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Dan Barefoot's Skeleton Success Sparks Controversy in Cambria!
Dan Barefoot's Skeleton Success Sparks Controversy in Cambria!
Get inspired by Dan Barefoot's Olympic Skeleton debut, check out the new downtown grocery store, and purruse the latest Cat Cafe experiences in Cambria County! 🌟🛒🐱 #excitingnews
Charles Sisk
Feb 18, 2026
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Trivia Question❓The historic Johnstown Flood of 1889 in Cambria County, Pennsylvania was caused by the failure of which man-made structure? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Dan Barefoot, a Geistown native, completed his first Olympic appearance in the men’s skeleton, finishing 20th out of 24 competitors.
He opened with times of 57.22 and 57.47 seconds in his initial runs, starting strong in 18th place.
By the event’s close, Barefoot posted a combined time of 3:49.86.
Matt Weston of Great Britain claimed gold, breaking the track record at 3:43.33, with German athletes Axel Jungk and Christopher Grotheer following for silver and bronze.
Back home, the Cambria County community celebrated Barefoot’s achievement.
At Richland High School, students and staff donned red, white, and blue, proud to cheer for their hometown Olympian.
Barefoot’s journey from Pennsylvania State University to the Lake Placid Olympic Training Center highlights his dedication and the power of local support.
His Olympic story now inspires pride and perseverance across the community. Read More... |
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Downtown Johnstown is preparing for a transformative change with the opening of a new grocery store offering fresh produce and essential foods. This long-awaited development seeks to overcome the neighborhood’s status as a food desert.
The store will be located at 507 Main Street in the former Rite Aid building, vacant since the pharmacy closed. The project, spearheaded by Terravista Capital of Allegheny County, will break ground soon.
Local leaders, including Johnstown’s Economic Development Director John Rutledge and Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Mark Critz, stress the store’s vital role for downtown residents, especially those without reliable transportation.
Funding for the estimated $1.1 million project draws from Terravista, regional organizations, state support, and the City of Johnstown, reflecting widespread community investment.
Downtown’s vibrancy is further boosted by the opening of Jimmy T’s Firehouse Pub, along with the renovation of Central Park, all reinforcing Johnstown’s ongoing revitalization efforts. Read More... |
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Downtown Johnstown’s Rusty Cat Café at 338 Walnut Street uniquely pairs coffee with the chance to mingle among adoptable rescue cats.
Owner Donna Christopher drew inspiration from her own experience rescuing and rehoming local feral cats, working closely with the Johnstown Animal Welfare Society and Flood City Kitties to tackle cat overpopulation.
The café’s inviting design features a cat lounge and a distinct dining area with a window, ensuring food safety and giving guests a peek at playful felines.
By offering a nurturing, homelike environment, the Rusty Cat Café increases the odds of adoption for its feline residents.
Reservations are advised on weekends, though walk-ins can also enjoy watching the cats and easily book a visit.
From supporting local rescue groups to hosting innovative community adoption events, the café serves both animal lovers and cats seeking forever homes. Read More... |
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Interesting Facts |
Did you know that Johnstown, a city in Cambria County, is known for its historic floods, including the devastating Great Flood of 1889? |
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Please check out our Survey! |
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Events in Cambria County, PA: Feb. 18, 2026 – Feb. 24, 2026 I. Free Events
II. Paid Events
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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, Feb. 18, 2026, through Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026: High 52°F, Low 42°F. Light rain early followed by cloudy skies. |
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It is so good to be back with you! I’ve been out talking to neighbors and keeping my ear to the ground to see what’s sprouting up in Cambria County this winter. Even in the chill of February, our local entrepreneurs are hard at work. Here are two fantastic new additions to our community that have recently opened or are just about to welcome you in. Moon and Mug CoffeeLocation: 134 Gazebo Park, Johnstown, PA Opening Date: Early 2026 If you’ve been walking past Gazebo Park lately, you might have noticed a "dark and mysterious" energy brewing—but don’t worry, it’s just the delicious aroma of fresh beans! Moon and Mug Coffee is Johnstown’s newest "witchy" coffee and tea sanctuary. Founded by locals who wanted to bring a touch of the mystical to the morning rush, this shop offers everything from high-end espresso to specialized herbal tea blends. The interior is designed to be a cozy retreat, perfect for a long afternoon of reading or a quiet meeting with a friend. Owner Rowan Thorne (a pseudonym commonly used by the boutique's creative lead) shared that they chose downtown Johnstown specifically for its historic charm. "We wanted to create a space that felt like a hidden corner of a fairytale," they told me. "Johnstown has such a deep, rich history, and we felt there was a need for a ‘third space’ that wasn’t just a standard office-style cafe, but somewhere that felt a little magical and inclusive for everyone."
Fine Wine & Good Spirits (Richland Town Center)Location: 500 Theatre Dr., Johnstown, PA 15904 Opening Date: February 3, 2026 The Richland Town Center just got a major upgrade for your weekend hosting needs! The brand-new Fine Wine & Good Spirits premium store officially opened its doors earlier this month. This isn't just your average corner shop; it’s a massive 12,083-square-foot space designed to make browsing a breeze. With a significantly expanded selection compared to the older locations, this "Premium Collection" store features a specialized "Chairman’s Selection" and luxury items you won't find anywhere else in the county. The store manager noted that the expansion into the Town Center was all about convenience and growth. "Our neighbors in Cambria County deserve a world-class shopping experience without having to drive to Pittsburgh or Altoona," they shared during the opening week. "We’re filling the need for a one-stop-shop where you can find that perfect bottle for a celebration right next to where you already do your grocery shopping." The bright, modern layout makes it easy to find local Pennsylvania-made spirits alongside international favorites.
