Breaking News

Altoona to celebrate Oktoberfest downtown

The city of Altoona is holding an Oktoberfest celebration from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday in Heritage Plaza. The idea of holding an Oktoberfest celebration has been brewing among city officials since before she was hired in the spring, said Main Street Manager Jamie Foust. There will be drinks, food, live entertainment, a competition and kids’ activities. Four city breweries will set up in the plaza: JJ Hadley & Co. Brewers, Levity Brewing Co. and Railroad City Brewing Co. of the downtown, and Behe Brothers Brewing Co. of Juniata, according to a news release from…

Altoona man acquitted of rape

HOLLIDAYSBURG — A Blair County jury acquitted a city man of rape and related charges Thursday afternoon following a three-day…

Police: Erie man controlled family

A Pennsylvania man who fatally shot eight others, including seven family members, before killing himself had exercised strict control over…

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Do you think it is a good idea to bring back public executions, like has been proposed for former U.S. Army Major Nidal Hasan?

Local Business

Editorials

College wise to consider all options

The availability of a $1.9 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education should not be the seed for an incorrect decision by Penn Highlands Community College regarding the possible relocation of its Blair Center, now housed in the Logan Valley Mall. The college needs to be concerned at all times about its long-term…

Public Records

Births

Due to privacy concerns, UPMC Altoona no longer provides birth announcements to the Mirror. To obtain a form to announce a birth, please call Brenda Carberry, community news coordinator, at 814-946-7459 or email community @altoonamirror.com.

Obituaries

Betty L. Bickford

Betty L. Bickford, 90, of Flinton, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday at her residence. She was born in Colver, a daughter of the late Ruben P. and Catherine C. (Ball) Bush. On Dec. 3, 1953, in Conemaugh, she married Paul M. Bickford, her beloved husband of 72 years,…