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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 ...

Blair County to get natural gas impact fees

More than $184,000 collected in natural gas impact fees in 2025 will be distributed among Blair County and its municipalities. Blair County government will receive $144,491.03 and 25 municipalities will collectively receive more than $39,500. Fees are collected from drilling companies with 60% returned to counties and municipalities affected by drilling. The other 40% goes into the Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund, which supports statewide environmental initiatives, greenways and infrastructure projects. Payments are expected to be distributed in early July. According to the breakdown ...

Hit-and-run accident

State Police are searching for a vehicle and the driver they believe was involved in a hit and run. On Monday, June 16, the Geeseytown Community Fire Company was called to the 1700 block of Frankstown Road about 2:30 p.m. for a reported crash with injuries. The automobile went through a ...