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"Blair County Resilience: Hockey Fundraiser, Jam Contest Victory, and Heartwarming Dog Rescue!"
"Blair County Resilience: Hockey Fundraiser, Jam Contest Victory, and Heartwarming Dog Rescue!"
"Blair County Resilience: Hockey Fundraiser, Jam Contest Victory, and Heartwarming Dog Rescue!"
Blair County hockey fundraiser, OMG jelly bar contest victory, and heartwarming dog rescue adoption - all in this edition of The Blair Buzz! 🏒🍇🐾
Charles Sisk
Jan 19, 2026
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Trivia Question❓Blair County, PA is home to a famous landmark known as the Horseshoe Curve. The curve is a feat of engineering and was completed in 1854 as part of what transportation system? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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The Blair County community is uniting for the annual We Skate Together hockey fundraiser, a heartfelt event supporting families affected by cancer.
Launched in 2024 to help Nate Wooster during his battle with brain cancer, the fundraiser now stands as a symbol of enduring care and solidarity.
Nate’s legacy continues after his passing, as his wish to help others inspires the ongoing mission.
His generous spirit lives on through each gathering.
This year’s event takes place Saturday, April 11, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Altoona’s Galactic Ice Rink.
Attendees can enjoy hockey games for all ages, raffle baskets, a silent auction, and sweet treats, with every dollar raised benefiting local families facing cancer.
Youth players ages 10 to 14 are encouraged to sign up for a chance to play and show their support.
The fundraiser keeps Nate’s memory alive and strengthens Altoona’s tradition of helping neighbors in need. Read More... |
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Terri Stewart, a retired nurse from Altoona, secured first place in the Jam/Jelly Bar Contest at the 110th Pennsylvania Farm Show.
Her unique pineapple pecan coconut bars triumphed over 21 other entries, earning her $200 and a coveted winner’s ribbon.
The competition took place January 11, 2026, in the Farm Show Complex’s Family Living Area, spotlighting the creative baking spirit found throughout Pennsylvania.
Each contestant submitted eight 2x2-inch bar cookies, all featuring jelly, jam, or preserves as a key element.
Stewart’s win shines a light on Altoona’s local talent and the deep-rooted food traditions celebrated across the state.
Her achievement not only brings community pride but also inspires home bakers everywhere to embrace bold flavors and homemade creativity. Read More... |
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A story of survival that began on the Altoona train tracks has a heartwarming conclusion.
A dog, first named Conrail after being found with severe ear injuries in November, is now safe in a loving home with a new name: Yukon.
After the Central PA Humane Society shared his difficult story, the Blair County community responded with overwhelming support.
Donations poured in to cover his extensive medical care, which ultimately saved his ears from amputation.
Local couple Emmalee and Jeremiah followed his recovery online and knew they had to adopt him.
They said the decision was sealed after seeing his gentle nature with their six-month-old baby.
Now thriving with his new family, Yukon’s journey is a powerful local testament to second chances and the incredible compassion of our community. Read More... |
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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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Get ready to make a bold statement with the "Every Snack You Make Dog Shirt"! |
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The Blair Buzz is the Heartbeat of Blair County every week! |
Interesting Facts |
Did you know that Blair County, Pennsylvania was home to the world's first ever sheet metal roller mill? |
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📅 Blair County Events: January 19 - January 25, 2026 1. Free Events
2. Paid Events
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The 7-day weather forecast for Hollidaysburg, PA, from Monday, January 19, 2026, through Sunday, January 25, 2026, is as follows:
Monday, January 19, 2026: High 25°F, Low 2°F, Snow showers |
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It’s an exciting time for Blair County! This past month has seen a mix of sweet expansions, a major industrial "second act" for an iconic building, and a new way to enjoy local brews while the kids play. Here are three standout small business stories that have made waves in our community between December 2025 and January 2026. Parlor Doughnuts (New Location at the Grande Palazzo)The city’s morning routine just got a major upgrade. In late December 2025, Parlor Doughnuts celebrated a ribbon-cutting for its second Altoona location, this time moving into the historic Grande Palazzo (the former Bon Secours hospital building). Known for their famous "layered doughnuts"—which are more like a cross between a croissant and a traditional doughnut—this expansion shows just how much Altoona has embraced their craft. Beyond the treats, the location itself is a draw. By setting up shop in the repurposed Grande Palazzo, the owners are helping to breathe new life into one of Altoona's most significant landmarks. It’s the perfect spot to grab a specialty latte and a "French Toast" doughnut while enjoying the unique architecture of the building.
Sugar Run Brewing Company (Expansion to Slinky Action Zone)Duncansville’s favorite neighborhood brewery, Sugar Run Brewing, has officially brought its taps to a new location inside Slinky Action Zone. This new taproom opened its doors recently to provide a dedicated space for adults to relax while the family enjoys the arcade, laser tag, and bowling. Owners Matt and Diane Krueger have built a reputation for hospitality since opening their original brewery in 2019. Matt, who has decades of experience in the craft beer world, often speaks about the "community hub" feel they want to create. This expansion is a clever move that bridges the gap between a family outing and a local craft experience.
Yerty Auto Service & Parts (Major Altoona Expansion)In a major win for Altoona's industrial sector, Yerty Auto Service was approved in January 2026 for a nearly $2 million loan to transform the vacant 126,000-square-foot former Lumax Industries facility on Chestnut Avenue. While the Yerty family has been a staple in Roaring Spring since 1948, this massive move into the heart of Altoona marks a new chapter for the local business. The project isn't just about auto parts; it’s about revitalization. The Yerty family plans to modernize the facility with a new roof and upgraded systems, turning a hollowed-out building into a hub for automotive dismantling and production. This expansion is expected to create 10 new full-time jobs while keeping over 20 others right here in Blair County.
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Following is a list of local shoutouts, heroes, causes, and volunteer opportunities for Blair County, PA, for the week of January 19, 2026 through January 25, 2026, including highlights from the preceding week.
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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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Run Dog: If you apply to adopt, please let the Humane Society know that you saw the listing in The Blair Buzz Newsletter! ... Run D.O.G. is a 3-year-old male. He has been affectionately referred to as a "Permanent Puppy" due to his small stature. Run came to the shelter after being pulled from unfortunate living conditions in Bedford County, along with many other dogs and animals. All of Run's family members have found their forever homes and he is still searching for his forever. We are suspecting he will need help with house training. Otherwise, he is a very happy guy! He has a lot of energy and would be a great outdoor hiking companion or a sport dog. Run is a food thief and will absolutely take advantage of short children and steal their food! He will need to learn some manners, but he is so eager to please! Run absolutely loves to run laps around the outside yards with his favorite stuffy in his mouth! He is not much for actively playing with other dogs, but he does enjoy spending time with some of his doggie friends here at the shelter. We believe Run could have canine friends outside of the home, but would prefer to have his own space in his own home. He unfortunately cannot live with cats. A fenced in yard is preferred, but not required. If you come to see Run D.O.G, he is sure to steal your heart... and maybe your food ** RUN D.O.G. is in our care in Altoona PA. He is available for adoption. Each animal gets microchipped, spayed/neutered and vaccinated. The adoption fee covers those costs. Adoption fees are listed on the application. In person applications take priority over ones mailed or emailed (especially on a popular animal). 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 or 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. |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The curve was completed as part of the Pennsylvania Railroad system. |
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