Gas Company to Open Local Operation
-0/2-/2007
Dominion Transmission, Inc. has purchased a tract of land along East College Avenue and Witherite Road and plans to operate a pipeline compressor station on the site.

According to a Centre Daily Times article, Dominion, a West Virginia-based company, purchased the 55-acre parcel for about $1.7 million. They will construct a compressor station that will pump natural gas to an underground storage facility in Clinton County. (More details)

District's Act 34 Hearing Postponed
-0/6-/2006
The State College Area School District Board of School Directors postponed the Act 34 Hearing originally scheduled for Wednesday night.

Susan Werner, board president, stated that "the board, in its continuing process of listening to many perspectives, sought to ensure that people would have every opportunity to comment during the Act 34 Hearing. During the last 48 hours of the three week sign-up period, ending last Friday at noon, the number of residents on the list more than doubled. The board then scheduled a special meeting, as soon as legally possible, to take action to extend the hearing to two sessions. The board wanted to more comfortably accommodate all those wishing to speak and minimize residents having to stay into the wee small hours of the morning at either of the two sessions."

The board believed it was appropriate within the scope of Act 34 to hold a continuance in order to meet the other Act 34 provision that "any and all interested persons may be heard at such public hearing."

Very late in the day on Tuesday , May 30th, the district received preliminary information that PDE could question the two-session format for the Act 34 Hearing. This information could not be confirmed with the division chief until Wednesday morning. The board held its 7:30am meeting, as advertised, to adopt the resolution for the continuance, pending the consultation with the division chief in the expectation that a more favorable interpretation would permit the scheduled hearings to go forward.

During that consultation, Carle Dixon, Chief of the Division of School Facilities, advised that, in their experience, the acceptable hearing format is one session, no matter the number of hours of testimony involved. Therefore, they advised that, in this situation, the district not conduct the two sessions as scheduled. The department will send a written confirmation of their interpretation to the district. In view of this, the Act 34 Hearing will be re-scheduled and duly advertised for the required 20 days.

According to Susan Werner, board president, the board will set a new date for the Act 34 Hearing at a future board meeting after receiving the written definitive answer from the Department of Education. The board and administration very much regret any inconvenience caused to those planning to speak and attend Wednesday evening.

Missing Woman Found Dead; Man Charged
-0/5-/2006
Velda Malloy, a 74-year-old Cambria County woman who has been missing for several days, was found dead Tuesday in Munster Township. Nathan Fortson, 27, has been arrested and charged with murdering Malloy.

According to police, Fortson has confessed to killing Malloy and a second person, Dale Zunich of Altoona.

Police believe Fortson abducted Malloy and kept her bound in the trunk of her car as he attempted to withdraw cash from her bank account. Fortson allegedly killed Malloy by breaking her neck and slitting her throat. Zunich was apparently strangled to death, and his throat was also slit. Police have recovered a box cutter and a stolen Ruger .44 magnum handgun.

Fortson is currently being held in Huntingdon County Prison. Prosecutors have announced their plan to seek the death penalty in the case.

Paxson Case Delayed
-0/5-/2006
Centre County Judge Bradley Lunsford has issued a gag order in the Scott Paxson sexual assault case and has moved the case to the court's August term.

According to an article published in the Centre Daily Times, Lunsford issued his orders after a closed-door meeting with the attorneys in the case. A ruling on a request by Paxson's attorney to seat an out-of-county jury for the case has not yet been made. (More details).

Financial Relief Available for Military Families
-0/5-/2006
Pennsylvania’s new Military Family Relief Assistance Program is now accepting applications from eligible Pennsylvania service members and their families who have immediate financial needs as a result of their military service, according to Senator Jake Corman (R-34).

"The Military Family Relief Assistance Program is a grant program funded through the generous donations of individual taxpayers and businesses," Corman said. "To date, $125,000 has been raised to help Pennsylvania service members and their families who may be facing some tough financial times while their loved ones serve here at home or abroad."

Members of the Armed Forces who are residents of Pennsylvania are eligible to apply for assistance if they serve:

- Thirty or more consecutive days of active duty with the Pennsylvania Army or Air National Guard or Reserve Components of the Armed Forces (Army Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve or Coast Guard Reserve);
- Thirty or more consecutive days of active duty with the active Armed Forces (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines or Coast Guard); or
- Thirty or more consecutive days of state active duty for emergencies or duty under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact in the Pennsylvania Army or Air National Guard.

The program also applies to certain family members of eligible service members as long as the relatives are residents of Pennsylvania. The maximum grant awarded under this program is $2,500.

Corman said eligible Pennsylvania service members and/or their eligible family members who wish to apply for assistance should visit the DMVA Web site at www.dmva.state.pa.us for program guidelines, frequently asked questions and to download an application. Applications with supporting documents should be mailed to the Military Family Relief Assistance Program, c/o Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Bldg. P-0-47, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003-5002.
Individuals and groups wishing to contribute to the fund should send a check made payable to Military Family Relief Assistance Program and mail it to the same address applicants use to request financial assistance. Donations are tax deductible to the extent authorized by federal law.
For additional information on the Military Family Relief Assistance Program, contact Patrice Jacoby toll free at 1-866-292-7201, or ra-pa-mfrap@state.pa.us.

School Renovation Meeting Set
-0/5-/2006
The State College School District's board of directors will host the first of multiple public meetings Wednesday night regarding the controversial $102 million high school renovation project.

Nearly 300 people have pre-registered to speak at the meeting. If each person speaks for the allotted three minutes, the meeting will last for up to 15 hours, prompting the board to plan for at leat two meetings.

Wednesday's meeting will run until midnight. The second session has yet to be scheduled.

Vandalism Suspects Arrested
-0/5-/2006
Weeks ago, local police issued a notice regarding numerous incidents of vandalism involving paintballs. Police now have several suspected vandals in custody.

Criminal charges have been filed against Shane Fleck, 18, of State College, Kalen Brown, 19, of Warriors Mark, Albert Dreibelbis, 19, of Port Matilda, and a 16-year-old juvenile. The men are charged with causing thousands of dollars in damage to homes, cars, and signs throughout Ferguson Township.

According to police, information prvided by the public was instrumental in making the arrests.

Building Explosion
-0/5-/2006
The State College Police Department is seeking information regarding the destruction of a state forestry building along Little Flat Tower Road in Harris Township.

Police were dispatched to the scene on May 20th, and found that a small outbuilding near the Little Flat Fire Tower had been completely destroyed by some type of explosion. Subsequent investigation indicates that, sometime between May 14th and May 20th, unknown suspect(s) placed an explosive device inside the shed and detonated it, destroying the structure.

The building is owned by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry. It was seldom used and was not occupied. No loss is listed for the structure.

Evidence from the scene will be analyzed by the crime lab in an effort to determine the size and type of explosive used. The case is under investigation with the assistance of the State College FBI and Penn State Police.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the State College Police Department at 814-234-7150, submit an anonymous online tip, or contact Centre County Crimestoppers at 1-877-992 -7463. Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for significant information in this case.

Drug Ring Conviction
-0/5-/2006
After nearly six hours of deliberation, a Centre County jury returned with a guilty verdict against Taji "Verbal" Lee for operating a drug ring in the county.

According to an article in the Centre Daily Times, Lee was convicted on 26 of 32 charges against him and could now serve a minimum of 30 years in prison.

Lee, 25, was indicted last year on charges that he distributed nearly $1.5 milloin of heroin and cocaine across Centre County. On July 6th, his prison sentence will be handed down. (More details)

Man Charged With Attempting to Murder Infant
-0/5-/2006
Patrick Settlemyer, and Altoona resident, has been arrested and charged with attempting to murder his infant grandchild Thursday.

According to Altoona police, Settlemyer got into an argument with another individual Thursday. For some reason, he grabbed the seven-month-old child and squeezed until the child stopped breathing. Settlemyer released the child only after the child's mother bit him.

A neighbor who knew CPR resuscitated the child, who was transported to the hospital following the incident.

Settlemyer, 53, remained combative after police arrived and had to be handcuffed. He now faces charges of attempted homicide, assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and resisting arrest. He remains in Blair County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Terrorism Center
-0/5-/2006
Penn State's University Park campus has been selected at the site of a new research center focused on reducing terrorism.

Officials from the Worlwide Universities Network, an international consortium of schools, announced that the International Center for the Study of Terrorism will research new ways to protect communities and evaluate the long-term effects of terrorism on society.

Other Pennsylvania schools participating in the Network include the University of Pittsburgh, Drexel University, and the University of Pennsylvania.

State High Forum Set
-0/5-/2006
The Centre Daily Times is reporting this morning that more than 100 local residents have registered to speak at a public hearing regarding the State College High School renovation project.

The hearing will be held at 7:00pm, Wednesday, May 31st at the Park Forest Middle School. If every registered speaker uses the allotted three-minute time limit, the hearing will last more than five hours. (More details)

Herman to Speak at Memorial Day Service
-0/5-/2006
Representative Lynn Herman (R-Centre) will be the featured speaker at Memorial Day services conducted by the American Legion in Port Matilda at 11:00am on Monday, May 29th.

The service will be held in front of the tank at the Legion at 510 W. Front Street in Port Matilda.

Herman will talk about the true meaning of Memorial Day which serves as an important reminder of those who died in the service of their country.

Herman asks residents throughout Centre County to take time this weekend to remember those who gave their lives in defense of the country.

Clearfield Drug Ring Busted
-0/5-/2006
Robert Prisk and five others were arrested Wednesday in the bust of what narcotics agents believe was a $500,000-per-year drug ring in Clearfield County.

According to officials, Prisk sold cocaine and marijuana from his home and Curwensville business, Prisk's Trucking Company. He now faces 22 charges, including 11 felonies.

The drug raid was conducted by the state Attorney General's Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, the Clearfield County drug task force, and Curwensville police. In addition to Prisk, the raid also netted Charles Bloom, Dave Bressler, Tracy Kester, and Amos Brimmer. Allen Sheen was also indicted in the case. Sheen is already in a Florida prison on unrelated charges.

Prisk, 50, is alleged to be the leader of the drug ring. Officials believe he traveled to New York City and the Poconos to purchase marijuana and cocaine for resale. Prisk remains in Clearfield County Jail in lieu of $250,000 bail.

Recycling Grant
-0/5-/2006
Representative Lynn Herman (R-Centre) has announced a state recycling grant of $470,925 for the Borough of State College.

“This funding will be used to help cover the costs of improving the borough’s multi-municipal composting facility operations that include the borough and College, Patton and Ferguson townships,” Herman said.

The grant was awarded under the Recycling Development and Implementation Grant Program of Act 101 of 1988 by the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Composting is an easy way to reduce waste and create a valuable gardening supply. As they would be in nature, leaves and yard waste are recycled into natural nutrients and organic materials.

Herman noted that Pennsylvania’s recycling program has been recognized as one of the most successful in the nation.

Restaurant fire
-0/5-/2006
The Authentic China Wok restaurant sustained extensive damage in a fire Monday.

Fire officials report that the cause of the fire in the Northland Center business was accidental and was contained quickly by firefighters.

Neighboring businesses sustained some minor damage.

Fake Prescription
-0/5-/2006
The State College Police Department is investigating an incident involving a woman who submitted a fake prescription to a local pharmacy on February 27th.

Pictures of the suspect can be viewed on the police department's website.

Anyone with information about the woman in the pictures, should contact Officer Noel at 814-234-7150 or submit an online anonymous tip.

Whitehall Road Burglary
-0/5-/2006
On May 11th, the State College Police responded to a report of a burglary in the 800 block of West Whitehall Road. The burglary occurred at a townhouse apartment during the day between the hours of 8:00am and 5:45pm.

The following items were taken from the townhouse:

· Seven gold necklaces with a pearl and gold pendant, a black onyx and gold pendant, two heart pendants, and a gold cross pendant
· Five gold rings: one with opal and diamonds, one with green emerald stone and diamonds
· Red vinyl Jewelry box
· Black Pentax 35mm Camera Model ZXM
· Black Fuji 24 mm Camera
· Small crystal clock with the name “Mandy” engraved
· United Airlines round trip ticket voucher in the name of the victim

Anyone with information on the burglary is asked to call the State College Police at 814-234-7150, CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-877-992-7463, or submit an online anonymous tip. Callers can remain anonymous and individuals who provide information may be eligible for a reward.

Drug Trial Begins
-0/5-/2006
Taji Lee, the man accused of running one of the largest drug rings in Centre County history, went on trial in Bellefonte Monday.

Lee was arrested in January 2005 when he attempted to sell approximately $7,500 worth of heroin to an undercover police officer.

Dave Gorman, a prosecutor with the State Attorney General's office, and defense attorney Ron McLaughlin presented their opening arguments Monday, and an undercover officer who allegedly made a buy from Lee also testified.

The case is expected to run at least through Thursday.

Garbage Truck Driver Trapped In Compactor
-0/5-/2006
The driver of a garbage truck sustained serious injuries Monday when he became trapped in the back of his truck.

According to emergency personnel, the accident occurred at about 8:30am on Trout Road in College Township.

The truck driver reported that the compactor jammed, and when he attempted to remove the jam the compactor began moving and trapped him in the truck. A nearby farmer heard the driver's calls for help and contacted emergency personnel.

The man was removed from the garbage truck by firefighters and life-flighted to Altoona Regional Health System, where he was being treated for serious hand and arm injuries.

Spikes Opening Night Tickets Still Available
-0/5-/2006
State College Spikes single-game tickets went on sale to the general public this past Saturday morning, and fans grabbed all available single-game tickets for the club’s June 20th home opener within the first hour they went on sale. However, fans can still enjoy the excitement of the Spikes’ first game at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park by reserving season tickets. Twenty-game Half-Season Mini-Plan and group packages can still be purchased for the club’s inaugural 2006 season in the Class-A New York-Penn League.

Spikes’ season tickets not only guarantee fans seats to the Spikes home opener against the rival Williamsport Crosscutters (Pirates’ affiliate), but also guarantee the same seats to all 38 home games at Medlar Field. Season tickets include other great benefits, such as early entrance to the ballpark for home games, priority purchases for all playoff games, concerts and other special events at Medlar Field, private team meet-and-greets and autograph sessions, and a special 10% off merchandise pass for the entire season.

The Spikes’ 20-game Half-Season Mini-Plan starts at just $120 and also guarantees fans reserved seating for Opening Night, as well as the same location for 19 other pre-selected games on the schedule. Fans can also enjoy Spikes games together will family and friends through one of several group ticket packages, such as general seating for groups of 25 or more, picnics, team and birthday parties and luxury skybox rentals.

Fans interested in securing their seats to the June 20th home opener through season tickets, a 20-Game Half-Season Mini-Plan or one of the club’s group packages can call the Spikes toll-free at (877) 99-CURVE or visit www.statecollegespikes.com for more information.

Plenty of single-game tickets are also still available for any of the Spikes’ remaining 37 home games at Medlar Field, including the June 23-25 series against the Batavia Muckdogs (Phillies’ affiliate) and the July 2-4 set against the Jamestown Jammers (Marlins’ affiliate).

State College Spikes’ single-game tickets can also be ordered by calling toll-free at (877) 99-SPIKES or on-line at www.statecollegespikes.com.

Business Park Funding
-0/5-/2006
Senator Jake Corman (R-34) has announced that a $1 million financing package has been awarded to Granville Township for site preparation at the Mifflin County Industrial Park-East.

Corman announced today that a $300,000 state grant and a $700,000 state loan have been awarded for the project through the PennWorks program.

“One of the most important issues, if not the most important issue, for Mifflin County residents is jobs,” Corman said. “With this state funding in place, we will enable Granville Township to extend need infrastructure to prepare this site for future job creators.”

The Mifflin County Industrial Park (MCIP) consists of 250 acres and is located off of US Route 522 and US Route 22. The proposed MCIP - East is located between the existing Park and the Borough of Lewistown. The project entails extending the current sewer system 1,350 feet and the water system 580 feet to MCIP-East to prepare the site for the future business expansion.

“Assisting local governments with infrastructure needs is a vital component of state government services,” Corman said. “I have long advocated assistance like this and with this sewer system expansion into the business park, I hope to announce more good news in the future.”

Corman said the Water Supply and Wastewater Infrastructure Program (which shall be referred to as “PennWorks”) was established by the General Assembly in May of 2004. The program provides single-year or multi-year grants to municipalities and municipal authorities and loans to municipalities, municipal authorities, industrial development corporations and investor-owned water or wastewater enterprises for projects which construct, expand or improve water and wastewater infrastructure which are related to economic development.

Borough Revisits Speed Control Plan
-0/5-/2006
Disappointed with bids received, State College Borough transportation officials are going to research other options for controlling traffic speed in the East Highlands neighborhood.

According to the Centre Daily Times, the borough received one bid for installing speed bumps on East Foster, East Hamilton, and East Prospect Avenues. However, the $32,000 bid was twice the anticipated price.

The borough's transportation commission will now discuss implementing the speed bumps a few at a time, rather than all at once. (More details)

Bank Robbery
-0/5-/2006
State Police are seeking information regarding a robbery at the Philipsburg branch of Omega Bank on Saturday.

According to police reports, a man entered the bank on High Street and demanded a specific sum of money. The teller did not take the request seriously until the man showed an object under his sweatshirt and repeated his demand. The teller then handed him the money, and the man fled.

Anyone with information about the incident or the robber should contact State Police at Philipsburg.

Portland Counters Allegations
-0/5-/2006
Rene Portland, coach of the Penn State women's basketball team, spoke out Thursday against claims made against her by the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

Portland's statement, issued to the Centre Daily Times, was a response to NCLR claims published in the newspaper Tuesday.

In the original article, the NCLR claimed that numerous former members of the women's basketball team and some of Portland's co-workers made statements in support of former player Jennifer Harris' discrimination suit against Portland. In her response, Portland denied the validity of the claims. (More details)

Would-Be Burglar Captured By Homeowner
-0/5-/2006
Carlos Ruben Santos-Ortiz is in Blair County Prison this morning following an alleged burglary attemtp.

Acording to state police, Santos-Ortiz forcibly entered the Williamsburg home of Roy Edmundson late Tuesday night. Edmundson was awakened by a noise and found Santos-Ortiz inside his home. He was able to restrain Santos-Ortiz and keep him in custody until police arrived. Santos-Ortiz is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail. (Source: WRTA.com)

Gricar Nephew Seeks Information on Case
-0/5-/2006
The Centre Daily Times is reporting that the nephew of missing former Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar met with Bellefonte Police and current District Attorney Michael Madeira Wednesday to discuss "possible police missteps" in the investigaion of Gricar's disappearance.

Tony Gricar has requested that control of the investigation be turned over to state police or the state Attorney General's office. That has not happened yet. However, Gricar was pleased to hear that Madeira has submitted a formal request to have the state police Criminal Investigation Analysis Team review the work that has been performed by the Bellefonte Police Department and other agencies thus far. (More details)

Bike To Work Day
-0/5-/2006
The State College Police Department, in partnership with the Centre Region Bicycle Coalition, the Downtown Improvement District and Centre Area Transportation Authority, is participating in the National Bike to Work Week May 15 through 19th.

On Friday, May 19th, a portion of South Allen Street between College Avenue and Calder Way will be blocked off from 7:00am to 5:00pm to celebrate Bike to Work Day.

Various displays and activities will be available for kids and adults. The State College Police Department will be there to provide safety information, bicycle traffic law and ordinance information, and to assist the public in registering their bicycles free of charge.

This is a community event, and all are invited to attend. For additional information, contact the State College Police Department’s Community Relations, Crime Prevention Section at 234-7150.

Ten Arrested in Drug Bust
-0/5-/2006
A 17-month investigation in an alleged cocaine distribution network resulted in the arrests of 10 people.

According to a report in the Centre Daily Times, the drug bust was carried out by local and state police early Tuesday morning. And while 10 people were arrested, warrants were issued for 15 people, and the suspected ringleader, Michael Wright, is still at large. (More details)

Paterno Elected to Hall of Fame
-0/5-/2006
Joe Paterno, who has built Penn State into one of the nation's premier football programs on the field and in the classroom during his 40 years as head coach, has been elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.

Paterno will be inducted with other members of the Class of 2006 at the National Football Foundation's 49th annual awards dinner on Tuesday, Dec. 5th at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City.

He will become the 21st member of the Penn State program inducted, joining 16 former players and four Nittany Lion coaches. The most recent Penn Stater so honored was guard Keith Dorney last December. Running back Lydell Mitchell was inducted in 2004, giving the Nittany Lions a Hall of Fame honoree three consecutive years.

Three of the four most successful coaches in college football history will enter the Hall of Fame in December, as Florida State's Bobby Bowden and St. John's (Minn.) mentor John Gagliardi also will be inducted. Gagliardi has been a head coach since 1949 and is tops among all NCAA coaches in victories with a 432-118-11 record. Legendary Grambling coach Eddie Robinson is second with 408 wins, followed by Bowden (359-107-4) and Paterno (354-117-3).

"I am very honored to be selected for the Hall of Fame," stated Paterno. "It is probably the pinnacle award anyone in college football can receive. Many people helped make this happen, starting with the great players with whom I've been involved and the great coaches who have been with me and worked in an unselfish way to help us have success and make the Penn State program what it is.

"I look forward to being in New York with my good friend Bobby Bowden and am delighted that we are going into the Hall of Fame together. I want to thank the Honors Court for selecting me. Hopefully I deserve it."

"This is the highest honor in college football and a very rare honor for a coach, so we are especially proud that Joe Paterno's lifetime of accomplishments is being recognized," said Penn State President Graham Spanier.

"We are thrilled with Joe Paterno's election to the College Football Hall of Fame," said Tim Curley, Penn State Director of Athletics. "Coach Paterno has had a profound impact on Penn State, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, college football and society as a coach, teacher and humanitarian. He has touched the lives of thousands of former players, Penn State students, alumni and fans, student-athletes at other institutions and many others.

"When Joe Paterno became head coach in 1966, he had a vision for Penn State and his program," Curley added. "He wanted Penn State to strive to become the best institution of higher learning it could be. And he wanted to build a football program with young men who understood that getting a quality education had to be their first goal, followed by developing teams that could compete for the national championship. He obviously has been very successful in building and maintaining those two foundations of his program throughout his magnificent career and is most deserving of induction into the College Football Hall of Fame."

Paterno's illustrious career will reach another milestone during the 2006 season, as he joins another college football legend, Amos Alonzo Stagg, as the only major college coaches to serve more than 40 years at one institution. Stagg was a head coach for 57 years, including 41 at the University of Chicago (1892-1932).

Other former members of the Penn State program enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame, located in South Bend, Ind., include ex-coaches Hugo Bezdek, Rip Engle, Dick Harlow and Bob Higgins along with former players John Cappelletti, Jack Ham, Glenn Killinger, Ted Kwalick, Rich Lucas, Pete Mauthe, Shorty Miller, Lydell Mitchell, Dennis Onkotz, Mike Reid, Dave Robinson, Steve Suhey, Dexter Very, Harry Wilson and 2005 inductee Keith Dorney.

The other members of the incoming Hall of Fame class include: Bobby Anderson (Colorado); Bennie Blades (Miami, Fla.) ; Carl Eller (Minnesota); Steve Emtman (Washington); Thomas Everett (Baylor); Chad Hennings (Air Force); Chip Kell (Tennessee); Mike Phipps (Purdue); Mike Rozier (Nebraska); Jeff Siemon (Stanford); Bruce Smith (Virginia Tech); Emmitt Smith (Florida) and Charlie Ward (Florida State). Jerry Rice (Mississippi Valley State) will be inducted from the Divisional Class.

More Claims Against Portland
-0/5-/2006
According to a report on today's Centre Daily Times, more than a dozen former members of the Penn State women's basketball team have come forward with bias complaints against coach Rene Portland.

The National Center for Lesbian Rights claims the former players and numerous former employees of Penn State's athletic department will support the discrimination case against Portland that was filed by former player Jennifer Harris. The former players and employees reportedly contacted the NCLR after hearing of Harris' claim against Portland.

Portland continues to deny the claims against her. She, Harris, and their respective attorneys met in Harrisburg Monday for a mediation session; however, little or no progress was reported. (More details)

Whitehall Road Burglary
-0/5-/2006
On May 11th, the State College Police responded to a report of a burglary in the 800 block of West Whitehall Road. The burglary occurred at a townhouse apartment during the day between the hours of 8:00am and 5:45pm. The following items were reported stolen from the townhouse:

- Seven gold necklaces with a pearl and gold pendant, a black onyx and gold pendant, two heart pendants, and a gold cross pendant
- Five gold rings: one with opal and diamonds, one with green emerald stone and diamonds
- Red vinyl Jewelry box
- Black Pentax 35mm Camera Model ZXM
- Black Fuji 24 mm Camera
- Small crystal clock with the name “Mandy” engraved
- United Airlines round trip ticket voucher in the name of the victim

Anyone with information on the burglary is asked to call the State College Police at 814-234-7150, CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-877-992-7463, or submit an online anonymous tip. Callers can remain anonymous and individuals who provide information may be eligible for a reward.

Faculty Divided Over Renovation Plan
-0/5-/2006
The Centre Daily Times is reporting that the State College Area High School faculty appear to be split over the $102 school renovation plan.

The State College Area Education Association conducted an informal survey of union members, and more than 200 faculty members responded. According to the association, the teachers' responses did not show a united front regarding the renovation. (More details)

School District Open House
-0/5-/2006
Approximately 200-300 people attended a three-hour open house at the State College Area High School North Building Thursday evening.

The district hosted the event to give the public an opportunity to discuss the much debated school renovation plan with school board members.

The Centre Daily Times reports that most of the questions asked by community members focused on the board's decision-making process and the architectural design of the new school. (More details)

Rush Township Sewage Grant
-0/5-/2006
Representative Lynn Herman (R-Centre) said Thursday that Rush Township will receive financial help from the state for preparing and making revisions to its sewage plan.

Rush Township will receive $12,863, which will be used as a reimbursement of 50 percent of the cost of preparing the official sewage plan and revisions to the official plans for sewage systems.

“Developing and making revisions to an official sewage plan is a costly matter,” Herman said. “These plans require technical expertise that involves the study and examination of the current sewage system by professional engineers.”

The grant was made possible through the Sewage Facilities Planning Grants Program of Act 537 of 1966.

College Avenue Construction
-0/5-/2006
Drivers using College Avenue between Atherton and Elmwood Streets should expect some delays over the next three weeks.

According to the Centre Daily Times, workers began a resurfacing project on Wednesday, and traffic will be limited to one lane each direction at times until the project is completed. Work will not be done overnight or on weekends. (More details)

Pandemic Preparedness Website Launched
-0/5-/2006
Senator Jake Corman (R-34), Chairman of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, has announced the launch of a new pandemic preparedness website to provide people with timely, accurate and reliable information about pandemic influenza.

Senator Corman reports that the website, www.pandemicflu.state.pa.us, features the latest information on what Pennsylvania is doing to prepare for a widespread outbreak of the bird flu. It includes specific resources and directions for various groups – including local governments, individuals, businesses, schools, healthcare providers, communities and agriculture.

Corman said that Pennsylvania-specific planning documents, articles and fact sheets are available for download and up-to-date news and information from other health care and government resources as well.

“Pennsylvania's last influenza pandemic was nearly 40 years ago, and there is no immediate threat at present,” Corman said. “But the outbreak of a new strain of avian flu in Asia has reminded us of the need to be prepared in case a pandemic strikes at home.”

For more information on pandemic influenza, visit www.pandemicflu.state.pa.us.

Police Seeking Female in Gricar Case
-0/5-/2006
Bellefonte Police, the lead investigators in the case of missing former Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar, have announced that they are now looking for a woman who was seen with Gricar the day of his disappearance.

According to police, a witness reported seeing Gricar with a woman at the Lewisburg Antique Mall on April 15th, 2005, the day he disappeared. The woman was described as being in her mid-30s to early 40s, 5'8" tall, with dark hair.

Police say they received the witness' account early in their investigation, but they did not make it public out of respect for Gricar's family and friends. Anyone with information about the woman is asked to contact the Bellefonte Police Department.

Rockview Inmate Missing
-0/5-/2006
State Police at Rockview have reported that an inmate from the Correctional Institution at Rockview has escaped.

According to a Centre Daily Times article, the inmate, Eric Dennis Carney, was to be transported by bus from State College to a halfway house in Philadelphia. However, when the bus arrived in Philadelphia, Carney was not on it. Carney was traveling alone.

Carney was described as a black male, six feet two inches tall and 210 pounds. He has a muscular build and a scar on his left forearm. He was nearing completion of a sentence for robbery. (More details)

Another Tax Increase?
-0/5-/2006
A third straight tax increase may be in the cards for residents of the State College Area School District.

The $99 million preliminary budget approved by the school board for the 2006-07 school year includes a spending increase of 6.6%, which amounts to an $81 annual tax increase for the average homeowner.

According to the school board, the spending increase is due primarily to higher salaries and increasing utility costs.

Over the past three years, the school district has raised taxes an average of five percent per year.

Child Shooting Death Ruled Accidental
-0/5-/2006
State Police in Huntingdon have determined that last Saturday's shooting death of an eight-year-old Dublin Township boy was accidental.

According to police reports, the boy found the loaded shotgun in his home and began to play with it. When a 16-year-old family member attempted to take the gun from the child, the gun discharged, hitting the child in the head.

The police investigation in on-going, and it has not yet been determined if any charges will be filed in the case.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Gricar Segment to Air Nationally
-0/5-/2006
Personnel from "Dateline NBC" were in the area recently to conduct interviews for a segment about the disappearance of former Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar.

According to a Centre Daily Times article, the production crews completed filming Monday for a segment scheduled to air Saturday. Interviewed by NBC personnel were current District Attorney Michael Madeira, Bellefonte police officer Darrel Zaccagni, and Gricar's girlfriend Patty Fornicola.

Gricar was last heard from on April 15, 2005, when he called Fornicola to say he was driving along Route 192 between State College and Lewisburg. His car was found in Lewisburg the following day. (More details)

Madeira To Seek Death Penalty
-0/5-/2006
Centre County District Attoryney Michaek Madeira has announced that he will seek the death penalty in the case of a man charged with a brutal killing.

Accused in the case is Andrew Rogers, 28, who will face charges of first-, second-, and third-degree murder in the February 23rd beating death of a Penn State student. Rogers allegedly used beer bottles, a rolling pin, and a baseball bat to beat Youngcheol Park, 24, to death. He then took Park's wallet and fled the scene, turning himself into police a few days later.

Crimestoppers Seek Assault Info
-0/5-/2006
Centre County Crimestoppers and the Ferguson Township Police Department are investigating an assault that occurred in the 200 block of west Pine Grove Road on April 29th.

At approximately 9:00pm, a motorcycle rider was traveling west on east pine when a pickup truck began tailgating the motocycle. The motocyclist pulled over to allow the truck to pass. Later, the motorcyslist caught up to the truck which applied its brakes suddenly, forcing the motorcyclist to take evasive action to avoid an accident. The motorcyclist lost control on loose gravel and slid 23 feet.

The truck left the scene initially but returned later. Two suspect approached the motorcyclist and punched and kicked him. The motorcyclist received minor facial injuries.

The truck was described as a new style gold Ford Range or Mazda extended cab. A partial registration of YPY was obtained from the Pennsylvania plates.

The truck's driver was described as a white male in his 20s, with dirty blonde hair and a stocky build. He was wearing a black tee shirt.

The passenger was also a white mal in his 20s with a go-tee and may have had red hair. He was wearing a gray tee shirt and a red baseball cap.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Ferguson Township Police or Centre County Crimestoppers.

Law Enforcement/Emergency Services Day
-0/5-/2006
National Police Week will be observed this year throughout the week of May 14-20. On Saturday, May 13th, Law Enforcement, Fire, and Emergency Services Day will be held at the Nittany Mall.

The public is invited to come out and talk with representatives from the local police departments in Centre County on various public safety issues.

Children who attend can receive free handouts and check out the police cars, fire trucks and ambulances from around the county. Helicopters will be on hand (weather permitting) from Life Flight, Life Lion and the PA State Police at various times throughout the day.

This year, in conjunction with the community event, Centre Life Link E.M.S. will sponsor a bicycle rodeo from 11:00am-2:00pm in the rear parking lot of the Nittany Mall near the Community Room entrance.

The local Chapter of the American Red Cross will be conducting a blood drive between 10:00am-4:00pm. Anyone wishing to donate blood should report to the Community Room located in the rear of the Nittany Mall and east of the main rear entrance.

Wireless Internet In Downtown State College
-0/5-/2006
STATE COLLEGE, PA -- State College-based Getwireless.net announced today that it has begun implementing a citywide WiFi mesh network throughout State College.

Phase one of the project is well underway, with wireless access currently available throughout a significant portion of the downtown area, including many dining establishments, such as Ye Old College Diner, the Allen Street Grill, Cafe 210 West, Sport Centre Cafe, The Deli, the Tavern, Bill Pickle's Tap Room, Qdoba, Hiway Pizza, Mio Zio, and V&S Sandwiches. When completed this month, the first phase will cover the entire downtown area from Atherton Street to University Drive and between Beaver and College Avenues. According to the company, anyone with wireless access can use the downtown network now by looking for the SSIDs – "getwireless" or "getwireless.net."

Similar to WiFi networks established in Philadelphia and San Francisco, Getwireless.net's service will be accessible at street level and within downtown buildings. Local businesses and residents can take advantage of Getwireless.net's high-speed network for as little as $14.95 per month. Hourly, daily, and weekly rates will also be available for occasional users and visitors to the area. The network supports 802.11b/g connections and will initially offer speeds of up to 25 Mbps. Getwireless.net is working with its technology partners, Tropos Networks and Motorola, to upgrade the service to provide up to 300 Mbps in 2007.

Dan Myers, Getwireless.net's owner and president, commented, "Getwireless.net was ahead of the technology curve when we became one of the country's first Wireless Internet Service Providers ("WISPs") in 1998, and we remain on the forefront of wireless technology with the establishment of the WiFi network in Downtown State College. Future plans call for an aggressive expansion of our WiFi and WiMAX technologies in the Centre Region and throughout Central PA, and we are pleased to provide the service without the use of any taxpayer funds."

Businesses and residences not currently served by Getwireless.net's downtown WiFi network can still benefit from the company's services via a fixed-point wireless connection, wherein an antenna is mounted at the customer site and communicates with a nearby tower to deliver a reliable, secure, high-speed Internet connection. The fixed-point service is available for as little as $39.95 per month, without the additional taxes and tariffs charged by telephone and cable service providers. Getwireless.net also offers bulk packages for property owners and organizations that want to buy multiple accounts for their employees and residents.

Through a fixed-point connection, businesses can receive Internet access at speeds greater than that available by traditional T1 or cable connections, but at a fraction of the cost. For businesses that depend heavily on the Internet, VoIP and VPN connections for daily operations, Getwireless.net provides a very stable and dependable connection, either as a primary service or as secondary backup connection to existing T1, DSL or cable modem service. In addition, the company also provides traditional landline-based broadband services, such as T1 lines, managed website hosting, server co-location, DSL, and nationwide dial-up Internet access. Getwireless.net currently provides high-speed Internet service throughout Centre, Blair, Mifflin, Bedford, Huntingdon, and Juniata Counties.

To learn more about Getwireless.net’s services, please call 814-867-2100 or toll-free at 877-867-2100, or visit the company’s website at www.getwireless.net.

Counterfeit Check
-0/5-/2006
State College police are looking for a man who passed a counterfeit check at the Benner Pike Wal-Mart on March 20th.

The man passed the counterfeit check and then left the scene in an older model van.

A photo of the suspect can be viewed online. Anyone with information about the man or the incident should contact the State College Police Department at (814) 234-7150.

D.A .Will Not Seek Death Penalty
-0/5-/2006
Centre County District Attorney Michael Madeira has announced that he will not seek the death penalty against accused murderer Josephy Ventura.

Ventura, 27, will stand trial on charges that he fatally stabbed 22-year-old Penn State student Michael Donahue at Club Love in February. According to Madeira, the crime does not merit a death sentence.

If convicted of first-degree murder, Ventura will face life in prison.

Tussey Fire Scorched 400 Acres
-0/5-/2006
The fire that began Monday and was extinguished Tuesday scorched about 400 acres of Tussey Mountain.

The fire, one of the largest in Centre County's history, was fought by nearly 200 firefighters, who worked through Monday night to gain control of the fire. Efforts continued Tuesday to extinguish remaining hot spots.

Officials believe the fire started when a tree limb fell on a power line.

State High Wins Science Bowl
-0/5-/2006
The team from the State College Area High School won the National Science Bowl competition Monday.

The competition came to a conclusion in Washington, D.C., with the State College team beating out hundreds of other teams for the title. More than 1,800 schools entered the competition, with the top 65 traveling to D.C. for the finals.

To win the championship, the students had to successfully answer questions on the topics of Astronomy, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Biology. The prize includes a $1,000 grant for the district's science department and a trip to France.

Tussey Mountain Wildfire
-0/5-/2006
A wildfire with flames shooting as high as 80-100 feet in the air charred more than 100 acres of Tussey Mountain Monday.

According to the Centre Daily Times, firefighters continued to battle the blaze late into the night. No structural damage had been reported; however, it was feared that numerous cabins may be in the fire's path.

The fire was apparently started when a tree fell on a power line shortly before 1:00pm. (More details)

Women Arrested, Charged With Drug Delivery
-0/5-/2006
The Centre Daily Times is reporting that two women were arrested over the weekend for allegedly delivering drugs to the State Correctional Institution at Rockview.

According to police, Veronica Graham and Robyn Viney, both from Norristown, visited the prison Friday evening. Graham, 22, allegedly placed heroin and marijuana in a trash can located near the prison's visitors center. (More details)

Driver Cleared of Fault in Pedestrian Death
-0/5-/2006
The State College Police Department has completed the investigation into the fatal pedestrian crash that occurred on Allen Street in February, and it has determined that Clifford Warner, the driver of the vehicle, did nothing wrong.

Penn State student Xiaohui Xia was struck and killed by Warner's vehicle February 9th.

Any questions from the public regarding this incident should be directed to the District Attorney’s office.

Philipsburg Bank Robbery Video Released
-0/4-/2006
Video has been released of a robbery that occured Tuesday at lunch hour at the County National Bank in Philipsburg. The man who State police believe to be the perpetrator handed the teller a not demanding cash in $20, $50, and $100 bills. The man is described as a white man, approximately 6 feet tall and 160 pounds with long grey hair and grey eyebrows. He fled around the back of the bank toward Front Street. Anyone with information is asked to call state police at Philipsburg at 342-3370. (More details)

Local Police Host Homicide Conference
-0/4-/2006
The State College Police Department is co-hosting the Pennsylvania Homicide Investigators annual training conference here in State College this week.

The conference is being attended by detectives and criminal investigators from throughout Pennsylvania, as well as from Canada, Georgia and North Carolina.

The five-day course, Advanced Practical Homicide Investigations, is being presented at the Ramada Inn & Conference Center in State College. It is being conducted by Practical Homicide Investigation founder and lead instructor Commander Vernon Geberth, along with criminal profiler Detective Raymond Pierce, Dr. Richard Ovens, Psychologist and Dr. Richard Walton. Topics covered will include criminal profiling and cold case investigations.

As part of the conference, Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett will present the Homicide Investigation of the Year Award to the Philadelphia Homicide & Crime Scene Unit.

Student Group Calls For Portland's Termination
-0/4-/2006
Approximately two dozen Penn State students held a protest and sit-in at Old Main Wednesday to state their desire for women's basketball coach Rene Portland's termination.

According to the Centre Daily Times, the protest began with a larger group in the HUB-Robeson Center, prior to moving to Old Main.

Portland was fined $10,000 by university president Graham Spanier, based on the conclusion of an internal investigation that found that Portland had discriminated against former player Jennifer Harris. Portland must also complete diversity training.

The student activists claim the university should dismiss Portland and take a firmer stance against discrimination. (More details)

Employee Sues University
-0/4-/2006
Mitchell Aboulafia, an employee in Penn State's Philosophy department, has filed a federal lawsuit against the university and two employees.

According to a Centre Daily Times article, Aboulafia's suit claims that Susan Welch, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, and an associate dean demoted him inappropriately in March 2004. Aboulafia claims he was demoted because he came forward with concerns about sexual discrimation in the college. (More details)

Bank Robbery
-0/4-/2006
A man walked into the County National Bank in Philipsburg Tuesday afternoon, told the teller he had a gun, and demanded money in $100, $50, and $20 bills.

The teller gave the man money, and he ran from the bank in the direction of Front Street.

The robber was described by witnesses as a white male in his late 30s to early 50s, and about six feet tall. He was wearing jeans, a blue shirt, and a vest.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact their local police.

Student Attended Party Prior to Death
-0/4-/2006
The Centre Daily Times is reporting that a party was held at the Gill Street apartment where Penn State student Jon Taiclet was found dead in his bed Saturday afternoon.

According to police, Taiclet, 21, was found by his girlfriend at about 5:00pm Saturday. He was last seen alive between 6:00 and 10:00am that morning. Police believe the party ended at about 6:00am.

No signs of struggle were apparent in the apartment. Police are now awaiting the results of toxicology tests. (More details)

State High Students Honored
-0/4-/2006
Representative Lynn Herman (R-Centre) on Monday congratulated State College Area High School, first place winners of the 15th Annual Pennsylvania Academic Competition held last Friday in Harrisburg.

