Centre Daily Times
Punxsutawney Phil visits State College, attracting hundreds
Hundreds of people lined up outside The Press Cider and Craft Beverage Tap House Saturday afternoon, some waiting in the cold for hours, to see a celebrity like none other in Pennsylvania — Punxsutawney Phil. Phil, the internationally famous groundhog...
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More than 200 protest ICE downtown after Good’s killing
More than 200 people — many bundled in winter caps and parkas — braved the cold in downtown State College on Saturday afternoon to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and memorialize Renee Nicole Good, the Minliamsport. neapolis woman...
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See what construction projects Penn State has this year
Penn State has a number of construction projects at its University Park campus in the works for 2026, including the ongoing renovation of Beaver Stadium and some residence halls. Last year the university saw the demolition of the Oswald Tower after...
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Fire destroys Bellefonte apartment, damages adjacent units
Emergency crews from across Centre County were on the scene of a building fire in Bellefonte Friday morning. Fire companies were called to the 100 block of West Logan Street for a reported building fire at about 11:30 a.m. The Logan, Undine, Centre...
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State College police chief Gardner retires after 35 years
The borough’s police chief is nearing the end of a nine-year run as the department’s top officer, closing out an era marked by modernization, reform and unprecedented challenges. John Gardner will retire at the end of the month, finishing a career...
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‘Groundbreaking’ solar project on strip mine land takes next step
The Rush Township supervisors approved a conditional use permit last week for a solar project that would repurpose nearly 2,000 acres of abandoned strip coal mining land. Contingent on the approval of future development plans, the 265-megawatt Black...
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Leaving for Penn State was hard decision for Matt Campbell
Matt Campbell seemed at ease as he sat in a room in Penn State’s Beaver Stadium locker room. In what will likely go down as one of the busiest days of his tenure as Penn State’s football coach, he had a small reprieve. There were no cameras and no...
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How did you spend your snow day in Centre County?
Centre County schools were closed Tuesday and roads were impacted as several inches of snow fell across the area. A winter weather advisory was in effect through early afternoon for what the National Weather Service in State College called the “first...
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Philipsburg’s beloved Santa was destroyed, now it’s back
Last December, heavy winds caused Philipsburg’s beloved 63-year-old, 37 1/2-foot-tall Santa Claus display to collapse in on itself like an accordion, causing irreparable damage. But just in time for the holiday season, the giant landmark has been...
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Franklin named new head coach at Virginia Tech
Penn State’s former head coach will be back on the sidelines next fall — just not in Happy Valley. James Franklin, who was fired Oct. 12 by Penn State, was announced as the next head coach at Virginia Tech Monday night. ESPN’s Pete Thamel first...
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Portion of Spring Creek dedicated to fly-fishing vets
Dr. Gerald F. “Doc” Clair wasn’t a fan of the spotlight. Regardless, his friends, family and fellow veterans gathered Sunday under light rain to honor a longtime dream of his — the dedication of a portion of Spring Creek on his property to veterans for...
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How to help Woodward Inn rebuild after ‘devastating’ fire
It’s been nearly one month since a fire ravaged the historic Woodward Inn, and while the damage to the building was substantial, the owners remain optimistic about a rebuild. Corby and Melissa Stover are lifelong residents of the Penns Valley area and...
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Penn State’s new $9.8M sports ‘bubble’ is now up
Penn State’s new “indoor bubble” was installed and should be ready for use in the coming weeks. The $9.8 million bubble, located across from the Jeffrey Soccer Complex, is an indoor practice facility that multiple varsity sports teams will use....
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More than 1,500 gather for ‘No Kings’ protest in State College
More than 1,500 protesters — organizers estimated at least 3,000 — gathered Saturday afternoon on Penn State’s Old Main lawn as part of the national “No Kings” anti-Trump rally, before marching through downtown State College and largely staying on the...
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Penn State fires coach Franklin after Northwestern loss
The James Franklin era is over at Penn State. Penn State has fired the head coach after a 22-21 loss to Northwestern, multiple sources told the Centre Daily Times, the third loss in a row for the Nittany Lions. He went 104-45 in his 11-plus years...
