Pennsylvania
Demolition set for historic Altoona homes damaged by fire
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — More than eight months after a fire heavily damaged a row of historic homes along Fifth Avenue’s Knickerbocker Row, Altoona city officials have set a date for demolition work to begin.
According to City Manager Christopher McGuire, the Oct. 2, 2025 fire caused significant damage to the center building and spread to the neighboring homes, raising concerns about the stability of the entire row.
“The amount of fire that damaged the middle building and spread to the adjacent buildings on each side, we’re seriously worried about the structural integrity being compromised,” McGuire said.
To ensure the demolition is completed safely, the city has brought in structural engineers to determine the best method for removing the damaged structure while minimizing the risk to surrounding buildings.
“We want to make sure that this is done in a very controlled manner. The last thing that we want to see is more historic buildings damaged. And then if there is the ability to preserve the end unit that did suffer some fire damage, if that can be saved in the process,” McGuire said.
The demolition process has also been complicated by the ongoing fire investigation. Officials have not yet determined the fire’s point of origin, and the case remains open.
“Evidence has to be preserved, and the fire investigators need to get in, both from the insurance company and the city’s fire investigator,” McGuire said.
Property owners of the buildings adjacent to the center home were given the option to either repair or demolish their structures. At least one owner has elected to move forward with demolition.
Demolition work is scheduled to begin July 1.
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — A central Pennsylvania woman was charged Thursday after allegedly pushing her mother, causing her to fatally fall down a flight of stairs, according to the district attorney’s office.
The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office said an involuntary manslaughter and simple assault charge were filed against 34-year-old Elissa Waltman, of Lancaster.
Waltman and her mother, Eileen Flugrath, were arguing when Waltman allegedly pushed Flugrath into a wall. This caused Flugrath to fall down the stairs outside her home in the 100 block of Pickwick Place in Millersville Borough on April 5, the DA’s office said.
Flugrath was taken to the hospital after police arrived. Officers also found an indentation in the wall at the top of the stairs, which a witness said was not there before, according to the DA’s office.
After four days at the hospital, Flugrath died of head and neck injuries, and her death was ruled a homicide, according to the DA’s office.
Officials said Waltman first claimed Flugrath backed up and fell on her own, denying that she ever pushed her. But, officials say Waltman later allegedly admitted to pushing Flugrath.
The DA’s office noted there was a resident on the bottom floor who reported to police hearing a crash and then seeing Flugrath face down at the bottom of the stairs, while Waltman was at the top, cursing and right away claiming never to have touched Flugrath.
Court records show bail was denied for Waltman after she was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Joshua Keller. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 23.
On Sunday June 14, 2026, East Passyunk Avenue will fill with music, art, and community for Pride on Passyunk, a grassroots Pride Celebration hosted by Spellbound Studio. Stretching across multiple blocks, this second annual event invites neighbors, visitors, and local businesses to center queer visibility with sidewalk vendors, in-store programming, and pop-up events happening all along the Ave. The focus is to create space for people to show up, connect, and celebrate with activations created by and for the local community. Event Highlights Include: ● Drag brunches, tarot readings, and friend speeding dating in businesses throughout the Avenue ● Sidewalk vendors and artists from 1:00-5:00 PM across multiple blocks ● DJs and drag shows all along Passyunk ● Live band performances at the Broken Goblet Center Stage ● A family zone with face painting, glitter bar, hair tinsel, and DIY fairy wings ● A central merch and raffle booth ● Food and drink specials and discounts from local businesses “Bringing Pride on Passyunk to the Ave just felt right. This is where I’ve built community, where I’ve found my people,” said Alexa Fanelli, owner of Spellbound Studio. “We wanted to create something that reflects that. Something collaborative and local. That’s what South Philly has always been about.” Pride on Passyunk is free to attend (as it should be) and open to all. Follow updates on Instagram at @prideonpassyunk. A full event map and schedule will be available via QR code on flyers throughout the neighborhood.
Warning: The details of this story are graphic and could be disturbing for some readers.
A Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty to stabbing his wife to death, officials announced on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, around 8:30 a.m., Bethlehem Township Police responded to a home on the 2100 block of 3rd Street in Easton, Pennsylvania, for a welfare check. A family member had told police they were concerned about the wellbeing of the people inside the house.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visiting www.thehotline.org or texting LOVEIS to 22522.
The responding officers banged on the doors and windows, announcing their presence but no one answered. They then used a ladder to enter a second-floor window and were met by 58-year-old James Christopher Frank.
After opening the door for the officers, Frank led them into a bedroom and told them, “My wife is dead in the bathtub.” The officers entered the bathroom and found the body of Frank’s wife, 55-year-old Deborah Denise Glaser, in the tub. Glaser was facedown in the tub with multiple puncture wounds while her shirt was soaked in blood.
The officers also found knives, razor blades, box cutters and a mallet inside the bathroom.
Frank admitted to police that he cut his wife’s throat with a steak knife. He then told police he punctured his wife’s chest and heart with a knife and hammer around 10 times to make sure she was dead. He was then arrested and charged.
On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Frank entered a guilty plea to the charge of first-degree murder. The mandatory sentence is life in prison. He is scheduled for sentencing on June 17, 2026.
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