Breaking News

Local songwriters getting ‘batty’

Two local songwriters, Bill Dann and Jack Servello, composed a new Halloween song that’s getting some decent airplay on some internet radio stations. The inspiration for “Do the Batula” came from Dann’s desire to have a new Halloween dance, since Bobby Pickett & the Crypt Kickers’ “Monster Mash” is “really overplayed,” he said. Dann said he wrote lyrics for the song and sent them to Servello, who composed “a real fun dance number to it.” The song is about a pet bat, whose owner mimics its movements and dances as Dracula, hence the “Batula” name,…

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The uninsured rate for U.S. adults ages 19-64 rose to 11.2% this year, up from 8.9% in 2024, according to a new analysis by the Commonwealth Fund, a health policy and philanthropic nonprofit. Do you have health insurance?

Local Business

Briefcase: Business news of local interest

Applebee’s to celebrate Halloween with special offer This Halloween, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar locations owned and operated by Flynn Group, the largest Applebee’s franchisee in America, are giving families another reason to celebrate with a special offer for kids. On Saturday, families who dine in at participating Applebee’s locations can enjoy two free…

Editorials

Animal abusers should be held accountable

A proposed state law that many right-thinking people in Pennsylvania might have considered to be a no-brainer or slam dunk in terms of virtually unanimous approval — creation of a registry of animal abuse offenders — is being greeted with a reception somewhat less enthusiastic. It’s unfortunate that the measure, which could be a…

Public Records

Divorces Oct. 24-25, 2026

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the prothonotary’s offices at area county courthouses. Blair County SHUNK –– Alissa, Potomac, Md.; Jonathan, Altoona. Married April 11, 2023. KOCH –– Robert A., Altoona; Angela R., Jensen Beach, Fla. Married Oct. 5, 2022. BLATTENBERGER –– Andrew L.; Tracy L., both of Martinsburg. Married Aug. 31,…

Obituaries