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"Blair County CPS License Restored, PennDOT's Infrastructure Overhaul, SFU's Night of Intrigue, Curve Break Losing Streak!"
"Blair County CPS License Restored, PennDOT's Infrastructure Overhaul, SFU's Night of Intrigue, Curve Break Losing Streak!"
"Blair County CPS License Restored, PennDOT's Infrastructure Overhaul, SFU's Night of Intrigue, Curve Break Losing Streak!"
Exciting news from Blair County CPS, PennDOT's bold infrastructure overhaul, SFU's night of intrigue, and Altoona Curve's epic win! 🎉
Charles Sisk
Apr 20, 2026
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This newsletter sponsored by |
The Blair Buzz BOGO - Final Call |
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The Blair Buzz is currently running a BOGO for Memorial Day & May sponsorships. When you purchase the month of May at the discounted rate, you will also get the month of June at no charge. The closing date for the available slots that are left is April 24, 2026. We would love to have you join us!!! |
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Reach the Heart of the County: The Blair Buzz is where the county’s most active citizens, small business owners, and non-profit leaders gather to stay connected. Why Sponsor the Buzz? Values-Based Alignment: Place your ad alongside uplifting, local stories that matter to families and community leaders. High Engagement: Our subscribers are "doers" who actively look for ways to support small business and non-profit organizations. Support Local Storytelling: Your sponsorship keeps the "Buzz" alive, allowing us to highlight the boutiques, volunteers, heroes, and success stories that make Blair County home. Join our next issue: Connect with your neighbors and grow your local influence. Contact us today to discuss sponsorship and advertising opportunities. |
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Blair County Children, Youth, and Families has regained its full license from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, marking a major achievement after two years of focused reform.
The agency previously faced license revocation in May 2024 due to significant violations such as delayed safety assessments and inadequate supervision. Since then, BCCYF operated under a provisional license, pushing forward with corrective actions.
Under a state settlement, BCCYF introduced a continuous quality assurance program and addressed case backlogs in close cooperation with state officials. These improvements were instrumental in restoring agency operations and community trust.
Dr. Val Arkoosh highlighted the license reinstatement as proof of the agency’s progress and renewed stability. Laura Burke, County Commissioner, commended staff dedication while stressing ongoing enhancements in training and recruitment.
The license is effective through October 10, with regular inspections set to ensure Blair County’s children remain protected. Read More... |
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PennDOT is investing over $209 million in more than 50 infrastructure projects across Central Pennsylvania, with work spanning Blair, Bedford, Cambria, Somerset, Fulton, and Huntingdon counties.
Planned improvements include 105 miles of road resurfacing and repairs to 89 bridges, aiming to enhance safety, local connectivity, and support for businesses.
Notable projects underway include the $5.4 million replacement of Dunnings Highway bridges in Blair County, $19 million in eastbound Interstate 70 resurfacing in Fulton County, and a $26 million upgrade of U.S. 219 in Somerset County.
Additional efforts target roads and bridges in Bedford, Cambria, and Huntingdon counties, focusing on Route 30, Route 4009, U.S. 22, and others.
Officials urge motorists to drive carefully near construction sites by reducing speed and staying alert, ensuring safety for workers and the traveling public. Read More... |
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Saint Francis University’s theatre department brings quirky charm and romance to the stage with its spring musical, “The Addams Family.”
Performances run April 16–19 in the Resinski Black Box Theatre at the Connors Family Fine Arts Center, with seating limited to 75 for a truly intimate theater experience.
The story follows Wednesday Addams as she falls for Lucas, an ordinary young man, setting the stage for an unusual family dinner filled with surprises.
Directed by assistant professor April Beiswenger in her first musical since joining Saint Francis, the show explores themes of authenticity and belonging, with vibrant visuals and fast-paced storytelling.
The cast and crew showcase local talent, delivering heartfelt performances that celebrate individuality and connection.
