WRTA's Gary Dull attended The Restoring Honor Rally August 28th in Washington, DC where he got a chance to meet one of the event's major speakers, Sarah Palin

William Barger, Dave Barger's father, has a collection of pictures from around the area

and days gone by from various sources, some photos of framed photos.  Here's a few:

A railroad wreck on 17th Street in Altoona, November 29, 1925

12th Strret Bridge, Altoona 1926 

4th St Pennsylvania Railroad Firehouse, Altoona

More pictures to come...

Jo Ann Nardelli (L) Chair of the Equality Day Conference in Altoona August 26th - 28th marking the 90th anniversary of the 19th ammendment to the Constitution, and

conference Board Memeber Lara Jester (R) representing the DAR were recent guests

on The 11th Hour with Doug Herendeen.  They're holding a photo of one

of the flags used by the women's suffrage movement

Penn State Altoona Musicologist Dr. Jerry Zolten is a frequent contributor to The 11th Hour with Doug Herendeen.  On a show about musicologist John Lomax, Folk artists Peter Kessler (R) and Gail Fratar(C) joined Jerry (L) to play some of the music discussed

2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara Grand Finale - June 12, 2010

Railroaders Memorial Museum, Altoona

Winner: John Strobert, Altoona!

Some of the On-Location fun with the 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitatra 4x4 SUV

Noon, Thursday, April 15th 2010 - The "Non-Tea Party" Rally at Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg.  County officials had expressed concern 
that the Blair County Tea Party organization would need liability insurance in place for the planned Tax Day Rally, and due to time constraints it was officially cancelled.  
Approximatley 300 citizens peaceably assembled, anyway.

WRTA's Drive-By Giving Day for the Salvation Army 2009

Toy shopping the week after

2009 Altoona Spirit of Christmas Parade Preparations

Since we were in the parade this year, we couldn't do the usual slideshow from the sidewalk; this is 
the parade forming. Thanks to everyone who brought non-perishable donations for the area food banks. 
Remember, it's not too late to stop by your local food bank and drop off a donation. 
Thanks to all for huge amount of food donated! 

You may have heard about that Elk wandering around the Gallitzin and Ashville areas on WRTA News- it happened to wander past the backyard of one of the Radio Campus staffers

The 2009 Hollidaysburg Winterfest Parade

2009 Veterans Day Parade in Altoona

 

The 2009 Hollidaysburg Winterfest Parade

Participating in The 11th Hour's annual Veterans Roundtable for 2009 were (L-R) George Montgomery, President and founder of Firebase Eagle, Charles Becker, Associate Director of the James E. Van Zandt V.A. Medical Center, and LouAnn Leamer, President of Chapter 41, Altoona Armed Forces Mothers. 
Also taking part by phone was Jim Krobath, Operations Specialist with the Governor's Veterans 
Outreach and Assistance Center in Harrisburg.

Altoona's Mayoral candidates Bill Schirf (D) and Jan Mills (R) were guests shortly before the election on WRTA's Your Talk Show with Gary Dull (background in main studio)

Deborah O'Shell of The Blair County Wildlife Rehabilitation Center near Bellwood 
was a recent guest on WRTA's The 11th Hour with Doug Herendeen.  
For more information on their facility: www.bcwr.org

Recently some Graffiti appeared on the back of the Radio Campus building, and on the Salvation Army clothing donations box in our parking lot.  Take a look; can you tell what it says or means?  Call Dave Barger during the Two-Way Radio on the talkblock, weekdays 9-11am at 946-0435

Downtown Altoona Cruise, Labor Day Weekend Saturday September 5, 2009
to raise funds for The Miracle League of Blair County

A lot of road construction not just on I-99 of late, but also through the City of Altoona.  Not only Pleasant Valley Blvd, but also Union Avenue, including 6th & Union, the intersection right by The Radio Campus.  Below a few of the crew 
from New Enterprise Stone & Lime finishing up.

Blair County Tea Party Trip to Washington, DC
Saturday, September 12, 2009

                                          - Additional photos now added -

Photos sent to News/Talk 1240 WRTA
 by Blair County Tea Partier Joe Mercer, who writes:
"It was hard to remember to take pictures when I was there because the emotions and there was so much going on. I was so overwhelmed by the patriotic support, mass number of people and yet peaceful friendship atmosphere. To set the tempo for the day we off loaded the bus at the WWII Memorial and there were two veterans in their wheel chairs leaving the grounds and they said to us "it is now your turn". It brought a lump to my throat and at the same time gave me the inspiration to raise the large Pennsylvania flag higher to keep our group together. That was only one of the lost opportunity photo shots. The second lost opportunity was when Air Force One helicopters flew over the crowd showing the President the numbers he cannot ignore."

