Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
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Blair County Chamber of Commerce saw the end of an era when their long-time President and CEO Joe Hurd retired on August 30. He said he enjoyed the job tremendously. “I’m so grateful for the people who I’ve had the opportunity to work with from the business community and the terrific staff that we’ve had,” Hurd said. He said the longer it goes, the more he thinks some events and programs are starting to look stale and it is time for some new people with new ideas. “It is time for a seventy-year-old guy to step out of the way and let some ne...
Bluebird Country Workshop is a new program for the Cove Special Children, which was founded in April 2024. The purpose of this workshop is to provide a safe place for individuals with physical or emotional challenges. It also provides the plain community with an opportunity to help one another. The workshop is a non profit organization funded through donations and operated by volunteers. Lucy Zimmerman and Edna Newswanger have been the leaders in this new endeavor. Kimberly Zimmerman is the special education instructor and is present when the...
Nason Hospital Auxiliary has been offering scholarships to area high school seniors pursuing a career in the medical field for the past several years. The scholarship began with the hope that the auxiliary could offer financial support to qualifying students. We encourage donations from our members to help with the cost of the scholarships. This year a scholarship of $500 was awarded to two local students: Laney Yost from Altoona Area High School who will be attending University of Pittsburgh to major in biology/ pre-med and Mary Grill from...
During the Southern Cove Power Reunion’s August meeting they reported that there were 138 hookups at the last tractor pull and no breakdowns. Amy Mellot shared the treasurer report. The checking account balance was $22,941.84, and the Hometown Museum Fund had a balance of $4,236.00. An updated water line is in the process of being placed and there will be an additional hook up for apple butter making for the fall show. On September 17 and 18, the weigh-ins are at 4 p.m. There will also be a church service on September 8:30 a.m. and a...
At the August meeting, Williamsburg Borough Council member Brandon Chamberlain had to resign citing a conflict of interest with his position at PennDOT. At the meeting on Tuesday, September 3, Chamberlain’s resignation was approved and Matthew Webb was appointed to fill Chamberlain’s vacancy. The borough received four letters of interest for the vacant position, but Webb was the only one present at the meeting. “I would be willing and honored to serve on the board,” Webb, a lifelong Williamsburg resident, said. Council member Bruce Hamilton sai...
At the September 5 meeting, Woodbury Township supervisor Paul Harclerode said, “We need to advertise for help.” The township is currently looking for both full-time and part-time workers, CDL preferred. The supervisors approved a motion to advertise for help. The township’s red International Truck would not pass inspection. A motion to advertise the truck for sale, but keep the plow and spreader was approved. Stiffler McGraw presented an opportunity to apply for a Local Share Account Grant. The grant would help the township purchase a single-ax...
It seems that whatever Norma Saylor-Grove chooses to do with her life, she leaves an undeniable legacy. For over 33 years, she taught third grade at Williamsburg Elementary School. Grove was also on the Board of Directors for the Williamsburg Community Farm Show, where she was recently awarded the Friend of the Fair Award. Education Grove is the daughter of the late John and Ida Saylor of Williamsburg. She has one sister, Nancy, a niece, Ashley, and a nephew, the late Jim Bob. Grove is a 1974...
The final reading for the new proposed policy for attendance at meetings via electronic communications brought a great deal of disagreement and discussion to the Spring Cove School District School Board Committee of the Whole meeting. The policy said there would be no last minute notice of attendance through electronic communications and a member could have no more than three meetings done virtually. Board member Kevin Smith said the proper chain of command was not followed. “Limiting electronic communications at meetings is a violation of t...
The 93rd Annual Claysburg Farm Show is a big event in the Claysburg area, according to Palmer Knisely, chairman of the Claysburg Farm Show Association. "This is probably one of the biggest events here," Knisely said. Since at least 1996, the Farm Show has taken place at the Queen Grade School Building, where each department has its own contest space. Participants submit their entries to various departments, competing for first, second, and third place awards. Categories include flowers,...
Across the Cove region, school hallways have become a buzz of excitement over the past two weeks as students settle in for the 2024-2025 school term. For students at Northern Bedford High School and Middle School, the excitement for a new school year culminated into a fun afternoon on Friday, August 30. The annual PRIDE assembly was held in the high school auditorium to promote positive behaviors from students and staff throughout the school year. Panther Pride has always been a core value to...