For tickets, contact Fine Arts coordinator Barb Plazek at 814-472-3051. Read More... |
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The Altoona Curve snapped their 12-game season-opening losing streak with a 5-3 win over the Portland Sea Dogs on Friday at Peoples Natural Gas Field in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Mitch Jebb was instrumental, going 2-for-4, scoring twice, and stealing three bases.
Jebb’s crucial RBI single in the sixth inning put Altoona in the lead for good.
Portland’s Franklin Arias homered for the third consecutive game, while Ronald Rosario went 2-for-4 and tied the game at 3-3 in the sixth.
Reliever Jay Allmer suffered the loss for the Sea Dogs, allowing three runs in 1 2/3 innings.
Starter Dalton Rogers surrendered two runs over 4 1/3 innings despite walking five.
This long-awaited victory gives Altoona fresh hope as they aim to build confidence in the Eastern League. Read More... |
Have a business opening, community event, local hero story or pet-related news to share? Email Us your updates for next week's newsletter! theblairbuzz@gmail.com |
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Interesting Facts |
Did you know that Canada has the longest coastline of any country in the world, measuring over 202,000 kilometers in total length?
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🗓️ Family-Friendly Events in Blair County, PAApril 20 – April 26, 2026✅ FREE EVENTS🏛️ ALTOONA AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY (AAPL)1600 5th Ave., Altoona, PA 16602 | 814-946-0417 | altoonalibrary.org All AAPL events below are free and confirmed directly from the library's April 2026 calendar. Listed alphabetically as requested. Chess Club 📅 Thursday, April 23, 4:30–7:30 PM 📍 Altoona Area Public Library (rear tables, first floor) Open to all ages and skill levels. Drop in on Thursday evenings to play chess — no registration required. 🔗 altoonalibrary.org Friends Preview Sale (Members-priority Used Book Sale) 📅 Thursday, April 23, 5:30–8:00 PM 📍 Altoona Area Public Library Friends of the Library receive early access to the Spring Used Book Sale the evening before it opens to the public. New members welcome. 🔗 altoonalibrary.org Mahjong Club 📅 Thursday, April 23, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM 📍 Altoona Area Public Library Open adult drop-in mahjong. Meets every Thursday. All levels welcome; no registration required. 🔗 altoonalibrary.org Marvelous Machines: Soaring Through the Skies (STEM/Kids) 📅 Tuesday, April 21, 3:30–5:00 PM 📍 Altoona Area Public Library Kids explore the science of flight through hands-on activities and experiments. All ages welcome; registration recommended. 🔗 altoonalibrary.org Mother Goose (Ages 12–24 months with caregiver) 📅 Monday, April 20, 9:30–10:00 AM | Thursday, April 23, 9:30–10:00 AM 📍 Altoona Area Public Library A unique one-on-one lap-sit storytime program for babies and their caregivers. Registration required (call 814-946-0417 ext. 123). 🔗 altoonalibrary.org Pinochle Club 📅 Wednesday, April 22, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM 📍 Altoona Area Public Library Open adult card game drop-in. No registration required. 🔗 altoonalibrary.org Pokémon TCG Day! (Kids/Tweens) 📅 Wednesday, April 22, 3:00–4:00 PM 📍 Altoona Area Public Library Learn strategy and game sense with the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Great for beginners and experienced players alike. 🔗 altoonalibrary.org Preschool Explorers (Ages 4–6) 📅 Tuesday, April 21, 10:30–11:00 AM | Thursday, April 23, 10:30–11:00 AM 📍 Altoona Area Public Library A structured, literacy-based program for preschoolers preparing to transition to kindergarten. Registration recommended. 