Sports stadium to serve many benefits
Officials believe sports complex will help boost economy
BY GREG WILLIAMS Sentinel reporter gwilliams@lewistown sentinel.com
LEWISTOWN — The Huskies Multi-Sports Facilities project will mean shiny new venues for Mifflin County High School athletic teams to use, starting with the 2025 spring sports season.
It will also allow area businesses in the greater Lewistown area to get into the game as well — from an economic standpoint.
“The new high school stadium complex will have a big impact on our community,” explained Jenny Barron Landis, executive director of the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau.
“These new facilities won’t just benefit the student-athletes and band members,” she added.
“The games, tournaments and events that will now have the appropriate facilities will bring visitors to our community, and they’ll bring money to spend in the concessions during the event, in local restaurants after the event and even in our hotels and campgrounds for the night.”
Progress of the $18.5 million project is taking place rapidly as the bleachers in the main stadium are nearing the halfway mark of completion. The fieldhouse is taking shape and other structures are rising from the ground.
Mifflin County School District Superintendent Vance Varner is optimistic about what this project will mean to all current and future students in the district, parents, staff, Mifflin County residents and local business and industry.
“The project is moving along. The tentative completion date is Dec. 31, 2024,” Varner said. “These facilities will be utilized by our school district and community teams as well as a venue for PIAA playoffs and band competitions.”
What Varner alluded to are state-of-the-art facilities that student-athletes can be proud to compete on, replacing outdated and dilapidated stadiums like venerable Mitchell Field.
Husky athletes will also have the benefit of new fieldhouses and turf surfaces that many of their opponents have.
For years, neighboring cities like Altoona and State College have attracted events that bring not only teams but dozens of fans to town. Now, Mifflin County hopes to enjoy a slice of that financial pie.
Rhonda Kelley, executive director of the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce, believes the new multi-sports facilities complex represents a significant investment in the community’s future, espe-
cially as far as area businesses are concerned.
“Beyond providing a top-notch facility for local athletes, these fields will attract regional tournaments and events, which will have a lasting positive impact on our economy,” Kelley said. “We anticipate increased business for our hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments, as visitors come to our area to enjoy these events.”
With the facilities project potentially bringing more events, there could be additional traffic coming to the area business, including the Mifflin County Commons in Burnham.
“It’s wonderful to see new investment directly benefiting local students and student-athletes,”
Brian Gumberg of LG Realty Advisors Inc. in Pittsburgh.
“As we continue to invest in upgraded facilities and new tenants at Mifflin County Commons, we’re optimistic the net impact on our local community will be greater than the sum of its parts. This is a good day for Mifflin County.”
It could also mean more spending from holiday shoppers who might come to the area for tournaments, who might last a few days.
Amy Oden-Bitner, whose family owns Dunkin’ restaurants in Burnham, Lewistown, Reedsville and Lock Haven, agreed the multi-sports facilities will have a positive impact on area businesses.
“We definitely think it will add more business to our location, and we are working to start a remodel of our Burnham location
late this year or early next year,” Oden-Bitner said.
“We are very excited for the new stadium though
and hope to be in a better position to handle the business this time next year.”
“A high-quality sports complex of this nature signals community investment in local infrastructure and amenities,” said Mifflin County Commissioner Kevin Kodish.
“When visitors come to our area, they will see a modern high school and a shiny new sports complex. Local employers who are recruiting new talent will be able to showcase the
campus as a strength of the area.”
“Small busineses continue to start up and thrive, new restaurants are investing in our area and people from outsid the area are starting to point out our area as a place on the rise. The new sports complex should provide an added boost to the positive mementum we already have going for us.”
“We
Ready for
MCSD
Kodish stresses the stadium project is just another reason for residents and business and community leaders to tout the Juniata Valley.
have a lot to be proud of right now here in Mifflin County,” Kodish added. “Small businesses continue to start up and
Sentinel file photos
Above, Philanthropists Joel Diamond and John Pannizzo during the groundbreaking for the multisports complex. Left, stadium seating for the multisports complex.
Kevin Kodish County commissioner
See Stadium / Page D7
Broadband continues expansion in region
BY BRIAN CARSON Sentinel reporter bcarson@lewistown
LEWISTOWN — In the heart of Mifflin County, a local company is transforming the digital landscape.
One-Stop Communications, headquartered at 101 E. Market Street in Lewistown, has accelerated its broadband expansion efforts, bringing high-speed internet to previously underserved areas.
Cody Wian, president of One-Stop Communications, outlined the company’s recent achievements and future plans.
“Since June 2024, we’ve completed the installation of fiber for all residents of the Terrace,” Wian said. This milestone marks a significant step in the company’s mission to provide faster, more reliable internet across the county.
The fiber rollout in the Juniata Terrace area has prompted a transition for existing wireless customers to the new high-speed network. Simultaneously, the company has attracted new subscribers seeking improved connectivity.
One-Stop’s expansion hasn’t stopped there. The company has extended its fiber infrastructure into downtown Lewistown, starting near its East Market Street office. This move signals the beginning of a broader initiative to bring fiber-optic technology to more Mifflin County residents.
