Blair County
Advertisement Advertisement
Mall in Limbo: College Weighs Exit, Buyers Organize; Bridge Limits & Teacher’s Sudan Well
|SubscribeΒ·ArchivesΒ·Current Issue
Mall in Limbo: College Weighs Exit, Buyers Organize; Bridge Limits & Teacher’s Sudan Well
Logan Valley Mall’s future, a Sudan well tribute & a bridge updateβ€”see what’s happening!
Charles Sisk

Charles Sisk

Sep 28, 2026

πŸ“° WEEKLY PREVIEW

* Top Stories: Penn Highlands College weighs relocation
* Local Events: October Half Marathon & Distance Races
* What's Trending: PumpkinFest keeps Hollidaysburg lively
* Community Engagement: The Plunge for Special Olympics
* Pet of the Week: Meet Cadmium - Adopt me!

Trivia Question❓

Which African country, whose name translates to 'land of the upright people', changed its name from Upper Volta after gaining independence from France in 1960?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Getting dressed should feel good, and Simply Drost makes it easier to find pieces that fit real life. Jessica’s online boutique brings together new and pre-loved clothing, shoes, and accessories, with a focus on comfortable, easy-to-style fashion. Its curated consignment selection gives beautiful pieces another chance to be worn and loved.

There’s something fresh to browse throughout the week, from Monday’s $20-and-under finds to cozy styles, activewear, outfit combinations, and workplace wear. If you need another photo, a measurement, or details about an item’s condition, you can message the team or email them. It’s a welcoming way to shop more thoughtfully.

Click here to visit Simply Drost

Penn Highlands Community College is considering whether to keep its Blair Center at Logan Valley Mall when its lease expires in December 2027.

 

No decision to leave has been made, and college leaders say the mall remains a useful location for students.

 

Still, they want another option if renewing the lease does not make sense.


Read More...

Myers Elementary students in Bellwood are turning a reading project into a tribute to Lori Crownover, a former fourth grade teacher who died in August after battling cancer.

 

Crownover led a student campaign that funded a water well in South Sudan in 2017, and the school hopes to raise $20,000 for another.

 

Students from prekindergarten through fifth grade are learning about the struggle to find safe drinking water.


Read More...

Truck drivers using North Eighth Street between Juniata and Logan Township should check Blair County bridge weight limits before turning onto the route.

 

Three county-owned bridges lie ahead, and two have different restrictions.

 

The bridge over Norfolk Southern’s mainline is limited to 29 tons, or 33 tons for tractor-trailers; the bridge over Rose Yard is limited to 20 tons, or 25 tons for tractor-trailers.


Read More...

Logan Valley Mall could get a locally guided second act, but a sale remains uncertain.

 

The Altoona-Blair County Development Corporation is connecting private investors interested in buying the property from Namdar Realty Group.

 

The corporation would not purchase the mall itself, though it could help buyers identify redevelopment resources.


Read More...
Advertisement
Advertisement

Family-Friendly Events in Blair, Sept 28 – Oct 4, 2026

Event name
DateThursday, October 1, 2026 | Photo op 5:30–6 p.m. | Program 6–7 p.m.
LocationFort Roberdeau Historic Site, 383 Fort Roberdeau Road, Altoona
PriceFree (a $5 donation is suggested for the photo op)
Enter event description
Click to find out more
Hollidaysburg Farmers Market 2026 Season
DateEvery Tuesday, June through September 29, 2026
TimeDay Markets: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Night Markets: Third Fridays, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
LocationOn the Diamond

Join the lively Hollidaysburg Farmers Market every Tuesday for the 2026 season on the Diamond, right in the heart of Hollidaysburg. Discover a vibrant community gathering featuring the freshest local produce, handmade goods, artisan foods, live music, and engaging nonprofit guests all summer long.

Wander among booths offering everything from sourdough bread, eggs, and honey to handmade soaps, microgreens, and unique crafts. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and weekly entertainment, knowing you're supporting local growers and makers.

