Blair County

The Altoona Symphony Orchestra Turns 90

By Kristine Allen • Oct 4, 2018

Shirley Pechter, who performed at age 8 with the ensemble that later became the Altoona Symphony, looks at the orchestra's 90th anniversary program. — Teresa Cheung / Altoona Symphony

This Saturday, the Altoona Symphony Orchestra will officially open its 90th anniversary season with a concert at the Mishler Theatre in Altoona.

And there is a woman who was there at the start back in 1928. Shirley Pechter, now 97 years old, was part of the Altoona Symphony at the very beginning, when it was just a small group of musicians. Pechter spoke with WPSU's Story Corps in Altoona in 2013.

"Russell Gerhart was the violin maestro in Altoona," Pechter said. "And he started what he called an ensemble, which was a group of six of his students."

With Private Money Fueling Fight Against Drug Crime In Blair County, Public Defenders Feel Squeezed

By Min Xian • Oct 4, 2018

The Blair County Courthouse sits on Allegheny Street in Hollidaysburg, PA. Private funding for the District Attorney Office and local law enforcement has put immense pressure on the county's public defenders. — Min Xian / Keystone Crossroads

Michael Fiore, 56, remembered, growing up, he never had to worry about drugs in his neighborhood or the violence that they sometimes inflict. He said, back then, his community in Blair County, home to Altoona and Hollidaysburg, was safe.

But as he got older, with the rise of the opioid crisis, he saw things change.

Road Closures Due To Flooding Impact Southwestern and Northcentral Pa., May Continue Tuesday

By Min Xian • Sep 10, 2018

Dozens of roads are closed across southwestern and northcentral Pennsylvania due to heavy rainfall and flooding. The state Department of Transportation said more closures may be expected on Tuesday.

In five counties in the southwestern part of the state, the closures impacted roads including U.S. 22, which connects Blair and Huntingdon Counties. But PennDOT press officer Tara Callahan-Henry said the majority of the roads closed are not major arteries.

Competitive Race In Blair County Drove Higher Primary Turnout

By Min Xian • May 15, 2018

Although low turnout is generally expected for midterm primary elections, more voters in Blair County were motivated to go to the polls on Tuesday’s primary in Pennsylvania because of how competitive some races are. — Min Xian / WPSU

Although low turnout is generally expected for midterm primary elections, more voters were motivated to go to the polls during Tuesday’s primary in Pennsylvania because of how competitive some races are.

By 11 a.m. on Tuesday, 120 ballots were cast at Mount Nittany United Methodist Church in Lemont. Judge of Elections Laurel Zydney said she expected low turnout for this midterm primary, because people may not want to have a party affiliation and there’s a lack of contested races.

Forum Gives Republican Candidates For U.S. House, 13th, Chance To Make Their Case

By Anne Danahy • May 9, 2018

Political candidates in a row — Anne Danahy / WPSU

Republican candidates trying to win their party’s nomination for the U.S. House, 13th district, fielded questions Monday night. The 13th district stretches across southcentral Pennsylvania, including Blair and Huntingdon counties.

The forum by Blair County Republicans drew a full house to the American Legion in Hollidaysburg.

States’ rights, smaller government and experience getting results were some of the themes covered during the forum.

Altoona Beautifies Neighborhood With Art Projects

By Min Xian • Apr 30, 2018

An Altoona community project, StART Here, aims to support and promote local art. Residents participated in painting a mural as part of the event. — Min Xian / WPSU

ArtsAltoona, a local organization hosted a community event, StART Here, on Saturday, aiming to support and promote local art. Event organizers say they want to use art to encourage growth in the community.

Pamela Snyder Etters, the creator of a 35-foot-wide community mural on the North 4th Street, was busy climbing on and off a mechanic lift to draw the outline of the mural as well as directing volunteers to hand out burshes and paint.

Race For Congress: Republican John Eichelberger

By Anne Danahy • Apr 23, 2018

Eight candidates are running in the Republican primary in the 13th Congressional district, one of Pennsylvania’s seats in the U.S. House. One of those candidates is John Eichelberger. WPSU’s Anne Danahy talked with Eichelberger about why he thinks he’s the best choice for the job.

WPSU invited all candidates in competitive races for U.S. House seats in the 12th, 13th and 15th Congressional districts for interviews. The primary is May 15.