TyronePA.com

Tyrone Borough Council met last evening and opted not to sell a 75-acre plot of land on the borough’s watershed along Van Scoyoc Hollow Road to Snyder Township.
Council voted 5 to 3 to not sell the property. Council member Steve Hanzir, vice-president of council Bill Latchford and Mayor James Kilmartin voted to sell the land.
Snyder Township Supervisor Charlie Diehl sent a letter to council urging a vote on the sale of the property that supervisors wanted to use as a possible recreational site. None of the three township supervisors attended last night’s meeting.
Snyder Township was offering to buy the borough’s property at a “fair market value.”
But, two former Snyder Township employees did attend borough’s session to ask council not to sell the property to the township. Snyder Township resident and former township code enforcement officer Robert Ayers presented council a petition signed by 80 township residents who were opposed to the sale.
One of those concerned residents, Viola Dysart, who also was the township’s former secretary, addressed council about the traffic and safety issues of having a recreational area along the narrow hollow road. Dysart lives near the property the township was hoping to attain.
Kilmartin asked Ayers if the township supervisors also saw the 80 signature petition presented to council. Ayers told the mayor that the supervisors have not yet seen the petition, but would get copies to them.
The mayor was disappointed that the majority of council opted to not sell Snyder Township the property, but understood its residents concerns. He said council made a decision and it’s time to move forward.
“I’m for working with the township to find a place for recreation,” stated Kilmartin.
In other business last night, council agreed unanimously to join the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Challenge. The challenge consists of the Capital Regional Council of Governments out of Harrisburg, which includes a coalition of local municipalities challenging the state Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) unfunded mandate for the Chesapeake Bay clean-up.
Council also agreed in a 7 to 0 vote, with Hanzir abstaining, to pay the $5,610 from the borough’s Community Development Block Program (CDBG) to the Altoona-Blair County Development Corporation (ABCD) to support activities in the 2008 program year.
ABCD Deputy Director Pat Miller was on hand to update council on the economic development in northern Blair County. The funds will be utilized along with other public and private resources to support the provision of assistance to firms located in the northern I-99 zone corridor, and to firms interested in locating into that particular area of the county.
A new 2008 Tymco Model No. 600 street sweeper will be purchased by the borough after council unanimously agreed to the terms of the cost. The street sweeper will be purchased from Golden Equipment Co., Inc. The company allocated $17,000 as a trade-in value for the borough’s 10-year-old sweeper. The money to purchase to the new sweeper came from the Special Highway Fund and in the general fund.
In the public comment section of the meeting, Juniata Valley Audubon Society (JVAS) President Dr. Stan Kotala addressed council. Kotala asked council if it could not vote on the windplant proposal until after a “Save Ice Mountain” public forum could be conducted in March.
The mayor told Kotala that a few members from council and the borough authority still needed to take a tour of Gamesa’s Allegheny Ridge Wind Farm and gather more information before a vote would be taken on the wind farm proposal, which Kilmartin felt would most likely give Kotala’s public forum ample time to be conducted.
Kotala said the Save Ice Mountain coalition, consisting of the JVAS, the Moshannon Group of the Sierra Club, the Little Juniata River Association, and Save Our Allegheny Ridges, along with 1,400 Tyrone-area residents who have signed a petition against wind mills on the mountain, will be coordinating a public forum featuring speakers who are experts in various fields.
He said the speakers will discuss topics such as the impacts of industrial windplants on people, wildlife, and the landscape.
A date, time or place for the forum hasn’t been set yet, but Kotala said there will also be a question and answer session. The forum will be open to all, including municipal officials from Blair and the surrounding counties.

Renaissance Stars Tyrone Area School District 2007-08 Renaissance Stars were recently announced for the second marking period. In front, from left is Keturah Weaver, Kristen Miller, Kyle Seeger, Alishia Couch, Sierah Bogel, Darren Reese and Kayla Barony. In back, Justin Replogle, Samantha Emeigh, Kylie Ash, Tyler Grazier, Evan Brush and Katie Twigg. Missing from the photo is: Brandon Fink, Josh Hoover and David Rudy. (The Daily Herald/Amanda Golden)

The Tyrone Area School District Renaissance Education Foundation recently announced the second marking period Renaissance Stars for the 2007-08 school year.
Tyrone Middle and High School teachers nominated 16 students for recognition due to their outstanding academic achievement, positive attitude or overall improvement.
Fifth grader Alisha Couch was chosen by her teacher, Mrs. Lake.
“Alisha displays a unique, caring attitude toward others especially those who are less fortunate,” said Lake, “Her sensitivity and willingness to help others deserves positive recognition.”