WRTA's Dave Shannon (center) was recently joined on the talkblock by
 Altoona radio icons Roger Corey and Dick Richards to talk over old times 
and great Blair County memories.

Blair County Freedom Fest July 5th, 2009 Hollidaysburg

Thanks to all the photographers who submitted the above pictures!

for more information: www.blaircountyteaparty.com

The Salvation Army presents News/Talk 1240 WRTA with their Bellringer Award



Altoona Salvation Army Captain David Means (L) and Board Member Frank Thompson (R) present WRTA's Dave Barger with their 2008 Bellringer Award for WRTA's Drive-By-Giving Day, held each December for the Salvation Army.  2008's event raised $15,800;  the total funds raised to provide Christmas time toys and food for area families that would 
otherwise have to do without: $114,115 since 2001.

Karl King, Coordinator, Pittsburgh-To-Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway of the Allegheny Ridge Corporation was a guest on WRTA's The 11th Hour with Doug Herendeen talking about the need for walking and bicycle paths through the developed areas of Blair County.
For more information: www.alleghenyridge.org/

News/Talk 1240 WRTA's  Pick Up A Truck 
Grand Finale June 13th, 2009
at the Railroaders Memorial Museum, Altoona

Winner Jim Caldwell & family get to inspect their new 2009 Suzuki Equator!

Bob Alexander, former City of Altoona Solicitor, frequent WRTA Talkblock contributor and guest of Dave Barger's on Two-Way Radio, passed away May 20th.
Mr. Alexander was 67, a thoughtful gentleman and will be greatly missed.
Our condolences to his family and many friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to RCAC, P.O. Box 437 Oakmont, PA 15139



Bob Alexander April 7th, 2009 during one of his last visits to The Radio Campus 

Pete Starr of the Altoona Council of the U.S. Navy League was a guest on WRTA's Talkblock to discuss the Memorial Day  dedication of a

new bronze sculpture, The Ascent of Heroism, honoring area 

veterans of all wars Revolutionary through  Iraq and Afghanistan, 

Monday the 25th 1:30 at Grandview Cemetery in Altoona. 



For more information, call 944-1617 or 931-7045.

Monica Dietrick, President and Jeannine Treese, Executive Director of 
the  Blair County Historical Society were guests of WRTA's Doug Herendeen on The 11th Hour, discussing The Baker and Royer Mansions 
and other Society displays and events.



For more information: www.blairhistory.org/

John Kasun and Jim Rokosky of the Blair County Tea Party Association spoke with WRTA's Gary Dull about what may be next for the Tea Party movement - possibly events on July 4th



For more information: www.blaircountyteaparty.com/

For National Youth Traffic Safety Month, PennDOT had a competition for high school students state-wide to develop a radio public service announcement to promote their Drive Safe PA program. Meghan McCabe, a Senior at  Bishop Carroll High School in Ebensburg was the District 9 (Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties) and state winner.  She was spoke with Gary Dull on WRTA's Talkblock.

Hear Meghan's PSA here: 

WRTA's Gary Dull spoke with The Altoona Curve's Elsie Zengel about the season so far

The 2009 Blair/Bedford March of Dimes March for Babies
Legion Park, Hollidaysburg Sunday, May 3rd

News/Talk 1240 WRTA and our sister stations at The Radio Campus were proud to co-sponsor the 2009 March.  Despite a steady rain for most of the walk, around 200 people turned out to raise money for healthier babies.

Holocaust survivor Judy Meisel was a guest on WRTA's The 11th Hour with Doug Herendeen.  She not only survived the concentration camps of Nazi Germany, but later went on to participate in the Civil Rights struggles of the 1960's, meeting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the March on Washington where he delivered his "I Have A Dream" speech.  Today, Mrs. Meisel is a proud grandmother who travels to schools and universities speaking about the Holocaust, civil rights, and now the genocide in Darfur. Her life's story was told in the documentary "Tak For Alt".




Bill Wallen, President of the Jewish Federation of Greater Altoona, which sponsored Mrs. Meisel's talks at area schools, Judy Meisel and WRTA's Doug Herendeen

To hear the interview, with extra material recorded after the live broadcast, 
go to the AUDIO page of WRTA.COM

Scenes from the 2009 Blair County Tax Day Tea Party

Blair County Courthouse, Hollidaysburg

About 450 people turned out; not bad for Noon Wednesday in the pouring rain.

