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"Pennsylvania's New Weapons Law Sparks Debate as Cat Café Set to Open in Downtown Johnstown!"
"Pennsylvania's New Weapons Law Sparks Debate as Cat Café Set to Open in Downtown Johnstown!"
"Pennsylvania's New Weapons Law Sparks Debate as Cat Café Set to Open in Downtown Johnstown!"
Stay informed with Pennsylvania's new parental notification law for school weapons, New Year joy, and the upcoming Cat Café in downtown Johnstown! 🎉🐱☕ #PennsylvaniaNews
Charles Sisk
Jan 7, 2026
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Trivia Question❓What Cambria County, Pennsylvania landmark was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986 and is known for its unique architectural style and historical significance? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has signed Act 44 of 2025, requiring all schools statewide to alert parents, guardians, and staff within 24 hours whenever a weapon is discovered on campus, during school events, or on school transportation.
This mandate covers public, private, and nonpublic schools, and directs notifications to be sent using the quickest, most reliable communication methods available.
If a weapon incident occurs in a single school building, only those parents and staff are notified, while broader incidents on shared campuses or school trips prompt wider alerts.
Importantly, all notifications must protect student privacy, with detailed information limited to the involved student's family and a designated staff member.
Districts like Carlisle and Central York are already adjusting policies and tools to meet the law, as communities weigh the benefits of transparency against concerns over potential anxiety.
Act 44 becomes effective January 6, 2026. Read More... |
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As the New Year dawned across Pennsylvania, families celebrated the arrival of precious newborns, filling hospitals and hearts with hope and excitement.
In Johnstown, Brianna and Dylan Watson welcomed a daughter at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center after a memorable, emotional night.
Centre County’s Peters family became parents to the first baby born at Mount Nittany Hospital in 2026.
Blair County’s Dylan and Alyssa Disabato embraced their new baby boy, while Philadelphia’s Temple Women & Families Hospital celebrated Ezekiel Hall’s arrival to Natalie Rivera just after midnight.
Sarah and Ryan Schamp of Ambler greeted their son Henry at Doylestown Hospital at the stroke of midnight, the moment lit by dazzling fireworks outside.
These heartwarming births unfolded as Johnstown’s famed Christmas Village and animated tree continued to delight visitors.
Locals also look forward to “Oh My Gob Day” on January 17, promising sweet treats and cherished tradition as the community unites in celebration. Read More... |
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Downtown Johnstown is welcoming the upcoming Rusty Cat Café, where coffee lovers can relax among adoptable rescue cats.
Set at 338 Walnut Street, this new spot is the vision of Donna Christopher, a local insurance agent inspired after rescuing 19 feral cats with her neighbors.
The café—opening in late January—will team up with the Johnstown Animal Welfare Society and Flood City Kitties to help more cats find permanent homes.
Christopher highlights Johnstown's ongoing cat overpopulation challenge and hopes the café will create a peaceful place for both animal enthusiasts and those seeking a unique downtown experience.
This initiative is part of the city’s larger push to enliven its core. Programs like the Façade Improvement Program are boosting local businesses, and excitement is growing for the café’s grand opening. Read More... |
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Events in Cambria County, PA: Jan. 7, 2026 – Jan. 13, 2026 January 7, 2026 Preschool Storytime at the Main Library | 10:30 AM | Cambria County Library, Johnstown | Free Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cats vs. IUP Crimson Hawks Basketball | 5:30 PM (Women) & 7:30 PM (Men) | Sports Center, Richland | Paid
January 8, 2026 Ebensburg Borough Council Monthly Meeting | 6:30 PM | Ebensburg Municipal Building | Free Thursday Night Team Trivia | 7:00 PM | The Phoenix Tavern, Johnstown | Free
January 9, 2026 Johnstown Tomahawks vs. Rochester Jr. Americans | 7:30 PM | 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial | Paid VOMA Jazz Night featuring Local Ensembles | 8:00 PM | Venue of Merging Arts (VOMA), Johnstown | Paid
January 10, 2026 Ebensburg Winter Indoor Farmers Market | 9:00 AM | Cambria County Fairgrounds | Free Entry Introduction to Pottery Workshop | 1:00 PM | Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, Johnstown | Paid Saturday Night Karaoke & Dance | 9:00 PM | The Freight Station, Johnstown | Free Entry
January 11, 2026 Knights of Columbus Charity Pancake Breakfast | 8:00 AM | Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel, Loretto | Paid
January 12, 2026 Adult Color and Chat Session | 2:00 PM | Cambria County Library, Johnstown | Free Monday Night Community Bingo | 6:00 PM | Dauntless Fire Company, Ebensburg | Paid
January 13, 2026 Saint Francis University Career Networking Seminar | 11:00 AM | DiSepio Institute, Loretto | Free Winter Wellness Yoga Series | 6:00 PM | Richland Township Fire Hall | Paid
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Please submit your Events to be shared on the Cambria Buzz Facebook Page, in the Facebook Group and in the Events section of the Newsletter! Events Form |
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Here is the 7-day weather forecast for Ebensburg, PA from Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, through Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026: High 40°F, Low 34°F, Cloudy |
