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Blair County News: Moms and Nurses Team Up, Tragic Legacy Remembered, New Director at Discover Blair, Molly's Pub, S + S Car Store, and Belly Busters' New Altoona Restaurant! 🌟

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Blair County News: Moms and Nurses Team Up, Tragic Legacy Remembered, New Director at Discover Blair, Molly's Pub, S + S Car Store, and Belly Busters' New Altoona Restaurant! 🌟

Blair County News: Moms and Nurses Team Up, Tragic Legacy Remembered, New Director at Discover Blair, Molly's Pub, S + S Car Store, and Belly Busters' New Altoona Restaurant! 🌟
"Exciting news in Blair County! Moms team up with nurses for healthier futures, new marker highlights Indian school legacy, new director at Discover Blair County, Molly's Pub, S + S Car Store, and Belly Busters opening soon! 🎉"

Charles Sisk

Dec 15, 2025

Trivia Questionâť“

In the classic Christmas movie "Home Alone", what is the name of the fictional movie that Kevin watches?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Coffee, Wine, Beer, Food & Friends! What else could anyone ask for!?

Coffee shop
1021 Pennsylvania Avenue, Tyrone, PA, United States, Pennsylvania
+1 814-682-7378

Blair County’s Nurse-Family Partnership is changing lives by pairing income-eligible first-time mothers with registered nurses from early pregnancy through a child’s second birthday.

 

These nurses provide not only medical and developmental guidance but also support moms with emotional challenges, and link families to resources like housing, counseling, and childcare.

 

Since 2002, more than 1,500 mothers have benefited locally, with inspiring stories of resilience and hope emerging from the program.

 

Operated by UPMC across nine counties, including Bedford, Cambria, Somerset, and Jefferson, the program offers accessible eligibility standards to help more families thrive.

 

In an area facing child welfare hardships, this initiative stands out for its real impact, nurturing both healthy babies and confident parents.


Read More...

A new state historical marker is coming to Blair County to commemorate the short-lived but impactful Martinsburg Indian School.

 

Operating from 1885 to 1888, the school was part of a brutal federal policy aimed at forcibly assimilating Indigenous children.

 

Students from the Osage and Oneida Nations were taken from their families and sent to the facility, also known as the Juniata Institute.

 

Some children had even been transferred from the infamous Carlisle Indian School.

 

The policy sought to destroy Native culture, a mission that had devastating consequences for those subjected to it.

 

This dark chapter left a permanent scar on Martinsburg, where two students died during the school’s operation and remain buried in a local cemetery.

 

The new marker serves as a solemn acknowledgment of this painful and often overlooked piece of local history.


Read More...

Morgan Koziar, well-known for her presence on WTAJ-TV, has been named the first director of Discover Blair County, the area’s new tourism promotion agency.

 

She will take on this role beginning February 2026, chosen from nearly 40 applicants.

 

Steve McKnight, Blair Alliance President and CEO, highlighted Koziar’s impressive communication skills and her strong connection to local culture as key factors in her selection.

 

A Slippery Rock University alumna, Koziar has contributed to WTAJ-TV since 2018, hosting the popular “Studio 814” show.

 

Her new mission will be advancing Blair County’s profile in business, hospitality, and recreation with the “First Frontier” marketing campaign.

 

This follows the transition from the previous tourism body, Explore Altoona, which was decertified in May 2025.

 

Local leaders see Koziar’s appointment as a major boost for tourism and economic vitality in Blair County.


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

Looking for that Special Christmas shirt? Get it now!

Molly's Pub + Grill

Check out Molly's food menu. Looking for a small snack, wings or sandwich, we've got something for you!

1600 Bell Avenue, Altoona, PA, United States, Pennsylvania
+1 814-940-8808
Interesting Facts
Did you know that Blair County, Pennsylvania is home to the world's largest Christmas store?

It's called The Christmas Sleigh and it's located in the town of Tyrone.

This store is filled with all kinds of holiday decorations and ornaments, making it a popular destination for Christmas enthusiasts from near and far.

đź“… Blair County Events: December 15 - December 21, 2025

Monday, December 15, 2025

  1. AMED Authority Meeting
    • Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Location: Altoona City Hall (Likely)
    • Cost: Free (Civic/Government Event)
  2. Scholastic Book Fair
    • Time: All day (Begins)
    • Location: Altoona Area Junior High School
    • Cost: Free to attend, purchases are paid (School Event)
  3. 7/8 Grade Boys Basketball (White) vs. Chambersburg
    • Time: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
    • Location: Altoona Area Junior High School
    • Cost: Paid (School Sporting Event)

Tuesday, December 16, 2025
4. Chamber Ensemble Holiday Concert (Logan Elementary)

  • Time: 9:50 AM – 10:50 AM
  • Location: Logan Elementary School, Altoona
  • Cost: Free (School Concert)
  1. AAJHS 7th & 9th Grade Orchestra/Chamber Concert
    • Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    • Location: Altoona Area Junior High School
    • Cost: Free (School Concert)

Wednesday, December 17, 2025
6. AMTRAN Meeting

  • Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
  • Location: Altoona City Hall (Likely)
  • Cost: Free (Civic/Government Event)
  1. Civil Service Board Meeting (Cancelled)
    • Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Location: Altoona City Hall (Likely)
    • Cost: Free (Civic/Government Event - Note: The listing indicates this meeting is cancelled)