A man from Hollidaysburg died in a single car accident Friday night in Greenfield Township. State police reported that Wayne A. Newkirk, 46, was driving southbound on I-99 at a high speed in the right lane when, at around 11:48 p.m., he veered into the left lane to overtake another vehicle. Newkirk lost control of his Honda Accord, left the road, and hit an embankment. The car rolled several times, ejecting Newkirk, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene....
Blair County Sheriff’s Office has announced that trick or treat will be on the last Thursday of October in Blair County, on October 31. They would like to remind parents to walk with small children, wear visible clothing and check all candy before allowing children to consume it. If anything is found to be suspicious, people should contact law enforcement immediately. Motorists are also reminded to watch for a high volume of pedestrian traffic and to use extreme caution when traveling to avoid any injuries....
During the South Woodbury Township meeting on Tuesday, September 3, it was announced that work has begun on proposals for the 2025 budget. About $90,000 is a beginning figure for paving projects and $150 is the starting amount for Pine Hill Project. The budget will be posted for thirty days before adoption. The bridge dedication ceremony that took place on the Golden Rule Road was well received by the community, the supervisors said. A donation will be sent to the Fort Bedford Honor Guard to help them with all they do for the local...
Woodbury Borough swore in a new council member to replace Vince Heath. Brayden Claycomb was sworn in by Shawn Claycomb, council president during Woodbury’s monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 3. The treasurer’s report showed that the council has a total balance of $130,642.27 in the General Fund. Woodbury Community Center presented June minutes to the council for review. It was revealed that they would be getting estimates from three companies for replacing the boiler. There is a possibility of holding a Farmer’s Market in the WACC parki...
After three weeks of testing as required under a state monitoring program for bird flu in dairy cattle, animal health experts in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences revealed that the university’s dairy herd has been certified as free of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI. “The Penn State dairy herd has achieved ‘monitored herd’ status under the Pennsylvania Lactating Dairy Cow Health Monitoring Program,” said extension veterinarian Ernest Hovingh, clinical professor of veterinary and biomedical sciences and director of...
Northern Bedford Pharmacy has been in New Enterprise for about 15 years, opening in June 2009. Owner, Joe Breton, said having his own pharmacy was something he always wanted to do. He said that he enjoys talking about family, sports, and the things going on in the lives of the people who use the pharmacy. "We try to greet everybody by name and ask them how their day is going," Breton said. "We try to get to know them. His parents using an independent pharmacy and his youngest sister having...
The NBC Little Panthers kicked off their positive behaviors program for the school with the theme TOGETHER, on Friday, September 9. This year's theme spotlights accomplishing so much more when working together. The theme will be the focus of the school year as part of the Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports program which encourages students to behave positively both in school and in the community. The school-wide assembly was full of fun events coordinated with the staff and students...
The New Enterprise Township Supervisors held a bridge dedication ceremony for the 2080 Golden Rule Road bridge in New Enterprise, at 10 a.m. on August 22. John Hileman, the Chairperson for the Township Supervisors opened the ceremony. He said the bridge started as a water management project last summer. Keller Engineers designed and oversaw the permits and inspections. Guyer Brothers was the successful bidder for the project and built the bridge. There was also a ditch line along the field leadi...
Two local young ladies will be representing their counties at the 2024 Pennsylvania Dairy Princess Competition in Harrisburg on Saturday, September 21. Kaylin Ickes of Bedford County and Anna Longenecker of Blair County will compete in a variety of contests and showcase their dairy knowledge and presentation skills to a panel of judges during the event. Both young ladies are excited to share their story and message with the Cove. Next week's edition will include an interview with Ickes, and...
During the afternoon of August 29, a tornado briefly touched down in southern Blair County, leaving behind a trail of damage but causing no injuries or fatalities. The tornado, classified as an EF1, brought estimated peak winds of 95 mph and was on the ground for approximately three minutes. The tornado began at 4:17 p.m., just south-southwest of Roaring Spring, in Roaring Spring Township, near a motorcycle repair shop east of State Route 867. In this area, the storm reached its peak intensity, snapping or uprooting between one and two dozen...
