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Altoona man held for allegedly breaking infant’s leg during diaper change

A city man is behind bars after allegedly fracturing a 5-month-old baby’s leg while changing their diaper. Deven Shameree Boykin, 25, was arraigned Friday by Magisterial District Judge Daniel C. DeAntonio on single felony counts of aggravated assault – victim less than 13, aggravated assault – victim less than six and endangering the welfare of children, as well as single misdemeanor counts of recklessly endangering another person and simple assault. He was remanded to the Blair County Prison in lieu of $40,000 bail. According to the affidavit of probable cause, Boykin woke up ...

Williamsburg school district holds line on taxes as it adopts 2026-27 budget

WILLIAMSBURG — The Williamsburg Community School District board unanimously approved the district’s 2026-27 budget without a tax increase, meaning the district’s millage rate remains at 9.482. The approved budget reflects a revenue of $9,872,305 and expenditures of $10,536,321, resulting in a $664,016 deficit. “Thank you to the administration, teachers and everybody else, for giving our kids a good education at a good price,” board President Barry England said after the budget’s approval Tuesday evening. Following the meeting, Superintendent Lisa Murgas said that the ...

Altoona woman accused of attacking boyfriend with two knives

A city woman was taken into custody after allegedly attacking her boyfriend with two knives during an argument. Molly Ryan Leslie, 45, was arraigned Tuesday by Magisterial District Judge Benjamin F. Jones on a felony count of aggravated assault and single misdemeanor counts of simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and possession of an instrument of crime with intent. She was remanded to the Blair County Prison after being unable to pay her $175,000 bail. Altoona police were dispatched to a residence along the 1400 block of 18th Avenue Tuesday morning for a report of a ...

Bedford County readying for Juneteenth celebrations

In celebration of Juneteenth, America250PA Bedford County is hosting a series of events this weekend, featuring guest speakers to spark conversations and commemorate Black history in the region. Author David Bradley, whose sessions are slated for 5 p.m. Friday at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort and 2 p.m. Saturday at the Bedford County Historical Society, will speak about Black history in Bedford County and the appropriateness of celebrating the Declaration of Independence during slavery. Local historian and author Kevin Mearkle will also speak at 2 p.m. Saturday at the county ...

Altoona man accused of raping two women

A city man is behind bars after a monthslong investigation into allegations he raped two women. Hunter Elliot Homan, 23, was arraigned Tuesday by Magisterial District Judge Andrew L. Blattenberger on four felony counts each of rape and sexual assault, four misdemeanor counts of indecent assault, three misdemeanor counts of simple assault and two misdemeanor counts each of false imprisonment and unlawful restraint. He was remanded to the Blair County Prison in lieu of $400,000 bail. The investigation into Homan began Sept. 10 when one of the victims walked into the Logan Township ...

Woman held for high speed chase, striking vehicles

A city woman was taken into custody for allegedly leading Altoona police on a high speed chase after she intentionally struck at least seven vehicles and attempted to run down three teenagers in her SUV. Jennifer Louise Fortney, 43, was arraigned Wednesday by Magisterial District Judge ...