🔗 altoonalibrary.org Spring Used Book Sale (Community/Family) 📅 Friday, April 24, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM | Saturday, April 25, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM 📍 Altoona Area Public Library The Friends of the Altoona Area Public Library's popular Spring Used Book Sale — browse thousands of gently used books, puzzles, and more. All proceeds support the library. 🔗 altoonalibrary.org Teen Gaming Club (Teens) 📅 Tuesday, April 21, 3:00–5:00 PM 📍 Altoona Area Public Library Tabletop board games, card games, and video games for teens, in partnership with the Video Game Clubs of America. 🔗 altoonalibrary.org The Great Hatch – Candling (Ages 3–12) 📅 Monday, April 20, 5:00–5:30 PM 📍 Altoona Area Public Library Kids explore what's happening inside a chicken egg using the science of candling — holding a light to the egg to see inside. Part of the library's ongoing "Great Hatch" series. 🔗 altoonalibrary.org The Great Hatch – Flock Talk (Drop-in, All Ages) 📅 Tuesday, April 21, 4:00–5:00 PM 📍 Altoona Area Public Library Drop in to chat with Ms. Clarissa about all things chickens and watch the hatching eggs. 🔗 altoonalibrary.org Toddler Time (Ages 2–3 with caregiver) 📅 Tuesday, April 21, 9:30–10:00 AM | Wednesday, April 22, 9:30–10:00 AM & 10:30–11:00 AM 📍 Altoona Area Public Library Music, movement, and story time designed for toddlers. Registration recommended (call 814-946-0417 ext. 123). 🔗 altoonalibrary.org 🏛️ BELLWOOD-ANTIS PUBLIC LIBRARY526 Main Street, Bellwood, PA 16617 | 814-742-8234 | bapl.lib.pa.us The following are confirmed from the Altoona Mirror's April 12, 2026 report on Bellwood-Antis programs. Bird Drawing Course (All Ages/Adults) 📅 Wednesday, April 22, 1:30 PM 📍 Bellwood-Antis Public Library Local artist Denice Rodaniche leads a bird drawing course. No drawing experience required; all materials provided. 🔗 altoonamirror.com Bird Walk with Juniata Valley Audubon Society (Families) 📅 Saturday, April 25, 9:15 AM (begins at library) 📍 Logan Valley Street Car Trail, Bellwood area Audubon Society experts lead a family birding walk on the Logan Valley Street Car Trail. Learn to spot and identify local birds. Binoculars helpful but not required. 🔗 altoonamirror.com Conservation District Water Activity (Kids/Families) 📅 Monday, April 20, 6:00 PM 📍 Bellwood-Antis Public Library Lisa from the Blair County Conservation District presents a hands-on, water-based learning activity for kids. 🔗 altoonamirror.com Family Fun Night (Families) 📅 Thursday, April 23 (check with library for exact time — series runs April 16 & 30 as well) 📍 Bellwood-Antis Public Library Stories, activities, crafts, and surprises for families. No sign-ups needed; children under 5 need adult help. 🔗 altoonamirror.com Live Snake Exhibit (Kids/Families) 📅 Wednesday, April 22, 6:00 PM 📍 Bellwood-Antis Public Library Local snake owner Adam Bonsell brings live snakes for a presentation on snake care and Pennsylvania's native snakes. Fascinating for all ages. 🔗 altoonamirror.com ✅ Hollidaysburg Area Public Library — April 20–26, 20261 Furnace Rd., Hollidaysburg, PA 16648 | (814) 695-5961 | hollidaysburglibrary.org Hours: Mon–Thurs 9:30 AM–8:00 PM | Fri–Sat 9:30 AM–5:00 PM | Sun 1:00–5:00 PM All events below are free unless otherwise noted. Monday, April 20
Tuesday, April 21
Wednesday, April 22
Thursday, April 23
Friday, April 24
Saturday, April 25
Sunday, April 26
🌳 OUTDOOR / NATURE / ATTRACTIONSGhost Town Trail & Other Blair County Trails 📅 Open daily, April 20–26 📍 Multiple trailheads throughout Blair County Blair County's trail system is free and open year-round. Spring is one of the best times to explore with wildflowers emerging. Check activealtoona.com for maps and conditions.
