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Suspected drug dealers nabbed
Local News
Throughout the morning on Thursday, a parade of suspects accused of selling drugs in Blair County over the past year were brought before a judge at Central Court on Fourth Street. For many, like 36-year-old Dione Boynton, of Altoona, it’s not the first time. Boynton was arrested in a ...
Suspects in drug sweep identified
Local News
The following suspects were in custody as of Thursday. - Ashley C. Baker-Jones, 25, of Altoona, is charged with six counts each of conspiracy, delivery and possession of molly and criminal use of a communication facility. Baker-Jones was jailed after failing to post $35,000 cash bail on each ...
Central Cambria’s DiLeo retires
Local News
Vincent DiLeo has retired as superintendent of Central Cambria School District, according to district solicitor Brendan Moran. DiLeo did not explain the decision in his letter, which was received at the district office Thursday, and no reason for the retirement was given at a special meeting ...
Five appointed to oversight board
Local News
A former chief of staff to a U.S. senator, a former state police criminal investigator, a psychotherapist, a practitioner in spiritual formation and a U.S. attorney for western Pennsylvania have been tapped to create policies to protect children in the local Catholic diocese. Acting U.S. ...
Reade board refuses to rehire former manager
Local News
A move to rehire a former office manager was thwarted Thursday evening when a majority of Reade Township Municipal Authority board members voted no. After a short executive session held for personnel reasons, authority Chairman Jim Thompson announced that former manager Vince Burr submitted a ...
Blair authority can’t own hotel
Local News
The authority operating the Blair County Convention Center cannot legally own or operate an on-site hotel, its solicitor has advised. Because the authority already owns the land where an on-site hotel could be built and because no developers have committed to pursuing such an effort, the ...
Inmate settlement details still scarce
Local News
The settlement of a civil case in which an inmate at the State Correctional Institution at Somerset stated he was forced to crawl to a wheelchair as he sought help for an apparent appendicitis attack is still a work in progress but will be made public when it is finalized, according to the ...
Area
Local News
Open house set for child justice center An open house is scheduled today for the Center for Child Justice, a children’s advocacy center opening at 501 Howard Ave., Suite D-203. While invitations were issued for the open house morning session, the 1 to 3 p.m. session is open to the public, ...
Colleagues, friends to honor judge
Local News
HOLLIDAYSBURG — Colleagues and friends of Blair County Judge Jolene G. Kopriva are gathering Saturday night in recognition of her pending retirement. Kopriva, elected as judge in November 1987, is finishing her 30th year on the bench. About 325 people are registered for the recognition ...
Events set at abandoned turnpike
Local News
A sign along the abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike still warns prospective visitors: “Closed — use at your own risk.” That hasn’t stopped county officials, tourism promoters and outdoor groups from gathering crowds and tours at the stretch of decades-old abandoned road. Since ...
Arsonist to be released on bail
Local News
HOLLIDAYSBURG — A Hollidaysburg man incarcerated almost 19 years for setting multiple fires in Altoona will soon be released on unsecured bail pending his appeals before state Superior Court. Blair County Judge Jolene G. Kopriva granted the request Wednesday to Christopher M. Rodland, 40, ...
Pennsylvania takes credit rating hit amid budget fight
Local News
HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s credit rating took its latest punch Wednesday, another black eye in a nearly three-month budget stalemate that has pitted Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf and the Republican-controlled Senate against the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. The credit ...
Penn Cambria parent questions bullying policy
Local News
CRESSON — Steps taken to curb bullying within Penn Cambria School District were questioned at a Tuesday night school board meeting, where a parent expressed concerns. Ronda Dodson addressed the board during its public comment section to express her disappointment with language used at a ...
Cambria Township approval opens doors to businesses
Local News
EBENSBURG — Conditional approval granted Wednesday by Cambria Township supervisors moves plans to build new stores and restaurants a step closer to construction. Those proposed additions included a Taco Bell restaurant and Starbucks cafe, officials said. At an evening meeting, supervisors ...
Police: Altoona man hit neighbor in face with brick
Local News
A city man faces charges after he allegedly smashed another man in the face with a brick during an argument. Jason D. Miller, 30, is charged with felony aggravated assault and related misdemeanors after the incident Wednesday afternoon where Miller allegedly hit a neighbor with a brick ...
Man accused of making threats
Local News
A Bellwood man is behind bars after police say he threatened to stab a woman during an argument over a missing television remote control. Travis X. Cotter, 38, allegedly grabbed two kitchen knives just before 3 p.m. Tuesday during an argument at his apartment over the missing TV remote ...
Survey: Amtran riders satisfied with service
Local News
Results of a recent customer survey by Amtran revealed that 98 percent were satisfied or very satisfied with overall service, General Manager Eric Wolf told the board at a meeting Wednesday. That figure was 90 percent in 2013, the last time the authority surveyed riders — and he was happy ...
Tyrone to seek funding for anaerobic digester
Local News
TYRONE — Borough Council will begin looking for money to construct an anaerobic digester for sewer sludge and other organics. Council made the decision on the recommendation of Borough Manager Ardean Latchford, who visited a Quasar Energy Corp. digester in the Cleveland area a few weeks ...
Area briefs
Local News
Liberty Alliance leader to speak Ron Boltz, president of the Pennsylvania Liberty Alliance, will speak about the Property Tax Independence Act at the Blair County Tea Party meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Bavarian Hall, 112 S. 13th St. The Property Tax Independence Act has been introduced ...
Drug sweep taking place in Blair County
Local News
Altoona police, state narcotics agents and members of the Blair County Drug Task Force began rounding up suspected drug dealers this morning. Close to three dozen people are targeted in this latest drug sweep in Blair County.