“The success of the team is evidence of the quality education that is available at the State College Area School District,” Herman said.

Members of the team are Laura Gabrovsek, Ylaine Gerardin, Francois Greer, Alison Hudson, Barry Liu and Jason Ma. The coaches are: Julie Gittings, Smita Gandhi, and Karin Sutherland.

Students from 22 high schools competed in the House and Senate chambers on teams consisting of four students each. Student knowledge was tested in world history, American literature, American history, current events and science.

Rounding out the top three spots in the competition were West Chester East High School, Chester County, and Parkland High School, Lehigh County.

Organized by Chester County Intermediate Unit, the competition coincided with Pennsylvania Academic Competition Week (April 17- April 21) proclaimed by a House resolution.

By winning this competition, State College Area High School has the opportunity to represent Pennsylvania in the national 2006 Panasonic Academic Challenge to be held June 10-13th at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

Corman to Host Town Meeting
-0/4-/2006
Senator Jake Corman (R-Bellefonte) will hold a town meeting in Centre County on Wednesday, April 26th.

The meeting will held at the Penns Valley High School Cafeteria, located at 4545 Penns Valley Road, at 7:00pm. Corman will update residents on current issues before the General Assembly and take questions from those in attendance.

Senator Jake Corman represents the 34th Senatorial District, which includes Centre, Mifflin, Juniata, Perry and Union Counties.

PSU Student Found Dead
-0/4-/2006
The Daily Collegian is reporting that a Penn State student was found dead in his apartment Saturday afternoon.

According to police, Jon Taiclet, 21, was found by his girlfriend in his Gill Street apartment bed at about 5:00pm Saturday. The initial investigation showed no sign of struggle or trauma.

The investigation is on-going. (More details)

Scholarships Available
-0/4-/2006
Senator Jake Corman (R-Bellefonte), a board member of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), has announced that applications are available for the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program. The application deadline is May 1, 2006.

Corman said the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program is a federally funded program designed to reward academic excellence in high school and encourages students to achieve an education at the postsecondary level. The program offers merit scholarships to exceptional high school seniors who have been accepted at an institution of higher education.

Eligibility requirements state that an applicant must be a Pennsylvania resident, rank in the top five percent of his or her graduating class, have a grade point average of 3.5 or better on 4.0 unweighted scale and have a combined SAT score of at least 1150 or a composite ACT test score of 25 or above. GED recipients must score 3550 or higher and earn an 1150 on the SAT test, or score a 25 on the ACT test.

Corman noted that the number of scholarships awarded is based on available federal funding levels. A scholarship will be awarded for each of the recipient’s first four years of undergraduate study if he or she continues as a full-time student and meets eligibility requirements.

The administration of the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program is managed and funded by PHEAA at no cost to taxpayers.

Corman said that PHEAA offers the Academic Excellence Scholarship Award Program to State Grant recipients who meet the eligibility requirements of the federal Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program, but do not receive funding through the Byrd Program.

Corman said The Board of Directors established the program to reward students with both high academic potential and demonstrated financial need. The program is funded by AES/PHEAA with no taxpayer support. However, this award is contingent upon continued federal funding of the Byrd Program.

In addition to meeting the requirements set by the Byrd program, a student must attend a Pennsylvania postsecondary institution to qualify for the PHEAA Academic Excellence Scholarship.

First year awards will equal $1,500 with the opportunity for renewal for up to three additional academic years.

Qualified Byrd Program applicants will be automatically considered for the PHEAA Academic Excellence Scholarship. No additional application process will be required.

Students must submit an application for the federal Byrd Program to be considered for the PHEAA Academic Excellence Scholarship. The application must be received no later than May 1, 2006.

Corman said that interested high school seniors can obtain applications for the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship from their high school counselor, by contacting PHEAA at 800-692-7392, or online at www.PHEAA.org.

Geisinger To Open Philipsburg Clinic
-0/4-/2006
The Geisinger Medical Group has announced that it will soon open a health clinic in Philipsburg.

The clinic will be open six days a week to provide acute, non-emergency care to Geisinger and non-Geisinger healthcare plan patients. The clinic seeks to fill a portion of the gap left when the Philipsburg Hospital closed its doors earlier this month.

High School Band Honored
-0/4-/2006
The State College Area High School Jazz Band has been selected as one of 15 finalists for the 11th Annual Essentially Ellington Competition.

The competition, which is considered by many to be the most prestigious jazz band competition in the country, will take place May 18-20 at the Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York City. Wynton Marsalis is the artistic director for the competition.

School Evacuated
-0/4-/2006
The Centre Hall Elementary School was evacuated Thursday morning after several students experienced sudden illness.

According to school administrators, four students became ill, prompting the evacuation of the school. Hazmat and medical crews searched the school for a cause, but none was confirmed. It is possible that a light in use on the school's stage may have generated enough heat to cause the children to become ill.

The school will remain closed Friday.

Bald Eagle Wildfire
-0/4-/2006
Firefighters are reporting that they have gained control of a wildfire that raced its way through the Bald Eagle Forest yesterday.

The fire reportedly started at around 11:30am Thursday behind the Rockview State Police barracks. Flames moved up the mountainside quickly, consuming approximately 60 acres before being brought under control last evening.

The blaze was battled by fire crews from across Centre County.

Source: WRTA.com

Crimestoppers Seek Thief
-0/4-/2006
Centre County Crimestoppers are asking for assistance in apprehending the person or persons who forcibly entered six rooms in Penn State's Chambers Building and stole electronic equipment.

Reported stolen were three Dell computers, two IPod speakers, a computer case, a small amount of cash, and assorted other items. The total value of the stolen property and damage caused to the rooms was estimated at $15,000.

Anyone with information about the break-in can contact Crimestoppers at 1-877-99-CRIME or univerity police at 814-863-1111.

Penn State Suspends Well Use
-0/4-/2006
Penn State officials have decided to stop using water from several wells located in the Houserville area. The suspension is due to a gasoline leak that occurred at a nearby Sheetz convenience store.

Officials maintain that the wells are most likely not contaminated, and recent tests have confirmed that. However, soil tests have shown that the gasoline has seeped to a depth of at least 45 feet.

Sheetz has reported that up to 115 gallons of gasoline leaked from a storage tank at their Lemont-Houserville store. Clean-up efforts are expected to take five years or longer and cost up to $750,000.

Fall Victim Returns Home
-0/4-/2006
The Digital Collegian is reporting that Ryan Walton, the Penn State student who fell from a sixth-story dorm window five weeks ago, has returned to his parents' home in Harleysville.

According to his father, Walton, 19, will require about six months of rehabilitation to recover from injuries to his back, arms, and pelvic area.

Walton fell from the Beaver Hall window on March 17th as he attempted to avoid police, who had shown up at a dorm room party where underage alcohol consumption was suspected. Walton, along with 12 others, was cited for underage drinking this past Tuesday. (More details)

Man, Teens Damage Substation
-0/4-/2006
An electrical substation was taken out of service Tuesday night when two Blair County teenagers and a Tyrone man broke into the power facility.

According to State Police at Philipsburg, the teens entered the Fowler Hollow Electric Substation in Taylor Township shortly before 10:00pm Tuesday by cutting through a fence. They had hoped to steal copper wire. A short caused by one of the teens destroyed two fuses and knocked out power to 380 homes in Northern Centre County. Damage is estimated at about $20,000.

The Tyrone man, Matthew Woomer, 18, and the two teens will face multiple charges for the incident, including risking a catastrophe and criminal mischief.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Fall Victim Charged
-0/4-/2006
Ryan Walton, the 19-year-old Penn State student who was severely injured from a six-story fall on March 17th, now faces charges of underage drinking.

University police report that Walton consumed alcohol in his Porter Hall dorm room before he attended a party in Beaver Hall. He was attempting to flee police through a sixth-floor Beaver Hall window when he fell to the ground. The citation shows that Walton's blood-alcohol level was 0.156 at the time.

Walton now faces a fine of $349.50 for the offense. (More details)

University Fines Portland
-0/4-/2006
An investigation into claims of bias against women's basketball coach Rene Portland has been concluded.

The investigation was launched in October by the University's Office of Affirmative Action following allegations by former Lady Lion basketball player Jennifer Harris that head coach Rene Portland had discriminated against her on the basis of her race and perceived sexual orientation.

The report was authored by Dr. Kenneth Lehrman, Director of Affirmative Action at Penn State and delivered to President Graham Spanier. The report concluded that there was no evidence to substantiate Harris' claim of race discrimination. The report did, however, conclude that enough evidence existed to substantiate a claim that Portland discriminated against Harris by creating a “hostile, intimidating, and offensive environment” because of Harris' sexual orientation. This is in violation of Penn State Policy AD-42, which prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, sexual orientation, and other personal characteristics.

President Spanier has accepted the general finding and conclusion of the report to the extent that it finds that some of Coach Portland's actions violated University Policy AD-42.

Discrimination, for the purposes of AD-42, is defined as conduct of any nature that denies equal privileges or treatment to a particular individual because of certain personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications. Harassment may include, but is not limited to, any conduct that has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual's performance or creates an offensive, hostile, or intimidating environment.

In accepting the report, Spanier acknowledged that certain elements of the complaint could be interpreted differently by reasonable people, but that the preponderance of evidence supported a conclusion that discrimination had taken place. As a result of the report's findings and recommendations, Spanier ordered a series of actions to be taken:

• Coach Portland was delivered a letter to serve as a written reprimand that will become a permanent part of her official personnel file.
• The letter constitutes written notice that should Coach Portland be found in violation of Policy AD-42 for any actions that occur from the date of the letter going forward, she will be dismissed with cause from the University.
• Coach Portland is required to participate in a professional development experience devoted to diversity and inclusiveness. The experience will be chosen in consultation with and approved by Dr. Lehrman.
• While the report from the Director of Affirmative Action recommended a one-game suspension in the fall, President Spanier felt it necessary to have a sanction that was more immediate, and chose instead to have the University impose a $10,000 fine.

In addition to the actions taken against Coach Portland, Spanier also directed that the following actions be implemented by the Director of Athletics:

• For a three year period, NCAA mandated exit interviews of Lady Lion Basketball players will be conducted by a member of the staff of the Office of Affirmative Action, in addition to the administrator normally assigned to conduct such interviews. After three years, such interviews will be conducted according to athletic department policy.
• The Director of Athletics will submit for review to the President, by August 15, 2006, a revised protocol for exit interviews for all student athletes that allows for adequate checks and balances.
• All incoming student athletes should attend an informational training session conducted by the Office of Affirmative Action. The session should be designed to inform students of their rights under University Policy AD-42 and of available avenues inside and outside of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics for filing discrimination complaints.
• The Director of Athletics will, at the annual fall meeting of all athletics staff, review University policies related to non-discrimination.

The imposition of sanctions and administrative changes brings the University's investigation to a close. A federal lawsuit filed by Harris is scheduled for mediation.

Drought Watch
-0/4-/2006
One has to go back to the early 1980s to find a March as dry as the third month of 2006 -- which was the fifth driest in Pennsylvania since 1895, when such record-keeping began.

Largely because of March's lack of rainfall, the state Department of Environmental Protection in mid-April declared a drought watch that asks state residents to cut back on nonessential water-use by 5 percent. No cause for alarm yet, but Bryan Swistock, Penn State Cooperative Extension water resources specialist, is concerned that a serious situation is developing.

"I don't want folks to panic, but I don't like the way this is shaping up for our groundwater supplies," he said. "A drought is never a good situation to be in, but for us to be this dry, this early in the year, is a very bad thing. We are nearing the end of the groundwater recharge period, and after a mild, dry winter when there was little if any snow cover across the state, streams and groundwater levels in some areas of the state -- particularly in the Southeast -- are already very low."

What concerns Swistock is that March and April generally are the wettest months -- the time of year when groundwater supplies should be recharging. "In Pennsylvania, there aren't great variations between average precipitation from month to month," he said. "But typically in March and April, we get a lot of rain.

"Groundwater starting out the year so low could prove to be disastrous later because usually the levels go down from here. As soon as the trees start leafing out and taking up large amounts of water -- about now in southern Pennsylvania -- it is very difficult to get water into the ground."

Because Swistock works in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, he is very aware of farmers' need for rain in the spring. But for groundwater supplies, given how dry it has been in recent months, the normal amounts of rainfall won't be enough.

"This is a bad time to start a drought because farmers are trying to plant their crops and they must have adequate soil moisture," he said. "But if we are lucky and the showers are timed right, we might get just enough moisture for crops to grow and farmers will be pleased. But folks who depend on wells for drinking water might still face a serious shortage in late summer."

Although he is in the business of monitoring and anticipating precipitation levels, Swistock readily concedes that long-term weather forecasts are unreliable. "Beyond three months, I don't pay any attention to them," he said. "But we don't see any dramatic weather patterns coming into the summer -- we are just not getting much moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. It looks like this drought will get worse before it gets better.

"Looking at the long-term weather forecast by the National Weather Service, Pennsylvania is sort of sandwiched between an area to our south extending down to the Carolinas where a significant drought is projected to develop and an area to our north around the Great Lakes that is projected to receive above-average amounts of rainfall," Swistock continued. "So I suppose we could go either way. But the way our year has started doesn't give me any confidence."

Ironically, while much of the rest of the country dreads the coming hurricane season that has been forecast to be worse than normal, Pennsylvania by late summer may desperately need tropical moisture. "If you look at our state's history, almost all of the serious droughts were broken by the remnants of hurricanes bringing prolonged rains," he said. "The year after Katrina, I hate to say this, but Pennsylvania may be glad to see the remnants of hurricanes this year if the current weather pattern continues."

Although his experience monitoring precipitation in Pennsylvania makes him pessimistic about groundwater supplies in a year such as this 2006 has, Swistock knows a lot can happen weather-wise before late summer. "Seems like every time I talk about drought, it rains," he said. "But it will be tough for one or two storm events to overcome this drought. We need to see a change in the weather pattern."

To get more information on dealing with drought, visit Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences Web site at http://www.cas.psu.edu online, click on "Health and Emerging Issues" and then click on "Drought Resources" under "Emergency Readiness."

Robbery Charges
-0/4-/2006
Brandon Inhoof, a Bellefonte resident, is currently in the Centre County jail on charges that he attempted to rob another man last weekend.

According to police, Inhoof, 23, was parked at the Sheetz store at 2001 East College Avenue when he tried to interest another man in racing their cars. When the man refused, Inhoof allegedly began to chase him and grabbed for his wallet. The chase was eventually stopped by a passenger in Inhoof's vehicle. (More details)

Suspicious Fire On Campus
-0/4-/2006
A fire of suspicious nature was discovered at approximately 2:00am Sunday outside of Brumbaugh Hall on the Penn State campus.

According to a report in the Centre Daily Times, officials have not determined that the fire was arson; however, the fire closely resembled another fire that occurred two weeks ago in Pinchot Hall, another East Halls building.

Like the earlier fire, this weekend's blaze consumed a stack of newspapers. No damage was caused. (More details)

PSU Student Shot, Killed
-0/4-/2006
Tyrone Myers, a 22-year-old Penn State senior, was shot and killed in his hometown of Philadelphia Saturday.

According to a report in the Digital Collegian, Myers was home visiting family for the weekend when he sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his back and abdomen at around 4:30am Saturday. he was pronounced dead upon arrival at Temple University Hospital.

The police investigation is continuing, and at this point, there are no known suspects in the case. (More details)

I-99 Cleanup Meeting Scheduled
-0/4-/2006
Senator Jake Corman (R-Benner Township) and Representative Lynn Herman (R-Philipsburg) have announced that a public forum on the state’s efforts to clean up acid rock at the Skytop area of the I-99 construction site will be held on May 3, 2006.

At an April 10th public meeting scheduled by Corman and Herman, the state’s Department of Transportation outlined plans to move a million tons of pyritic rock from the Buffalo Run side of Skytop about three miles away to the Bald Eagle Creek side in Worth Township. Corman and Herman have scheduled another public forum in which the Worth Township site will be discussed and the designers of the site will be present to speak to the public.

The Worth Township site was designed by Blazosky Associates of State College, and that firm, along with Wetlands Habitat Management, Inc. also of State College, will be making a public presentation on this solution.

The presentation will be held at the Bald Eagle Area High School cafeteria.

Corman said the display area will be open to the public at 6:00pm, and the presentations by Blazosky Associates and Wetlands Habitat Management will begin at 7:00pm. PennDOT and Department of Environmental Protection officials will also be present.

“We have scheduled this meeting so the public is better informed and part of the clean-up process,” Corman said. “This clean-up effort must be discussed openly and this presentation is designed to provide information to the public and also give residents the opportunity to ask questions of the experts on hand.”

Judge Dismisses Charge Against Paxson
-0/4-/2006
The Digital Collegian is reporting that Centre County Judge Bradley Lunsford has thrown out the sexual assault felony charge against former Penn State football player Scoot Paxson.

Lunsford's ruling leaves in place two other charges against Paxson. Paxson is scheduled to stand trial this summer on a felony charge of aggravated indecent assault and a misdemeanor indecent assault charge.

The charges against Paxson stem from a December 2004 incident at his apartment. (More details)

Retail Theft
-0/4-/2006
Beverly Lange, a Philadelphia resident, has been charged with stealing $213 worth of clothing items from Nittany Mall stores Tuesday evening.

According to the Centre Daily Times' report, Lange, 19, was apprehended by mall security personnel after she left a dressing room at the Kaufmann's department store. Clothing from Kaufmann's and J.C. Penney were found in her possession. (More details)

Hospital Burglary
-0/4-/2006
Philipsburg Hospital closed its doors at midnight Wednesday due to financial problems. About six hours later, state police received a report about a man trying to break in to the facility.

According to police, a hospital employee spotted a red pickup truck at the hospital's emergency room entrance around 6:30am Thursday. Others claimed to have seen the man, who was described as having dark hair and a tattoo, inside the hospital before he left in the pickup.

The witnesses were able to get the truck's license number and described it as a red Chevy S-10.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact the state police.

Drug Arrest At Courthouse
-0/4-/2006
The Centre Daily Times is reporting that a 48-year-old McElhattan woman was arrested for marijuana possession at the Centre County Courthouse Wednesday.

While on her way to the restroom, the woman set off the courthouse metal detector. She handed her jacket to a sheriff's deputy, and upon further investigation, the deputy discovered a dime bag of marijuana. (More details)

Logging Truck, School Bus Collide
-0/4-/2006
Shortly before 7:30am Wednesday, a school bus slowing to make a left turn into the Liberty-Curtin Elementary School was struck from behind by a logging truck.

The school is located on Route 150, close to the Centre-Clinton County line.

The school bus was carrying about 35 fifth- and sixth-grade students when it was hit. None of the students was seriously injured; however, approximately a dozen children were treated at Lock Haven Hospital for minor injuries.

The truck and bus drivers were not injured in the incident.

Herman Asks Governor To Keep Hospital Open
-0/4-/2006
Representative Lynn Herman (R-Centre) is asking Governor Ed Rendell to keep the Philipsburg Area Hospital open and operating. Financial problems are forcing the hospital to close its doors today, April 12.

“I write to urge your direct involvement in maintaining quality health care in Philipsburg either by providing necessary state funds to keep [the hospital] open and operating or finding another hospital or health care organization which is willing to own and operate the Philipsburg Area Hospital,” Herman said in a letter to Rendell.

The hospital’s closure will result in the loss of 155 jobs in a region that is already struggling economically and the loss of local quality health care for Philipsburg area citizens.

The nearest hospitals in Clearfield and Tyrone are 18 miles distant and the Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College is 24 miles away.

“My recollection is that the contractual agreement made between the Casey Administration and the Philipsburg Area Hospital stipulates that, if the hospital would close, the building, grounds and assets would revert back to the state,” Herman said.

Herman said that when Governor Casey threatened to close the Philipsburg State General Hospital in 1991, a few health care organizations came forward, such as Forbes Healthmark and Lee Hospital, with a proposal to operate the Philipsburg Hospital.

“I believe the administration should contact these organizations and others to determine their interest in owning and operating the Philipsburg Area Hospital,” Herman said.

Herman said he has spoken to Secretary of Legislative Affairs, Steve Crawford, regarding the hospital’s closure.

“I stand ready and willing to work with the governor as well as local officials to assure Philipsburg area residents to continue to receive the quality health care they deserve,” Herman said.

(Read letter to the governor)

Murder Case Sent to Trial
-0/4-/2006
Centre County District Judge Jonathan Grine announced very quickly after the last witness stepped down that the murder case against Josephy Ventura should proceed to trial.

According to a report in the Digital Collegian, Ventura will now stand trial on first- and third-degree murder charges in the stabbing death of Penn State student Michael Donahue.

Centre County District Attorney Michael Madeira called seven witnesses to the stand during the preliminary hearing; however, a clear motive for the stabbing still has not been determined. The witnesses were uncertain about events of February 17th that prompted Ventura to allegedly pull out a knife and stab Donahue. (More details)

Student Charged With Drug Sales
-0/4-/2006
John Burnley, a 19-year-old Penn State freshment, was arrested Monday and charged with selling marijuana.

According to a report in the Centre Daily Times, Burnley sold marijuana to an undercover police officer on four occassions. The alleged deals took place in a campus dormitory building. (More details)

Hospital To Close
-0/4-/2006
Michael Loomis, the CEO of Philipsburg Hospital, has announced that the facility is closing its doors.

According to Loomis, the hospital's patients are being moved out, and the facility will cease operations Wednesday. The closing will force more than 150 people out of their jobs.

Loomis blamed the closing on the state of healthcare industry, citing the hospital's problems with recruiting new doctors and obtaining Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements.

Stabbing Hearing Set To Start
-0/4-/2006
A hearing in the stabbing death of Penn State senior Michael Donahue is scheduled to begin today.

The Digital Collegian is reporting that District Attorney Michael Madeira expects to solicit testimony from six witnesses in the hearing against Josephy Alberty Ventura. Ventura, 27, is accused of stabbing Donahue in Club Love on February 17th. He faces charges of first- and third-degree murder. (More details)

Alliance for Bellefonte Community Development Receives Grant
-0/4-/2006
Nittany Bank officials announced Monday that is has donated $10,000 to assist in the Alliance for Bellefonte Community Development (ABCD) project.

The ABCD is a group of volunteers committed to making Bellefonte a better place for residents, businesses, investors and tourists by revitalizing the downtown area. The group is working to gather the data needed to apply for participation in the Main Street Program.

The five-year Main Street Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, encourages revitalization by leveraging private dollars and requiring ongoing, local support evidenced by the establishment of an organization and documented financial commitment from the community.

Securing local funding is a crucial component to be accepted into the program and to qualify for as much as $1.2 million in grants from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Nittany Bank's financial donation is significant toward helping this project reach its initial goal of $90,000 over the first five years.

"Nittany Bank is committed to being a valued community neighbor and a catalyst in the future of Bellefonte," said Doreen Koleno, Nittany Bank Personal Banking Manager. Doreen Koleno serves on the ABCD Economic Restructuring Committee, a member of the Kiwanis Club, is the chair of the Kiwanis Reading in Schools program, and is an assistant troop leader for Girl Scouts.

Nittany Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Penn Bancshares, Inc. is a federally chartered financial institution headquartered and operated in State College, Pennsylvania.

I-99 Cleanup Meeting Tonight
-0/4-/2006
Officials from the State Department of Environmental Protection and State Transportation Secretary Allen Biehler will host a public meeting Monday night on the subject of acid rock cleanup in the Skytop Mountain area.

The meeting, which will be help at the Park Forest Middle School at 7:00pm, will include a synopsis of the pyritic rock situation and a discussion of available cleanup options.

In March, officials halted a $40 million plan that called for the contaminated rock to be trucked to an abandoned mine in Indiana County.

PSU To Turn Tires Into Roads
-0/4-/2006
Penn State's Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies received a $696,685 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to use waste tires to improve dirt roads that are causing silting of local waterways.

The demonstration project is intended to use some 500,000 discarded tires from the Starr Tire Pile in Columbia County, which is estimated to hold between 6 million and 8 million waste tires. The tire-bales-as-road-fill project will take place in Madison and Greenwood townships, near the Starr tire pile.

Penn State's Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies will use the tires to fill entrenched and degraded dirt and gravel roads. These roads were identified by Columbia County's Dirt and Gravel Road Program as sediment pollution sites to Mud Creek a tributary of the east branch of Chillisquaque Creek.

The tires will be baled into 2.5-by-4.5-by-5-foot blocks containing about 100 tires, reports Kevin Abbey, director of the center. About 5,000 bales will be used to fill the two roads and will incorporate drainage structures to channel runoff to surrounding vegetated areas rather than running down the road into the streams.

This project, if successful, could be applied throughout the commonwealth and could alleviate not only the problems with some unpaved rural roads, but also the problems surrounding tire piles, which include fires, chemical leaching and the creation of breeding grounds for mosquitos, including those that carry West Nile disease.

The project will take place this summer.

House Approves Minimum Wage Bill
-0/4-/2006
A bill passed by the state's House of Representatives in a 146-50 vote calls for a $2 per hour minimum wage increase over the next two years.

If the bill becomes law, the minimum wage will increase from its current $5.15 level to $6.25 in July 2006 and to $7.15 in July 2007.

Governor Rendell, along with labor unions, is in favor of a minimum wage increase. However, small business interests claim the increase will be harmful to small businesses.

Congress established the current minimum wage level in 1997, and since then, 19 other states and Washington, D.C. have passed minimum wage increases.

Murder Case Sent to Trial
-0/4-/2006
Centre County District Judge Jonathan Grine has determined that the murder case against Andrew Rogers can proceed to trial.

Rogers, 28, is accused of killing Penn State student Youngcheol Park in February. He faces charges of first-, second-, and third-degree murder for allegedly beating Park to death. Rogers turned himself into police four days after Park was killed.

According to a report in the Digital Collegian, autopsy results show that Park, 24, had cocaine in his system when he died. (More details)

Penn State Employee Killed In Crash
-0/4-/2006
Elizabeth Wenrick, a Penn State employee, was killed in a two-vehicle crash on Route 45 Wednesday morning.

According to a report published in the Centre Daily Times, Wenrick, 34, died at the scene from head trauma. She was employed as an assistant supervisor for environmental testing in the College of Agricultural Services. (More details)

Attorney General Sues Local Landscaper
-0/4-/2006
Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett announced Wednesday that he has filed a civil lawsuit against Timothy Meyers, a Centre County-based landscaper.

Meyers, an employee of Custom Lawns, allegedly defrauded customers out of thousands of dollars. According to the lawsuit, Meyers accepted payment for projects he failed to complete. Complaints against Meyers were filed in Centre, Mifflin, Blair, and Cambria Counties.

Meyers has been charged with violating the state's unfair trade practices and consumer protection statutes. The suit also claims that Meyers failed to properly register the "Custom Lawns" name with the state.

Officials Investigating Railing Collapse
-0/4-/2006
The Digital Collegian is reporting that Centre Region Code Administration officials are investigating the cause of a railing collapse at University Terrace that seriously injured a Penn State student.

CRCA's investigation into the incident began Saturday, the day after the incident. Keystone Real Estate, the owner of owner of the University Terrace apartment complex, has also hired an engineering firm to help determine what caused the railing to break. (More details)

Judge To Rule In Paxson Case
-0/4-/2006
According to an article in the Centre Daily Times, the next step in the sexual assault case against Penn State football player Scott Paxson will be decided by Judge Bradley Lunsford on April 20th.

Lunsford will be asked to decide if the case against Paxson will continue to trial or if the charges should be thrown out. Paxson is charged with sexually assaulting a female student in December 2004. (More details)

PSU Football Team, Paterno Honored by Legislature
-0/4-/2006
The state House has unanimously approved Representative Lynn Herman’s resolution congratulating The Pennsylvania State University, head football coach Joe Paterno and the Nittany Lions football team on a great season.

“House Resolution 582 officially congratulates Joe Paterno for being named 2005 Coach of the Year and the players for their 11-1 season and Orange Bowl victory,” Herman (R-Centre) said.

Penn State’s football team ended the 2005 regular season with a 10-1 record and the Big Ten championship title – its first since 1994.

The Orange Bowl was one of the most remarkable college football games ever played as Penn State and Florida State battled though three overtimes with the Nittany Lions emerging victorious 26-23.

“This season has marked an extraordinary turnaround for the team and is further evidence of Joe Paterno’s coaching ability in his 40th year as head coach,” Herman said.

Several players received individual honors this year and on Dec. 20, one day prior to his 79th birthday, Paterno was an overwhelming choice as the Associated Press college football coach of the year.

Power Outage
-0/4-/2006
According to a report in the Centre Daily Times, more than 1,100 Allegheny Power customers in the Park Forest area lost service Sunday night.

The outage, which began about 9:00pm Sunday and lasted into Monday, was caused by the failure of an underground power line. (More details)

Missing Person
-0/4-/2006
State College Police are searching for Natalie Garceau, a State College resident who was reported missing by family members on Sunday April 2nd.

Garceau was last seen at 1:00am at the family residence at 1617 Hawthorn Drive, State College. She left a note stating that she had to get away.

Garceau has a history of mental health problems and is currently on medication. She left without extra clothing or medications. She was driving a Dark Green Toyota Echo sedan bearing PA registration FCC-4792.

Anyone having contact with Garceau is asked to call the State College Police Department at (814) 234-7150 or to submit an anonymous tip online.

College Avenue Home Destroyed
-0/4-/2006
The Centre Daily Times is reporting that fire destroyed a house along West College Avenue early Sunday morning.

The structure was home to eight Penn State students, all of whom narrowly escaped serious injury, thanks to passersby who ran into the house to wake the sleeping residents.

According to witnesses, the fire was spotted at approximately 4:30am, and Alpha Fire Company received a call shortly thereafter. The fire was under control by 8:00am, but the building was destroyed. (More details)

Dorm Fire
-0/4-/2006
University police are seeking information about the person who set a fire in a dormitory elevator early Sunday morning.

According to police, the fire started shortly before 5:00am in Pinchot Hall. It appeared that someone intentionally set fire to a stack of newspapers in the elevator.

The fire extinguished itself; however, several hundred residents were forced to evacuate the dormitory building. No one was injured. The police investigation is continuing.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Student Injured In Fall
-0/4-/2006
Cory Wincek, a 20-year-old Penn State student, remains in critical condition after he fell from a second-floor balcony early Friday morning.

According to the Digital Collegian, Wincek was leaning against the railing at University Terrace at about 2:15am. The railing gave way, and Wincek fell 15 feet onto the pavement below. He was transported to Mounty Nittany Medical Center and then life-flighted to the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. (More details)

Defense Discusses Rape Charges
-0/3-/2006
Attorney Joseph Amendola, the attorney for a Penn State student accused of rape, claims in an article published in today's Digital Collegian that the sex between his client and the alleged victim was consensual.

The incident took place at the Kappa Alpha fraternity in October. The alleged victim claims she was unconscious and awoke to find Shawn Cornelius raping her. Cornelius, however, stated that the woman was conscious and wanted to have sex. He claims to have witnesses who will testify to the woman's desire to spend the night at the fraternity. (More details)

New I-99 Cleanup Plan Submitted
-0/3-/2006
The Centre Daily Times is reporting that PennDOT has submitted to environmental regulators a new application for what they hope will be a permanent acidic drainage cleanup solution.

The new application outlines a plan to pipe the acidic runoff from Bald Eagle Mountain to a treatment facility on the North Bald Eagle Creek side of the mountain. The plan will be oultined in a display at next public meeting, scheduled for April 10th at 7:00pm at the Park Forest Middle School. (More details)

Hearing Waived
-0/3-/2006
Clinton Teeter, a 24-year-old Bellefonte resident accused of committing 23 burglaries on the Penn State campus, waived his right to a prelimary hearing Wednesday.

According to the Centre Daily Times, Teeter has been charged with burglaries that took place in Rec Hall, the Physical Plant Building, Noll Laboratory, and the Nittany Landscape Building. The alleged incidents, in which items worth nearly $8,000 were stolen, took place over a year-long period starting in November 2004.

The case will now proceed to trial. (More details).

Rape Case Sent to Trial
-0/3-/2006
The Digital Collegian is reporting that 20-year-old Penn State student Shawn Cornelius will stand trial on charges that he raped an unconscious woman last October.

According to police reports the victim claimed that she was assaulted by Cornelius at the Kappa Alpha fraternity after she passed out from consuming alcohol. She said she woke up three times with no clothes on. She claimed that Cornelius was performing oral sex and having intercourse with her, and he continued despite her pleas for him to stop and let her walk home.

Cornelius faces numerous charges, including aggravated indecent assault, rape, sexual assault and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse. Jury selection for the case is scheduled to begin in early June. (More details)

Man Faces Sexual Assault Charges
-0/3-/2006
Terry Dixon, Jr., a State College resident, has been charged with having sexual relations with a 14-year-old girl.

The Centre Daily Times is reporting that Dixon's alleged offenses took place over a period of four months. Dixon, 28, faces charges of statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and several misdemeanors. (More details)

Apartment Fire
-0/3-/2006
An early morning fire at the Marvin Gardens apartment complex at 211 Easterly Parkway caused extensive damage to several apartments Tuesday.

The Digital Collegian is reporting that the fire, which began at about 2:00am in Apartment 13, may have been caused by a cigarette. The apartment suffered extensive fire and smoke damage, while neighboring apartments suffered smoke damage. Water used to extinguish the fire damaged some basement apartments. (More details)

Battista to Lead Nittany Lion Club
-0/3-/2006
Joe Battista, who led the Penn State Icers to six national championships, has been named executive director of the Nittany Lion Club in the Office of Development & Alumni Relations.

Battista brings proven leadership and remarkable success to his new post, compiling a record of 512-120-27 as head coach of the men's ice hockey club program for the past 19 years. The Icers captured ACHA national titles in 1990, '98, 2000, '01, '02 and '03 and were ACHA runners-up six times, including each of the past three seasons.

"I am moving into one of the best jobs I could ask for as a Penn State alumnus and former Lion Ambassador," said Battista, who will begin his new duties on April 10. "I've been fortunate to have been involved in Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics since 1978. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to build on the relationships I already have with so many loyal Penn State alumni and fans.

"I am excited to represent the University and to continue the traditions of the Nittany Lion Club," he continued. "I bleed "Blue and White" and can't think of a better opportunity to serve my alma mater, our student-athletes and the Penn State faithful!"

The Nittany Lion Club, composed of Penn State alumni and friends of Intercollegiate Athletics, was established in 1961 to create greater interest in and financial support for Penn State varsity athletics. The more than 19,000 members of the Nittany Lion Club make possible grant-in-aid support for more than 500 student-athletes and provide operational support for Penn State's 29 varsity sport program, including 15 men's and 14 women's teams.

"Joe's passion, pursuit of excellence and productivity through his years here translate very well for what the Nittany Lion Club calls for right now," said Tim Curley, director of athletics. "Many know him simply as 'Coach', but he has a terrific business mind and a keen sense of how to motivate people."

"We're fortunate that someone so close to Penn State and so close to the workings and demands of athletics is stepping into this very important position," added Peter Weiler, Penn State's associate vice president of development and alumni relations. "It's a perfect fit for Joe and a perfect fit for Penn State."

Battista attended Penn State as an undergraduate where he was an original member of the Lion Ambassadors, president of the Ice Hockey Club, vice president of Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society, and a volunteer for The Second Mile. He was a standout defenseman for the Icers from 1978-82. Battista graduated from the Smeal College of Business with a degree in marketing in 1983.

Upon graduation, he was an assistant to the marketing director for the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins for three years before joining the coaching ranks at Kent State University and Culver Military Academy (Culver, Ind.) and as a USA Hockey Player Development and Coaching Certification instructor.

A Pittsburgh native, Battista was named head coach at Penn State for the 1987-88 season. In his 19 years, he compiled a winning percentage of .800 and captured six ACHA National Titles with no losing seasons. He was named ACHA Division 1 Coach of the Year twice (1999-2000 and 2001-02) and during the 2005-06 season won his 500th game with a 6-5 decision over Arizona State.

A member of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Battista has become a highly recognized member of the University community, regularly sought after as a motivational speaker. His nickname, "JoeBa", is similar to one referring to another legendary Penn State coach.

Icer players excelled in the classroom under Battista, regularly earning a team grade point average of more than a 3.0 and boasting an ACHA-best 41 Academic All-Americans since 1995. Battista, along with Team Advisors Ray Lombra and Paul Cohen, helped launch the Icers Enhancement Endowment Fund in 1998 and have raised almost $1million to date.

Battista replaces Kay Kustanbauter, who retired in December after a 33-year tenure with the Nittany Lion Club, serving as executive director since 1989.

Clean Energy Expo
-0/3-/2006
The PA Clean Energy Expo, a clean-energy showcase for the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, will be held from 10:00am to 7:00pm Friday, March 31st, and 9:00am to 5:00pm Saturday, April 1s, at the Bryce Jordan Center, University Park. Parking and admission are free to the public.

Attendees may explore these major attractions and events:

-- Clean transportation: The expo will showcase many aspects of clean transportation, including biodiesel and ethanol exhibits, GE Transportation's Hybrid Locomotive, GM's fuel cell vehicles, Centre Area Transportation Authority's (CATA) clean transportation.

-- Home energy: The expo will showcase technologies available to build energy-efficient, healthy homes and businesses. Attendees will learn about home energy savings, high performance commercial green building technology, high-tech wireless digital thermostats and the new Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) for Pennsylvania home improvements that decrease energy usage.

-- Pennsylvania Sustainable Energy Funds: The funds will showcase renewable energy technology in Pennsylvania, including solar power, wind, biomass and hydrogen sources.

-- Community and technical workshops: Technical and free community workshops will be held during the expo. Attendees will learn how to make wiser energy decisions. The list of available workshops will be continuously updated at http://www.wppsef.org/paexpo online.

-- Special events: Attendees can enjoy a story with Clifford, the Big Red Dog, meet representatives from Apple Computer who will showcase the latest technologies and take home a personalized digital experience of the expo, test drive a "people-powered" vehicle, check out films at the Energy Expo Theater, take a "Green Tour" of the Penn State University Park campus, learn how Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream is doing their part for the environment and much more.

This event is one example of Penn State's concern for the environment. The University's environmental conservation efforts are being recognized nationally, as Penn State recently made the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's list of the top 10 college and university Green Power Partners. In addition, The Penn State Center for Sustainability works to educate people on how their personal and professional decisions impact the environment.

THON Changes
-0/3-/2006
With the record-setting 2006 edition of Penn State's annual IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon now in the history book, organizers already are looking ahead to next year's event, which will be held for the first time in the Bryce Jordan Center.

In addition to the change in venue to allow for greater participation and enhanced safety and support services in the spacious, state-of-the-art facility, THON will have a more compact schedule, with a conclusion of the festivities shortly after 4:00pm on Sunday of THON weekend.

"The motivation behind the change in venues is to allow for greater participation, improved safety, and better support services for everyone involved in the event," according to a statement released by Jaci Christopher, public relations chair for THON. "The Bryce Jordan Center will give more people the opportunity to view the event in its entirety. During THON 2006, the doors to Rec Hall were closed four times because the crowds were so large. With the move, this should not be a problem in the future."

"The Bryce Jordan Center also provides better accommodations for everyone involved including the families, kids, students and members of the Penn State community," she added. "This will give the Four Diamonds Families better access to the students throughout the weekend as well as allowing for them to stay in the same building throughout THON."

Another change that will be accompanying the move will be a modification of the length of the event. The festivities will conclude shortly after 4:00pm on Sunday, a change from the 7:00pm ending from years prior.

Penn State President Graham Spanier negotiated with the Big Ten Conference, at the request of THON's student leaders, to allow for a blackout of home men's and women's basketball games on THON weekend. The agreement with University officials included a commitment to shorten the window the facility is unavailable for other purposes.

"With this new schedule, those traveling to State College to experience THON weekend will have more flexibility, and students who participate will have increased recovery time." Christopher said in the statement from THON.

Penn State's THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. The location, length, and format for THON have evolved through its 33 years. This move will enable Penn State students to secure a productive future for THON.

"We are really excited about the opportunities available at the BJC, we know that the continuing commitment from our students, faculty, and alumni will allow for a smooth transition so we can maintain our focus on our mission of providing superior support and care for children battling pediatric cancer," said Evan Jacobs, THON 2006 overall chairperson, and Mike Funk, THON 2007 overall chairperson, in the statement.

Despite all of the changes occurring for THON, student leaders say the spirit and motivation will remain the same: For The Kids.

For more information about Penn State Dance Marathon or the upcoming changes please visit http://www.thon.org online.

Fire Training Center Grant
-0/3-/2006
Representatives Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) and Lynn Herman (R-Centre) announced Monday that the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has approved a $500,000 grant to Spring Township for infrastructure improvements at the proposed Centre County fire training site.

“This facility is vital to ensuring the people that protect us are properly trained,” Benninghoff said.

“This grant is a very important part of the process of getting the site up and running,” Herman said.

The grant will be used to fund the design and construction of the roads, driveways and stormwater controls for the new site.

The stormwater management plan will use best-management practices to control run-off from the access road, related driveways and parking lots. In addition, water used for fire training will be recycled.