For those in more remote locations, One-Stop continues to offer its wireless internet service, ensuring connectivity options for all county residents.
The company’s recent expansion into the Terrace has garnered positive feedback from the community. While One-Stop hasn’t surveyed every new customer, those who have shared their experiences expressed appreciation for the affordable fiber-optic service.
One-Stop Communications underwent a merger recently, combining with Mifflin County Wireless and another entity. All merged companies adopted the One-Stop name, logo, and color scheme. Wian emphasized this was a strategic partnership rather than a sell-out or closure.
“The merger was the ideal way for both companies to combine resources and continue providing exception-
INFO BOX
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al, locally supported service to our customers,” he said. The unification aims to streamline marketing and branding efforts, ensuring a unified and consistent public image as the company grows and expands its service area. This consolidation allows for more efficient use of resources and strengthens the company’s presence in the market.
Looking ahead, One-Stop plans to continue expanding its fiber network in downtown Lewistown, targeting both residential and commercial customers.
However, the path to expansion hasn’t been without obstacles. Wian likened the company’s experience to the David vs. Goliath story, with One-Stop facing off against larger providers with more substantial resources.
“As a small regional provider, we can’t operate the same as a cut-throat large provider that tries to control the market,” Wian said. “We don’t have the same resources of a large corporation with an unlimited budget to go after the grants, marketing, and package pricing.”
Despite these challenges, Wian believes One-Stop’s local roots give it an edge. “What we do have is a resilient local staff. Staff who care about our community,
live in our community, and want to better our community,” he emphasized.
One-Stop is actively working to bridge the digital divide in underserved parts of the county. The company is upgrading its capacity in rural areas, leveraging newer technology to offer consumers faster speeds. Plans are underway to release 500Mbps+ packages in some outlying areas, significantly boosting access speeds.
The company has also explored federal programs like BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) to support its expansion efforts. However, Wian noted these programs often favor larger providers with dedicated grant departments, making it challenging for smaller, regional companies to secure funding.
In response, One-Stop has adopted a strategy of reinvesting its profits into network improvements. “Our method currently? Invest our money in our network instead of shareholders,” Wian stated. “This allows us to continuously grow and offer expanded services where our customers need it.”
The company’s approach focuses on providing the best possible customer experience. One-Stop invests in appropriate equipment for each project, whether fiber or wireless, to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
While One-Stop engages with local officials and explores grant opportunities, its current expansion projects are self-financed. This
See Broadband / Page D7
Sentinel file photo
Climbers make their way to the top of a Mifflin County Wireless tower.
Rothermel trail sees completion
BY BRIAN CARSON Sentinel reporter
sentinel.com
LEWISTOWN – Lew-
istown’s S.H. Rothermel
Walking Trail marked a significant milestone on Oct. 18, as officials and community members gathered to celebrate the completion of its second phase.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1150 Riverside Drive signaled the end of a years-long construction project, expanding the trail’s reach and recreational opportunities for Mifflin County residents.
The completed Rothermel Trail now spans a considerable distance along the Juniata River’s north shore. It begins at Victory Park, a popular recreational area in Lewistown, and extends to the boundary lines of Granville Township and the Borough of Lewistown near Lowes.
The expansion added approximately half a mile to the existing trail, which previously ended at Crystal Springs Avenue.
The trail, named after local entrepreneur Stanley Rothermel, first opened in 2018. Phase two of the project started in March 2023 and was completed in October 2024. Despite the interruption of winter months, the project adhered closely to its projected schedule.
All the funding came through grant money, with the total reaching a little over $1.1 million.
The journey to this moment began long before the first shovel hit the ground.
Planning Director James Lettiere explained the origins of the trail project: “The trail was done based on a Feasibility Study for the Main Line Canal Greenway Trail (a segment of the Sept. 11 National Memorial Trail) Huntingdon and Mifflin Counties prepared by Campbell Thomas and Co., in association with Laird LA, PLLC for the Allegheny Ridge Corporation.”
This connection to a broader, national initiative underscores the significance of the Rothermel Trail beyond local boundaries. “This project has national significance,” Lettiere emphasized, placing
Above, in this July photo, construction crews work on the S.H. Rothermel walking trail. Right, the trail was completed in October 2024.
Lewistown’s local efforts within a larger context of memorial and recreational trail development.
The trail’s conception also drew from regional planning efforts. “Additionally, the trail was developed based on the Juniata/Mifflin County Greenway, Open Space and Rural Recreation Plan from December 2009,” Lettiere said. This integration into existing plans demonstrates a long-term vision for recreational development in the area, with the Rothermel Trail serving as a critical component.
The completion ceremony featured a lineup of speakers reflecting the multi-faceted nature of the
project. Lori Yeich, recreation and conservation manager from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, addressed the benefits of providing parks and recreational opportunities to county residents and visitors. Devin Gray, Director of the Commonwealth Financing Authority Programs Division at the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, spoke about the economic advantages of such facilities.
