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In the news on this date: January 20

Local history 50 years ago: The Altoona Planning Commission re-elected Thomas J. Finnegan Jr. as chairman and then gave approval for Robert G. Pennington’s plan to build a development parallel to Ruskin Drive called Penn Terrace that was to include 45 townhouse units. 25 years ago: Antis Township approved a request from the Altoona-Blair County Redevelopment Corp., Patrick Miller deputy director, to designate a 51-acre site a Keystone Opportunity Zone so a business park could be built there. 10 years ago: The Blair County commissioners proclaimed Jan. 24-30 as School Choice Week ...

Lakemont Lions seek competitors for spelling bee

The Lakemont Lions Club will host their 64th annual spelling bee on April 14 at ArtsAltoona. The club annually invites fifth and sixth graders from Blair County schools to participate in the spelling bee. Each school selects two students from each class in fifth and sixth grades to represent their school. Schools should expect letters of invitation to the competition by February. The club strives for growth in the competition and welcomes any inquiries from Blair County schools. Teachers and parents also can request inclusion on an email list for the event by contacting Lion Sondra ...

Catholic War Veterans plan soup sale

The Catholic War Veterans will hold its annual soup sale, “Soup-er Sunday,” from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, at 290 Valley Ave., Altoona. All proceeds will benefit Families United For Change. There will be quarts to-go. Choose from a large variety of soups, served with a roll. Eat-in options from the kitchen will be available to purchase and eat in. There also will be basket raffles, baked goods and more. The mission of Families United For Change is to increase awareness, provide resources and erase stigma surrounding Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). Homers Gap Civics set ...

Groups donate to Murtha Breast Care Center

Several area groups have held fundraisers for the Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center in Windber. n The Ebensburg Center donated $1,666 from a basket auction, 50/50 and a “pie an administrator” challenge. The funds will provide financial assistance for patients in need; the latest equipment and technology needed to screen, detect, and diagnose breast cancer; and breast cancer awareness and education. n The Hiram G. Andrews Center raised $650 through student activities. The funds will provide financial assistance for patients in need; the latest equipment and technology needed ...

Mount supports animal shelters

Courtesy photo The Mount Aloysius College Theatre Department presented a check for $1,240 to the Central PA Humane Society and Mending Hearts Animal Rescue on Dec. 17 on the Mount Aloysius College campus in Cresson. The funds were raised during the theater program’s performance of “The ...

Bureau awards scholarships

Each year, the Cambria County Farm Bureau sponsors scholarships for college students that have a parent, grandparent or guardian that is a county farm bureau member. Students are judged on a 300-word essay they write about their academic and extracurricular achievements and their community ...