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Historic Penns Valley building destroyed by fire
A historic building that has stood in Penns Valley for more than two centuries was destroyed by a fire early Sunday morning. More than a dozen fire companies from across Centre and Union counties were called to the Woodward Inn in the 100 block of...
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CATA makes ‘important milestone’ with natural gas switch
Centre Area Transportation Authority announced a partnership with natural gas supplier UGI Energy Services Thursday that will see the authority’s fleet of 60 buses and six service vehicles make a permanent switch to an emissions-saving fuel...
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Can Penn State’s WPSU be saved? Supporters hold out hope
WPSU news director Emily Reddy offered a nervous laugh Friday when asked what the last 48 hours have been like. Reddy and the WPSU newsroom discovered only Wednesday that Penn State was consid“It’s ering transferring assets/ownership of the...
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Wawa gives updates on Centre County stores, including new one
Wawa’s long-awaited expansion to the central Pennsylvania area took a major step Tuesday when the convenience store giant introduced itself to Centre County and unveiled new plans for the State College area. More than 100 people were in attendance at...
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Hotels, expansions and more: An update on area projects
With fall and cooler weather right around the corner, peak construction season in Centre County is coming to a close, but there are still plenty of active work sites out there, some of which you may have been wondering about. This year been one of...
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These projects are under construction at Penn State
Penn State students arriving on campus this week may notice a few major construction projects throughout University Park that are either wrapping up or will continue to be a work in progress. One of the biggest construction projects is the Beaver...
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Hideaway bar to reopen after misconduct allegations
The Hideaway Electric Speakeasy made a splash in downtown State College during its Feb. 25 soft opening, only to close suddenly five weeks later as rumors and accusations on social media swirled. The neon-soaked bar spared no expense renovating the...
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Ready for Grange Fair? Here’s your guide
Fresh off of a major anniversary, a beloved Centre County tradition is back this week to wrap up a busy summer in Happy Valley. The 151st annual Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair officially kicks off with opening ceremonies on Thursday evening....
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Whitehall Road Regional Park finally opens following delays
Following more than a year’s worth of delays in its construction process, one of Centre County’s most highly-anticipated parks has finally opened. Whitehall Road Regional Park, located in Ferguson Township at 1954 Blue Course Drive in the Musser Gap...
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Two Korean War veterans receive Ambassador of Peace Medals
Two United States military veterans and local assisted living residents were honored for their service on Friday afternoon — about 72 years after they served in the Korean War. Richard “Dick” Singer and Bruce Berkey received the Korean Ambassador of...
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Meet the State College cleaner who inspires his community
Up busy streets like West Beaver Avenue and down side roads like Humes Alley, a man with a full beard, black gloves and boots can be found trekking through the streets of downtown State College. Garbage can in tow, Damian Cabrera starts his days...
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What’s new at Arts Fest in 2025? Your guide to parking, food, live music & more
Now that the Fourth of July has come and gone, perhaps the biggest summer event in central Pennsylvania is just days away. The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts — better known as simply Arts Fest — annually draws thousands of visitors to the...
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Future of 4th Fest in doubt due to low funds
Pennsylvania’s biggest Fourth of July festival — State College’s “4th Fest” — is just around the corner. But while excitement is running high for the red, white and blue festivities, funding is running low and organizers fear the longtime community...
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Take a dip at one of these Centre County swimming spots
Summer has officially arrived in Centre County, and with it has come a heat wave that could break temperature records. With a heat advisory in effect through late Wednesday, many may be looking for a place to cool off. The heat wave is expected to...
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Happy Valley Ironman sees 1,000 athletes, new course records
Fans in ponchos and the sound of cowbells filled the streets on Penn State’s campus as over 1,000 athletes participated in the Ironman 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley race on Sunday. It was the third year State College has hosted the Ironman race — a...
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College Pride attendees said this year’s event was pivotal
Centre County’s most colorful day of the year came Saturday in the form of State College Pride 2025 — the annual LGBTQ+ parade and festival — with organizers and attendees in agreement that this year’s edition might’ve been the most important...
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Locals are suffering after DOGE cuts at state’s biggest lake
On a blustery Memorial Day weekend, customers trickled into Seven Points Bait and Grocery looking for fingerling trout and nightcrawlers, for scoops of sweet and salty caramel ice cream and propane refills. They browsed the racks of tourist...