The scheduled completion date for the project is July 2007.

Landfill Interchange
-0/3-/2006
At their Tuesday meeting, the Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization will evaluate a plan to construct an interchange that will provide access to a Rush Township landfill from I-80.

Without the interchange, garbage trucks will be forced to use Route 53 through neighboring Snow Shoe Township to reach the proposed landfill. Drivers could be fined if they use other roads.

Resource Recovery, the Lancaster-based company that wants to build the landfill, says it will delay its plans until a final decision about the I-80 interchange is reached.

Crash Kills Two
-0/3-/2006
An accident that occurred at about 1:00am Saturday resulted in the deaths two Centre County residents.

According to Patton Township police, the vehicle crashed on the westbound curve of Route 322 and I-99. Killed in the crash were Christine Corell, a Bellefonte resident, and Dale Peters or Pleasant Gap. Corell, 38, was pronounced dead at the scene, and Peters, 46, was pronounced dead at the Altoona Hospital's Trauma Center.

Police believe the vehicle was speeding, and alcohol may have played a role. Their investigation is continuing.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Judge to Review Paxson Assault Case
-0/3-/2006
In an effort to get charges against his client thrown out, the attorney for former Penn State football player Scott Paxson has been granted a review of the preliminary hearing that sent the case to trial.

According to the Digital Collegian, Paxson's trial on sexual assault charges is scheduled for this summer. However, Paxson will get a chance to avoid the trial by stating his case to the court again. The April 20th hearing could result in the decision to throw out the case or to proceed with the trial.

The charges against Paxson stem from an alleged December 2004 incident at his apartment. He faces charges of sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, and indecent assault. (More details)

CareerLink Office To Close
-0/3-/2006
The Centre Daily Times is reporting that Philipsburg's CareerLink office will be closed permanently on March 31st.

The office closing will force Philipsburg-area job seekers to travel to State College or Clearfield for assistance. The youth and welfare programs are the only CareerLink-provided services that will remain in Philipsburg. (More details)

Paterno, Grier Selected to Prestigious List
-0/3-/2006
Two individuals that have had a profound impact on Penn State, their communities and society have been selected to the NCAA's elite list of its "100 Most Influential Student-Athletes."

Legendary football coach Joe Paterno and entertainer and humanitarian Roosevelt "Rosey" Grier were selected to the list. Paterno has been the head coach at Penn State since 1966 and a member of the coaching staff since 1950. He played football and basketball at Brown University. Grier was a standout on the Nittany Lions' football and men's track and field squads in the 1950s before embarking on a career that has included professional football, entertainment and humanitarian causes.

The "100 Most Influential Student-Athletes" were chosen by a special panel that included college presidents, athletics directors, faculty representatives, student-athletes and conference representatives. The NCAA defines the 100 Most Influential Student-Athletes as those who have made a significant impact or major contributions to society.

The NCAA is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2006. The NCAA centennial began in January at the NCAA Convention in Indianapolis.

Paterno and Grier join a list of former NCAA student-athletes from a myriad of professions, including: Madeline Albright, Kofi Annan, Arthur Ashe, Bill Cosby, Althea Gibson, Mia Hamm, Michael Jordan, Jackie Joyner-Kersey, Billie Jean King, Phil Knight, Vince Lombardi, Jack Nicklaus, Jesse Owens, Arnold Palmer, Sally Ride, Jackie Robinson, Wilma Rudolph, Norman Schwarzkopf, Tiger Woods, and former U.S. Presidents George H.W. Bush, Dwight Eisenhower, Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan.

Paterno is among a handful of college head coaches that made the list, including Mike Krzyzewski, Eddie Robinson, Knute Rockne, Dean Smith, Dawn Staley, Pat Summitt and John Wooden.

Grier was a four-year starter on the 1951-54 Penn State football teams that were coached by Rip Engle, with Paterno in the early stages of his career as an assistant coach. He was an All-American in the shot put in 1954 and '55, earning his degree in 1956. Grier was selected an all-pro defensive lineman four times with the NFL's New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams, and was a member of the Rams' "Fearsome Foursome," regarded by many pro football historians as the best defensive line in the annals of the NFL.

Following his retirement from football in 1966, Grier began an acting and singing career, making more than 80 television and motion picture appearances, and became a social activist, serving as an adviser and bodyguard for Sen. Robert Kennedy. Grier also has been an ordained minister for more than 20 years, the founder of a several organizations and programs that serve the needs of underprivileged inner city residents, an author and inspirational speaker.

Grier has been honored by Penn State as a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient (1974) and the Alumni Fellow Award (1991). He resides in Los Angeles.

Recipient of the AFCA's National Coach of the Year an unprecedented five times, Paterno is second in all-time victories among major college coaches and fourth in wins across all four NCAA divisions. A member of the Penn State coaching staff for 56 years, he owns a 354-117-3 (75.0) career record in 40 years as head coach. Paterno has led Penn State to national championships in 1982 and '86, five unbeaten and untied seasons (1968, '69, '73, '86, '94) and is the all-time leader in bowl appearances (32) and victories (21-10-1 record).

A 1950 graduate of Brown University, Paterno also has produced more than 300 NFL players, 71 first team All-Americans, 32 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-Americans (24 first team), 14 National football Foundation Hall of Fame Scholar Athletes and 18 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship winners during his legendary career. During the 2005 season, senior defensive end Tamba Hali was a consensus All-American and junior linebacker Paul Posluszny was a consensus All-American and a first team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American, helping lead the Nittany Lions to the Big Ten and FedEx Orange Bowl titles.

Paterno and his wife, Sue, have contributed more than $4 million to Penn State for several academic and athletic building projects and to endow scholarships and faculty positions.

ESPNU will re-air two, one-hour programs highlighting the 100 Most Influential NCAA Student-Athletes on Thursday, April 20th (midnight-2 a.m.) and Saturday, May 6th (8:30-10:30 a.m.).

Crash Kills One, Injures Two
-0/3-/2006
The Centre Daily Times is reporting that one person was killed and two others injured in a two-vehicle crash in Patton Township.

The accident occurred at approximately 6:15pm Wednesday at the intersection of Routes 322 and 550. Police report that two vehicles, a Chevrolet convertible and a pickup truck collided head-on. The driver of convertible was killed, and the passenger in the car, along the the truck's driver, sustained injuries. (More details)

Bicyclist Struck, Killed
-0/3-/2006
Bohdan Kulakowski, a State College resident, was struck and killed by a van as he road his bicycle along the 1400 block of Boalsburg Road Wednesday evening.

According to police, Kulakowski, 63, was hit from behind by a van driven by 51-year-old Thomas Fry. Kulakowski was transported to Mount Nittany Medical Center, where he died after arrival.

Police have not yet determined if charges will be filed against Fry.

Make-A-Wish Day Declared
-0/3-/2006
The state House of Representatives has adopted a resolution sponsored by Representative Lynn Herman (R-Centre) declaring March 24th as “Make-A-Wish Day” in Centre County.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western Pennsylvania is a nonprofit organization which grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

“The foundation is always looking for children it can help,” Herman said. “The unanimous adoption of House Resolution 627 helps highlight its humanitarian mission.”

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western Pennsylvania, founded in 1983, has fulfilled more than 7,000 wishes of children across Western Pennsylvania and specifically 102 wishes of children within Centre County.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western Pennsylvania is having a fundraising gala at 7:00pm, Friday, March 24th, at the Ramada Inn on South Atherton Street in State College. Herman will present the resolution at the event.

Mt. Nittany Patients Received Stolen Body Tissue
-0/3-/2006
It was recently announced that New Jersey-based Bio-Medical Tissue Services had illegally obtained body tissue and distributed it nationally. Officials have now stated that some of that stolen tissue was used in surgeries at Mount Nittany Medical Center.

Bio-Medical Tissue Services allegedly took the body tissue from funeral homes without permission and failed to properly test the tissue for infectious diseases.

According to hospital officials, more than 15 Mount Nittany patients received the stolen tissue in surgeries that took place in 2004 and 2005. The patients have all been notified.

No negative reaction have been reported to-date, and the Center for Disease Control is saying that the risk is quite low. However, they are suggesting that the patients who received the tissue get tested for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis.

No Retrial For Former Wrestler
-0/3-/2006
In 2001, Jean Celestin, a former member of the Penn State wrestling team, was convicted of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old Penn State student. However, in 2005, the convication was overturned, and prosecutors have now announced that they will not retry Celestin.

The Centre Daily Times reports that the decision not to retry Celestin brings to a close a case that began with the sexual assault allegations against Celestin and his roommate, Nathaniel Parker, in 1999.(More details).

Assault Charges Filed
-0/3-/2006
The Centre Daily Times is reporting that Aaron Dillen, a State College resident, was arrested after he reportedly entered a woman's apartment illegally early Monday morning.

Dillen, 22, allegdly held out a knife and threatened to kill a female resident of the apartment if she did not tell him the whereabouts of her roommate.

Dillen was jailed on charges of burglary, making terroristic threats, simple assault, and criminal trespass. (More details.).

Huntingdon County Murder
-0/3-/2006
Doug Stenke, a 55-year-old North Carolina resident, was found dead in a Huntingdon County motel Sunday. Police have now ruled that Stenke was murdered, and three people have been arrested in connection with the case.

Monday night, police arrested Michael Macias, 24, Joseph Causey, 19, and Rebecca Matthews, 23. Macias and Matthews are known to be Huntingdon residents. According to police, Stenke had been employed at a retail store in the Smithfield Towne Center, which is located near the motel where he was found. There investigation into Stenke's death is continuing, and more details are expected to be released today.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Man Killed in Crash
-0/3-/2006
John Nelson, a Pittsburgh resident, was killed when his car crashed in Huston Township Sunday morning.

State police report that Nelson, 20, lost control of his vehicle after it left the roadway shortly after 9:00am Sunday. The car spun on the gravel shoulder and struck a tree.

According to Centre County Coroner Scott Sayers, Nelson died from a closed head injury. There was heavy fog in the area and may have contributed to the accident.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Student Injured In Fall
-0/3-/2006
Ryan Walton, a 19-year-old Penn State student, is in critical condition this morning after a six-story fall.

According to authorities, Walton climbed out of a sixth story Beaver Hall window when police busted a party where underage drinking was suspected. Walton attempted to use a makeshift rope but fell prior to reaching the fifth floor.

Walton fell approximately 55 feet and suffered severe internal injuries. He was lifeflighted to Altoona Hospital's Trauma Center, where he remains today.

LIHEAP Crisis Grants Available
-0/3-/2006
Low-income Pennsylvanians struggling to keep up with energy costs may be eligible for assistance from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Crisis grant dollars increased by the Legislature in December 2005 continue to be available until April 14, 2006.

The previous March 23rd deadline for accepting applications for crisis grants has been extended as warmer than normal temperatures prevailed leaving the PA Department of Public Welfare (DPW) with unspent funds. The legislature also authorized a first-ever state LIHEAP supplement of more than $21 million. Additionally, Pennsylvania expects to receive another federal supplement based on Congressional approval of LIHEAP funds.

LIHEAP details and an online application for energy assistance are available online at http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/LowInc/HeatAssistance/003670277.htm

Additional Charges In Murder Case
-0/3-/2006
Andrew Rogers, the Penn State student accused of killing another student, now faces charges of second-degree murder, robbery, and theft in the case. The charges are in addition to first- and third-degree charges already filed against Rogers.

According to officials, Rogers, 28, beat 24-year-old Youngcheol Park to death before robbing him and fleeing. The incident occurred on February 23rd at Rogers' Nimitz Avenue home.

Park's death was attributed to multiple skull fractures, apparently caused by blows from a rolling pin and baseball bat.

Rogers walked into a Uniontown police station February 27th, and informed the police that there was a body in his home. Rogers also told police that a third man, known only as "Sweet," was also involved in the incident. Police have not yet located Sweet.

Mosquito Surveillance Grant
-0/3-/2006
Representatives Lynn Herman (R-Centre) and Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre), along with Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre), announced Thursday that Centre County will receive $70,371 in funding as part of Pennsylvania’s Mosquito Surveillance Program.

The funding will be used for mosquito monitoring and virus surveillance programs to determine if West Nile virus is present in the county and to assist in alerting residents about the potential threat from the virus.

In 2000, West Nile virus appeared in Pennsylvania for the first time. In 2005, positive results were found in 320 humans, birds and mosquitoes throughout the state including Centre County.

The West Nile virus is primarily carried by the Northern house mosquito. Transmission by an infected mosquito to a human may result in West Nile encephalitis, which causes an inflammation of the brain. Those most at risk of developing severe illness from the virus include people over 50 years of age and those with compromised immune systems.

Because the virus is spread by infected mosquitoes, the best defense is not giving them a place to breed. Here are some things residents can do around their homes to prevent breeding areas:

- Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have collected on your property.
- Pay special attention to discarded tires. Stagnant water in tires are where most mosquitoes breed.
- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.
- Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug up the drains. Roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
- Turn over wheelbarrows, and don't let water stagnate in birdbaths. Both provide breeding habitats for domestic mosquitoes.
- Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property. Mosquitoes may breed in any puddle that lasts for more than four days.

For more information on the West Nile virus log on to the Internet and visit www.westnile.state.pa.us.

Thomas Named Smeal Dean
-0/3-/2006
James B. Thomas, dean of the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) at Penn State since its creation in 1999, will return to his roots at the university through his appointment as the next dean of the Smeal College of Business.

Thomas, who had planned to return to the faculty after announcing his resignation as IST dean effective June 30th, will assume his new deanship on July 1st. He will replace Judy Olian, who departed on January 1st to become dean of UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.

“Jim Thomas excelled at the lofty challenge of building and leading a unique academic college from the ground up,” said Penn State President Graham B. Spanier. “His leadership has helped make the College of Information Sciences and Technology a model program nationally. I have every confidence in Jim’s ability to take The Smeal College of Business and its highly regarded programs to even greater heights. We’re fortunate to benefit from his continued academic and administrative leadership for Penn State.”

“I’m honored to be able to serve Penn State in another administrative capacity,” said Thomas. “How exciting to be able to come back to Smeal and to work with such a terrific community as the college continues to grow as a leader in business education and research for a global, digital community.”

A specialist in strategic management, organizational decision-making, and information technology, Thomas had previously served on Smeal’s faculty for 12 years between 1987 and 1999, culminating in appointments as senior associate dean and professor of management and organization.

He will return to a college that has seen substantial enhancements in its undergraduate, MBA and Ph.D. programs. The latest industry resources and world-class research centers provide Smeal students with an education that equips them to confront the challenges and opportunities of today’s business world, all housed under one roof – a new 210,000-square foot business building, the largest academic facility at Penn State.

Today, The Smeal College of Business boasts a simulated Trading Room, one of only a few such technologically advanced learning laboratories in the nation, an e-Incubator Lab, an Auctions Market Lab and the Philadelphia-based Executive MBA program. Last year, the college launched the Nittany Lion Fund LLC, a student-managed investment fund in which investors have placed more than $2.5 million under the fund’s management.

Under Thomas’ leadership of the College of Information Sciences and Technology, the college grew from a full-time faculty of five in 1999 to almost 40 in 2005 at University Park. In addition there are approximately 70 faculty across the 18 Commonwealth Campuses offering programs in IST.

The number of undergraduate students at IST has gone from 100 in 1999 to almost 800 today at University Park, with an additional 1,200 studying at other campus locations. There are also 80 graduate students in the University Park-based masters and Ph.D. programs. During Thomas’ tenure, IST raised more than $20 million from private donors, corporations, and foundations, and has seen research funding grow to a cumulative total of almost $32 million. In January 2004, the University celebrated the opening of the 199,000-square-foot IST Building, which has become a landmark facility for the University Park campus.

Thomas is a Penn State alumnus with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He has a masters degree in political science from Florida State University and a Ph.D. in strategic management from the University of Texas at Austin.

He is the author or co-author of more than 100 articles, book chapters, reviews and numerous presentations. This work represents two major themes: (1) relationships between organization performance and the strategic alignment of organizational vision, information technology strategy, and infrastructure, and (2) knowledge management associated with top management team decision-making including the development of IT-related competencies. He has been a consultant with numerous companies on the issues associated with alignment and has made countless presentations on information sciences education before scholarly, industry, and government groups including the U.S. Congress.

I-99 Detour
-0/3-/2006
Motorists planning to exit I-99 in the Tyrone area today may have to follow an alternate route.

Beginning today, exit ramp 45, north and southbound, at the Tipton-Grazierville interchange, will be closed, and a detour will be in place. Traffic will now exit I-99 at the Bellwood Interchange onto Route 865 and Business Route 220 North.

The detour will remain in place while PennDOT and contractor HRI work to replace a bridge deck and perform other repairs. The $604,000 project should be completed by mid-June.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Burglary Investigation
-0/3-/2006
Centre County Crimestoppers is seeking information about a burglary that occurred overnight March 10th or early in the morning of March 11th.

Unlawful entry into the office of Dr. Michael Tinkleman, located at 1090 Zion Road, Bellefonte, was gained by breaking a window lock.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to contact Crimestoppers at 877-99-CRIME or the Belleftone Police at 353-2320.

University Calendar to Change in 2007-08
-0/3-/2006
Penn State's fall and spring semesters will become identical in format under changes that slightly reorganize the University's academic calendar effective in 2007-08.

The most notable change involves the fall semester, which will include a week-long break from classes over the Thanksgiving holiday in lieu of the shorter fall break that has been held over one or two days in October in recent years. This adjustment creates fall and spring semesters that are a uniform 15 weeks in length.

"The University wants to ensure that we are best meeting the academic and personal needs of our students and faculty," said Penn State President Graham B. Spanier.

"Over the course of the last several years there have been a number of faculty and students who raised questions about the calendar, most notably the inconsistency between the fall and spring terms. These changes bring symmetry to the calendar while addressing some other concerns," said Rodney A. Erickson, executive vice president and provost.

Starting with the 2007 fall semester, classes will always begin on a Monday prior to Labor Day, alleviating the arrival of new students mere days before a home football or Labor Day weekend. While the current one-day fall "study break" will be eliminated, students and faculty will for the first time enjoy a full break from classes during the week of Thanksgiving.

In addition to the extended break, the shift addresses class attendance problems seen during the short Thanksgiving week in recent years. It also eliminates the need for the scheduling anomaly that required the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week to follow a Friday class schedule.

The spring semester calendar remains the same. Classes will continue to resume on the second Monday in January, with Martin Luther King Jr. Day observed on the third Monday of the month. Spring break will follow the eighth week of classes.

Final exam periods during each semester again will be composed of a five-day, Monday through Friday schedule following the 15th week of classes and a two-day weekend study period. No changes are planned for the summer academic calendar.

The new schedule will apply to all Penn State campuses except The Dickinson School of Law, the College of Medicine, Penn State Great Valley and the Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Truck Forces Bypass Closure
-0/3-/2006
The driver of a loaded tri-axle truck lost control of the vehicle Tuesday morning, and the vehicle flipped onto its side and dumped its load along Interstate 99/U.S. Route 220.

According to the Centre Daily Times, the truck, driven by Todd Steele, blocked both southbound lanes of Route 220 just south of Shiloh Road. (More info).

Mine Drainage Grant
-0/3-/2006
Representatives Lynn Herman (R-Centre) and Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) announced Tuesday that a $94,677 grant has been awarded by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to Penn State University to study oxidation in mine discharges.

“Years of mining have unfortunately led to some of the nation’s worst mining damage,” Herman said.

Water has collected in about 2,000 underground mine pools in Pennsylvania and leaks have damaged thousands of miles of waterways according to DEP.

“This grant will help Penn State now and Pennsylvania’s environment in the future,” Benninghoff said.

Specifically, the grant will be used to improve eventual passive treatment of discharges by replicating the conditions that encourage oxidation.

The technical staff at the Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation (BAMR) have held discussions with Penn State University’s engineering and microbiology professors in a search for the appropriate technical assistance needed to determine the conditions under which biological oxidation occurs.

Middle School Receives Award
-0/3-/2006
The Park Forest Middle School has been awarded a Te@ch Award by Best Buy.

The school will receive a $2,500 prize for the award, which recognizes schools that enhance the K-12 learning process by integrating interactive technology into the curriculum. Technology education teacher William Hughes submitted the winning application.

The middle school will use the funds to purchase digital cameras, software, and other items for its technology education laboratories.

School Board Sets 2006-07 Calendar
-0/3-/2006
The Centre Daily Times is reporting that the State College Area school board voted 6-3 Monday night to approve the district's calendar for the 2006-07 school year.

The calendar sets the first day of school at August 31st, meaning that, for the second straight year, school will start during the Centre County Grange Fair & Encampment. The fair concludes on August 31st. (More info).

Legislature Approves EMS, Firefighting Grants
-0/3-/2006
The State Senate recently approved a new law that would pave the way for an anticipated $25 million in grants for Pennsylvania volunteer fire companies and ambulance services.

Under the new law, volunteer companies and EMS crews would have until April 30th to submit applications for the grants, and funding would be available as soon as this summer.

The grant program received strong support from both the Senate and House last year, but the funding was not included as part of the budget for Fiscal Year 2005-06 that was enacted last July. Funding for the grant program was restored and will be available this fiscal year for volunteer fire companies and ambulance.

Grants to volunteer fire and rescue companies would range from a minimum of $2,500 to a maximum of $15,000 and could be used for construction or renovation of the fire company’s primary structure; purchase or repair of firefighting, ambulance or rescue equipment; training; or debt reduction.

Volunteer fire and emergency services in the Centre Region are urged to contact Senator Jake Corman's (R-Centre) office to apply for grants under this program.

"New" StateCollege.com Re-Launched
-0/3-/2006
STATE COLLEGE, PA - March 13, 2006 - Lazerpro Digital Media Group, Inc. is pleased to announce the re-launch of the "new & improved" StateCollege.com, the company's popular local Web portal. The site, which receives about 140,000 unique readers each month, has been completely redesigned, based largely on reader input. Visitors to the "new" StateCollege.com will find the content they've used for years, along with new content, including the ability to order food online from numerous local restaurants. The content has also been reorganized to make it easier for users to find what they need quickly and easily.

"Our regular readers will recall that we originally launched a new design in late January," stated Dan Myers, President of Lazerpro Digital Media Group, Inc., the owner and operator of StateCollege.com. "Unfortunately," continued Myers, "We encountered some server issues that were unrelated to StateCollege.com but that forced us to take the new site offline for several weeks. On a positive note, while the site was offline, we were able to continue to make improvements and add new features, and our readers will now benefit from those enhancements." Myers added, "Over the past decade, StateCollege.com has grown to become the leading source of State College-related news and information. We greatly appreciate the support we have received from the local community, and we look forward to continued growth."

Recent improvements to the site include expanded search capabilities in the "Apartment Guide," "Auto Search," and "Real Estate Guide" areas, as well as the free classified and personal ad sections. Members-only areas have also been enhanced, along with the popular online Business Directory.

StateCollege.com is fully advertiser-supported – nearly 400 paying advertisers currently – and offers a wide range of free information and services to local residents, as well as those who are planning to visit or relocate to Central PA. Some of StateCollege.com's most popular content areas include the directory of local businesses, Apartment and Auto Guides, movie and entertainment schedules, national, local and Penn State news, the AccuWeather® forecasts, and local webcams.

StateCollege.com is owned and operated by Lazerpro Digital Media Group, Inc., a full-service marketing agency established in 1992 and located in State College. While best known for its website design and marketing services, Lazerpro also provides marketing planning & consulting, graphics design, copy writing, video production, and ad placement services.

To learn more about StateCollege.com or Lazerpro, please call 814-238-6201 or 800-606-4749, or visit the company’s website at www.lazerpro.com.

CDT Sale Announced
-0/3-/2006
Knight Ridder, the nation's second largest newspaper chain and owner of the Centre Daily Times, has announced that is has agreed to be purchased by McClatchy Company for $4.5 billion in cash and stock.

McClatchy, based in Sacramento, CA, is reportedly about one-half the size of Knight Ridder. The company now adds 32 daily newspapers to its stable, including the CDT, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and The Miami Herald.

Additional details of the sale are available at indystar.com.

Body Identified
-0/3-/2006
The body found at a Centre County truckstop has been identified by state police as 69-year-old Gerald Grimsley.

According to officials, Grimsley, a resident of Low Lunas, NM, appears to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was found in a pickup truck that had been parked at the Bestway Truckstop in Milesburg for several months.

Police report that Grimsley stopped at the truckstop following a visit with family members in Connecticut.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Barn Fire
-0/3-/2006
A fire in a barn located along Seth Mountain road in Taylor Township resulted in a deaths of two cows and a calf.

The blaze, which occurred Saturday afternoon, started in one barn, spread to a field and then to a second barn. Some farm equipment was also damaged in the blaze.

Fire officials continue to investigate the cause of the fire.

Hearing Rescheduled in Beating Death
-0/3-/2006
A court hearing has been rescheduled for a man accused of killing his friend at his State College apartment last month.

Centre County Court officials say the preliminary hearing for 28-year-old Andrew Rogers was continued till April 6th. Rogers is accused of the beating death of 24-year-old Penn State student Youngcheol Park at the home of Rogers on February 23rd. Authorities say Rogers then fled the scene and four days later reported to Uniontown Police that there was possibly a body in his kitchen.

Rogers is charged with first- and third-degree murder, however, his defense attorney says it was possibly an act of self-defense.

He remains locked up in the Centre County Prison without bail. Centre County District Attorney Michael Madeira has not said yet whether of not he will seek the death penalty against Rogers.

(Source: Associated Press)

Drug Bust Nets Loads of Pills
-0/3-/2006
A Lancaster County main is jailed in Centre County after police say he brought a large amount of painkillers into the county.

Members of the Centre County Drug Task Force conducted a bust buy operation in the State College area late Monday night, and that's when they arrested James Frost of Ephrata and recovered the drugs. Authorities say they found nearly 800 tablets of OxyContin and morphine pills with a street value of $7,800 dollars in his truck.

Centre County District Attorney Michael Madeira says the bust occurred after Frost agreed to sell the pills to an undercover officer.

Frost is facing felony drug charges including possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance and use of a communication facility for criminal attempt.

He is currently lodged in the Centre County Correctional Facility in lieu of $150,000 bail.

(Source: wrta.com)

Eich To Challenge Corman
-0/3-/2006
Former Centre County Administrator Jon Eich has announced that he will challenge incumbent Republican Jake Corman for the state Senate seat.

In announcing his plan, Eich stated that his campaign will focus on specific issues where Senator Corman has failed to deliver for his constituents. Education funding and fair elections were two areas cited by Eich.

Eich, a Democrat, ran unsuccessfully against Representative Lynn Herman in 2004 for the 77th District House seat. The 34th District Senate seat represents residents of Centre, Mifflin, Union, Perry, and Juniata Counties.

Two Women Struck By Truck
-0/3-/2006
Two elderly sisters were struck by a pickup truck and killed in Huntingdon Borough Monday night.

According to police, Jean Hicks, 74, and Elizabeth Wiser, 72, were killed, and Alice Sheffield, 72, a friend of the sisters, was also hit by the truck. Sheffield was life-flighted to the Altoona Regional Trauma Center for treatment, and she remains there in critical condition.

The three women were attempting to cross Penn Street when they were hit by a truck driven by Donald Phillips, 39. Phillips was not injured in the incident, and no charges have been filed thus far.

Police are working to reconstruct the accident and are waiting for forensic results from the two women.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Centre Business Park Legislation Passes House
-0/3-/2006
Legislation written by Senator Jake Corman (R-Bellefonte) that will allow the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County to develop a new business park has cleared the House today and is now before the Governor for his signature.

Corman’s legislation, Senate Bill 987, will transfer approximately 135 acres of land currently owned by the Commonwealth to the Centre County Industrial Development Corporation (CCIDC). Under the legislation, the CCIDC will pay the state $1 for the land, which is valued at $500,000.

“Today we took another step in creating a new business park in Centre County that will lead to greater economic development and job opportunities for Centre County’s residents,” Corman said. “Jobs are one of the most important issues to residents of the 34th Senatorial District, and with this measure we will create greater employment opportunities for residents of Central Pennsylvania.”

Corman has been working with the CBICC, the Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS), Benner Township, and other interested parties for several months to reach an agreement on the land transfer that will create a business park to accommodate businesses with larger land needs and will cater to both light and heavy industrial manufacturing.

Last year, Corman announced that the CCIDC was awarded a $175,000 Business in Our Sites planning grant to be used for pre-development plans for the Rockview Business Park, to be located in Benner Township. The funds will be used for environmental and feasibility studies, as well as engineering and wetland investigation. On November 4, 2005, Senator Corman and Governor Rendell held a press conference in Benner Township to outline the plans for business park.

Senate Bill 987, which passed in the Senate on November 21, 2005, is now before the Governor for his signature.

Bellefonte Man Dies In Crash
-0/3-/2006
Nathan Brumbaugh, a Bellefonte resident, was killed late Sunday in a one-vehicle accident.

According to police, Brumbaugh lost control of his vehicle and struck a tree along Route 144 in Snow Shoe Township. Brumbaugh, 21, was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from his vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Brumbaugh is believed to have been driving at a high rate of speed, and alcohol may have played a role in the accident.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Medical Center CEO Named
-0/3-/2006
Harold Louis Paz, dean of the Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine in New Brunswick, N.J., has been appointed to head the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine, effective April 24th.

Paz will take over for Darrell G. Kirch, as Penn State's senior vice president for health affairs, dean of the University's College of Medicine, and CEO of Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center upon formal approval next week of the University's Board of Trustees. Kirch will assume the presidency of the Association of American Medical Colleges in Washington, D.C., the nation's top leadership position in academic medicine.

"Penn State is incredibly fortunate to have an individual with Harold Paz's abilities and accomplishments lead our College of Medicine and our world-class medical facilities in Hershey," said Penn State President Graham B. Spanier. "His record of success and achievement in medical education, research and clinical affairs has made him a leader among his peers nationally."

It also was announced today that Craig Hillemeier, chair of the department of pediatrics and director of the children's hospital at the medical center, will assume the role of CEO and dean on an interim basis, until the arrival of Paz on April 24. Hillemeier also will serve as interim executive director of the medical center. After overseeing a significant turnaround in the financial performance and organizational reconfiguration of the medical center, David Hefner, chief operating officer and executive director, will be stepping down during this time of transition. A national search will be launched for a permanent executive director and COO of the medical center.

Paz has been dean of the Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine for 10 years, during which time he has overseen the development of a major cancer center and child health institute; participated in the creation of a children's hospital; and oversaw significant expansion in medical research, increased community partnerships and advances in medical education.

"I am honored to have been selected to lead the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine. I look forward to working with faculty, students and staff to continue the institution on its trajectory of excellence," said Paz.

Paz initially was appointed associate dean for clinical affairs for the New Jersey-based institution before being named dean. Since his arrival, the school has grown to include 2,500 full-time, part-time and volunteer faculty and more than 1,000 students on three campuses, with a total budget in excess of $400 million.

During his tenure, the institution has made significant advances in all four of its missions: medical education, research, clinical enterprise and community service. Paz led the achievement of full accreditations of the medical school and residency consortium on behalf of its 11 member hospitals; implemented major curriculum revisions to train the next generation of physician-leaders for evolving health systems; and helped the school to rank among the most diverse medical colleges in terms of underrepresented minority students.

On the research side, four new institutes were developed under Paz's direction, including the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, and total research grants to the medical school have increased significantly -- with National Institutes of Health grants alone up 88% between 1988 and 2004.

Paz's prior experience includes tenure-track positions in medicine and anesthesiology, as medical intensive care unit director, and as associate dean for graduate medical education, and associate hospital medical director at Hahnemann University School of Medicine and Hospital from 1988-1994. He also served as an instructor in clinical medicine at Northwestern University Medical School during the completion of his chief residency.

He received his baccalaureate degree in biology and psychology from the University of Rochester, and his master's degree in life science engineering from Tufts University. He earned his medical doctorate from Rochester before completing his internship and residency in the department of internal medicine at Northwestern University Medical Center. In addition, Paz completed postdoctoral fellowships -- one in pulmonary and critical care medicine and a second in environmental health sciences -- at Johns Hopkins University.

Construction Alert
-0/3-/2006
Motorists taveling on State Route 453 in the Tyrone vicinity should be aware of potential delays.

PennDOT will be drilling and blasting close to Route 453 as the construction of a truck lane begins. Motorists should be aware that long delays are possible.

The blasting will begin at 9:00am Monday morning and will continue until 3:00pm. The $6.8 million project is scheduled for completion in May 2007.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Crash Kills Teen
-0/3-/2006
A one-car crash in Huntingdon County has claimed the life of a teenager.

According to state police, Rachel Thomas, 19, lost control of her vehicle along State Route 655 in Union Township. Her car left and re-entered the roadway and then spun out of control, struck and embankment, and rolled over multiple times, coming to a stop on its roof.

Thomas and a 16-year-old male passenger were ejected from the vehicle. Both were transported to the hospital, where the male was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. A third passenger escaped with just minor injuries.

Police are continuing their investigation into the cause of the accident.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Prosecutors Will Seek Death Penalty
-0/3-/2006
Blair County prosecutors have announced that they intend to seek the death penalty against Nathan Shaw for the stabbing death of a six-year-old Tyrone boy.

Shaw, 26, is accused of murdering the boy and beating and raping the boy's mother on December 26th. Shaw is also accused of stealing the woman's car and leading Oklahoma police on a high-speed chase before crashing the car.

Shaw's arraignment took place Friday at the Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg. According to prosecutors, the boy was beaten and strangled, in addition to being stabbed.

Corman Wants DEP to Lead I-99 Clean-up
-0/3-/2006
Citing the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) repeated failure to clean-up environmental hazards created during the construction of Interstate 99, Senator Jake Corman (R-Centre) urged the Rendell Administration to put the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in charge of the project and end PennDOT's involvement.

“There’s widespread concern, frustration and anger that PennDOT is incapable of handling this very serious problem,” Corman said today during Senate budget hearings held at the State Capitol. “For almost three years, this clean-up fiasco has been like the movie Groundhog Day. PennDOT has us believe we are making progress and moving forward, then we wake up and we haven taken two steps backward. In the meantime, clean-up is delayed and this important road project is put on hold.”

Corman criticized PennDOT Secretary Allen Biehler’s remarks today in a press release that halted its plan to move millions of tons of acid-bearing rock unearthed at the Skytop Mountain site in Centre County to an abandoned mine in Indiana County. Secretary Biehler said he has “directed a halt to any of those plans while we begin an immediate evaluation of all options for disposal of this material.”

“Secretary Biehler and PennDOT should have evaluated all of its options before choosing the Robindale site,” Corman said. “Why did PennDOT cause a panic in Indiana County if all of the other options hadn’t been explored? How can the public trust that PennDOT knows what it is doing?”

“Not only is PennDOT unprepared to deal with the environmental hazards posed by this clean-up, but the department has failed to communicate or work with the public, community leaders and those affected by the hazards posed,” Corman said. “This miscommunication has resulted in a lack of trust and confidence in PennDOT’s decision-making, and a feeling that the department is not putting environmental and public safety interests first.”

During today’s hearing on the Department of Environmental Protection’s proposed budget, Corman urged Governor Rendell and DEP Secretary Katie McGinty to take over the project and to end PennDOT’s involvement in the attempted clean-up.

“It is my belief that PennDOT is and has been incapable of handling this situation and public trust is waning quickly. They clearly don’t’ know what they are doing, and I think your agency needs to take charge,” Corman said to McGinty. “This is not a highway or transportation issue, this is an environmental issue. I urge you and I will urge the governor in writing to take on this project, because there is no faith in PennDOT.”

Noting that construction work on Interstate 99 has been held up for more than three years, Corman urged the Rendell Administration not to “compound a major construction mistake with an even more dangerous clean-up mistake.”

“Enough is enough – PennDOT doesn’t have the expertise to deal with this situation, cannot find a solution and has no idea what to do next,” Corman said. “It’s time to take this out of their hands and give it to a department that can find an environmentally safe way to clean up the acid rock and get this project back on track.”

Man Killed In Tanker Accident
-0/3-/2006
One man was killed late Wednesday night when the milk tanker truck he was driving overturned along Route 477 in Lamar Township.

The tanker overturned and rolled down an embankment, stopping against some trees. Some milk leaked from the tanker into a nearby stream and DEP officials were on-site to monitor the situation.

The cause of the accident has not yet been released.

Child Stabbing Arraignment Today
-0/3-/2006
Nathan Shaw, the 25-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing a six-year-old boy, will have his arraignment hearing today in Blair County.

According to police, Shaw stabbed Jarod Klein in Klein's home on December 26th. Klein was arrested two days after the stabbing in Blackwell, OK, where he crashed a car owned by Klein's mother.

Blair County officials have not announced whether or not they will seek the death penalty.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Former PSU Football Player Faces Charges
-0/3-/2006
Scott Paxson, a former defensive lineman on the Penn State Nittany Lion football team, has been charged with sexual and indecent assault.

According to police, the charges stem from an incident that occurred more than a year ago. Paxson was arraigned and released on $150,000 bail.

Penn State's Office of Judicial Affairs investigated the incident in 2005, and Paxson was held out of football drills during the investigation. Paxson was cleared of all charges at that time.

(Source: WRTA.com)

PSU Receives Record Endowment
-0/3-/2006
The Dow Chemical Compnay has committed $2 million to endow a fund to benefit Penn State's department of chemical engineering -- the largest endowed gift made by a corporation in the University's history.

The Dow Chemical Co. and Larry Duda Excellence in Chemical Engineering Fund recognizes Penn State Professor Larry Duda for his numerous achievements in chemical engineering and Dow's strong relationship with the University. The fund will support research and instructional programs in the department through a variety of activities, such as the purchase of lab equipment, graduate student stipends, seed funding for new research initiatives and attracting and retaining faculty. In addition, Dow has designated Penn State a key recruiting university.

"The relationship between Penn State and Dow spans more than four decades, and we are deeply grateful for Dow's generosity," said Penn State President Graham B. Spanier. "It is a testament to the high quality of our programs when major companies like Dow include Penn State in the limited pool from which they recruit. We are also pleased that they have chosen to honor Larry Duda, one of our most distinguished professors, who began his career with Dow."

Duda joined Dow in 1963. He came to Penn State in 1971, and served as head of the Department of Chemical Engineering from 1983 through 2000. He also is co-director of Penn State's Center for the Study of Polymer-Solvent Systems. Duda has received numerous national awards for his technical publications and research, and for his contributions to engineering education. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and in 1998 he was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest professional distinctions that can be accorded an engineer. Duda has continued to work with Dow as a consultant, and several of his former students at Penn State are now employed by Dow.

"Larry's approach to chemical engineering as a problem-solver, innovator and collaborator has been a model for us all to follow and has had a profound impact on the success of his students-and the industry in general," said Gary Veurink, corporate vice president of manufacturing and engineering at Dow. "This financial contribution recognizes the relationship we've developed over the years, and also expresses the confidence we have in a strong future together with Penn State."

Penn State receives annual grants from Dow in support of engineering student groups and the Department of Chemical Engineering. Previous philanthropy to Penn State also includes a faculty chair in chemical engineering, support for an interview room in the MBNA Career Services Center, and research projects in agricultural sciences, chemistry, chemical engineering, earth and mineral sciences, and materials research. Dow also is a member of the Institute for the Study of Business Markets in the Smeal College of Business. The company's total giving to the University exceeds $5.5 million.

Murder Investigation
-0/3-/2006
On February 27th, the State College Police Department was notified by the Uniontown, Pennsylvania Police Department that Andrew Rogers, age 28, of 224 Nimitz Avenue, State College, appeared at the Uniontown Police Department and advised officers, “I think there may be a body in my kitchen.”

State College Police officers immediately responded to 224 Nimitz Avenue and made a forced entry into the house after observing, from outside, blood on the walls. Once inside, officers found a body of an Asian male lying on his back in the kitchen. The male had multiple injuries to his face and head. There was blood throughout the home, and it appeared that a scuffle had taken place. A bloody baseball bat and bloody clothing were found in the vicinity of the victim. The Centre County Coroner’s Office responded and pronounced the victim dead at the scene. The victim is only being identified at this time as a 24-year-old Asian male. The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.

In his statement to police, Rogers reported that he, the victim, and another friend known only as “Sweet” went together to 224 Nimitz Avenue on Thursday evening. After arriving at the home on Nimitz Avenue, a fight ensued initially between Rogers and “Sweet.” The victim also engaged in the fight. During the fight, Rogers reports to have put a choke hold on the victim, punched him, placed a garbage bag over his head, and struck him numerous times with a rolling pin that had been between the couch cushions. He also took a bottle from the victim and struck him two times with a bottle. Rogers reports that the victim then pulled a gun from a backpack at which point Rogers struck the victim on the arms with a baseball bat causing the victim to drop the gun. Rogers struck the victim a few more times. The victim went for the gun again at which point he rolled onto his back with Rogers striking him again with the baseball bat. Rogers said the victim went for the gun which was on the kitchen floor. Rogers struck the victim in the face a few more times and put the bat under the victim’s chin and placed his knees on the bat. At this point “Sweet” picked up the gun and pointed it at Rogers. Rogers covered his head and that was his last recollection of the incident until he awakened at a later time.

