🌱 How much more will Altoona homeowners pay if school taxes rise?
Altoona, Pennsylvania Patch AM: a 4 min readWhat's up Altoona! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How much more will Altoona homeowners pay if school taxes rise?
- How new downtown events could revive Altoona’s Centre City Market
- How a Blair County cruelty case is tied to an Altoona teen
Also on today's calendar: Mother Goose and 5 more events.
Today's riddle: what do you call a rabbit with fleas? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: A shower and t-storm; breezy, with a high of 64 and low of 45 degrees.
- Thursday: A brief shower or two, temps: high: 53, low: 45.
- Friday: Partly sunny, with a high of 66 and low of 46 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Altoona school board votes to increase property taxes, final vote in June (wtaj.com) — Altoona homeowners could see school property taxes rise about 3% after the Altoona Area School Board advanced a preliminary budget Monday night. A final vote is set for June 15, with typical homeowners facing roughly $15–$23 more in 2026 depending on Homestead/Farmstead participation. 
2. Altoona hopes to boost downtown development despite customer shortfalls (wtaj.com) — Downtown Altoona’s Centre City Market is struggling with low customer traffic, prompting vendors and the city to push for renewed community support. A new Main Street Manager is rolling out summer and fall events and highlighting largely free parking to draw residents back downtown and help stabilize remaining shops and restaurants.
3. PSP: Williamsburg woman accused of 'instructing' teen to kill dog weeks after puppy died (wjactv.com) — Blair County authorities have jailed a Williamsburg woman accused of directing a teenager to kill a dog at her home, a case linked to an earlier incident involving an Altoona teen. Investigators say the dog suffered severe head trauma and malnourishment, and a deceased puppy was also found on the property. The woman faces multiple felony aggravated cruelty to animals charges and is held on $50,000 bail.
4. Jared Jones reflects on recovery, dominates in rehab start for Curve (wtaj.com) — Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Jared Jones is making a key rehab stop in Altoona, where he just threw four scoreless innings in a 1–0 win. As he sharpens his pitches and enjoys being back with the Curve, he’s expected to make at least one more Altoona start before rejoining the Pirates later this month.
5. AAA: Gas Prices Keep Going Up in Pennsylvania (beavercountyradio.com) — Drivers in Altoona are paying about $4.68 per gallon for regular gas this week, according to AAA’s latest report. Prices across Western Pennsylvania have jumped roughly 20 cents, with regional averages now hovering near $4.85 and still feeling pressure from global supply concerns despite a recent dip in crude oil prices.
📸 Around Altoona
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🗓
Upcoming Events in
Altoona
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
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How to Give Effective Performance Reviews →
Curry Innovation Center, 1425 11th Ave, Altoona
9:00 am
Thursday May 14
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
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Mother Goose →
Altoona Area Public Library, 1600 5th Ave, Altoona
9:30 am -
Preschool Explorers →
Altoona Area Public Library, 1600 5th Avenue, Altoona
10:30 am -
DirtFest 2026: Presented by Tonewood Brewing →
Allegrippis Trail System- Baker's Hollow Trailhead
3:00 pm -
JH Softball vs Tyrone
Altoona Area Jr HS Altoona, PA 16602
4:00 pm -
PV Night of Music
Pleasant Valley El Sch Altoona, PA 16602
5:00 pm -
LEGO Club B →
Altoona Area Public Library, 1600 5th Ave, Altoona
6:00 pm -
Band Concert
Altoona Area HS Altoona, PA 16602
7:00 pm
Thursday May 14
📣 Altoona Shout Outs!
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🗓 Events Nearby
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Pinochle Club
Altoona Area Public Library , 1600 5th Avenue, Altoona, PA, 16602, United States
11:00 am -
Drumline Camp
Altoona Area Jr HS Altoona, PA 16602
5:00 pm -
NJHS Induction Ceremony
Altoona Area Jr HS Altoona, PA 16602
5:00 pm -
FKS Fun Day (Rain date 5/15)
Hollidaysburg Area SD 405 Clark Street , Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
8:00 am
Wednesday May 13
Thursday May 14
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Does anyone have wooden pallets that they want to get rid of for free?
We probably only need three or four to build a ramp to make it easier for our elderly dog to get in and out of the back door of the house? We can… (Nextdoor Lunchmeat) - Looking for someone who can repair a floor lamp.
It is a heavy lamp so an in-home repair is what I'm in need of. (Nextdoor Lakemont)
- Bealls, Inc. - Burkes Outlet posted a job opening for bealls Merchandise Supervisor in Altoona. Apply here.
- Lowe's posted a job opening for Seasonal Receiver Stocker Overnight in Altoona. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Altoona here.
Ok Altoona! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Bugs Bunny ! (Thank you bruce A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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