Area Life

In the news on this date: June 30

Local history

50 years ago: June 30, 1973

Altoona City Council estimated the cost of a downtown plaza between 13th and 15th streets that the Downtown & Altoona Revitalization Effort (DARE) wanted at $327,000. Architect Richard Truesdale presented the plan to City Council.

25 years ago: June 30, 1998

Charles Burkey, 59, Blair County coroner for 23 years and assistant director of AMED before that, died June 29. He was former president of the Pennsylvania Coroners Association and was recognized statewide for his concern for sudden infant death syndrome and teenage suicide.

10 years ago: June 30, 2013

At Altoona Area High School graduation ceremonies, Dallas Wolfgang Hamlin was named valedictorian, while at Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School graduation ceremonies, Caroline Gindhart was named valedictorian.

-- Compiled by Tim Doyle