TyronePA.com

After months of preparation, the Tyrone Area Community Organization’s annual Radio Auction is finally here.
TACO members have been busy picking up donated merchandise and gift certificates from local businesses and organizations, and those items will be auctioned off Saturday and Sunday. The Radio Auction will be aired live over WTRN 1340 AM.
Tomorrow, the auction is scheduled to begin at approximately 10:30 a.m., after the morning news. Sunday, the auction is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.
The Daily Herald office is currently being transformed into the headquarters for the TACO Radio Auction, where the items and the phone lines are located.
Individuals can participate by listening to TACO members describe the items over the airwaves, and if anyone is interested in bidding on an item, they may simply call 684-4000; 684-4001 or 684-4603 with an offer.
Listeners should tune in all day, as the order of the large items will be given at different times. TACO members do not know the exact time items will be auctioned off, so those interested should listen all day.
The community businesses and organizations again have been very generous this year, and TACO has received a wide assortment of gift certificates and merchandise to auction off. The following is a list of items that will be available during the auction; the list is not complete as items are still coming in.
Large items were donated by: Bi-Lo, B.L. Gifts Wholesale, Borough of Tyrone, Central Penn Vision, C.W. Firewood and Tree Removal, Comfort Inn, Curves, Custom Guitar Works, Dormans, Hampton Inn, Jackson Hewitt, Jeanne’s Home Decorating Ideals, LA Fitness, McCloskey Bros. Plumbing and Heating, Dr. Don Miller, Moments Photography, Dan Sprankle Auto Outlet, Stages Photography, Windy Hill Furniture, Wolf Furniture, I-Diehl Hunt and Shaffer’s Auto.
Gift certificates were donated from: Alice’s Garden, Anders Auto Center, Baney’s Barber Shop, B&B Small Engine Repair, The Beauty Salon, Bickels Surplus, Borough of Tyrone, Burger King, Brubaker Auto Service, Brothers Pizza, Bestway Pizza, Central Penn Vision, Chic Salon, China Chef, CiCi’s Pizza, Clem’s BBQ, Comfort Inn, Comfort Keepers, Computer Pros Plus, Courtesy Ford, Cornerstone Builders, CW Firewood and Tree Removal, Custom Guitar Works, Daily Herald, Deb’s Posie Patch, DelGrosso’s Amusement Park, Denny’s, Dream Events and More, Dog Station, Eat-n-Park, East End Pizza, Family Chill-n-Grill, Family Clothesline, Fullington Bus Co. Gardner’s Candy and G&R Excavating and Demolition.
Also, H&R Block, Hamers Garage, Hampton Inn, Holiday Bowl, Holly’s House of Style, Judy Shunk Home and Garden Party, Hometown Market, Hoss’s, Hunter’s Garage, Housers Subs, Heritage Travel, I-Diehl Hunt, Indian Caverns, J.C.’s Barber Shop, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, Jeano’s Pizzeria, J.V. Meadows and Son, Jethro’s, Joe’s Place, Jiffy Lube, Johnny on the Spot, Kunzler and Co., Kentucky Fried Chicken, Kilmartin Tax Service, Kings, Kreuz Auto Repair, Lakemont Park, LA Fitness, LaScalia’s, Lincoln Caverns, Mac’s Market and GridIron and Martins.
Also, McCloskey Bros., McCracken’s Garage, McDonald’s, Meadows of Greenwood, Dr. Don Miller, Miller’s Car Care, Moments Photography, Morningstar Restaurant, Molly’s Manicures, Natural Gains, New Enterprise Stone and Lime, New Look Hair Salon, Northern Blair Rec Center, Olive Garden, Omega Bank, Pat’s Alterations, Paul’s Amoco, 4 Paws Towing, Pizza Hut, Pleasant Valley Rec, Ponderosa, Judy Price Income Tax, Prime Sirloin, PS Printing, Premier Auto, Red Lobster, Rhonda’s Retreat, Sam’s Aquarium Pet Shop, Sam’s Club and Shaffer’s Auto.
