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In the news on this date: Feb. 20

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Local history

50 years ago: 1974

The Altoona Parking Authority, M. Mitchell Devorris chairman, dedicated the new 303-car, $920,000 parking garage downtown by having his grandchildren, Andrea Sue, 11, and Philip Eric, 9, unveil the dedication plaque.

25 years ago: 1999

The renovators of the Leap-the-Dips roller coaster at Lakemont Park, Ashley Rishel superintendent, were reusing the original wood when they could, saying it was virgin timber with as many as 70 growth rings per inch, which were no longer available. Southern Yellow Pine from South Carolina was being used for replacements, "the best we could get."

10 years ago: 2014

The site of the former Russo Demolition building at 31th Street and South Branch Avenue was put up for sale by the Blair County Commissioners after the building was razed. Before Russo, it was used by Tritex Sportswear and before that, it was a meat packing plant.

-- Compiled by Tim Doyle

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