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State High teens restore antique MGB, ‘build community’
If you take a drive through one Ferguson Township neighborhood after school lets out, you just might catch a few teenagers juggling auto parts, staining their clothes with grease or pushing an antique sports car down the sidewalk and into their...
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Students, faculty take action against campus closures
When the news leaked last week that Mont Alto was among seven Penn State commonwealth campuses recommended for closure, students Jawad Malik and Yara Amleh sprung into action to try and save it. In less than four days, they gathered 37 pages of...
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Hundreds attend State College Area Connector meeting
Nearly 400 people attended a public scoping meeting Thursday to ask questions and learn more about the State College Area Connector project, sharing a mixed bag of reactions to the project and its recently announced recommended route. The meeting,...
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Partnership brings sensory comfort kits to area businesses
Sensory comfort kits are now available for Centre County businesses to create a welcoming and accessible environment for neurodiverse visitors and their families. The sensory kits contain items including earmuffs, a coloring book, Play-Doh and fidget...
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$89.9M renovation project is underway at Penn State’s Sackett Building
Major renovation work is underway at the Sackett Building on Penn State’s campus, part of an overall $89.9 million project that will continue for at least another couple years. Part of the College of Engineering Master Plan, the project for the...
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State College airport plans jet bridges with federal grant
Hoping to secure federal grant funding for an $11 million project to build two new passenger ramps at the State College Regional Airport, the Centre County Airport Authority met last week with the region’s member of Congress. U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT”...
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State College council hears update on foiled school attack
State College Borough Council received a short update Monday on a thwarted attack planned for State High, which has plagued the community in “shock and fear” since it was revealed over the weekend. John Gardner, chief of the State College Police...
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Hundreds rally to protest Trump policies
The State College area’s opposition to President Donald Trump and his administration is growing louder. More than 500 people armed with political signs and umbrellas braved a dreary, rainy Saturday to converge on Sidney Friedman Park for a “Hands...
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Supporters celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility
About 100 people gathered at the Allen Street gates Monday to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility, a national event that took on new meaning this year in the wake of federal action that seeks to roll back transgender rights and recognition. The...
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Penn State fans flock to 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships
They came sporting white Penn State hoodies and blue Nittany Lion T-shirts. They came both near and far, young and old, converging in force for one reason — to catch a glimpse of one of the greatest dynasties in the history of college sports. For the...
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State College man dies from contact with downed power line
A State College man died of electrocution Sunday after he stepped on a downed power line following a powerful storm that moved through Centre County. Gelin Tong, 23, was killed about 6:50 p.m. Sunday along the 200 block of South Water Street in...
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Penn State’s new Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building is open
A new building on the University Park campus brings several academic units in the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts in one building, which has helped to boost collaboration among faculty while giving the college an updated facility for research...
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Jana Marie Foundation has a new space for nonprofit’s programs
Following about five months of preparation, the Jana Marie Foundation has moved into its new home, one that will bring more opportunities to the nonprofit that’s focused on youth mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The nonprofit officially...
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Penn State Thon sets new record, raises more than $17M
Penn State’s IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon broke another fundraising record this year, raising $17,737,040.93 toward the fight against pediatric cancer. The 2025 total was revealed Sunday afternoon, after more than 700 dancers inside the Bryce Jordan...
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Top Social Security official leaves after Musk team seeks data access
The top official at the Social Security Administration stepped down this weekend after members of Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency sought access to sensitive personal data about millions of Americans held by the agency,...
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State prison in Centre County slated for closure
Rockview state prison is slated for closure under a plan unveiled Monday by Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration, a proposal that would save the state tens of millions of dollars but also have untold effects on Centre County’s economy. The announcement...
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Hearing set for State College man jailed 41 years
A State College man imprisoned most of his life for a killing he says he didn’t commit is set to return Thursday and Friday to the courtroom where he was convicted as his fight for freedom reaches a pivotal moment. Subramanyam “Subu” Vedam is poised...
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School officials discuss policies amid concerns of ICE raids
As the Trump administration launches large-scale immigration enforcement operations across the country, the State College Area School District is clarifying protocols surrounding law enforcement activity in its schools. Under district policy, the...
