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Articles by Erica Burkholder
BCTC recognizes over 90 seniors
EVERETT — The Bedford County Technical Center honored its 94 seniors for their accomplishments and completing the school on Wednesday night.
Ridge approves preliminary budget with tax increase
FISHERTOWN — The Chestnut Ridge School Board approved a tentative budget with a 6% tax increase during Tuesday night’s special meeting. The administration and board members expressed concern over the state formula for funding and its relationship to local taxes. “We know by looking at the funding formula we get beat to pieces because of the local tax effort,” said Superintendent Kyle Kane. “In October, the board made the decision that we are done with Central Elementary. We need a new building.
Everett presents tentative budget
EVERETT— The Everett Area School Board approved its preliminary budget at its Thursday night meeting. The general fund was approved at around $24.4 million with the athletic general fund approved for $96, 385. Any new positions or curriculum will be brought before the board for approval. David Burkett, the superintendent, and the finance committee are recommending a 2% tax increase. Qualified taxpayers would reportedly benefit from a net tax credit of about $60 per homestead or $45 per farmstead.
NBC approves preliminary budget
LOYSBURG — The Northern Bedford School Board approved its preliminary budget for the next school year. The preliminary general fund budget is set to see projected revenue of around $15.7 million and expenditures of around $16.5 million, for a projected deficit of $773,497. kAm%96 3F586E :?4=F56D 2 b]edT E2I :?4C62D6[ H9:49 :D =6DD E92?
Everett Borough talks parking, rain issues
EVERETT — The Everett Borough Council talked about parking, the weather, Tenley Park and a donation to the local school district at its Monday night meeting. The council moved to amend the parking ordinance to add no street marking along West Street. One council member said that drivers are not obeying the posted speed limit and when multiple cars are parked along the street it provides a hazard. Another council member said that they had almost been hit once when walking along the street.
Bedford Borough Council continues open container talks
The Bedford Borough Council continued discussing the borough’s open container ordinance at its Monday night meeting. Last month, Jeff Rinscheid questioned why the borough continues to have an open container ordinance when the council waives it whenever events make the request. Kenny Fetterman, chair of the ordinance review committee, discussed what the council would like to see in a new ordinance. He said that most of the committee agreed that the ordinance could not just be lifted in the borough.
Two facing charges after baby sustained multiple injuries
Two locals are in the Bedford County Correctional Facility after being arraigned on charges relating to the alleged physical assault of a one-year-old last month. Lee D. Ott, 45, of Woodbury, and Jamie A. Williams, 22, of Six Mile Run, were charged with felony endangering the welfare of children, felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor simple assault on Wednesday. Magisterial District Judge Tonya Osman arraigned the two on Thursday.
Woman accused of harming boy after throwing phone waives hearing
A local woman accused of throwing her cell phone at a boy hard enough to require multiple stitches waived her right to a preliminary hearing at Wednesday’s Central Court. Kathryn E. Laber, 33, of Hyndman, was charged with felony aggravated assault, felony endangering the welfare of children, misdemeanor simple assault and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia on April 22.
Ridge approves building upgrades
FISHERTOWN — The Chestnut Ridge School Board is continuing to look to the district’s future, with a repair at Central Elementary being approved and several other projects in the works. The repair was originally supposed to be part of an HVAC project at the elementary school. During November’s meeting, the board voted to reject all bids for an HVAC project at Central Elementary. In early 2022, the board was informed that Central has a projected few years of usability without improvements.
Everett hires new MS principal
EVERETT — The Everett Area School District did not have to look far for its newest middle school principal. The school board approved Travis Leap as the new middle school principal, effective July 1, on Thursday night. “I would like to express I think that we have a strong administrative team here,” said David Burkett, superintendent. “When you have somebody retiring to leave, sometimes you get a little hesitant about how we’re going to fill the shoes.
Ridge talks need for new building
One of the main topics of the Chestnut Ridge school board meeting this week was the discussion about the building committee meeting the district held last week with the main concern of a new building. The board was told at a meeting in early 2022 that Central Elementary has a few more years of usability without improvements. The board had voted against HVAC improvements to the elementary building in November.
Bedford council discusses open containers, traffic lights
The Bedford Borough Council discussed the open container ordinance and the borough’s traffic lights at its meeting Monday night. Council member Jeff Rinscheid questioned the point of an open container ordinance if events in the borough continue to request the ordinance be waived. The event, approved by the council, Feast of Love, to be held on July 11 by Abby’s Angel Animal Haven and the Bedford County Humane Society had asked for approval for participants to bring their alcoholic beverages.
