📰 WEEKLY PREVIEW |
* Top Stories: Kellogg will ditch artificial dyes |
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Trivia Question❓Which African country is home to the city of Timbuktu, famous for its historic role in trade and Islamic scholarship during the Middle Ages? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Beaver Street Café is a true gem in the heart of Hastings, serving up homestyle meals that make everyone feel right at home. With over 25 years in the Abel Family, this café has been a beloved gathering spot for the community since 1997. From hearty breakfasts to homemade desserts, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a long-time local or just passing through, you’ll always be welcomed with a warm smile and delicious food. Can't dine in? Their easy online ordering system means you can savor your favorites wherever you are. Stop by and experience why Beaver Street Café is the best dam eats in town! |
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As the new school year kicks off in Cambria County, increased yellow bus traffic and bustling sidewalks have refocused attention on school safety.
Law enforcement is highlighting a troubling rise in school zone violations, with over a thousand citations recently issued in Cambria and nearby areas.
Speeding remains the top offender, as too many drivers disregard reduced speed limits around schools. Read More... |
Medicaid pharmacy access issues are fueling widespread frustration across Cambria County, with Martella's Pharmacy in Johnstown at the center of the storm.
The community landmark was removed from the Express Scripts network last year, impacting more than 13,000 locals—many relying exclusively on Medicaid for vital prescriptions.
Business owner Jackie Martella reports ongoing distress, as residents express outrage and confusion in community meetings and online forums. Read More... |
Debate over fire truck funding is heating up in Cambria County, Pennsylvania.
Maintaining modern equipment is growing more difficult for volunteer fire companies, as costs skyrocket beyond what small departments can raise independently.
In Southmont, the newly renovated municipal building has focused attention on these funding urgencies, showcasing the community’s commitment to upgrading resources for first responders.
Essential gear like cascade systems, which allow firefighters to breathe safely in hazardous conditions, highlights just how crucial proper funding is. Read More... |
Kellogg cereals are making waves in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, as the company replaces artificial dyes with natural food coloring in favorite products.
This shift comes in response to local families’ growing calls for healthier breakfast options without synthetic ingredients.
Parents and school nutritionists have long voiced concerns about potential health risks linked to artificial dyes in children’s foods.
Kellogg’s transition signals a deeper commitment to consumer health and ingredient transparency in the county. Read More... |
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Family-Friendly Events in Cambria, Aug. 12 – Aug. 18, 2026 |
Richland Community Days |
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Join the fun at Richland Community Days, a fantastic free event for the whole family! Enjoy live music, a vibrant parade, exciting kids activities, and a variety of games and delicious food options from local vendors. Browse unique crafts, explore community and commercial booths, try your luck at the basket raffle, and end your day with a spectacular fireworks display. There’s something for everyone to enjoy at this lively community celebration! |
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Highmark BCBS Free Concert: Natalie Brooke wsg The Regal Sweet |
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Join us for the exciting finale of the Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Free Summer Concert Series! Celebrate with a high-energy performance by Natalie Brooke and her powerhouse four-piece funk/rock band, known for electrifying audiences with their explosive style and infectious vibes. Experience a night filled with dynamic music, dancing, and pure energy as Natalie dazzles with her unparalleled keyboard skills. Gather your friends and family for an unforgettable evening at Peoples Natural Gas Park! |
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Back-to-School Glow Party |
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Get ready to kick off the new school year with an unforgettable night at the Back-to-School Glow Party! Dive into a glowed-up pool, move to the latest hits, and enjoy fun games and glow-themed activities with friends. Celebrate the end of summer under the neon lights—just bring your swimsuit, towel, and brightest party spirit! Parents should note that kids under 14 must be accompanied in the pool area. Register by August 11 to secure your spot! |
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Rock Run ATV Summer Blast |
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Rock Run ATV Summer Blast is the ultimate adventure weekend for outdoor enthusiasts! Experience three exciting days of riding across 140+ miles of scenic trails, and enjoy live concerts, delicious food, and a variety of vendors along the way. Camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis—so gather your friends or family and get ready for summer fun at Rock Run Recreation Park! |
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📚 Cambria County Library System — All Branch Events The Cambria County Library System (CCLSYS) operates 14 independent member libraries, each with its own programs and events. The system-wide calendar (covering all branches) can be filtered by library, age group, and event type at: https://cambriacounty.librarycalendar.com/branches/select |
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The Greater Johnstown School District is hosting the grand opening of its new Family Resource Center on August 20, 2026, located at Warren Street Elementary School in Johnstown, PA. The new center serves students of all ages and their families across Cambria County by providing centralized access to community support services, health and wellness resources, and family engagement initiatives. Additionally, Downtown Johnstown is unveiling its newly renovated Central Park with a grand reopening in August 2026, featuring a new pavilion and upgraded event infrastructure to support local gathering and downtown business traffic. |
