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Hi Altoona, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: U.S. Navy Concert Band, a reptile expo, Wait Until Dark, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
State financing backs local industry: A PIDA loan approved in January will help Yerty Auto Service expand in Altoona, with plans to add jobs and retain current positions as a major project moves forward — see the statewide loan impact.
Community connection through music: The U.S. Navy Concert Band will perform a free show at Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School on Feb. 19, featuring patriotic favorites, with a student clinic the next morning — get all the details.
Grants bolster rural connectivity: State transportation officials approved over $2.3 million for rail upgrades, with $2.1 million to SEDA COG for bridge bundling and $285,599 to rehabilitate an Everett Railroad bridge in Blair County — get the full funding details.
Neighbors anticipate business growth: Altoona’s Gable’s Building could see new life as ABCD has agreed to purchase it for redevelopment, with developers planning to prioritize parking and Mayor Matt Pacifico exploring community use — see what’s planned for downtown.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? GoldCo has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Revolutionary roots on display: Altoona Curve will suit up as the Pennsylvania Continentals for five America 250 tribute games this season on May 22, June 25, July 10, August 15, and September 12. The design spotlights Pennsylvania with a state outline and 13 stars circling Independence Hall. Explore the inspiration and schedule.
Your neighbors are Googling you: It’s uncomfortable but true — employers, new friends, even other parents at school pickup search names all the time. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up first, it can shape opinions before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so your first impression actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s someone you care about, you can help them too.
Excellence and impact highlighted: Penn State Altoona celebrates two WISE Women of Blair County honorees. Faculty member Lisa Surkovich and nursing student Emma Peterman were named 2026 awardees for their leadership and service. It is a proud local nod to education and healthcare talent shaping our Blair County community. Read the full story.
Gold is having a moment: Between inflation headlines, market swings, and growing global uncertainty, precious metals are (again) in the spotlight. American Hartford is currently offering up to $25,000 in free silver when you open a qualified account. They’ll also help you set up a penalty-free gold IRA with a lowest price guarantee, no buyback fees, and 7-day price protection.
Coffee and creativity fix: Need a pick-me-up that keeps your hands off the doomscroll? The Clay Cup pours on-site roasted Westfall Coffee and offers paint-your-own pottery by reservation. Settle into the low-key vibe, nibble locally baked treats, and leave with a little “I made this” pride to go.
A second opinion never hurts: Not every financial advisor is the right fit, and it’s okay to explore your options. Unbiased matches you with an advisor based on your personal situation, giving you a chance to ask questions in a free, no-pressure conversation to see if the fit makes sense. No obligation — just helpful advice.
Sip something local: Need a midweek reset? Oak Spring Winery pours Altoona-made reds, whites, and fruit wines in a roomy tasting space, with occasional live music and paint nights. It’s an easy meet-up spot for sharing a flight and discovering a new favorite for couch-and-stream evenings.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🎶 Valentine’s Day Concert @ Graystone Manor | Friday (2/13) at 2:00 PM – Valentine’s Day gets the old-school treatment at Altoona’s Graystone Manor at Grande Palazzo as Zupe returns with classics from the 40s, 50s, and 60s, and yes, a polka or two. Dust off your dancing shoes, bring your favorite plus-one, and let nostalgia do the flirting.
🎸 Bill Ferrell @ Levity Brewing Co | Friday (2/13) at 6:00 PM – Bill Ferrell’s bringing his acoustic set to Altoona Taproom. Expect warm vocals, familiar covers, maybe an original or two, and a pint that pairs better than your last blind date. Grab a stool, skip the small talk, listen, sip, repeat.
🎲 Galentine’s Bingo! @ Father Kelly Hall | Friday (2/13) at 6:00 PM – Round up your Galentines for designer purse bingo that feeds you, not just your handbag habit. $45 gets all games, DelGrosso’s lasagna, and a mocktail, with proceeds supporting vetting and care for our Angels. Pre-purchase only, snag tickets at Bedford office, or message the page.
📚 Story and Craft Hour @ Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art | Saturday (2/14) at 1:00 PM – Give the tablet a timeout and head to the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art for Preschool Story and Craft Hour. Little art fans, ages 3-6, get a story then a hands-on craft to take home, you provide the adult supervision, and everyone earns nap time.
✨ Glow Night @ Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park | Saturday (2/14) at 7:00 PM – Glow Night is flipping on the black lights for a high-energy jump session with music, neon, and kids who outlast your knees. It’s every Saturday, $24.99 per jumper, so wear white, embrace your inner highlighter, and let them bounce out bedtime.
🔦 Wait Until Dark @ The Mishler Theatre | Sunday (2/15) at 2:00 PM – Wait Until Dark is creeping onto the stage, a tight, nerve-twisting thriller by Frederick Knott, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, and directed by Michael Manfred. Perfect for date night or a friends night out, where the lights dim, pulses spike, and armrests earn their keep.
🎸 The American Mood @ Andy’s Bar & Grill | Sunday (2/15) at 7:00 PM – Take a break from routine and slide into Andy’s Bar & Grill for The American Mood, a live set built for singalongs, toe taps, and easy conversation. Order something grilled, something cold, and let the week unknot while locals trade stories you know by heart.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Altoona report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 28°F – Low: 17°F – Precip: 31%
A chance of snow before 7am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 28. Northwest wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 33°F – Low: 26°F – Precip: 3%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 33. West wind around 8 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 26.
This house is wild
This 3-bed, 1.5-bath brick home blends original character with fresh updates. A covered front porch and rear off-street parking add convenience. Inside, a bright foyer features original columns and stained glass, leading to spacious living and dining rooms. The updated kitchen includes tile backsplash and stainless appliances. Upstairs, freshly painted bedrooms offer generous windows and a neutral palette.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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