Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
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The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art located in downtown Bedford at 137 E. Pitt St. is temporarily closed to the public due to the COVID-19 virus. However, SAMA Bedford has not allowed this to stop us from reaching out to the community and providing some outlets for families during this time of isolation. Monday through Friday at 1:00 pm, this week and next week there will be hour long Arts and Crafts classes live streamed through SAMA Bedford’s Facebook page. All are welcome to join and participate. Teachers live stream guidance to all p... Full story
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced March 27 that expiration dates for driver licenses, identification cards, learner’s permits, persons with disability placards, vehicle registrations and safety and emission inspections will be extended for Pennsylvania residents in response to statewide COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Deadlines on the following products will be extended effective March 27, 2020: • Driver licenses, photo ID cards and learner's permits scheduled to expire from March 16, 2020 through April 30, 202... Full story
On March 27, Gov. Tom Wolf issued a statement to reassure all Pennsylvanians that essential services critical to the lives, health and safety of vulnerable populations will continue regardless of actions taken to slow the spread of COVID-19. “Under no circumstances will this administration withdraw life-sustaining services from Pennsylvanians who depend on these support systems,” Gov. Wolf said. “My commitment to maintaining essential services is uncompromised by the COVID-19 pandemic. We will not abandon older adults, individuals with disab... Full story
Pennsylvania CareerLink Blair County and Bedford County have announced updated unemployment Information and a Job Fair update. The best way to file a new unemployment claim or to check on an existing claim is on the Unemployment Compensation (UC) website at https://www.uc.pa.gov/Pages/covid19.aspx. This site has a significant number of answers to questions about layoffs to due COVID-19. The main UC phone number, (888) 313-7284, is experiencing high call volumes so a long hold time should be expected. To avoid long phone hold times here is an... Full story
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) on March 27 announced a new tool available on the department’s website designed to help essential workers connect with child-care providers that have been granted a waiver by the department’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) to continue serving the families of essential personnel during the COVID-19 emergency. “While many Pennsylvanians are responsibly heeding guidance from the Department of Health to stay home, there are still many thousands of essential workers whose... Full story
Experts around the world agree that drinking water is not a source of the novel coronavirus causing the global COVID-19 pandemic, so that should be one less thing for stressed-out Pennsylvania residents to worry about, according to a Penn State Extension educator. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, the novel coronavirus has not been found in drinking water. That’s a very strong indication that drinking water can be obtained from your normal sources, says Danielle Rhea, water r... Full story
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture on March 26 issued guidance for the commonwealth’s essential grocery stores to ensure continuation of services to Pennsylvanians while maintaining a healthy workforce. “In our current COVID-19 pandemic, retail food workers are among the heroes,” said Secretary Redding. “We need their workforce to remain healthy – physically and mentally – and encourage managers and employees to heed this guidance. For their own sake and for all who rely on their life-sustaining service.” The guidance documents issued f... Full story
he Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of midnight March 27, that there are 531 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 2,218 in 50 counties. The department also reported six new deaths among positive cases, bringing the statewide total to 22. County-specific information. All people are either in isolation at home or being treated at the hospital. The department also reported seven new deaths among positive cases, bringing the statewide total to... Full story
The Blair County Board of Commissioners on Friday, March 20, voted unanimously to close the courthouse to the Public in an effort to minimize the COVID-19 exposure to the employees carrying out the essential functions of the Courthouse operations. Any non-County employees who were previously issued a county identification card (i.e. construction contractors, vendors, attorneys, abstractors, etc.) should be aware that these badges will no longer be accepted at the door for immediate entry. Badge... Full story
The Pennsylvania State Police released data on actions taken yesterday, March 25, against non-life-sustaining businesses that failed to comply with Governor Tom Wolf's order closing their physical locations. Enforcement began on Monday, March 23, 2020. Officials in the Troop G area, which includes Blair and Bedford counties, gave three daily warning on march 25, bringing the total to five. Overall, there were 13 warnings throughout the state on March 25, bringing the toal to The governor has... Full story
