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"Windmill Blade Chaos, Grant Victory, Power Line Concerns & Bridge Rehab Disruption in Cambria County!"
"Windmill Blade Chaos, Grant Victory, Power Line Concerns & Bridge Rehab Disruption in Cambria County!"
"Windmill Blade Chaos, Grant Victory, Power Line Concerns & Bridge Rehab Disruption in Cambria County!"
"Traffic chaos, gym grant victory, power line concerns, and major bridge rehab coming to Cambria County!"
Charles Sisk
Mar 25, 2026
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Cambria Buzz is currently running a BOGO for Memorial Day & May sponsorships. When you purchase the month of May at the discounted rate, you will also get the month of June at no charge. The closing date for the available slots that are left is April 24, 2026. We would love to have you join us!!! |
Trivia Question❓In what year did the first roller coaster in North America open, and where was it located? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Drivers in Bedford, Cambria, and Somerset counties should expect major traffic delays this week as oversized windmill blade transports travel along key routes, PennDOT warns.
Two separate convoys are scheduled: one on Tuesday, March 24, and another on Thursday, March 26.
The first transport leaves Maryland on Tuesday at 8 a.m., bound for the Cambria Wind LLC Farm off Route 56 in Somerset County.
The route moves north along U.S. 220 and I-99 through Bedford County, then follows Route 56 to its destination.
The second oversized blade departs Maryland Thursday at 8 a.m. for the Highland North Wind Farm in Cambria County, traveling north via U.S. 219, Route 869, and Route 160.
Motorists are urged to use caution and patience, as the slow-moving superloads may occupy two lanes but will stop as needed to let vehicles pass. Read More... |
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State Rep. Frank Burns has secured a $178,500 grant to replace the aging gym floor at Bishop McCort High School in Cambria County.
The school’s 49-year-old gym floor has become a safety hazard, plagued by splintered boards and temporary repairs.
Principal Tom Smith emphasized that the current floor has seen countless seasons and is now beyond repair.
With over 650 students, Bishop McCort is also a hub for local athletics, hosting hundreds of youth events annually.
Rep. Burns took initiative after seeing the floor’s poor condition firsthand, encouraging the school to pursue a Local Share Account grant, a rare funding source for private schools.
This grant means a new, safer gym floor will be in place for the next school year, providing lasting benefits for students and the broader community. Read More... |
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Cambria County residents are confronting the reality of a major power line project that could dramatically alter the area’s landscape and energy future.
The planned transmission line would stretch from West Virginia to Perry County, near Harrisburg, cutting through Cambria, Blair, and Huntingdon counties.
Project developers claim it’s essential for strengthening electric grid reliability across the Mid-Atlantic, citing rising electricity needs from sectors such as AI data centers.
Yet, many local officials are uneasy, noting they first learned about the proposal after it was already released to the public.
Governor Josh Shapiro has called on developers to honor the rights of communities and landowners along the potential route.
The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate is also questioning whether this costly project is truly necessary and what it means for taxpayers.
Locals now wait for fuller details to see how the project may affect their daily lives. Read More... |
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The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is launching a major bridge rehabilitation project on Route 3104 (Mt. Airy Drive) over U.S. 219 in Richland Township, Cambria County.
Beginning March 30, travelers will see lane restrictions on U.S. 219, and Route 3104 will close entirely over the highway.
Crews will replace the bridge deck, girders, and beams, and repair columns, foundations, and guiderails to boost safety.
During the project, a 2.9-mile detour will send drivers along Solomon Run Road, Galleria Drive, and Oakridge Drive.
PennDOT plans several overnight detours on U.S. 219 to allow for bridge demolition and beam placement.
