Colleen Knudsen
WTAJ News
East Altoona, PA, United States
Contact Colleen
Discover and connect with journalists and influencers around the world, save time on email research, monitor the news, and more.
| Recent: |
|
| Past: |
|
Past articles by Colleen:
Teen killed after saving mom from domestic attack: ‘What he did in the defense of his family was incredible’
"What he did in the defense of his family was incredible and should be recognized," Police Chief David McKichan said. → Read More
Frontline workers encourage COVID vaccinations
(WTAJ) — There is some skepticism around COVID-19 vaccines: some say they were developed too quickly, while others say they are concerned about side effects. Frontline workers want to set the record straight. Eric Olson, an employee at UPMC Altoona, lost his mother to the virus just one month ago. She battled for 35 days. […] → Read More
Local businesses featured on Startup Alleghenies’ online holiday market
(WTAJ) — Startup Alleghenies encourages folks to shop local from the comfort of their homes. The online holiday market features small business owners and entrepreneurs selling everything from skincare to candles, even artwork. Sarah Vogel, owner of The Clay Cup in Altoona, said her store, her ETSY shop, and her husband’s business are a part […] → Read More
Pittsburgh company continues clinical trials of new COVID-19 treatment
(WTAJ) — As infections continue to spread throughout the state, the news of vaccine distributions from Pfizer and Moderna created plenty of conversation over the past few weeks, but people continue to test positive every day and need immediate treatment. The drug, GPDP1681, is still in phase one of clinical trials, but the CEO of […] → Read More
Nearly 5,000 Pennsylvanians hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — The Department of Health said nearly 5,000 Pennsylvanians are in the hospital battling COVID-19. More than 1,000 patients remain in the intensive care unit. The department issued guidelines on stopping elective procedures if the hospital has a staff shortage, COVID-19 surge, or inadequate bed availability. “All of us have to be […] → Read More
Blair County to allocate remaining $6M in CARES Act funding
BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Blair County is preparing to distribute its remaining CARES Act funding which totals around $6M. The county initially divided the $11M it received, the first $5M awarded early in the process. Then, officials decided where the remaining money should go based on completed grant applications. Most of it will go […] → Read More
New details on Johnstown burglary that lead to K9 Officer Titan’s death
CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — New details emerged Wednesday about the Johnstown burglary that lead to the death of K9 Officer Titan. The incident occurred just before 4:30 a.m. Sunday morning. Police responded to a burglary in progress at 249 Maple Avenue which is the location of an abandoned Goodwill warehouse in the Woodvale section […] → Read More
Doctors: COVID-19 cases rising at alarming rate
LEWISTOWN, MIFFLIN COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Medical professionals with Geisinger Health said the Coronavirus is still on the rise. Right now, at the Lewistown Hospital, there are 30 inpatients with COVID-19, which is higher than their patient number in the Spring. Doctors remain concerned about more cases, especially with the upcoming holidays and hunting season. […] → Read More
Blair County leaders call on community to stop the spread of COVID-19
BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Over the past week, Blair County added 645 cases. Over 1,600 people got tested at the new site at the Convention Center in Altoona just in the past three days. The county’s total for COVID-19 cases is nearly 2,600, having the 19th highest percent-positivity rate in the state. “(This is) […] → Read More
Clearfield corrections officer sentenced after having sexual relations with inmate
CLEARFIELD, Pa. (WTAJ) — A Clearfield County jail corrections officer has been sentenced after admitting to sexual engagement with an inmate. WTAJ has been told that the incident was caught on camera in March of 2019 inside the jail. Now, Crystal Bloom, 55, faces between four months to one year in prison. According to the […] → Read More
Ballot counting continues in Blair County
BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Slowly but surely, Blair County is making progress on those ballots. On Wednesday, workers finished phase one, which was counting all the mail-in ballots returned by October 23rd. On Thursday, they finished phases two and three, counting all the ballots received before and on Election Day. So far, of the […] → Read More
UPMC seeing increase in COVID-19 patients
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — With recent Coronavirus spikes, regional UPMC hospitals are treating more COVID-19 patients. Throughout the health system, there are 190 COVID-19 inpatients. 40 are from our region. The Chief Quality Officer for our area said they were planning for a second wave of the virus, seeing a substantial increase in the past […] → Read More
Woman finds strength through motherhood to overcome addiction, now inspires others to do the same
BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — For 17 years , Dana Conzo struggled with substance use disorder, starting at age 13 with marijuana then trying heroin, cocaine and alcohol by 16. “I didn’t realize it until farther down the road how much starting at 13 and keep going and going and back and doing the same […] → Read More
2020 Sweats for Vets to have in-person, virtual races
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — An Altoona tradition that supports our local veterans will look a little different this year. The Sweats for Vets challenge will be a hybrid in-person and virtual event on Sunday, November 1st. Due to the pandemic, only the first 200 people to sign up will can participate on location at the […] → Read More
Election officials warn of common mail-in ballot mistakes
(WTAJ) — Over 2.6 million mail-in ballots have been requested in Pennsylvania, and 20% of mail-in voters in the Commonwealth have already cast their votes for the upcoming General Election. Election officials warned if you don’t follow the directions to properly complete and return it, your ballot could be thrown out. Pennsylvania is one of […] → Read More
Local county prepares polling workers for historic election
BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Whether you’re voting in person or by mail-in come November, this election is going to be unlike any other. And with the Coronavirus still infecting thousands around the country, local election offices are making sure everyone’s vote counts. “There’s just something about getting in your car on Election Day, driving […] → Read More
Camp Anderson’s Fear Fest canceled due to pandemic restrictions
TYRONE, BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A Halloween staple in Blair County is now canceled due to the Coronavirus. The Camp Anderson Corporation announced Wednesday morning its 2020 Fear Fest will not go on this year. The two weekend-spooktacular event started in 2008 to raise funds for the non-profit. Organizers still plan to hold fear […] → Read More
Fall festival highlighting local nonprofits this weekend
HOLLIDAYSBURG, BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Local nonprofits will be in the spotlight at the Hollidaysburg fall festival this weekend. About 20 organizations will be selling crafts, food, and other items outside the U.S. Hotel Tavern from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. The event replaces the annual Pumpkin Festival that was canceled due […] → Read More
UPMC: Proper testing, diagnosing are key for Flu season
(WTAJ) — UPMC doctors remind you that it’s more important than ever to get your flu shot. The group of people most at risk of severe infection from the Coronavirus is the same for the flu, the elderly and immunocompromised. Since the symptoms for the Flu and COVID-19 are similar, doctors rely on proper diagnosing […] → Read More
Well-known vaccine could ease number, severity of COVID-19 infections
BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A vaccine given to children before starting school shows promise in preventing severe COVID-19 infections. A few months ago, a US Navy ship with nearly 1,000 sailors on board had a Coronavirus outbreak, but only one person had to be hospitalized due to the virus. The underlying factor across the […] → Read More