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Controversial CamTran Funding Approved! Johnstown Inclined Plane Delayed, UPJ Makes History with Women's Wrestling Program!

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Controversial CamTran Funding Approved! Johnstown Inclined Plane Delayed, UPJ Makes History with Women's Wrestling Program!

Controversial CamTran Funding Approved! Johnstown Inclined Plane Delayed, UPJ Makes History with Women's Wrestling Program!
New funding for CamTran approved, Inclined Plane reopening delayed, new consignment shop opens, authentic Chinese cuisine at Panda Garden, Taylor Ann's Deli now open in Patton, exciting news for UPJ's women's wrestling program!

Charles Sisk

Nov 26, 2025

Trivia Question❓

In the classic Christmas song "The Twelve Days of Christmas," how many total gifts are given by the end of the song?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Over Fifty years of Service to our customers!
We refuse to compromise on quality in our restaurant. That's why we source our fresh ingredients from local farmers' markets.

The Cambria County Transit Authority has officially secured its necessary local funding for the upcoming fiscal year.

 

In a pivotal 2-1 vote, the Cambria County Commissioners approved $988,314 in crucial support for CamTran.

 

This local match was essential to unlock an estimated $9.6 million in state operating aid, which would have otherwise been redirected to larger cities.

 

Commissioners Scott Hunt and Thomas Chernisky voted in favor, framing the decision as a critical investment in mobility for residents.

 

Casting the lone dissenting vote, Commissioner Keith Rager questioned the long-term financial burden on taxpayers, even while voicing support for public transit.

 

The close vote in Ebensburg highlights a growing local debate over spending, especially after Westmont Borough recently denied a similar request from CamTran.

 

Thanks to the county's approval, essential services will continue for thousands of local riders.


Read More...

The eagerly awaited reopening of the Johnstown Inclined Plane has been delayed, with officials now aiming for early 2026 to welcome riders once again.

 

While the historic funicular’s major rehabilitation is almost finished, CamTran says more adjustments and thorough safety checks are vital before service resumes.

 

Executive Director Rose M. Lucey-Noll reaffirmed that safety remains CamTran’s top priority as they continue training staff to ensure a smooth reopening.

 

The project, launched in February 2022, encountered numerous setbacks such as cable cracks and haul wheel issues, pushing the schedule back repeatedly.

 

The extended closure of this beloved 1891 landmark has been tough for Johnstown’s community and businesses.

 

Meanwhile, the city celebrated a $500,000 Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant for local housing improvements and approved a $45 million school budget for 2025-26 to support quality education.

 

Johnstown presses ahead, balancing preservation with progress.


Read More...
 
Quote Of The Day

"May your Christmas be filled with joy, peace, and love as you celebrate the magic of the season in Cambria County, PA."

Looking for that Special Christmas shirt? Get it now!

Here are Upcoming  Cambria County 2025 Holiday Events:


Thanksgiving 2025

Johnstown YMCA Turkey Trot (Thursday, November 27, 2025 in Johnstown, PA): The classic pre-feast 5K run/walk, a perfect way to start the holiday.runsignup

Salvation Army Johnstown Community Thanksgiving Dinner (Thursday, November 27, 2025 at The Salvation Army, Johnstown): Free, hot Thanksgiving meal for the community.salvationarmyusa+1

Thanksgiving Grand Buffet at The Holiday Inn (Thursday, November 27, 2025, Holiday Inn Johnstown-Downtown): Popular sit-down buffet for those who prefer to have their meal cooked—reservations typically required.instagram

Christmas Holiday Season 2025

Portage Holiday Lighted Parade & Tree Lighting (Friday, November 28, 2025, 6:00 PM, Downtown Portage, Cook Street): Wonderful community parade with 2025 theme "Candy Cane Lane," followed by the official tree lighting with Santa at Commerce Plaza.chamber.portagewi+2

Hauptmanntown Christmas in the Village Market (Fridays & Saturdays, November 28 – December 13, 2025, West End, Johnstown): Traditional German-style outdoor Christmas market with local vendors, food, and music.discoverjohnstown

Christmas at the Mansion, Mount Aloysius College (Saturday, December 6, 2025, Main Administration Building, Mount Aloysius College, Cresson): The historic mansion is decorated for the holiday and open with music and refreshments.mtaloy

Christmas Express Train Rides & S'mores Night at Peoples Natural Gas Park (Select dates in December, Johnstown): Family train rides with Santa and a festive s'mores night around the tree.wjactv+1

Ebensburg Dickens of a Christmas Victorian Weekend (December 5–6, 2025, Downtown Ebensburg): Victorian-themed weekend with Light Up Night, Breakfast with Santa, craft shows, parade, and vendor market.ebensburgpa+2

A Loretto Christmas — Christmas in the Village (Saturday, December 6, 2025, Main Street, Loretto): Charming small-town event with a tree lighting ceremony, caroling, and Santa visits.cambriacountypa

UPJ Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert (Sunday, December 7, 2025, Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown): Festive concert with the UPJ Concert Choir and University Chamber Choir.kidsburgh

