News

Mosquito control efforts planned

Local News August 18, 2026

The Blair County Mosquito-borne Disease Control Program will be conducting a truck-mounted ultra-low volume mosquito control operation in the Parkview Estates area of Antis Township and the Legion Park area of Hollidaysburg Borough to reduce populations of nuisance mosquitoes and mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile Virus. The work will begin about dusk today, Wednesday, Aug. 19. Signs will be posted on the day of the control event to inform residents. Areas include but are not limited to: Northern Blair County Recreation Center, Parkview Estates, Legion Park and ...

Alleged leader of PSU drug ring surrenders

Local News August 18, 2026

The leader of a cocaine-trafficking ring involving Penn State University students and two student fraternities surrendered Tuesday morning. Agostino Abbatiello, 24, was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Kelley Gillette-Walker on numerous felonies, including multiple counts of possession ...

Bus safety urged for motorists

Local News August 18, 2026

DUNCANSVILLE — School is back in session, which means that school buses are back on the roads. To spread bus safety awareness this fall, state Sen. Judy Ward, R-Blair, hosted a school bus safety press conference at Fullington Bus Company Tuesday morning, with local representatives and ...

‘Bare minimum’ healthcare in rural areas may worsen

Local News August 18, 2026

Communities in rural Pennsylvania continue to face obstacles to receiving healthcare as new Medicaid and Medicare requirements may soon disproportionately affect residents. Advocates and nonprofits are working to keep these healthcare services accessible. Northwestern Pennsylvania has historically faced healthcare challenges for years, and is home to the phenomenon dubbed the “maternity desert.” Larger than Connecticut, this desert is composed of eight counties which lack access to hospitals with delivery services or maternity providers. “We are really seeing challenges with ...

Shapiro order puts curbs on data center growth

Local News August 18, 2026

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order Tuesday putting curbs on rampant data center growth, the hottest political issue in Pennsylvania. Executive Order 2026-05 puts Shapiro’s proposed Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) requirements into effect in an effort to ...

Local News August 18, 2026

Emmy Irvin, 8, sells a glass of lemonade to Brian Myers of Altoona at her stand in front of her 57th Street home in Altoona on Tuesday afternoon. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski