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Game would be easier with one fewer card

Bridge can be a strange game at times. Usually, you are happy to have lots of honors, but occasionally you would find a contract much easier if it weren’t for an unnecessary high card. Do not resist the idea that an honor may be extraneous. In this deal, South is in four spades. West leads the club king. How should South plan the play? South starts with four potential losers: one heart, one diamond and two clubs. He has nine winners; six spades, one heart, one diamond and one club. So it seems as if the diamond finesse had better be winning. In theory, this is a 50-50 shot, but ...

Births

Sept. 13, 2025 Gideon Mark Allen, a son born to Hannah (Swope) Allen and John Allen, Roaring Spring, at UPMC Altoona at 4:28 a.m. Oct. 27, 2025 Chloe Beth Moist, a daughter born to Leah (Allen) Moist and Damian Moist, Altoona, at UPMC Altoona at 6:55 p.m. Due to privacy concerns, UPMC Altoona no longer provides birth announcements to the Mirror. To obtain a form to announce a birth, please call Brenda Carberry, community news coordinator, at 814-946-7459 or email community@altoonamirror.com.

Divorces

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the prothonotary’s offices at area county courthouses. Blair County REED — Gary R.; Jessica L., both of Altoona. Married June 16, 2001. GAILEY — Shawna, Altoona; David M., Gallitzin. Married May 8, 2004. MYKUT — Ryan; Stefanie Daratany, both of Bellwood. Married Oct. 16, 2021. McCAHAN — John T., Altoona; Jodi E. Miller, Lower Burrell. Married Oct. 15, 2023. JOHANNIDES, Barbara; Ty, both of Altoona. Married July 22, 2022. LEGO — Ronald E. Jr; Michelle R., both of Altoona. Married June 13, 2009. SPRINGER ...

Marriage licenses

Editor’s note: the following information was provided by the prothonotary’s offices at area county courthouses. Blair County Matthew A. Hallman and Matisynn J. McConnell, both of Smithmill. Heather A. Halteman, Carlisle, and Weston R. Heller, Tyrone. Cross W. R. Harris, Bellwood, and Kyra M. Morris, Altoona. Rylee G. Hatch and Kevin D. T. Miller, both of Altoona. Brianna C. Heeter and Adam J. Morlock, both of Tyrone. Cambria County Tashaun Moore and Izabella R. Darcangelo, both of Johnstown. Joseph L. Devenow IV, Raleigh, North Carolina, and Heather A. Murray, Sunset Beach, ...

WISE Women announces fall semester scholarship winners

WISE Women of Blair County is pleased to announce the scholarship recipients for the fall 2025 scholarship application period. These scholarships are available to women residents of Blair County, 21 years of age and older who have overcome adversity or discrimination in their lives and are pursuing post-secondary education. A total of $11,000 was awarded to the following five women: Leah Hostler, who is a student in the bachelor’s degree program in secondary education with a minor in history at Penn State University – University Park; Madison Peck, who is a student in the ...

Altoona library announces December programs

- Our third annual 12 Days of Ornaments started on Dec. 1 at the Altoona Area Public Library. Pick up your ornament making kit on the days listed below, while supplies last. These kits are free for our adult patrons with your Blair County library card. Limit one kit per library card. - Dec. 6: Snowmen Melting - Dec. 8: Bottled Wishes - Dec. 9: Festive Tree Stars - Dec. 10: Snowy Pinecones - Dec. 11: Painted Baubles - Dec. 12: Button Snowmen - Dec. 13: Candy Houses - Folklore: Have Yourself a Scary Little Christmas with Michael Allison in the library theater at 2 p.m. Dec. ...