J.F. Shea Construction Co. will lead the $2.26 million effort, including curb and ADA upgrades along Main Street, with work set to finish by October 2026. Read More... |
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Events in Cambria County, PA: Mar. 25, 2026 – Mar. 31, 2026
🗓️ Family-Friendly Events in Cambria County, PAMarch 25–31, 2026✅ FREE EVENTS🗓️ Wednesday, March 251. Story Hour at Portage Public Library
2. Genealogy Huddle at Cambria County Library
3. "Way of the Cross" Art Exhibition — Opening Day
4. "Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank" — Exhibition (Ongoing)
🗓️ Thursday, March 265. "Way of the Cross" Art Exhibition (Continues)
🗓️ Friday, March 276. "Way of the Cross" Art Exhibition — Final Day
7. Stations of the Cross — Multiple Cambria County Parishes (Lenten observance)
8. Coffee & Conversation / Guest Speaker at Beaverdale Public Library
🗓️ Saturday, March 289. 17th Annual Children's Book Festival — Day 1
10. March Morley Madness Scavenger Hunt — Final Saturday
11. Kids Easter Fun Day
12. Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Westmont Presbyterian Church
🗓️ Sunday, March 2913. 17th Annual Children's Book Festival — Day 2
🗓️ Monday, March 3014. Twilight Tales Evening Storytime at Highland Community Library
💲 PAID EVENTS🗓️ Wednesday, March 2515. Brit Floyd: The Moon, The Wall & Beyond
🗓️ Friday, March 2716. VOMA Folk/Bluegrass Coffee House Series: Blue Diggity (Verified as part of ongoing VOMA Coffeehouse series on Fridays — confirm the specific March 27 performer via VOMA's calendar)
🗓️ Saturday, March 2817. Youth Cookie Decorating Class (Age 5+)
18. Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
19. Brunch with The Bunny at Asiago's Tuscan Italian
20. Craftwork Studios Fundraiser Party (Referenced in Tribune-Democrat's weekly listing)
22. River City Brass Band: "Celtic Connections" at Pasquerilla PAC (Referenced in Tribune-Democrat encoded text for Saturday, March 28)
23. AM Gold – Yacht Rock Concert at Arcadia Theater, Windber (Referenced in Tribune-Democrat encoded text for Saturday, March 28)
📍 ONGOING ATTRACTIONS (All Week, March 25–31)These are verified attractions open during the week — ideal for tourists with flexible schedules:
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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, Mar. 25 2026, through Tuesday, Mar. 31, 2026.
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It is such an exciting time for our local economy! From the revitalization efforts in downtown Johnstown to the growing retail corridor in Ebensburg, Cambria County is feeling a fresh wave of energy this spring. Here are a few of the newest faces in our business community that you’ll want to visit and support: Styles With Edge – Downtown JohnstownLocated inside the Connor Towers Apartments at 333 Market Street, this brand-new salon officially celebrated its arrival with an open house this past week on March 18, 2026. Owner Amie Strayer is the talent behind the chair, bringing her passion for hair care to a space that has been vacant for years. The salon offers a full range of affordable cuts and styling services, filling a major convenience gap for the nearly 500 residents of the building and the surrounding downtown workforce. Amie shared that her goal was to make high-quality self-care accessible to everyone in the city center. "I think it’s super convenient for [the residents]," Strayer said during the opening. "I think it’s a plus for them not to have to travel and navigate through things and have it right at their fingertips." Her presence is part of a larger push by the Johnstown Housing Authority to bring essential services back to the downtown area. You can stop by for a fresh look during their standard weekly hours or check out their latest styles on social media. Highlands Health Medical Clinic – JohnstownAlso making its debut inside Connor Towers this March is a new branch of the Highlands Health Medical Center. This facility isn't just for building residents; it's a federally qualified "lookalike" clinic open to the entire Johnstown community. Led by Executive Director Rosalie Danchanko, the clinic specializes in helping the uninsured and underinsured manage their healthcare costs and find the resources they need to thrive. Rosalie highlighted that while they have a heart for the most vulnerable, they are here for every neighbor. "Doing a great job for the most vulnerable, but now we can equally do that kind of job for all people," Danchanko noted. By setting up shop downtown, they’ve made it easier for folks who rely on public transit or walking to get professional medical care without a long trek. Residents can support them by spreading the word to anyone who might be struggling to navigate insurance or medication costs. |
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 |
"Today's Cambria County, PA quote of the day is: 'The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.' - Aristotle" |
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Local Shoutouts, Causes, Fundraisers, and Volunteer Opportunities
🌟 Cambria Buzz Community NewsletterWeek of March 23, 2026Your weekly roundup of good news, community happenings, and ways to get involved! 🏆 LOCAL SHOUTOUTSRecognitions, achievements, and notable accomplishments 🎓 Five Local Legends Headed to the Business Hall of Fame! Mark your calendars, because Cambria County is about to celebrate some truly remarkable people this spring. Five new laureates will soon be part of the Greater Johnstown Cambria County Business Hall of Fame at the 34th annual event. Honorees include the late James Brett (Brett Insurance Agency), William Harris (Harris Funeral Home), F. Nicholas Jacobs (Windber Research Institute), Linda Thomson (former CEO of Johnstown Area Regional Industries), and the late George Zamias (Zamias Services Inc.). Key Details: The induction ceremony is scheduled for Friday, April 24 at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center in Johnstown. For more info, contact the Cambria Regional Chamber of Commerce at 814-536-5107. 