NB Community raises $35,000 for local families
LOYSBURG— The Northern Bedford community continued its tradition of giving to those in need Thursday night with its Dance-A-Thon. The event raised over $35,000 this year. Students met in the auditorium Thursday afternoon for an assembly that allowed them to see some of the families their generosity is helping. Garry Black said that families are offered the chance to speak with students and be open about being “adopted” into the Dance-A-Thon family or to keep matters closed.
EASD principal set to retire
EVERETT— The Everett Area School District is set to lose decades of experience from its staff after retirement approvals at the Thursday night school board meeting. The board approved Laurie Criswell’s retirement, effective June 30. She has been in education for nearly 37 years and with Everett for almost a decade.
Ridge board set to make approvals
FISHERTOWN — The Chestnut Ridge school board continued with business as normal a day after the district released a statement on the allegations against its assistant middle school principal. “The school district is aware that a member of its staff has been arrested pending charges being brought forth. The district takes these types of matters very seriously and will continue to cooperate with the appropriate authorities pursuant to their investigation,” said the release on the district’s website.
EASD talks building upgrades
The Everett Area School Board discussed buildings and a sign at its facilities meeting Thursday night. The facilities committee met with a representative of McClure to discuss payment options, as the grant the school is applying for will not be decided until after work is completed this summer. The representative said that the district cannot pay anything for the project until the decision is made or the project becomes ineligible for the grant.
Ridge official hit with dozens of charges
A Chestnut Ridge administrator is facing more than 60 charges for allegedly failing to report suspected acts of molestation by a student, committed against other students, on a district school bus. Bail was set at $1 million straight for Patrick Nathan Isgan, 37, who is currently employed as an assistant middle school principal in the district.
Man accused of New Jersey homicide waives hearing
A man accused of killing a family member in New Jersey and drunk driving in Bedford Township waived his right to a preliminary hearing at Wednesday’s Central Court. James J. Doran Jr., 30, of Trenton, NJ, was charged with recklessly endangering another person, evading arrest on foot, DUI, resisting arrest and summary traffic offenses on March 2. State police observed a vehicle operated by Doran pass a patrol vehicle at a high rate of speed along US 220 southbound.
NBC approves building upgrades
LOYSBURG — The Northern Bedford School District school board looks to the district’s future with the building upgrades approved at Tuesday’s meeting. The board approved the purchase of training equipment and flooring for the wellness building for $209,320. A grant will cover $112,800 of the purchase. The wellness building was approved in the November meeting after first being brought up in a 2022 meeting.
Everett Borough donates to library
EVERETT—The Everett Borough Council is continuing its tradition of donating to the Everett Free Library after its Monday night meeting. The council voted to donate $2,000 to the library. Ruth Bowman said that the borough has been donating that amount since 2011. Most of the meetings focused on public comment. The council approved an Eagle Scout to do his project at the Everett Church of the Brethren. He requested to build a fire pit.
Everett woman's drug charges held for court
A woman accused of operating a methamphetamine lab in Everett borough in the same house as her children saw the charges against her bound to the higher court at Wednesday’s Central Court. Kimberly B.
MABB sees changes approved by Bedford Borough Council
The Municipal Authority of Bedford Borough looks different after a new appointment at the borough council meeting on Monday night. Jack Pencil’s appointment to the authority was approved. Matt Bullington, the former chairperson of the authority, moved the motion with Sharon Turkovich providing a second. Bullington resigned after nearly a decade with the authority. The vacancy was left by Bullington’s resignation. The appointment is for the rest of the five-year term ending in January 2027.
Ridge parents raise concern over bus allegations
FISHERTOWN — Parents questioned the Chestnut Ridge School Board on recent allegations of inappropriate touching on a bus and allegations that the district was covering up the alleged incident. “The concern that the school district has is for the children and for the families and trying to address and take care of issues that come up,” said Brad Allison, when a parent asked for an explanation of the recent alleged inappropriate touching.
Ridge talks spring coaches and comprehensive plan
The Chestnut Ridge School District school board looks forward to spring when it votes to approve spring coaches at its voting meeting next Tuesday. “We’re almost through winter. We’re on to sunshine and blue skies, hopefully, so we have some spring coaches,” said Kyle Kane, superintendent, announcing the coaches’ list at the Chestnut Ridge school board committee meeting Tuesday night. The track and field program is set to see several changes after the board’s meeting next week.
Everett approves summer retirements
EVERETT — The Everett Area School District is set to lose decades of experience this summer after the board approved the retirements of staff members at its Thursday night meeting. Paul Clark’s retirement from a fourth-grade teaching position and head junior high wrestling coach, effective May 31, was accepted by the board. Jim Keebaugh, school board president, noted Clark has 29 years of service to the district as a wrestling coach and 34 as a teacher.