The 57th Judicial District (Bedford County) has implemented policies in the Common Pleas Courts, Magisterial District Judge Courts, and court-related departments (Probation and Parole and Domestic Relations) in an effort to reduce the possibility of the contraction of, and exposure to, the COVID-19 virus. While these courts/offices shall remain fully functional at the present time, the public is requested to limit their visits to that which is necessary. Effective Friday, March 13, 2020, courtroom galleries shall be limited to 1/3 of normal... Full story
On March 25, Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf announced that new funding is available to help small businesses impacted by the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, through a new program under the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority’s (PIDA) Small Business First Fund, the COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program (CWCA). The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) recently authorized the transfer of $40 million to the Small Business First Fund for CWCA. PIDA authorized making $60 million available to provide loans of $100,000 or less to for-profit businesses w... Full story
The ALTOONA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, under the direction of Maestra Teresa Cheung, has made the decision to cancel both the March concert "The Voice of Deliverance" which was originally scheduled for March 21, 2020, but postponed, and the April concert "Lasting Inspiration" scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2020, due to serious concerns over the spreading COVID19 Virus and in compliance with orders for non-essential businesses to close. The Altoona Symphony Orchestra recognizes the fact that many... Full story
Today, March 26, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that he will spend up to $50 million in transferred state funding to purchase medical equipment and supplies for hospitals, nursing homes, and emergency workers to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania. "We need more beds, more ventilators, more personal protective equipment, and so much more and we need it as soon as possible because the virus is here," Gov. Wolf said. "I am working to get this funding moving as quickly as I can. We need to... Full story
The Pennsylvania Department of Health today, March 26, confirmed as of midnight, March 26, that there are 560 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 1,687 in 48 counties. The frst positive case in Blair County was reported by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The department also reported five new deaths, bringing the statewide death total to 16. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here. All people are either in isolation at home or b... Full story
The Spring Cove School District began providing free lunches to any child age 18 or under (including preschoolers and toddlers) at three outdoor locations across the district on Monday, March 23. These locations are Martinsburg Elementary School, Spring Cove Elementary School and the Milky Way on Dunnings Highway in East Freedom. The children must be present to receive a meal. No adult meals and no meal choices will be offered. Meals may be acquired by "drive-through" or "walk-up" on Monday thro... Full story
The Spring Cove School District began providing free lunches to any child age 18 or under (including preschoolers and toddlers) at three outdoor locations across the district on Monday, March 23. These locations are Martinsburg Elementary School, Spring Cove Elementary School and the Milky Way on Dunnings Highway in East Freedom. The children must be present to receive a meal. No adult meals and no meal choices will be offered. Meals may be acquired by “drive-through” or “walk-up” on Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. “People... Full story
The United State Postal Service provides an essential service for complying with state or municipality shelter-in-place orders or other social distancing restrictions. The postal service delivers medications, social security checks, and is the leading delivery service for online purchases. Mail carrier Tamara Wright works her route along Allegheny Street in Martinsburg on Thursday, March 19. The USPS will continue to follow strategies and measures recommended by the Center for Disease Control... Full story
Area municipalities are closing their doors due to the coronavirus. The Herald was able to collect information from the following municipalities: Martinsburg In response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s order of a statewide shutdown as the number of coronavirus cases in Pennsylvania continues to grow, the Martinsburg Municipal Building is restricting visitors. Individuals who must come to the office are required to ring the door bell before entering as the doors will be locked. Personnel will be on site as usual and will be available to answer phone c... Full story