📰 Source: WJAC-TV 🏅 This Week's Spotlight Athletes — Congratulations, Makenna & Brett! Two of our area's top student-athletes are getting some well-deserved recognition this week! Penn Cambria senior Makenna McCoy is the female spotlight athlete of the week, and Westmont Hilltop senior Brett Hoffman is the male spotlight athlete of the week for Monday, March 23, 2026. These are two seniors wrapping up impressive careers — give them a shout if you see them around town! Key Details: Full athlete profiles are available at the Tribune-Democrat's website. 📰 Source: Tribune-Democrat ✈️ Cambria County Airport Is Taking Off — Literally! Big things are coming to John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport in 2026! Bid proposals are expected to be reviewed this spring on the first phase of what could be a $30 million Regional Jet Hangar "Innovation Zone" that would host an aircraft maintenance facility and aerial drone-related business. This is part of a broader effort to position Cambria County as a national hub for aviation and drone technology — and it's generating real buzz statewide. Key Details: For economic development news, visit Cambria Regional Chamber. 📰 Source: Tribune-Democrat 🦸 LOCAL HEROESPeople going above and beyond 👨🍳 Former Chef Turns Personal Journey Into Youth Opportunity Here's a story that will warm your heart. Derrick Johnson, a Johnstown resident who turned his life around after time in prison, is now opening a unique restaurant and learning center to help local youth find their footing. It's called the Social Butterfly and it's located at the former Sheetz in the Moxham neighborhood of Johnstown — a restaurant and grocery store where youth will be able to earn certifications in culinary arts or retail merchandising. In addition to feeding the neighborhood, The Social Butterfly will offer classes in culinary arts and retail sales, operating as a nonprofit to teach young adults from Cambria County soft skills, social etiquette, and vocational training. Key Details: The Social Butterfly is located in Moxham, Johnstown. Watch WJAC for updates on the opening timeline. 📰 Source: WJAC-TV 📣 LOCAL CAUSESImportant community issues that need your attention 👴 Foster Grandparent Program Needs a New Home — Seniors & Kids Are Counting On It This one hits close to home. A beloved program connecting older adults with children in local classrooms is in limbo — and your voice may matter. The Cambria County commissioners relinquished grant funds for the AmeriCorps Foster Grandparent Program by a 2-1 vote, with the intention of allowing another organization to step up and take over the program. The Foster Grandparent Program has been running since the 1960s; foster grandparents work one-on-one with children who may struggle in school, helping with reading, homework, and learning skills — while the program also benefits seniors by keeping them active, reducing isolation, and giving them purpose. The good news? A daycare in Northern Cambria said it was encouraged to hear the Foster Grandparent Program may return, and noted that programs like it create meaningful connections across generations. Key Details: Local organizations interested in applying for the grant through AmeriCorps should contact the Cambria County Commissioner's Office at 814-472-5440. Community members can also contact Commissioner Tom Chernisky to express support for the program's continuation. 📰 Source: Altoona Mirror 💛 FUNDRAISERSActive campaigns for local individuals, families, and organizations 🐾 The Humane Society of Cambria County Always Needs Your Help! Our local no-kill shelter is a true community treasure — and they run on the generosity of neighbors like you! The Humane Society of Cambria County operates as an open-entry shelter that accepts both stray and owner-surrendered animals, including those that may be sick, elderly, pregnant, injured, or aggressive, placing no time limits on animals in their care. Since being established 40 years ago, the organization has helped over 138,000 animals find forever homes. Their current "Lucky 7's Lottery Package" fundraiser is one of the active ways you can support the shelter right now. Key Details: 📍 743 Galleria Drive Extension, Johnstown, PA 15904 | 📞 (814) 535-6116 | 🌐 humanecambria.org 📰 Source: Humane Society of Cambria County 🙌 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESWays you can give back right now 📚 The Cambria County Library Wants YOU! If you love books and community, this one's a no-brainer! The Cambria County Library values volunteers who help with library operations including shelving books, cleaning, and other tasks — and the Friends of the Library group is always accepting new members, who operate the Inclined to Read bookstore and create fundraising opportunities throughout the year including basket raffles, lotto trees, and more. Key Details: Contact the Head of Reference at (814) 536-5131, ext. 212 or visit cclsys.org to apply. Background checks are free for volunteers! 📰 Source: Cambria County Library System 🌿 Hit the Trails — The CCCRA Needs Cleanup Volunteers Year-Round! Love the outdoors? The Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority maintains more than 50 miles of trails and always needs helping hands! Volunteers can help with trash pickup, brush trimming and removal, and mowing and weeding along trails. The CCCRA provides gloves, vests, and trash bags to all cleanup volunteers — and groups are encouraged to reach out to organize private volunteer workdays. Key Details: Email clusk@co.cambria.pa.us to organize a group cleanup day or sign up for trail event volunteering. Visit cambriaconservationrecreation.com for details. 📰 Source: CCCRA Volunteer Page 🐕 Pups in the Park — Cambria K9 Volunteers Wanted March 29! If dogs make you happy (and honestly, same), here's an event to check out. Cambria K9's "Pups in the Park" event is coming up on March 29, 2026 — a great chance to get out, socialize your pet, and connect with a fun local organization that does good work for our four-legged community members. 📬 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! About Jinger: Domestic short hair cat
How to Adopt Jinger:
If Jinger sounds like the perfect addition to your family, don't hesitate!
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The first roller coaster in North America opened in 1884 at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. |
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Warmly, Charles Sisk Editor |
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