In the news on this date: Aug. 17
Local history 50 years ago: Aug. 17, 1976 Mary A. “Grandma” (Russell) Gates, 109, the oldest resident of Blair County, died Aug. 16 at the Hollidaysburg United Presbyterian Home. She was born in the Gospel Hill area of Altoona and was survived by a daughter. She was one of the first women hired by the William F. Gable Co. store when it opened in 1884. 25 years ago: Aug. 17, 2001 The Ames Department Store chain, based in Connecticut, announced the closing of 47 stores, including Johnstown, Clearfield and Ebensburg, leaving them with about 400 still open, including one in ...
Health calendar Aug. 15-16, 2026
The Central PA Ostomy Society support group suggests you call Leslie Wilson at 814-695-2407 and leave a message for support. Other resources include: United Ostomy Association of America at www.ostomy.org, Ostomy101com and MeetAnOstoMate.org. Four in-person meetings are in planning phase for 2026 by ASG #005 Central PA Hope Support Group, family members and friends who have been adversely affected by the addiction of our loved ones who are here to seek guidance and support. Meetings are held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday at Blair Drug and Alcohol Partnerships, 3001 Fairway ...
Readers can submit pet obits
The Mirror publishes obituaries of pets in the Saturday-Sunday edition. Obituaries can be emailed to petobits @altoonamirror.com; or mailed to: Pet Obits, Altoona Mirror, 301 Cayuga Ave., Altoona, PA 16602. Pet obit forms to assist you are available at the receptionist’s desk. The cost for a pet obituary of 150 words or less will be $25. Obituaries between 150 and 250 words will cost $40; 251-350 words will be $75; and 351-500 words will be $100. Pictures are an additional charge. One-column photos up to 3 inches deep cost $15. Two-column photos up to 4 inches deep cost $30. ...
Across the area
Huntingdon Nurse Honor Guard to form The Huntingdon County Nurse Honor Guard is forming for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, working or retired. An organizational meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, at Hoss’s Steak and Sea House in Huntingdon. For more information, contact Natalie at 814-931-6966. Hollidaysburg Class of 1959 to meet Members of the Hollidaysburg High School Class of 1959 will meet for lunch at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, in the reserved room at The Dream, 1500 Allegheny St., Hollidaysburg. Classmates and guests are ...