The Altoona-Blair County Airport Authority is planning a project to extend the airport’s stormwater drainage system into a 48-inch culvert beneath Route 866, a state-owned road. The project is expected to cost about $500,000, with most of the funding coming from the American Rescue Plan Act. The airport authority convened a special meeting on Thursday after receiving approval from PennDOT to channel the system from a sinkhole located between the airport and Dowrick Drive to the culvert under Curryville Road. During the meeting, the authority t...
The 87th Hollidaysburg Community Farm Show will be held Sept 16-19. The Show will be held at the Hollidaysburg Senior High Sports Building on Montgomery Street. Special events: Contests for adults and children Tuesday thru Thursday. Wednesday: 4-8 p.m. “Ask the Master Gardener.” 4:30 p.m. The Golden Tiger Marching Blue Band will give a concert. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Silver Creek Ministries mini horses petting zoo. Thursday: 9 a.m. Allied Milk Producers 4-7 p.m. “Ask the Master Gardener.” Entries for the Farm Show will be accepted Sept 16, 5-9 p.m. an...
Youth participating at the Williamsburg Fair have spent hours working to raise their project animals in order to have them ready for fair time. Daily feeding, exercising and cleaning is a large part of what goes into having their animals in top condition. All the hard work for that year ends in the show ring. Each youth will showcase their animals to the best of their abilities. The animals have been washed, clipped and groomed to show off its best features. Along with the show, where the...
A Queen man is in custody after allegedly threatening a woman with a rifle during a dispute over belongings. Robert Lee Thompson, 41, was charged Wednesday by Magisterial District Judge Brian K. Baker with one misdemeanor count each of simple assault, terroristic threats, and reckless endangerment. Unable to post $300,000 bail, he was taken to Bedford County Correctional Facility. The charges arise from a reported domestic incident where officers were dispatched at around 5:06 a.m. on Aug. 28. While responding to the 100 block of Appletree Lane...
The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation is awarding more than $66,000 in scholarships to students for the 2024-2025 academic year. This encompasses awarding $36,000 to first-year Supporting Scholars, covering both the Emerging Leader Scholarship and the Presidential Scholarship. The College Foundation will also be awarding 20 scholarships (over $30,000 in total) to deserving students. Kaitlin Smith of Martinsburg is being awarded the Supporting Scholars-Presidental Scholarship....
Maples Ice Cream and Treats officially opened on June 1 of this year inside Leighty’s store in Newry. Greg Huber said the business got started with the idea of his daughter Briella Huber opening an ice cream and baked goods shop when she graduated high school. “However, when Leighty’s called me about the idea of putting an ice cream shop in the store, we just kind of ran with the idea,” he said. “We decided to start with the ice cream first because of the season. He has worked for Leighy’s about 30 years and was the the general manager for...
Students at Bright Beginnings had a mission to do a community service project while having fun. Bright Beginnings in Roaring Spring, is owned and operated by Stephanie Kensinger, of Martinsburg. The teachers of Bright Beginnings brainstormed ideas on how to get the students who varied in age from kindergarten to fifth grade involved in the Roaring Spring community. "We just wanted to show these students how to give back to the community – elementary students can help make the community a b...
Over 200 years ago in the Brethren Church, a man sported a beard to show that he was married. Present day, men at the Fairview Church of the Brethren were sporting beards during the 150th Anniversary celebration in mid-July, vying for the honor of Best Beard. During the second week of December last year, Pastor Alan Brumbaugh announced that there would be a beard contest during the church's anniversary celebration. The votes would take place via collections jars, and the one collecting the most...
Those unable to attend Blue Pirate and Lady Pirate games might find themselves heading over to YouTube to find them on the channel WilliamsburgBluePirateGamesGalore. Behind the channel is Patrick Detwiler, 19, whose love of filming has tremendously helped connect families, friends, and fans of all things Williamsburg sports. He is a 2023 graduate of Williamsburg High School and is the son of Stan and Patty (Helsley) Detwiler. At the age of four, Detwiler was diagnosed with high-functioning...