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Three with Centre County ties receive Jan. 6 pardon
Three people with Centre County ties appear to have been pardoned Monday for their actions in the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot under a sweeping order from President Donald Trump just hours after he returned to the White House. Terry Allen, 66, of Spring...
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Five municipalities pass budgets with tax hikes
Last month, municipalities across the commonwealth approved their final budgets for 2025, and most of the municipalities in the Centre Region will see a tax increase. The Centre Region area, which spans over seven municipalities — Bellefonte and State...
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8 Centre County projects: What to expect in 2025
From major highway projects to new schools and a new hospital, a number of major projects in Centre County were started or completed last year, and 2025 shows no signs of slowing down. While some multi-million projects are underway, others that have...
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School board approves bids for $21M elementary project
The State College Area School District’s plans to renovate and expand a growing elementary school took a major step forward this week. The school board voted unanimously Monday evening to accept base bids for the $20.95 million project at Mount...
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Inside look at Bellefonte Borough’s historic Armory building
A former Armory building has a new life after Bellefonte Borough began a journey two years ago to repurpose the 26,000-square-foot space. The building has been transformed into the borough’s meeting location and offices, and houses several tenants....
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Police allege nearly $533K stolen from small township
A former secretary and treasurer who is accused of stealing nearly $533,000 from a small township in Centre County spent much of the public money gambling, state police at Rockview wrote in a charging document. Pamela D. Hackenburg, 55, of Union...
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Penn State to pay $564K after investigation into PFAs
Penn State will pay more than more than $564,000 toward the ongoing cleanup of contaminated drinking water affecting dozens of homes near the university’s airport in Benner Township. The action is the result of a proposed agreement the university...
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Ballot-counting thrust put a spotlight on county
Centre County was one of a handful of Pennsylvania counties thrust into the spotlight over ballot-counting decisions, drawing fresh attention nationwide and public statements that were sometimes inaccurate or painted an incomplete picture. After the...
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Festival boosts Happy Valley as filmmaking destination
Imagine a future in Happy Valley where a two-time Oscarwinning actor films on location, a Star Wars director casually stops in town for dinner, and a local festival honors an international film months before it becomes an Oscar nominee. Well, it’s...
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First-time voters head to the polls in Centre County
When polls opened at 7 a.m. Tuesday morning, Jenny Heim was number 53 in line, ready to cast her vote in an election for the first time. Heim, a senior at State High, is one of the many first-time voters across Pennsylvania to cast a ballot in one of...
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County’s ballot drop boxes will close before Election Day
Election Day is just days away, but there’s still plenty of time to cast your ballot and make a plan to vote this November. Between voting in person Tuesday, Nov. 5 and voting through the mail or early voting periods, Pennsylvanians have several ways...
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Harris, Trump bids to win state include $500M in ads
From Allentown to Erie, mailboxes are bursting with campaign literature like trash cans at the end of a music festival. Television, TikTok, and sports talk radio broadcast a barrage of blunt ads and Pennsylvanians’ commutes are increasingly snarled by...
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Ex-Penn State fencer, university settle lawsuit
A former Penn State fencer who alleged her renowned coach sexually harassed her for years while the university was aware but failed to take corrective action settled her lawsuit, according to a document filed Friday. Terms of the settlement between...
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Why aren’t presidential candidates visiting Centre County?
They’ve held rallies in and around big Pennsylvania cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. They’ve visited rural towns like Johnstown and Wilkes-Barre. Both presidential campaigns even recently made stops in nearby Harrisburg. With Pennsylvania...
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County to open satellite elections office at Penn State
Centre County’s elections board approved Friday the opening of a satellite elections office at University Park, a move that could help educate thousands of first-time voters but also gave election workers another task less than six weeks from Election...
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Penn State wrestler Starocci shares journey to 184 pounds
Penn State wrestler Carter Starocci said he’s moving up one weight class to 184 pounds this season — and he’ll be sharing part of that journey to bulk up in a five-part series of online shorts that kicked off Monday. In a partnership with...
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Bally’s drops out of Nittany Mall casino project
The corporation that had an agreement to jointly design, develop, construct and manage the proposed $120 million minicasino at the Nittany Mall called off the engagement. In a joint statement released Friday afternoon, Bally’s Corp. said it exercised...
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