GOVERNMENT & UTILITIES
New Bethlehem community shows appreciation after historic snowfall
NEW BETHLEHEM – The weather outside was frightful, but the response to the emergency situation in the New Bethlehem area was delightful — and now local officials, businesses and others are showing their appreciation for all those who helped the community dig out following the Jan. 25 winter storm.
For the full story and much more in local news and sports, see this week’s issue of The Leader-Vindicator, on sale now, and visit us online.
www.thecourierexpress.com/the_leader_vindicator/news/local/new-bethlehem-community-shows-apprecia...
New Bethlehem community shows appreciation after historic snowfall
www.thecourierexpress.com
NEW BETHLEHEM – The weather outside was frightful, but the response to the emergency situation in the New Bethlehem area was delightful — and now local officials, businesses and others0 CommentsComment on Facebook
❄️❤️ Gratitude After the Storm: New Bethlehem ❤️❄️
1️⃣ Community Stepped Up
In the wake of last week’s historic snowstorm, the New Bethlehem and Redbank Valley community came together in an incredible way. We extend heartfelt thanks to the men and women of the New Bethlehem Borough Public Works Department (Roger Hillard, Chris Bowser, Josh Doverspike), Borough Secretary Richard McGarrity, the Redbank Valley Municipal Authority (Mike Kundick, Michael Rearick, Rory Moore, Raymond Clinger, Debbie Vangorder, Michelle Brown), the Southern Clarion County Regional Police Department (Chief Robert Malnofsky Jr., Officer Robert Kelly, Officer Stephen Mazik, Constable Robert Cornman, Volunteer Mark Hoover, Police Secretary Debra Schrecengost), and the New Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Company #1 (Chief Edward Goth, Rochelle Schawl, Antonio “Fresh” Phillips, Ricky Nelson, Scott Barrett). We are also grateful for the tireless help of third party partners Rich Shillings, Mike Shillings, Chris Shillings of Rich Shillings & Sons, and Rich Lessner of Lessner Excavating.
2️⃣ Thanks That Touched Hearts
A special thank you to the William Rupert Family of Rupert Funeral Home and Cremation Service for their generous donation, shared through Mayor Gordon Barrows, to treat those who served. That gift became Canyon Coffee gift certificates for our crews. Deep appreciation as well to Vietnam Veteran Raymond Guntrum, who donated five pizzas from Village Pizza & Subs to feed our teams during cleanup. Huge thanks to Canyon Coffee of New Bethlehem, especially Jason, Josh, Larissa, Chloe, Kimberly, Kiera, and Alex, for their amazing hospitality. Matthew Green, Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce Board Member, joined Mayor Barrows at Canyon Coffee to personally thank them for their loyalty and support as a Chamber member.
3️⃣ Faith, Resilience, and Recovery
Though New Bethlehem was among the hardest hit communities reported by national news, it was also one of the first in Clarion County to rebound. All honor, glory, and praise be to God for protecting our community and empowering those who came to our rescue. Social media has been filled with kind words and gratitude, a true testament to neighbors helping neighbors.
📸 Photos courtesy of Matthew Green of Calico Systems, TechReady Professionals, and RedbankValley.org
📰 For the full story and more details, be sure to pick up this week’s Leader-Vindicator.
#NewBethlehem #RedbankValley #SnowStorm #ThankYou #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors
1 CommentComment on Facebook
We are so blessed to live in a community that cares about each other and helps each other. A special thank you to Ed Goth who seen us struggling to shovel and used his 4 wheeler to help and Roger and Chris who did a great job keeping roads cleared.
Hi, everyone! 🫶🏼
We have a very important and exciting update regarding Char-Val Candies and Creamery. 🥳 As of January 30, 2026, ownership of the business has been transferred from Howard Shreckengost and family to Ben and Amanda Carrico with Ashley Pence serving as the new director of operations.
Char-Val Candies has been proud to serve the Redbank Valley community and surrounding areas for the last 57 years, and this transition marks an exciting new chapter! While ownership has changed, our commitment to providing the same high-quality candy you know and trust remains unchanged. 🍫 Day-to-day operations and retail/online shopping will continue as usual, and our dedicated team will remain in place to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. ❤️
Ben and Ashley have very strong ties to the community and look forward to building on the solid foundation established by the Shreckengost family.
Thank you for the incredible support you have brought to our business and family over the many years. 🥹 We have so many memories and joy that will continue to carry us for years to come. Here’s to new beginnings!
