News

Blair County drug ring leader sentenced

PA News July 17, 2026

From staff reports ALTOONA — The leader of a Blair County drug-trafficking organization was sentenced to 14 to 30 years in state prison Tuesday for operating a cocaine distribution network and supplying fentanyl that resulted in a fatal overdose, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Rickey “Rizz” Sharief Joyner, 45, of Altoona, pleaded guilty to two counts of corrupt organizations, 21 counts of possession with intent to deliver, two counts of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, voluntary manslaughter and related offenses. The voluntary ...

Police reports

Local News July 17, 2026

Harassment charge filed after domestic incident MIFFLIN — Pennsylvania State Police charged a Port Royal man with harassment following a domestic incident June 30 in Mifflin Borough. Police said Tyler Gomez Hernandez, 25, allegedly shoved a 30-year-old woman and grabbed her face during the incident on Main Street. He was charged with harassment through Magisterial District Judge 41-3-02. Police investigate theft of phones, handgun MIFFLIN — Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the theft of two cellphones and a handgun reported June 30 from a residence on Main Street in ...

Calendar

Local News July 17, 2026

The Sentinel offers nonprofit and other community organizations an opportunity to promote upcoming events for free in the community calendar for three days before the event. Events requiring reservations may be promoted for up to two weeks before the reservation deadline. Events that require a purchase from a for-profit business, even if a donation is made to the organization, are not eligible for the calendar. Please be brief and include only basic details. If possible, provide a phone number or email address to be published with contact information. Submit items at least one week ...

In the region

Local News July 17, 2026

Middleburg Kiwanis to host 5k run/walk MIDDLEBURG — The Middleburg Kiwanis Club will host its 12th annual 5K run/walk on Saturday, Aug. 8 beginning at the Middleburg Firemen’s Field, behind Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Registration opens at 7 a.m. with the run stepping out at 8 a.m. Awards will be given for overall male and female plus the top three in each of nine different age groups (under age 10, 10-12, 13-16, 17-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+). The one-mile fun run has no fee but participants must register. The $30 early-registration includes a free tee shirt if ...

8 men charged in alleged plot to attack White House

National News July 17, 2026

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Two of the eight men indicted in an alleged drone and sniper plot to attack President Donald Trump’s UFC cage-fighting show on the White House lawn pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal conspiracy charges. Clothed in jail garb and shackled, Tycen Proper, 19, of Danville, Ohio, and Chandler Scaggs, 21, of Chapmanville, West Virginia, entered the pleas before U.S. District Court Judge Edmund Sargus Jr. in Ohio, where the case has been consolidated. They and the other six defendants are each charged with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and ...

Commissioners recognize regional dairy farmers

Local News July 17, 2026

LEWISTOWN — The dairy industry has played a major role in Mifflin County’s economy for many years, helping sustain the county’s agricultural heritage and supporting local families, businesses and communities. Dairy farmers throughout the county work year-round to provide milk and other ...