Roaring Spring Community Library Director Michelle McIntyre said their Seed Library and Community Seed Exchange programs have been seeing a lot of activity again this year. They had so many seeds this year, they now have an overflow shelf and another card catalog to store everything. "This year we had 1,800 we gave away," she said. On Monday, they were opening up another big packet of seeds that were sent to them. McIntyre said the seeds that go out the door thw fastest are peppers, tomatoes,...
I think it may be ingrained in our blood as Williamsburg residents that Farm Show week is one of the best weeks out of the year. A great time to appreciate a lot of what Williamsburg has to offer, a great agricultural town and a tight-knit community that we are all so thankful to be a part of. I was lucky enough to head down to the Farm Show, for three days – Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Farm Show Queen competition, the Celebrity Milking Contest, and my f...
The 27 Annual Benefit Auction and Bake Sale and Friday Night Rib Dinner will be held on September 13 at the Morrison’s Cove Produce Auction. The auction is located at 4826 Woodbury Pike, Roaring Spring Pa. On September 13 will be the rib dinner which will start at 4:30 p.m. until sold old. The dinner will feature Hatfield’s ribs and 800 will be prepared. They include homemade baked beans, homemade mac and cheese, homemade dinner rolls, and a choice of coleslaw or applesauce. All items for the auction can be previewed at this time and you can...
Youth exhibiting livestock at the 2024 Williamsburg Community Farm Show experienced another successful show and sale during last week's festivities. With over 100 livestock animals filling the barns to max capacity and seventy youth ages 4-21 showing livestock, this year showcased the highest participation in the history of the Farm Show. Angelique Walason, Farm Show secretary, shared that the simplicity of the event is what draws so many participants from other counties. "We had youth in the...
Laura Steele, third grade, Bradley Ritchey, kindergarten, and Alexeigha Pote get off their bus on the first day of school at Northern Bedford County Elementary School....
On Saturday, August 9, 16 individuals from the Cove were recognized for their bowling records from games played at the The Huntsman Bowling Center at Morrisons Cove Memorial Park. At the bowling alley, there is a designated spot on the wall that says "Wall of Honor", where the plaques of each of the honorees are on display. A banquet and award ceremony was held at the park building to give each honorees their own plaque. According to bowling center manager Dave Shadle, this idea started about a...
Friendship Fire Company of Roaring Spring was dispatched at 7 p.m. for a fire with entrapment on Cove Lane Road in Taylor Township, on Sunday, August 18. When crews arrived, there was heavy fire coming from the back of the structure. While on scene, they were able to confirm that there were not people in the home, but there were animals still in the home. Crews from Freedom Township Fire Department were also on scene to assist Friendship Fire, which included helping to supply additional water....
Dr. Brian Helsel, Claysburg-Kimmel School District superintendent, announced at the monthly Board of Directors meeting that the district had been awarded a $20,000 grant for developing future educators. The two-year grant will focus on getting teachers to become special educators. The grant will also pay for an advisor. The purchase of a drone is also being considered. The Intermediate Unit is coming in to support the district with curriculum. There will be a data team with the Intermediate Unit. Mental health awareness initiatives will be the...
MARTINSBURG – The Blair Co Junior Livestock Show was held on August 12 and 13 at the Morrison Cove Memorial Park. Terry Burks from Bowling Green, Ky., judged the dairy beef, goat, lamb, swine and beef show. Jenn Lichvarcik, DuBois, Pa., judged the rabbits. Pictures by Haley England Photography 4-H and FFA scholarship recipients were Andrew McMonagle, Ayla Hileman , Heather Brumbaugh, Olivia Dodson, Darcy Heltzel and Kara Lansberry. The scholarships are funded by donations from buyers and s...
The Roaring Spring Library is holding a program to allow students and parents a way to get what they need to go back to school. The library held its first back-to-school drive which provided clothing to families in the community. Ellie Smiley, the library's volunteer coordinator, said about 250 were at the library for the drive. The next back-to-school giveaway with be at the Trinity United Methodist Church on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Smiley said they have a wide assortment of...
