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"PA's Whistleblower Law Failure Sparks Debate as Cambria County Secures Grant for CanAm ATV & Central Cambria Girls Basketball Heads to District Championships!"
"PA's Whistleblower Law Failure Sparks Debate as Cambria County Secures Grant for CanAm ATV & Central Cambria Girls Basketball Heads to District Championships!"
"PA's Whistleblower Law Failure Sparks Debate as Cambria County Secures Grant for CanAm ATV & Central Cambria Girls Basketball Heads to District Championships!"
"Pennsylvania Falls Behind in Whistleblower Law while Other States Thrive + Grant Secured for CanAm 6×6 ATV + Central Cambria Girls Basketball Heads to District 6 Finals!"
Charles Sisk
Feb 25, 2026
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Trivia Question❓What is a unique fact about the country of Liechtenstein that many people may not know? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Pennsylvania lawmakers are weighing a new False Claims Act aimed at empowering whistleblowers to sue over fraud involving state funds.
This proposed law would closely resemble the federal False Claims Act, a statute responsible for recovering over $6.8 billion last year—much of it due to whistleblowers exposing healthcare fraud. Pennsylvania currently misses out on extra federal Medicaid reimbursements that at least 29 other states receive by having similar laws.
Supporters, including Gov. Josh Shapiro and Sen. Lindsey Williams, say the measure would deter fraud, boost financial recoveries, and prevent the state from forfeiting funds.
The bill, already passed by the House, would allow for triple damages, protections against retaliation, and awards of up to 30% for whistleblowers.
However, business and healthcare leaders warn it could fuel expensive, abusive lawsuits, especially in areas with complicated billing.
The Senate's decision will determine if Pennsylvania remains the largest state without this kind of law. Read More... |
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The Citizens Fire Company of Vintondale, Cambria County, has secured a $64,399 grant for a powerful new 2026 CanAm 6×6 ATV.
This advanced ATV features a hose line and an 85-gallon water tank, making it ideal for tackling brush fires and tight rescues.
The department previously relied on a bulky Ford F-450, which struggled to navigate the narrow, seven-mile Ghost Town Trail during urgent emergencies.
One memorable incident involved a missing special needs child, underscoring the urgent need for a more versatile rescue vehicle.
Fire Chief Rob Garver described the long search for funding, finally succeeding with help from the Local Share Account grant program.
State Representative Frank Burns supported the project, recognizing its importance for the community.
With the new CanAm 6×6, emergency responses along the Ghost Town Trail will now be quicker and safer. Read More... |
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The dream of a repeat championship is very much alive in Ebensburg.
The Central Cambria girls' basketball team is officially heading back to the District 6 Class 3A title game after a commanding 52-37 victory over Penns Valley.
The win sets the stage for the top-seeded Red Devils to defend their district crown.
Junior standout Katie George was a force on the court, delivering a dominant performance with an incredible 22 points and 16 rebounds.
Her effort was decisive in fueling the team's momentum from start to finish, culminating in a victory that has the entire community buzzing.
Now, all eyes are on the championship as the Red Devils seek to bring home the title to Ebensburg once again. Read More... |
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Events in Cambria County, PA: Feb. 25, 2026 – Mar. 3, 2026 🗓️ Family-Friendly Events in Cambria County, PAFebruary 25 – March 3, 2026
✅ FREE EVENTS1. Last Friday at the Ethnic Social Club — "Wanderlost" 📅 Friday, February 27, 5:30–7:30 PM 📍 Heritage Ethnic Social Club, 201 6th Avenue, Johnstown (Cambria City) 🎵 Live music with Wanderlost, a piano-based rock quartet making their first Last Friday appearance. A relaxed community social gathering with guest bartenders. All ages welcome for this early-evening event. 🔗 Source: Visit Johnstown PA Cost: Free (cash bar available) 2. Story Hour at Portage Public Library 📅 Wednesday, February 25, 10:30–11:30 AM 📍 Portage Public Library, Second Floor, Portage, PA (Cambria County) 📚 A free storytime program facilitated by library volunteers, designed to help young children develop a love of books and reading. Registration encouraged. 👶 Ages: Pre-K (3–5 years) 🔗 Source: Cambria County Library System Calendar Cost: Free (registration recommended) 3. Genealogy Huddle at Cambria County Library 📅 Wednesday, February 25, 5:00–6:00 PM 📍 Cambria County Library, Third Floor – Programming, 248 Main Street, Johnstown 🔎 A recurring community session where participants bring their genealogy questions and "brick walls" and work together to break through them. Open to teens, adults, and seniors. 