Kyle Seeger was chosen by Mrs. Schultz as a Renaissance Star. She said Kyle works hard to complete class work with a positive attitude everyday in all subject areas.
Additionally, he is always willing to serve as a peer tutor and demonstrates concern for others.
Sierah Bogel, a sixth grader, was chosen by Mr. Bouslough, Mrs. Chamberlain, Mrs. Conrad and Mr. Stoner. The teachers agreed she has a strong work ethic, cares about her work, always completes her homework on time and does her best.
Mr. Bouslough, Mrs. Conrad and Mr. Stoner also chose Darren Reese as a Renaissance Star. They said Darren has shown improvement in his language arts classes and he is motivated to complete his homework on time. They also said he is a helpful student. Many times he will put something away or clean something up without being asked to do so. The teachers said his willingness to help and to achieve academically makes Darren a good sixth grade citizen.
Seventh grader Brandon Fink was chosen by Mrs. Johnson, Miss Johnston, Mrs. DelBaggio and Mr. Loth. They feel Brandon is a student who has demonstrated hard work and determination result in higher academic achievement and he is to be commended for his effort.
Keturah Weaver was also chosen as a Renaissance Star this marking period. Mrs. DelBaggio, Mrs. Gerharts, Miss Johnston and Mr. Loth feel Keturah is a very conscientious student who excels in the classroom. By working hard, actively participating in class and promptly completing her assignments, she provides a good role model for others.
The eighth grade teaching team chose Kayla Barony and Justin Replogle as Renaissance Stars. They said Kayla has demonstrated excellent characteristics in class in terms of participation, work and effort. They felt Justin has demonstrated tremendous effort to improve his academic performance and behavior both in and out of class.
Ninth grader Samantha Emeigh has been selected as a Star by her teacher, Mrs. Burket.
“Sam has shown tremendous intellectual curiosity in U.S. History class,” said Burket.
“Once she asked to borrow a Holocaust novel that my Academy class was reading…She handed the novel to me the next day because she had read the entire book the night before. Great job, Samantha.”
Another ninth grader, Kristen Miller, was chosen by Mrs. Caton who said, “Kristen is an amazing student in math. She always completes her work and seeks me out when she has questions. She’s a wonderful example to all of the students in my math lass. She is a very conscientious student.”
Art teacher, Mr. Feather, chose sophomore Kylie Ash for the honor of Renaissance Star.
“Kylie is uncommonly talented and conducts herself with poise and confidence in the classroom.”
He continued to describe Kylie saying, “She is a tremendous role model for her fellow students.”
Math teacher, Ms. Haid, nominated Tyler Grazier for the Star honor this marking parking.
“Tyler is a very good student. He always completes his work, turns it in on time and does it correctly.”
She said one of Tyler’s best qualities is that he always tried to help the students who are having difficulty.
“On numerous occasions I have seen him tutoring other students during homework time.”
Miss Dobrowolsky, English teacher, chose eleventh grader Evan Brush for Star recognition.
“Evan is an ambitious, eager, hard-working student that took a difficult course load in order to learn.
“He reads novels on his own and asks teachers from previous years to analyze themes. He has applied for Governor’s School.”
She added that he never stops asking questions, “He always wants multiple authoritative sources.”
Josh Hoover was selected by his teacher, Mr. Krupp, who said Josh has been a model student.
“He has taken on additional responsibilities within the classroom and has grown to become a leader. His attitude and willingness to learn are what sets Josh apart.”
Mrs. Kathy Beigle reports that senior David Rudy is one of the most conscientious students.
“He not only gives all each and every assignment, but he is also polite, caring and always has a smile ready.” She said David is a pleasure to have in class.
The final student selected as a Renaissance Star for the 2007-08 second marking period is senior Katie Twigg.
Katie was selected by architectural drawing teacher, Mr. Brown.
He described Katie, saying, “She is pleasant in demeanor and has a very easy smile. Her dedicated effort ensures that she completes class work on time and demonstrates creativity in assignments.
“She is intrigued by new tools in class and quite adept in developing skills to use them whether it be model building, constructing electrical circuits, setting up her laser levels or using computer software to design plan layouts or other software to detail construction components.”
He continued, “Katie is respectful, helpful, cooperative and works well individually or in group situations. As a teacher at Tyrone, it is my pleasure to have students such as Katie, with her many qualities, in my class.”
Congratulations to all the new “Stars”.

The Women’s Club of Tyrone has announced its annual dinner dance fund raiser to benefit Tyrone Hospital.
The Women’s Club goal this year is to assist Tyrone Hospital with a renovation project that will make improvements in Tyrone Hospital’s emergency room and in the central patient registration area. The project will cost a minimum of $40,000.