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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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Quote Of The Day |
"Discover the hidden gems of Cambria County today and let its rich history and vibrant culture inspire you to explore its wonders further. Stay curious, engaged, and connected with the diverse community around you. Embrace the spirit of Cambria County and let it guide you on your journey of discovery." |
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Local Shoutouts, Causes, Fundraisers, and Volunteer Opportunities
🌟 CAMBRIA BUZZ COMMUNITY NEWSLETTERYour Weekly Connection to Local Good News
LOCAL SHOUTOUTS 🎉Forest Hills School District Awarded $250K for Youth ProgramsGreat news for our local students! The Forest Hills School District has been awarded $250,000 through the Building Opportunities for Out-of-School Time (BOOST) grant program. This funding will expand after-school programs for at-risk youth and provide 300 students with real-world exposure to high-demand careers through occupationally-related community service projects and industry-focused curriculums. Details: Grant awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency When: Announced January 16, 2026 Source: WTAJ News Forest Hills Student Featured in Statewide Drug-Free CalendarCongratulations to Kaitlyn Lytle from Forest Hills Elementary School! Her artwork was selected as one of 13 winners (from over 1,300 submissions) to be featured in Pennsylvania's 2026 Drug-Free Calendar. Kaitlyn's creative work will represent December and help educate the public about staying drug-free. She'll receive a $529 contribution to her Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program! Details: Calendar distributed statewide to promote drug-free living When: Winners announced January 8, 2026 Source: WTAJ/Yahoo News Northern Cambria Borough Receives $128K for Recreation SpaceNorthern Cambria Borough has been awarded $128,000 in state funding through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program. The grant will help acquire approximately 98 acres along McCombie Avenue for open space, passive recreation, and water access—creating new opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors! Details: Part of nearly $82 million invested in 295+ projects statewide When: Announced January 14, 2026 Source: Altoona Mirror LOCAL HEROES 💙Teacher's Quick Thinking Saves Student's LifeConemaugh Valley Elementary School teacher Carli Zanghi is being celebrated as a hero after saving third-grader Jesus LaRue's life using the Heimlich maneuver. When a piece of food became lodged in Jesus's throat during lunch duty on September 22, Carli sprang into action without hesitation. At the school board meeting on Thursday, February 12, 2026, she received recognition for her life-saving efforts—complete with a heartfelt hug from Jesus himself! Where: Conemaugh Valley Elementary School, Johnstown When: Recognition received February 12, 2026 Source: Tribune-Democrat LOCAL CAUSES 🤝Community Action Partnership Needs AssessmentThe Community Action Partnership of Cambria County (CAPCC) is asking for YOUR input! They're conducting a Community Needs Assessment Survey to understand the most pressing challenges facing our community and identify what resources are needed. Your feedback will help shape programs and services that make the greatest impact for families facing economic challenges. How to Participate: Visit CAPCC's website to complete the survey Why It Matters: Help guide programs including housing assistance, early childhood education, and nutrition support Contact: Community Action Partnership of Cambria County FUNDRAISERS 💰Chamber of Commerce Raffle Night Coming Up!The Cambria Regional Chamber of Commerce is hosting a fun fundraiser raffle night on February 28th! Join the community for an evening of exciting prizes including two grand prizes of $500 each, $100 giveaways every 15 minutes, plus 50/50 raffles and side raffles. It's a great way to support local business initiatives while having a chance to win! When: Friday, February 28, 2026, 6-8 PM Where: Masonic Temple, 130 Valley Pike, Johnstown, PA Tickets: $20 each (Venmo @Jen-Fisher-79) Contact: Cambria Regional Chamber, (814) 536-5107 Source: Cambria Regional Chamber VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES 🙋Humane Society of Cambria County Seeks VolunteersLove animals? The Humane Society of Cambria County is always looking for volunteers to help care for shelter animals. From dog walking and cat cuddling to dishes and yard maintenance, there's a role for everyone! Volunteers must be at least 10 years old (with a guardian if under 16). Special orientation and dog-handling courses are provided. How to Apply: Call (814) 535-6116 or email volunteers@cambriacountyhs.com Where: Humane Society of Cambria County, Johnstown Source: HSCC Website Cambria County Library Welcomes VolunteersThe Cambria County Library values your time and is seeking volunteers to help with library operations including shelving books, cleaning, and other tasks. Free background clearances are provided for volunteers. It's a wonderful way to support literacy and community learning! Contact: Head of Reference at (814) 536-5131, ext. 212 Where: Cambria County Library System locations Source: Cambria County Library Trail Maintenance Volunteers NeededThe Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority needs volunteers to help maintain over 50 miles of trails! Whether you're an individual or part of a group, you can help with trash pickup, brush trimming, or mowing/weeding along trails. The CCCRA provides gloves, vests, and trash bags. Contact: Email clusk@co.cambria.pa.us to organize a volunteer workday Perfect for: Scout troops, church groups, civic organizations, or individuals Source: CCCRA Website Have a story to share? Know someone doing great things in our community? We'd love to hear about it! Stay positive, stay connected, and keep making Cambria County proud! 💚 |
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 Figgy Pudding a female American Pit Bull Terrier dog from the Humane Society of Cambria County who is eagerly awaiting a forever home!
About Figgy Pudding:
How to Adopt Figgy Pudding:
If Figgy Pudding sounds like the perfect addition to your family, don't hesitate!
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The South Fork Dam |
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Warmly, Charles Sisk Editor |
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