Once awake, Rogers put the baseball bat against the wall and ripped his bloody clothes off in the kitchen. Rogers checked the victim for a pulse but got no pulse. Rogers washed himself off, packed some clothes, and took the victim’s wallet from his pocket. Rogers reports that he fled the State College area, eventually going to the Uniontown Police Department on Monday evening to advise police of the body in his kitchen.

An arrest warrant was obtained for Rogers, charging him with murder in the first degree and murder in the third degree. State College Police detectives traveled to Uniontown and took custody of Rogers. He was arraigned before a Fayette County Court of Common Pleas Judge and was not eligible for bail. Rogers was transported to Centre County Court of Common Pleas Judge Bradley Lunsford and remanded to the Centre County Correctional Facility ineligible for bail.

A preliminary hearing for defendant Rogers has been set for Thursday, March 9, 2006 at 9:00am.

The State College Police Department is requesting assistance from the public in helping to identify “Sweet.” Sweet is described as a white male with a dark or olive complexion, early to mid 20’s, 5’ 8” to 5’ 10” tall, with brown neatly trimmed hair and neatly trimmed sideburns. “Sweet” could possibly have significant injuries to his torso.

The investigation thus far has revealed that the defendant, the victim, and “Sweet” were all known to each other and did not force their way into the home at 224 Nimitz Avenue. Additionally, the gun that was reported by Rogers to have been involved in this incident has not yet been located. It is described as a short silver or chrome handgun.

Anyone who knows the identity of “Sweet” is urged to call the State College Police Department at 814-234-7150. Anonymity can be maintained by calling the Anonymous Tip Line at 1-877-898-3784 or by going to the police department web page on the State College Borough website at www.statecollegepa.us and complete the anonymous tip form.

Truck Driver Killed In Crash
-0/3-/2006
A tractor-trailer crash along Route 22 in Morris Township left the vehicle's driver dead and the truck's contents in flames.

The driver of the truck reportedly lost control of the vehicle, left the roadway, and crashed through a fence at the J&B Tree Farm, located along Route 22 between Water Street and Hollidaysburg. The truck overturned and caught fire, and the driver was trapped in the cab.

According to police, the truck, which was registered to a New Jersey-based trucking company, was reportedly traveling at a safe rate of speed and road conditions were not bad. The driver's name was not released.

The fire burned for several hours, limiting travel along the highway for a large portion of the day.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Spring Break Advice
-0/3-/2006
The State College Police Department operates concentrated patrols in the apartment complexes, fraternity areas and residential neighborhoods during spring break; however, they are still requesting the assistance of students and others to help prevent crime while they are away.

In most cases, burglary is a crime of opportunity. Those leaving town for spring break can make a burglar’s job more difficult by taking a few simple precautions listed below:

- If possible, take valuables such as jewelry, TV’s, stereos, cameras and computers home with you, or store them at the home of a friend who is staying in town over break.
- Ask a neighbor to watch your apartment or fraternity while you are away. Observant neighbors are a valuable protection asset. You may also request a “Vacation Home Check” by contacting the State College Police Department.
- Notify your apartment manager of your departure and return date and where you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
- Stop delivery of mail, packages and newspapers or have a neighbor or friend pick up your mail.
- Give your apartment, fraternity or residence that “lived in” look. Plug a timer into lights and a radio to turn on and off at appropriate times. These items are inexpensive and easy to use. Also, arrange drapes in a normal position.
- Make sure all your doors and windows are locked. Pay close attention to sliding glass doors. Have apartment maintenance personnel repair locks that do not work properly.
- Use “Operation I.D.” and engrave your operator’s license number on valuables to deter theft and increase your chances of having your property returned if stolen. Engravers are available for loan at the State College Police Department lobby, and are free of charge.
- Store your bicycle in a secure location, preferably indoors. If you are leaving your car in town, be sure it is locked and parked in a well-lit area. Remove valuables such as CD’s, tapes and stereos.
- Protect your credit card and bank account information and minimize your risk of identity theft. Store account statements and personal checks and credit cards not being used for spring break expenses at home or at the home of a trusted friend who is staying in town over break.

Students remaining in town through spring break are asked to be observant and report any suspicious or criminal activity immediately to police by calling 9-1-1.

More information is available by calling the Community Relations, Crime Prevention Section of the State College Police Department at 234-7150.

Renovation Plans Move Forward
-0/2-/2006
Despite opposition from some citizens groups, the State College Area School Board is proceeding with its school renovation plans.

According to the district's architect, plans are 60% complete to demolish the current South Building and expand the North Building to house all students in grades 9-12.

A growing number of school district residents are questioning the current $102 million renovation plan, and a meeting on the subject will be hosted by the League of Women Voters Wednesday night at 7:00. The meeting will be held in the South Building's auditorium, and concerned citizens are encouraged to attend.

Ag Scholarships Created
-0/2-/2006
Penn State's multi-year effort to raise $100 million in private support for new Trustee Matching Scholarships across the University has received a major boost from several State College-area donors who have ties to the College of Agricultural Sciences faculty. New gifts from the Reddy, Zoumas, and Mincemoyer families totaling $150,000 will establish three awards in the College.

"Their generosity exemplifies the commitment our faculty and staff have to helping our students succeed," said Robert Steele, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences. "These Trustee Matching Scholarships will help students who may otherwise not be able to attend college."

C. Channa Reddy, head of the Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, and his wife, Usharani Reddy, have pledged $50,000 to establish the C. Channa and Usharani Reddy Trustee Matching Scholarship. First preference for the award will go to students majoring in animal bioscience. The couple's previous philanthropy to Penn State includes the Usharani C. and C. Channa Reddy Senior Award in the Schreyer Honors College.

Barry and Rosemary Zoumas of State College have pledged $50,000 to establish the Barry L. and Rosemary Zoumas Trustee Matching Scholarship, with preference given to students in agribusiness management. Barry Zoumas received his master's and doctoral degrees in nutrition from Penn State in 1966 and 1969, respectively, and is the Alan R. Warehime Professor of Agribusiness. The Zoumas' previous philanthropy to the University includes $50,000 for a research laboratory in the new Food Science Building on the University Park campus.

Betty Jane Mincemoyer of State College has donated $50,000 to create the Mincemoyer Family Trustee Matching Scholarship. Her late husband, Donald Mincemoyer, earned his bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from Penn State, and was a member of the agricultural faculty from 1978 until his retirement in 1991. Betty Jane Mincemoyer previously helped to establish three endowments at Penn State: a scholarship in the College with her husband; a scholarship in the School of Hospitality Management with her daughter, Beth Mincemoyer Egan, and Beth's husband, Rod; and the 4H/Youth Curriculum Innovation Fund, with her son, Tom Mincemoyer, and his wife, Claudia.

Trustee Matching Scholarships are designed to keep a Penn State education accessible to all qualified students, regardless of their financial means. The program, launched in 2002, has a unique matching component. The university matches 5% of each gift annually and combines these funds with income from the endowment, thus increasing the financial impact of the scholarship.

Paterno, Nittany Lions Invited to Harrisburg
-0/2-/2006
Representative Lynn Herman (R-Centre) has invited Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno and his Orange Bowl Champion Nittany Lions to be honored by the state House of Representatives.

“The 2005 season was a remarkable one for the Nittany Lions, capped by a nail-biting 26-23 triple overtime win over Florida State in the Orange Bowl,” Herman said.

The Nittany Lions finished the season 11-1 and were ranked third in the nation in the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches polls – the 13th top-five finish under Paterno.

Paterno, in his 40th season as head coach and 56th as a member of the Penn State coaching staff, improved his career record to 354-117-3. He is 21-10-1 in bowl games.

“This was a very special season for a program that many so-called experts believed was past its prime,” Herman said. “I know my colleagues, many of whom graduated from the university, are eager to meet Coach Paterno and show their appreciation for such an uplifting season.”

Stored, Closed By Fire, Holds Grand Opening
-0/2-/2006
The Dollar General Store in downtown Philipsburg, one of numerous businesses and residences damaged in a major fire last summer, held its grand re-opening Saturday.

The store suffered severe water and smoke damage in the August fire. Its employees and area residents alike were pleased to see the store re-open, an event viewed as an important step in the revitalization of the Philipsburg business district.

Several businesses were destroyed in the fire, and 12 families lost their homes.

Portland Protest
-0/2-/2006
A group of about three dozen people staged a protest against Penn State women's basketball coach Rene Portland and the university Sunday.

The protest began outside of the Bryce Jordan Center prior to the the Lady Lions' game against Ohio State and continued quietly inside the facility during the game. A rainbow-colored flag was stretched across several rows of empty seats throughout the game.

The protest was staged in response to a federal lawsuit filed against Portland and the university by former player Jennifer Harris. Harris claims that Portland discriminated against her because she thought she was a lesbian. Portland has denied Harris' allegations.

Hundreds of fans displayed signs in support of Portland during the game.

An internal investigation into Harris' allegations is being conducted by the university.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Route 45 Pile-Up
-0/2-/2006
A pile-up that ultimately involved 15 vehicles forced police to close Route 45 in Gregg Township for several hours Thursday morning.

According to state police, the accident occurred near Spring Mills just past 8:00am. The initial accident involved eleven vehicles. Four additional vehicles then crashed while trying to avoid the initial pile-up. One of the vehicles rolled over.

Despite the high number of vehicles, few injuries were sustained. One teen was treated for a head injury, and a second individual received a minor injury.

Authorities believe the accident was caused by a fast-moving storm that produced icy conditions on the roadway.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Car-Buggy Accident
-0/2-/2006
State police at Rockview responded Tuesday to a collision between a car and a horse-drawn buggy in Aaronsburg.

According to authorities, the buggy, driven by a 16-year-old boy pulled into the path of a vehicle driven by Jennifer Ronk, 20, as Ronk was driving west along Route 192.

The boy, whose name was not released, was life-flighted to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. Ronk and a passenger in the buggy sustained minor injuries.

Spanier Appeals for Funding
-0/2-/2006
Penn State President Graham B. Spanier was in Harrisburg Wednesday for a hearing before the House Appropriations Committee on the governor's proposed 2006-07 funding for Penn State. The meeting was Spanier's 11th appearance before the committee as president of Penn State.

"The funding a state provides to its public institutions not only sends a definitive message about its priorities, it also provides a hint of what the state's future may hold," said Spanier. "For Pennsylvania, its investment in public higher education has failed to keep pace at exactly the wrong time -- a time when the key to economic prosperity is a well-educated workforce and research discoveries that will produce technological innovation."

Earlier this month, Gov. Edward G. Rendell proposed a 2006-07 appropriation to Penn State of $322.4 million, with $14 million in additional funds for Hershey Medical Center through the Department of Public Welfare budget. This represents an overall proposed increase of 3.3 percent for Penn State - a funding level nearly equal to the appropriation received by the University five years ago.

Lifelink PSU Story To Be Televised
-0/2-/2006
The story of special students who participate in the State College Area School District's Lifelink PSU program will be featured in a program to be aired by Penn State Public Broadcasting on Friday, February 24th, at 10:00pm.

Lifelink PSU, a program for special needs students aged 18-21 years, is a partnership between the school district and Penn State University. The students spend their days on Penn State's campus with PSU student mentors.

The television broadcast features participants' struggles and triumphs as they strive for personal independence.

Deer Census Planned
-0/2-/2006
In an effort to determine just how many white-tailed deer inhabit Pennsylvania, the state has hired a firm to perform a head-count from the air.

In an expanded survey process that began last year, a plane equipped with an infrared camera will fly over more than 500,000 acres of the state's woodlands. The objective of the survey is to count the current deer population and estimate the habitat's ability to support the herd.

The 505,000 acres to be surveyed in 2006 is more than double the amount surveyed last year.

Murder Charges Filed
-0/2-/2006
The State College Police Department has filed first- and third-degree murder charges against Josephy Alberto Ventura, 27, of 660 East Prospect Avenue, Apartment C, State College, in connection with the murder of Michael F. Donahue.

Ventura is charged with intentionally and maliciously stabbing Donahue in the chest with a knife at Club Love, located at 129 ˝ South Pugh Street, on February 17th.

Josephy Ventura was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Jonathan Grine on February 21st. Following the arraignment, a bail hearing was held before Court of Common Pleas Judge Charles C. Brown. Centre County District Attorney Michael Madeira requested Ventura be incarcerated in the Centre County Correctional Facility and that bail be refused due to the serious nature of the offenses. Judge Brown refused bail.

The preliminary hearing for Ventura has been scheduled for 9:00am, Tuesday, February 28th.

State College Police request that anyone who may have witnessed this incident and has not yet spoken with a State College Police Officer, please contact Det. Ralph Ralston at 814-234-7150.

Prison Scandal
-0/2-/2006
An investigation into a drug an check scandal at the State Correctional Institution in Cresson has resulted in the arrest of ten individuals, one of whom is a corrections officer at the facility.

PA Attorney General Tom Corbett explained that the arrests were the concluding step of a 10-month investigation.

Arrested were Clarence Johnson, a 30-year-old corrections officer, and four other men, two of whom were inmates at SCI Cresson. The men face multiple felony drug-related charges. Five other individuals, two of whom are inmates, were also arrested and charged with participation in a check forging scheme.

According to authorities, the police investigation began in May 2005 when a tip was provided claiming that Johnson was smuggling drugs, primarily heroin and cocaine, into the prison. A subsequent grand jury investigation uncovered the check forging scheme, in which an inmate was generating bogus checks on a typewriter and then forwarding them to two other men for distribution.

The investigation is continuing to try and determine whether or not the scheme extended beyond the SCI Cresson walls.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Transportation Institute Receives Grants
-0/2-/2006
Senatpr Jake Corman (R-34) announced Tuesday that Penn State’s Pennsylvania Transportation Institute (PTI) will receive two state grants totaling over $650,000 for alternative fuels projects.

Corman said the PTI’s hydrogen and hybrid research center in Centre County will receive a $550,556 grant that will be used to continue research that began one year ago on hydrogen as the fuel of the future. PTI will also receive a $119,277 state grant that will be used to design and implement an advanced alternative powertrain to reduce emissions and fuel consumption in fire trucks.

Both grants were awarded under the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant program, written by former state senator J. Doyle Corman.

Sen. Corman has been a long-time proponent of hydrogen fuel cell technologies. Two years ago he included $2,110,000 in grant funding in the state’s capital budget for Penn State to construct a hydrogen fueling station on campus.

“I will continue to steer funding to Penn State that will help in producing long-term solutions to the nation’s energy consumption issues,” Corman said. “Penn State is a leader in alternative energy research and this funding helps Penn State bring innovative technologies to the market to benefit us all.”

Zack Mills to Coach at Temple
-0/2-/2006
Zack Mills, a four-year starter at quarterback for Penn State from 2001-04 under Joe Paterno, has been named offensive graduate assistant coach at Temple by head coach Al Golden.

Mills becomes the fourth former Nittany Lion letterwinner on the Owl staff, joining Golden (TE, 1989-91), defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio (LB, 1989-91) and running backs coach Jeff Nixon (RB, 1996). “I knew when I got the head coaching job at Temple University I would be hiring Zack Mills as our offensive graduate assistant,” said Golden. “Zack had contacted me long before that and expressed a strong interest in entering the coaching profession. I met Zack when I was coaching at Penn State and obviously, he went on to have a great career for the Nittany Lions. Zack is a winner in every sense of the word. He was not a heralded recruit out of high school but willed himself into the starting role and was elected team captain. Zack is excited about the opportunity to learn from someone as knowledgeable as Coach DeLeone and thrilled to be back in Pennsylvania. I get the sense that Zack will apply the same leadership and work ethic to his coaching endeavor that he did as a player. He will be a great role model and asset to our players.”

Mills was presented the Hall Foundation Award as Penn State's outstanding senior player in 2004, when he served as team captain. The Ijamsville, MD standout concluded his career owning or sharing 18 school passing and total offense records. His 41 career touchdown passes and sixteen 200-yard passing games are tied for the PSU lead. His 7,796 career total offense yards are a school record and good for ninth place all-time in the Big Ten rankings.

Mills, who played in the 2005 Las Vegas All-American Classic, became the first player under Paterno to throw, catch and run for a touchdown in a game when he achieved the scoring trio in the 2004 season opener versus Akron. In 2002, he was a semifinalist for the coveted Davy O’Brien Award, presented to the nation’s top quarterback.

Mills, born May 1, 1982, received a bachelors of science degree in kinesiology in December 2004. Cited on the Dean’s List as a junior and senior, he received the 2004 Big Ten Sportsmanship Award for outstanding sportsmanship and community service.

Marathon Raises Record $4.2 Million
-0/2-/2006
After logging 48 hours of activity, last night thousands of sore feet and tired eyes were refreshed by a new high, as Penn State students, volunteers and supporters celebrated a record-setting $4,214,748.18 at the 34th Annual Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.

THON 2006, themed "Together We'll Prevail," topped 2005's fund-raising total by nearly $100,000. Proceeds benefit The Four Diamonds Fund, based at Penn State Children's Hospital at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, which supports children and families fighting pediatric cancer, as well as pediatric cancer research.

Penn State Hazelton was the University's commonwealth campus with the highest fund-raising total, at $33,778.74. Among Greek organizations, perennial leaders Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and Zeta Tau Alpha sorority once again posted top earnings, this year with $300,277.

This year marked THON's last inside Rec Hall, which has housed the event since 1999. In 2007 THON moves across campus to the much larger Bryce Jordan Center, which will offer better amenities for student dancers and for Four Diamonds families visiting the event. In addition, the new venue will be better able to accommodate the thousands of visitors and supporters who come to witness the popular dance marathon, particularly those who may have been turned away previously during THON's final emotional hours.

The largest student-run philanthropy in the world THON has raised more than $34 million since its inception in 1973.

Student Stabbed, Killed
-0/2-/2006
Michael Donahue, a 22-year-old Penn State student, has died after being stabbed in the heart early Friday morning.

According to police, Donahue was apparently stabbed as he tried to break up a fight at Club Love in downtown State College. Donahue underwent emergency surgery to repair a hole in his heart, and doctors had to perform heart massage for more than one hour.

Joseph Ventura, 27, was arrested and accused of stabbing Donahue. Ventura is currently being held in the Centre County Correctional Facility on $3 million bail.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Fire Cause Not Arson
-0/2-/2006
State fire investigators announced Thursday that the fire that the destroyed Bellefonte's historic Bush House Hotel last week was not intentionally set.

Investigators were able to determine that the blaze began in the building's interior first floor. And while they may never know the exact cause of the fire, they were able to determine that it was not arson.

Man Dies Trying to Rescue Calf
-0/2-/2006
Indiana County authorities have reported that 71-year-old Vaughn Brady, an Armstrong Township resident, died Wednesday night as he tried to rescue a calf from an ice-covered pond.

According to authorities, Brady had tied a rope around himself and secured it to a tractor wagon. The rope apparently came untied, and Brady fell into the pond. Hours later, Brady's son called authories after discovering the tractor sitting next to the pond.

Brady's death has been ruled accidental.

(Source: WRTA.com)

THON Online
-0/2-/2006
For the second year in a row, students from the College of Communications plan to take a classroom assignment from conception to reality and provide live streaming audio and video coverage of the 2006 IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.

In addition, Penn State Public Broadcasting will stream its Thon coverage from 7:00pm Friday, February 17th, through 7:00pm Sunday, February 19th, at both its home site of http://www.wpsu.org and on Penn State Live at http://live.psu.edu/ online.

WPSU also will air its video feed on Penn State University Park campus' cable Channel 9 for those who receive the campus cable system.

The 48-hour event, known to most simply as "Thon," is believed to be the largest student-run philanthropy in the world.

Members of the Comm 487: Telecommunications Administration class taught by Kerrie Aman Carfagno plan to spearhead the students' Web-streaming effort. They hope to improve upon a blueprint for success crafted by members of last year's class.

During Thon last year, the student Webcast attracted nearly 10,000 users in 27 countries and sparked an 83% increase in online donations, generating $23,648.

Established in 1973, Thon has raised more than $30 million for The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Medical Center to benefit children with cancer. Coordinators of the student Webcast hope their effort draws even more attention and support for Thon as well as an increase in online donations.

Still, providing a link to Thon for cancer-stricken children who cannot attend remains the primary goal of the Webcast. By visiting http://www.thon.org or http://www.comm.psu.edu online, visitors can get a sense of the emotion and energy of Thon weekend.

"We want to give the students at (Penn State) Hershey Medical Center who cannot make it up to State College the chance to experience Thon in some way," said Julio Negron, the student Webcast team leader and a senior majoring in telecommunications and informations sciences and technology. "The added global exposure of an online Webcast just helps Thon's mission of fighting pediatric cancer."

Along with the effort and energy of the students, the Webcast relies on the assistance of several Penn State departments, specifically the College of Communications, the College of Information Sciences and Technology and Information Technology Services.

"It's an exciting process. From the students' initial idea in class to its implementation, everyone involved has been supportive," said Carfagno, a 1994 graduate of Penn State who danced in Thon while she was a student. "That level of commitment -- especially because we've been able to carry it from one year to the next -- makes such a big project really enjoyable and exciting."

Swann Only Remaining Republican Candidate
-0/2-/2006
Lynn Swann now stands alone as the only Republican candidate in the race to be Pennsylvania's next governor.

Swann was left alone when Jim Panyard dropped out of the race Tuesday. Panyard, a retired president and CDO of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association, said he withdrew from the race because he was unable to attract enough media attention or raise enough money.

Recent polls have shown that Republican voters are unsure about Swann's qualifications to be governor. There is concern that Swann has appropriate experience to lead the state.

Currently, Governor Ed Rendell maintains a double-digit lead over Swann in the race.

Student Fatality
-0/2-/2006
State College Police have reported that Xiaohui Xia, the 25-year-old Penn State graduate student struck by a vehicle on February 9th, died Tuesday evening at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, apparently from injuries sustained in the accident.

Police are still investigating the crash and are awaiting a final report from accident reconstructionists.

District Offices Closed Monday
-0/2-/2006
Representative Lynn Herman (R-Centre) is advising residents of the 77th Legislative District that his district offices in State College and Philipsburg will be closed Monday, February 20th, in observance of Presidents’ Day.

Presidents’ Day was created by the so-called Monday Holiday Law of 1968, which became effective in 1971 and which moved a number of federal holidays to Mondays.

This has made the third Monday in February a day for honoring Presidents Washington and Lincoln, as well as all the other men who have served as president.

The State College office is at 301 S. Allen St., Suite 102, Allenway Building. The phone number is (814) 238-5477.

The Philipsburg office is at 130 N. Front St. The phone number is (814) 342-5411.

Herman said the offices will reopen Tuesday, Feb. 21.

I-99 Cleanup Complaints Continue
-0/2-/2006
Complaints about PennDOT's plan to clean up the acid rock problem near the Skytop location of the I-99 construction project are now coming from outside Centre County.

Approximately 300 residents of Cambria and Indiana Counties attended a meeting Monday night to voice their concerns about PennDOT's plan to haul one million tons of pyritic rock from the Skytop site to an abandoned mine site in Indiana County. After being shouted down multiple times, state officials agreed to re-evaluate their latest cleanup plan.

The current plan calls for 165 trucks per day to travel from Centre County to the Indiana County dump site, and residents along the route have expressed concerns about the increased heavy truck traffic.

A meeting on the same subject will be hosted by the state DEP on March 7th.

Fire Cause Still Unknown
-0/2-/2006
Concerned that they may never find the cause, fire investigators are continuing to search through the rubble of the Bush House Hotel in Bellefonte to try to identify the source of the blaze that destroyed the building.

The state police fire marshal has stated that, to this point, they have no reason to believe that the fire was deliberately set.

Officials hope that the removal of debris from the site will uncover the fire's source.

Two Die In Crash
-0/2-/2006
Paul Burns and his mother, Barbara Burns, were killed early Sunday morning in an accident that is being blamed on icy road conditions.

According to state police, Paul Burns, 33, lost control of his pickup truck along Dix Run Road in Union Township. The vehicle left the roadway and slammed into a tree. Burns and his mother, 54, were pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger in the vehicle, Bonnie Hosterman, was transported to the Altoona Medical Center's trauma unit in critical condition.

Child Safety Seat Clinic
-0/2-/2006
The State College Police Department, in partnership with the Ferguson Township and Patton Township Police Departments, the PA State Police and the Blair County Safe Kids Coalition, is offering child safety seat checks on Saturday, February 18, 2006 from 9:00am until 12:00pm.

The event, which is free of charge, will be held at Stocker Chevrolet at 701 Benner Pike and celebrates National Child Passenger Safety Week. Certified child safety seat technicians will be available to check child seats for defects and insure proper installation in vehicles.

Police officers will be on hand to answer questions and provide safety information concerning the seat belt/child safety seat laws, which have been in effect since February 21, 2003. Drivers are urged to always wear a seat belt and properly restrain children under the age of eight (8) in an age appropriate child safety seat, because seat belts and child safety seats save lives and reduce injury on the highways.

Remember: Click-it or Ticket!

Residents Voice Concern About Clean-up
-0/2-/2006
At a meeting with state DEP officials Wednesday night, residents of Patton Township voiced their concerns about the proposed acid rock clean-up plan in the I-99 construction zone.

The residents want officials to assure them that the $42 clean-up project will solve the problem. Officials replied that removing the rock will remove the source of the problem, and they expect groundwater and stream quality to return to pre-construction conditions.

PennDOT officials added that, should acid problems continue after the rock is removed, they will construct one or two water treatment facilities to remedy the situation.

Current plans show that PennDOT will have to remove millions of tons of pyritic rock from the Skytop area. The rock will be hauled to a mine site in Indiana County. The process assumes about 4,000 tons of rock will be hauled away daily and is expected to take about a year to complete.

Concerns about the heavy truck traffic on Route 220 have also been voiced. Hauling is scheduled to take place between 5:00am and 10:00pm Monday through Fridan and 5:00am to 6:00pm Saturday and Sunday.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Car-Pedestrian Accident
-0/2-/2006
Xiaohu Xia, a Penn State student, was struck by a car and seriously injured Thursday morning.

The accident occurred at about 9:00am as Xia, 25, was crossing South Allen Street. He was life-flighted to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, where he remains in critial condition. The driver of the car, 73-year-old Clifford Warner, was uninjured.

Anyone who may have witnessed the accident is asked to contact State College police at 234-7150.

Fires Destroys Bush House
-0/2-/2006
The Bush House, a 138-year-old Bellefonte landmark burned to the ground yesterday in just a few hours.

Approximately 150 firefighters from numerous fire companies responded to the blaze that was reported just before 7:00am. Police were first to arrive on the scene, and they discovered smoke billowing from the top of the four-story building. All of the doors were locked, which police took as a sign that no one was inside the building.

Firefighters entered the building a few minutes later. They were only able to remain in the building for about 15 minutes, as flames had spread rapidly from the first floor to the fourth. Most of the building that housed seven businesses, including Schnitzel's Tavern, collapsed by 9:00am.

The state fire marshal is expected to arrive on the scene today to investigate the cause of the fire. The investigation is expected to focus on the building's multiple furnaces and a retaurant kitchen.

Firefighters expect that the fire may have been burning up to an hour before it was discovered. The age and construction of the building, along with the lack of sprinkler or fire alarm systems, contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

Ken Kempton, the owner of the Bush House, was in shock over the fire. He said he received a call about the fire at around 7:00am, but he did not remember who made the call.

Remarkably, the fire was contained to the Bush House, and the 130-year-old building next door was not damaged. Representatives from the state Department of Environmental Protection and the PA Fish & Boat Commission were called in to monitor the quality of the water in Spring Creek. No problems have been reported thus far.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Senate Approves Emergency Response Grants
-0/2-/2006
The State Senate on Wednesday approved a bill that would pave the way for an anticipated $25 million in grants for Pennsylvania volunteer fire companies and ambulance services, according to Senator Jake Corman (R-34), who strongly supported the measure.

Under House Bill 599, volunteer fire companies and EMS crews would have until April 30th to submit applications for the grants, and funding would be available as soon as this summer.

“We recognize the vital service provided by volunteer firefighters and ambulance corps and the important role they play in many communities across the state,” said Senator Corman. “Unfortunately, many companies are finding it difficult to cover the rising costs of equipment and training. These grants will provide much-needed assistance to these important community organizations.”

Senator Corman said the grant program received strong support from both the Senate and House last year, but the funding was not included as part of the budget for Fiscal Year 2005-06 that was enacted last July.

“I am very pleased that funding for this important grant program was restored and will be available this fiscal year for our volunteer fire companies and ambulance workers,” Corman said. “We owe a debt of gratitude to our volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services crews. With these grants, we can support the invaluable service they provide to our communities.”

Grants to volunteer fire and rescue companies would range from a minimum of $2,500 to a maximum of $15,000 and could be used for construction or renovation of the fire company’s primary structure; purchase or repair of firefighting, ambulance or rescue equipment; training; or debt reduction.

Grants to volunteer ambulance services would range from $2,500 to $10,000 and could be used for construction or renovation of the ambulance company’s primary structure; purchase or repair of ambulance equipment; office equipment and support services, training; or debt reduction associated with the above.

Scranton Ends Campaign
-0/2-/2006
Gubernatorial candidate Bill Scranton has announced that he is ending his campaign.

Scranton's announcment was made four days before the state's Republican party leaders are expected to announce the party's endorsement of candidate and former Pittsburgh Steelers star Lynn Swann. Swann has received enough unofficial support to claim the party's endorsement.

Scranton claimed that his campaign and message were strong, and he had planned to continue campaigning without the Republican party endorsement. He changed his mind, however, when he realized that it would be very difficult for him to win the necessary number of precincts.

Complaint Alleges Hate Speech
-0/2-/2006
Vicky Cangelosi, a political adversary of USG President Galen Foulke, recently filed a hate-speech complaint against Foulke.

Cangelosi, a student senator and a College Republican chair, claims that Foulke was offensive when he made a speech that compared a Ronald Reagan speech with Hitler Youth rhetoric. She stated that Foulke's speech was embarrassing and called for his resignation.

Foulke, also a registered Republican, said that Cangelosi's claims were not fair. He said he saw Reagan's speech to the Young Americans for Freedom and made the comment that it reminded him of Hitler's speech to the Hitler Youth.

Foulke said he has heard from the university regarding Cangelosi's complaint, and the university advised him to be careful with his comments.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Radio Grant
-0/2-/2006
Representative Lynn Herman (R-Centre) will present a $5,100 grant check he secured from the state to Philipsburg Borough officials to purchase emergency radio equipment.

“This grant will help the borough purchase the equipment without placing a great strain on the borough’s budget or on taxpayers,” Herman said.

The state funds will be used to pay for communications radios so the Philipsburg Fire Department will be able to direct traffic, control crowds and communicate with incident commanders.

“As first responders, they are a line of defense in our homeland security efforts,” Herman said.

Hotel Evicts Hockey Team
-0/2-/2006
State College Police report that they assisted with the eviction of the Marist College hockey team from the State College Ramada Inn.

According to police, the hockey team was warned twice by hotel managemnt about causing too much noise. Finally, at approximately 6:30am, police were summoned to the scene to aid with the team's eviction from the South Atherton Street hotel.

Borough Retains Tax Increase
-0/2-/2006
State College Borough Council members voted Monday night to retain the 2006 property tax increase.

When the tax increase was originally approved in December, council members said it was needed to overcome an expected revenue shortfall in an important source of state funds, the emergency & municipal services tax. However, the state legislature has failed to take action on the EMST, so the funding may not be reduced, prompting a discussion to lower the local tax increase.

In voting to maintain the increase, council members cited the uncertain fate of the EMST as the reason for retaining the tax. If the state decides to raise the minimum income limit for the EMST to $12,000, State College could lose about $400,000 in tax revenue.

Council members said that retaining the tax this year may help prevent a tax increase next year. Funds collected under the EMST this year are allocated to the borough's final Schlow Library payment, the Musser Gap preservation project, and a reserve fund for capital projects.

Council also noted that, due to the homestead-exemption clause, most borough homeowners will see a slight reduction in their property taxes this year.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Four Charged in Thefts
-0/2-/2006
Local police have filed charges against four individuals accused of stealing numerous items from unlocked vehicles.

Charges have been filed against Nicholas Schreiner, 18, Melissa Colby, 22, Paul Johnson, 18, and Christopher Riddle-Hatcher, 19. Schreiner, Colby, and Glenn are State College residents, while Riddle-Hatcher listed a Pine Grove Mills address.

Stolen items include cell phones, digital cameras, sunglasses, and CD players. The items were stolen from cars parked in neighborhoods throughout Patton and Ferguson Townships.

Riddle-Hatcher and Johnson were also charged last week with robbing the Sheetz convenience store along Valley Vista Drive. The robbery took place on September 29th, and the thieves left with $983.

The four arrested parties have been arraigned and jailed in the Centre County Correctional Facility.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Tax Forms Available
-0/2-/2006
As Pennsylvanians begin to prepare tax returns, Senator Jake Corman (R-34) would like residents to know that his offices have various forms, including those that offer property tax rebates. Corman’s district offices have Pennsylvania tax forms and Property Tax Rent Rebate forms available.

Low-income seniors and permanently disabled Pennsylvania residents can apply for up to $500 as a property tax or rent rebate. To qualify for the program, claimants must be one of the following:

• 65 years of age or older,
• 50 years of age or older and widowed, or
• 18 years of age or older and permanently disabled.

Annual household income must not exceed $15,000, but only 50% of Social Security & Railroad Retirement benefits count towards that calculation. Black lung benefits are completely excluded.

For tax year 2003, over $125 million was distributed through the program. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is funded through the Pennsylvania Lottery.

Individuals may call or visit any one of Corman’s district offices to receive the Property Tax/Rent Rebate application (PA-1000). The application deadline is June 30th, and rebate checks will be mailed beginning July 1st.

Christian College Proposed
-0/2-/2006
A group of local clergy are considering the possibility of establhishing a small Christian college in close proximity to Penn State's main campus.

The Reverend Paul Grabill, the pastor leading the effort, announced that organizers would like to have 50-200 students in class for the fall of 2007. The school's curriculum would be designed to appeal to students of varying evangelical backgrounds, and ideally, credits earned would apply to a Penn State graduation.

A similar relationship is in place between Temple University and Messiah College. Penn State officials say it is still too early in the process to know if such a relationship will work here.

Temple University in Philadelphia has a similar arrangement with Messiah College.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Man Charged with Child Sex Abuse
-0/2-/2006
Miles Calhoun, a resident of Waupelani Drive in State College, faces 45 felony charges of possessing child pornography.

According to police, Calhoun, 56, allegedly downloaded the pornography from the Internet. He was reported to police by a roommate, who found a file containing images of nude Asian children hidden under the sofa.

A search of the apartment performed by state police uncovered photographs of young, nude girls, along with computer disks containing images of young girls engaging in sexual acts with older men.

Calhoun was placed in jail in lieu of $10,000 bail, and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for February 8th.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Swann Receives County Endorsement
-0/2-/2006
Campaign officials for gubernatorial candidate Lynn Swann has released a letter from the Bucks Conty GOP stating that Swann has "near unanimous" support of Republicans in the county.

Bucks County gets to cast 18 votes when the state Republican committee meets to determine which candidate it will endorse in the gubernatorial campaign. Unofficially, Swann has received 187 plegdes from committee members who are eligible to vote.

A minimum of 180 votes is needed for the official endorsement. Lieutenant Governor Bill Scranton currently has 133 votes.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Man Arrested for PSU Burglaries
-0/2-/2006
Clinton Teeter, a Port Matilda resident, is behind bars this morning, charged with 23 burglaries on Penn State's campus over the past year.

According to police, Teeter committed the burglaries between November 2004 and November 2005. Teeter allegedly stole $8,000 in cash and merchandise, including fishing rods, golf cllubs, and electronic items.

Police suspect that many of the stolen items were sold to purchase drugs.

National Hotel Chain Interested in Downtown Location
-0/2-/2006
State College's Downtown Improvement District has announced that a national hotel group has expressed interest in setting up operations in the proposed Fraser Centre complex.

DID representatives said there are currently no plans to add a hotel to the complex, which will host a 10-screen cinema. Right now, obtaining financing for the new complex is the top priority.

The parties involved in the Fraser Street complex are hoping to receive up to $6 million in state funds to help finance the project. State Senator Jake Corman has said he will support the use of state funds for the project, but only if public improvements are included.

The proposed Centre will be located at the corner of West Beaver Avenue and South Fraser Street. Current plans include the cinema, condominiums, and an underground parking garage.

Prior to building the complex, the borough must complete plans to realign the West Beaver Avenue and South Fraser Street intersection. Federal funds have been requested for that project.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Clearfield County Man Charged with Murder
-0/2-/2006
Jeffrey Stiner, a Morrisdale resident, has been charged with the murder of Emory Rinehart.

Two weeks ago, firefighters responded to a blaze at Rinehart's home and found Rinehart's body inside.

According to police, Stiner, 47, has confessed to shooting Rinehart, 73, and setting the house on fire. Stiner now faces criminal homicide and theft charges. It is not yet known if prosecutors will seek the death penalty in the case.

Courthouse Renovations at $2.6 Million
-0/2-/2006
Renovations at Centre County's new courthouse annex are just about complete, and the price tag, about $2.6 million, is a hefty one.

Centre County purchased the former M&T Bank building in Bellefonte in 2004 for $240,000. Since then, the building has undergone renovations to make room for the county's new judge, a courtroom, and other offices. Those renovations include a $5,200 chandelier and $2,800 wooden courthouse benches. Unexpected costs included thosse associated with asbestos abatement, leveling the third floor, and removal of the bank vault to make room for an elevator.

On a positive note, the county saved and estimated $36,000-$39,000 by purchasing the wooden benches on eBay and having them refinished.

The final price tag exceeds original estimates, but county officials believe it was still a good deal for the county.

The restoration was completed in December, and Bradely P. Lunsford, the county's newest judge, has moved into his second-floor offices. An open house is scheduled for February 21st.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Another Senate Candidate?
-0/2-/2006
State Senator Jake Corman plans to announce later this week that he will be seeking re-election for his third term in 34th District seat, and he may find himself opposing a new Democratic candidate.

John Eich, a State College resident, has announced the he may soon begin circulating petitions to obtain the support he needs for the Democratic nomination. Eich has been active in local politics as a 20-year employee of the Centre County government. He most recently served as the county's administrator.

Eich and other prospective candidates are permitted to begin circulating petitions on February 14th.

Child Porn Arrest
-0/2-/2006
Miles Calhoun, a State College resident, is behind bars this morning, facing child pornography charges.

According to police, a search of Calhoun's residence uncovered numerous photos of nude young girls, along with magazines, books, and computer files.

Calhoun faces 45 counts of sexual abuse of children. He is being held in the Centre County Correctional Facility on $10,000 bail.

Clean-up Cost Estimated at $40 Million
-0/1-/2006
PennDOT officials have announced that two projects to remove and treat pyritic rock in the Skytop region of the I-99 construction site will cost about $40 million.

The first step of the clean-up project involves the removal of 675,000 cubic yards of tainted rock. The rock will be transported to one site near Ebensubrg, Cambria County, and a second site in Centre County. The removal project will cost about $26 million.

Remaining pyritic rock will be treated in place at a cost of $14 million.

PennDOT will release more specific details about the clean-up project at a news conference to be held this morning in Hollidaysburg. Applications seeking DEP approval of the clean-up project will be submitted later today.

The new section of I-99 is now scheduled to open late in 2007.

(Source: WRTA.com)

House Approves Change in School Bid Process
-0/1-/2006
The state House has approved legislation proposed by Representative Lynn Herman (R-Centre) that raise non-bid maximums for school district purchases.

“The cost of labor and raw goods has increased in the 15 years since the bid limit was changed,” Herman said. “This measure will save school districts and taxpayers thousands of dollars.”

Under current law, all contracts in excess of $10,000, unless specifically excluded, must be competitively bid by school districts and awarded to the lowest responsible bidder following advertising for bids. In addition, written or telephonic price quotations must be obtained from at least three qualified and responsible contractors for contracts that exceed $4,000 but are less than $10,000.

House Bill 1866 increases the dollar amount requiring full advertising and bidding of contracts to $18,000 and the range requiring written or telephonic quotes from $4,000 to $10,000 to $7,000 to $18,000.

Similar bills were passed for other political subdivisions.

“The ability to make relatively small purchases without the time and expense of advertising and bidding will be more efficient and save money for school districts. Savings to the districts ultimately means saving our taxpayers money,” Herman said.

Herman, who chairs the House Local Government committee, said House Bill 1866 also includes a provision to adjust the new limit through indexing. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) annually will determine the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) and adjust both the competitive bidding and telephonic price quotation figures. Once the indexing begins the new number will be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin before Jan. 1 of each year.

“Indexing is fair and efficient,” Herman said. “As it stands, only the General Assembly can change the non-bid contract numbers. With indexing, our school districts and local governments will not have to wait years to obtain adjustments that correspond with escalating costs for materials and services.”

Herman is a co-sponsor of the other 17 bills in the legislative package, which includes legislation that increases the non-bid contract limits and inserts the indexing provision in laws governing Pennsylvania’s counties, boroughs, townships and numerous authorities.

House Bill 1866, which passed 191-1, now goes to the state Senate for consideration.

Car Stolen, Crashed
-0/1-/2006
Shannon Brubaker, a resident of Duncansville, Blair County, was charged by police for stealing a car in downtown State College and crashing it in Ferguson Township.