👨👩👧 Ages: Teens & Adults 🔗 Source: Cambria County Library System Calendar Cost: Free 4. Little Learners Arts Explorers 📅 Wednesday, February 25, 6:00 PM 📍 Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, 411 Third Ave., Johnstown (Cambria City) 🎨 A multi-week class series for young children (ages 3–6) exploring visual arts, movement, music, and fiber arts with qualified instructors in each genre. Check with Bottle Works about session enrollment status. 👶 Ages: 3–6 years 🔗 Source: AllEvents.in Johnstown | Bottle Works Youth Programming Cost: Free (multi-week enrolled program — confirm enrollment requirements) 5. "Elements of the Wild: Land, Sea & Sky" — Paintings by Ryan Kniss (Ongoing Exhibit) 📅 Open through late February/March 2026 (exhibit opened Feb. 19) 📍 Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center – Gallery, 411 Third Ave., Johnstown 🖼️ An exhibition of nature-themed paintings by local artist Ryan Kniss. The gallery is open to walk-in visitors during regular hours (Tue 10–4, Wed–Fri 10–7, Sat 10–3). 👨👩👧 All ages 🔗 Source: AllEvents.in Johnstown Cost: Free to view 6. Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling Junior High State Championships 📅 Friday, February 27 – Sunday, March 1
7. Guided Worm Moon Hike 📅 Tuesday, March 3, 7:00 PM 📍 Green Valley Street Trailhead (Whitetail Trail), Stackhouse Park area, Johnstown 🌕 A guided evening hike on the Whitetail Trail up to a scenic overlook and back via the Hunter Trail (approximately 2–2.5 miles). Boots and trekking poles recommended as conditions vary. A lovely late-winter outdoor experience. 👨👩👧 All ages; children and leashed dogs welcome 🔗 Source: Visit Johnstown PA Cost: Free 8. KidVentures Cash Bash 📅 Saturday, February 28, 5:30 PM 📍 Masonic Temple (Event & Conference Center), 130 Valley Pike, Johnstown 🎉 A fundraising event benefiting KidVentures, a local children's program. Features a cash bash raffle-style event. Families are encouraged to attend to support youth programming in the community. 👨👩👧 Family-friendly 🔗 Source: AllEvents.in Johnstown Cost: Free (ticket/entry pricing — confirm via KidVentures directly; may require tickets) 9. Soup Fest 🍲 📅 Sunday, March 1, 1:00 PM 📍 Minersville PNA (Free Poland Society), 153 Benshoff St., Johnstown 🍜 A community soup competition and tasting event hosted at the Minersville PNA club. Compete for $5 (sign up with the bartender) or taste and vote for free. A fun, informal community gathering, also coinciding with a Penguins vs. Vegas Knights game. 👨👩👧 All ages 🔗 Source: AllEvents.in Johnstown Cost: Free to taste and vote; $5 to enter a soup 💰 PAID EVENTS10. Sam Coco Live at Asiago's Tuscan Italian 📅 Friday, February 27, 7:00 PM 📍 Asiago's Tuscan Italian Restaurant, 709 Edgehill Drive, Johnstown 🎸 Local favorite and musician Sam Coco performs a live show at one of Johnstown's popular Italian restaurants. A great dinner-and-music outing for families and couples. 👨👩👧 All ages (family restaurant setting) 🔗 Source: AllEvents.in Johnstown Cost: No cover charge indicated; dining costs apply (confirm directly with venue: Asiago's, 814-255-6515 area) 11. "God's Favorite" — Log Art Theatre (Community Arts Center) 📅 Friday, February 27, 7:00 PM | Saturday, February 28, 7:00 PM | Sunday, March 1, 2:00 PM 📍 Community Arts Center of Cambria County, 1217 Menoher Boulevard, Johnstown 🎭 Neil Simon's comedic modern retelling of the Book of Job, produced by Log Art Theatre. A Long Island tycoon's faith is tested after a heavenly messenger arrives in his home — packed with wit and warmth. Features audio description and an ASL interpreter for accessibility. 👨👩👧 Best for ages 10+; adult themes handled comedically 🔗 Source: Visit Johnstown PA | Tribune-Democrat/Yahoo | caccc.org Cost: $19 per person | Tickets: caccc.org or (814) 255-6515 12. Vibes & Vases: Modern Still Life Painting at Bottle Works 📅 Saturday, February 28, 1:00 PM 📍 Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, 411 Third Ave., Johnstown (Cambria City) 🖌️ A hands-on painting workshop where participants create their own modern still life artwork. Bottle Works regularly hosts beginner-friendly art classes for adults. Contact Bottle Works to confirm registration and pricing. 👩🎨 Adults & teens (ages 13+) 🔗 Source: AllEvents.in Johnstown | bottleworks.org Cost: TBD — contact Bottle Works at (814) 536-5399 for pricing/registration 13. Johnstown Tomahawks Hockey — Home Games (NAHL Junior Hockey) 📅 No home games confirmed within Feb. 25–March 3 window per the Visit Johnstown calendar — nearest home games: March 6 (7:30 PM) and March 7 (7:00 PM) just outside the window. (Spectators visiting during the PJW Wrestling Championship weekend may wish to check the Tomahawks schedule, as the arena hosts both events.) 