8 BLAIR CO JR LIVESTOCK SHOW AND SALE Grand and Reserve Champions...
Blair County Farm Bureau's meeting took place on Friday morning at Ritchey's Dairy to discuss how the recently signed state budget affected agriculture industries. Those who gathered included local officials, Blair County commissioners, farmers, and FFA students from Tyrone. Other topics that were discussed included, the avian flu, wildlife damage to trespassing, hunting regulations, and milk prices. To wrap everything up, attendees were treated to a tour of Ritchey's Dairy, and ice cream after...
The Williamsburg Community Farm Show kicked off Saturday with the arrival of livestock trailers, antique machinery and tractors, food vendors, and vehicles loaded with an array of entries like produce, baked goods, photography exhibits, sewing and quilting projects, and crafts. Hailing as the largest fair in Blair County, the Williamsburg Community Farm Show serves to bring the community together to celebrate agriculture and offer families the opportunity to experience the carnival,...
By Thomas Schmitt It was revealed at the Northern Bedford County School District August Board of Directors meeting that the district had a computer security incident in which they were the target of a cyber breach and ransomware infection by a highly sophisticated cyber-criminal group. The district believes the threat came through a virtual private network. The school installed a new state-of-the-art firewall, reconfigured servers, and recreated user accounts, and all staff and student passwords were reset. The district security budget was...
Daniel Longwell, a senior at Central High School and Eagle Scout of Troop 358 in Martinsburg, helped raise money for acoustic panels at the gymnasium at the Morrisons Cove Memorial Park building as part of his eagle scout project. Through fundraising and donations, he was able to raise about $15,000, he said. The cost of the panels was $12,000 and with the extra money they were able to buy safety gear, rent a U-Haul to store the panels, rented lifts to use for installation, and donated the rest...
Roaring Spring Borough Council approved the purchase of a 2024 Interceptor from Costars for the police department. The purchase was made due to the previous SUV owned by the borough being totaled in a collision. Rodney Claycomb gave an update on the fire company. When he last met at a meeting about two months ago, he said they were taking out a loan in the amount of $24,641 to buy thermal imaging cameras and nozzles. “The good news is, we got a grant from Nason Hospital for $10,575 to purchase one of the thermal imaging cameras and a c...
Penn State University has announced the launch of its 2024 Butcher Apprenticeship Program, designed to revolutionize education and meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the meat processing industry. The Butcher Apprenticeship Program, hosted by Penn State Extension, is a comprehensive initiative to provide hands-on training and education for individuals aspiring to become proficient butchers. This program is tailored to equip participants with the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise required for a successful career in...
Larry Smith, President of the Frontier Patriots Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution presented to Fire Chief Randy Acker, Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company Fire a Certificate of Appreciation for the Company's service to the community, 14 August 2024. The Frontier Patriots Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution serves Bedford, Blair, Fulton and Huntingdon Counties. The SAR is a lineage society with membership based on descent from a Patriot of the American Revolutionary...
Eight young ladies were named either Little Miss or Princess at the Williamsburg Community Farm Show during Royalty festivities on Sunday afternoon, August 18. Competing for Little Miss included: Ava Emery, Frankie Giansante, Scarlett Leidy, Alexis Morningstar, Addyson Stringer, and Halle White. Those competing for Princess included: Elizabeth Dively and Addison Dodson. Following the introduction of the candidates, the outgoing Little Miss Isabella Harclerode and Princess Adalyn Ronk were also...
Wayne Baker, a resident of Catharine Township, presented a laundry list of questions to Catharine Township supervisors during their meeting last Thursday evening in Williamsburg. Baker asked for an update on Oak Alley, which he has maintained for about 15 years. Three years ago, the supervisors said they would take care of it. Baker asked why the maintenance has been so poor ever since. He said he went so far as to buy coal patches himself to fix the road. “No further discussion, but repairs were talked about,” Chairman Heather Flaig said, on...
Eight members of the Williamsburg FFA Chapter participated in the Pennsylvania FFA State Activities Week June 11 – 13, 2024 at Penn State, University Park. At the conclusion of the three days, the chapter had success in many different areas. While at Penn State Tuesday and Wednesday, students are busy competing in Career Development Events (CDEs) which are contests in an agriculturally related area that enables the students to develop critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork skills. At th...
