radioNOVO News for Altoona: June 16, 2026

RNN ALTOONA 06/16/26          THE ALTOONA AREA SCHOOL BOARD PASSED A 135-MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET ON MONDAY IN A SPLIT FIVE-TO-FOUR VOTE. THE PLAN INCLUDES A THREE-PERCENT PROPERTY TAX INCREASE TO HELP BRIDGE A NEARLY SIX-MILLION-DOLLAR DEFICIT. BOARD MEMBERS VOICED FRUSTRATION, STATING THEY ARE "FLYING BLIND" BECAUSE THE STATE REQUIRES LOCAL BUDGET APPROVAL BEFORE STATE REVENUE FIGURES ARE FINALIZED.          THE HISTORIC JAFFA SHRINE HEADQUARTERS IN DOWNTOWN ALTOONA IS BEING CELEBRATED AFTER EARNING A PLACE ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES. SHRINERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS RECENTLY UNVEILED A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE HONORING THE BUILDING’S ARCHITECTURAL AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE. LEADERS SAY THE DESIGNATION WILL HELP PRESERVE THE NEARLY CENTURY-OLD LANDMARK AND OPEN THE DOOR TO FUTURE FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENTS AND RESTORATION.          A $42,000 STATE GRANT THAT STATE REP. FRANK BURNS HELPED SECURE............. IS HELPING FIX CHRONIC FLOODING PROBLEMS AT TWO BALLFIELDS IN EBENSBURG MEMORIAL PARK. OFFICIALS SAY THE IMPROVEMENTS WILL KEEP YOUTH AND ADULT GAMES IN TOWN AND PROVIDE SAFER PLAYING CONDITIONS FOR ATHLETES.