The Herald is publishing as much local information as it can about the reaction to the coronavirus and COVID-19. The Herald’s niche is providing news about Morrisons Cove, so that’s what we are doing. However, we cannot capture all the news about this event on our website. And, of course, none of us are experts on public health or diseases. So in the interest of providing as much information as we can, the Herald has gathered several resources which are presenting reliable, responsible information about the virus, its spread and related fac... Full story
Due to school closures, The Scarlet Dragon Packs will be distributing weekend food bags for students enrolled in the program at three locations on Friday, March 27, at the following locations: East Freedom: Through Inc. building (former East Freedom Elementary building across the street from the Freedom Township Fire Hall) – 10 to 11 a.m. Roaring Spring: The Cove Creamery (along Route 36 across from Giant Eagle and Roots in the Cove) – 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Martinsburg: Martinsburg Grace Brethren Church (300 S. Mulberry St.) – 12:30 to 1:... Full story
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously agreed Tuesday, March 24, on a plan delaying the state’s primary election until June 2 amid the coronavirus pandemic. Senate Bill 422 heads back to the upper chamber for a concurrence vote Wednesday. House lawmakers gutted the original proposal and replaced it with language rescheduling the April 28 election for June 2 on Tuesday afternoon. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle say they support the move as Gov. Tom Wolf tightens restrictions on public life across the state in response to g... Full story
To the Editor: My wife and I were recently riding in our car when the daily White House briefing on the Covid-19 virus came on. I turned it off but she made me turn it back on. What I heard was a stunning and frighteningly ignorant performance by President Trump. And poor Dr. Fauci had to stand there and listen to the nonsense. Not only is Trump demonstrably dumber than a rock, with the vocabulary of a child, he will never take responsibility for any of his actions or failings. It’s always someone else’s fault. He has pivoted 180 degrees fro... Full story
While we at the Herald are big fans of traditional paper newspapers, we also make use of some of those modern, new-fangled ways of communicating. We do have a website, where we post every story that appears in the print edition. We also have a Facebook page and we occasionally post there. With coronavirus-related events moving as fast as they are, we have resorted to using Facebook a little more than usual. We’re trying to get our questions and our messages out to the community a little more rapidly than our once-a-week publication schedule. W... Full story
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said Sunday night, March 22, that he’s reconsidering his order to shutter liquor stores as part of the state’s coronavirus mitigation effort. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board closed 600 wine and spirits stores across the state Tuesday, March 17, under Wolf’s social distancing directive. Since then, industry trade groups and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) have raised concerns about blanket shut downs, encouraging Wolf himself to revisit the decision. “We are looking at that very serious... Full story
The National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) Research Center on March 23 released data on the effect that Covid-19 has had on small businesses: The NFIB Research Center’s latest survey on the current impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on small business offers a stark contrast from the survey released 10 days ago. The magnitude of disruption now on the small business sector is profound. Currently, 76 percent of small businesses are negatively affected by the outbreak of the coronavirus, a dramatic escalation from just under o... Full story
The novel coronavirus and the disease it causes, known as COVID-19, has disrupted the operations of businesses, governments and other organizations across the country, including Penn State. But Penn State Extension, the educational outreach arm of the College of Agricultural Sciences, will continue to fulfill its mission during this unprecedented time, according to its statewide director, Brent Hales. “The coronavirus situation will require us to modify our operations and program delivery for a period of time,” Hales said. “But despite the c... Full story
Maintaining a stable food supply in the United States is critical in the battle against the novel coronavirus. And that means each sector of the food supply chain – farms, packing houses, food processors and manufacturers, distributors, and retailers – must take measures to ensure that they can continue to operate, according to food scientists in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. Food is not recognized as a source of the virus, but keeping food safe from other pathogens and keeping workers healthy and productive are always imp... Full story
"How can we make church different?" Grace Pointe Community Church of God Pastor Jim Spivey asked his wife Ondria and other members of the church that question under the COVID-19 restrictions of "no more than 10 people at social gatherings." Pastor Spivey explained that he asked this question because two Sundays ago, he knew that the congregation wouldn't be able to hold church in the typical way. "We knew that not every member of the church has Facebook, or other forms of social media, so a...
