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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, Dann ...

McCormick wants SKorea, Japan to help against China

Following a four-day trip to South Korea and Japan earlier this month, U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., emphasized the importance of those alliances for the United States against China and North Korea. “We’re in an existential battle with our primary adversary in the world, China, and ...

Disabled ICE detainee left to languish in Cambria County Prison

When her contractions hit at dawn, Wendys Martinez eased down the steep-pitched stairs of her rowhome and called a stranger instead of 911. Her four young children, two boys and two girls, were still asleep. She didn’t wake them; it was too early. But she left a note reminding them of ...

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, 2007. INLOW –– Shawn K., Altoona; Rebecca K., Osceola Mills. Married Sept. 2, 1989. CERNA –– Catherine M.; Oscar Jr., both of Altoona. Married Sept. 18, 2015. BENDER –– Christa; Kristen, both of ...