radioNOVO News for Altoona: June 22, 2026

RNN ALTOONA 06/22/26          A CAMBRIA COUNTY FIRE DESTROYED AN UNOCCUPIED HOUSE SATURDAY NIGHT, THOUGH THE OWNER SAYS IT WAS ALREADY SLATED FOR DEMOLITION.          CREWS RESPONDED TO SHAWNEE ROAD IN SUMMERHILL TOWNSHIP JUST AFTER 10:30 P-M.          NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED, AND THE CAUSE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION.          THE ALTOONA REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HAS DELAYED THE POTENTIAL SALE OF A FORMER FEDERAL ARMED FACILITY ON CHESTNUT AVENUE.          OFFICIALS RECEIVED A 1.5 MILLION DOLLAR BID FROM A LOCAL ARMORY TO ACQUIRE THE FIVE-ACRE SITE.            HOWEVER, THE BOARD VOTED TO TABLE THE ACTION IN ORDER TO ADVERTISE THE PROPERTY NATIONALLY AND ENSURE THE CITY GETS THE BEST POSSIBLE DEAL.          THE BLAIR COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY IS LAUNCHING A QUARTER MILLION DOLLAR RESTORATION PROJECT AT THE HISTORIC BAKER MANSION.           STARTING THIS SEPTEMBER, WORKERS WILL REPAIR THE BUILDING'S CRACKED COLUMNS AND ROTTING REAR PORCH.  THE MUSEUM WILL REMAIN OPEN DURING THE WORK, AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SAYS VISITORS ARE INVITED TO WATCH THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROCESS IN ACTION.