Also, Sheetz Bellwood and Sixth Avenue, SliverScreen, Sammy’s Smokehouse, Slinky Action Zone, Snappy’s and Subway, Deb Snyder Beauty Salon, Splinters, Dan Sprankle Auto Outlet, Stages, Suzie’s Scrubs and Uniforms, TGI Fridays, Town and Country Animal Hospital, Tri-Star, Tyrone B.P.O.E. Tyrone Sportsman, Ultimate Bagel, U.L. Hollen Beauty Salon, Wilson’s Barber Shop, Wolf Furniture, Granny’s, Sammy’s Smokehouse, Bald Eagle Sportsman, Dance of Light, Dougie D’s Sub and Video, Lori’s Bakery and Subway Subs.
Merchandise was donated from: Ace Hardware, Altoona Curve, AMED, Bald Eagle Volunteer Fire Company, BCCOA, Bells Run Country Gifts, B.L. Gifts Wholesale, Marge and Ron Clark, Community Pharmacy, Courtesy Ford Kia, Cowfers Custom Design, Deb’s Posie Patch, DelGrosso Foods, Fisher Auto Parts, Tyrone Football Boosters, Fouss Used Cars, Frito Lay, GP Dollar Stretcher, General Cable, Hooters and Juniata Cards.
Also, Juniata College Bookstore, KC Trophies, Krispy Kreme, Lasser’s Shoe Fly, Little Debbie Snackcakes, The Loft, Logan Beverage, K-Mart, Luse Distributing, Miller’s All Pro Bumper to Bumper, Christi Mingle (Gold Canyon Candle), Moore Chiropractic, NAPA Auto Parts, New Look Hair Salon, Overcash Foods, Penn Alto Bottling, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat, Peterman’s Florist, Pots and Crocks, Rossi Corner Store, Roaring Spring Bottling, Sheetz Tyrone, Shoefly Store, McCready’s Auto Repair, Sunshine Surplus, Surplus City and Timbernation.
Also, Tyrone Basketball Boosters, Tyrone Milling, Universal Furniture Outlet, Unkle Joe’s Woodshed, Kelly Wike State Farm Insurance, Windy Hill Furniture, YMCA of Hollidaysburg, The New Surplus Store, Buttercrust, Olive Johnson in memory of Earl Johnson, Walt Metzgar, Omni Healthcare, two anonymous donors, Patrice’s Boutique, Mary Kay, Austin’s and Carolyn Donaldson.
Cash donations were also donated to TACO to help sponsor community events throughout the year. Those who made cash donations were: American Eagle Paper Mill, Baltimore Life Insurance, Blair Candy, Burgmeiers, Complete Ins. Services, D.C. Tree Service, Derman Funeral Home, Diehl’s Garage, Feller Memorial Home, Friday’s Headline, Irvin Trucking, Joe Kowalski Horshoeing and Dr. Francis McClain DDS.
Also, McClellan’s Body Shop, Neptune Fire Co., Attorney Ed Newlin, Dan Parsons Used Cars, Joyce T. Phillips Real Estate, John Ramsey CPA, Ray Burial Vault, Reese’s Store, Reliance Savings Bank, Richard H. Searer Funeral Home, Dr. Robert Sloss, Taylor’s Heating and Air Conditioning, Tyrone Bassmasters, Tyrone Chiropractic Center, Tyrone Hospital, Pam Weyer Beauty Shop and Tanning, Barry Wible Plumbing and Heating, Walt Metzgar, Omni Healthcare, C&G Savings, Ernie and Rita Dick and Tyrone Auto Salvage.
The money TACO raises helps to fund the projects the service organization sponsors for the Tyrone community in the coming year, and it is the group’s largest fundraiser of the year.
TACO sponsors such events as the Easter egg hunt, the fish rodeo, the Tyrone Halloween parade, a Distinguished Service Award and Boss of the Year Award.
It also sponsors pee-wee and teener league baseball teams and a youth football competition as well as awards four scholarships of $500 each to seniors at Tyrone Area High School.
Because of the success of the Radio Auction, TACO is also able to help families facing a crisis situation on a case-by-case basis throughout the year.
TACO meets the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. and dues are $10 a year. Individuals must be 16-years-old to participate as a member of TACO.
Chairpersons for the TACO Radio Auction include: president, Ruth Brower and vice president, Dave Kaup.
If anyone has questions or donations, contact Ruth at 684-3386.

The Tyrone Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce once again a group of Tyrone residents have come together to carry-on an annual tradition – Tyrone Heritage Celebration.