301 Allegheny Street, Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania 16648
814-696-0544
Click to find out more
October Half Marathon & Distance Races
DateSaturday, October 3, 2026
TimeHalf Marathon: 7:30 AM β€’ 10K: 8:00 AM β€’ 5K Walk: 8:02 AM
LocationBlair Regional YMCA
PriceHalf Marathon: $40–$60, 10K/5K: $26–$40, Family Rates, Free for age 5 & under

Experience a day of excitement and challenge at the 17th annual October Half Marathon & Distance Races hosted by the Blair Regional YMCA. Whether you’re aiming for the half marathon, the 10K run, or a brisk 5K walk, there’s a race for everyone. Family participants and children are welcome, with special rates for early registrants and those under five joining for free!

Enjoy a supportive community atmosphere, helpful volunteers, and water stations along the scenic course starting and finishing at the YMCA. Don’t forgetβ€”the first 300 participants receive a commemorative t-shirt, and all finishers in the half marathon earn a medal. Register early and join in the fun for a healthy cause!

1111 Hewit St., Hollidaysburg, PA, 16648
814-695-4467
Click to find out more
Del-Ghoul-So's - Halloween Fun at the Park
DateSaturday & Sunday, October 3 & 4, 2026
Time11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
LocationVarious locations throughout DelGrosso’s Amusement Park (e.g., Pavilion #4, near Pavilion #2, Green & White Tent, Murf's Kitchen)
Price$20.00 per person (Children Under 24 Months - Complimentary Admission)

Get ready for family-friendly fun at DelGrosso’s Amusement Park this October 3rd and 4th with Del-Ghoul-So's Halloween Weekends! Enjoy select rides, live puppet shows, and awesome balloon creations, plus fall-themed foods that capture the spirit of the season.

Meet Buddy Bear, visit the Cuddle Corral Petting Zoo, and try Dracula’s Dragway pedal kart attraction, all in a lively, festive atmosphere. Costumes are welcomeβ€”bring your creativity and join in the Halloween celebration!

4352 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd, Tipton, PA 16684
814-684-3538
Click to find out more

πŸ“š Blair County Public Library Events: 

The Blair County Library System has 8 member libraries. Below is the link to the Blair County Library System where you can access the calendars and events for all libraries. Be sure to check all confirmed events.
Blair County Libraries

Heard about a new shop, café, or service opening anywhere in Blair County? Send us the business name and town. We’d love to meet the people behind it and share their story with our neighbors.

Blair Buzz: Five Positive Fall Trends

Blair County’s fall calendar turns into a welcoming showcase of family fun, local history, active outings, and small-town tourism. Here are five upbeat trends drawing attention across Hollidaysburg, Altoona, Tyrone, and the wider county.

1. Fall by rail is gaining steam. Everett Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch Train departs from Hollidaysburg October 3, 4, 10, and 17, pairing an eight-mile scenic vintage-train ride with pumpkin picking, cider, cookies, and foliage views—an easy multigenerational day trip.[everettrailroad]

2. Outdoor active tourism is thriving. The 19th Annual October Half Marathon & Races arrives at the Blair Regional YMCA in Hollidaysburg on October 3, with half-marathon, 10K, and 5K-walk options. Families can participate, cheer, and explore downtown afterward.[discoverblaircounty]

3. PumpkinFest keeps downtown Hollidaysburg lively. On October 10, Allegheny Street becomes a walkable fall celebration with arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, pumpkin bowling, a petting zoo, nonprofits, and activities for all ages.[discoverblaircounty]

4. History is becoming hands-on entertainment. Altoona’s Fort Roberdeau hosts a free George and Martha Washington living-history program October 1, followed by Frontier Trick or Treat October 17—combining costumes, candy, and educational activities for children in kindergarten through sixth grade.[discoverblaircounty]

5. Tyrone is running toward community fun. Camp Anderson’s Zombie Trail Fun Run on October 24 gives runners and walkers a playful, Halloween-themed two-mile course while benefiting the Tyrone-Snyder Public Library and Camp Anderson.[activealtoona]

Local Shout-outs, Heroes, Causes, Fundraisers, Volunteer Opportunities

Welcome back to your go-to weekly rundown of all things Blair County! Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let's take a look at the uplifting stories, dedicated neighbors, and wonderful ways to plug into our community this week.