Hospital officials said the planned changes will make a number of improvements to departments that are the first point of contact for patients entering the hospital and those that receive care in the emergency room.
The Women’s Club has a tradition of supporting Tyrone Hospital that stretches back for decades and amounts to tens of thousands of dollars.
“Each year we contact hospital administration to identify areas where we can help,” said Suzanne Bigelow Cherry, who serves as co-chairman for this year’s dinner dance fund raiser. “In recent years we have focused on buying medical equipment. This year we were pleased to adopt the renovation project.”
Bigelow Cherry said the Women’s Club invites others in the community to support Tyrone Hospital through this fund raising effort. Currently, the Women’s Club is seeking sponsors and donations for the dinner dance. Tickets for the dinner dance are also now available for purchase at $40 per ticket from any member of the Women’s Club.
The renovation plan will create a private office area for patients to register. A separate triage room, the area where nurses first assess emergency patients, will be created to improve privacy and patient comfort. The ER nurse’s station will be enlarged, and doors will be added at the entrance to the ER to improve security and privacy. In addition, the first area that people see when they come into the hospital’s main entrance will be given a facelift creating a more pleasing environment for patients and visitors.
Theresa Yanchetz, spokesperson for Tyrone Hospital said employees who work in the areas targeted for improvements developed the renovation plan in cooperation with hospital administration.
“The planning team had just started discussing how to get funds to pay for the project and it was right around that time that the Women’s Club stepped forward and offered to help.”
Ann Searer, a charter member of the Women’s Club said the hospital’s renovation project is worthwhile.
“I think we should support projects intended to improve and preserve the hospital. It is an important community resource.”
Searer said her family has used Tyrone Hospital many times over the years and that includes some of those unexpected trips to the emergency room.
“I know from personal experience the value of having a hospital five minutes away as compared to having to travel a half hour or more to receive medical care.”
“The hospital is like any other building that needs renovations and upgrades from time to time,” said Searer. “Tyrone Hospital is more than 50 years old so in that regard there is also a need for this project.”
Yanchetz said it is an honor for the hospital to have the support of the Women’s Club.
“Women are the ones who look after the healthcare needs of the family. In our community, the Women’s Club is extending that leadership role into the community through their support of the hospital.”
The Women’s Club of Tyrone will hold the annual dinner dance to benefit Tyrone Hospital on Saturday, April 5 at 6 p.m. at the U.S. Hotel on S. Juniata Street in Hollidaysburg. Live music will be provided during the dinner hour followed by dancing. Funds will be raised via live and silent auctions held throughout the evening. Patrons will have a chance to bid on various baskets and gift certificates donated by area businesses. A live auction will cap off the evening.
For more information about sponsorship, to make a donation, or to purchase tickets, contact Fran Bigelow at 684-4392 or Rose Black at the Tyrone Area Chamber of Commerce at 684-0736. Monetary donations may be forwarded to the Women’s Club of Tyrone, PO Box 162, Tyrone, Pa 16686.

A mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain hit the area again today, with a winter weather advisory in effect until 7 a.m. tomorrow morning. Snow and sleet accumulation is expected to reach a total of three to five inches, with temperatures barely making it to the mid 20s. Tonight, forecasters are calling for more sleet and freezing rain, changing to rain later as temperatures should rise into the lower to mid 30s. Tomorrow’s weather calls for a chance of rain in the morning, with highs in the mid 30s. Even though the weather outside caused many delays and cancellations, the snow covering the trees at Reservoir Park made for a picturesque winter scene. (The Daily Herald/Virgie Werner)

The Tyrone boys swim team closed out the regular season by turning back Central Cambria to record their 11th victory of the season, 96-71, Monday evening, in the Tyrone Area High School pool. The Eagles ended up 10-4, in second place in the Mountain League Swimming Conference.
Ethan Nulton (200 IM, 100 backstroke) and Ian McGregor (50 freestyle, 100 freestyle) were double winners for the Eagles. Dustin Elder won the 500 freestyle, and Ethan Lewis won the 100 butterfly. Tyrone also had two of the three relays take first place, with Elder, Allen Hosko, Nulton and McGregor winning the 200 medley relay, and Kegan Fink, McGregor, Elder and Nulton winning the 200 freestyle relay.
“The boys had another successful season led by a strong group of returning letter winners,” said Tyrone swim coach Tom Getz, “such as Ethan Nulton, Dustin Elder and Allen Hosko along with newcomers and underclassmen really stepping up, such as Ian McGregor, Ethan Lewis, Evan Lewis, and Kegan Fink.”
The Lady Eagles (4-10-1) dropped a 92-77 decision to the Central Cambria girls.
Chynna Beisel led the Tyrone girls with wins in both the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle. Christina Brisbin won the 100 breaststroke, Kelly Pearson won the 100 freestyle, and Brittany Day won the 50 freestyle.