Past events, as well as ideas for future celebrations include the placing of Irish flags throughout town, a balloon release kickoff, Luck of The Irish Parade, a Clover Leaf Merchants Sale, Sunday Spiritual Services in concert with various groups, Tyrone Community Partnership and Wesley UM Church Irish Stew Dinner with Michael O’Brien Band, children’s readings at the Tyrone-Snyder Public Library, Blair County Genealogical Society display at the Tyrone History Museum, a coloring contest and much more.
This year the Tyrone Heritage Committee and The Tyrone Merchants Association will hold a “Little King and Queen” contest for children ages four to seven-years-old.
One-third of the proceeds from this event will be donated to The Tyrone Renaissance Education Foundation.
Both the King and Queen will receive a $50 savings bond; a crown and sash; flowers donated from Alice’s Garden and gift certificates from Cowfer’s Custom Design, Gardners Candies and the Tyrone Chamber of Commerce
Those interested in competing in the contest must register at the Tyrone Area Chamber of Commerce office, Cowfer’s Custom Design or Gardners Candies Store.
A birth certificate and picture are required upon registration.
Contestants will then garner votes by placing a collection can in area businesses. One vote will be received for every penny collected.
All contestants must make their own sealed containers (no more than a No. 10 can permitted) and then request and receive permission from local retailers, merchants and/or businesses to place their container. The Heritage Committee must be informed of each can’s location. Absolutely no door to door soliciting.
Containers must be turned in at Cowfer’s Custom Design, 1249 Pennsylvania Ave. (alley) between 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 26 or from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, February 27.
No containers will be accepted after noon on Wednesday. Money collected will then be counted by members of The Heritage Committee.
In order to be eligible, contestants must be at least four-years-old but not older than seven-years-old before March 1, 2008.
One boy and one girl will be chosen as King and Queen for this year’s contest. The winners must be available to ride in the parade on Tuesday, March 11. The parade line-up begins at 5:30 p.m.
Contestants must attend the Tyrone Area School District.
Winners will be announced in The Daily Herald.
Anyone with question concerning the contest can call Laurie Cowfer at 684-6025 or Kristin Barrett at 684-0857.

Pack No. 28 of Bellwood recently held the Arrow of Light Ceremony, the highest award in Cub Scouts. First row, from left: Nathan Black, Scott Pearce, Matt Whiteman and Chad Miller. Second row: Den Chief Matt Hollen, Kyle Himes, Daniel Hollen and Cole Kerns. (Courtesy photo)

Tyrone Area High School guidance counselors Dave Eckberg, Tiffany Johannides and Gail Nale will be available to meet with parents and students on Monday, Feb. 11, from 4 to 7 p.m., about course selections for 2008-09. The course description booklet will be posted on the district guidance dept. website by the end of this week, and printed copies will be distributed to all students during STAR period on Monday. Parents and students who have any questions about the scheduling process, course requirements, electives, and/or Career Pathways are welcome to arrange an appointment (684-4240), drop by during open house hours, or send an email. Counselors will be meeting with students through STAR groups and/or classes over the next couple of weeks to discuss the scheduling process and answer questions. Students will complete and turn in course request forms beginning the week of Feb. 18.

“One goal this season was to reach 20 wins,” Tyrone head coach George Gripp stated all the way back in week one. Well, the Eagles finally achieved their goal, defeating Penns Valley 57-37.
Tyrone picked up their 20th win over Penns Valley in another massacre, Thursday night in the final regular season game. It was no surprise that Tyrone could go unbeaten in the Nittany Division, but the way they did it was a surprise to everyone.
The Eagles blew out most of their opponents this season on their journey to their stellar 20-4 record. Steve Catich was the commander of the bunch, as the Eagles finished first in the district, first in the Nittany Division, and second overall in the MAC conference. An impressive season for Tyrone, but the season is far from over as the Eagles look to make their run through the district playoffs next week.
Tyrone started out on fire behind Catich and Matt Brooks as the two combined for 11 of the 16 first quarter points. The score was in favor of Tyrone, 16-7, but the suffering had just begun for Penns Valley as they were almost shut out in the second quarter.