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The five most consequential current trends in Cambria County are population aging and decline, a softer labor market, manufacturing workforce development, expanded digital access, and a low-cost but appreciating housing market. “Best” here means the trends most likely to shape local planning, business, workforce, and quality of life. ## 1. Population decline and aging Cambria County’s population was about 129,000 in 2025, and it was among Pennsylvania counties that declined by at least 3% from 2020 to 2025. About 32,400 residents—24.9% of the county population—were age 65 or older in 2024, well above the statewide share. This increases demand for health care, caregiving, accessible housing, transportation, and services that can help older residents remain independent. [usafacts](https://usafacts.org/answers/how-many-people-live-in-the-us/county/cambria-county-pa/) ## 2. Labor-market pressure The Johnstown metro area—which consists of Cambria County—had a 5.5% unemployment rate in June 2025, compared with 4.9% in June 2024. Employment was approximately 53,500 in June 2025, below 54,045 a year earlier, while the labor force also contracted. The pattern suggests both job-market strain and a shrinking pool of available workers, making retention, retraining, and labor-force participation important local priorities. [bls](https://www.bls.gov/regions/mid-atlantic/data/xg-tables/ro3fx9427.htm) ## 3. Manufacturing skills pipeline Manufacturing remains a targeted growth and workforce-development sector in Cambria County. Pennsylvania awarded $40,000 to Pennsylvania Highlands Community College’s Work Ready program, which is intended to train nearly 200 students across Cambria and Somerset counties with local manufacturer partnerships. The program’s emphasis on certifications, workplace skills, and employer-aligned training signals an effort to fill skilled production jobs while creating clearer paths into family-sustaining careers. [dced.pa](https://dced.pa.gov/newsroom/expanding-our-workforce-shapiro-administration-invests-40000-to-train-nearly-200-pennsylvania-highlands-community-college-students-in-manufacturing/) ## 4. Broadband and digital inclusion Digital access is becoming a more visible community-development priority, particularly for education, job search, telehealth, and remote services. The Cambria County Library received a $2 million state grant for a learning lab, Wi‑Fi-accessible space, and digital-literacy programming; the library also houses a full-service CareerLink location. This moves broadband strategy beyond infrastructure alone by connecting residents to devices, skills, employment resources, and public internet access. [broadband.pa](https://broadband.pa.gov/in-cambria-county-governor-shapiro-highlights-45-million-investment-in-high-speed-internet-at-community-hubs-across-the-commonwealth/) ## 5. Affordable housing with rising values Cambria County remains relatively affordable by U.S. housing-market standards, but home values and price per square foot have been increasing. Redfin reported a median county home sale price of about $124,000 in August 2025—up 5.3% year over year—while median price per square foot increased 18.8%. Sales volume fell from 111 to 87 year over year, suggesting that affordability is still a competitive advantage but that supply, condition of housing stock, and buyer demand warrant close monitoring. [redfin](https://www.redfin.com/county/2371/PA/Cambria-County/housing-market) |
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Local Shout-outs, Heroes, Causes, Fundraisers, Volunteer Opportunities
📣 Local Shout-outsCambria County Business Hall of Fame — Five new honorees were just announced for the 34th annual Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Business Hall of Fame, including the late James Brett, William Harris, F. Nicholas Jacobs, Linda Thomson, and the late George Zamias. The induction ceremony is set for the Pasquerilla Conference Center in Johnstown. Cambria County Sports Hall of Fame — The Class of 2026 includes eight honorees who've made a lasting impact on local, collegiate, national, and international sports, including Johnstown hockey legend Steve Carlson (whose Johnstown Jets team inspired "Slap Shot") and Richland/Penn State grad Daniel Barefoot, who competed for Team USA skeleton at the 2026 Winter Olympics. 🦸 HeroesFirefighter Valor Award — At the Cambria County Regional Firefighters Association Convention, the Valor Award went to Bern Blazosky for rescuing a woman being attacked by dogs along the Ghost Town Trail. Life Saver awards also went to Nate Kunrod and Frank Diloreto for helping save a man having a heart attack. A Century-Late Purple Heart — The family of Private John J. Andrews of Lilly, wounded in WWI's Meuse-Argonne Offensive, will finally accept his Purple Heart at a ceremony this weekend — the medal is arriving more than 100 years after his death, thanks to a medical researcher who uncovered the records. ❤️ CausesBox 11 First Responder Support — This grassroots volunteer nonprofit, formed after a major 2022 Kernville house fire, provides hydration, food, and rest stations for firefighters, police, and other emergency crews across the county. The group relies entirely on self-raised funds and recently received a $6,000 boost from a First Responders Ball. Humane Society of Cambria County — Homeward Bound Campaign — An ongoing capital campaign that lets supporters sponsor an inscribed brick to help build the shelter's future. 💰 FundraisersAAUW Used Book Sale — The Johnstown Branch of the American Association of University Women just kicked off its 68th annual used book sale at the Johnstown Galleria, a tradition running since 1957. Proceeds fund scholarships for girls and reading programs. Southmont VFC Jubilee — Southmont Volunteer Fire Company's Jubilee is its largest annual fundraiser, raising about $20,000 toward the roughly $60,000 the all-volunteer company needs each year for operations. 🙋 Volunteer OpportunitiesTrail Maintenance with CCCRA — The Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority relies on volunteers to help maintain over 50 miles of trail — trash pickup, brush trimming, and mowing. Gloves, vests, and trash bags are provided; reach out via clusk@co.cambria.pa.us to set up a work day. Humane Society of Cambria County — Volunteers help with everything from dog walking and cat cuddling to yard maintenance and special-event support. Call (814) 535-6116 or email volunteers@cambriacountyhs.com. Volunteer Firefighters Needed — Fire departments across Cambria, Blair, Huntingdon, Bedford, and Adams counties need new members — no experience required, full training provided. Info at BecomeAVolunteerFirefighter.org. |
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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! |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Mali |
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Warmly, Charles Sisk Editor |