According to police, Brubaker, 23, was intoxicated when she stole the vehicle Monday morning. Brubaker allegedly approached a man at the Minit Mart on North Atherton Street and asked him for a ride. The man refused and entered the store. When he left the store, his car was missing.

The man whose car was stolen was later transported to the site of crash along West Pine Grove Road in Ferguson Township, where he identified his car and the woman.

After trying to elude police, Brubaker was restrained and refused a blood-alcohol test. She is now free on $5,000 bail.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Man Killed in Crash
-0/1-/2006
Scott Long, a resident of Munson, Clearfield County, died after he crashed his car in Rush Township early Sunday morning.

According to police, Long lost control of his vehicle along Cassanova Road. The vehicle left the roadway, struck a tree, went airborne and slammed into another tree.

Long, 29, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing his seatbelt.

Police are continuing their investigation into the cause of the accident.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Nittany Bank Merger Complete
-0/1-/2006
Nittany Financial Corporation, the parent of Nittany Bank, has announced that its merger with National Penn Bancshares Inc. has been completed.

Nittany Bank will continue to operate under its current name and will be a division of National Penn Bank. Its management team will also be retained.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Accused Murderer to Stand Trial
-0/1-/2006
Nathan Shaw, the Blair County man accused of fatally stabbing a six-year-old boy and raping his mother, has been ordered to stand trial on the charges against him.

The boy's mother testified at Shaw's preliminary hearing Friday. She stated that, on December 26th, Shaw approached her from behind, duct taped her mouth, and choked her until she lost consciousness. She said she awoke later to find her hands tied. Shaw then allegedly raped her and left. The woman testified that she was able to crawl downstairs, where she found her son with a knife in his neck.

Shaw fled scene in the woman's car and was arrested two days later in Oklahoma. According to his attorney, Shaw has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

United Way Announces Fundraising Result
-0/1-/2006
At its annual meeting and campaign fniale held at the Penn State Coference Center Hotel, the Centre County United Way announced that it raised a total of $2,035,456 for its 2005 campaign. The amount raised is 11% more than the amount raised in 2004 and a 2% increase over the $2,000,000 goal. Proceeds will be distributed to United Way members in the spring.

Tom Murrey, Centre County United Way Chair for the 2005 campaign, commented, "The community support for this landmark campaign was overwhelming. We had more companies with first-time employee campaigns than ever before. The dollars raised will be very well spent by the supported agencies."

The Penn State United Way campaign raised a record $828,831, which is $24,254 more than in 2004.

New StateCollege.com Temporarily Offline
-0/1-/2006
Due to technical difficulties, the "new & improved" StateCollege.com website has been taken offline and the previous version of the site restored.

Dan Myers, President of Lazerpro Digital Media Group, the owner and operator of StateCollege.com, reported that the new portal design was temporarily taken offline to correct some server-related issues. Stated Myers, "We received a lot of very positive feedback about the new design, and our technical staff are working aggressively to correct the issues and get the new design back online. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our readers, and we greatly appreciated our readers' patience and understanding. We anticipate getting the popular new design back online promptly. In the meantime, the StateCollege.com design that our readers have used over the past five years is available and current."

StateCollege.com is viewed by 140,000 readers each month. The site's content is available free-of-charge and is supported by approximately 400 local advertisers.

Lawyers Attempt to Get Portland Suit Dismissed
-0/1-/2006
Lawyers representing Penn State women's basketball coach Rene Portland have asked a federal court to dismiss the discrimination suit filed against Portland and the university.

Jennifer Harris, a former member of Portland's team, has alleged that Portland discriminated against her because she thought she was a lesbian. She filed the lawsuit in December.

Penn State and its athletic director Tim Curley are being represented in the case by the State College law firm of McQuaide, Blasko, Fleming, and Faulkner. Curley is named in the suit under the allegation that he aided Portland's discrimination.

The university's investigation into the allegations against Portland began last fall and is on-going.

The National Center for Lesbian Rights is also participating in the lawsuit in suppor of Harris. The suit seeks damages for Harris and wants to require the university to provide gender and sexual orientation-related training for its athletic staff.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Preliminary Hearing for Accused Murderer
-0/1-/2006
Nathan Shaw, the man accused in the stabbing death of a six-year-old boy in December, will have his preliminary hearing in Hollidaysburg today.

According to police, Shaw, 25, killed Jarod Klein with a stab wound to the throat. Shaw also allegedly raped and severely beat Klein's mother. Shaw stole the mother's car and was arrested two days later when he crashed it into a bridge in Blackwell, Oklahoma.

The judge in the case will hear the evidence against Shaw and determine if Shaw should be bound over for trial. The hearing was moved from Tryone, the site of the crimes, to Hollidaysburg for security reasons.

The hearing is scheduled to begin at 9:00am. officials have not yet disclosed if they plan to seek the death penalty in the case.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Geisinger Clinic Receives Approval
-0/1-/2006
Patton Township supervisors granted their approval Wednesday for Geisinger Health System's plan to construct a large health clinic near the Gray's Woods interchange of I-99.

The supervisors listened to two hours of public comment on the plan, including opposition from a Penn State administrator, the Altoona Regional Health System, and Mount Nittany Medical Center. Concerns focused on the facility's potential impact on the quality and cost of healthcare in the Centre Region. The plan was approved, however, with a 4-1 vote.

Representatives from Mount Nittany Medical Center said after the vote that they will continue to oppose the new clinic. Others claim Geisinger is circumventing a federal moratorium on limited-service hospitals by calling the new facility a medical clinic. Geisinger discounts that claim, stating that their doctors depend on Mount Nittany just as all other area doctors do.

While some argued that the additional infrastructure and medical personnel would drive up healthcare costs in the region, others believe the addition of the Geisinger facility will increase competition and lead to lower costs and more healthcare options.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Teen Enters Not Guilty Plea in Double-Murder Case
-0/1-/2006
David Ludwig, the 18-year-old Lancaster man accused of killing his girlfriend's parents, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of criminal homicide.

Ludwig allegedly shot Michael and Cathryn Borden inside their home on November 13th. The shooting followed an argument between Mr. Borden and Ludwig over Ludwig's relationship with 14-year-old Kara Borden. Ludwig and Kara Borden fled the state following the shootings and were later captured in Ohio.

Ludwig is currently being held without bail in Lancaster County Prison, and his trial is schedule for early September.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Hospital Files for Bankruptcy Protection
-0/1-/2006
Philipsburg Hospital administrators have announced that the hospital has filed for bankruptcy.

The hospital will now reorganize under Chapter 11 protection, and, according to the administration, hospital patients will not be affected by the filing. The hospital will maintain all of its services, and all staff members will be retained.

The bankruptcy filing is intended to give the hospital some relief from its creditors. Long term plans for the facility include expansion.

PennDOT to Request Clean-up Permit
-0/1-/2006
PennDOT officials have announced that they will seek approval from the Department of Environmental Protection to implement its I-99 clean-up plan in the Skytop Mountain area.

A 30-day public comment period will begin after the applications are submitted and will conclude with a public meeting led by the DEP.

Early indications are that PennDOT will request two permits. One will seek permission to haul pyritic rocks to locations in Cambria County and Worth Township. The second permit will outline the plan for treating the rocks that remain on-site.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Woman Pleads Guilty to Interference
-0/1-/2006
Crystal Frederick, a Huntingdon County resident, entered a guilty plea to charges that she interfered with the investigation into a double murder.

Frederick, 28, admitted to disposing of shell casings from the gun allegedly used in the murder that took place in Mount Union in December 2004.

Stephen Baker, Jr., 29, has been charged with the murders Jessica Wills and Tirelle Dixon. Police claim Dixon, 21, and Wills, 20, were shot by Baker during a drug deal.

(Source: WRTA.com)

COG Leaders Question School Plans
-0/1-/2006
Two local elected officials issued harsh comments and questions at members of the State College School Board Monday evening regarding the district's $102 million school renovation plan.

At the monthly meeting of the Centre Region's Council of Governments' General Forum, which includes representatives from six municipalities, Ferguson Township Supervisor George Pytel and College Township Counciilman David Koll voiced concerns about the project's cost. Pytel noted that the project will force school taxes to increase by $200 to $400 per year per household. He also noted that many of his constituents are against the project due to its high cost.

Koll accused the school board of not effectively communicating with the district's residents. He also questioned why the school board voted against renovation plans when the price was estimated to be just $68 million.

Paul Suhey, co-chair of State High VISION, a citizens group supporting additional analysis, was not in attendance Monday; however, he commented later that the school board lost support for the project when the price tag escalated to $102 million.

The State College Area School District serves 80,000 residents, including Penn State students.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Herman Requests I-99 Timetable
-0/1-/2006
Representative Lynn Herman (R-Centre) is calling on state Transportation Secretary Allen D. Biehler to provide a timetable for the construction of temporary ramps and the opening of lanes on the completed portion of Interstate 99 from Bald Eagle to Port Matilda.

“Action must be taken to provide safer and more expedient travel through the Port Matilda area,” Herman said.

“Recently, four people were badly injured in a horrific crash on a stretch of Route 220 in Houston Township, and on January 13th, the driver of triaxle dump truck escaped injury when his truck rolled onto its side and dumped its cargo, forcing crews to close the highway between Bald Eagle and Port Matilda for more than three hours,” said Herman in a letter to Biehler.

Herman arranged for an informational meeting of the state House Transportation Committee and officials of PennDOT on December 14th. At that meeting, Herman called on PennDOT officials to open the lanes of the highway that were completed or nearing completion.

Herman noted during the committee meeting and in his letter to Biehler that traffic, fatalities and accidents have escalated in the Port Matilda area as the State College area continues to grow.

Reader Poses Questions for School Board
-0/1-/2006
In response to the debate regarding the State College Area School District's plan to move forward with its $102 million school renovation project, a StateCollege.com reader is asking concerned district residents to pose the following questions to the school board:

1) Ask them about the dangerous proximity of the apartments to the high school. Known heroin drug dealers occupy those places and students have been caught in apartments doing many activities not appropriate for the school day or the success of our teens. Plus older siblings often get apartments and lend them to their younger, high school age brothers and sisters who sneak over during class time to party. This is a problem that will not be prominent on a new site. Ask the school district security Guards. Those people have not been consulted yet on design factors of the new school.

2) Ask also about the cost of matching up with an older building. Isn't the grossing factor greater on a part remodel part new renovation project than on a new project? The grossing factor is the area of square footage not usable for classroom space such as wall thickness, dead end walls needed to match new with old, etc. Normal is 25-30%; they are over 40%. This means they have to build more square footage to get the same usable area they have now. A new school on a new site has a much smaller grossing factor like 25-33%. There is more wasted space in matching to an old building. KEEP IN MIND that every percent wasted is worth a million bucks on a project this costly.

3) Ask them if the transportation study they have done for other sites used NEW bus routes when the travel costs to new sites were considered. It looks like the travel distances were calculated using the same old bus routes for all sites. This is not accurate.

4) Ask if they use GIS transportation networking software to determine their bus routing now. It could save a bundle of money in bus costs and prevent duplication of routes and reduce travel time and mileage.

5) Ask them if they aware of why the upper level of the south building was built as a raised upper level in the first place. Any old timer will tell you that when it was added on in the early 70s it was built that way due to the very tough limestone that was found in that hillside behind the school. They will have to do a lot of blasting to level that site to make playing fields. Blasting is almost out of the question due to the apartments behind the school. On the north side, the reason the Community Field is a hill side is again due to bed rock. Blast that and they just might get and un expected drain of the pool some night.

6) Ask what they will cut when the cost goes up? Ask if they are building more science rooms than we now have. From what I hear, they are building some bigger science rooms due to new regulations, but they are not going to provide the same storage space for science supplies. Are teachers expected to store large quantities of chemicals IN the classrooms as opposed to a safe storage area?

The ideas and opinions expressed above do not necessarily reflect those of the StateCollege.com editorial staff, the site's owner Lazerpro D.M.G., Inc. or the employees thereof.

Readers are encouraged to submit supporting and opposing viewpoints by posting them on StateCollege.com's Town Hall.

'New & Improved' StateCollege.com Launched
-0/1-/2006
Lazerpro Digital Media Group, Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of a redesigned StateCollege.com, the company's popular local Web portal. The site, which receives about 140,000 unique readers each month, has been completely redesigned, based largely on reader input. Visitors to the "new" StateCollege.com will find the content they've used for years, along with new content, including the ability to order food online from numerous local restaurants. The content has also been reorganized to make it easier for users to find what they need quickly and easily.

"When we launched StateCollege.com in 1996," stated Lazerpro President Dan Myers, "We believed that it would be popular among State College residents, but the site's success has far surpassed our expectations."

Myers continued, "StateCollege.com is clearly the most popular resource for anyone looking to find information about a local business, service, event, or the State College community itself. And we're very proud of the fact that StateCollege.com is completely supported by local businesses; advertising from businesses outside of Central PA is not accepted. We designed the website as a service to the local community, and it remains that today. Our monthly readership is more than double that of the Centre Daily Times, and most of StateCollege.com's traffic comes from right here in Central PA. When the redesign process began, we sought input from our readers, the people for whom the site was designed. And we are pleased that we have been able to incorporate many of the suggestions we received. We've got some great things planned for the future, and it's exciting to think about where StateCollege.com will be in another 10 years."

StateCollege.com is fully advertiser-supported – more than 350 paying advertisers currently – and offers a wide range of free information and services to local residents, as well as those who are planning to visit or relocate to Central PA. Some of StateCollege.com's most popular content areas include the directory of local businesses, Apartment and Auto Guides, movie and entertainment schedules, local and Penn State news, the AccuWeather® forecasts, and local webcams.

StateCollege.com is owned and operated by Lazerpro Digital Media Group, Inc., a full-service marketing agency established in 1992 and located in State College. While best known for its website design and marketing services, Lazerpro also provides marketing planning & consulting, graphics design, copy writing, video production, and ad placement services.

To learn more about StateCollege.com or Lazerpro, please call 814-238-6201 or 800-606-4749, or visit the company’s website at www.lazerpro.com.

Sexual Assault Reported
-0/1-/2006
Kyle Boslego, a State College resident, was arrested Sunday on assualt charges.

Boslego, 19, faced charges of terroristic threats, aggravated assault, simple assault, and reckless endangerment for allegedly choking and threatening the life of a woman. The incident occurred in the Stratford Drive area early Sunday morning.

Boslego was jailed in lieu of $150,000 bail pending a February 1st preliminary hearing.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Officials Warn of Phone Scam
-0/1-/2006
The PA Department of Health is warning the state's residents about an on-going phone scam.

According to health department officials, the scammers are offering discounts and a $1,000 shopping spree, but in order to do so they must disclose personal and financial information.

Anyone who feels they may have been a victim of this scam should contact their banks and put them on alert for fraudulent activity.

Anyone who receives a suspicious phone call should obtain as much information as possible and contact the state attorney general's office at 800-441-2555 to file a complaint.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Sub Shop Robbed
-0/1-/2006
Police are searching for a man who robbed the PSU Sub Shop on East College Avenue early Friday morning.

According to police, the man entered the store shortlly after 10:00am, display a silver handgun and demanded cash. He fled from the store with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The robber was described by a store employee as a white man in his 30s. He was wearing blue jeans and a red, white, and blue nike windbreaker.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact their local police.

PSU CIO to Retire
-0/1-/2006
Gary Augustson, who has served as Penn State's first and only chief information officer for the past 24 years, has announced his intention to retire from the University this summer.

As vice provost for information technology, Augustson is responsible for more than 500 University employees managing telecommunications and computing activities across Penn State's 24-campus system. His leadership has helped the University become a national leader in applying information technology to the challenges faced by higher education.

"Gary has always kept Penn State on the leading edge of IT innovation, and he also has been a leader in advancing the national higher education infrastruture," said Penn State President Graham B. Spanier.

Augustson was brought to Penn State in 1982 by then-president John Oswald with the charge of bringing together the elements of information technology that were spread throughout the University, and building an operation responsible for harnessing emerging technology for the benefit of the teaching, learning and research mission of the University. While his title has changed over the years, this basic mission has remained.

“When I came to Penn State, we didn't have a telecommunications organization; we didn't have a teaching and learning organization; we didn't have a computer network security organization,” said Augustson. “Much of what we have today didn't exist 20 years ago, and it had to be created for Penn State to be a competitive institution.

“I think we've built one of the finest staffs and one of the finest support functions of an organization our size in the country, and it has become a strength of Penn State,” he added. “We've developed a very strong national reputation for what we've done in building the infrastructure to support a learning environment and helping to support research activities.”

Augustson's focus has been on facilitating and creating learning communities and supporting research. As a result, the information technology infrastructure at Penn State is flexible enough to support the University's varied academic and administrative activities. That infrastructure includes a vast computing network, innovative administrative systems for fast, interactive access to academic and business information, library information access tools, high-technology classrooms designed to enhance learning, and mechanisms to ensure the security and integrity of these information resources.

"Gary Augustson has provided leadership for the development of an IT organization that is the envy of our peers across the nation,” said Rodney A. Erickson, executive vice president and provost of the University. “A key to this success has been his vision for the many ways that information technology improves Penn State’s ability to excel in teaching, research, and outreach.”

Augustson's impact among his peers nationally is no less significant than the leadership he provided at Penn State. He helped spearhead higher education's national networking efforts and has played a key role shaping the position of colleges and universities on national information technology policy. Among his notable contributions, he chaired the Internet2 steering committee, which launched Internet2 in 1996.

In 2001, he was awarded Educause's Excellence in Leadership Award for his extraordinary effectiveness, influence, statesmanship and lifetime achievement both at Penn State and in the broader higher education community. Educause was one of several organizations that Augustson helped lead during his tenure at Penn State.

A specific date for the start of his retirement this summer will be set pending the development of a transition plan for the office. A national search for his replacement will be initiated in the coming weeks.

“I want us to change drivers and not slow down,” said Augustson of the transition that lies ahead for the University's information technology operation. “You can only do that from a position of strength, and that's where we are at Penn State. I expect that someone can come in and take us to an even higher level going into the future.”

As for his own future, Augustson and his wife, Jill, plan to spend more time with their two daughters and two grandchildren. He also looks forward to expanding his travel schedule, with the Caribbean, Colorado and Alaska among his most anticipated destinations.

Republican Party Dinner
-0/1-/2006
Big names in politics turned out for the Republican Party's Lincoln Day Dinner Thursday night at The Penn Stater Conference Center.

Attending the fundraiser were Greg Sahd and Jim Matthews, candidates for Lieutenant Governor, and Lynn Swann and Bill Scranton, gubernatorial candidates. The guest of honor, however, was Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA).

Swann and Scranton discussed the state's economy, and Scranton challenged Swann to a debate. Santorum's speech focused on his past accomplishments and his re-election goal.

Townships Receive DEP Grants
-0/1-/2006
Centre County townships, Taylor and Worth, have received grants totaling $2,680 under the Department of Environmental Protection’s Sewage Facilities Enforcement Grant program.

Rep. Lynn B. Herman (R-Centre) announced the awards and said, “By awarding these grants to Taylor and Worth townships, an assurance is given to the community that the sewage facilities and septic systems are properly permitted and installed, thus making our neighborhoods environmentally stable and friendly.”

The grants include:

- $1,585 to Taylor Township
- $1,095 to Worth Township

The grant money will be used as a reimbursement of 50% of the township’s eligible expenses for performing the sewage enforcement provisions of Act 537 of 1966, the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act.

The Sewage Facilities Act requires local agencies to administer a permitting program for the installation of septic systems. The purpose of the program is to establish uniform standards to prevent outbreaks of public health and environmental problems from substandard or malfunctioning septic systems. Properly functioning septic systems treat, distribute and dispose of sewage through a clean, economic and efficient process.

Fratnernity Members Waive Preliminary Hearings
-0/1-/2006
Kyle Knepper and Christopher Becht, Kappa Sigma members accused of providing alcohol to a 19-year-old woman who later fell from a third floor window, waived their rights to a preliminary hearing Thursday.

Knepper, 22, and Becht, 22, face three counts of selling or furnishing liquor or malt or brewed beverages to minors and unlawful acts relative to liquor, malt, and brewed beverages.

According to police, Becht and Knepper provided the alcohol that the woman drank during a drinking game on November 18th. The woman later suffered severe injuries when she fell from a fraternity window.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Free Student Aid Guides Available
-0/1-/2006
Sen. Jake Corman (R-34) announced Thursday that Pennsylvania’s Guide to Student Aid 2006-07 is now available for students and their families who are looking for financial aid options and available programs to help defray the costs of postsecondary tuition.

“Choosing a career and selecting the right school to get you there are the first important decisions for a young adult,” Corman said. “The Student Aid Guide can help get you started to reach your desired goals.”

According to Corman, students can receive the guides by calling his district offices, talking to their school counselor or by calling PHEAA directly at 717-720-2509. Students and their families can also find information resources in EducationPlanner.org, a college planning website that assists students in choosing a career, selecting a school, and applying for admission and finding aid. The site is home to one of the world’s largest free scholarship databases offering more than 1.8 million awards worth nearly $8 billion.

For more information on student aid and loan forgiveness programs available through PHEAA, please contact PHEAA at 1-800-692-7392 or visit www.PHEAA.org.

Sen. Corman, who is a board member of PHEAA, represents the 34th Senatorial District that includes Centre, Mifflin, Juniata, Perry and Union Counties.

Skilled Laborers and Materials Needed for Katrina Reconstruction Team
-0/1-/2006
Central Pennsylvania's Katrina Reconstruction Task Force is organizing a team of electricians, plumbers, dry-wallers, and painters needed for renovations of the Bayou La Batre, Al. Police Station.

The town’s old station was flooded twice by recent hurricanes. A daycare center has been purchased and is being converted into a new station.

3 waves of teams will travel to Alabama between February 6th and 15th. No team will be away more than 5 days.

Along with skilled workers, the following materials and/or donations for materials are needed:

5 toilets
5 sink banisters
22 interior doors
7 double closet door
5,000 square feet of drywall
12 gallons of paint and primer
6,000 square feet of vinyl tile
misc. electrical supplies
misc. framing material

To volunteer or donate materials, call 814-574-9121 or sign up online by clicking the "Doing Our Part" link on Statecollege.com.

Donations can be made to “KRTF’ C/O Nittany Bank P.O. Box 10283 State College, Pa. 16805

Balfurd Clean-up
-0/1-/2006
The owner of the former site of the Balfurd Cleaners has agreed to a state request to modify the site's clean-up plan.

The land owner, Blue Mountain Harmony, has promised to complete clean-up operations prior to constructing an apartment building on the site at 320 West Beaver Avenue. The excavation of contaminated soil is expected to begin soon. The soil is contaminated with tetrachloroethylene, better known as PCE, as far as 12 feet underground.

Tests have also shown that PCE is present in State College groundwater, in College and Ferguson Township springs, and at the Penn State firefighter training facility.

Balfurd officials reported that they stopped using PCE two years ago; however, other dry-cleaning operations operated on the site prior to Balfurd.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Altoona Shooting
-0/1-/2006
Altoona police responded Wednesday night to a report of a shooting at 901 8th Avenue. Upon arriving at the scene, police discovered that two males had been arguing and fighting, and at the conclusion of the fight, one of the men pulled out a handgun and fired at the other man.

The man who was shot at was described by police as a 21-year-old black male. It is believed that the man was not hit. A shell casing, some marijuana, and a partial box of ammunition were found at the scene.

The alleged shooter fled the scene with two other individuals in a dark colored SUV. He was described as a black man in his early 20s.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Altoona Police Department.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Penn State Employee Charged With Theft
-0/1-/2006
Penn State police have announced that Mandi Shirey, a former staff assistant, has been charged with stealing from the university.

Shirey allegedly stole more than $47,000 from the university by keeping tuition checks from international students. Police were notified of the accounting shortage in November, and Shirey resigned from her position in December.

Home Burglarized
-0/1-/2006
State College police are investigating a burglary in which multiple electronic items were stolen from a home.

According to police, the burglary occurred while the home's occupants were in Florida to attend the Orange Bowl. Shortly after returning, the occupants discovered that an iPod, Nintendo Gameboy, and DVD camcorder were missing. No signs of forced entry were evident at the home located along West Main Street. The value of the items was estimated to be between $1,150 and $1,250.

Anyone with information should contact the State College Police Department at 234-7150.

Large Donation for State Theatre
-0/1-/2006
John Hook, the executive director of downtown State College's State Theatre, announced Monday that the local Re/Max realty firm has made a large donation to the theatre.

To recognize the donation, the theatre's ticket center will be named the "Re/Max Box Office" for at least five years.

Hook stated that efforts remain underway to name other parts of the theatre in recognition of large donations. Naming donation amounts start at aboout $50,000. Re/Max's donation amount was not disclosed.

Renovation efforts at the State Theatre building are on-going, with the completion scheduled for October at a total cost of approximately $4.5 million. Supporters still need to raise $2.5 million to cover material, equipment, and operating costs.

The theatre project has already received nearly $1.6 million in government grants, along with more than 700 private donations.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Herman Announces Retirement
-0/1-/2006
State Representative Lynn Herman (R-Philipsburg) made it official Monday, when he announced that he will not seek re-election to his 13th term.

After holding his public office for nearly 24 years, Herman, 49, said he is stepping down to spend more time with his family.

Herman, who was elected to office in 1982, voted in favor of the pay raise for the state's lawmakers in July, and he accepted nearly $5,000 in unvouchered expenses. When the pay raise was repealed in November, Herman returned about $3,800, claiming that the remainder of the money had been given to charities.

Ken Bailey, a Rush Township bus driver, and Matt Shaner, a businessman from Patton Township, have announced plans to seek the seat vacated by Herman. Scott Conklin, a Centre County Commissioner, is running for the Democratic nomination.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Multiple Burglaries Reported
-0/1-/2006
State College and Ferguson Township police are investigating a rash of 10 burglaries that appear to be related.

According to police, burglars broke into multiple area businesses by prying open doors. Meyer Dairy on South Atherton Street, the Frame Factory on Westerly Parkway, and Mio Zio on East College Avenue were burglarized late Saturday night or early Sunday morning. Burglary attempts also took place at Home Delivery Pizza, College Garden Nursery, and Angelo's Bridal. Ferguson Township Police also reported burglaries or attempted burglaries at Foreign Car Parts, The Granary, Nittany Bible Church, and Watkins Dariette during the same time period.

Anyone with information about the burglaries should contact the State College or Ferguson Township Police Departments.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

‘Renovate Vs. Build’ Discussion Comes to StateCollege.com
-0/1-/2006
As the real voice of State College and surrounding communities, StateCollege.com is pleased to provide an online forum dedicated to the State College Area School District’s planned $102 million school renovation project.

The forum, accessible via a link on StateCollege.com’s home page, provides links to the school district’s renovation plan website, as well as a link to the website for State High VISION, a citizen’s group that believes the school board has not fully evaluated all of its options or accurately assessed public opinion of the project. Also provided is a link to a Townhall forum dedicated to an online discussion of the renovation project.

So let your voice be heard! Review the information provided by the two opposing sides of this issue, then post your opinion on StateCollege.com’s Townhall.

Police Investigating Burglaries
-0/1-/2006
State Police at Rockview are looking for man who reportedly burglarized three Centre County homes in December.

According to police, the break-ins occurred in Milesburg during the daylight hours of December 12th. The suspect is described as a white male in his 20s, with blond hair, a pony tail, and some facial hair.

Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to contact the state police at Rockview.

New Warden Hired
-0/1-/2006
Ed DeSabato has been hired as the new warden of the Centre County Correctional Facility.

DeSabato served as deputy warden under Martin Kovacs and has been interim warden since Kovacs left the job last week to begin a new job with the state Department of Corrections Training Academy in Elizabethtown.

The warden position was offered to all county employees; however, none officially applied for the job.

DeSabato served as Kovac's deputy warden at the Cambria County Prison prior to coming to Centre County in 2004. His starting salary will be $58,177 per year, with a performance reviewed to be held in six months.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Accident Closes Route 220
-0/1-/2006
A dump truck driven by Raymond Querry, a James Creek resident, crashed on Route 220 Thursday, closing the highway for three hours.

The accident occurred shortly before noon near the Bald Eagle intersection. Querry, 51, swerved to avoid hitting stopped traffic. His truck ran into a drainage ditch and rolled onto its side, dumping its load onto the roadway. Police were force to detour traffic around the intersection.

Querry was not injured; however, the truck was severely damaged.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Judge Permits Wal-Mart Employee Lawsuit
-0/1-/2006
Wal-Mart employees in Pennsylvania who say the company pressured them to perform work without pay have received approval to move forward with a class-action lawsuit.

The lead plaintiff in the lawsuit, Dolores Hummel, claims that she regularly performed off-the-clock work in order to meet her job requirements. Wal-Mart denies Hummel's claim, saying it pays its employees for all of the work they do. Hummel's suit is similar to others filed in other states.

A jury in California awarded $172 million to Wal-Mart employees who worked without pay over lunch breaks. A similar case in Colorado was settled by Wal-Mart for $50 million.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Evidence Backs Murder Charge
-0/1-/2006
According to police, they have recovered several items that support the murder and assault charges against Nathan Shaw, the Tyrone man accused of killing a six-year-old boy.

The evidence against Shaw includes a bloody white turtleneck, size 5T, that was found in the vehicle Shaw crashed when trying to elude police in Oklahoma. Police also found a train ticket from Johnstown to Tyrone that was dated December 26th, the day of the murder. The shirt and other items have been sent to the state police lab for analysis.

Shaw remains in the Blair County Prison, and his preliminary hearing has been scheduled for January 17th.

Former Nurses' Aide Waives Hearing
-0/1-/2006
Andrew Chapman, a former Mount Nittany Medical Center nurses' aide accused of assaulting a patient, waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wedneesday.

Chapman, 25, faces charges of aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, and indecent exposure for allegedly exposing himself to a female patient and touching the patient inappropriately.

According to the victim, Chapman made inappropriate sexual advances to her while she was a patient at the hospital in July 2005. Chapman's employment at the hospital was terminated shortly thereafter.

Chapman remains free on $50,000 bail.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Police Seek TV Thief
-0/1-/2006
The State College Police Department is investigating a burglary/theft that occurred on December 29th between the hours of 1:00AM to 2:00AM.

An unknown white male described as approximately 5’11”, thin build, medium/dark hair with medium length sideburns, wearing a horizontal striped outer jacket/sweater, blue jeans, and blue t-shirt entered a third floor apartment at University Towers, 458 E. College Avenue and stole a Panasonic 50” flat screen television set.

The suspect’s image was captured on several video cameras throughout the building, and photos may be viewed at http://www.statecollegepa.us/index.asp?NID=631.

Anyone who may be able to identify the suspect or have information regarding this burglary/theft is asked to call the State College Police Department at 814-234-7150 or submit an anonymous tip online.

Students Face Drug Charges
-0/1-/2006
Two Penn State students will faces charges to drug offenses that allegedly took place in dormitories.

Vincent Paglione of Ambler and Dana Foster of Queens, NY have been charged with possession of marijuana. Charges against Foster stem from an incident that occurred November 11th in Beaver Hall. Paglione's charge follows a December 8th incident in Stuart Hall.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Accused Killer Back In PA
-0/1-/2006
Nathan Shaw, the man accused of killing six-year-old Jarod Klein and assaulting Klein's mother in Tyrone on December 26th, has been returned to Pennsylvania.

Upon his return to the State Correctional Institution at Houtzdale, Shaw was transported to Tyrone where he was officially charged with Klein's murder. He will also face charges of beating and raping Klein's mother, Christina Mouio.

Shaw is being held in Blair County Prison without bail. His preliminary hearing has been scheduled for January 17th.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Conklin To Seek State Office
-0/1-/2006
Democratic Party sources close to Centre County Commissioner Scott Conklin announced Monday that Conklin will seek the Democratic nomination for 77th District state representative. Conklin is expected to make the announcement official at a Tuesday presss conference, which will follow the county commissioners' regular meeting.

The representative seat that Conklin is expected to seek has been held by Representative Lynn Herman since 1982. Candidates for the seat mounted after state lawmakers voted in July to award themselves a large pay raise. Herman supported the raise and took advantage of the "unvouchered expenses" legislation to collect the money immediately.

The lawmakers' pay raise was revoked November 8th; however, the public outrage has continued, prompting two Republicans -- Matt Shaner and Ken Bailey -- to announce plans to challenge Herman. Herman is expected to announce this month whether or not he will seek re-election.

Conklin ran against Herman in 1996, but lost the election. He was defeated by Jake Corman in 1998 for the state Senate seat, before being elected to his county commissioner post in 1999.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

School Renovation Plans
-0/1-/2006
Despite pleas by a community group to stop, the State College Area School District is moving forward with its school renovation plans.

The community group claims that it makes more sense to construct a brand new school building. However, at a special meeting held Monday evening, school board members reinforced their decision to move forward with the renovation plan. The South Building will be torn down, and the North Building will be expanded to accommodate the entire student population.

The renovation project is expected to begin in spring and be completed in 2009.

Punxsutawney Shooting
-0/1-/2006
Robert Fenn, Jr., a Punxsutawney resident, has been jailed on attempted murder charges following a weekend shooting.

According to police, Fenn, 38, fired a nine-millimeter handgun in the direction of three people who were standing in a parking lot along East Mahoning Street. The incident occurred just after 3:00am Saturday. No one was injured.

Police took Fenn into custody shortly after the shooting, and he remains in Jefferson County Jail in lieu of $75,000 bail.

Jesse Jackson To Speak At PSU Commemoration
-0/1-/2006
As part of the weeklong commemoration of the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. at Penn State's University Park campus, the Rev. Jesse Jackson will be featured as keynote speaker on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Eisenhower Auditorium. The speech will be part of the MLK Day of Service celebration, which begins at 7:00pm.

Tickets for Jackson's appearance are free and will be available for Penn State students (with Penn State ID) beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 8:00am to 5:00pm at the Eisenhower Auditorium box office; from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the HUB-Robeson Center Information Desk; and from 10:00am to 6:00pm at the Penn State Downtown Theatre Center. Any remaining tickets will be available to Penn State faculty, staff and students (with Penn State ID) beginning Thursday, Jan. 12, and to the general public on Friday, Jan. 13, at the same locations. Two free tickets will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

Recalling the words of King's final sermon, as well as his historic speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, "Wake Up! Realize the Dream" will serve as the theme for Penn State's 2006 Martin Luther King commemoration at University Park.

The commemoration's theme is represented in a design by graphic arts major Katie Causer, a senior from Frederick, Md. Her design -- a partially open door offering a small glimpse into a bright and colorful expanse -- captures the idea that there is a bright future waiting if society can make King's dreams a reality.

"I interpreted the theme to mean the work isn't done yet," Causer said. "As a society we have become complacent and we need to realize there is still progress to be made. I was trying to represent the idea that Dr. King has opened the door to the dream but it is up to us to walk through it."

Thomas Poole, associate vice provost for Educational Equity, said the theme, suggested by USG Day of Service student co-directors Theodore "T.J." Jackson and Denise Ziobro and chosen by the campus/community MLK Jr. commemoration planning committee, incorporates ideas from King's last sermon, "Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution," which was inspired by the Washington Irving story "Rip Van Winkle," and King's most famous speech, "I Have a Dream."

"The theme encourages us to shake our apathy and stay alert for opportunities to make Dr. King's dream a reality," Poole said.

Causer said she wanted her design to work in tandem with the commemoration's theme to encourage members of the Penn State community to act in King's legacy.

"I have always admired Martin Luther King's work," she said. "During my research for the poster, I was reading a lot of Dr. King's speeches and written works. He encouraged his followers to act as model citizens without worrying about revenge. Dr. King wanted us to get past the wrongs in the past and focus on living right in the future. I wanted to use this concept in my design because the MLK committee had stressed the importance for students to get out and act on Martin Luther King Jr. Day."

On Jan. 18, a historical marker commemorating King's 1965 speech at Rec Hall will be dedicated at the Hintz Family Alumni Center.

The Jan. 12-20 commemoration also will include a day of service coordinated by a special committee of the Undergraduate Student Government that will encourage people to volunteer with local nonprofit agencies on Jan. 16, the federally observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The day also will include NAACP Vice Chair Roslyn Brock at the Penn State Forum, a blood drive in the HUB-Robeson Center and a peace service and march. (See the full, University-wide schedule of events at http://live.psu.edu/story/15279 for time, location and contact information.)

For the first time, the University will mark Martin Luther King Day by canceling classes on Jan. 16. Poole said this will give students the opportunity to commemorate King's legacy through action.

"It is our hope that students will take advantage of this opportunity to engage in the many community service projects that USG has organized and participate in educational programs designed to broaden our awareness of Dr. King and the injustices that still exist in our society today," Poole said.

Proposed designs for the commemoration came from students taking Art 470: Time and Sequence with Lanny Sommese, professor of art. All of the proposed designs will be on display in Pattee Library during the week of commemoration.

"The students enrolled in Professor Sommese's course submitted a number of worthy designs," Poole said. "In the end, Katie's was chosen for her depiction of a door opening to face the challenges and opportunities of a new day."

Visit the 2006 Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration Web site at http://www.mlk.psu.edu.

Auto Accident
-0/1-/2006
James Pone, a State College resident, escaped serious injury Sunday afternoon when he fell asleep at the wheel and crashed his vehicle along Route 322.

According to police, Pone, 35, fell asleep and awoke when his car left the roadway. He oversteered and his vehicle crossed the median and two eastbound lanes before striking a guardrail. The car suffered severe damage.

Pone was not injured in the accident; however, police did cite him for careless driving.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Unauthorized Credit Card Use
-0/1-/2006
The State College Police Department is currently investigating the unauthorized use of an ATM card resulting in the theft of cash. The incident occurred at the Citizen’s Bank ATM machine located at Beaver Avenue and Heister Street shortly after October 12, 2005.

Suspect photographs are posted on the State College Police website at www.statcollegepa.us.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact State College Police by calling 234-7150 or via the anonymous tip web page available on the department's website. When submitting a tip, refer to Incident Number: 322005-17738.

Murder Suspect To Return to PA
-0/1-/2006
Nathan Shaw, the lead suspect in the murder of a six-year-old Tyrone boy, is expected to be returned to Pennsylvania today or tomorrow.

Shaw, 25, was apprehended in Kay County, Oklahoma following a high-speed chase and crash. Kay County officials dropped their charges against Shaw to expedited his extradition to Pennsylvania.

Police want to question Shaw regarding the December 26th stabbing death of Jarod Klein and the beating of Klein's mother, Christina Mouio.

Shaw was on parole at the time of the incident. His parole has now been revoked, and he will be placed in the State Correctinoal Institution at Houtzdale immediately upon his return.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Truck Driver Killed in 322 Crash
-0/1-/2006
Benjamin Potter, a resident of Nescopeck, died Wednesday when the tractor-trailer he was driving failed to negotiate a turn and flipped over on Route 322.

Potter apparently died from a closed head injury. The accident occurred near the East Branch Road overpass, and area where police report a higher than normal incidence of accidents.

The cause of the accident has not yet been determined, and police are continuing their investigation. According to police, they see accidents in the same overpass area a copule times each year. Some area residents have said they may ask PennDOT to review that specific section of road to determine if a 55 MPH speed limit is appropriate.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Hospital Cutbacks
-0/1-/2006
The union representing workers at the Philipsburg Area Hospital have announced that the facility has reduced its workforce.

The layoffs were effective December 30th and affected four operating room employees. As a result of the downsizing, the hospital is now only staffed to operate its operating room during the daytime. One nurse, two sterilization employees, and a clerical employee were terminated.

The cutbacks come as a result of a federal program that classes the hospital as a critial access facility. The change permitted the hospital to eliminate half of its beds in return for additional Medicare funds.

I-99 Update
-0/1-/2006
PennDOT officials announced Thursday that they have a plan to clean up the acid rock problem associated with the I-99 construction in the Skytop area.

The cleanup plans include hauling away approximately 50% of the one million cubic yards of acid rock. The rock will be dumped at a site in Cambria County and at a second site in Worth Township, Centre County.

Acid rock that cannot be removed will be covered with vinyl tarps that will prevent rain from penetrating the rock and causing acidic runoff. A drainage system will also be implemented to drain any acidic runoff into a special treatment area.

The cleanup work will delay the opening of the new highway until 2008.

(Sources: WRTA.com/Centre Daily Times)

Graymont Sued Over Employee's Death
-0/1-/2006
On February 8th, 2004, Richard Bailey died on the job at Graymont's Pleasant Gap plant when he slipped and feel from his truck. Bailey's widow is now suing Graymont for $125,000.

Bailey, 57, was unresponsive when a co-worker found him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death was determined to be a cerebral concussion.

The lawsuit filed by Bailey's widow claims that the Graymont was negligent in the case, because they did not provide truckers with fall protection equipment and failed to mandate appropriate safety practices.

A Graymont representative said the company was saddened by Bailey's death but was unable to comment further on the lawsuit, beyond stating that the Pleasant Gap mine does provide fall protection equipment for its truck drivers.

Federal mining regulations require that a wire runs above all trucks and that drivers clip themselves to the line when they climb on top of their trucks. The official investigation showed that Bailey, a 17-year employee at the mine, was not wearing the safety gear when he fell.