💰 PAID EVENTS13th Annual Allegheny Ukulele Soirée (Music Festival/Community) 📅 Friday–Sunday, April 24–26, 2026 (Fri. registration opens 3 PM; concerts evenings Fri & Sat; workshops all day Sat & Sun) 📍 Altoona Grand Hotel, Altoona, PA A beloved annual ukulele festival featuring 30+ workshops, evening concerts, open mic sessions, jam sessions, a ukulele beginner's track, and vendors. The 2026 Allegheny Ukulele Soirée is sold out — a waitlist is available, and a few spots remain in the Beginner's Track. If you are a ukulele enthusiast already registered, this is a highlight of the week. Spectators may be able to attend public concerts — contact organizers. 💰 Paid registration (sold out; waitlist available). Beginner's Track spots remaining. 🔗 ukulelesoiree.com Altoona Curve Baseball — AWAY Series vs. Harrisburg Senators 📅 Tuesday, April 21–Sunday, April 26 📍 FNB Field, Harrisburg, PA (road games — not at PNG Field) The Curve play away games at FNB Field in Harrisburg April 21–26, 2026, against the Harrisburg Senators. Fans who want to make a day trip to see the Curve can catch these away games, but there are no home games in Altoona during this week. 💰 Tickets via Ticketmaster/Harrisburg Senators box office 🔗 milb.com/altoona/schedule
Shallow 9 Live at The 4D's (Live Music, Adults) 📅 Saturday, April 25, 10:00 PM 📍 TheReal4Ds, Altoona Live rock/pop band Shallow 9 performs at a local Altoona venue. Adult-oriented late-night show. 💰 Cover charge — verify with venue 🔗 allevents.in Hair Force One Live at Funky Claud's (Live Music, 80s Rock) 📅 Saturday, April 25, 10:00 PM 📍 Funky Claud's, 1524 E. Walton Ave., Altoona, PA Hair Force One, a popular 80s big hair rock band, returns to Funky Claud's. Fun, energetic adult night out. 💰 Cover charge — verify with venue 🔗 allevents.in Altoona Reptile Expo 📅 Saturday, April 25, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM 📍 Father Kelley Hall, St. Therese's Church, 2412 5th Street, Altoona, PA 16601 The Altoona Reptile Expo brings together top breeders, vendors, and enthusiasts for a fun, family-friendly day featuring snakes, lizards, frogs, turtles, and small exotics, as well as enclosures, feeders, and reptile supplies. It offers an exciting and educational environment for all ages. A unique and fascinating event especially popular with kids and families curious about reptiles. 💰 Tickets via Eventbrite — verify current pricing at eventbrite.com 🔗 eventbrite.com Ages: All ages; great for curious kids. Note: live snakes and exotic animals present. K4Kountry Live at Old Canal Inn (Live Country Music) 📅 Saturday, April 25, 5:00 PM onward 📍 Old Canal Inn, 1004 Blair St., Hollidaysburg, PA 16648 | 814-695-9995 K4Kountry performs at Old Canal Inn in Hollidaysburg on Saturday, April 25, starting at 5:00 PM. A lively country music night at one of Hollidaysburg's most popular local spots. Family-friendly dining environment during dinner hours; bar atmosphere later in the evening. 💰 Check with venue — bar/restaurant event; food and drink available for purchase 🔗 allevents.in Benefit for Kevin — Live Music Community Fundraiser (Paid — see Free section for context) 📅 Sunday, April 26, 12:00–8:00 PM 📍 Unter Uns Musical & Entertainment Society, Altoona A full day of live music supporting a local community member. $5 cover charge; additional donations encouraged. Family-friendly during afternoon hours. 💰 $5 cover charge 🔗 allevents.in
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The 7-day weather forecast for Hollidaysburg, PA is as follows: Monday, April 20, 2026: High 41°F, Low 25°F, Partly sunny
Tuesday, April 21, 2026: High 59°F, Low 26°F, Partly sunny Wednesday, April 22, 2026: High 67°F, Low 40°F, Mostly cloudy Thursday, April 23, 2026: High 66°F, Low 41°F, Partly sunny Friday, April 24, 2026: High 75°F, Low 47°F, Partly sunny Saturday, April 25, 2026: High 67°F, Low 51°F, Light rain Sunday, April 26, 2026: High 60°F, Low 45°F, Mostly cloudy |
