News

Blair County will apply for grant for mosquito control

Local News October 22, 2026

HOLLIDAYSBURG — The Blair County commissioners approved Thursday morning the submission of a 2027 Mosquito-Borne Disease Control Grant application to the state Department of Environmental Protection for nearly $75,000. Blair County 911 Coordinator Emily States made the motion on behalf of Blair EMA during the commissioners’ meeting. Commissioner Laura Burke said it was a good program that the county participates in every year, but they’ve “had some spirited discussions this year because of controversy about spraying.” “There were a lot of challenges because of the amount ...

State AG investigation takes down drug-trafficking ring

Local News October 22, 2026

A drug-trafficking ring distributing methamphetamine, fentanyl and other drugs, as well as firearms, was taken down this week, according to the state Office of Attorney General. Officials said five individuals were charged after a long-term investigation revealed drug-dealing activities in ...

Altoona Water Authority to waive lien payments for redevelopment authority properties

Local News October 22, 2026

The Altoona Water Authority on Thursday agreed to waive liens from unpaid water bills, along with tap fees, for properties that the Altoona Redevelopment Authority wants to rehabilitate — although the Water Authority will recover those amounts by subtracting them from what it owes each year to the city for operating the city-owned water and sewer systems. The authority’s action was in response to a request last month on behalf of the Redevelopment Authority from city Community Development Director Eric Luchansky to forgive a $9,500 water lien for a former convenience store building ...

Tech giants offering big promises

Local News October 22, 2026

With host communities across the U.S. turning against their gargantuan data centers, America’s technology giants are promising to take fewer taxpayer handouts, keep fewer secrets or shower more money onto the communities willing to allow the server warehouses. The new raft of promises from the world’s richest companies comes as anti-data center sentiment has become a potent issue in the midterm elections, with control of Congress and 36 governors’ offices on the line. Despite backing from President Donald Trump, the data centers powering the artificial intelligence boom have ...

Helping hand

Local News October 22, 2026

Ron Hamm of St. Louis, Mo., paints vent registers in the front yard of his daughter’s home along Fiore Lane in Frankstown Township on Thursday afternoon. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

Blair County Courthouse unveils judge’s portrait

Local News October 21, 2026

HOLLIDAYSBURG — Family, friends and coworkers gathered at the Blair County Courthouse Wednesday for the portrait unveiling of the late Judge Fred B. Miller, remembered by many for his lasting impact on the community. “He would have loved this,” Miller’s wife Tracy said. Miller, ...