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Audit: Pennsylvania Department of Aging woes putting seniors at risk

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s oversight of local agencies charged with preventing elder abuse is riddled with weaknesses and deficiencies that could leave vulnerable older adults at further risk of harm, according to a stinging audit released Wednesday by the state’s top fiscal watchdog. The 80-page audit by Auditor General Tim DeFoor’s office also concluded that the department’s new system for monitoring the quality of abuse and neglect investigations no longer looks at key areas — such as whether an older adult was left at risk of harm — creating a ...

Bellwood-Antis Public Library hosts quilt show

The Bellwood Quilting Bees will hold their annual quilt show at the Bellwood-Antis Public Library, 526 Main St., Bellwood, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. The show consists of several displays featuring patriotic items honoring the 250th year of the United States of America. There ...

Haunted library series kicks off at Roaring Spring Community Library

Roaring Spring Community Library is kicking off its first-ever “Haunted Library” this fall, featuring a series of free programs exploring local legends, folklore, cryptids and the mysterious. The three-event series for children, families and curious adults begins at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30. “Local Legends and Lore” is an illustrated presentation by Altoona native James Krug exploring local tales drawn from the heritage and folklore of Blair County. The presentation is free and open to the public, but registration is requested by calling the library. Krug serves as ...

Cambria Farm Bureau members get updates on long-delayed federal farm bill

CARROLLTOWN — Cambria County Farm Bureau members discussed local, state and national issues during their annual policy development meeting Wednesday at the Saint Benedict Community Center in West Carroll Township. President Marty Yahner said the federal farm bill is making its way through Congress but is several years overdue. It’s “vitally important” that the farm bill gets passed because it provides the programs, financial stability and certainty that farmers need, he said. U.S. Rep. John Joyce, R-Blair, used quotes from Yahner and Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Tommy ...

AMED gets permit for maintenance garage

AMED has finally received an occupancy permit for its maintenance garage, which was initially slated to be done at the end of 2024, according to Executive Director Gary Watters. Although AMED has received the permit, there are still punch list items to be addressed, and negotiations are ongoing to deal with issues connected with the project, according to Watters. “We’re in the process of exchanging letters” with representatives of Mid-State Construction, the contractor, Watters said. “It could end up going to mediation.” A representative of the construction company declined ...

Women’s art group fosters healing, community

Between work, family, responsibilities and the countless number of hats that women wear each day, it can feel impossible to find time to relax and socialize with like-minded people in the community. But once a month, a women’s local art group gathers, offering women a space for creative ...