NBC sets spring coach list
LOYSBURG— The Northern Bedford School Board is set to lose teachers “with years of experience” after the approval of their upcoming retirements from the district at the Tuesday night meeting. Michael Brode’s retirement from a high school math teacher position was approved, along with Sue Heuston’s retirement from an elementary special education teacher position and Craig Curfman’s retirement from a middle school/high school technical education teacher position.
Everett Boro talks housing project, taxes
EVERETT — The Everett Borough Council provided updates on a housing project in the borough at its Monday night meeting. The Everett Hardwoods project is spearheaded by the Center for Community Action and would see the building transformed into office space and low-income housing. Council member Jarred Bulger said that the project is set to house individuals over 55 years old and provide office space.
Man accused of threatening troopers waives hearings
A man accused of threatening state troopers with a knife after trespassing waived his right to preliminary hearings in two cases against him at Wednesday’s Central Court. Rodney Earnest, 36, of Bedford, was charged with misdemeanor trespassing, felony aggravated assault, four counts of misdemeanor resisting arrest, four counts of misdemeanor recklessly endangering another person and four counts of summary evading arrest on Jan. 26.
Former librarian waived hearing on 195 charges
A former Saxton librarian accused of stealing funds from the library waived her right to a preliminary hearing on the charges against her at Wednesday’s Central Court. Kristy L. Williams, 45, of Robertsdale, was charged with 65 counts of felony theft by unlawful taking, 65 counts of felony forgery and 65 counts of felony receiving stolen property on Jan. 22.
Bedford Borough Council deabtes handling of Ford garage
Bedford Borough Council’s Monday night meeting focused mainly on discussion, with a debate emerging about what should be done with a building in the historic district’s broken windows and crumbling concrete.
Woman fleeing police led to drug charges
A woman accused of striking a vehicle and allegedly fleeing from police in Saxton over the weekend waived her right to a preliminary hearing at Wednesday’s Central Court. Denice E. Geissinger, 54, of Saxton, fleeing law enforcement, resisting arrest, DUI, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and 8 counts on Jan. 27. State police said that a black Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo drove through a stop sign at the intersection of Lower Main Street and 10th Street on Jan.
NBC hosted an unplugged day
LOYSBURG — The Northern Bedford County School District explored the impacts of social media and technology on the area’s youth. The district hosted an “unplugged day” at the middle school and high school levels. The day saw students unable to use their cell phones and laptops, and teachers unable to use technology in their classrooms. While students said they felt a negative change in mood that day, people interacted more personally.
Ridge OKS building improvements, staff changes
FISHERTOWN The Chestnut Ridge school board approved bids for the HVAC project at the district’s high school building at its meeting Tuesday night. The board approved an electrical contract with Darr Construction for $70,700 and a mechanical contract with Hranec Sheet Metal for $401,000. Superintendent Kyle Kane said the projects are to help improve the humidity levels. The project will be paid for by the elementary and secondary school emergency relief fund.
Everett votes to close Breezewood at end of school year
The Everett Area School District school board unanimously voted to close Breezewood Elementary, effective at the end of the school year. “Unfortunately, with the decreased amount of enrollment, it just makes sense. For me personally, my kid goes to Everett Elementary, and I cannot say how much appreciation I have for everyone there. I think the Breezewood kids — those babies are going to be so excited. They can be blessed with so much more opportunity.
NBC chooses local transportation contractors
LOYSBURG — The Northern Bedford School board hosted its Tuesday night meeting to a full crowd at Northern Bedford High School as the public was concerned about the up-for-bid transportation contract. Members of the public spoke up in support of one of the current contractors, Leidy Transportation, who has worked in the district since 2011. “Higher-quality maintenance, tires, parts, and equipment come at a higher cost than that of a lesser-grade product.
Man accused of injuring trooper sees charges held
A man accused of failing to warn police about a needle in his pocket during his arrest had two of the three cases against him bound to the Court of Common Pleas at Wednesday’s Central Court. Matthew R. Sabo, 40, of New Paris, was charged with two counts of felony aggravated assault, misdemeanor simple assault and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia on Nov. 9. Tpr. Nicholas Moore testified to responding to a residence along Industrial Avenue in Bedford Township on Oct.
Woman accused of kicking trooper waives hearing
A woman accused of kicking a local state trooper during a DUI arrest waived her right to a preliminary hearing at Wednesday’s Central Court. Krystal M. Hoffman, 47, of Elton, Cambria County, was charged with two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of simple assault, two counts of resisting arrest, one count of disorderly conduct, summary harassment and summary criminal mischief on Jan. 5. Hoffman was under arrest for suspicion of Dui around 9:45 p.m. on Jan. 1.
Arson trio: One waived hearing, one testified, one saw charges held
A woman accused of hiring a man to kill her wife and the wife’s family had the charges against her bound to the Court of Common Pleas at Wednesday’s Central Court. Another woman accused of acting as a getaway driver waived her right to a preliminary hearing. Heather A. Dibert, 43, of Duncansville, faces nearly 40 charges for her alleged part in a reported arson of a residence in Napier Township in October.
