11 counties that lost more than 2,000 residents. Population estimates are calculated using administrative records to estimate components of population change such as births, deaths, and migration. Key Trends Pennsylvania...
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 additio...
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 in...
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 d...
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 Walters...
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 pro...
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 las...
“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 knowledgeable speaker to talk...
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 A...
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 clo...
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 space, ho...
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, simply call S...
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 collected...
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 from the...
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 state t...
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 m...
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 par...
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 seats o...