With love,
Howard, Greta, Jill, and Ali 🍫
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🔥 Standing Strong for Station 560 🔥
As many of you have heard, Hawthorn Volunteer Fire Department (Station 560) has suffered catastrophic damage to their firehall due to the recent winter storm in our area. They are unable to hold any fundraisers for an undetermined amount of time. As many of you know, not being able to hold vital fundraisers is a devastating blow to any organization, but for a fire department it is beyond measure. We all depend on fundraisers to get trucks out the door and provide lifesaving services to the community. 🚒❤️
Because of this, the membership of the New Bethlehem Fire Company has decided to host a Meatloaf Benefit Dinner on Sunday, February 15 starting at 2:30pm to help our neighboring company during this difficult time. This is a simple way for our community to show support. 🙏🍽️
🍽️ Meatloaf • Scalloped Potatoes • Green Beans • Dessert
🥡 Dine-in and takeout available
💲 Adults $14 | Children 10 and under $7
⏰ 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM, or until sold out
📍 425 Arch Street, New Bethlehem, PA
🙌 Let’s bring the community together and show our support for Station 560.
#Hawthorn #SupportOurFirefighters #Station560 #FireFamily #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
📌 Upcoming Events: New Bethlehem & Redbank Valley
📅 JAN 2026
• Jan 30, 7P: Movie Night “Soul on Fire”, St. Charles Hall
📅 FEB 2026
• Feb 2, 5P: Valentine Canvas Class, RV Library
• Feb 3–12, 9–11A: QuickBooks II Course, Virtual
• Feb 5, 6P: Auction, NB Wesleyan School, Trinity Hall
• Feb 8, 11A: Faith Formation Breakfast, St. Charles Hall
• Feb 11, 7P: CPR & First Aid, NB Fire Hall
• Feb 13: Valentine Lottery Raffle Drawing, RV Library
• Feb 14, 5–8:30P: Valentine Mardi Gras Party, St. Charles Hall
• Feb 18, 12P: Ash Wednesday Service, NB Presbyterian
• Feb 20, 4–7P: Fish Fry, New Bethlehem Fire Hall
• Feb 22, 11A–4P: Spaghetti Fundraiser, Mending Hope
• Feb 23, 5:30P: Chamber Bingo, Trinity Hall
• Feb 25, 12P: Lenten Service, Oakland Church of God
• Feb 25, 5–6:30P: Phenology Webinar
📅 MAR 2026
• Mar 4, 12P: Lenten Service, Cornerstone Church of God
• Mar 6, 4–7P: Fish Fry, New Bethlehem Fire Hall
• Mar 11, 12P: Lenten Service, Leatherwood Church
• Mar 18, 12P: Lenten Service, NB First Baptist
• Mar 19, 12–1:30P: Small Business Master Class, Oil City
• Mar 20, 4–7P: Fish Fry, New Bethlehem Fire Hall
• Mar 25, 12P: Lenten Service, NB First Fellowship
• Mar 28: Chamber Annual Dinner, Trinity Hall
• Mar 30, Doors 5P, Bingo 6P: Ham Bingo, NB Fire Hall
📅 APR 2026
• Apr 1, 12P: Lenten Service, NB Wesleyan Methodist
• Apr 3, 12P: Good Friday Service, Hawthorn Nazarene
• Apr 5, 7A: Easter Sunrise Service, First Church of God
• Apr 10: Chamber Job Fair, RV Community Center
📅 JUN 2026
• Jun 5–6: Community Yard Sales
• Jun 13: Victory in the Valley Music Fest, RV Park
• Jun 27: Customer Appreciation Day, New Bethlehem
📅 JUL 2026
• Jul 4: Freedom Festival Fireworks, Gumtown Park
📅 SEP 2026
• Sep 18–20: Peanut Butter Festival, Gumtown Park
📅 OCT 2026
• Oct: Halloween Parade, Redbank Valley High School
📅 NOV 2026
• Nov 28: Cookie Crawl, New Bethlehem
📅 DEC 2026
• Dec 5: Christmas Parade & Snacks with Santa
🙏 Prayer Breakfasts
• Men’s: Zack’s, Jan 15 at 7A; weekly Lent Feb 19–Apr 2; resumes Apr 16
• Women’s: First Thursday monthly starting March, 8A at Zack’s
🌟 Save the Date
• May–Oct Fridays, 12:30–5P: Gumtown Market, Gumtown Park
📩 Submit events: [email protected] | [email protected]
⏰ Deadline: Mondays by 5 PM
#NewBethlehem #RedbankValley #CommunityEvents #FaithEvents #PrayerBreakfast #VisitPA #DiscoverClarionCounty #ShopLocal #SupportLocal #ClarionCounty
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🚒 Community Support in Action 💙
Mike Minich & Jaron Minich of Nick’s Autobody, joined by their four legged companion Hank 🐾, proudly presented the New Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Company with a $2,500 donation (Platinum Sponsor) in support of the Fire Company’s upcoming Pew/Bangs & Cash Bingo fundraiser. The generous contribution reflects the continued commitment of local businesses to support the first responders who faithfully serve the community.