Amid continued COVID-19 mitigation efforts, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court today canceled the upcoming oral argument session scheduled in Pittsburgh from April 20 through 22. Cases scheduled for argument during that session will be decided on briefs previously submitted. The announcement from the court comes during a statewide court closure and judicial emergency, as directed by the Supreme Court’s Order of March 18. Additional information about the impact of COVID-19 on court operations is available online, at @pennsylvaniacourts and @... Full story
The ever-evolving coronavirus/COVID-19 situation has prompted additional changes to Penn State Extension programming and operations across Pennsylvania, as well as other public services offered by Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. But officials stress that the college's research — conducted through its nine academic departments and at its research and extension centers across the state — will continue in support of Pennsylvania agriculture, the state's food system and the well-being of citizens in the commonwealth. "As part of Pen... Full story
USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMMEDIATE RELIEF Rural Housing Service – Single-Family Housing Effective March 19, borrowers with USDA single-family housing Direct and Guaranteed loans are subject to a moratorium on foreclosure and eviction for a period of 60 d... Full story
Small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency can apply now for low-interest state loans, according to state Sen. Judy Ward. The COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program will feature a low interest rate, no application fees, and payments and interest waived during the first year of the loan. Loans of up to $100,000 will be available for small businesses with 100 or fewer full-time employees to use as working capital. “These are challenging times, and it is my hope that this assistance will provide some much-needed relief t... Full story
In the early stages of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, most Americans made some modest changes to their lives, such as using hand sanitizer more often, according to a new Consumer Reports survey. Consumer Reports has information about how to handle the coronavirus effects at https://www.consumerreports.org/issue/coronavirus-covid-19 But few took more substantial steps, such as making plans for childcare if their kid’s school closed or how to work remotely, possibly because they didn't have options or because they didn't anticipate the p... Full story
On March 25, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) published its first round of implementation guidance pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The guidance addresses critical questions such as: • How does an employer count its number of employees to determine coverage? • How can small businesses obtain an exemption? • How does an employer count hours for part-time employees? • How does an employer calculate wages employees are entitled to under the FFCRA? The initial WHD guidance is available... Full story
Pennsylvania is acting to enable retired health care professionals to assist with the COVID-19 response by waiving certain licensing regulations. Previously, the Department of State waived some regulations for nurses, removed barriers for pharmacies to provide services, and announced that in-state and out-of-state health care practitioners can treat patients via telemedicine during the coronavirus emergency. “Many retired and inactive health care professionals want to help bolster our health care system during this crisis,” Secretary of Sta... Full story
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has released COVID-19 guidance on handling protective services for older adults. This temporary guidance provides operational flexibility to protect older adults and staff during investigative cases while following the ongoing directive from Governor Tom Wolf to stay home and practice social distancing. “One of our primary responsibilities at the Department of Aging is to protect older adults from abuse, neglect, exploitation and/or abandonment by investigating suspected cases of abuse quickly and t... Full story
Conemaugh Memorial, Meyersdale and Nason medical centers are adopting a zero-visitation policy, with exceptions noted. This policy was already in effect at Memorial. Conemaugh Health System has confirmed that it has identified a second patient who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The hospital system is sharing this information because this patient is the first reported case in Somerset County. This patient was transferred to another facility for continuity of care. GENERAL HOSPITAL AND VISITOR GUIDELINES Conemajugh... Full story
This page contains updates of events and businesses affected by the coronavirus and local, state and federal orders. The Herald will post information to this site as it becomes available. Please check back often for updated information. ------------- AKC offers advice for canine companions Everyone is uncertain, but one thing for sure is that our dogs are right there with us. If you’re going stir crazy and are looking for things to do with your dog while quarantined at home, the AKC is here to h... Full story
The Wolf Administration on March 24 reminded Pennsylvanians of food assistance resources available and what actions it is taking to ensure access to food does not stop in spite of the COVID-19 mitigation efforts. “Life has slowed and it has changed, but it has not stopped for the millions of Pennsylvanians who depend on food assistance programs. We know that this pandemic has caused many people and families to find that they are suddenly food insecure and require assistance,” said Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Teresa Miller. Pen... Full story
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue announced the deadline for taxpayers to file their 2019 Pennsylvania personal income tax returns is extended to July 15, 2020. This means taxpayers will have an additional 90 days to file from the original deadline of April 15. The Internal Revenue Service also extended the federal filing deadline to July 15, 2020. The Pa. Department of Revenue will also waive penalties and interest on 2019 personal income tax payments through the new deadline of July 15, 2020. This extension applies to both final 2019... Full story
The Pennsylvania State Police released data on actions taken against non-life-sustaining businesses who failed to comply with Gov. Tom Wolf’s order closing their physical locations. Enforcement began on Monday, March 23, 2020. “As expected, we found the overwhelming majority of people and businesses across the commonwealth are voluntarily complying with the order and doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Colonel Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “This process is two phased beginning with warning...