Tyrone tore off a 15-0 run to start out the second quarter, pulling away 31-9 before the Rams scored their first bucket with 1:50 to go in the half. It was smooth sailing for Tyrone as Travis Peterman and Catich hooked up on a sweet ‘alley oop’ where Catich adjusted in mid-air, snagged the ball with one hand, and managed to hang for a few seconds before laying it in.
A spectacular play on offense only led to another spectacular play on defense. Johnny Franco got in on the defensive side in the second quarter as the senior showed no mercy when he stuffed the ball so hard that the ball ricocheted off of the shooter’s head and out of bounds. This sent Penns Valley into the gutter as they trailed by an astonishing, 36-11 at the break.
Tyrone showed one of their more impressive halves on the season, shooting 16-23 from the field and holding the Rams to just 11 points. It was a rout in progress, but Tyrone has had their problems finishing off big leads this season, so a solid second half was needed for Tyrone to secure victory.
Tyrone didn’t let up in the third quarter, as they ran off a 10-2 run to go ahead 49-18 with 1:59 to go in the third. It was looking worse and worse for Penns Valley, but putting up a respectable fourth quarter was a victory in itself for the Rams.
Catich walked into the fourth quarter with 26 points, but was taken out for the break that he well deserved.
Despite trailing 52-21 after three, the Rams managed to force nine fourth-quarter turnovers and pulled off an impressive 16-5 fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough for the win. Tyrone played absolutely terrible in the fourth, but luckily they were up 31 points entering the fourth quarter, otherwise they would have probably lost a normal game in this situation.
“We played three great quarters tonight, but once again the defensive let downs kill us when we get big leads. I am pleased with the 20-win season, but we need to improve our defense so we can finish off teams at the end of games. We achieved our goal of 20 wins, but now we need to continue the run on into the playoffs where it matters the most,” Gripp stated after the season finale.
Catich led all scorers with 28 points as Nate Dane assisted him with 13 in the win. Tyrone beat the Rams 57-37, despite the death-lock grip on Penns Valley up until the fourth quarter. It was still a 20-point win, but it was an ugly 20-point win. A win is a win, however, and Tyrone finished with one of the most impressive seasons in school history.
Tyrone 57 Penns Valley 37
Tyrone – Catich 11 4-5 28, Dane 6 1-1 13, Brooks 4 0–0 8, Gehret 1 1-2 3, Updyke 1 0-0 3, Peterman 1 0-0 2, Franco 0 0-1 0, Totals 24 6-9 57.
Penns Valley – Deloof 4 0-0 10, Wingard 2 0-1 5, Hockenberry 2 0-0 5, Zerby 2 0-0 5, Montminy 2 0-0 4, Brown 2 0-0 4, Kieffer 1 1-2 4. Totals 15 1-3 37.
Score by Quarters
Penns Valley 7 4 10 16 – 37
Tyrone 16 21 15 5 – 57
Three-point goals: Tyrone-3 (Catich-2, Updyke)
PV-6 (Deloof-2, Wingard, Hockenberry, Zerby, Kieffer)
Strong third-quarter sends Rams home empty-handed
With the score 20-17 at the break, the game looked as though it could go either way. Tyrone put a stop quickly in the third quarter behind Levi Reihart and Jordan Taylor as the Eagles outscored Penns Valley, 18-4. Tyrone went on to win 47-36 in their last regular season game, Thursday night.
Reihart led the way with three treys and 15 points. Taylor added 11 in the victory.
Tyrone 47 Penns Valley 36
Penns Valley – Kieffer 3 2-2 10, Smith 3 0-0 7, Helm 2 1-2 5, Wasson 2 0-0 4, Weaver 2 0-0 4, Montminy 1 0-0 2, Zerby 1 0-0 2, Engle 1 0-0 2. Totals 15 3-4 36.
Tyrone – Reihart 6 0-0 15, Taylor 5 1-2 11, Brokenshire 2 2-2 6, Lynn 2 0-0 5, Henneman 1 2-2 4, McKeehan 1 0-1 2, Murray 1 0-0 2, Black 1 0-0 2. Totals 18 5-7 47.
Score by Quarters
Penns Valley 8 9 4 15 – 36
Tyrone 13 7 18 8 – 47
Three-point goals: Tyrone-4 (Reihart–3, Lynn)
PV-3 (Kieffer-2, Smith)