Opinion

Education can reduce sexual abuse risks

Letters to the Editor July 15, 2026

Education can reduce sexual abuse risks While it is commendable that PA Representatives Jim Rigby and Kyle Mullins are advocating for passage of legislation to properly fund centers that “heal” children from abuses, more focus is needed on prevention than making predators pay for the healing. Reacting to a crime doesn’t prevent it. A proactive approach requires open and honest age appropriate and individual readiness education about sex, human sexuality, relationship boundaries, privacy, intimacy reproduction, diseases etc. Bodily systems are not to be weaponized and children ...

Leniency on property right decision

Editorials July 15, 2026

Despite giving an example of blight in their municipality the tough attention it deserves, the Logan Township supervisors extended a degree of leniency — correctly — to the owner of a blighted property on Sandy Run Road, giving her about four months to get the unsightly situation under control. The supervisors had the option to file a misdemeanor code-violation charge against the property owner, based on the fact that repeated citations had been issued against the property. However, all considered, the supervisors’ action probably was the right move, due to all of the ...

Community lauded for job well done

Letters to the Editor July 14, 2026

As many other train lovers did, my husband and I traveled to Altoona Thursday, July 9, to see the Big Boy locomotive; truly an impressive sight, along with many other beautiful, vintage trains. We had a most enjoyable day, but what helped to make it enjoyable was the great job done by the organizers and volunteers at the event. From the parking at the mall to the bus transportation to the train area, everything ran quickly and smoothly. There were ample attendants in the event area and multiple sites with tubs of complimentary water bottles on ice. All the volunteers we spoke with were ...

Congratulations on a job well done

Letters to the Editor July 13, 2026

We need to congratulate the City of Altoona, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific for an excellent four day event. From 5:15 p.m. July 8 to 10 a.m. July 11, the Big Boy event was tremendous. In April when it was announced, a friend said to me “Altoona can’t handle this.” Was he wrong. What a great four day party! There are so many organizations that need to be applauded for a job well done. Welcoming 100,000 people to an outdoor event in the heat of summer and keeping them safe is no easy task and you did it. From all of us train buffs who grew up with trains in our backyards ...

Thanks given for Vietnam wall work

Letters to the Editor July 13, 2026

I would like to thank Ken Fedora of the Central Pa National Guard and Veterans Association for refurbishing the replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at the Van Zandt Medical Center. (Altoona Mirror of June 27). C. Arnold McClure Shirleysburg, Huntington County Vietnam veteran, 1967-68

Bands, ASO concert: Oh, what a night

Opinion July 12, 2026

For weeks, ads were on TV and social and print media touting the free joint appearance by members of the combined Altoona and Hollidaysburg community bands and the Altoona Symphony Orchestra at PNG Field on Saturday, June 20. But as the time drew nearer and nearer, so did black rain clouds. We arrived at the ballpark along with others looking forward to the musical evening. All the while we were watching the dark clouds approaching from the north. Just a passing cloud or two, we hoped. No, they stalled right over PNG Field. The idea was that the community bands would play behind ...