Polar Express Storytime Trolley Rides (Weekends in December, Johnstown Flood Museum & Johnstown Inclined Plane): Rides and storytime for families, with themed Polar Express fun.raileventsinc

Patton Annual Christmas Light Up Night (Date To Be Announced, early December, Patton, PA): Confirmed by Patton Borough website for 2025, check the site for date updates.facebook+2

New Year's Eve 2025

1st SUMMIT ARENA Family New Year's Eve (Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 1st SUMMIT ARENA Cambria County War Memorial, Johnstown): All-ages event with ice skating, games, activities, and an early countdown.1stsummitarena+1

New Year's Eve Gala at The Holiday Inn (Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Holiday Inn Johnstown-Downtown): Formal 21+ event featuring dinner, dancing, live music, and champagne at midnight.allevents

New Year's Eve Celebration in Ebensburg (Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Downtown Ebensburg): Community gathering with music, fireworks, and a unique potato drop at midnight.ebensburgpa+1

 

Need Vet Service for your furry friend but don't want another trip?
Try  Dutch Vet Service and get online Vet service!

 

Johnstown's Favorite Award Winning Family Sports Bar & Restaurant!

1750 Bedford St, Johnstown, PA, United States, Pennsylvania
(814) 266-6814
Here is the 7-day weather forecast for Ebensburg, PA from Wednesday, November 26, 2025, through Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
 
  • Wednesday, November 26, 2025: High 53°F, Low 28°F; Rain and snow during the day, cloudy at night.

  • Thursday, November 27, 2025: High 30°F, Low 23°F; Cloudy during the day, snow showers at night.

  • Friday, November 28, 2025: High 27°F, Low 20°F; Snow showers during the day, mostly cloudy at night.

  • Saturday, November 29, 2025: High 31°F, Low 20°F; Cloudy conditions throughout the day and night.

  • Sunday, November 30, 2025: High 40°F, Low 28°F; Cloudy during the day, light rain at night.

  • Monday, December 1, 2025: High 53°F, Low 42°F; Light rain during the day, rain showers at night.

  • Tuesday, December 2, 2025: High 57°F, Low 49°F; Light rain during the day, rain showers at night. 

 

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

Joyce's Jems Consignment and More

I have taken over the former Five Sisters Consignment Shop under the name Joyce's Jems Consignment and More.
Address : 4108 Crawford Avenue, Northern Cambria, Pa.
Phone number: 582-822 1563. 
My hours will be as follows:
Monday - Closed
Tuesday - 9-2
Wednesday - 12- 5. This is will be the day that I will be receiving clothing, ( womens, mens, children , youth, babies ).
I will be accepting, shoes, boots, jewelry, etc.
Thursday - 9-2
Friday - 9-2
Saturday- 9-2
Any questions about how we receive clothing, please call me, Joyce Douglas at 582-822 1563.

Panda Garden serving authentic Chinese

"The food options at Panda Garden are endless, check out our online menu and select to either pick up your order or have it delivered right to your front door. We are happy to serve you!"

https://www.pandagardennortherncambria.com/

2910 Bigler Ave, Northern Cambria, PA, United States, Pennsylvania
(814) 948-6000
Taylor Ann's Deli & Café Opens in Patton, PA

Taylor Ann’s Deli & Café has opened at 445 Glendale Lake Road, welcoming the Patton, Pennsylvania community.

 

Owned by Flinton native Taylor Duclo, the café marked its grand opening on October 25, 2025, reflecting Duclo’s longtime dream of starting her own restaurant.

 

Guests can enjoy a diverse menu featuring fresh coffee, specialty drinks, homemade baked goods, hearty salads, subs, burgers, pizzas, strombolis, wings, and appetizers.

 

Conveniently located near Glendale Lake, the café aims to attract both local residents and visitors with its inviting atmosphere and high-quality menu.

 

With its cozy setting and extensive offerings, Taylor Ann’s Deli & Café is set to become a new favorite for anyone looking for delicious food and friendly service in the region.


Read More...

The Guilded Bobbin

Luxury fabrics, curated for the art of quilting.

 

Just a reminder of our Grand Opening on Black Friday, 11/28/2025 @ 9:00 am!! 165 Village St. Johnstown, PA

(458) 206-8856

Interesting Facts

In Cambria County, Pennsylvania, there is a unique tradition known as the "Lucy Adams Dolls." Started in 1915, Lucy Adams, a local woman, crafted handmade dolls dressed in colorful outfits and gave them to children in need during the holiday season.

This heartwarming tradition continues today, spreading joy and holiday spirit throughout the community.

University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown won its first ever women’s wrestling program

Women’s Wrestling

19 November 2025

The University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown won its first ever women’s wrestling program against Waynesburg University in the Sports Center on Wednesday, November 12th.

This dual meet resulted in a score of 27-10, with most members on the team winning their individual matches.

Tamara Humphries, the first UPJ student competing against Waynesburg, made history as the first woman wrestler to win in the Sports Center.

