The year that was
Top 10 stories of 2023 in Juniata Valley
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Pennsylvania State Trooper Jacques "Jay" F. Rougeau Jr. will be remembered as a humble and dedicated professional who lost his life serving his community.
Law enforcement and state government officials praised Rougeau as a hero who rushed into danger when he was killed in an ambush on June 17, 2023, in Mifflintown.
"He lived a purpose," Gov. Josh Shapiro said, speaking at the 29-year-old Rougeau's funeral in Erie. "A dedicated trooper, a public servant, Jay Rougeau was a warm, positive presence in every room. His smile and his love for life were obvious to everyone who met him."
And to the community that was devastated by his senseless death. This was considered the region's top news story of 2023.
Rougeau, a native of Corry in southern Erie County and a state trooper since 2021, had the day off when he heard that a gunman had attacked the state police barracks for Troop G in Lewistown, where Rougeau was stationed, he went into work to help.
"Jay's life was stolen from us because he drove toward danger," Shapiro added. "We should celebrate his heroism."
Rougeau was ambushed and killed by a gunshot through the windshield of his cruiser as he drove down a road in nearby Walker Township. He was the 104th member of the state police to be killed in the line of duty.
Another trooper, Lt. James Wagner, was also wounded in a separate encounter with the same shooter. The suspect, Brandon Stine, of Thompsontown, was killed in an exchange of gunfire after the shootings, according to state police.
In his nearly 40 years as a member of the state police, Lt. Col. George Bivens said he's never witnessed a gunfight more intense than the one that erupted between law enforcement and Stine.
"What I witnessed .... was one of the most intense, unbelievable gunfights I have ever witnessed," Bivens said a day after the incident. Stine was fatally shot by law enforcement in which Bivens said "hundreds of rounds" were fired.
Stine was armed with a high-powered .458 magnum rifle, which is typically used by large game hunters.
The incident gripped the entire Juniata Valley in the months that followed as an outpouring of support for both troopers resulted in everything from fundraisers and memorials.
Brandon Holbrook
2. Holbrook set to stand trial for murder
As the calendar year turns, Brandon Holbrook, of Reedsville, awaits his day in court as he has been charged with the murder of a well-known Washington, D.C. area photographer. A grand jury handed down a five-count indictment against the 48-year-old Holbrook, charging him with killing Joseph A. Shymanski, of Huntingtown, Md. The incident took place in early September as local and Calvert County officials believed Holbrook committed the murder in Maryland then brought Shymanski's body back to Mifflin County for disposal.
3. Stadium project approved as new two directors elected
The long-awaited Husky Multi-Purpose Sport Stadium project gained final approval from the Mifflin County School District by a 6-3 margin on Oct. 26. The vote came a week before Election Day which saw two new members win seats - Paula Dickson and Zeb Harshbarger. A third director, Noah Wise, became a Mifflin County Commissioner. The cost of the stadium project could reach $18.5 million. Community support through the Husky Foundation has been undeniable and propelled the project forward.
The Pennsylvanian arrives from Pittsburgh at Lewistown. Lewistown’s station — believed to be the oldest in operation on the Amtrak system — could receive $2.1 million in upgrades in 2025.
Sentinel file photo
The Pennsylvanian arrives from Pittsburgh at Lewistown. Lewistown's station -- believed to be the oldest in operation on the Amtrak system -- could receive $2.1 million in upgrades in 2025.
4. Lewistown Train Station gets $2.1M in upgrades, second train daily
Lewistown Junction Train Station is in line for a facelift, an investment that railroad and county officials say could help to move more passengers through the region while modernizing a critical gateway in the state. Design plans for the 174-year-old train station focus mainly on the waiting area, which is expected to receive more passengers once the new service is in place. The waiting area's main entrance would be relocated, and the existing restrooms would be expanded to a family restroom and possibly relocated, according to design options. The proposed expansion, at least a $2.125 million project, calls for a transformation of the station in 2025. Amtrak's new Airo train is scheduled to start service in 2026 as the number of trips on the Pennsylvanian line will double daily.
5. Juniata River Bridge in Port Royal finally re-opens
After a whirlwind of 13 months, the long-awaited re-opening of the Juniata River Bridge at Route 75 in Port Royal took place on Nov. 3, 2023. In August, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said it would try to accelerate the project when site conditions warrant to complete it as quickly as possible without sacrificing quality standards or the safety of stakeholders. However, acceleration was not possible due to project constraints. Overall work on the $4 million project involved partial removal of the existing structure, building its replacement, approach paving and drainage improvements. The construction caused massive detours for residents as well as community staples like racing at Port Royal Speedway and the Juniata County Fair.
Mifflin County High School teacher Ashlie Crosson (center) is flanked by Mifflin County High School Principal Kelly Campagna (left) and Mifflin County School District Vance Varner after she was named the Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.
Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania Department of Education
Mifflin County High School teacher Ashlie Crosson (center) is flanked by Mifflin County High School Principal Kelly Campagna (left) and Mifflin County School District Vance Varner after she was named the Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.
6. Varner, Crosson of Mifflin County School District Recognized
Mifflin County School District Superintendent of Schools Vance Varner made two national television appearances in August, being interviewed by MSNBC's "Morning Joe" on Aug. 14 and appearing on a segment that aired on NBC Nightly News with other staff and students on Aug. 25 about the country's "Critical Teacher Shortage." In December, Mifflin County High School teacher Ashlie Crosson was named the 2024 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. Crosson is a 10th grade English teacher, Advanced Placement Language teacher, journalism teacher and digital publications advisor. "I do what I do, and I teach what I teach because we have incredible students, an incredible faculty and an incredible community," said Crosson, who was chosen from a field of 12 finalists.
The drones form a goose at the Drone Show during Goose Day festivities on Sept. 29.
Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS
The drones form a goose at the Drone Show during Goose Day festivities on Sept. 29.
7. Tourism Bureau puts on quite a series of shows
The Juniata Valley was certainly on display as thousands of residents and visitors flocked to downtown Lewistown for Goose Day, Drone Show and Festival of Ice. Lots of exciting new activities surrounded Goose Day, which has remained popular for decades. The Drone Show lit up the night sky as it came to Mifflin County for the first time. There was quite a buzz as the drones flew in perfect formations to construct many familiar objects. And, despite some inclement weather, the 26th Annual Festival of Ice was deemed a rousing success with attendance estimated at 6,500 for the two-day event. Additionally, more than 31,000 people reached out via social media promotions and ads.
8. Electrifying effort by Academy's Scyoc at nationals
Keagan Scyoc spent the last three years learning the electrical installation trade at the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology. Scyoc, who lives in Burnham and is a 2023 graduate of Mifflin County High School, often earned the praise of his instructors for his dedication and work ethic. When Scyoc qualified to compete at the 2023 SkillsUSA Championships in Atlanta, he wasn't certain how his talents would fare against students from around the country. Scyoc knew if he kept the faith, trusting his training, that the rest would fall into place. And it did. Scyoc earned a high school silver medal in Telecommunications Cabling at the June 19-23 event. More than 6,000 students from all 50 states competed at this year's national showcase of career and technical education.
Mifflin County High School Marching Band members playing the trumpets and tenor drums perform during a pregame show. Pictured are Relayna DeArment (from left), Kyler Baker, Trae Kersetter and Ethan Sunday.
Submitted photo
Mifflin County High School Marching Band members playing the trumpets and tenor drums perform during a pregame show. Pictured are Relayna DeArment (from left), Kyler Baker, Trae Kersetter and Ethan Sunday.
9. Marching Huskies capture another state title, our hearts
The Mifflin County High School Huskies Marching Band learned a valuable lesson this season - they don't always have to finish first to win. The Marching Huskies wrapped up the 2023 season at the Tournament of Bands Group 3 Open Class Atlantic Coast Championship Series competition at HersheyPark Stadium in Hershey on Nov. 5. Mifflin County finished seventh in the field, with a score of 91.70 with a record-breaking performance. Mifflin County High School Director of Bands Art Belfiore said, "The band had their best performance of the season in the biggest event of the year." Mifflin County was the smallest and youngest band on the field - marching 56 musicians and seven seventh-graders. None of that mattered with their highest placement at ACCs in the history of Mifflin County. The band's accomplishments this season speak for themselves: seventh consecutive TOB Susquehanna Valley Region 4 Championship; second consecutive TOB Pennsylvania State Championship; and highest placement at TOB Group 3 Open Class ACC in school history.
10. New business popping up all over Mifflin County
Downtown Lewistown's revitalization continues with Hometown Potters' Studio moving into the former Lerch Furniture Co. on Valley Street. Other new businesses popped up around Lewistown including the Nook restaurant on East Market Street; and Ace Hardware on South Dorcas Street. In Burnham, the Mifflin County Commons added three new tenants with T-Mobile and Five Below filling in empty storefronts and Starbucks under construction as 2023 closed in the parking lot. Down the hill, the former Long John Silvers restaurant was remodeled as a new location for MCS Bank. Several iconic properties remained on the market as the former Buchanan Elementary School was listed for sale as well as the Mifflintown Airport and Red's Diner.