The Lady Eagles 200 freestyle relay team of Brisbin, Abbie Cowfer, Beisel and Salena Bradigan won the 200 freestyle relay.
“The girls, although finishing with only four wins, improved dramatically,” said Getz. “We were able to bring in four brand new swimmers this year which helped a lot, as we are typically low in numbers with the girls. I expect these girls to contribute next year. The returning letterwinners, Kelly Pearson, Salena Bradigan, Brittany Day, Chynna Beisel and Abby Cowfer, for the girls really led the team through the season, and many of our losses were very close meets. We only lose one senior-Pearson, so if we can add some more girls next year, I think we will be on the right track.”
“Now we get ready for districts. My goal at the beginning of the season was half of the team qualifying for districts,” explained Getz. “We qualified 14 of 26 swimmers for this years districts.”
Boys
Tyrone 96 Central Cambria 71
200 Medley Relay – Tyrone (Dustin Elder, Allen Hosko, Ethan Nulton, Ian McGregor) 1:55.50, 2. Central Cambria 2:03.01, 3. Central Cambria 2:16.82; 200 Freestyle – 1. Kupchella (CC) 2:05.21, 2. Elder (T) 2:11.12, 3. Risaliti (CC) 2:15.11; 200 IM – 1. Nulton (T) 2:11.68, 2. Bussard (CC) 2:20,55, 3. Hosko (T) 2:28.72; 50 Freestyle – 1. McGregor (T) :24.79, 2. Rick Day (T) :26.39, 3. Kegan Fink (T) :26.70; 100 Butterfly – 1. Ethan Lewis (T) 1:09.94, 2. Risaliti (CC) 1:14.05, 3. K. Henry (CC) 1:17.37; 100 Freestyle – 1. McGregor (T) :54.90, 2. Fink (T) 1:00.78, 3. Day (T) 1:01.28; 500 Freestyle – 1. Elder (T) 5:45.65, 2. Salguero (CC) 7:05.31, 3. Webb (CC) 7:30.83; 200 Freestyle Relay – 1. Tyrone (Fink, McGregor, Elder, Nulton) 1:41.75, 2. Tyrone (Et. Lewis, Hosko, Russell, Day) 1:49.49; 3. Central Cambria 1:53,56; 100 Back Stroke – 1. Nulton (T) 1:00.03, 2. Kupchella (CC) 1:05.73, 3. Evan Lewis (T) 1:11.70; 100 Breaststroke – 1. Bussard (CC) 1:08.21, 2. Hosko (T) 1:10.61, 3. Mercik (CC) 1:18.12; 400 Freestyle Relay – 1. Central Cambria 4:02.33, 2. Central Cambria 5:10.80
Girls
Central Cambria 92 Tyrone 77
200 Medley Relay – 1. Central Cambria 2:12.84, 2. Tyrone (Kelly Pearson, Christina Brisbin, Salena Bradigan, Brittany Day) 2:14.73, 3. Central Cambria 2:31.05; 200 Freestyle – 1. Chynna Beisel (T) 2:17.31, 2. Abbie Cowfer (T) 2:19.42, 3. Dargay (CC) 2:37.54; 200 IM – 1. Balough (CC) 2:45.46, 2. Wright (CC) 2:56.72, 3. Bradigan (T) 2:57.48; 50 Freestyle – 1. Day (T) :29.45, 2. Shirk (CC) :30.20, 3. Brisbin (T) :30.77; 100 Butterfly – 1. Risaliti (CC) 1:10.38, 2. Shirk (CC) 1:19.41, 3. Cowfer (T) 1:19.96; 100 Freestyle – 1. Pearson (T) 1:03.46, 2. Day (T) 1:05.45, 3. Marcinko (CC) 1:07.75; 500 Freestyle – 1. Beisel (T) 6:07.21, 2. Dargay (CC) 7:05.20, 3. Wright (CC) 7:26.32; 200 Freestyle Relay – 1. Tyrone (Brisbin, Cowfer, Beisel, Bradigan) 2:01.45, 2. Central Cambria 2:05.24, 3. Central Cambria 2:13.78; 100 Backstroke – 1. Risaliti (CC) 1:09.31, 2. Pearson (T) 1:12.15, 3. Malcotti (CC) 1:14.35; 100 Breaststroke – 1. Brisbin (T) 1:25.34, 2. Balough (CC) 1:25.47, 3. Marcinko (CC) 1:26.35; 400 Freestyle Relay – 1. Tyrone (Beisel, Cowfer, Pearson, Day) 4:23.44, 2. Central Cambria 4:30.14, 3. Central Cambria 4:53.63.