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Local Shoutouts, Causes, Fundraisers, and Volunteer Opportunities
Saint Francis University Launches "Zero-Tuition Advantage" to Expand Access for Pennsylvania Students A significant shoutout goes to Saint Francis University for their Jan. 2, 2026, announcement of the "Zero-Tuition Advantage" program. This initiative is designed to increase educational accessibility for Pennsylvania students by covering the remaining tuition costs after grants and scholarships, demonstrating a major commitment to local student success and financial relief for families in the region. Saint Francis University Curry Innovation Center Hosts Open House for New CNA Training Hub The staff at the Saint Francis University Curry Innovation Center deserve recognition as local heroes for their Jan. 2, 2026, open house highlighting a new Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training hub. This effort directly addresses the need for more healthcare caregivers in the Johnstown and Altoona areas by providing accessible, career-ready training for those entering the medical field. Community Foundation for the Alleghenies Announces 2026 Scholarship Application Season The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies (CFA) celebrated the Jan. 1, 2026, opening of their online scholarship season, which includes 97 unique opportunities for students in Cambria County. This ongoing cause helps local youth pursue their educational aspirations through the generosity of regional donors, with over $1 million awarded in the past year alone. Saint Francis University Invites Future Aviation Professionals to Discover Career-Ready Training In another shoutout for regional educational opportunities, Saint Francis University issued a call on Jan. 2, 2026, for aspiring aviation professionals to explore new training programs. This initiative provides a pathway for local students to enter a high-demand industry while receiving specialized training close to home. March 4 Life Mandatory Parent Meeting at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School An upcoming community cause and event will take place on Jan. 7, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Bishop Carroll Catholic High School auditorium. This meeting is mandatory for parents of students participating in the 2026 March for Life, coordinating travel and logistics for students engaged in this advocacy event. January Veterans Leadership Program Food Share at Rivers Edge VFD Social Hall The Veterans Leadership Program is hosting a food share event on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM at the Rivers Edge VFD Social Hall. This serves as a vital local cause and volunteer opportunity for those looking to support regional veterans by assisting with food distribution and program management. Elementary School Title1 PreK Transition Event at Westmont Hilltop School District Westmont Hilltop Elementary School will host a "PreK Transition Event" on Jan. 15, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM to help local preschool students transition to kindergarten. This community-focused event involves local educators and volunteers who provide read-aloud sessions and school bus orientations to help children and families feel comfortable in their new learning environment. Mountie Community Series: Genealogy for Beginners at Mount Aloysius College Mount Aloysius College is offering a volunteer-led community engagement opportunity on Jan. 21, 2026, at 5:30 PM through their "Mountie Community Series." Jim Snyder, President of the Blair County Genealogical Society, will lead this session on family history research, which is available both virtually and in-person at the college library. Ice Breaker Challenge 2026 in Ebensburg for First Responders A major community fundraiser, the Ice Breaker Challenge, is scheduled for Jan. 24, 2026, at Lake Rowena in Ebensburg. Participants are invited to take an icy plunge to raise funds for the Cambria County Swift Water Rescue Team and Cambria County S.E.R.T., with registration remaining open through January to support these critical first responder units. Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities at the Humane Society of Cambria County The Humane Society of Cambria County continues its call for local heroes to assist with animal welfare throughout the month of January 2026. Ongoing volunteer needs include dog walking, "cat cuddling," shelter cleaning, and assisting with special event coordination for the nearly 2,000 animals the shelter cares for annually. Richland School District Safety Transparency Shoutout for PA Act 44 Implementation A shoutout for community safety goes to the Richland School District administration for their transparency regarding the implementation of PA Act 44 requirements beginning Jan. 6, 2026. The district has been actively communicating with families about new safety reporting laws and ensuring a secure environment as students return to school for the new year.
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Have a business opening, community event, local hero story or pet-related news to share? Email Us your updates for next week's newsletter! thecambriabuzz@gmail.com |
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If you apply to adopt, please let the Humane Society know that you saw the listing in The Cambria Buzz Newsletter!
Looking for a new best friend? This week, we're delighted to feature Holler a male Domestic Short Hair Dog from the Humane Society of Cambria County who is eagerly awaiting a forever home!
About Holler:
How to Adopt Holler:
If Holler sounds like the perfect addition to your family, don't hesitate!
Give Holler the forever home he deserves! |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The Johnstown Inclined Plane |
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Warmly, Charles Sisk Editor |
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