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced March 23 that all facilities at state parks and forests in Pennsylvania will be closed until April 30 to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The public will still be able to access trails, lakes, forests, roads, and parking areas for passive and dispersed recreation, such as hiking. Dunn said the closure includes campgrounds, cabins and all overnight accommodations. Anyone with reservations in this time period will be contacted,... Full story
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced today that all schools in the commonwealth will remain closed through at least April 6 as a result of the COVID-19 response efforts. The closure order could be extended beyond April 6 if necessary to save lives and stop the spread of COVID-19. When it’s determined that students can return to school, administrators, teachers and other staff will be given two days to prepare classrooms, set up cafeterias, schedule transportation and arrange other business operations. Students would r... Full story
Colonel Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), issued the following statement March 22 on the agency’s enforcement of Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s order closing physical locations of non-life-sustaining businesses: “The priority of the Pennsylvania State Police is protecting lives and maintaining order in the commonwealth. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic, troopers and liquor control enforcement officers are prepared to ensure compliance with Governor Wolf’s order. “Private businesses, organizations, and... Full story
The Blair County Board of Commissioners at a reconvened Public Meeting, Friday, March 20, 2020 at 4:30 in the Public Meeting Room in the Blair County Courthouse, voted unanimously to close the courthouse to the public in an effort to minimize the COVID-19 exposure to the employees carrying out the essential functions of the courthouse operations. Any non-county employees who were previously issued a county identification card (i.e. construction contractors, vendors, attorneys, abstractors) should be aware that these badges will no longer be... Full story
The Wolf administration is removing barriers for pharmacies to provide services for Pennsylvanians in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has granted a request from the Pennsylvania Department of State to suspend certain pharmacy regulations to enable more flexible and available services during the coronavirus emergency. The temporary changes include helping pharmacies practice social distancing for staff and allowing for the licensure of out-of-state pharmacies to ship goods into Pennsylvania. “Temporarily lifting cer... Full story
March 18, 2020 Good morning. I am Stephen McKnight, president and CEO of the Altoona Blair County Development Corporation. I am joined here today with Joe Hurd, executive director of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce. I am going to start things off and then turn it over to Joe for a few comments. On behalf of the Altoona Blair County Development Corporation Board of Directors and staff, I wanted to take time here today, to share some important information related to our operational planning, financial resource development, and various... Full story
By THE HERALD TEAM Publisher Allan J. Bassler Editor Brian Hess Circulation Manager Tammy Cottle Bookkeeper Martin Bakner Composing Manager Dessie Carpenter Editorial Assistant Helena Bassler The people and communities of Morrisons Cove and nearby areas prepared for the likely spread of the coronavirus here by canceling most events and planning to provide meals to students after schools were ordered closed by the governor. The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person... Full story
Epidemics do not have politics. History shows that for the last 200 years, governments and health workers have reacted in much the same way to each epidemic. As an historian, I have been studying public health and disease for 40 years. I suggest that, by drawing on history, it is possible to summarize the typical stages of epidemic diseases, and therefore to provide some of the needed background information for those who are worried about the spread, at the present time, of a strain of the... Full story