Photos below by John Kasun

More pictures below V

Members of The PA State Champion Mock Trial Team from Central High School in Martinsburg were guests on WRTA's The 11th Hour with Doug Herendeen.  The team is bound for the National Championships in Atlanta, GA in May.

 
Abby Kreider, Leah Stiles, advisor Julie Mills (standing), Mara Hershberger and Angela Banks (standing)

By the way- they're trying to raise money to cover the trip's costs. Two ways you can help:
Stop by their Spaghetti Dinner Friday, April 24th, 5pm at Martinsburg Memorial Park,
Or to make a contribution, send a check payable to:
The Spring Cove Education Foundation - in the memo line, write "CHS Mock Trail Team"
mail it to 1100 Main Street, Roaring Spring, 16673

More Scenes from Blair County's 2009 Tax Day Tea Party

at the Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg

above by Becky Barger

More pictures below V

More photos (by John Eicher, via John Kasun)

A recent addition to The Radio Campus Sales Force - 
Altoona radio vet and Penn State Sports broadcaster Roger Corey



For ways News/Talk 1240 WRTA and our sister stations 
Mix 94.7, Q94 and 1370 WKMC can help you grow your business, 
call our office at 943-6112

PennDOT District 9 Assistant Chief Executive for Construction Roger Dodson 
and Community Relations Coordinator Tara Callahan-Henry were guests of
 Dr. John McGinnis on WRTA's Open Mic, talking about area road projects 
and answering listener questions. 

Hey... welcome to Spring 2009...



Some American Cancer Society Daffodils in the front office of The Radio Campus in Altoona on the first day of Spring.  Look closely and you'll see the snow flurries through the front window.

Tyrone's Mayor, Jim Kilmartin was a guest of Dave Barger's on WRTA's Two-Way Radio,
discussing the wind farm project, recent vandalism at Tyrone's Little League field, and, since it happened to be Saint Patrick's Day, Tyrone's Irish heritage and connections.

On his most recent visit, Sean McKay and his former on-air partner Patty Gross 
teamed up again for a morning on our sister station Q94, 
and with WRTA's Dave Barger on Two-Way Radio

Sean McKay returned to The Radio Campus in Altoona for another week-long visit. 
One of the guests he and WRTA's Dave Barger spoke with on the talkblock's 
Two-Way Radio was Blair County Controller Richard Peo, where they discussed 
the County Salary Board's recent pay raise decisions.



 Read Sean's own WRTA.COM page by clicking here.

"Whatcha Got?" host Harry Rinker was in Altoona for the Blair County Home & Garden Show and stopped by The Radio Campus to do another local WRTA-only version of his national show on The 11th Hour with Doug Herendeen.  The national edition of "Whatcha Got?" airs 5 to 7 Sunday mornings on WRTA (call hours are from 8 to 10am).
www.harryrinker.com/

Paul Harvey 
September 4, 1918 – February 28, 2009
A Rest of The Story from the mid 1980's:

WRTA's Afternoon Talkblock fill-in host, Dave Shannon



We'll leave it to you what he might find incredulous and 
to which WRTA caller he may be talking (below)

And, now you can hear Dave every Friday afternoon from 3-4 on WRTA

John Cowan of Clyde E. Yon Real Estate in Altoona was a guest of Dave Barger's on Two-Way Radio, discussing how real estate values in Blair County have been affected  -and how that haven't - by the recent economic downturn.

John Kasun and Rex Johnsonbaugh spoke with WRTA's 
Doug Herendeen on The 11th Hour, giving a preview of 
the 27th Annual Jaffa Sports Show,  at the Jaffa Shrine in Altoona.
The show helps to support Shriners' children's charities.

