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Yesteryear: In the news on July 7

Local history 50 years ago: July 7, 1976 A railroad caboose called “Mae West,” on display at the Horseshoe Curve for the past 15 years, was destroyed by fire. The caboose was built in the Altoona PRR shops in 1916 and donated to the Curve by the Blair County Tourist Bureau. 25 years ago: July 7, 2001 Mike Little, director of the Central Blair Recreation Commission, said that the installation of the $117,000, 21-foot water slide at Memorial Pool in Juniata had doubled attendance, with more than 600 people attending in one day. 10 years ago: July 7, 2016 Multiple law ...

In the news on this date: July 6

Local history 50 years ago: About 150 Altoona residents held Town Meeting ’76 to discuss problems facing the city like economics, too much political power in the hands of few, lack of communication and other issues. Establishment of a youth corps was discussed. 25 years ago: A group called Citizens Action, which favored the legalization of industrial hemp, sponsored a visit by a Solution to Pollution hemp-powered Mercedes Benz at the K-Mart parking lot. An Industrial Hemp Festival was being held at the Sinking Valley Fairgrounds. 10 years ago: A statue of Johnny Robertson, an ...

NEW YORK — Doctors and others are sounding an alarm: More U.S. children have been drowning in recent years. “When drowning occurs, seconds matter,” said Dr. Rohit Shenoi, the lead author of a recent American Academy of Pediatrics warning. “Quick rescue and resuscitation can mean the difference between life, death and lifelong disability.” About 4,000 to 5,000 Americans drown each year. Most are adults who die in natural bodies of water, such as lakes, ponds or oceans. But statistically speaking, drowning is a much larger danger to children. It’s the No. 1 cause of death ...

SAMA welcomes three to board of trustees

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art announced the appointment of three individuals to its board of trustees: RossAnn Clark, Laura Fiore and Margaret Smith. Each brings a wealth of experience, leadership and a shared commitment to advancing the arts and enriching community engagement ...