Two lawmakers seek skill games extension

September 24, 2026

The deadline for tackling skill games regulation would be delayed until next spring under similar bills being drafted by two House lawmakers. Reps. Manual Guzman, D-Berks, and Brad Roae, R-Crawford, filed co-sponsor memos announcing their plans seeking a six-month extension beyond a looming Oct. 13 court deadline for General Assembly action on skill games. Both lawmakers pick April 13 as the new deadline. Guzman and Roae seek to maintain the current status of skill games in establishments during the interim period. They expressed doubt that lawmakers can agree on a comprehensive ...

Newry couple accused of stealing from elderly family member heading to trial

September 24, 2026

HOLLIDAYSBURG — The Newry couple accused of bilking an elderly family member out of her home and more than half a million dollars in 2022 is heading to trial after the defense and prosecution have failed to agree on the amount of restitution owed. David Scott, 50, and Melissa Marie ...

Inmate’s lawsuit charging Altoona police officers with excessive force settled out of court

September 24, 2026

A federal civil rights lawsuit in which two Altoona Police officers were alleged to have used excessive force to subdue an out-of-control pretrial detainee being held in a police department cell has been settled out of court, according to an order issued recently by U.S. District Judge ...

Blair County Planning Commission reviews 2 data center ordinances

September 24, 2026

Blair County Planning Commission members Thursday reviewed two ordinance amendments in relation to data centers. Members found the proposed amendments from Taylor and Antis Township to be consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan. The 20-page Taylor Township ordinance seeks to amend the township’s subdivision and land development ordinance to address standards applicable to data centers and related uses. “It is a really thorough ordinance that addresses a lot of the community concerns, it has some teeth,” said Regional Planner MacKenzie Caron. “This is the first we are ...

Roaring Spring mother accused of breaking baby’s ribs

September 24, 2026

A Roaring Spring teen is behind bars after allegedly assaulting her 3-month-old daughter, breaking six of the child’s ribs. Liberti Nikole Renee Johns, 18, was arraigned Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Brian K. Baker on two felony counts each of aggravated assault and ...

Blair County Planning Commission members review plans for poultry barns

September 24, 2026

Blair County Planning Commission members Thursday reviewed plans for construction of two new poultry barns in Woodbury Township. Marlin Burkholder plans to construct two 26,000-square-foot poultry barns, two manure storage facilities, associated gravel drives and stormwater management ...