Following Bailey's accident , all mine workers were told to wear their safety equipment at all times.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Gubernatorial Candidate Lynn Swann to Visit Blair County
-0/1-/2006
Former Pittsburgh Steelers great and Hall of Fame member Lynn Swann has announced that he is running for state governor.

Swann announced his candidacy at a rally in Pittsburgh Wednesday before setting off on a three-day tour of the state. He will appear in Blair County today, making stops at the Appleton Paper mill in Roaring Spring before speaking to students at Hollidaysburg Area High School.

After leaving Blair County, Swann will speak at events in Erie and Scranton today. He will be in Philadelphia, Allentown, and Lancaster tomorrow.

Swann is expected to arrive at the Blair County Airport shortly after 11:00am today.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Suspected Murderer To Be Extradited
-0/1-/2006
Nathan Shaw, the man suspected of killing a six-year-old boy in Tyrone in December, is expected to be returned to Blair County this month.

Shaw, 25, is expected to be extradited from Oklahoma within the next few weeks. Upon his return, Shaw will be questioned about his alleged role in the December 26th stabbing death of Jarrod Klein, as well as the assault of Klein's mother.

Shaw was arrested by Oklahoma state police in Blackwell, following a high-speed chase. He was driving a car owned by Klein's mother.

PSU Student Struck, Killed By Train
-0/1-/2006
William Marciniak, a 22-year-old Penn State student from Pittsburgh, was struck and killed by a freight train in Florida.

Marciniak was in Florida to attend the Orange Bowl game. According to police, he and a friend attempted to walk across a section of railroad tracks where pedestrian traffic is prohibited. The accident occurred at about 3:00am Tuesday.

Marciniak was transported to Broward General Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. His friend, who has not been identified, was uninjured.

While police would not state whether or not alcohol was a factor in the incident, they did say that Marciniak and his friend had visited establishments in the city's entertainment district prior to the accident. The police investigation is continuing.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Firm to Purchase Murata Plant
-0/1-/2006
Spectrum Control, Inc. of Fairview, a manufacturer of electro-ceramic devices, has announced plans to purchase the former Murata Erie plant in Ferguson Township.

When operations begin at the West College Avenue facility, approximately 130 people will be employed. Spectrum expects to add 20 more jobs within a three-year period.

The Murata plant will replace Spectrum's New Orleans facility that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. More than $3 million in state funds will be awarded to Spectrum to facilitate the relocation.

According to official documents, Spectrum purchased the Murata plant for $1, along with more than $230,000 in real estate transfer taxes. The property has a market value of more than $8.5 million. In purchasing the facility, Spectrum in responsible for cleaning up contamination caused by Murata. The clean-up process is already underway.

The Murata plant, which once employed 1,300 people, closed its doors in 2004. Spectrum will use less than one-third of the large manufacturing plant for its operations.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Somerset County Standoff
-0/1-/2006
State police in Somerset shot and killed an off-duty prison guard to end a standoff Monday.

According to Somerset County Coroner Wally Miller, William Lee Leister, was killed by shots to his back and abdomen. A coroner's inquest will review the shooting; however, Somerset District Attorney Jerry Spangler announced that Leister fired at police first.

Leister, 38, reportedly ran a car off the road and took the vehicle's driver, 21-year-old Ashley Bittinger, hostage in his home. Leister also allegedly ran down another woman and shot a man who tried to intervene. The man, 46-year-old Larry Glover, is in critical condition. Leister, a guard at the State Correctional Institution at Laurel Highlands, released Bittinger before the shooting began.

Source: WRTA.com

Council President Candidates
-0/1-/2006
Tuesday afternoon, Centre County Judge Charles Brown will swear in State College Borough's new council members, and shortly thereafter, council members will select a council president to serve for the next two years. The leading contenders for the position are Elizabeth Goreham and Cathy Dauler.

The current council president, Tom Daubert, has said he will seek the position again only if another candidate cannot be agreed upon. Dauler and Goreham are the only 2006-07 council members who have expressed an interest in the role.

Daubert is the only council member with more experience on the board than Goreham and Dauler.

The council president's primary role is to act as moderator at non-voting work sessions. S/He has no more power than other council members.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Higher Taxes; Balanced Budget
-0/1-/2006
A mixed blessing is in place for residents of Clearfield County.

The good news is that, for the first time since 1996, the county has a balanced budget. Unfortunately, property taxes had to be increased to get there.

Clearfield County commissioners have approved a budget that includes a four-mill property tax increase. The increase will cost the average property owner about $50 per year more than paid in 2005.

Man To Be Charged With Tyrone Murder
-1/2-/2005
Tyrone police have announced that they plan to file charges against Todd Shaw for the murder of six-year-old Jared Klein. Shaw will also be charged with the assault of Klein's mother, Christina Muoio.

Shaw allegedly killed Klein with a single stab wound to the throat. Muoio remains in the hospital in serious condition.

Shaw was captured in Oklahoma and is currently being held in the Kay County Jail. He was arraigned Thursday and pleaded not guilty to three misdemeanor charges. His bail has been set at $1 million.

Shaw had just been released from the State Correctional Institution at Cheste on December 5th, and he remained on parole. He had signed away his right to contest extradition, and plans are being made to return him to Pennsylvania.

Shaw remains the only suspect in the case. Expected charges against him include aggravated assault and homicide. In the past, Shaw has served time for theft, assault, and robbery. His lates prison sentence was the result of a conviction for assaulting Muoio and a police officer.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Borough Considers Tax Cut
-1/2-/2005
State College Borough Council voted on December 19th to approve a budget that included raising property taxes by as much as 37%. Now, thanks to the state legislature, that increase may be cut substantially.

Council members had expected the state's House of Representatives to approve an emergency services bill that would exempt state residents earning less than $12,000 per year. That exemption would result in about $400,000 of lost revenue annually for State College. However, the legislature adjourned without approving the emergency and municipal services tax bill; therefore, the expected revenue loss is not likely to materialize.

Borough council may now revisit the property tax increase and consider lowering it. About one mill of the tax increase was allocated to cover the expected $400,000 shortfall. Some council members have stated their support for decreasing the size of the tax increase, while others, including council President Tom Daubert, are opposed to the cut.

The state House is expected to act on the EMST bill in January; however, any changes will most likely take effect in 2007.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

'Person of Interest' Caught by Police
-1/2-/2005
Nathan Shaw, the man described by police as a "person of interest" in the murder of a child Monday night, has been apprehended by police in Oklahoma.

Police in Blackwell City, OK caught Shaw Wednesday night after they received a tip of a suspicious vehicle parked in a church parking lot. When police approached the car, Shaw sped away. He eventually crashed the car, and then fled on foot before being apprehended.

The car driven by Shaw was owned by the mother of the murdered child, six-year-old Jarod Klein.

Shaw is currently being held by Blackwell Police on parole violation charges and other charges related to his attempt to allude police. It is not yet known when he will be extradited to Pennsylvania.

House Honors Nittany Lions
-1/2-/2005
The state House has unanimously approved Representative Lynn Herman’s resolution congratulating The Pennsylvania State University, head football coach Joe Paterno and the Nittany Lions football team on a great season.

“House Resolution 536 officially wishes the Nittany Lions good luck in the FedEx Orange Bowl against the Florida State Seminoles on January 3, 2006, in Miami,” Herman said.

Penn State’s football team ended the 2005 regular season with a 10-1 record and the Big Ten championship title – its first since 1994.

Penn State's Orange Bowl selection is its first since 1986. The Nittany Lions are ranked third in the Bowl Championship Series and in the Associated Press Top 25.

“This season has marked an extraordinary turnaround for the team and is further evidence of Joe Paterno’s coaching ability in his 40th year as head coach,” Herman said.

Several players received individual honors this year and on Dec. 20, one day prior to his 79th birthday, Paterno was an overwhelming choice as the Associated Press college football Coach of the Year.

Stepson, Wife Charged With Man's Murder
-1/2-/2005
Early Friday morning, Charles Cummings, Sr. was gunned down outside the Portage Revolver & Pistol Club in Portage. State police have now announced that Cummings was killed by his own stepson, who was hired by his mother to commit the crime.

Cummings, 50, died from four shots from a 9MM pistol, and the shots were apparently fired by Shawn Sweeney, the son of Cumming's common-law wife, Deborah Cummings. The gun used in the murder was registered to Sweeney's sister, Shannon.

Boot prints obtained at the murder scene matched a pair of boots found in Sweeney's car. Neighbors also also described seeing a car like Sweeney's in the area of the club following the shooting.

Shortly after police discovered the boots, Sweeney admitted that he had shot Cummings and later stated that his mother had hired him to commit the crime. Sweeney, has been charged with criminal homicide, first-degree murder, aggravated assault, and criminal conspiracy. He is being held without bail in the Cambria County Jail.

Deborah Cummings, 56, is also behind bars, and she faces charges including three counts of criminal solicitation and two counts of criminal conspiracy. Police say additional arrests may also be made in the case.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Penns Valley Drug Arrest
-1/2-/2005
Paul "Skinner" Moore, a Millheim resident, was arrested Tuesday on charges that he was a supplier to drug dealers within the Penns Valley area.

Skinner, 50, was charged with possession with intent to deliver cocaine and marijuana, delivery of cocaine, possession of marijuana and cocaine, and criminal use of a communication facility.

According to police, Moore sold cocaine to an informant in 2004. A visit to Moore's home by undercover officers in March of this year yielded about seven ounces of marijuana and two ounces of cocaine, in addition to rolling papers, a scale, and pipes. Police suspect that Moore was distributing one to three ounes of cocaine per week in the Penns Valley area.

Millheim residents were surprised to hear of Moore's arrest. He is a lifetime resident of the area and volunteers for multiple community organizations.

Moore was placed in the Centre County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000 bail.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Community Menorah Lighting
-1/2-/2005
A ceremony to light a nine-foot-tall menorah in honor of Chanukah will be held Tuesday in front of the State College Municipal Building.

State College Mayor Bill Welch will kick off the ceremony at 5:00pm with some brief remarks and the lighting of three candles. Following the lighting, attendees will enjoy latkes, music, dancing, childrens crafts, and other Chanuka-related activities inside the municipal building.

The giant menorah will be moved to the intersection of Allen Street and College Avenue for the remained of the holiday, which ends January 2nd.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Route 220 Crash
-1/2-/2005
Route 220 in Taylor Township was closed Thursday evening due to automobile accident that sheared off a utility pole.

The accident occurred at approximately 5:30pm. Traffic was re-routed through Philipsburg on Routes 350 and 322. Route 220 was re-opened around 10:00pm after workers had cleared downed power lines from the area.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Coal for Christmas
-1/2-/2005
Some of the state's legislators will be receiving coal-filled stockings this Christmas courtesy of three activists.

The activists, Eric Epstein, Russ Diamond, and Gene Stilp, are unhappy that some legislators still have not reimbursed the state for pay raises received through unvouchered expenses prior to the pay raise bill's repeal. The men also believe that the state's legislature was largely ineffective this year.

The legislative pay raise was repealed in November due to public protest; however, some of the state's 1,000 judges are now suing to retain the raise.

Portland Suit Filed
-1/2-/2005
The National Center for Lesbian Rights, on behalf of former Penn State Lady Lions basketball player Jennifer Harris, has filed a lawsuit against basketball coach Rene Portland and Penn State in federal court.

The suit was filed on the claim that Portland harassed and discriminated against Harris because she thought the player was lesbian. The lawsuit also claims that Portland discriminated against Harris because of her race and gender.

Representatives of The Center said it filed the suit now to avoid exceeding th statutes of limitations on some of the charges.

Portland has denied the claims made by Harris, stating that Harris' departure from the team was due to her attitude and performance.

Penn State's affirmative action office is conducting its own investigation into the case, from which Harris is seeking undisclosed damages. Harris has also asked that Penn State require its athletic department staff fo complete non-discrimination training.

Harris, a starter for the 2003 Lady Lions, has left Penn State and is currently enrolled at James Madison University.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Donation Can Stolen
-1/2-/2005
Cheryl Boucher, a Punxsutawney resident, has been charged with stealing a donation can from a retaurant in November.

According to police, the can was placed on the counter of a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant to collect money for the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Surveillance cameras allegedly showed Boucher stealing the can on November 26th.

Initially, Boucher, 41, told police she was collecting money for the hospital; however, she later admitted she took the can. She was arraigned on charges of theft and receiving stolen property.

Police Warn of Scam
-1/2-/2005
Local Fraternal Order of Police, Bald Eagle Lodge # 51 is warning residents that local police departments have received reports of persons representing themselves as local police and state police troopers are calling and asking for donations either in cash or credit cards.

F.O.P. – Bald Eagle Lodge # 51 is conducting its annual solicitation for our 2006 Program & Advertisers Guide in conjunction with the annual F.O.P. Show. Legitimate F.O.P. solicitors do not accept cash or credit card numbers. Any donations should be made by issuing a CHECK, made payable to BALD EAGLE LODGE # 51.

If anyone receives a suspicious call requesting donations from a Police Organization, they should verify that it is a legitimate organization before any donation is made. If unsure, they should get a call-back telephone number and contact their local police.

Any further questions or concerns should be directed to Detective John Conti at the Ferguson Township Police Department, the F.O.P. solicitation chairman, at 814-237-1172.

Prison Warden Resigns
-1/2-/2005
Marty Kovacs, the current warden of the Centre County Prison, has announced his resignation.

Kovacs informed county officials that he has accepted a position with the State Department of Correctional Training Academy. He will serve as the organization's associate director of facility management.

Kovacs began his Centre County position less than two years ago. A search for his replacement will begin after the first of the year.

House Passes Property Tax Relief Bill
-1/2-/2005
Representative Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre and Mifflin) has announced that the state House passed a plan that will significantly cut property taxes for all of Pennsylvania's 501 school districts starting in July 2006.

"This wasn't a perfect plan, but it's a giant step in the right direction," Benninghoff said. "We built a coalition of support among people who recognized a need to make the funding mechanism for our schools more fair. We worked hard to garner a majority of support. But the job is far from over. Now, we have to push forward and get this measure passed in the Senate and onto the governor’s desk. I won't stop until we’ve crossed the goal line."

The Compromise Plan amendment was passed by a vote of 105 to 90. As recently as last week, 130 members supported the ideas outlined in the Compromise Plan during a rare informal working session known as a Committee of the Whole. The purpose of the Committee of the Whole, a procedure undertaken for the first time in 40 years, was to permit a more free and informal discussion of a particularly important question or topic before the House--in this case providing substantial property tax relief to Pennsylvanians. The objective of the exercise was to determine which plan (or plans) had the greatest support of House members.

The Compromise Plan, which Benninghoff championed along with Rep. Mario Scavello (R-Monroe), received the most support of any plan considered by the committee. The plan was endorsed then by a vote of 130-61.

"That vote was when we started to see the tides turning," Benninghoff said. "When we received 130 votes in support of a property tax plan, we realized our proposal really had a chance to succeed."

The plan, passed as Amendment 5363 to Senate Bill 854, is estimated to provide more than $2 billion in annual property tax relief statewide and would be funded by broadening the current 6 percent sales and use tax, instituting a 0.22 percent increase in the state personal income tax, and using anticipated gaming revenues.

Property tax relief will begin during the 2006-07 fiscal year, with deposits in the newly created Property Tax Relief Fund distributed based on the number of students in a school district (average daily membership) and local tax effort (equalized mills) of each district.

"Today, the House took a huge step forward in our mission to deliver meaningful property tax relief for Pennsylvania families," Benninghoff said. "When the chips were on the table, more than 100 lawmakers stood up for the taxpaying families of Pennsylvania. That's something I haven't seen for a long time."

The sales tax component of the plan does not tax food, clothing, prescription and non-prescription drugs, home heating fuels (oil and gas), health care services and college tuition.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program would be expanded to provide $150 million more in relief by increasing the income eligibility and benefit amount by 2007. Eligible incomes would increase to $17,000 for an individual and $25,000 for a couple, with the maximum allowable rebate increasing by 50 percent to $750.

Other aspects of the plan include:

- School districts would be subject to a back-end referendum before increasing future property tax rates beyond a cost index similar to Act 72.
- School districts would need voter approval to implement any tax not currently levied.
- School districts would be permitted to convert current earned income tax (EIT) levies into local personal income taxes (PIT) by referendum. The PIT would be set to generate the same amount of revenue as currently generated by the EIT. Districts without an EIT presently could enact a PIT at a about the level a 1 percent EIT would generate.
- Regarding wage taxes, school districts would receive a credit from the Property Tax Relief Fund for their local EIT collections against wage and net profit taxes paid by their residents, similar to provisions in Act 72.

The legislation now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Motor Inn to Close Its Doors
-1/2-/2005
Elaine Stephens and Better Stoner, co-owners of the South Ridge Motor Inn, will greet their last guests Wednesday.

The Inn is being sold to real estate developers Bob Poole, Brad Karch, and Heidi and Fred Nicholas. The new owners plan to raze the current building, but have not yet set a final plan for new development.

Stoner's and Stephens' family has owned the 8-acre parcel since 1888. The sale will be completed on January 9th, with an auction to take place on the site that same day. The new owners will take possession of the property January 16th.

The South Ridge Motor Inn, originally named the Long Motel, was originally constructed by the sisters' father and brother in 1958. The sisters worked at the hotel and eventually became the owners, along with their brother. The facility expanded over the years to 75 rooms, and a restaurant was added in 1980.

Approximately 20 people will lose their jobs when the Inn closes its doors.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Paterno Named AP "Coach of the Year"
-1/2-/2005
Penn State Nittany Lions football coach has been named the year's college football coach of the year by The Associated Press.

Paternoe, who celebrates his 79th birthday Wednesay, received the award following a year in which his team suffered only one loss, a last-second defeat to the Michigan Wolverines. The Nittany Lions had four losing seasons in the five years preceding 2005. The team will meet Florida State in the Orange Bowl on January 3rd.

Paterno received 45 of 65 votes from AP's poll of award board members. Mack Brown, coach of the Texas Longhorns, finished second in the voting, with Charlie Weis of Notre Dame coming in third.

Paterno was humble in accepting the award, crediting his entire staff for the team's success. Paterno now has 353 career victories, just six behind Florida State coach Bobby Bowden.

Budget Approved; Tax Axed
-1/2-/2005
State College Borough's business privilege tax was officially repealed Monday night when the borough council voted to approve its 2006 budget.

Revenues from the business privilege tax will be replaced by a 37% tax increase for commercial property owners.

Supporters of the new budget claim the borough's tax burden will now be paid by those who demand most of the borough's services, including owners of student apartment buildings.

The business privilege tax was imposed in 1988 and now generates nearly $1 million per year for the borough. Businesses pay $1.50 for every $1,000 in gross revenue received. Many believed the tax impeded the establishment of new businesses in the borough.

The borough's income tax rate will remain unchanged, while the property tax increases from 7.3 to 10.035 mills. However, the borough will forgive the first $25,000 in assessed value of owner-occupied homes. Some homeowners, therefore, may see a small decrease in their property taxes.

Also included in the new budget is a 16% increase in refuse collection rates for commercial properties. Smaller residences will pay 3% more for trash collection.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

Altoonans Held Hostage In Home
-1/2-/2005
Two New York men are in jail this morning following an incident in which they allegedly invaded an Altoona home and held its residents hostage.

Shortly after 1:30pm Monday, Altoona city police were called to a home on the 800 block of 1st Avenue. At the scene they allegedly found Deshawn Mutchison and Michael Mathelier hold three people hostage at gunpoint in an upstairs bedroom. According to police, the men threatened to shoot the home's residents if they did not cooperate.

Mutchison, 28, and Mathelier, 25, were reportedly stealing money and other items from the home when they were surprised by another person. They fled through the back yard when police arrived and were taken into custody shortly thereafter.

Both men were arraigned and are now in Blair County Prison facing charges of unlawful restraint, theft, and armed robbery.

(Source: WRTA.com)

Rush Township Officials Evaluate Intersection Change
-1/2-/2005
In response to numerous accidents and complaints from residents, Rush Township supervisors are evaluating the need for traffic signals at the intersection of Route 322 and Ninth Street.

Numerous accidents resulting from motorists running through stop signs on Ninth Street and colliding with vehicles on Route 322 have occurred since a new section of Route 322 was opened a few months ago. The intersection was relocated as part of the Route 322 construction.

Representatives of the state police, PennDOT, Philipsburg and Rush Township met December 2nd to discuss the situation. A family living near the intersection noted 12 accidents in the month of November. Vehicles had to be towed from the scene in nine of the accidents, according to PennDOT data.

PennDOT has offered to conduct a week-long study at the intersection and then make recommendations for making the site safer for motorists. If signal lights are needed, PennDOT would pay up to $125,000 of the design and installation costs. Rush Township would have to commit to paying about $500 per year to maintain the lights.

Township officials believe the state should pay to maintain the lights, since a change to a state highway caused the current problem. The supervisors will discuss the situation at their January 12th meeting.

(Source: Centre Daily Times)

StateCollege.com BETA Site Launched
-1/2-/2005
A new and improved StateCollege.com is in the works, and the site's editors and managers are seeking your input on the new design.

Since launching in 1996, StateCollege.com has grown to become the area's most popular local website, with 140,000 monthly readers. The site has seen many changes over the years, but none as comprehensive as the redesign project that is currently underway.

Since StateCollege.com is a community website, we would like input on the new design from you, the community that has made the site so successful.

To view the beta (i.e., test) version of the new StateCollege.com, please click on the link located on the StateCollege.com home page. You will be redirected to the beta site, and a feedback submission form is readily available for your input.

Your support over the years is greatly appreciated, and we're looking forward to your constructive feedback and suggestions.

2006 Dog Licenses Available
-1/2-/2005
County officials have announced that 2006 dog licensees are now available for purchase at multiple locations throughout the county. All dogs aged three months or older must be licensed, and the licenses are to be on the dogs by January 1st.

Sex Offender Sentenced
-1/2-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- Steven Kline, the Bellefonte man convicted on more than 2,500 sexual offense charges, has been sentenced to serve 29.5 to 59 years in prison. This latest sentence will begin upon completion of a 40-year sentence Kline received for previous offenses.

Kline, 46, was convicted in September of more than 1,000 counts of indecent sexual assault and hundreds of counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, statutory sexual assault, and aggravated indecent assault. The abusive acts were committed upon two girls in the 1990s.

Kline was originally arrested in Columbia County for having sex with a teenager he met via the Internet. He pleaded guilty to those charges, along with similar charges in Northumberland County. The two convictions resulted in prison sentences of 16 years and 24 years, respectively.

Speaking briefly at his sentencing hearing, Kline maintained his innocence for the Bellefonte offenses, saying that he could not offer an apology for crimes he did not commit.

Plane Crash Caused By Storm
-1/2-/2005
(Source: WRTA.com) -- The crash of a private twin-engine plane at University Park Airport Thursday night was likely caused by bad weather.

The crash, which occurred at about 9:00pm, forced the airport to close until the damaged plane was removed from the runway.

The pilot was the only person on board the plane when it skidded off the runway during take-off. He was not injured.

Nursing Home Employees Vote In Favor of Union
-1/2-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- In a 135-68 vote, Centre Crest employees made the decision Wednesday to form a union with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees.

Nearly 85% of the county-owned nursing home's eligible employees participated in the election Wednesday. Union leaders said the vote to unionize reflected the employees' distrust of the home's management and their belief that management did not act in the employees' best interest.

County officials, while surprised by the vote to unionize, said the vote confirms that there are problems at the home, including a nursing shortage. The county recently increased salaries and made capital improvements to the Centre Crest facility, all of which cost the county $1.5 million to $2 million. County officials have five days to protest the union's campaign; however, that appears unlikely at this time, and the election results can be certified as early as December 23rd.

Following the certification, the union will assemble a charter and constitution and elect local officials and negotiating team. A collective bargaining agreement will be presented to the county, negotiations to be completed within 12 months.

I-99 Opening Delayed Until 2008
-1/2-/2005
(Source: WRTA.com) -- PennDOT officials have reported that the Bauxsol chemical they had hoped would control the acid rock drainage problem at the I-99 construction site is not working as well as they had hoped it would. As a result, the Skytop section of I-99 will now not open until 2008.

Officials are searching for a new solution to stop acidic drainage from polluting groundwater in the Skytop area. A new plan has been proposed; however, permits required for its implementation will not be issued before the middle of 2006.

Property Tax Relief Plan Endorsed
-1/2-/2005
Representative Kerry Benninghoff's (R-Centre and Mifflin) plan for property tax relief was one of three plans endorsed Tuesday as the State House of Representatives convened a rare informal working session known as the Committee of the Whole.

"The Compromise Plan received bipartisan support last night," said Benninghoff. "Any time you can get 130 legislators to agree on a proposal to relive the burden of property taxes, it really says something about your proposal. Now that we know there's preliminary support for the plan, it's time to bring this much-needed property tax relief to Pennsylvania homeowners."

The Compromise plan received the most support of any plan considered by the committee. The plan was endorsed by a vote of 130-61.

The purpose of the Committee of the Whole, a procedure undertaken for the first time in 40 years, is to permit a more free and informal discussion of a particularly important question or topic before the House--in this case providing substantial property tax relief to Pennsylvanians. The objective of the exercise is to determine which plan (or plans) have the greatest support of House members.

"The committee recommendations will be taken into consideration by the state House as it moves forward with efforts to relieve the property tax burden," Benninghoff said. "In the end, it doesn't matter whose plan is adopted. All of these plans are just a means to an end. What matters is finally giving people the property tax relief they've been demanding for over 30 years. I won’t stop fighting until that happens."

Benninghoff, along with Rep. Mario Scavello (R-Monroe), has proposed a compromise plan that would maintain the state sales tax rate at 6 percent (7 percent in Allegheny and Philadelphia counties). The sales tax would be expanded to include some items and services that are currently tax exempt. The Scavello-Benninghoff Property Tax Reform Plan would not tax food, clothing, prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, home heating fuels, health care services or college tuition.

Under the Scavello-Benninghoff plan, school districts would be authorized to provide further tax relief through an optional increase in the local personal income tax (PIT). Additionally, the plan would allow gaming revenue to help offset remaining property tax expenses. Together, these efforts could help reduce property taxes even beyond the aforementioned 75 percent mark.

"This plan will deliver a 40 percent reduction in school property taxes as early as July 2006," Benninghoff said. "The Compromise Plan can deliver property tax relief in the very near future. With our plan, property tax relief and gaming revenues are not completely intertwined. The people can have property tax relief without having to wait for the gaming revenue. If and when we realize revenues from expanded gaming, our plan will use those revenues for additional property tax relief."

To help further protect taxpayers, any future plans by school districts to increase local property taxes would be subject to voter approval.

Last night's deliberations focused on the proposed ways of providing property tax relief. The governor has proposed using only revenues from expanded gambling, which may not materialize for another year or two. Other proposals call for an expansion of the state sales tax or local personal income tax to generate revenue for property tax relief.

"What we saw last night was a consensus that slots revenues alone are not enough to provide meaningful property tax relief," Benninghoff said. "We also saw that, while there’s support for an expanded sales tax, people don’t want to pay a sales tax on essentials like food and clothing.

"Our plan received bipartisan support because it uses both the slots revenues and an expanded sales tax to provide property tax relief. It's a compromise between the plans on the far left and the far right of the political spectrum.

"The governor's plan takes too long to deliver property tax relief. Some other plans would tax food and clothing. But the Compromise Plan is just right."

Feds Will Not Enter Gricar Investigation
-1/2-/2005
The federal government's Office of Inspector General has informed Pennsylvania State Representative Mark Cohen (D-Philadelphia) that it will not participate in the investigation of Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar.

Inspector General Glenn Fine said in a letter that his office lacks jurisdiction in the case, since no Justice Department employees are involved. Cohen had asked Fine's office to investigate the disappearance of Gricar and the death of Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Luna. Luna, a federal prosecutor based in Baltimore, was found dead in Pennsylvania in 2003.

Gricar has been missing since April 15th of this year. Luna was found dead December 5th, 2003.

Borough Plans Fraser Street Intersection Change
-1/2-/2005
(Source: The Digital Collegian) -- State College Borough officials have announced plans to realign the intersection of Beaver Avenue and Fraser Street within the next two years.

The change is being made to improve the flow of traffic into the new Beaver Avenue parking garage and to improve pedestrian safety at the intersection, which has been described as one of the most unsafe in the borough.

The borough has paid $2.1 million to condemn the Medical Arts Building, the tenants of which will move into commercial space within the parking garage in January. The Medical Arts Building and the former municipal building will be demolished, and a condominium building and cinema will be constructed at the intersection of Calder Way and Fraser Street.

The construction project is expected cost the borough about $1.4 million, and work is scheduled to begin in early 2007.

Truck Driver Convicted of Rape
-1/2-/2005
(Source: WRTA.com) -- Lemonte Luigi, a truck driver from Huntingdon, has been convicted of raping a 14-year-old girl.

Luigi, 51, was found guilty of rape, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, and related charges. He apologized in court and asked for mercy. He faces a five- to ten-year prison term.

Assault Charge
-1/2-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- Andrew Chapman, a Beech Creek resident, faces charges that he indecently assaulted a female patient while he was employed as a nurses' aid at Mount Nittany Medical Center.

According to State College police, a female patient accused Chapman of touching her inappropriately and making sexual advances toward her while she was a patient. The patient was recovering from brain surgery in June when she claimed Chapman entered her room and began to flirt with her while checking her staples. Chapman allegedly made sexual comments, attempted to kiss the woman and touched her inappropriatetly, and exposed his genitals.

Records show Chapman left the woman's room but returned later and told her to call him. On July 5th, the woman received a text message that said "You never called." A trace of the incoming phone number returned as out-of-service.

When interviewed by police, Chapman, 25, admitted that he and woman had flirted, but he denied touching her inappropriately or exposing himself. He did admit to text messaging the woman from him wife's cell phone. A friend of Chapman's told police Chapman had told him about having consensual sexual contact with the woman.

Chapman was suspended without pay in July and terminated on August 4th. He surrendered to police Tuesday and was released on $50,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for December 21st.

More Discrimination Claims Against Portland
-1/2-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- Courtney Wicks and Cindy Davies, former members of the Penn State Lady Lions basketball team, appeared on ESPN Sunday and supported claims that coach Rene Portland has exhibited anti-lesbian behavior.

The ESPN show "Outside the Lines" was reviewing former player Jennifer Harris' claims that Portland thought she was a lesbian and, as a result, discriminated against her. A claim on Harris' behalf has been filed against Portland by the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

Wicks commented in an interview with the Centre Daily Times that it was clear where Portland stood regarding homosexuality, and she said on ESPN that she had heard Portland make derogatory comments regarding lesbian couples.

Davies, who admits to being a lesbian and had a relationship with a team manager in 1980, said she quit the Lady Lions team after Portland confronted her about the relationship and threatened to take it public. Davies admitted to contemplating suicide shortly thereafter, and she does not want to let that happen to any other players.

Penn State University has said it is investigating the claims made by Harris.

Other Lady Lions players, including recent graduate Jess Strom, have spoken out in defense of Portland, stating that they never witnessed any discriminatory behavior.

Fatal Crash
-1/2-/2005
(Source: WRTA.com) -- Dallas Alexander, Jr., a Bellefonte resident, was killed Monday night when the car he was driving traveled into the path of a tractor trailer.

According to state police, Alexander failed to stop at the intersection of Swartz Hollow Road and Route 150 in Howard Township. The car was struck by the truck, wedged under the rig's rear wheels, and dragged approximately 200 feet.

Centre County Deputy Coroner Brian Burns pronounced Alexander dead at the scene. The truck's driver was uninjured.

Drug Bust
-1/2-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- State Police at Rockview on Monday arrested six Centre County men and charged them with selling cocaine or marijuana.

The arrests concluded a nine-month investigation into what police called the largest drug trafficing network in Penns Valley. The investigation found that two to four ounces of cocaine was being transported into Centre County from Lancaster on a weekly basis. The drug was divided among several dealers in the Penns Valley area.

According to court documents, drug purchases were made by a confidential informant in homes and parking lots throughout Centre Hall, Spring Mills, and Millheim.

The six suspects charged in the investigation include the following:

- Robert Schriver, 33, of Spring Mills; charged with two counts of cocaine delivery
- Shawn Yearick, 24, of Centre Hall; two counts of marijuana delivery
- Justin Holmes, 26, of Centre Hall; two counts of cocaine delivery
- Travis Stover, 31, of Millhein; three counts of cocaine delivery
- Craig Boob, 29, of Millheim; five counts of cocaine delivery - Joshua Sprowls, 21, of Coburn; two counts of marijuana delivery

Police say a seventh person has been arrested and charges are pending, and additional arrests may still be made.

If convicted, the suspects face prison sentences of up to five years.

Santa Claus Dedication
-1/2-/2005
Representative Lynn Herman (R-Centre) will speak at the dedication ceremony for Philipsburg’s rebuilt 37-foot high community Santa Claus at 3:00pm on Thursday, December 15th, at the Cold Stream Recreation Park along Route 322 in Philipsburg. Herman will discuss what the project has meant for the holiday spirit in the community.

Herman secured a $10,000 community development grant from the state to cover the costs of purchasing new and technologically advanced materials needed to reconstruct the community Santa Claus in Philipsburg.

"Bill Adams, a Philipsburg native, originally built the Santa and five eight-foot high toy soldiers more than 40 years ago and it was part of the holiday tradition in Philipsburg," Herman said. "Nearly every kid who grew up in the Philipsburg area had their picture taken with the Santa."

Time and weather took its toll on the Santa Claus and it was put into storage for several years. The Philipsburg Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks #1173 took possession of the Santa in 2001 and agreed to preserve the tradition.

Fraternity Found Guilty of Hazing
-1/2-/2005
A Fraternity & Sorority Life Review Board investigation into an incident that resulted in serious injuries to a student has found the Delta Sigma Fraternity guilty of hazing. As a result, the local fraternal organization will cease to be recognized as a fraternity by Penn State as of December 22nd.

Delta Sigma fraternity members will be prohibited from collectively operating as a group and they will not be eligible to participate in any recognized University events such as Homecoming, Greek Week, Greek Sing and Thon. The organization has until December 19th to file an appeal.

The Review Board found that a ritual-related incident, involving new members, occurred late in the evening on November 7th, in the fraternity house at 508 Locust Lane. As a result of this incident, one new member was admitted to Mount Nittany Medical Center for several days.

"This type of behavior will not be tolerated at Penn State," said Felicia McGinty, associate vice president for Student Engagement in Penn State's Division of Student Affairs. "Holding organizations accountable to minimum and reasonable expectations and standards of excellence is one of the outcomes we anticipated as we crafted our Greek Pride Initiative. Delta Sigma, which disaffiliated itself from its national organization a few years ago, has shown that it is not ready to join the University as a partner in creating a healthy, safe and positive community for our students, and so it no longer is recognized by the University."

McGinty said that if the house corporation responsible for the property ever wishes to re-colonize a chapter, they must do so under the recognition of a national organization of the North American Inter-Fraternity Council.

Geisinger Plans Under Review
-1/2-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- Patton Township and Centre Region Council of Governments officials will, over the next two months, be reviewing Geisinger Health System's plans to construct a new 70,000-square-foot medical facility near the Gray's Woods interchange.

Patton Township officials will look at the traffic management plan associated with the facility, while COG will review its growth and sewage facilities plan in relation to the new medical facility. It is uncertain whether the facility will tap into the public sewer system, as the lot is zoned for an on-site septic system.

Some local community members are concerned about the effect the Geisinger facility will have on the Mount Nittany Medical Center. Geisinger negotiated on a collaborative effort with Mount Nittany for two years prior to setting out on its own. Geisinger officials say the opportunity for a joint venture remains open, but they have not been contacted by the hospital. A hospital spokesperson said such an effort would result in an unnecessary duplication of effort and would increase area healthcare costs. Geisinger believes the area's growth will produce more business for itself and the Mounty Nittany Medical Center, and the new facility will offer more choices to local residents.

Patton Township's planning commission is expected to approve the facility plan Monday and forward it the supervisor's for final approval.

Construction is scheduled to take place in four phases, with the first building to be completed in 2007. The final phase is to be completed in 2022.

Commencement Scheduled for December 17th
-1/2-/2005
Penn State's University Park campus will hold its fall 2005 commencement ceremonies for approximately 3,073 associate, baccalaureate and graduate degree students on Saturday, December 17th.

The 9:00am undergraduate ceremony will be held in the Bryce Jordan Center for the College of Agricultural Sciences, The Smeal College of Business, the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, the College of Engineering and The School of Information Sciences and Technology.

The 12:30pm undergraduate ceremony, also in the Bryce Jordan Center, will be held for the College of Arts and Architecture, the College of Communications, the College of Education, the College of Health and Human Development, the College of the Liberal Arts, the Eberly College of Science, and associate degree recipients.

Graduate degrees will be awarded at 4:00pm in Eisenhower Auditorium.

As of early December, 3,073 students are scheduled to receive degrees at the University Park ceremonies. That figure includes 10 associate, 2,480 baccalaureate, 374 master's and 209 doctoral degree students. Systemwide, Penn State will graduate a total of 4,651 students -- approximately 288 with associate degrees, 3,470 with baccalaureate degrees, 890 with graduate degrees and 3 with juris doctorate degrees.

Penn State President Graham B. Spanier will preside at the undergraduate ceremonies, and Rodney Erickson, executive vice president and provost, will preside over the conferring of the degrees at those ceremonies for both baccalaureate and associate degree candidates. Spanier also will preside over The Graduate School program, while Eva Pell, vice president for research and dean of The Graduate School, will oversee the conferring of the degrees at that ceremony.

The Graduate School ceremony will feature speaker Arden Bement, director of the National Science Foundation (NSF).

For more information about fall commencement, visit http://commencement.psu.edu/future.html online.

Former PSU Football Player Charged
-1/2-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- Lavon Chisley, a former defensive end for the Nittany Lion football team, was charged Thursday with making terroristic threats.

According to police, Chisley allegedly threatened to shoot his girlfriend's uncle during an argument in November.

According to Chisley's girlfriend, she and Chisley engaged in an argument November 23rd. She contacted her uncle, who then argued with Chisley. Chisley allegedly said he was going to get a gun and kill the uncle, and according to the girlfriend, Chisley did have a gun at his apartment. Chisley denied ever owning a gun.

Chisley was arraigned Thursday and release on $1,000 unsecured bail.

FBI Says Gricar Hard Drive Data Unrecoverable
-1/2-/2005
Bellefonte police have announced that, according to FBI officials, the hard drive from missing Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar's laptop appears to be too rusted and damaged to allow access to any files on it.

Gricar has been missing since April 15th. His car was found the following day in a Lewisburg, PA parking lot, and his laptop computer was located in the nearby Susquehanna River in July. The computer's hard drive was found along the river in October.

FBI analysts are still attempting to retrieve some files from Gricar's computer; however, they are 99% sure the data is inaccessible.

Sexual Assault
-1/2-/2005
(Source: The Digital Collegian) -- Jarvis Gilmore, a State College resident, was arraigned Wednesday on charges that he sexually assaulted a woman this past August.

Gilmore, 25, was charged with sexual assault in relation to an assault that occurred at the Nittany Crossings apartment complex on Vairo Boulevard. The charge is a second-degree felony.

According to police reports, the alleged assault victim, her roommate, and Gilmore visited some local bars prior to the incident. The group returned to Nittany Crossings, where the victim and Gilmore are neighbors.

The victim, who admitted to being intoxicated, said Gilmore returned to her apartment and tried to kiss her. She turned away initially, but the two then began kissing. The victim next remembers being undressed and realized that Gilmore was performing oral sex on her.

Court documents documents show that the woman claimed to have told Gilmore to stop repeatedly and stated that she did not want to have intercourse with him. The victim next awoke to allegedly find Gilmore having sexual intercourse with her. The woman claimed that she woke up later in the morning to find Gilmore still in her bed and again attempting to have sex with her. She reportedly left the room, and Gilmore left her apartment.

The victim claimed that Gilmore, in a later phone conversation, admitted to having sexual intercourse with her that night.

Gilmore was transported to Centre County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail.

Orange Bowl Packages Still Available
-1/2-/2005
Since it was announced on Sunday that Penn State would play in the FedEx Orange Bowl, more than 1,500 alumni, students and other fans have been booked on the "Official Penn State Bowl Tour" through the Penn State Alumni Association. More tour packages are now available, including a two-day student package that comes with a game ticket.

Dozens of different airfare-inclusive and land-only tour packages were offered as part of the "Official Penn State Tour" with varying lengths of stay -- from game day only to five-night packages -- and various prices ranges.

The student package includes a game ticket, two nights' lodging and ground transportation to and from the game. Student packages with a bowl game ticket range from $308 (quad) to $552 (single) and are open to all current Penn State students only. Student packages are also available for those with their own bowl game ticket.

Additional three-, four- and five-day packages on the "Official Penn State Bowl Tour" are also available to alumni, students and other Penn State fans. These packages include a New Year's Eve celebration with Penn State President Graham Spanier, a pre-game barbecue dinner and special commemorative items including various land and airfare options.