πŸ† Local Shoutouts

  • Celebrating Our Chamber Champions

    • Brief description: The Blair County Chamber of Commerce recently announced its exceptional line-up of annual award winners, highlighting the incredible businesses and leaders driving our region forward. Congratulations to honorees like Primary Health Network (Business of the Year), Berry Solutions Group (Small Business of the Year), Sister Paula DelGrosso (Athena Award), and Educator of the Year Briana Shriver, among others!
    • Key details: The awards will be formally presented at the upcoming Gala and Annual Celebration on April 28 at the Blair County Convention Center.
    • Source link: Altoona Mirror
🦸 Local Heroes

  • Taking the Plunge for Special Olympics

    • Brief description: Team members Jordan Anderson, Cam Strohe, and Angel Clarke-Paulakos from Home Genius Exteriors in Altoona proved they have hearts of gold by diving fearlessly into the bone-chilling waters of Canoe Creek Lake. Participating in the annual Polar Plunge, these local heroes helped raise vital funds to support sports programming and individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
    • Key details: Donations and plunge efforts support Special Olympics Pennsylvania. You can check out local Polar Plunge events year-round through Special Olympics PA.
    • Source link: Altoona Mirror
🀝 Local Causes

  • United Way of the Southern Alleghenies Community Initiatives

    • Brief description: Our local United Way chapter continues its tireless work tackling key regional challenges, from childhood education initiatives to health equity and local food security. They are constantly driving programs that uplift working families and ensure that every neighbor has access to basic needs.
    • Key details: To learn more about ongoing regional health needs assessments, ALICE data reports, or how to get your workplace involved, visit the United Way office or website.
❀️ Fundraisers

  • Special Olympics PA Polar Plunge Campaign Support

    • Brief description: Following local participation in the Polar Plunge, community members are always encouraged to keep the momentum going by supporting athlete sponsorships and team fundraisers. Every dollar goes directly toward giving local athletes equipment, training, and competition opportunities.
    • Key details: Donations can be made directly online via the Special Olympics Pennsylvania website to support Blair County area participants.
    • Source link: Altoona Mirror
🌱 Volunteer Opportunities

  • Make a Difference with CONTACT Altoona

    • Brief description: If you have a listening ear and a passion for helping people through tough moments, CONTACT Altoona is looking for compassionate community members to train as helpline volunteers. No prior crisis-response experience is necessary, as in-depth, supportive training is provided from day one.
    • Key details: Volunteers must be at least 18 with a high school diploma or equivalent, and commit to completing the initial training program and shift requirements. To apply, visit their website or reach out directly.
    • Source link: CONTACT Altoona
  • Share Your Hobby at The Arc of Blair County

    • Brief description: The Arc of Blair County is searching for enthusiastic volunteers willing to share a unique hobby, skill, or professional talent at the Becky Sheetz Recreation Building. Whether you love photography, arts and crafts, music, or fitness, you can help enrich the lives of others.
    • Key details: Located in Blair County. Call (814) 946-1011 or email mail@thearcblair.org to find out how you or your corporate team can volunteer a couple of hours a month.

If you apply to adopt, please let the Humane Society know that you saw the listing in The Blair Buzz Newsletter!

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1BvUhd4cYm/
πŸ’‘ Answer to Trivia Question:
Burkina Faso

Enjoyed this? Invite your friends and neighbors. Share with a friend! 

πŸ‘‰ Like and follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TheBlairBuzz

πŸ‘‰ Join the Blair Buzz Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theblairbuzz

 

πŸ‘‰ Sponsor the Blair Buzz: Claim Your FREE Strategy Session

 

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

 

Warmly,

Charles Sisk 

Editor

The Blair Buzz

Β© 2026 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.

Β© 2026 The Blair Buzz.

This publication sponsored by