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The Blair Buzz is the Heartbeat of Blair County every week!

Pennsylvania drivers will face higher costs on the Turnpike beginning this Sunday, January 4, 2026.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has implemented a 4% toll increase, marking the 18th consecutive year of rate hikes.

For most passenger vehicles using E-ZPass, the common toll will rise by eight cents to $1.94.

Drivers using the Toll By Plate system will see their rate increase from $3.72 to $3.88.

Officials have confirmed that the new revenue is entirely dedicated to servicing debt required by state law to help fund broader transportation projects across the Commonwealth.

While this is the smallest percentage increase since 2014, commercial vehicles will also see a significant jump in their rates.

Using E-ZPass continues to be the most cost-effective option, saving drivers nearly 50% compared to paying by plate.

An incredible wave of local generosity provided a lifeline for animals at the Central Humane Society.

A recent community donation drive, held at the Ace Hardware in Tyrone, proved to be a massive success.

Volunteers at the Blair County shelter unloaded an astonishing 36 totes packed with essential supplies, from pet food and toys to cleaning items.

The annual ‘fill the van’ event also raised over eight hundred dollars for the shelter’s operational needs.

Organizer Chase Burke was inspired to start the drive after adopting his own dog from the humane society years ago.

This grassroots support is vital as the organization cares for a high volume of animals and plans for a major expansion, showing what a determined community can accomplish.

For those considering a move within Central Pennsylvania, the historic borough of Holidaysburg offers a reassuring sense of security.

Nestled in the heart of Blair County, this community stands out with a crime rate significantly lower than both state and national averages.

Statistically, Holidaysburg is safer than the vast majority of U.S. cities.

Most incidents are related to property crime, not violent offenses, adding to the local peace of mind.

This safety is anchored by the unwavering commitment of local heroes.

The Phoenix Volunteer Fire Department, Hollidaysburg American Legion Ambulance Service, and the visible Hollidaysburg Police Department provide rapid, reliable emergency response.

This powerful combination of low crime, dedicated first responders, and an engaged community makes Holidaysburg one of the safest and most appealing small towns in Pennsylvania.

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The Blair Buzz is the Heartbeat of Blair County every week!

📅 Blair County Events: December 29 - January 4, 2026

January 5, 2026
(Sunday) Breakfast Gathering - Nicoletta's Family Restaurant, Altoona - 9:00 AM (Free community gathering)

January 6, 2026
(Monday) Holy Spirit Ministry Eucharistic Adoration - St. Michael Church, Hollidaysburg - 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Free worship event with Father Brian Norris praying for vocations)

January 9, 2026
(Thursday) Phil McCaulley at The Bavarian Aid Society - The Bavarian Aid Society, Altoona - 7:30 PM (Live music performance)

Molly's Pub & Grill with The American Mood - Molly's Pub + Grill, Altoona - 8:00 PM (Live music performance)

Magic the Gathering: Chaos Draft - 201 Cayuga Ave, Ste 10, Altoona - 6:30 PM (Gaming tournament)

Funky Claud's Comedy Night - Funky Claud's, Altoona - 9:00 PM (Comedy performance)

January 10, 2026 (Saturday)
Mountain City Beer and Wine Festival - 2200 Broad Avenue, Altoona - 4:00 PM (Paid event featuring breweries and wineries from across the region)

Dinking in the New Year 2026 - Gorilla House Gym, Altoona - 8:00 AM (Pickleball tournament)

K4 Party at the Concordia Club - Concordia Society, Altoona - 8:00 PM (Social event)

Coin Club Meeting - The Faith Baptist Church of Altoona - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Free community coin collecting club)

Commander Saturday at Gatehouse Games - 218 East Plank Road, Simington Plaza, Altoona - 4:00 PM (Free gaming event)

Genesys 0 point Tournament - 1130 12th Avenue, Altoona - 3:00 PM (Gaming tournament)

Glass Workshop at The Brew Coffee and Tap - The Brew Coffee and Tap, Tyrone - 12:00 PM (Arts and crafts workshop)

January 11, 2026 (Sunday)
US RCQ (3) | Avatar The Last Airbender Sealed Tournament - 201 Cayuga Ave, Ste 10, Altoona - 12:30 PM (Regional Championship Qualifier gaming tournament)

Community Brunch - 3004 Union Ave, Altoona - 11:00 AM (Free community gathering)

Magic the Gathering (MTG) - Commander Free Play - 300 4th Ave, Altoona - 2:00 PM (Free gaming event)

Monday, January 5, 2026 High: 32°F, Low: 25°F Conditions: Cloudy

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 High: 47°F, Low: 40°F Conditions: A p.m. shower in places

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 High: 48°F, Low: 34°F Conditions: Low clouds

Thursday, January 8, 2026 High: 46°F, Low: 36°F Conditions: A little afternoon rain

Friday, January 9, 2026 High: 47°F, Low: 40°F Conditions: A touch of morning rain

Saturday, January 10, 2026 High: 48°F, Low: 39°F Conditions: Low clouds

Sunday, January 11, 2026 High: 44°F, Low: 31°F Conditions: Snow showers in the morning

Local restaurants and cafés

• Belly Busters Restaurant & Catering (Altoona) – Local food truck/catering outfit announcing “BIGGGG NEWS COMING 2026 for the restaurant in Altoona” and confirming a grand opening for its new restaurant, described as an “amazing new restaurant,” with timing in 2026 rather than as a chain concept.​

• Green Bean Coffee House @ Baronner’s Farm Market – Existing Blair County coffeehouse brand planning a new location at Baronner’s Farm Market, with a post stating that January 2026 will be the grand opening of this coffee house at the market.​

Local retail / boutique

• Boutique “In The Hills – Styled by Shannon” (Hollidaysburg area) – Local women’s boutique promoted in a Blair County–focused Facebook group as “NOW OPEN – BOUTIQUE In The HILLs Styled by Shannon,” with posts indicating operations starting the week of Monday, January 5, 2026.

C.T.

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

...

Everyone should remember the face of this "stray" from 11/28. We have decided to make him available since so many people expressed interest in him. C.T. is not adjusting to our kennel environment. It's loud. It's stressful. Some dogs can handle it, others can't. We think he's younger, maybe 2ish? He is a pitbull mix. At this time, we can't properly assess him with dogs or cats, but we are going to say that a home as the only pet is what he will need - right now. That could change. He is very timid at first meet - he might bark at you. After some time and patience, he allows you to greet him and pet him. He needs to make sure he can trust you (likely from his past.) We are asking for a low traffic home right now with older children. If he doesn't find a home that meets the above criteria, after more time, we will slowly be able to do an official assessment. We prefer to place him into a home sooner rather than later for his own wellbeing, especially with how many people have commented on his posts.

C.T.s adoption fee will be fully covered due to a few generous individuals who donated towards his adoption fee. Just because he is sponsored, does not mean we won't be following a strict placement for him. We're looking for a permanent home for him. We would also consider a foster home that is understanding he may be a long-term foster.

** C.T. is in our care at the Central PA Humane Society located at 1837 E Pleasant Valley Blvd in Altoona, PA 16602. Each dog/cat gets microchipped, spayed/neutered, Snap FIV/FeLV Combo tested and vaccinated. (We DO NOT declaw) The adoption fee covers those costs. 

Adoption fees are listed on the applications. 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/cat.

Applications can be found on our website

www.centralpahumane.org under the 'Adopt A Pet' tab or at the shelter.

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 do not transport, and we cannot hold the animal. **

PA Kennel License #1333.