Thursday, December 18, 2025
8. Altoona Water Authority Meeting

  • Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location: Altoona City Hall (Likely)
  • Cost: Free (Civic/Government Event)
  1. Mack Berry Band Christmas Show
    • Time: 6:00 PM
    • Location: The Orchards - Concert Stage
    • Cost: Paid (Entertainment/Concert)
  2. 7/8 Grade Girls Basketball vs. Mifflin County
    • Time: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
    • Location: Altoona Area Junior High School
    • Cost: Paid (School Sporting Event)

Friday, December 19, 2025
11. Altoona Redevelopment Authority/Land Bank Altoona Meeting * Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM * Location: Altoona City Hall (Likely) * Cost: Free (Civic/Government Event)

  1. Penn State Altoona Fall 2025 Commencement
    • Time: 6:00 PM
    • Location: Adler Athletic Complex Arena
    • Cost: Free to attend (University Event)
  2. Santa's Grand Arrival: A Magical Christmas
    • Time: Arrival expected between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM
    • Location: Hollidaysburg, PA (Arriving via Norfolk Southern train)
    • Cost: Free to watch the arrival (Community/Holiday Event)
  3. Santa's Slay Ball
    • Time: 6:00 PM
    • Location: Jaffa Shrine, Altoona

Cost: Paid (Party/Social Event)

Saturday, December 20, 2025
15. Santa Express Train Ride * Time: Multiple departures throughout the day * Location: Hollidaysburg, PA (Everett Railroad) * Cost: Paid ($32 Adult, $21 Youth, Under 2 Free) (Holiday/Family Event)

  1. Pj's And Pancakes With Santa
    • Time: 9:00 AM
    • Location: Watson and Black American Legion Post 126
    • Cost: Paid (Family/Holiday Event)
  2. Soulful Christmas Concert 2025
    • Time: 3:00 PM
    • Location: VICTORY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY, Altoona
    • Cost: Paid (Concert/Performance)


Sunday, December 21, 2025
18. Santa Express Train Ride * Time: Multiple departures throughout the day * Location: Hollidaysburg, PA (Everett Railroad) * Cost: Paid ($32 Adult, $21 Youth, Under 2 Free) (Holiday/Family Event)

  1. The MacGILLICUDDIES
    • Time: 5:00 PM
    • Location: Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks
    • Cost: Paid (Music/Entertainment)

 

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Try  Dutch Vet Service and get online Vet service!

The 7-day weather forecast for Hollidaysburg, PA, from Monday, December 15, 2025, through Sunday, December 21, 2025, is as follows:

Mon., Dec. 15, 2025 — High: 21°F / Low: 14°F, Overcast 

Tues., Dec. 16, 2025 — High: 26°F / Low: 15°F, Cloudy 

Wed., Dec. 17, 2025 — High: 34°F / Low: 15°F, Overcast

Thurs., Dec. 18, 2025 — High: 38°F / Low: 27°F, Icy mix / Overcast 

Fri., Dec. 19, 2025 — High: 39°F / Low: 33°F, Sunny 

Sat., Dec. 20, 2025 — High: 39°F / Low: 30°F, Afternoon clouds 

Sun., Dec. 21, 2025 — High: 41°F / Low: 32°F, Snow changing to rain / Overcast

 

S + S Car Store Inc.

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD Crew Cab Short Bed Custom

4WD Power, Remote Start, HD Camera, and Trailering Package

 

Belly Busters, the popular Altoona food truck and catering sensation, announced plans to open a new restaurant at Graystone Court Villas on Flamingo Drive this April.

 

Owners Josh and Walt shared their excitement on social media, reflecting on their remarkable journey from cooking under a tent just four years ago to becoming local favorites.

 

After both lost their jobs in 2019, the duo poured their passion into building a beloved business, recently earning the Hometown Favorites awards for best burger and food truck in 2024.

 

They’re expressing deep gratitude for community support and promise to keep raising the bar in Altoona's food scene.

 

Looking ahead, Josh and Walt plan to support local sports teams and community fundraisers, aiming to give back and stay involved in their hometown.


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
3117 Coupon Gallitzin Road, Ashville, PA, United States, Pennsylvania
+1 814-660-2258
Bemsmobilerepair@gmail.com

Bloody Mary:

 

This little one just arrived Dec. 5th with 6 others! She is an almost four month old mixed breed, truly a Heinz 57. We expect her to be large when full grown.
She is great with dogs, cats, and kids. She has been raised with a family since he was born on Aug 18th. She is very snuggly!

** Bloody Mary 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. They can be found on our website www.centralpahumane.org under the “Adopt A Pet” tab, then “Adoption.” Scroll down and under number 2 you will see dog adoption application. Do not click on “browse our pets.”

Applications are also available at the shelter. Our animals are posted on Facebook and Petfinder 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. **
PA Kennel License #1333
đź’ˇ Answer to Trivia Question:
"Angels with Filthy Souls"

 

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We'd love your feedback! - theblairbuzz@gmail.com

 

Warmly,

Charles Sisk 

Editor

 

The Blair Buzz

© 2025 The Blair Buzz.

The Blair Buzz is the neighborly hum of Blair County, PA, delivering the essential happenings of our county. Each issue is a friendly roundup of local news, upcoming events, hidden gems tucked away in our historic county, and shoutouts that celebrate the people who make our community special. It’s a weekly dose of connection, capturing the unique spirit of life in the heart of Blair County.

© 2025 The Blair Buzz.