It’s great to be back this week after visiting State College and Happy Valley for a few days on business. Every time I go to State I see something new as the area continues to grow with new businesses. It was too cold to golf, so instead I continued to learn more about the newspaper business and shared ideas with other associates from our company. While there I had a chance to spend some time with former Daily Herald Publisher Chris Miles discussing the issues in his hometown. Chris shared his thoughts on the Mayor and other concerns, and I’m glad to hear that he was in agreement with the recent stories and editorials that have been published recently.
Let’s talk more about recent stories. I know that Daily Herald Editor John Harlow also wrote about this in his “View from his Recliner.” I would love to know where this perception comes from that this newspaper writes a lot of negative stories. The last negative story, if we really can call them that, would have been concerning a downtown Tyrone business and civil charges filed against it. Well, that was three to four weeks ago. I guess that must mean some positive stories must have been written. And if you would like to come into the paper, we can show you several weeks of papers with more positive stories on our first two pages. I do think I know where this perception starts, but its just simply not true.
The Daily Herald has begun a major map project for Tyrone, Tipton and Bellwood. These beautiful full color maps will highlight the walls of businesses and homes once its completed. So, if you see a man with a white hat and jeans standing in front of your building drawing, don’t be alarmed. Also, look for Patty Hyde and myself as we will be showing off what the maps will look like. They really are incredible and one of the nicest things I’ve ever seen. I have two hanging in my office area right now featuring both Punxsutawney and nearby Bellefonte.
I was really impressed to see two local churches with special events for Halloween. I’ve seen the “Light the Night” event done in other communities and always thought it was a wonderful christian alternative.
Congratulations to the new Downtown Tyrone Merchants Association on its first Octoberfest event. Even though it rained I think this is the start of some very positive ideas that will draw people in the future as they grow the different concepts and events each year. I think it would be great to see this organization and the Tyrone Chamber of Commerce working together. Speaking of the Chamber and their Christmas light campaign. I know there is some growing concern on if the lights will work on the new streetlights downtown. I think it would be beautiful to have the green light posts, the white street lights and the Christmas lights having red bulbs instead of white. All together I think those are Christmas colors? Am I right?
It’s playoff football time! I think that both local teams will move forward with wins this weekend. Bellwood-Antis has the tougher of the two battles between the sidelines taking on a tough and undefeated Windber team. Tyrone should pass all over Ligonier Valley and then prepare for the showdown with Forest Hills. Good Luck to both squads and their coaching staffs.
Our annual Santa’s Gift Guide project is underway. Inside this special tab will be Christmas stories, local letters to Santa, holiday recipes and much more. Also this year, just by reading the guide you will have the chance to win a Tyrone Christmas train for under your tree. Santa’s Gift Guide will be in the November 29th edition of The Daily Herald.
The past couple of days driving this week have ranged from spectacular to hazardous coming over the top of Cresson Mountain. Yesterday morning was beautiful with the ice and snow on the trees from mountainside to mountainside. While Tuesday and Wednesday forced me to drive at speeds of 40 miles per hour with freezing rain, snow and sleet falling. That mountain is going to sure keep me awake during my commutes this winter. Again, good luck to the Golden Eagles and Blue Devils tomorrow night. Have a wonderful weekend!