📍 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial, 326 Napoleon Street, Johnstown 🏒 The Johnstown Tomahawks are a Tier II Junior A NAHL hockey team. Exciting, fast-paced junior hockey at an affordable price. The arena atmosphere is family-friendly. 👨👩👧 All ages 🔗 Source: Visit Johnstown PA | 1stsummitarena.com Cost: $10–$16 per person (for March 6–7 games just outside window) 14. Johnstown Children's Museum (Ongoing Attraction) 📅 Open Thu–Mon, 10 AM–5 PM (closed Tue–Wed); check Heritage Johnstown's website for any weather-related closures 📍 Heritage Discovery Center, 7th Avenue & Broad Street, Cambria City, Johnstown 🏛️ The Heritage Discovery Center houses both a history museum and the Johnstown Children's Museum. Families can explore exhibits on immigration, local history, and hands-on children's exhibits. The museum is also currently preparing the "Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank" exhibit opening in March 2026. 👶👨👩👧 All ages 🔗 Source: Heritage Johnstown | WTAJ News Cost: Admission fee applies — see heritagejohnstown.org for current pricing (Heritage Johnstown Pass available for savings) 📌 Additional Notes & Tips for VisitorsComing to Cambria County this weekend? The PJW Wrestling Championships (Feb. 27–March 1) will bring hundreds of youth athletes and families to Johnstown — book accommodations early as hotels fill quickly. Ongoing Exhibit Opening Soon: The "Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank" exhibit opens at the Heritage Discovery Center in March 2026 and runs through June. While not yet open during this exact window, it's a perfect reason to plan a return visit. Ebensburg Borough: The Ebensburg Main Street Partnership's calendar did not list specific events for this window beyond recurring Borough Council meetings. Their next signature community events begin in April (Art in Bloom) and May. Check Library System: The Cambria County Library System has 14 member libraries across the county. Beyond the two events listed above, individual branch libraries (Carrolltown, Gallitzin, Patton, Northern Cambria, Nanty Glo, etc.) may have storytime, craft nights, or reading programs not yet posted to the central calendar. Check cambriacounty.librarycalendar.com or call your nearest branch.
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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 25, 2026: High 39°F, Low 23°F. AM Snow Showers |
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Rusty Cat Café – Downtown JohnstownIf you’ve ever joked that Johnstown needed “more cats and more coffee,” the new Rusty Cat Café in downtown is basically your wish come true. The café just held its grand opening in mid‑February and is designed as a cozy hangout where you can sip a drink while watching, petting, or playing with adoptable cats in a dedicated space. Owner Donna Christopher describes it as a place “where a cat can be a cat, and cat people can pet and play or just watch others pet and play,” complete with a bar where you can sit and look into large windows as cats stroll by on walkways and bat at a TV playing birds and squirrels.
Fine Wine & Good Spirits – Richland Town Center, JohnstownOn the other end of the spectrum, there’s a new spot in Richland that’s less about cuddly kittens and more about stocking up for dinner parties and game nights. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board just cut the ribbon on a new Fine Wine & Good Spirits store at Richland Town Center, 350 Town Centre Drive in Johnstown, replacing the former location at East Hills Plaza. The shop offers about 4,400 square feet of retail space and roughly 2,200 different wines and spirits, including the popular Chairman’s Selection bottles that bring higher‑end labels down to neighbor‑friendly prices.
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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 |
"The strength of a community lies in its ability to come together and support one another through challenges and triumphs.' Stay connected and engaged with your community today!" |
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Local Shoutouts, Causes, Fundraisers, and Volunteer Opportunities
🌟 CAMBRIA BUZZ COMMUNITY NEWSLETTERYour Weekly Connection to Local Good News Week of February 24, 2026 ⭐ LOCAL SHOUTOUTSRecognitions, achievements, and accomplishments🏆 Greater Johnstown Teacher Selected for Elite National PBS Program Christian Wrabley, a civics and history teacher at Greater Johnstown High School, was selected as one of only 12 educators nationwide to join the prestigious National Ambassador Teacher Program run by PBS. Wrabley will collaborate with teachers of the year from across the country to create lesson plans, write blog posts, and develop content that helps educators bring history to life in the classroom.