After her match, Humphries celebrated and showed pride in being the first victory. The audience erupted in cheers and the cheering didn’t get a chance to stop.

There were three technical fall wins after Humphries. Emma Cunningham, Rome Alvarez, and Makalya Paclib each won their match 10-0.

The dual meet score was finalized with two forfeits, and they sealed the score of 27-10.

This event marked a significant moment in history because it was the first time the team competed as a varsity program in the NCAA.

“That match fired me up; I had so much fun watching” Isaiah Vance, the 2024-2025 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference’s wrestler of the year and All-American athlete.

Led by Head Coach Shane Valko, the team is looking forward to a successful season.

By: Onnikka McArthur
Journalism and Political Science Student at the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown

Local Shoutouts, Causes, Fundraisers, and Volunteer Opportunities

 

  1. Penn Highlands Police Academy Partners with Cambria County Shop With A Cop Program The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Police Academy is partnering with Cambria County's "Shop With A Cop" program for community assistance and outreach, which was announced on November 20, 2025.

  2. Penn Highlands College Supporting Scholars Fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness The Supporting Scholars and Women's Volleyball team members at Penn Highlands Community College held their third annual "Pink Out" fundraiser, raising and donating $669.50 to the local Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center.

  3. Women's Help Center Receives $200,000 Grant to Combat Homelessness in Cambria County The Women's Help Center's Community Help Center (CHC) Emergency Shelter program received a $200,000 grant from the 1889 Foundation to address homelessness and housing insecurity in the county (announced on October 25, 2025).

  4. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Recognized for Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Efforts The college was recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Health for its efforts in mental health and suicide prevention (announced on November 10, 2025).

  5. Congressman Burns Announces Annual Holiday Toy and Food Drives Rep. Frank Burns launched his annual holiday toy drive (announced November 17, 2025) and a holiday food drive (announced November 13, 2025), both benefiting local Cambria County families and children in need.

  6. Ebensburg Turkey Trot 5K (Upcoming Fundraiser/Event - November 27, 2025) This charity run will take place on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at 9:00 AM, benefiting local causes such as the Dorothy Day Outreach Center and the Dauntless Fire Company, and welcomes volunteers.

  7. Ongoing Volunteer Need for Cambria County Backpack Program Packing Locations The CCBP continually seeks volunteers for winter sign-ups at their Johnstown and Ebensburg packing locations, as well as groups interested in organizing foodraisers and fundraising events.

  8. Ongoing Volunteer Need for Humane Society of Cambria County Volunteers are welcomed for a variety of roles to care for the animals, including dog walking, cat cuddling, general cleaning (dishes), and assisting at off-site special events.

  9. Ongoing Volunteer Need for Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority (CCCRA) Trail Maintenance CCCRA continually seeks groups and individuals to assist with general trail maintenance, which includes trash pickup, brush trimming, and mowing along the region's 50+ miles of trails.

  10. Ongoing Volunteer Need for Cambria County Library Operations The library welcomes volunteers to help with operations like shelving books and cleaning, and requires all volunteers to complete state-mandated PATCH and Child Abuse History Clearances.

  11. Ongoing Volunteer Need for Catholic Charities Altoona-Johnstown Diocese Catholic Charities welcomes volunteers to lend a hand in providing service and comfort to people in need across Cambria and surrounding counties, helping with various assistance programs.

  12. Ongoing Volunteer Need for American Red Cross (Disaster, Blood, and Service Roles) The Greater Pennsylvania Region has an ongoing need for volunteers in Cambria County for roles such as the Disaster Action Team (responding to local fires/disasters) and as Blood Donor Ambassadors at blood drives.

 

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
Takeout · Dine-in · Curbside pickup
601 Bedford St, Portage, PA, United States, Pennsylvania
(814) 270-2609

Looking for a new best friend? This week, we're delighted to feature Rico, a Male Mix Dog from the Humane Society of Cambria County who is eagerly awaiting a forever home!

 

About Rico:

 

  • Age: estimated age 8 years 2 months
  • Gender: Male
  • Weight: 87.9 lbs.

  • Adoption Fee: $150

  • Why Rico Needs You: "Like so many animals at the shelter, Rico is patiently waiting for a loving family to call his own. He dreams of a comfy bed and toys to play with!"

 

How to Adopt Rico:

 

If Rico sounds like the perfect addition to your family, don't hesitate!

  • Visit the Humane Society: Rico is currently staying at the Humane Society of Cambria County located at 743 Galleria Dr Ext, Johnstown, PA 15904.

  • Learn More & Apply: You can view Rico's full profile and learn more about the adoption process by visiting the Humane Society's website: https://www.humanecambria.org/adoptable-animals/ 

  • Contact Information: For questions about Rico or the adoption process, you can call the Humane Society of Cambria County at (814) 535-6116.

Give Rico the forever home he deserves!

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
364 gifts.

We appreciate you being part of our community!

 

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Warmly,

Charles Sisk 

Editor

Cambria Buzz
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