Communities unite to support two young cancer patients
The Northern Bedford area and surrounding communities are coming together to stand with and provide encouragement for two middle school students through difficult times. Northern Bedford is uniting with Claysburg-Kimmel on Wednesday night to host a variety of fundraisers for cancer patients TJ Helsel and Quinton Morrow, both Northern Bedford Middle School students, when NBC boys’ basketball team plays Claysburg-Kimmel in a Sideline Cancer game.
Bedford Borough welcomes new member
The Bedford Borough Council started the new year by welcoming a new member at its Tuesday meeting. Mark Rose was sworn in as Patrick Neff’s replacement. Tim Weaverling and Kenny Fetterman were re-elected. Weaverling was present to be sworn in along with Rose. “We hope to treat you fairly and well,” said Weaverling to Rose. “I’m here to learn,” said Rose. Weaverling and Sharon Turkovich were re-elected as president and vice president, respectively.
Alleged arsonist waives hearing, other hearings continued
A man accused of committing arson in return for cash and drugs waived his right to a preliminary hearing at Wednesday’s Central Court. Zachery A. Sellers, 34, of Lewistown, faces 32 charges for his alleged attempt to burn down a Napier Township residence at Heather A. Dibert’s, 33, of Duncansville, alleged prompting, and with transportation assistance allegedly provided by Jamie E. Beers, 33, of Lewistown.
Man waives hearings on theft, drug charges
A Bedford man waived his right to a preliminary hearings in two different cases after he was reportedly found driving a stolen vehicle and then reportedly forgot that he had drugs in his pocket. Antonio D. Logsdon, 30, was charged with felony receiving stolen property, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and summary driving with a suspended license. State police received a tip that a stolen vehicle was being driven in the area of Sheetz in Bedford Township on Oct. 27.
Woman accused of driving drunk with children waives hearing
A Schellsburg woman accused of driving off with her children while drunk and then dropping them off when she returned to her residence waived her right to a preliminary hearing at Wednesday’s Central Court. Kayleigh Campbell-Martin, 37, was charged with two counts of felony endangering the welfare of children, two counts of misdemeanor neglect of care, misdemeanor recklessly endangering another person, DUI and two summary traffic offenses on Dec. 6.
Woman accused of shooting at police, kids sees charges held for court
A woman accused of shooting a gun at her children, their partners, and police saw the charges against her held for court at Wednesday’s Central Court. Melissa L.
Bedford Boro sets 2024 budget
The Bedford Borough Council raised taxes and approved its 2024 budget at its end-of-year meeting Tuesday night. The around $4.5 million budget was approved 6-0. The budget breaks down to around $1.7 million in the general fund, around $1.1 million in the water fund, around $1.4 million in the sewer fund, $232,800 in the liquid fuels fund, $64,250 in the capital reserve fund and $19,050 in the Fort Museum fund. The real estate tax millage is 4.4 mills.
Third suspect charged in alleged arson
A Lewistown woman faces over 20 charges after reportedly driving a Lewistown man to Napier Township to commit arson after payment from a Duncansville woman. Jamie E.
Police: Woman hired friend to burn down ex's house
A woman accused of soliciting a friend to burn down the residence of her estranged wife and her family after repeatedly threatening her with harm faces over 30 charges in the alleged attempted arson. Heather A. Dibert, 43, of Duncansville, faces 39 charges in the alleged arson. Most of the charges are at the felony level, with seven misdemeanor charges for criminal solicitation.
Police: Man stole $24,000 from employer
A local man accused of stealing $24,000 from his former place of employment over six months is facing felony charges. Shawn S. Miller, 53, of Claysburg, was charged with theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property on Tuesday. State police received a report of theft from a recycling center in Bedford Township on Sept. 27. The business manager reported that Miller worked for the company, picking up and dropping off various recycling materials.
Everett looks to summer with building plans
EVERETT — The Everett Area School District school board welcomed a new member Thursday night and moved a step closer to improvements for Everett Elementary over the summer break. The board welcomed John Shaffer to the table. Fred Baca, Dustin Wilson, Peggy Clark and Jim Keebaugh won reelections to continue their service. Keebaugh was elected as school board president. Joseph Payne was elected as vice president. “Thank you for your vote of confidence.
Central Court
The following defendant saw the charges against them bound to the Court of Common Pleas at Wednesday’s Central Court: Kortny I. Lewis, 33, of Rockwood, Mich., was charged with DUI on Oct. 25. A witness testified to being alerted that a woman was at a gas pump slumped over the steering wheel of a running vehicle at a travel plaza in Breezewood. She testified that the woman would look at her before slumping over again.
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