The Penn State Alumni Association will be sponsoring, along with the Nittany Lion Club, the Penn State Pep Rally on Monday, Jan. 2, at Hollywood Beach (exact time to be announced). The pep rally will feature Penn State cheerleaders, the Nittany Lion and members of the Blue Band. In the past, Coach Joe Paterno and the Penn State team have attended the pep rally before bowl games. The Penn State Pep Rally is open to all Penn Staters and fans.

To view the "Official Penn State Bowl Tour" packages, go to http://www.alumni.psu.edu/bowl or call the toll-free number 866-373-7370. The "Official Penn State Bowl Tour" is being organized by the Penn State Alumni Association, which has partnered with Dodds Athletic Tours, a recognized national leader in athletic travel. For more information on the Penn State Pep Rally, or to check for updates, visit http://www.alumni.psu.edu/events online.

The Penn State Alumni Association is the largest dues-paying alumni association in the world with more than 156,000 members. Established in 1870, the Alumni Association connects alumni to the University and to each other, provides valuable benefits to members and supports the University's mission of teaching, research and service.

Family To Renew Gricar's License to Practice
-1/2-/2005
(Source: The Digital Collegian) -- The family of missing Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricer learned recently that his license to practice law has been placed on inactive status by the state Supreme Court, because the court did not receive a required renewal form.

According to a court representative, every lawyer in the state must submit a renewal form by July 1st of each year. The renewal fee is $175, and if the form is not received by the deadline a late fee as high as $200 is added.

Gricar's license was not suspended, a disciplinary action, but rather it was placed on inactive status. The license can be reactivated by the attorney, a trustee, or anyone with power-of-attorney status.

According to Gricar family attorney Amos Goodall, Gricar's daughter, Lara, will be completing the renewal form and sending it to him for submission to the Supreme Court.

The Bellefonte Police Department continues to head the investigation into Gricar's disappearance, and they are awaiting a report from the FBI regarding the contents of Gricar's computer hard drive that was found in October.

The hard drive has been shipped to the FBI lab in California, where experts will try to recover data from it. The status of the FBI's efforts is unknown.

Cell Phone Tax Repeal Bill
-1/2-/2005
The state House has overwhelmingly passed a bill co-sponsored by Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre and Mifflin) repealing the 5% gross receipts tax on wireless phone services.

"This bill will lower the tax burden on all cell phone users in Pennsylvania," Benninghoff said. "Cell phones not only make communication more convenient but they also are important tools people can use to contact fire and police departments in times of emergency."

"I supported the repeal of this tax because Pennsylvania families need all the tax relief we can give them," Benninghoff said. "This tax repeal will benefit a large number of Pennsylvania families.

"A 5% gross receipts tax on cell phones was imposed in supplementary budget bills enacted in December 2003. A 6% sales and use tax on cell phones predated this gross receipts tax. When totaling local, state and federal taxes on cell phones, Pennsylvania ranks eighth in the nation with a 19.05% tax.

"At 19%, the taxes on cell phone use are downright oppressive," Benninghoff said. "The repeal of this tax could save consumers $356 million a year. That's over $350 million that Pennsylvania families and businesses can use to boost our state economy.

"The cell phone industry in Pennsylvania employs more than 6,000 people," Benninghoff said. "This bill will also ensure that industry continues to grow and prosper in our state. This bill is about protecting Pennsylvania jobs and giving taxpayers some of their own money back."

The bill has broad support in both the House and Senate, with 111 sponsors on House Bill 338 and 26 on a similar version of the bill now in the Senate Finance Committee, the next stop for the cell phone tax repeal legislation.

I-99 Meeting Scheduled
-1/2-/2005
Representative Lynn Herman (R-Centre) has scheduled an informational meeting with members of the House Transportation Committee to brief lawmakers and the public on efforts to remove acidic rock from the I-99 construction project. The meeting will be held in Harrisburg at 10:00am on Wednesday, December 14th.

The committee will hear from Kevin Kline, the PennDOT district executive, on the status of the project and the results of the pilot test of the Australian cleanup product Bauxsol.

Acidic rock drainage occurs as a result of oxidation of sulfide materials (usually pyrite or iron sulfide) contained in rock that is exposed to air and water. The oxidation produces sulfuric acid and sulfate salts. The acid dissolves and leaches out minerals in the rock, degrading the quality of the water, such as rainwater, that drains through the site and runs off into streams or groundwater.

The meeting will take place in Hearing Room 2 of the North Office Building in the Capitol Complex.

Winter Driving Reminder
-1/2-/2005
The winter driving season is here, and the State College Police Department is reminding motorists of PA law requiring that snow and ice be removed from windshields, side and rear windows, headlights and taillights before driving. The law also requires that drivers keep the license plate free of dirt and debris so it is legible at a reasonable distance. This includes being unobstructed by snow. Drivers can receive a fine of $25.00 plus costs for these violations.

This is not just a matter of complying with the law; it’s a matter of safety. Peep hole driving is dangerous. It obstructs vision and causes crashes. Drivers must be able to see everything on a roadway, including adjacent sidewalks and what is behind them. Other drivers and pedestrians must be able to see you as well; therefore, it is equally important to remove snow from the headlights and taillights of your vehicle. Remember, the brake lights are housed in the tail light assembly.

Reducing speed is the single most important thing drivers can do during the winter driving season. Wet, slushy and snow covered roadways can turn to ice and, although they are plowed and salted, or appear dry, black ice may form in the cracks and seams causing loss of traction and control especially when rounding a curve or when attempting to stop.

Finally, drivers should buckle up and use age appropriate child safety seats for children under the age of eight (8,) because seat belts and child safety seats save lives and reduce injuries on the Commonwealth highways.

For additional information, please contact the Community Relations, Crime Prevention Section of the State College Police Department at 234-7150.

Woman Charged With Theft
-1/2-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- Karen Boone, a Howard resident, has been charged with stealing more than $500,000 from her former employer over an eight-year period.

According to authorities, Boone, 40, worked as an administrative assistant for Abundance Wealth and Thoroughbred Aviation between January 1988 and August 2005. Her employment was terminated when it was discovered that she was giving herself an co-workers paid time off.

In September, Boone emailed her former employers and admitted to taking money to cover personal expenses. Her employers then filed a criminal complaint claiming Boone had written company checks totaling more than $559,000 to herself.

Boone was arraigned on charges of theft and receiving stolen property and placed in the Centre County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Redevelopment Study Approved
-1/2-/2005
(Source: The Digital Collegian) -- A marketing study that calls for a major revitalization project along College Avenue west of Atherton Street has been approved unanimously by the State College Borough Council.

The marketing study's recommendations include additional owner-occupied homes between Corl and Atherton Streets and new retail establishments along Railroad Avenue.

The plan will now be analyzed by borough staff members, who will respond with proposed action plans within three months.

Ferguson Township and State College Borough shared the cost of the $30,000 study. Another consultant may now be hired to help implement the marketing plan's recommendations.

Police Issue Christmas Break Precautions
-1/2-/2005
The State College Police Department receives numerous burglary complaints each year when students return from the holiday break. Despite concentrated patrols in the apartment complexes, fraternity areas and residential neighborhoods police still need the assistance of students leaving town to help prevent crime while they are away. In most cases, burglary is a crime of opportunity. Please help make a burglar’s job tougher by taking a few simple precautions:

- If possible, take valuables such as jewelry, TV’s, stereos, cameras and computers home with you, or store them at the home of a friend who is staying in town over break.
- Ask a neighbor to watch your apartment or fraternity while you are away. Observant neighbors are a valuable protection asset. You may also request a “Vacation Home Check” online or by contacting the State College Police Department at 234-7150.
- Notify your apartment manager of your departure and return dates and where you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
- Stop delivery of mail, packages and newspapers or have a neighbor or friend pick up your mail.
- Give your apartment, fraternity, or residence that “lived in” look. Plug a timer into lights and a radio to turn on and off at appropriate times. These items are inexpensive and easy to use. Also, arrange drapes in a normal position.
- Make sure all your doors and windows are locked. Pay close attention to sliding glass doors. Have apartment maintenance personnel repair locks that do not work properly.
- Use “Operation I.D.” and engrave your operator’s license number on valuables to deter theft and increase your chances of having your property returned if stolen. Engravers are available for loan at the State College Police Department lobby, and are free of charge.
- Store your bicycle in a secure location, preferably indoors.
- If you are leaving your car in town, be sure it is locked and parked in a well-lit area. Remove valuables such as CD’s, tapes and stereos.

For those students remaining in State College through the holiday break, it is important to be observant and report any suspicious or criminal activity immediately to police by calling 9-1-1.

For more information please contact the Community Relations, Crime Prevention Section of the State College Police Department at 234-7150.

Landlord Sued
-1/2-/2005
(Source: The Digital Collegian) -- William Raspanti, the father of a Penn State student who was killed in a house fire last spring, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the property's owner and management company.

Raspanti's son, Christopher, was killed in the April 24, 2005 fire that was apparently caused by faulty wiring in the East Beaver Avenue house.

Named in the lawsuit are Charles Tablosky, Rodney Hendricks, Hendricks/Tablosky Investments, and Contintental Real Estate Management. The suit claims that the named parties should have known that proper fire safety equipment was not installed at the property and that escape routes were not available. Failure to adequately maintain the home's electrical system is also charged in the suit.

Court documents related to the lawsuit claim that Hendricks, Tablosky, and Continental Real Estate knew the property did not meet local and state fire codes but failed to inform tenants.

The attorney for the Raspanti family says the family is pursuing the lawsuit in the interest of other students who may be living in unsafe housing.

State College Borough officials reported that working smoke detectors were present in the home in 2001. However, a post-fire inspection revealed that the home's four smoke detectors were not functioning when the fire occurred. The borough's fire code has been amended since the April 2004 fire.

New Police Chief
-1/2-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- The four-month search or a new Bellefonte Borough police chief has ended with the hiring of a former Ferguson Township police officer.

The hiring of Shawn Weaver was approved unanimously by borough council members. Weaver will replace Duane Dixon, who retired in August and accepted a position in Arizona.

Council members said the hiring decision was difficult, because they had interviewed three very qualified candidates. Weaver will assume the position soon, relieving Corporal Dan Holliday, who has been acting chief since August.

Prison Fight
-1/2-/2005
State police at Rockview are investigating a fight between inmates in which one inmate was stabbed.

The stabbed inmate reported to authorities that another inmate entered his cell and demanded that he hand over personal property. When he refused, the inmate stabbed him with a metal rod.

The investigation is on-going.

Military Loan Forgiveness Deadline Extended
-1/2-/2005
A program to help Pennsylvania’s dedicated servicemen and women with higher education loan costs was recently extended.

Representative Lynn Herman's (R-Centre) office reported that qualified soldiers now have until Dec. 31, 2006, to apply for the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency’s (PHEAA) Armed Forces Loan Forgiveness Program. The program provides up to $2,500 in a one-time loan forgiveness payment and is open to student borrowers who served in the Armed Forces in an active duty status between Sept. 11, 2001, and June 30, 2006.

According to PHEAA, more than 5,500 servicemen and servicewomen have already received a loan forgiveness benefit through the program, with more than $12.9 million in student loans forgiven.

The program is open to borrowers who have an eligible, non-defaulted loan and meet one of the following criteria:

- Current resident of Pennsylvania.
- Non-resident who left a Pennsylvania school due to a call to active duty.
- Pennsylvania resident who was living in Pennsylvania at the time of enlistment and was in the military continuously through at least Sept. 11, 2001, regardless of current place of residence.
- Non-resident who attended a Pennsylvania-approved institution of post-secondary education, who went directly from this post-secondary enrollment into the Armed Forces of the United States, and was in the military continuously through at least Sept. 11, 2001, regardless of current place of residence.
- Borrowers who only served on a two-week active duty assignment for training status during the designated time period are not eligible for loan forgiveness.

For more information or an application, contact PHEAA at (800) 233-0557 or visit PHEAA’s Web site at www.pheaa.org. Applications can also be downloaded at www.aesSuccess.org. If a borrower is overseas, an application signed by the Power of Attorney will be accepted if the supporting documentation is provided.

Vehicle Stolen
-1/2-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- State police at Rockview are searching for a red 1993 GMC Jimmy that was reportedly stolen from the owner's home Sunday morning.

According to police, the theft was related to a domestic issue between Misty Auman, the vehicle's owner, and Jacon Eboch. Auman, 25, stated she was planning to kick Eboch, 27, out of her home along Main Street in Pleasant Gap. Eboch called Auman while she was at work and said he was upset. Eboch then walked to a neighboring home, said he was going to pick up Auman, and then allegedly drove away in the Jimmy.

Anyone with information about the vehicle should contact the State Police at Rockview at 355-7545.

Provost Emeritus, Former Dean Dies
-1/2-/2005
Longtime Penn State administrator and faculty member Russell E. Larson died November 30th in State College. He retired Jan. 1, 1977, as provost emeritus, capping a distinguished 32-year career with the University.

Larson joined the faculty in the Department of Horticulture in 1944. He specialized in vegetable plant breeding, and from 1952 to 1962 served as head of the department. After a year as associate dean of the College of Agriculture and director of Cooperative Extension, he became dean of the college in 1963, serving in that capacity until President John Oswald named him provost, the University's chief academic officer, in 1972. He served as provost until his retirement.

"We see Russ Larson's imprint on the University in so many ways, and his many accomplishments continue to inspire us," said Penn State President Graham B. Spanier. "As provost, he took deep personal satisfaction in hiring faculty who went on to become world-class scholars and brought great distinction to Penn State. As dean of agriculture, he was rightfully proud of the leadership role he played in acquiring the land that is today the Russell Larson Research and Education Center at Rock Springs. As a teacher, he loved working with graduate students, many of whom have since earned national and international reputations, thanks in large part to his mentorship."

Born Jan. 2, 1917, in Minneapolis, Russell Edward Larson earned a bachelor's degree in agriculture in 1938, a master's in genetics in 1940, and a doctorate in genetics in 1942, all from the University of Minnesota. He taught at the University of Rhode Island for two years before coming to Penn State.

He received many professional honors, including the Leonard H. Vaughn Award from the American Society of Horticultural Science in 1948, the Pennsylvania Canner Association Achievement Award in 1960, the New Holland Agricultural Award in 1970, the Pennsylvania Plant Food Educational Society Man of the Year award in 1970, and the Pennsylvania Mushroom Growers Award in 1972. He received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the University of Minnesota in 1961, and in 1976 he received the John E. Wilkinson Award for Administrative Excellence from Penn State. He was named an honorary alumnus of Penn State in 1977.

As head of the horticulture department and especially as dean of agriculture, Larson was instrumental in having the University acquire more than 1,500 acres near Rock Springs, about 10 miles southwest of State College, for crop research. Today, the Russell Larson Research and Education Center at Rock Springs -- named in his honor in 1990 -- is one of the nation's premier agricultural research centers.

He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, and many agricultural societies including Alpha Gamma Rho, Sigma Xi, the American Society of Horticulture Science, Gamma Sigma Delta, AAAS, Alpha Zeta and Phi Kappa Phi.

He was an avid fisherman, golfer, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He also was a loyal fan of all Penn State athletics programs.

Larson was the son of the late Karl Sam and Belle Wing Larson. On Aug. 19, 1939, he married Margaret A. "Peggy" Johnson, who survives. He also is survived by two daughters, Gayle M. Larson of Aptos, Calif., and Beverly J. Fetcko, and her husband, August, of North East; a son, Russell T. "Rusty" Larson, and his wife Elaine of Dover, Del; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Endowment for the Support of Biotechnology Research of Food Crops, The Pennsylvania State University, 101 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802, or to the American Alzheimer's Association.

Hazing Charge
-1/2-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- It was reported earlier this week that the Delta Sigma fraternity had its official organization status revoked by Penn State, pending a police investigation. Officials have now announced that the fraternity faces hazing charges.

Delta Sigma has been on probation for an incident that occurred in the spring. The latest charge could force the fraternity to close its doors at Penn State.

The investigation into the alleged incident is on-going, and fraternity officials say they are cooperating fully with the authorities. A hearing was held Tuesday as part of the investigation.

Should the university decide to close Delta Sigma's doors permanently, the Interfraternity Council will assist the displaced members in finding new housing.

A final ruling on the incident is expected within the next week.

Accused Killer to be Arraigned
-1/2-/2005
(Source: WRTA.com) -- Miguel Padilla, the illegal immigrant accused of shooting and killing three men in Altoona this past August, is scheduled to be arraigned today in Blair County Court.

Following Padilla's preliminary hearing in October, Judge Joe Moran announced that the evidence presented was sufficient to hold Padilla for trial. Padilla will be charged officially today and will learn if he will face the death penalty. The judge will also determine if Padilla is to be tried in Blair County or if a change of venue is warranted.

Padilla has been accused of shooting Al Mignogna, Fred Rickabaugh, and Stephen Heiss at the UVA Club in Altoona on August 28th.

Katrina Displace Students Receive Funding
-1/2-/2005
American Education Services (AES) announced Thursday, at an event held at Penn State University, that all 44 schools that applied for grant funding through the Hurricane Katrina Emergency Grant Assistance Initiative have received full funding as requested, totaling nearly $1.1 million.

The AES Board of Directors established the Hurricane Katrina Emergency Grant Assistance Initiative in a special meeting to help those students who suffered as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Two million dollars was committed to providing grant awards of up to $2,500 per student from AES’ business earnings.

The 44 recipient postsecondary schools, located across Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Delaware, received the complete amount of funding that each requested. These schools are now attended by displaced students who had lived in or attended a postsecondary school within a federally designated disaster area.

“Students affected by Hurricane Katrina faced tremendous hardship as their schools were closed and belongings lost,” said Dick Willey, President and CEO of AES. “It is our hope that the Hurricane Katrina Emergency Grant Assistance Initiative will provide them some relief as they begin again in achieving their dream of higher education. I am extremely proud that we were able to meet the funding requests of every applying school.”

“We had a moral responsibility to assist displaced students transitioning to Pennsylvania schools to complete their education,” said state Sen. Jake Corman (R-34), an AES board member. “I am very proud of AES’ response and thrilled that every dollar that was requested was granted.”

Each recipient school is administering the funds at its institution, allowing schools the greatest flexibility in assisting students with their costs. Students may use funds from the Initiative to assist with school costs, books, supplies or any general living expenses they incurred due to the losses they experienced.

Unemployment Rate Drops
-1/2-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- The October unemployment rate in Centre County tied with 15 other Pennsylvania economic centers as the lowest in the state.

The county's jobless rate was reported at just 3.5%, the lowest level since January 2001 and much lower than October 2004.

Officials suggested that the low unemployment rate was the result ofa successful Penn State football season and the high demand for service industry workers.

Centre County lost 100 manufacturing jobs over the past year; however, 200 new jobs were created in the hospitality & leisure sector. The retail, professional and business services, education, and healthcare sectors also reported job growth.

Johnstown reported the highest unemployment rate in the state at 5.9%. Altoona came in at 4.8%, and Williamsport was at 5.2% for October.

Accused Crack Dealers to Stand Trial
-1/2-/2005
(Source: The Digital Collegian) -- Three men arrested last week and charged with the sale of crack cocaine waived their preliminary hearings in Centre County Court Wednesday. The cases will now proceed to trial.

The accused include Marquis Carr of Williamsport, Darnell Wright of Altoona, and Ramon Loyd of Philadelphia. The men were arrested after a police informant allegedly purchased crack cocaine from them in November.

Court documents show that the men were taken into custody on the evening of November 22nd, following a report from the informant that the men possessed drugs. Police recovered four bags of crack cocaine and a bag of marijuan from Wright, 21 bags of crack cocaine from Carr, and Xanex pills from Loyd. Carr allegedly admitted to police that he and Loyd came to State College to sell crack cocaine.

All three men are currently being held in Centre County Prison.

County Budget Concern
-1/1-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- More than $320,000 of unplanned expenses over the past year may put the Centre County government over budget.

Tuesday, the county commissioners voted to release funds to pay the unbudgeted expenses, including $63,500 in prison expenditures, $15,000 for overtime among the sheriff's staff, and $209,000 to cover the cost of moving Judge Daniel Hoffman to a new office location.

The county was not, at the start of 2005, planning to move Judge Hoffman's office. However, when the office space became available, it was decided that the move was in the county's best interest.

It is not yet known if the unexpected expenses will push the county over its budget, as money may have been saved in other budget categories.

Patton Township Sewage Grant
-1/1-/2005
Representative Lynn Herman (R-Centre) has announced that a grant totaling $6,337 has been awarded to Patton Township under the Department of Environmental Protection’s Sewage Facilities Enforcement Grant program.

“This grant will help to ensure Patton Township’s sewage facilities and septic systems are properly permitted and installed,” Herman said. “The funds will help maintain the township’s sewage disposal system.”

The grant money will be used to reimburse 50% of the township’s eligible expenses for performing the sewage enforcement provisions of Act 537 of 1966, the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act.

The Sewage Facilities Act requires local agencies to administer a permitting program for the installation of septic systems. The purpose of the program is to establish uniform standards to prevent outbreaks of public health and environmental problems from substandard or malfunctioning septic systems. Properly functioning septic systems treat, distribute and dispose of sewage through a clean, economic and efficient process.

Fraternity Loses Official Status
-1/1-/2005
(Source: The Digital Collegian) -- The Delta Sigma fraternity, located at 508 Locust Lane, has lost its status as an official Penn State organization.

The step was taken by the university pending a police investigation into accusations leveled at the fraternity. Students currently living at the fraternity house can remain there for the remainder of this semester; however, they must find new housing for the spring semester.

Details of the police investigation have not been released. Although, it is known that one member required medical attention as a result of an incident at the fraternity. Additional details cannot be released until the police investigation is completed.

Fraternity members are banned from engaging in any group activites from this point forward. Any additional disciplinary actions against the frtarenity will be determined by the IFC upon completion of the investigation.

Fraternity officials say they have cooperated fully with authorities and will continue to do so.

Officials Dump Inner Loop Plans
-1/1-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- The Eastern Inner Loop plans developed four years ago showed a road that extended University Drive from Curtin Road to North Atherton Street at Vairo Boulevard and was intended to divert traffic around downtown State College. Officials have now halted those plans and are seeking a less expensive method for diverting traffic.

The project, as originally proposed, would have cost about $40 million, and local officials believe that is more than residents are willing to pay to ease traffic congestion on North Atherton Street and Park Avenue.

Centre Region Council of Governments representatives voted 17-5 to dump the original design plan. Those voting against the action did so because they feel the road will eventually be needed, and construction costs will be much higher in the future.

COG officials will continue to research and consider alternative plans.

Soldiers Tell Congressman To Stay The Course
-1/1-/2005
(Source: WRTA.com) -- Representative Tim Murphy (R-18th), a Pennsylvania Congressman injured in an accident in Iraq this past weekend, has announced that the wounded soldiers he met told him to stay the course in Iraq.

Murphy spoke at a press conference in Germany on Monday, saying that the soldiers told him they want to finish what they started.

Murphy and two other representatives, Ike Skelton and Jim Marshall, were injured when a vehicle collided with their armored bus on a back road to the Baghdad Airport. Murphy suffered a cut above his right eye and other bumps and bruises. Skelton was also injured in the accident but is doing well.

The representatives visited troops in Afghanistan and Baghdad over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Crack Cocaine Bust
-1/1-/2005
(Source: The Digital Collegian) -- A confidential informant assisted police in arresting three men suspected of selling crack cocaine in Centre County.

The men arrested included Darnell "D" Wright of Altoona, Ramon "Five" Lloyd of Philadelphia, and Marquis "Boogie" Carr of Williamsport. The informant allegedly purchased crack cocaine from the defendants in two separate incidents.

Lloyd faces multiple charges, including delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, and criminal conspiracy. He is being held in Centre County Prison in lieu of $150,000 bail. Wright and Carr are behing held on $100,000 bail.

Preliminary hearings for the three men are scheduled for Wednesday, November 30th.

Holiday Lights Tour
-1/1-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- Penn State's Interfraternity Council will host its first holiday lights tour Wednesday, November 30th, from 7:00 to 10:00pm.

Those wishing to join the tour can hop aboard a free trolley at any of four stops:

- Beta Theta Pi at 220 N. Burrowes Road
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon at 200 E. Beaver Avenue
- Theta Delta Chi at 305 E. Prospect Avenue
- Sigma Pi at 303 Fraternity Row

IFC Greek Ambassadors will serve as tour guides, and food and beverages will be served at each trolley stop.

The tour is expected to last 20-40 minutes.

Police Warn About "Phishing"
-1/1-/2005
The State College Police Department is again urging community members to protect themselves from con-artists who use “phishing” to lure victims into providing personal, financial or password data on the internet.

Generally, phishing scams begin when a con-artist creates a replica of an existing web page then sends out a mass email to the unsuspecting, attempting to entice them into releasing information. Con-artists are literally “fishing” on the internet for the next victim. Opening a bogus email will usually take the recipient to the replica website which looks authentic. Entering credit card or other personal information usually results in the victim’s account and money being stolen within minutes.

Well known service providers such as AOL, internet payment sites, PayPal, and auction sites such as eBay are some of the more common websites used by con-artists. More recently, customers for Bank of the West and LaSalle Bank have been targets of “Phishing” scams. Phishing scams usually begin with the following requests:

"We have recently updated our system and in an attempt to keep our database current we need you to return to our website and update your user name and password."

-or-

"We have recently updated our system and in an attempt to keep our database current we need you to return to our website and update your credit card information. Please click on the link below and update your information. Failure to update your records will result in account termination and cancellation of service."

Avoid getting “hooked.” The Federal Trade Commission issues the following guidelines to consumers to avoid getting caught in this scam: If you receive an email which warns you that your account will be shut down unless you confirm billing information, do not reply or click on the email. Instead, contact the company cited in the email using a telephone number or website address you know to be genuine.

Avoid emailing personal or financial information. Before submitting financial information through a web site, look for the “lock” icon on the browser tool bar. The “lock” indicates that your information is secure during transmission.

Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them to determine whether there are any unauthorized charges.

Report suspicious activity to your local police department and to the FTC. Send the actual spam to: uce@ftc.gov. If you believe you have been scammed, file your complaint at: www.ftc.gov, and then visit the FTC’s Identity Theft website at: www.ftc.gov/idtheft to learn how to minimize the risk of damage from identity theft.

Learn how to decipher HTML links which are commonly used on the internet. HTML is programming language which tells a browser how to render a web page. Links in HTML are created by a special tag. There are two components to a tag; the real link (i.e. the target) and the displayed text for that link. Criminals exploit this characteristic by providing bogus display text, then display what appears to be a link to a legitimate site, when all the while, they are pointing at something different.

If you would like more information on preventing “Phishing” or identity theft, please contact the State College Police Department’s Community Relations, Crime Prevention Section at 234-7150.

Man Pleads Guilty In Baby Death Case
-1/1-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- Alejandro Mendez Vargas, the Boalsburg man accused of killing his infant son in August 2003, has been released from prison after he pleaded no contest to a charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Vargas, 31, received a sentence of 1-2 years, followed by 24 months of probation. He was credited for the prison time he has already served and was freed. Vargas is also forbidden from being the sole caretaker of a child.

On August 27, 2002, Vargas took his three-month-old son to a neighbor's home, because the boy appeared to be ill. The infant was flown to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, where he died September 2nd from what doctors described as severe head trauma. Police believed that Vargas caused the injury by shaking the child and charged him initially with first-degree murder.

The first-degree murder charge was dismissed due to lack of evidence showing that Vargas acted with premeditation or a specific intent to kill. A subsequent charge of third-degree murder was dismissed following Vargas' guilty plea.

According to Vargas' attorney, medical reports filed after the the baby's death showed that he died from a blood disorder, not shaken baby syndrome. The prosecution denied that claim.

Vargas has always maintained his innocence in the case, and said he entered the guilty plea to avoid additional prison time.

Hit & Run Sentencing Postponed
-1/1-/2005
The sentencing hearing for Jack Chencharick, the Julian man convicted in a fatal hit-and-run accident along North Atherton Street, has been postponed due the murder of Chencharick's ex-wife.

Sandy Woomer, a Tyrone resident, was murdered by her current husband, Matt Woomer, this past weekend. Matt Woomer took his own life after shooting and killing his wife.

Chencharick's sentencing hearing is now scheduled for December.

More Money for Heating Assistance Program
-1/1-/2005
Senator Jake Corman (R-34) has announced that his efforts to supplement Federal Low Income Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) Program funding with state funding was met with unanimous support Tuesday in the state Senate.

“Today we were proactive and supplemented this year’s federal LIHEAP funding before a crisis in Pennsylvania occurred,” Corman said.

Concerned that rapidly rising home fuel prices could put poor families at risk this winter, Senator Jake Corman today successfully added $24.6 million in state funding to the federally funded LIHEAP program by redirecting 1.0 mills of the Pennsylvania Gross Receipts Tax to the Emergency Energy Assistance Fund, which will go toward low-income family’s home heating costs this winter.

Corman said that with the recent weather-related catastrophes that have hit the United States and the predicted increases in the price of home heating energies, predominately home heating oil and natural gas, the current federal funding of LIHEAP will produce much less assistance than was anticipated.

Corman noted that prior to today’s action in the Senate, Pennsylvania has $21 million less in federal LIHEAP funding this year than it had in 2004-2005, meaning that it would serve approximately 25,000 fewer low-income households. However, Pennsylvania now has more funding for LIHEAP this winter than last year, as a result of this latest action.

“Acting too late would have done little to help those families who won’t qualify for LIHEAP assistance if we had done nothing,” said Corman. “Today, the Senate averted an emergency that would have affected the health, safety and welfare of many Pennsylvanians and I am pleased we were able to solve this issue with bipartisan support.”

During the 2004-05 winter, 340,447 Pennsylvania households received LIHEAP cash assistance, including 2,157 in Centre County, 2,096 in Mifflin County, 653 in Juniata County, 1,108 in Perry County and 757 in Union County.

The Federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps pay winter heating bills of low-income and elderly people.

Baseball Team Name Announced
-1/1-/2005
After nearly 5,000 submissions during the initial round of the club’s “Name the Team Contest” and after months of suspense, the new State College Professional Baseball Club has announced that it will be known as the State College Spikes!

The announcement was made Tuesday afternoon at a ceremony inside the Mount Nittany Club at Beaver Stadium, which overlooks the site on which the Spikes’ home stadium – Medlar Field at Lubrano Park – is being constructed.

Pending approval from the NYPL and Minor League Baseball, the team will begin play in June 2006 as an affiliate of the defending National League Central Division champion St. Louis Cardinals in the short-season Class-A New York-Penn League.

The name “Spikes” refers to the unbranched antler of a young male deer and signifies the popularity of deer hunting in Centre County and throughout Pennsylvania. The name also serves as a metaphor for a young minor leaguer.

Spike was selected over Anglers, Coalys, Furnace, and Haymakers in the final round of the naming contest.

Fans looking to be the first to sport Spikes merchandise can visit the team’s temporary store at 240 East Calder Way beginning Wednesday, November 23rd. A full line of items featuring the new Spikes logo will be available, including T-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, hats, and other items. An online store for Spikes items will be launched in the near future on the team’s website at www.statecollegespikes.com. In the meantime, shoppers can purchase items at the Altoona Curve’s online store at www.altoonacurve.com.

Ticket prices for the inaugural 2006 season will be announced at a later date; however, fans interested in reserving season tickets for the first season can contact the Altoona Curve offices at 877-99-CURVE for more information.

Police Say Girl Was Not Kidnapped By Boyfriend
-1/1-/2005
(Source: WRTA.com) -- According to authorities investigating the case, 14-year-old Kara Borden accompanied her 18-year-old boyfriend, David Ludwig, willingly when he fled after allegedly killing her parents.

Court documents show that Borden admitted to leaving the scene of the crime with Ludwig willingly. Ludwig said the two wanted to get married and start a life together. Ludwig is reported to have confessed to the killings.

Borden, according to court records, ran from her Lititz, PA home following the November 13th killings and got into Ludwig's car. Therefore, kidnapping charges against Ludwig will be dropped. It is not yet known what charges will be filed against Borden.

Blair County Drug Sweep
-1/1-/2005
(Source: WRTA.com) -- As many as 75 suspected drug dealers in the Altoona and Tyrone areas were taken into custody early yesterday morning.

The raid, which was conducted by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Bureau of Narcotics, the Blair County Drug Task Force, and up to 100 loal police officers, followed a four-month-long investigation. Over that period, more than 80 controlled substances were purchased by undercover officers throughout Altoona and the Borough of Tyrone. One alleged dealer admitted to making $5,000 per day from his drug sales.

Those arrested were charged with selling heroin, crack cocaine, and marijuana. They were arraigned and placed in Blair County Prison.

Murder-Suicide
-1/1-/2005
Matt and Sandy Woomer, Tyrone-area residents, were found dead in their home Saturday night, victims of a murder-suicide.

According to police, Matt Woomer killed his estranged wife and then shot himself, just a short time after he contacted a relative and asked him to take care of the Woomer's three children.

According to Blair County officials, Sandy Woomer was shot in the chest, and Matt Woomer died from a gunshot wound to the head.

Matt Woomer reportedly called his brother-in-law to report that he had killed Sandy, and then he shot himself.

Order Food On StateCollege.com
-1/1-/2005
StateCollege.com announces the launch of its new online food ordering service!

The service, accessed through the Take Out & Delivery Guide , is quick, easy, and provided free-of-charge to StateCollege.com useres. Two popular local restaurants – V&S Sandwiches and Qdoba Mexican Grill – are online now, with many more to come over the next several weeks.

As the Centre Region’s most popular local website, StateCollege.com is pleased to offer this valuable to service to the community. So what’re you waiting for? Place your order!

Student Injured In Fall
-1/1-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- A 19-year-old Penn State student is in the hospital after she was found in an alley near a fraternity early Saturday morning. The student is believed to have suffered back and neck injuries in a fall.

Neighbors contacted police at about 5:00am after hearing calls for help. Police found the teen in an alley off Prospect Avenue, a short distance from Tau Kappa Epsilon. She was transported to Mount Nittany Medical Center and then flown to Danville. Her name has not yet been released.

Some members at Tau Kappa Epsilon told police that the woman had shown up at the fraternity intoxicated. They reported that she did not drink at the fraternity and when last seen, she was sleeping. Police believe the woman fell from the fraternity, got up, and tried to walk.

At last report, the woman's family was with her, and her prognosis was positive.

Jewelry Stolen
-1/1-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- A theft at a home located on the 500 block of Hillcrest Avenue netted more than $4,500 worth of jewelry, according to the homeowner.

According to police reports, the homeowner arrived at her home at about 6:15 Wednesday to find the front and patio doors unlocked. She reported that a strand of pearls worth $2,000, a gold necklace valued at $700, and a $100 wristwatch were among the items stolen.

The homeowners told police the doors were locked before they left the home. No signs of forced entry were found.

PIAA Official Arrested In Sex Sting
-1/1-/2005
(Source: WRTA.com) -- Leonard Stossel, a Blair County resident and PIAA official, was arrested Wednesday night as part of an undercover Internet sex sting operation.

The state Attorney General's Office conducted the sting operation, during which Stossel allegedly made plans over the Internet to meet a 12-year-old girl for sex. The online conversation took place in a Yahoo chat room, and the young girl was actually an undercover agent from the Attorney General's Child Predator Unit.

The original Internet contact was made on October 31st and continued into November. Earlier this month, Stossel allegedly stated his desire to meet the 12-year-old girl for sex. Wednesday night, Stossel showed up at the chosen location near 8th Avenue in Altoona, and he was apprehended by Altoona Police.

Stossel, 55, served as CEO of the former Jones Brewing Company in Westmoreland County, and he has officiated multiple sports for PIAA. He faces a first-degree felony charge of criminal intent of unlawful contact with a minor, and he is currently being held in the Blair County Prison on $50,000 bail.

Plant Explosion
-1/1-/2005
An explosion at the Hawbaker Asphalt & Aggregate Plant in Pleasant Gap sent three men to the hospital Wednesday morning.

The explosion occurred at around 11:00am when a tank of roadway paving material apparently overheated and exploded. The three injured men were walking across a cat-walk above the tank and suffered burns when the tank exploded.

The men were transported to Mount Nittany Medical Center for treatment. One was treated and released, and the others were kept for observation.

Lawmaker Pay Raise Repealed
-1/1-/2005
The pay raise that Pennsylvania's lawmakers awarded themselves in July has finally been repealed.

Governor Ed Rendell on Wednesday signed the pay raise repeal bill into law. The bill reached Rendell's desk following a unanimous vote in the Senate. The House approved the bill Monday with a 197 to 1 vote.

Police Seek Campus Thief
-1/1-/2005
Penn State Police are asking for assistance from the public in identifying a suspect who is believed to be responsible for several burglaries and thefts that have occurred at Rec Hall and Nittany Deck Lanscape Office over the last several months.

The perpetrator was caught on camera stealing money and property. He is a white male, with dark hair and a thin beard.

Photographs of the suspect in Nittany Landscape can be viewed online at http://www.psu.edu/dept/police.

Anyone who recognizes the individual described in this case or may have information regarding this person is asked to contact the Investigations Unit of the University Police at Penn State at 814-863-1111, or email University Police through our Silent Witness Program at http://www.psu.edu/dept/police/silentwitness.html.

Network of Central PA Professionals “Doing Our Part” for Katrina Relief
-1/1-/2005
STATE COLLEGE, PA - A newly-formed organization, Central Pennsylvania’s Katrina Reconstruction Task Force, is remembering those who are suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina this holiday season. The group, comprised of Centre Region professionals, townspeople, and Penn State students, is implementing a response to the reconstruction needs of the Gulf Region.

In cooperation with local Gulf officials, the Task Force has surveyed and selected strategic rebuilding and repair needs, and has begun design work and planning to secure and transport necessary equipment, materials, furnishings and Central Pennsylvania workers to the Gulf Coast for turnkey construction.

To select reconstruction projects, the group examined those areas with the most critical needs, and more specifically, those whose needs were unlikely to be covered by insurance or supported by federal or state assistance. Additionally, the Task Force has centered most of its efforts on public buildings in rural areas and small towns that were likely to be overlooked by private funding.

Thus far 10 projects have been identified, and the Katrina Reconstruction Task Force has plans in motion to tackle two of these projects. In Long Beach, Mississippi, the Task Force will repair and reopen the town's public library. This will include structural repairs, clean up and assessment of damaged books and materials and the replacement of those materials and furnishings. In Bayou La Batre, Alabama, the crews will work to remodel a newly purchased building to replace the former and now unusable police station. The Task Force will solicit other cities to do their part and take up the remaining projects.

The Task Force is currently seeking volunteers and donations of materials, equipment, and funds to help with the cause. Cleaning and demolition, and construction teams are being organized. While the first team is full for the November 23-27, 2005 effort, cleanup and demolition team members are needed for trips to Mississippi January 2-8, 2006, and March 3-12, 2006. Teams of skilled workers will be organized for January, February and beyond. Volunteers may register by visiting www.statecollege.com, and clicking the Katrina Relief icon. On the website, volunteers can specify their areas of expertise, skill level, supervisory experience, and dates of availability. Instructions for donation of funds and materials are also available online.

Friday Send-off Planned for Football Team
-1/1-/2005
Penn State is planning a grand sendoff when the Nittany Lion football team departs for its final regular-season game with Michigan State on Friday, Nov. 18.

The Nittany Lions will meet the Spartans in East Lansing at 4 p.m. on Nov. 19 in a battle for the Land Grant Trophy.

To show support for the team, the University is asking students, faculty, staff and community members to line both sides of Curtin Road from University Drive to "Paternoville" (Porter Road). Fans will cheer on the team as their buses pull out from the Lasch Football Building at 3 p.m. With a win on Saturday, the No. 5 Nittany Lions would clinch no worse than a tie for the Big Ten Championship and earn the conference's berth into the Bowl Championship Series.

Saturday's game will be televised on ESPN.

Indecent Assault Reported
-1/1-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- Aarao Cornelio, a Penn State student, faces indecent assault charges after several women reported to police that he made lewd comments to them and touched them inappropriately.

Cornelio, 25, was also charged with six counts each of disorderly conduct and harassment.

According to police reports, multiple women reported that Cornelio made sexual comments to them outside of the HUB-Robeson Center and along East College Avenue two weeks ago. One woman claimed Cornelio hugged her and made a lewd statement. Another woman refused when Cornelio asked for a hug.

Police officers interviewed Cornelio on November 4th. Cornelio admitted to hugging several people on campus and in the downtown area. Regarding the lewd comments, Cornelio said he felt the comments were of the type men say regularly at parties and in bars.

Agricultural Admin Building Burglarized
-1/1-/2005
Penn State Police are investigating a burglary and theft incident that occurred in the Agricultural Administration Building on the Penn State campus.

The burglary occurred between 5:00 PM on November 11th and 8:00 AM November 14th. the perpetrator(s) entered a secured room and forcefully accessed a safe that contained cash and United Way donations.

Anyone with information about the burglary and theft is requested to contact University Police at (814) 863-1111 or via the Silent Witness website at http://www.psu.edu/dept/police/silentwitness.html. Calls are accepted 24 hours a day, and callers may remain anonymous.

Explosion, Fire Kill Teen
-1/1-/2005
Officials are investigating a fire that killed a 19-year-old Altoona man Tuesday evening.

According to firefighters, neighbors reported hearing a small explosion in the man's 18th Avenue home prior to seeing flames. It is not yet known if the explosion or the fire that followed caused the man's death.

