radioNOVO News for Altoona: September 4, 2026

RNN ALTOONA 09/04/26          ALTOONA POLICE AND THE FAMILY OF A 17-YEAR-OLD CYCLIST ARE SEARCHING FOR THE DRIVER INVOLVED IN AN AUGUST 31ST HIT-AND-RUN ON SEVENTH AVENUE. NATHANIEL DIEHL WAS RIDING HIS BIKE TO VOLUNTEER AT THE NEWBURG FIRE HALL WHEN HE WAS STRUCK BY A RED SUV. FAMILY MEMBERS SAY THE DRIVER BRIEFLY STOPPED BEFORE LEAVING THE SCENE. IF YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS INCIDENT, PLEASE SHARE THE INFO WITH ALTOONA POLICE.          BLAIR COUNTY CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES IS SET TO RECEIVE A FULL ONE-YEAR OPERATING LICENSE VALID THROUGH OCTOBER 2027. STATE OFFICIALS APPROVED THE EXTENSION FOLLOWING A RECENT INSPECTION, MARKING A MAJOR MILESTONE FOR THE AGENCY AFTER OPERATING UNDER SEVERAL PROVISIONAL LICENSES SINCE 2022. COUNTY COMMISSIONER LAURA BURKE CREDITED CASEWORKER DEDICATION AND OPERATIONAL REFORMS FOR RESTORING STABILITY TO THE OFFICE.           THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ALTOONA-JOHNSTOWN IS SEEING A SURGE IN PROSPECTIVE PRIESTS FOLLOWING A TWO-YEAR DROUGHT IN SEMINARIANS. FOUR LOCAL MEN ARE ENTERING PRIESTLY FORMATION THIS ACADEMIC YEAR THANKS TO THE DIOCESE'S NEW "CALLED BY NAME" INITIATIVE, WHICH INVITES PARISHIONERS TO RECOMMEND CANDIDATES FOR MINISTRY. THE RECRUITS ARE CURRENTLY ATTENDING SEMINARIES IN MARYLAND AND OHIO.