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Bellwood: Biddle’s BrewingBellwood is about to get something it has been missing: a hometown coffee shop. Biddle’s Brewing plans to open a new location at 500 Main St. in Bellwood in mid-summer 2026, bringing a locally rooted café to the heart of town and creating about 10 jobs along the way.facebook Owners Mike and Britt Biddle are behind the project, and the couple says Bellwood felt like a natural fit for their next chapter. Mike Biddle said the town “felt like the perfect fit” and explained that they want to “fill that need” while helping “boost the community any way we can,” which is exactly the kind of small-town investment that tends to ripple well beyond a cup of coffee. The shop is expected to serve as both a gathering place and an early-morning stop for commuters, with hours planned from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.facebook What makes this one special for Blair County is the local feel: this isn’t a cookie-cutter chain, but a family-led business leaning into the pace and personality of a small borough. Residents can support it by watching for the opening announcement, visiting early, and keeping an eye out for its social pages once those are confirmed.facebook Tyrone: Dollar General MarketTyrone recently welcomed a new Dollar General Market on East Pleasant Valley Boulevard, with a grand opening planned for April 4, 2026. Unlike a standard discount store, this format includes a larger fresh-food selection, including meats, fruits, and vegetables, which gives nearby residents a more convenient place to pick up everyday groceries and quick meal essentials.yahoo The company also tied the opening to a community benefit that could matter to local schools and nonprofits. Dollar General said organizations within 15 miles of the new store could apply for grants through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, creating a possible boost for literacy and education efforts in the area. The public report I found did not name a local owner or include a Blair County-specific quote, so the best verified angle here is the store’s practical role in serving everyday needs.yahoo For readers, the takeaway is simple: this new location adds another easy-stop option for Tyrone and surrounding communities, especially for households that want groceries and household basics close to home. yahoo |
Have a business opening, community event, local hero story or pet-related news to share? Email Us your updates for next week's newsletter! theblairbuzz@gmail.com |
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đź’™ Stay Connected, Blair County! Have a story to share about someone making a difference in our community? Know about an upcoming fundraiser or volunteer opportunity? We'd love to hear from you for next week's newsletter! Send it to theblairbuzz@gmail.com Remember: Our community is strongest when we support each other. Whether you're donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every bit helps make Blair County a better place to call home. |
Have a business opening, community event, local hero story or pet-related news to share? Email Us your updates for next week's newsletter! theblairbuzz@gmail.com |
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If you apply to adopt, please let the Humane Society know that you saw the listing in The Blair Buzz Newsletter!
Here is Sugar Plum Fairy. Sugar Plum Fairy is a 4 month old female. She is a Hound mix (best guess). We had her as a puppy but has since come back through no fault of her own. She was not adjusting well to the young kids in the home. For her comfort level older kids would be best. She can live with cats and dogs. She is not house trained. Application: Adoption ** Sugar Plum Fairy is in our care in Altoona PA. She is available for adoption. Each animal gets microchipped, spayed/neutered, 4DX tested (if over 6 months of age), flea treated, and vaccinated. The adoption fee covers those costs. Adoption fees are listed on the application. An application must be filled out in order to visit with any dog or cat. Applications are also available at the shelter. Our animals are posted on Facebook and Petfinder - only when time permits. A Petfinder inquiry is not an application, and they may not be responded to. We can only accept so many applications for each animal. We do adopt out of state, but we cannot hold the animal. ** Adoption Fee: $150 PA Kennel License #1333.
Please give Sugar Plum Fairy the forever home she deserves! |
Quote Of The Day |
"Be the change that you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi |
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