🤼 Bishop McCort Wrestling Still Undefeated — And Making History The Bishop McCort Crimson Crushers wrestling team advanced through the state quarterfinals this week, continuing one of the most dominant runs in Pennsylvania high school sports history. National recruit Jax Forrest capped his remarkable prep career before heading to Oklahoma State University, finishing with a 140-3 record over his McCort career. What a legacy!
🎓 Bishop McCort Launches "Bright Futures Fund" With $1 Million Donation An anonymous donor gave $1 million to Bishop McCort Catholic High School to launch the brand-new "Bright Futures Fund" — a merit-based financial aid program for students in grades 7 through 12. School leaders say the program will distribute roughly $300,000 in its first year and is designed to help more local families afford faith-based education. Applications opened during Catholic Schools Week.
🏒 Richland's Senior Goalie Honored After 2,000th Career Save Richland High School recently celebrated a senior goaltender who hit the remarkable milestone of 2,000 career saves! The school held a special recognition for this standout student athlete — a heartwarming moment that shows the deep love for hockey in Cambria County.
🦸 LOCAL HEROES🌿 Nature Conservancy Saves 279 Acres in Cambria County for Rare Birds The Nature Conservancy and Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry completed the acquisition of 279 acres of land in Adams Township, Cambria County, to be permanently preserved as rare grassland bird habitat and public recreation space. The "Paint Creek" property — named for the cold-water stream running through it — fills a critical gap in Gallitzin State Forest, protecting an important migration corridor through the Appalachians.
👗 Johnstown Police & Breaking the Barriers Team Up for Free Clothing Giveaway The Johnstown Police Department partnered with local behavioral health nonprofit Breaking the Barriers to host a free clothing giveaway for families throughout the area. Dozens of residents showed up at the Central Park Complex on Franklin Street to pick up free clothes for adults and children alike. CEO Paula Miller said it's all about giving back — and Chief Mark Britton was right there making it happen alongside her.
💡 LOCAL CAUSESCommunity issues that need attention🛑 Lifeline Medical Center Plans Anti-Bullying Event Lifeline Medical Center is stepping up to take on bullying in our community with a planned anti-bullying event. Details are still being finalized, but this is a great initiative to keep an eye on — especially for families with school-age kids.
🌎 Johnstown Comprehensive Plan Open for Public Comment The City of Johnstown has released a draft Comprehensive Plan and is actively seeking public input from residents! This is your chance to shape the future direction of the city — from housing and transportation to green spaces and economic development. Printed copies are available at several city locations.
🎽 The Cambria County Clothing Boutique Needs Your Help! Founded by one woman with a big heart, the Cambria County Clothing Boutique has served over 8,000 local children with free, school-appropriate clothing over the past five years. Founder Lisa Campbell is still the sole organizer and is especially in need of children's pants and underwear. If you have gently used donations or want to volunteer, this is a worthy cause!
💛 FUNDRAISERS🏊 Special Olympics PA Polar Plunge Raises Thousands! Local heroes braved the cold for a great cause — the 2026 Blair County Polar Plunge raised thousands of dollars for Special Olympics Pennsylvania! While the plunge itself was in Blair County, the cause directly benefits athletes right here in Cambria County. Missed the plunge? You can still donate!
📚 Friends of the Cambria County Library — Always Accepting Support The Friends of the Cambria County Library keep the "Inclined to Read" bookstore running and host fundraisers year-round — think basket raffles and lotto trees — to support your local library. They're always welcoming new members and donations of clean, undamaged books and DVDs.
🙌 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES🐾 Humane Society of Cambria County Needs You! If you love animals, the Humane Society of Cambria County is always looking for volunteers to walk dogs, cuddle cats, help with yard cleanup, and assist at special events. Every hour you give makes a real difference for animals waiting for their forever homes.
🛤️ Trail Cleanup Volunteers Wanted – Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority Love the outdoors? The CCCRA maintains over 50 miles of trails — including the beloved Ghost Town Trail and Path of the Flood — and needs volunteers for trash pickup, brush trimming, and trail beautification. They provide gloves, vests, and bags. Groups are especially welcome, and clubs or sports teams can even earn donations for helping out!
📬 Know a neighbor deserving a shoutout? A local cause that needs more eyes on it? We want to hear from you! This newsletter is only as strong as the community that fills it.
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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 Bad Bunny a male domestic short hair cat from the Humane Society of Cambria County who is eagerly awaiting a forever home!
About Bad Bunny:
How to Adopt Bad Bunny:
If Bad Bunny sounds like the perfect addition to your family, don't hesitate!
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Despite being a landlocked country, Liechtenstein has the highest per capita GDP in the world. |
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Warmly, Charles Sisk Editor |
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