News

Bedford County readying for Juneteenth celebrations

Local News June 16, 2026

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 ...

Mount Aloysius camp hosts future health care leaders

Local News June 16, 2026

CRESSON — A few dozen area high school students had the opportunity to get a first-hand look at some of Mount Aloysius College’s health care programs during the fifth-annual Future Healthcare Leaders Camp, which concludes today. The camp kicked off Tuesday morning with a simulated car ...

Briefcase: EFSA achieves accreditation for outpatient health care

Local Business June 16, 2026

East Freedom Surgical Associates has achieved accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, a nationally recognized organization dedicated to advancing excellence in outpatient health care. The accreditation recognizes EFSA’s commitment to providing high-quality, safe and patient-centered surgical care. AAAHC accreditation is awarded only to organizations that demonstrate compliance with rigorous national standards in patient safety, quality improvement, clinical care, infection prevention, governance and operational excellence. The accreditation ...

Altoona woman accused of attacking boyfriend with two knives

Local News June 16, 2026

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 ...

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

Local News June 16, 2026

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

Local News June 16, 2026

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 ...