Local officials contextualized the trail within Lewistown’s broader recreational landscape. Mayor Deborah Bargo discussed the borough’s parks and
amenities, while Robert Postal, Chairman of the Mifflin County Commissioners, highlighted the county’s outdoor offerings.
The primary motivations behind the trail’s development focused on community health and engagement. “Trail development provides incentives
Sentinel file photos
See Trail / Page D7
Burnham bike track nearing completion
Ribbon cutting slated for November
BY GREG WILLIAMS Sentinel reporter
BURNHAM — With three kids between them, Carli Russler and Shannon McGonigle are used to being proud moms.
Now, the Burnham women are celebrating for a different reason, exhilarated by the fruits of their labor.
Nearly 18 months after they came up with the idea to build a bike track at the former Jamboree grounds in Burnham, the new SteelWorx Pump Track will open in late October or early November.
“All that is left to be done at this point is paving and adding the landscaping – stones and grass – to the tots track. Sometime this fall, we will be adding a welcome sign with the track rules and information along with all of our sponsors’ logos,” Russler explained.
The paving should be completed by Oct. 25 and a ribbon cutting is set for November — on a date to be determined.
As far as a final fundraising push, The Every Kid Rides Project, which is the non-profit organization the women founded to oversee the track, has planned a Cash Night from 5 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16 at the Brookmere Winery Pavilion, 5369 Route 655, Belleville.
The cost of tickets is a $40 donation, which includes dinner at 6:30 p.m. and a drawing at 8 p.m. Wine will also be available for purchase. Attendees must be at least age 21.
“We are hoping that the cash night is successful enough to get a good amount of bikes to kids in need this holiday season and start the process of designing our learn-to-ride program that we want to launch next year,” McGonigle explained. They can’t comprehend that they are so close to realizing their dream of creating a facility for kids to use.
See Track / Page D6
Windows Doors
photo An aerial view of the SteelWorx Pump Track in Burnham in August.
for the public to get out and exercise,” Lettiere stated, emphasizing the health benefits. He also pointed out the trail’s role in community engagement, saying, “It provides outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
As the ribbon was cut, signaling the official opening of the trail’s second phase, attention turned to the future. Lettiere hinted at potential expansions, stating, “More trail development is contemplated for areas along the Juniata River, which includes the connection of Victory Park to the Stone Arch Bridge.” This forward-looking perspective suggests the Rothermel Trail may serve as a foundation for a more extensive network of pathways in the future.
The completion of the Rothermel Trail represents more than just the end of a construction project. It marks the realization of years of planning, community effort, and investment in Lewistown’s recreational infrastructure. From its conception in feasibility studies to its physical manifestation along the Juniata River, the
Broadband
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independence allows the company to maintain its focus on customer satisfaction and strategic network upgrades.
As One-Stop Communications continues its expansion across Mifflin County, it faces the dual challenge of competing with larger providers while maintaining its commit-
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trail embodies the community’s commitment to enhancing quality of life through thoughtful development. As residents walked the newly completed section following the ceremony, the yearlong construction process culminated in a tangible asset for the community. The trail now stands as a physical representation of Lewistown’s dedication to providing accessible outdoor spaces for its residents.
The Rothermel Trail’s journey from plan to reality serves as an example of effective project management and community planning. Looking ahead, the successful completion of the Rothermel Trail may set a precedent for future developments in the area. As Lettiere suggested, this project could catalyze further trail expansions, potentially leading to a more extensive network of pathways connecting key points throughout Lewistown and beyond.
As the community incorporates this new recreational asset into daily life, the true impact of the construction project will unfold. The Rothermel Trail stands not only as a path along the Juniata River, but as a demonstration of Lewistown’s commitment to enhancing its recreational offerings and investing in its community’s well-being.
ment to local service. The company’s strategy of reinvesting in its network and prioritizing customer satisfaction positions it to play a significant role in shaping the county’s digital future.
With plans for continued fiber expansion in downtown Lewistown and upgrades to rural wireless services, One-Stop Communications is poised to bring high-speed internet to more Mifflin County res-
thrive, new restaurants are investing in our area, and people from outside the area are starting to point to our area as a place on the rise. The new sports complex should provide an added boost to the positive momentum we already have going for us. It’s a great time to be in Mifflin County.” Over the long haul, this should help foster economic growth, create jobs and further solidify the community as a regional hub for sports and recreation. It could also lead to an increase in pop-
idents and businesses in the coming years.
As the digital landscape evolves, the company’s local focus and adaptive strategies may prove key in navigating the competitive telecommunications market and meeting the growing connectivity needs of the community.
For more information about One-Stop Communications and their services, visit www.betterasone. onestop.biz.
ulation, especially families, as individuals who work in the area might opt to live here due to the improvement in facilities.
“I believe you will see more individuals that work in Mifflin and Juniata County choose to live in our Juniata River Valley rather than move to surrounding counties,” Kelley said. “Kudos to those who recognized the need, saw the vision, and worked hard to make this project happen.”
This financial influx will also spread to secondary support businesses, like gas stations and convenience stores.
“Bringing new money into the area is important for a community to thrive and not just survive,” Landis added.