Ashley Bish, Chairwoman of the Fundraising Committee, expressed her gratitude, saying, “We are incredibly thankful for the generosity shown by Nick’s Autobody. Support like this truly makes a difference and helps ensure our firefighters have the resources they need to continue protecting our community.”
A wonderful example of neighbors helping neighbors and the strong partnerships that continue to strengthen the New Bethlehem area and the Redbank Valley community ❤️🙏
Pictured from left to right in the back row are Fire Company President Wayne Livingston; Firefighter Ricky Nelson; Firefighter Wade Bish; Firefighter Scott Barrett; Mike Minich, Nick’s Autobody; Firefighter Rochelle Schawl; Firefighter Robert Feighner; Firefighter Ashley Bish; and Firefighter & New Bethlehem Mayor Gordon Barrows. Kneeling in the front row are Jaron Minich, Nick’s Autobody and Hank 🐾.
#NewBethlehem #RedbankValley #Volunteers #Firefighters #SupportLocal
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Historic snowfall covers region
NEW BETHLEHEM – The pride that came with the New Bethlehem area’s brush with fame after landing on national news for having the most snow from Sunday’s Winter Storm Fern quickly wore off in the following days as the Redbank Valley area and other surrounding communities struggled to dig out from the massive amount of snowfall.
With some news outlets reporting that New Bethlehem recorded a record 23 inches of snow in the one-day event, and other communities recording around a foot-and-a-half of snow, state, borough and township crews have been working for days to figure out what to do with all the snow.
For the full story and much more in local news and sports, see this week’s issue of The Leader-Vindicator, on sale now, and visit us online.
Historic snowfall covers region
www.thecourierexpress.com
NEW BETHLEHEM – The pride that came with the New Bethlehem area’s brush with fame after landing on national news for having the most snow from Sunday’s Winter Storm Fern0 CommentsComment on Facebook
❄️🤝 Snow Recovery: Thank You, New Bethlehem 🤝❄️
As we continue recovering from this historic snowstorm, NB Borough is collecting names and phone numbers for snow removal services to help residents in need, especially our elderly neighbors. 📞 814.275.2003 | 📧 [email protected]
A huge thanks to Rich Shillings & Sons, Richard Lessner (Lessner Excavating), the Beau Snyder Family, and the many others who worked side by side with Public Works, Police, Fire, and RVMA to help our community recover. This is neighbors helping neighbors at its best. 💙
#NewBethlehem #RedbankValley #SnowRecovery #CommunityPride #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors
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❄️🚜 Snow Recovery Update: New Bethlehem 1/28 🚜❄️
As cleanup continues across the Borough, here are the latest updates and ways you can help. Thanks for your patience. -Mayor Barrows ❤️
🧹 Snow Removal Services List:
The Borough is collecting names & phone numbers of individuals & businesses that offer snow removal services, especially to assist our elderly residents. 📞 Call 814.275.2003 📧 Email [email protected] We will share this list with residents seeking help.
🏫 School Update, Sidewalk Safety:
The Redbank Valley School District will operate on a 2 Hour Delay tomorrow, Thursday, January 29, 2026. 🚸 Please clean sidewalks as soon as possible for students walking to school. We understand contractor delays after this historic storm and truly appreciate your cooperation for student safety.
🚜 Borough Cleanup Progress
Snow removal along Broad Street and Wood Street (Route 28 & 66) is mostly complete. As of mid afternoon today, following garbage collection, Public Works and third party crews are now moving into additional borough streets, hauling snow from parking spaces and sidewalks to restore traffic flow and accessibility. ⏰ Crews will be working all day and most of the night, please be patient as this work continues.