AMTRAN General Manager (Right) and Ronald Burke of The EADS Group 
were Dave Barger's guests on Two-Way Radio, discussing Phase 1 of AMTRAN's 
new Trolleyworks Business Park at the former Roaring River Mills Property

For more information of the project: amtran.org/index.asp




Follow along with Dave Barger's AMTRAN Questions by clicking HERE

The 2009 Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon 
at the Bryce Jordan Center, University Park 
www.thon.org

Congratulations to all the students, including the team from Penn State Altoona!
This year's record-breaking total raised:

$ 7,490,133.87
 

For The Kids - The Four Diamonds Fund: www.hmc.psu.edu/fourdiamonds/

The 2009 Altoona Curve National Anthem Tryouts

The tryouts were held Saturday, February 7th at Logan Valley Mall. Almost 150 singers tried out, most from Blair County, but some traveld a bit. Mostly from Pennsylvania, one from Frostburg, Maryland and one from Brooklyn, New York. Above are just a few of those who sang. WRTA's Doug Herendeen (below, Left) and Adam Erickson of our Classic Rock sister station Q94 were among the judges. Pictured between them is either Paula Abdul, or Adam's daughter, Kayla.

Penn State Altoona Musicologist, Associate Professor,  record collector (and frequent guest on WRTA's The 11th Hour with Doug Herendeen) Jerry Zolten was recently in Nashville for the Gospel Music Hall of Fame's induction of Grammy Award-winning group The Dixie Hummingbirds, where he spoke on their career and their importance in the history of Gospel music.  Jerry is the author of the group's biography, Great God A'Mighty - The Dixie Hummingbirds: Celebrating the Rise of Soul Gospel Music.

Other inductees included Michael W. Smith and Dolly Parton (above with Jerry).  Jerry Zolten will talk about his trip, the ceremony, and The Dixie Hummingbirds Wednesday, February 11th, 11am on The 11th Hour.

More about the other honorees: www.gmahalloffame.org/inductees.cfm

Every Friday afternoon on WRTA's Open Mic with Dr. John McGinnis, Dr. John and Dave Butterbaugh take your nominations for Winners and Weasels of the Week.  See past Winner & Weasels here.

WRTA's 2008 Year-end Media Roundtable



WTAJ News Anchor Carolyn Donaldson (above) joined Neil Rudel, Managing Editor of The Altoona Mirror, along with Chris Forshey of WRTA NEWS (below) and Kay Stephens, Blair County and Logan Township Reporter for The Mirror during Two-Way Radio with Dave Barger

Joe Hurd, Executive Director of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce 
stopped by WRTA's Two-Way Radio with Dave Barger to recap 2008, 
look ahead to the County's business climate in 2009, and discuss 
the issue of the Boscov's/Blair County loan guarantee.

State Senator John Eichelberger was a guest of WRTA's Dave Barger for an hour on Two-Way Radio, mainly discussing the proposed Blair County/Boscov's loan guarantee, other Harrisburg business, 
and taking listener calls.

Tommi Burchfield, 
(who co-hosts WRTA's The 11th Hour with Doug Herendeen most Tuesdays) 
and friend...

WRTA's Year-End Roundtables



Another of WRTA's roundtable discussions included as panelists Logan Township Supervisor Joe Metzger (from left) Blair County Commissioner Donna Gority, (facing away) Matt Fox of ABCD Corporation, Altoona City Councilman Bill Schirf, County Commissioner Terry Tomassetti (through glass in main WRTA Studio with host Dave Barger) and Bob Kutz of the Blair/Bedford Central Labor Council.



Bob Kutz and Bill Schirf



Bill Schirf, ABCD Corporation's Marketing Director Matt Fox

WRTA's Year-End Roundtables



WRTA's Dave Barger is moderating our annual year-end recaps this week and next. Starting off the roundtable panels (L-R) former Blair County Commissioner Barry Wright, Acting Director of the Altoona Regional Health System Jerry Murray, and Blair County writer and WRTA contributor John Kasun.  Topics included, but weren't limited to the state of healthcare in central Pennsylvania. 

Patton area musician (White Shadow Band) and now author Jerry Carnicella stopped by Two-Way Radio to talk with WRTA's Dave Barger about his new book about growing up in Central Pennsylvania, "A Baby Boomer's Look Back".  A portion of the proceeds benefit the Western PA Alzheimer's Association.

Check out Jerry's site for more information, and for where you can  buy the book: www.ababyboomerslookback.com/

WRTA's Drive-By Giving For The Salvation Army 2008
See where some of your dollars went:



We say some because this is only part of the haul of toys and games for Blair County children the team from WRTA and the Salvation Army picked up at the Altoona K-mart.
Above, Dave Weaver



Salvation Army volunteer and board member Frank Thompson









If we put a picture of all the carts of toys you provided through your donations, you would have been scrolling down the page for some time



Altoona Salvation Army Captain Darlene Means was along to help shop



Paying with you donations after shopping.  WRTA and The Salvation Army would like to thank the Altoona K-mart for giving us a generous discount, making your dollars go even farther.
Above from K-mart is cashier Debbie Hileman, who rang up the entire order, and store Supervisor Trish Lauver.