🤝 Mutual Aid & Regional Support
The Office of the Mayor received calls today from neighboring communities and government officials offering assistance and support. We were also able to help several communities apply for funding to support their own snow removal and recovery operations. This mutual aid effort is a powerful example of neighbors helping neighbors.
Thank you for continuing to work together, show patience, and care for one another as we recover from this historic storm. 💙
#NewBethlehem #SnowRecovery #CommunityUpdate #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #RedbankValley
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
West Garrison is terrible..no space to drive or trucks to pass
Now just gotta worry about the intersections of the streets and the ones that connect with 66 plus the streets leading to the school still a lot of snow on them
❄️🚜 Snow Recovery Update: New Bethlehem 1/27 🚜❄️
As we continue recovering from this historic winter storm, here are several updates for residents & businesses. -Mayor Barrows ❤️
🧹 Snow Removal Services Needed:
If you or your business offers snow removal services, please contact NB Borough at 814.275.2003 or [email protected].
👉 We are building a list to share with residents & businesses in need.
💬 Comment here too so neighbors can connect with you directly.
🏫 Sidewalk Reminder:
The Redbank Valley School District kindly reminds residents that as students return to class, sidewalks must be passable for walkers. We understand delays due to the historic storm and limited contractor availability, and we appreciate your efforts to address this as soon as possible.
🚜 Borough Cleanup Progress:
Our Public Works Department, Police Department, Fire Company, and RVMA employees are working together day (and night) to remove snow along Broad Street and Wood Street (Route 28 & 66). This remains our top priority to restore parking, traffic flow, and access to local businesses. The Borough has also hired additional third-party contractors to assist with removal.
🗑️ Garbage/Trash Collection Update:
✅ Normal garbage and trash collection for NB Borough residents WILL take place tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28. Please have your items out as scheduled and allow extra room around containers when possible so crews can safely collect.
📰 Official Press Release:
For full details on emergency actions, response efforts, and next steps, please read the official press release:
👉 NewBethlehemBoro.com/snow-storm-2026
👉 RedbankValley.org/snow-storm-2026
The full release will also appear in local news & media outlets over the next several business days. Thank you for continuing to look out for one another as we move forward together. 💙
#NewBethlehem #RedbankValley #Update #Community #Snow
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Just a suggestion, but if we could remove the big snow piles, especially the one when pulling out onto Broad Street from Keck Avenue
Everyone has put in so many long hours over the last few days. We truly appreciate all of their hard work. I can only imagine how exhausted and frozen they are. 
You all are doing a wonderful job !!
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Get the latest news & announcements from the Redbank Valley’s Boroughs and Townships, including New Bethlehem, South Bethlehem, Hawthorn, Redbank Township, Mahoning Township, Porter Township and Madison Township. To contact a government directly, please see the list of ‘Government Links‘ on this page.
New Bethlehem Borough
Clarion County
210 Lafayette Street
New Bethlehem, PA 16242
P: 814.275.2003
F: 814.275.4269
E: [email protected]
W: www.NewBethlehemBoro.com
South Bethlehem Borough
Armstrong County
217 West Broad Street
New Bethlehem, PA 16242
P: 814.275.4079
F: 814.275.4079
E: [email protected]
W: www.co.armstrong.pa.us
Hawthorn Borough
Clarion County
Mail: P.O. Box 52
Hawthorn, PA 16230
P: 814.365.2494
E: [email protected]
W: www.HawthornBoro.org
Redbank Township
Clarion County
Fairmount City, Oak Ridge, Alcola, Mayport
P.O. Box 47
Fairmount City, PA 16224
P: 814.275.4045
F: 814.275.4045
E: [email protected]
W: www.clarioncountyato.org/redbank
Mahoning Township
Armstrong County
Physical: 2237 Madison Road
Distant, PA 16223
Mailing: 987 State Route 1025
New Bethlehem, PA 16242
P: 814.275.4334
F: 814.275.3059
E: [email protected]
W: www.co.armstrong.pa.us
Porter Township
Clarion County
9485 Curllsville Road
New Bethlehem, PA 16242
P: 814.275.2500
F: 814.275.2500
E: [email protected]
W: www.clarioncountyato.org/porter
Madison Township
Armstrong County
1183 Madison Shop Road
Rimersburg, PA 16248
P: 814.473.6307
F: 814.473.2228
E: [email protected]
W: www.clarioncountyato.org/madison