This was just the toy-buying event of WRTA's Drive-By Giving.  In addition, a portion of your donations go to provide food for local families who would otherwise have had no Christmas dinner.  On behalf of those families, their children and The Salvation Army, we say a huge 
THANK YOU & Merry Christmas from News/Talk 1240 WRTA!

Mike Milliron of the Altoona City (Water) Authrority spoke with 
WRTA's Dave Barger about the city's water system.

WRTA'S DRIVE-BY GIVING DAY FOR THE SALVATION ARMY 2008


Dan Brown, Altoona Firefighter and Dave Weaver

Thank you to all who contributed any amount!  
This year's total is at least$14,000
Listen for the final total Monday on WRTA News!


WTAJ's Kevin Flannigan interviews The Salvation Army's Frank Thompson


Dave Weaver and volunteer Bill Foose


Altoona Salvation Army Captains David and Darlene Means


The Salvation Army brought along some decorations


Adam Erickson of WRTA's sister station Q94 
and Craig Schaffer of WRTA This Morning


Altoona City Controller A.C. Stickle


WRTA's Gary Dull


WRTA's Doug Herendeen




Altoona Fire Chief Renny Santone, Frank Thompson, WRTA's Ken Maguda




Chief Renny Santone thanks WRTA Listener and frequent talkblock 
caller Silas Jones for his contribution (above)
--
Some WRTA Listeners dropped off new toys and food items (below)






Thank You to all our volunteers!

THANKS very much to all who brought food by the Radio Campus
to feed all our volunteers!
Tom & Joe's for The Morning Mess
Subway on Good's Lane
Kentucky Fried Chicken / 6th & Union
Best Way Pizza / Greenwood
The Salvation Army Ladies' Auxilary's home-made soup
Jody Stevens  - brownies
Abundant Life Assembly of God 

Altoona Fire Chief and Salvation Army volunteer Renny Santone stopped by Two-Way Radio with Dave Barger to talk about how WRTA's Drive-By Giving Day for The Salvation Army helps out Blair County families in need.  100% of the money donated stays in our community, and 100% off the money is used for toys for children and food for screened families; there are NO overhead costs.   

The 2008 Tyrone Yuletyme Parade

The 2008 Spirit of Christmas Parade in Dowtown Altoona

Logan Township Planning Commission member David Rhoa spoke with WRTA's Dave Barger about the proposed Wind Turbine farm off Avalon Road

WRTA's Railroaders' Roundtable was featured on Two-Way Radio with Dave Barger speaking to in-studio guests and callers who had worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad over the years.

Pictured above (standing), Richard Brown of Hollidaysburg, Paul Miller of Sinking Valley
(seated) Donald Stiver of Altoona

Pennsylvania State Trooper Dave McGarvey of Troop G, Hollidaysburg was Dave Barger's guest on WRTA's Two-Way Radio to discuss Operation Safe Holiday.

The 2008 Blair County War Veterans Council Parade

News/Talk 1240 Thanks Blair County's Veterans

WRTA's Annual Veterans Roundtable 2008


L-R, John Graham and Paul Weidlich from Juniata VFW Post 8685 Fort Apache, Lou Ann Leamer, 
U.S. Armed Forces Mothers (Blair County), Charles Becker, Associate Director of James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona, WRTA's Doug Herendeen, Rev. Paul Johnson, Pastor of 18th Street Community Church in Altoona.
Photo courtesy Cheryl Thompson, James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center

For information on The U.S. Armed Forces Mothers Squad 41, or to add a name to their list for Christmas packages, email Lou Ann Leamer at usafmom227@yahoo.com, or call 943-7122.

News/Talk 1240 WRTA Election Night 2008 Wall-to-Wall Coverage

Dave Barger
Dr. John McGinnis
Dave Butterbaugh, Gary Dull
Chris Forshey in the Newsroom
Doug Herendeen

Blair County Votes 2008

WRTA's Dave Barger interviews Blair County Commissioner Terry Tomassetti about $1.3 million in state aid to repair Blair County Ballpark's drainage system.




WRTA's Doug Herendeen trying not to crush any eggs at the Fall 2008 Grocers Fight Cancer Day at the Altoona Giant-Eagle

The main studio for News/Talk 1240 WRTA

Friday Mornings

11-11:45