The fire was extinguished quickly, with damage limited to the home's interior.

Election Legislation Clears Committee
-1/1-/2005
Legislation authored by Senator Jake Corman (R-34) that changes the way Pennsylvania selects its Lieutenant Governor has cleared a senate committee and is now headed to the full Senate for consideration.

Under current law, candidates for lieutenant governor run separately in the primary election, with the winner joining forces with the party’s candidate for governor. Senate Bill 170 would create a process similar to the one used to select vice presidential candidates. The bill eliminates the primary election for lieutenant governor and would allow each party’s nominee for governor to choose a running mate, subject to the approval of state party committees.

“It makes more sense for governor and lieutenant governor candidates to run as a unified and cohesive team, which ultimately leads to better public policy,” Corman said. “The leadership at the top will be stronger if the governor and lieutenant governor share common goals and ideals.”

Currently, Pennsylvania’s minor party lieutenant governor candidates are selected by the gubernatorial candidate and with Senate Bill 170, all political parties in Pennsylvania would choose the lieutenant governor running mate in a similar manner.

“This change in how our lieutenant governor is selected not only takes money out of the system by reducing campaign contributions, but it also leads to building excitement within the parties as anticipation mounts as to who the gubernatorial candidates selects as a running mate,” said Corman. “This is an election reform measure, a good government measure, which will lead to a stronger Pennsylvania.”

Senate Bill 170 was passed by the Senate State Government Committee and now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

Rebuilding Plans Move Forward
-1/1-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- The State College School Board reinforced at their Monday meeting that they plan to move forward with plans to rebuild the district's high school at its present location.

The maximum budget for the rebuilding project has been set at $102 million. Under current plans, the North Building will be expanded, and the South Building will be torn down to make room for athletic fields.

Some local residents spoke at Monday night's meeting and expressed their concern about the project's cost. They stated that a new school could be constructed at a different site for about the same amount of money.

The residents suggested a public debate before any construction efforts begin. However, school board officials said public input has already been obtained, and the board's decision has been made.

A public discussion about the rebuilding plans will be held in the South Building Wednesday at 7:30pm.

Murder Suspect, Teenage Girlfriend Captured
-1/1-/2005
David Ludwig, the 18-year-old man accused of a double-murder in Lancaster County, was captured Monday by Indiana State Police.

According to police, Ludwig shot the parents of his 14-year-old girlfriend, Kara Beth Borden. Ludwig then abducted the girl and fled. The shootings allegedly occurred after an argument between Ludwig and Borden's father, who did not approve of the teens' relationship due to the age difference.

The teens, who had been spotted early in the day along Interstate 80 in Clinton County, were apprehended in Bellvue, Indiana and are awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania.

Greenhouse Grant to Create Jobs
-1/1-/2005
Rep. Lynn B. Herman (R-Centre) has announced that QBC Diagnostics, a new affiliate of the Drucker Company of Philipsburg, will receive a $100,000 relocation grant from the Life Sciences Greenhouse of Central Pennsylvania (LSGPA).

"The funds will be used to support various relocation costs such as hiring and training of staff and movement of current equipment and inventory," Herman said.

The manufacturing component of QBC will relocate to Philipsburg and the headquarters will be in State College.

The relocation means that 25 new jobs will be relocated immediately and up to 100 new jobs will be created when a second facility is relocated to Centre County. There is currently a workforce of 36 at Drucker.

LSGPA was formed to accelerate economic growth and job creation through commercialization of discoveries in the life sciences.

"This is a positive development for the job picture in Philipsburg," Herman said.

The Drucker Company makes general-purpose and customized centrifuges for use in labs and hospitals. QBC Diagnostics manufactures dry centrifugal hematology systems, which complement the products currently manufactured by Drucker.

Spanier's Salary Announced
-1/1-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- Penn State University has released a report that lists university president Graham Spanier's 2005-06 salary at $492,000. That salary places Spanier is the top half of Big Ten Conference presidential salaries.

According to the report five presidents, all at private schools, are earning $1 million or more, and nine have surpassed the $900,000 mark. The senior officials of 23 public institutions earn $500,000 or more this year.

This was the first time Penn State released employee-specific salary information to The Chronicle of Higher Learning. Spanier also receives a home and car from the university.

DEP Grant for PSU
-1/1-/2005
Representative Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre and Mifflin) recently announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has awarded a $4,000 grant under the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Environmental Cleanup--Home Heating Oil Release Reimbursement Program to The Pennsylvania State University to reimburse corrective action costs.

"This is an important investment in our local community," Benninghoff said. "This funding will help support efforts to keep our local environment clean. I am pleased DEP is supporting our local community as we strive to keep our neighborhoods clean."

Eligible sites contain UST's with a capacity of 3,000 gallons or less used for storing heating oil for consumption on the premises where stored.

Uni-Mart Robber Sentenced
-1/1-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- Ernesto Rivera, a Lamar resident who robbed a State College Uni-Mart this past summer, has been sentenced to 1-2 years in a state prison.

According to police, Rivera, 28, planned the robbery along with a housemate, Jose Urquiaga, 31.

Urquiaga was the manager of the Uni-Mart at 1200 South Atherton Street, and, according to Rivera's attorney, he proposed staging the robbery to cover up for $24,000 he had already stolen from the store's bank deposits. Rivera was a clerk at the store, and in addition to the prison term, he must re-pay the money stolen during the robbery.

Guilty Verdict in Blair Murder Case
-1/1-/2005
Paul Aaron Ross, a Blair County resident, was found guilty of first-degree murder in the killing of Tina Miller 19 months ago.

The jury deliberated for about three-and-a-half hours before returning their verdict Thursday evening. The same jury will reconvene Friday to determine if Ross will receive life in prison or be sentenced to death.

Ross killed Miller in June 2004. Her body was found by boaters in the lake at Canoe Creek State Park.

100 Days 'Til Thon
-1/1-/2005
(Source: The Digital Collegian) -- The Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, otherwise known as "Thon," is now less than 100 days away, and members of the Thon staff celebrated the milestone yesterday to bring attention to their cause.

A variety of events were held to spread the word, including a fundraising event at Coldstone Creamery. The creamery donated 50% of yesterday's revenue to Thon.

Shirts, bracelets, bags of candy, and gold ribbons were sold throughout campus, and the Thon Morale Committee led a line dance in front of Old Main. The evening was capped off with theme dinners that were held in Findlay, Pollock, Redifer, and Waring Commons.

Bellefonte Students Cited
-1/1-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- Fourteen high school students, including seven members of the Bellefonte Area High School football team, have been cited for underage drinking by state police.

According to police reports, officers responded to a noise complaint at 254 Armagast Road early Sunday morning. Upon arriving at the scene, officers saw multiple teens holding cans of beer. Two adults were also at the home when police arrived.

Four of the seven football players are two-way starters. A junior varsity cheerleader was also cited. The teens registered blood-alcohol levels between .018 and .161 percent and face a fine of up to $300, plus $120 in court costs.

Bellefonte school officials have reported that the football players who were cited will not play in Friday's District 6 AAA championship game against Huntingdon. The school district's athletic handbook prohibits all alcohol consumption and allows for a suspension of up to one year for violating the rule.

The Red Raiders have posted a 9-1 record this season and are playing in the championship game for the first time in six seasons.

Rush Township, South Philipsburg To Merge
-1/1-/2005
The voters have spoken and have approved a plan to merge South Philipsburg Borough with Rush Township.

South Philipsburg will become a village in Rush Township. The change will enable South Philipsburg to obtain and benefit from some services that it was unable to obtain on its own.

The merger of the two municipalities should be completed as of January 1, 2006.

Borough Voters Go Democratic
-1/1-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- State College Borough's residents have cast their votes, and Democratic candidates received far more of them than their Republican oppontents.

Democratic candidates for borough council Elizabeth Goreham, Donald Han, and Ron Filippelli won their races, receiving more than double the votes of the three Republican candidates.

Democratic Mayor Bill Welch won his fourth four-year term by garnering more than three times the votes of his Repoublican opponent, D. Joshua Troxell.

Beginning in January, State College Borough Council will include five Democrats and two Republicans.

Still No Pay Raise Agreement
-1/1-/2005
The pay raise state lawmakers awarded to themselves in July remains in effect, as lawmakers from the House and Senate attempt to come to an agreement on the law's repeal.

It was originally hoped that the issue would be settled quickly to appease unhappy voters, but that has not happened. Public outcry against the large pay raises -- up to 54% for some public employess -- has grown since the pay raise bill was passed in the middle of the night with no opportunity to public rebuttal.

The House and Senate must approve identical bills before a unified bill can be passed to Governor Ed Rendell for signature.

Township Cuts Library Contribution
-1/1-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- Halfmoon Township officials have voted to cancel the township's donation to the Schlow Centre Region Library.

Schlow representatives say that the absence of funding from Halfmoon Township puts additional financial pressure on the area's five other municipalities.

Each municipality's funding requirement is determined by the volume of library materials checked out by its residents. Due to population increases, Halfmoon's funding requirement was to increase by 26% this year.

Halfmoon's supervisors cited a need to balance the township's budget as the reason behind the decision to cut off Schlow funding. Township residents are already facing a quarter-mill tax increase in 2006.

The supervisors did agree to make a $10,000 donation directly to the library, far less than the $31,384 they would have paid through COG.

Residents of Halfmoon Township will still be able to check materials out of the library, because they are residents of Centre County, and the county partially funds the library.

PSU's Minority Enrollment Increases
-1/1-/2005
Penn State University announced this week that overall enrollment across its 24 campuses decreased this year by about 1,500 students. However, minority student enrollment has increased for the second straight year.

More than 80,000 students are enrolled at Penn State this year, and 10,071 of those are minority students, an increase of 2% over last year. The university's minority enrollment has nearly doubled since 1991.

University officials believe the overall decline in enrollment reflects Pennsylvania's demography. The state's population growth has been slow relative to other states. Rising tuition costs are also believed to play a role in the lower enrollment.

Father Sets Fire, Kills Self & Daughter
-1/1-/2005
(Source: WRTA.com) -- Fire authorities have determined that a fire that occurred in Mifflin County over the weekend was intentionally set.

According to authorities, John Schell, 37, set the fire that killed himself and his three-year-old daughter Zoe Friday night.

Prior to setting the fire, Schell reportedly called a friend and said he was going to hurt himself and potentially others. Schell's friend reported the call to emergency personnel, but they were too late to stop Schell, who doused the apartment with gasoline and set in on fire.

Family members reported that Schell was depressed over the break up of his relationship with Zoe's mother several months earlier. Schell was also under house arrest for a DUI charge.

Two police officers were injured when Schell's house exploded.

PSU To Increase Housing Rates
-1/1-/2005
(Source: The Digital Collegian) -- Penn State students will pay more to live on campus next year, as the university's board of trustees voted Friday to increase room & board rates by an average of 4.9%.

University officials said the rate increase was needed due to higher fuel costs and the installation of a new sprinkler system, which is expected to cost about $50 million. Undergraduate students will pay $95 more per semester for a standard double room.

The trustees also voted to increase prices on six meal plans, with the most popular option increasing by $65 per semester, as well as graduate housing. A four-bedroom apartment at White Course will cost $575 per month per tenant next year. Rents for one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment rents will increase by $20, $25, and $30 per month respectively.

Tot Lot Grant
-1/1-/2005
Representative Lynn Herman (R-Centre) will present a $20,000 youth recreation development grant he secured from the state for improvements at the Carnegie Drive Tot Lot to Patton Township officials at 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 10th.

The ceremony will take place at the tot lot at 3164 Carnegie Drive.

"The project will provide recreational items for youngsters and additional walking areas in and around the park," Herman said.

The 0.4-acre park is designed to meet the needs of children ages 2 through 5 in the growing community. Improvements include tot-size play apparatus, infant swings, two benches, and two picnic tables.

"I am delighted to help the Patton Township Recreation Advisory Committee make safe recreational opportunities available for preschool children who live near the tot lot," Herman said.

Group to File Complaint Against Portland
-1/1-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- The National Center for Lesbian Rights has announced that it is filing a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission against Penn State Women's basketball coach Rene Portland. The complaint claims that Portland harassed former player Jennifer Harris, because she believed Harris was a lesbian.

The complaint also names Penn State University and the school's athletic director, Tim Curley.

Portland did not issue a comment Thursday; however, she has previously denied the claims against her. Portland stated that Jennifer Harris left the Penn State basketball program for basketball-related reasons only. Harris has transferred to James Madison University.

The charges against Portland are being investigated by Penn State's Office of Affirmative Action. The exact length of the investigation is not known, but a spokesperson said the process would take less than six months.

Rendell Comments on Raise Repeal
-1/1-/2005
(Source: WRTA.com) -- Governor Ed Rendell announced Thursday that he will sign a bill that repeals the state lawmaker pay-raise law if the state's judges get to retain their raises.

Separate bills to repeal the pay raise have passed the House and Senate, but a final unified version has yet to be agreed upon. The two sides are scheduled to meet Monday to finalize the remaining issues.

Rush Township Receives Grant
-1/1-/2005
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has awarded a sewage facilities enforcement grant to Rush Township totaling $3,476 to help the municipality perform sewage enforcement responsibilities.

The grant, announced by Representative Lynn Herman (R-Centre), reimburses half of the township's eligible expenses for performing the sewage enforcement provisions of the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act.

The salaries and expenses of sewage enforcement officials, who handle the permit process, test, inspect and approve on-lot septic systems in residential areas and some small commercial properties, represent a major part of the township's budget.

"This money will help township officials involved in the management of sewage disposal systems to create a safer and healthier environment for its residents," Herman said.

The Sewage Facilities Act requires local agencies to administer a permitting program for the installation of septic systems. The purpose of the program is to establish uniform standards to prevent outbreaks of public health and environmental problems from substandard or malfunctioning septic systems. Properly functioning septic systems treat, distribute and dispose of sewage through a clean, economic and efficient process.

Pep Rally Scheduled for Friday
-1/1-/2005
A football pep rally for students and all fans has been set in anticipation of Saturday's Penn State-Wisconsin Big Ten showdown in Beaver Stadium.

The rally, sponsored by the Penn State Bookstore and Penn State intercollegiate athletics, will take place Friday, Nov. 4 at 8:30 p.m. in Rec Hall.

Head coach Joe Paterno will address the crowd and the Nittany Lion squad will attend the event. The Penn State cheerleaders, the Dance Team and the Nittany Lion mascot also will participate. Fan favorite videos will be shown and there will be prizes and surprises for those in attendance.

Fans planning to come to the pep rally are invited to attend the Penn State men's volleyball match against UC-Irvine at 6 p.m. in Rec Hall. The men's volleyball squad also faces UC-Irvine Saturday at 8 p.m. Penn State students can attend the men's volleyball matches for free. Fans with football tickets will be admitted for $2.

A "White Out" has been declared for the clash with No. 14 Wisconsin. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. for the sold out Senior Day game between the conference co-leaders, both of whom are 8-1 overall and 5-1 in the Big Ten. ABC Sports will televise the contest to a regional audience.

Twenty-three Penn State seniors will be playing their final collegiate home game and will be introduced before the game.

All fans attending the Wisconsin clash are reminded to "Bring a Towel, Scare a Badger" in conjunction with the "White Out."

Penn State is ranked No. 7 in the latest BCS rankings, No. 10 in the AP poll and No. 11 in the USA Today Coaches survey.

Assembly Votes to Repeal Pay Raise
-1/1-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- Pennsylvania's General Assembly on Wednesday voted to repeal a July bill that awarded large pay raises to the state's 1,300 lawmakers, prosecutors, senior executives, and judges.

The pay-raise legislation was unanimously repealed 118 days after it was originally passed, granting pay raises of 16%-54%.

Lawmakers cited public outcry about the large pay raise as the primary reason for its repeal. The bill was originally passed at 2:00am on July 7th without any public notice.

It was not yet known Wednesday whether or not Governor Ed Rendell would support the bill to repeal the pay raises.

I-99 Reconstruction
-1/1-/2005
(Source: WRTA.com) -- PennDOT has awarded a contract to reconstruct a portion of Interstate 99 located between the Bald Eagle and Bellwood interchanges.

New Enterprise Stone & Lime Company submitted the low bid of $10,697,000 for the project and will be tasked with patching concrete, improving the highway's shoulder and guide rail, and replacing portions of a bridge.

The project will force the closure of the northbound entrance ramp at the Tyrone interchange for a four-week period.

Work should begin in the spring of 2006, and will be completed in July 2007.

Costume Nets Student Suspension
-1/1-/2005
State College High School officials have suspended a 16-year-old student for wearing a controversial Halloween costume to school.

The student's costume depicted a Nazi soldier, complete with 40 live rounds of ammunition. He was not carrying a weapon. The student received a citation for disorderly conduct and was suspended from school for 10 days.

Senate Approves Tax Cut Package
-1/1-/2005
A sweeping tax cut plan that provides more than $280 million in relief to real people and small businesses and incorporates ideas forwarded by Sen. Jake Corman (R-34) cleared the Senate Wednesday and is headed to the House of Representatives for concurrence.

“These tax cuts show a commitment to the people of Pennsylvania to work toward reducing taxes, while spurring economic development and job growth,” said Corman.

A key component in HB 515 is a two-step reduction in Pennsylvania’s Personal Income Tax (PIT), which is levied on individual wage earners and small businesses in the Commonwealth. The tax reductions included in HB 515 would be implemented in two phases over two fiscal years.

Corman said the first phase, set for 2006-07, would reduce the PIT rate from the current level of 3.07 percent to 3.03 percent, which would provide $120 million in savings for individual taxpayers and small businesses. Under phase two, set for 2007-08, the PIT rate would drop from 3.03 percent to 2.98 percent, which would provide an estimated $160 million in savings for individuals and small businesses.

“The personal income tax reductions will put money back into consumers’ pockets and roll back the unnecessary tax increase taxpayers have suffered from the past two years,” Corman said.

In addition to the PIT cuts, HB 515 would promote economic growth and job creation through a package of $325 million in tax cuts on job creators over the two-year period.

“Pennsylvania has been called unfriendly to business since its tax structure stifles economic growth and is a detriment to our efforts to attract new companies. We must turn that around. By cutting these taxes, we send a message that Pennsylvania is a good place to live and do business. We must foster growth and job development or face a bleak economic future,” added Corman.

The business tax cut package also includes an expansion of the Net Operating Loss (NOL) cap to $20 million and a reduction in the Corporate Net Income Tax rate from 9.99 percent to 9.59 percent in 2007-08.

Corman has been pressing for a change in the NOL provisions since he was first elected, and HB 515 incorporates his language from Senate Bill 166 that he introduced earlier this year.

“This provision will not only be beneficial for new start-up companies in the technology and biotechnology areas, but will also encourage and attract new business to Pennsylvania,” Corman said.

The Senate Republican initiative to cut taxes follows last week’s passage of legislation that would limit state government spending and set aside surpluses in a new fund to reduce the PIT.

Senate Bill 4, the Taxpayer Fairness Act, would hold state spending increases to inflation by statute. A companion measure, Senate Bill 884, would make the spending limits part of the state constitution. The bills would set aside half of surplus revenues in the state's Rainy Day Fund for use in times of economic necessity and half in a new Taxpayer Fairness Fund to reduce the PIT.

'White Out' Request Issued
-1/1-/2005
More than 20,000 Penn State students dressed in white spearheaded a raucous crowd that disrupted Ohio State in Beaver Stadium last month -- and they want more.

Organizers have declared a student "White Out" for Saturday's Big Ten showdown with No. 14 Wisconsin. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. for the sold-out Senior Day game between the conference co-leaders, both of whom are 8-1 overall and 5-1 in the Big Ten. ABC Sports will televise the contest to a regional audience.

Twenty-three Penn State seniors will be playing their final collegiate home game.

All fans attending the Wisconsin clash are encouraged to bring a white towel in conjunction with the student "White Out."

The "White Out" against the Buckeyes on Oct. 8 energized the crowd of 109,839 and the Nittany Lions, who posted a 17-10 victory in front of an ESPN prime time audience. The success of the "White Out" has prompted other schools around the nation to organize similar student involvement.

ESPN College Gameday was at Penn State for the Ohio State clash and the enthusiastic crowd made a big impression on Joe Paterno and the Gameday announcers:

"I thought the crowd was great. The crowd helped tremendously," Paterno stated after the OSU game. "I think the fans have been super all season."

"This is one of the great student sections in college football," stated host Chris Fowler of ESPN College Gameday. "This (student) section is a major force."

"The crowd was tremendous," stated College Gameday analyst Lee Corso following the win over Ohio State. "With that atmosphere, you've got to be a lot better than Penn State to beat them here."

"That's probably the best student section I've ever seen," said College Gameday analyst Kirk Herbstreit.

Penn State is ranked No. 7 in the latest BCS rankings, No. 10 in the AP poll and No. 11 in the USA Today Coaches survey.

Centre Crest Management Outsourced
-1/1-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- Centre County's Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to outsource the administration of the Centre Crest nursing home to a private company.

The three-year contract requires the management company, Premier Healthcare Resources, to provide an on-site administrator to manage finance, compliance, and human resources issues. The first year of the contract will cost $231,000.

The outsourcing move follows last week's resignation of Barbara Jackson, Centre Crest's manager for the past 15 years. The administrator and assistant administrator positions will be removed from the county's payroll.

The contract with Premier will cost the county about $48,000 more per year than the two administrator positions. However, the county is hoping that the level of patient care and employee relations improve to a point that makes the additional cost worthwhile.

Premier serves county-owned nursing homes throughout Pennsylvania, including Laurel Crest in Cambria County and Susqueview in Clinton County. Those counties appear to be very pleased with Premier's performance.

Premier will begin to transition into its management role immediately, with Jackson remaining on-board in a consulting role through June.

Man Steals, Crashes Car
-1/1-/2005
Gregory Fetters, 21, was killed early Monday morning when the car he had stolen crashed along Coaldale Road in Philipsburg, state police are reporting.

According to police, Fetters stole the Pontiac Grand Am from in front of an Alder Street home. As he sped away along Coaldale Road, the car became airborne and crashed into two trees. Fetters was killed instantly.

Interim Dean Named
-1/1-/2005
Kenneth M. Lusht, Penn State professor and Zimmerman Homes University Endowed Fellow in Business Administration, as well as Chairman of the Department of Insurance and Real Estate, has been named interim dean of the Smeal College of Business, effective Jan. 1, 2006.

"Ken is a distinguished scholar, an award-winning teacher and a proven administrator with extensive ties to the business community," said Rodney A. Erickson, executive vice president and provost. "I am confident that he will provide strong and effective leadership to continue the positive momentum of the college during this time of transition."

Lusht has previously served as the college's associate dean for research, director of doctoral and M.S. programs and director of the Institute for Real Estate Studies. Outside the University, he is a fellow of the Homer Hoyt Institute and has served in advisory roles for the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, the Appraisal Foundation, the Center for Economic Studies, the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission and the American Real Estate and Urban Economics Association, of which he is a past president and member of the board of directors.

Natatorium Evacuated
-1/1-/2005
Two Penn State employees are recovering from exposure to chlorine at the university's McCoy Natatorium Monday afternoon.

Penn State's hazmat team was summoned to the natatorium when an alarm that monitors chlorine levels was triggered. According to emergency personnel, chlorine was leaking from a tank being used by a university employee.

The natatorium was evacuated for approximately two hours until chlorine levels returned to normal.

Benninghoff to Recognize Local WWII Veterans
-1/1-/2005
Representative Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre and Mifflin) plans to honor local World War II veterans from the 171st Legislative District and is asking the community for help.

"These heroes of the Greatest Generation defended America in her hour of need," Benninghoff said. "Every day we live in a free society is a gift from our World War II veterans. I want to honor these men and women for protecting our country and defending the ideals of liberty and freedom."

Local WWII veterans should contact Benninghoff's Bellefonte district office at (814) 355-1300 and provide the following information: name, home address, and phone number along with rank, branch of service, and time of service. Benninghoff would also like to urge anyone who knows a family member or friend who should be recognized to contact his office with the veteran’s information.

Benninghoff's legislative district consists of the following Centre and Mifflin County communities: the townships of College, Gregg, Harris, Penn, Potter, Spring, Walker, Armagh and Brown and the boroughs of Bellefonte, Centre Hall, Millheim and State College.

"We must never forget the sacrifices that have been made so that we can enjoy the bounties of freedom," Benninghoff said. "Today, I'm asking for the communities' help so that we can recognize our World War II veterans."

Fire Regulations Squeeze Fraternities
-1/1-/2005
In August 2003, State College borough council enacted a regulation that requires safety equipment at Penn State fraternities located in the borough. At the time, 17 fraternities already met the requirements. Others were facing estimated charges of $50,000-$100,000 to meet the new code requirements. Today, about half of the 52 fraternities still need to install the sprinkler systems, and many are seeking funding sources to pay for them.

If the fraternities cannot raise the funds needed to meet the fire codes by the 2008 deadline, they will have to shut down, and that has many of the frats considering capital campaigns and loans.

It is not yet known how many fraternities will be unable to meet the regulatory deadline. According to fraternity officials, none of the houses has notified council that it will not be able to comply with the mandate, but it is feared that several will fall short.

Trap Team Honored
-1/1-/2005
Representative Lynn B. Herman (R-Centre) presented a state House of Representatives citation recently to members of the Sandy Ridge Sportsman’s Club Trap Team for winning the Tri-County Championship for the second consecutive year.

The team defeated Blair Game to take the title.

"For those unfamiliar with the sport, trap-shooting is a very challenging sport," Herman said.

Captained by Allen Sayers and Jim Burns, the team includes Jerry Urish, Fred Burns, Marilyn Kephar, Audrey Burns, Pam Bumbarger, Abe Cuneo, Joe Burns, Jr., George Mekis, Denny Miller, Brent Cowher, Joe Burns III, Morris Kephard, Jim Yurky, Bonnie Cowher, George Supenia, Earl Smith, John Peck, Nancy Shingeldecker, Gary Shingledecker, Gary Cobb, Mick Markle, Kurg Ammerman, Ruben Cuneo, Dave Reiter and Bill Culp.

The club is at 118 Cole Road in Sandy Ridge, Rush Township.

Man Arrested for Alleged Groping
-1/0-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- William Corbett, a State College resident, was arrested Saturday evening on charges that he groped a woman in Beaver Stadium during the Penn State-Purdue game.

According to police, Corbett was intoxicated and fell into a woman seated in section WA of the stadium. He allegedly groped the woman and hit her in the chest.

Corbett faces charges of indecent assault, simple assault, and related charges. He was released on $2,500 unsecured bail.

Punxsutawney Stabbing
-1/0-/2005
Earl Fry, a Punxsutawney resident, has been arrested and accused of stabbing a man to death Friday night.

According to police, Fry, 33, is believed to have stabbed 41-year-old Frank Hulton during an argument at a Mahoneing Street home. The stabbing occurred at about 6:00pm Friday, and Fry was apprehended Saturday evening.

P-O School District Grant
-1/0-/2005
Representative Lynn Herman (R-Centre) recently presented a $5,000 state grant he secured from the state to officials of Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District.

The $5,000 technology development grant will be used to help cover the cost of Schoolwires Inc., a Web hosting service, to provide a Web site for the school.

"The new Mountie Web site is a tremendous aid to the students, teachers and parents," said Herman, a member of the House Education Committee. The Web address is www.pomounties.com.

Schoolwires provides yet easy-to-use technologies and processes that help empower schools to improve communication, involvement, efficiency and achievement.

Corman Recommends Rockview Land Transfer
-1/0-/2005
Sen. Jake Corman (R-Bellefonte) has introduced legislation in the state Senate that will allow the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County to develop a new business park and create jobs.

This week, Corman introduced Senate Bill 987 that will transfer approximately 135 acres of land currently owned by the Commonwealth to the Centre County Industrial Development Corporation (CCIDC). Under the legislation, the CCIDC will pay the state $1 for the land.

Corman has been working with the CBICC, the Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS), Benner Township, and other interested parties for several months to reach an agreement on the land transfer that will create a business park to accommodate tenants with larger land needs and will cater to both light and heavy industrial manufacturing.

Earlier this month, Corman announced that the CCIDC was awarded a $175,000 Business in Our Sites planning grant to be used for predevelopment plans for the Rockview Business Park, to be located in Benner Township. The funds will be used for environmental and feasibility studies, as well as engineering and wetland investigation.

“The introduction of Senate Bill 987 is the next step in my support of creating a new business park in Centre County that will lead to greater economic development and job opportunities for Centre County’s residents,” Corman said.

Corman worked closely with DGS to develop Senate Bill 987, and the bill will be referred the Senate State Government Committee.

DA Candidates Debate
-1/0-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- Karen Arnold and Michael Madeira, two candidates who want to be Centre County's district attorney, debated for two hours Thursday evening, and the majority of the sparring focused on each candidate's qualifications for the job.

Madeira said he has developed the skills needed through his experience as a drug prosecutor. Arnold is relying on her experience as assistant district attorney.

Arnold questioned the endorsement of Madeira by police unions, stating that a union endorsement does not necessarily mean the majority of law enforcement personnel endorse Madeira. Madeira countered Arnold's argument by stating that police officers have seen Arnold in court but chose to endorse him.

The district attorney position is the only contested county position in the November 8th election. The winner of the race will receive an annual salary of $147,000 when he or she fills the gap left by missing District Attorney Ray Gricar. Gricar had planned to retire at the end of his current term.

Stolen Credit Card Suspect
-1/0-/2005
The State College Police Department is searching for a man suspected of using stolen credit cards at various stores along East College Avenue. The man purchased large amounts of cigarettes and groceries.

He is a white male with dark brown hair, approximately 5’ 9” to 5’ 10” and weighing 160 to 170 pounds. At the time of the fraud he was wearing a light color button-down dress shirt, khaki pants, dark color shoes, and an orange baseball cap.

Anyone with information pertaining to this person is asked to contact Det. Bill Wagner at the State College Police Department phone: 814-234-7150. Anonymous tips can be left with Centre County Crime Stoppers at 800-472-8477.

Gricar's Computer Hard Drive Found
-1/0-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- Bellefonte Police have announced that the hard drive from missing District Attorney Ray Gricar's laptop computer has been found and is currently being analyzed at an FBI lab.

The hard drive was found a few weeks ago along the Susquehanna River, a short distance from where Gricar's laptop computer was recovered several weeks earlier.

Police and Gricar's family members are hopeful that the hard drive will provide some insight into Gricar's April 15th disappearance; however, the hard drive is reported to be in bad condition.

Bellefonte police do not know when the FBI's computer experts will complete their analysis of the hard drive.

TV Program to Feature Bauxsol Demonstration
-1/0-/2005
Representative Lynn Herman's program this month on CGTV will feature a report on PennDOT's application of Bauxsol to reverse the environmental damage caused by acidic rock unearthed during the I-99 construction project.

"This report will examine one of the major environmental issues of our region," said Herman (R-Centre).

Bauxsol is a byproduct of aluminum refining and has been effectively used to treat some acidic rock drainage in other test areas.

"Legislative Report with Rep. Lynn B. Herman" can be seen at the following times:

7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1
7:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 2
1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3
7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6

The testing likely will be concluded before Thanksgiving.

C-NET (Channel 7) is Centre County's Government and Education Access Network.

U.P. Airport To Get Equipment Upgrade
-1/0-/2005
By the end of the year, new high-tech navigation equipment will be installed at the University Park Airport.

Representatives from the state Department of Transportation have announced that the new equipment will enable pilots to see other aircraft on radar when flying at altitudes lower than 4,000 feet. To-date, pilots have had to rely on eyesight only to spot other planes.

Similar equipment has been in use at airports between Florida and New Jersey and will also soon be in operation at airports in Lancasater, Allentown, and Wilkes-Barre.

Trial Ordered In Theater Assault Case
-1/0-/2005
(Source: The Digital Collegian) -- Fred Dravis, the Johnstown man accused of attempted rape and exposing himself to three women in State College-area movie theaters has been bound over for trial.

Dravis was arrested October 18th for the incidents that took place October 4th. He faces charges of attempted rape, indecent assault, indecent exposure, open lewdness, disorderly conduct, and harassment.

Dravis' attorney claims that the attempted rape charge against his client has no merit, and he believes the charge should have been thrown out by the judge, who did dismiss two charges of indecent assault.

Dravis is accused of exposing himself to three different women while watching movies at Premier Theatre 12 and Carmike Cinema 6. Dravis allegedly followed one of the women, a 23-year-old Penn State student to her car, and attempted to rape her.

Surveillance footage from the Premier Theatre shows Dravis in the lobby on October 4th. The footage will be admissible in court. The two Cinema 6 victims also identified Dravis from photos on the State College Police Department's website.

A pre-trial conference has been scheduled for January 26th.

Murder Charge Overturned
-1/0-/2005
Alejandro Vargas, a Boalsburg man accused in the 2002 death of his newborn child, will not face a first-degree murder charge or the death penalty.

Vargas, 31, has been in jail since he was charged in his child's death in 2003. The child died from what doctors determined was shaken baby syndrome.

A judge has ruled that the evidence in the case does not support a first-degree murder charge; therefore, Vargas is expected to stand trial on for third-degree murder.

Snow Blankets Area
-1/0-/2005
(Source: The Digital Collegian) -- The Centre Region received its first measurable snow of the season Tuesday, as up to three inches of the white stuff blanketed the area.

According to AccuWeather, the snowfall was an October 25th record for some areas. Meteorologists who forecast accumulations in higher elevations, were caught off guard by the accumulation amounts in the valleys.

More than 2,000 State College residents lost power as the heavy, wet snow broke tree branches and pulled down power lines. Service is expected to be fully restored by late in the day Wednesday.

Red Ribbon Campaign
-1/0-/2005
The State College Police Department, in partnership with the Centre County Drug & Alcohol Prevention unit, is reminding the community that the week of October 24th to the 28th is Red Ribbon Week. This year’s campaign slogan is: “I Am Drug Free!”

Drug addiction can destroy relationships and family life, and can harm or kill. Children learn by example. They adopt the values adults demonstrate through their actions. Parents are the most important role models for their children. Parents can lay the groundwork and set a positive example by getting involved in their children’s lives by knowing their friends, knowing where they are going and what they are doing and getting involved in their activities. Parents should talk to their children about drugs and the consequences of drug use.

Parents can be doing everything correctly, but unfortunately, the fashions and fads that thrive in our culture today are sometimes filled with messages that tell kids what is good about tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Some television programs, websites, and music artists portray drugs in a positive light: wealth from drug money, groups for the legalization of marijuana, a favorite movie star smoking cigarettes, or musicians smoking marijuana prior to, or while performing a live concert. Parents should become familiar with the celebrities their child watches as other potential role models. Sit down with them and watch television, or explore the Internet, or listen to their music. Parents can turn disturbing information into a teachable moment, and set up guidelines for which shows, websites, radio stations, and CD’s are appropriate for their children.

The State College Police Department is proud to support the Centre County Drug & Alcohol Prevention Unit in its Red Ribbon Week efforts to encourage all members of our community to "Be Drug Free."

Balfurd Site Clean-up Planned
-1/0-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- According to a report from the state Department of Environmental Protection, soil at the former site of Balfurd Cleaners along West Beaver Avenue contains pollutants that measured more than 80 times higher than state-permitted levels.

The good news is that the contamination appears to be at the surface level, where it will not have a negative impact on groundwater.

Balfurd Cleaners sold the Beaver Avenue land to Blue Mountain Harmony in May 2004. Blue Mountain tore down the Balfurd's buildings and plans to construct an apartment building on the site.

Voluntary soil tests conducted in 2004 showed high levels of tetrachloroethylene, a cleaning agent known as PCE. The DEP then ordered Blue Mountain to expand its testing to determine the extent of the contamination.

Twenty-five soil samples were taken on the site, with 18 returning levels that exceed state limits. Cleaning up the site will require the removal of 2,400 cubic yards of soil. The contaminated soil will either be incinerated or dumped in a Canadian landfill.

The clean-up process is expected to take about two months.

"Axe The Tax" Rally Held
-1/0-/2005
(Source: WRTA.com) -- Approximately 400 people marched onto the state Capitol's steps Monday to protest rapidly rising property taxes.

Protesters chanted "Axe the tax" throughout the rally, which was organized by lawmakers who favor replacing property tax revenues with expanded sales taxes.

The tax revision plan currently proposed would lower the state's sales tax to 5% but will expand sales taxes to items such as food and clothing. The bill's supporters claim that property taxes have risen to a point where it is difficult for some to purchase a home.

Candidacy Announced
-1/0-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- Don Hilliard, a former Jefferson County Commissioner, has announced plans to challenge Representative John Peterson for the 5th Congressional District seat.

Hilliard, a Democrat, will seek election for the district that includes all of Centre County and portions of 15 other counties. He announced his plans at Saturday night's dinner of the Centre County Democratic Committee.

Peterson has been the 5th Districts' representative since 1996. He has been re-elected every two years since and plans to seek re-election next year.

Hilliard, 48, was Jefferson County commissioner from 1992 to 1996. He lost his bid for re-election.

Child Molestation Investigation
-1/0-/2005
State Police in Philipsburg are investigating a claim that a local man has molested a three-year-old boy.

According to police, the man allegedly molested the boy at a Worth Township home between mid-September and October 12th. The suspect's name has not yet been released, and the investigation in on-going.

New Acid Drainage Area Identified
-1/0-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- State environmental officials announced Thursday that acid drainage has been found in a new portion of the Interstate 99 construction project near Port Matilda.

Residential water samples in the area have shown increased sulfate levels, with one exceeding the state's maximum level.

According to Penn State professors who are consulting for Penn DOT, the acidic drainage has been found in an area where pyrite was excavated from a shale formation. The site is located approximately 3/4-mile east of Port Matilda. The consultants do not believe the latest find presents a serious problem.

The pyrite that is causing the most recent concern is copper pyrite, not the same iron pyrite that has caused problems in the Skytop area.

Hearing on Property Tax Reduction Program
-1/0-/2005
(Source: Altoona.com) -- A Legislative hearing yesterday on three bills to modify the state's property tax reduction program revealed divisions over responding to the refusal of most Pennsylvania school boards to participate.

Governor Ed Rendell is proposing that tax cuts should be mandatory. On the other hand, Senate President Pro Tempore Robert Jubelirer says local voters should decide in districts where the school board opted out. So far three local tax reform plans have been introduced and Jubelirer told the General Assembly that each one would need careful consideration.

The governor says mandatory participation would ensure that three million of the state's 3.5 million homeowners would receive tax cuts averaging $300 a year. The rest are Philadelphia residents who'd see a reduction in the city's wage tax.

Jubelirer says voters should decide through special local referendums in February.

Alzheimer's Victim Found
-1/0-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- Mary Lou Walsh, a resident of The Village at Penn State who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, was found unharmed a few hours after she had been reported missing Tuesday.

Walsh, 71, was found by police at approximately 10:00pm at the Eat 'n Park restaurant. Retaurant employees were concerned about Walsh, because she appeared to be disoriented. They contact police, and the woman was reunited with her husband a short time later.

Personnel from the Centre County Search & Rescue Team assisted in the search.

Rendell, Democrats Call for Minimum Wage Increase
-1/0-/2005
Governor Ed Rendell and several House Democrats are attempting to rally support for increasing the state's minimum wage from $5.15 per hour to $6.25 as of January 1, 2006, and then to $7.15 per hour January 1, 2007.

Citing rising fuel costs and the impracticality of raising a family on $10,712 per year, the governor said that a higher minimum wage is required, and Pennsylvanians should act now to make it happen.

Corman Proposes Funding Source for "Stay Warm PA"
-1/0-/2005
Concerned that rapidly rising home fuel prices could put poor families at risk this winter, Senator Jake Corman (R-Centre) is urging the Rendell Administration to tap reserves in the state’s “Rainy Day Fund” to increase funding for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) by 40%.

Governor Rendell will announce Thursday a multi-point plan to help Pennsylvania’s neediest citizens deal with the rising cost of energy as winter approaches.

“I urge the Governor to use a portion of Pennsylvania’s Rainy Day Fund as an immediate source of funding to supplement LIHEAP,” Corman said.

In a September 26, 2005 letter to the Governor, Corman urged the governor to request the adoption of legislation releasing the Budget Stabilization Reserve Funds. Such an action requires a two-thirds vote of the General Assembly when the Governor has presented a request and a proposal to address an emergency involving the health, safety or welfare of the residents of the Commonwealth.

“With the recent weather-related catastrophes that have recently hit the United States and the predicted increases in the price of home heating energies, predominately home heating oil and natural gas, the current federal funding will produce much less assistance than was anticipated. I believe the forecasted increases in home heating energies is an emergency that affects the health, safety and welfare of many Pennsylvanians and I look forward to working with your office to address this looming crisis,” Corman wrote in his letter to the Governor.

Corman noted that Pennsylvania has $21 million less in LIHEAP funding this year than it had in 2004-2005, meaning that it can serve approximately 25,000 fewer low-income households. Fewer dollars, combined with rising energy costs could put many families at risk, unless additional funding is approved.

During the 2004-05 winter, 340,447 Pennsylvania households received LIHEAP cash assistance, including 2,157 in Centre County, 2,096 in Mifflin County, 653 in Juniata County, 1,108 in Perry County and 757 in Union County.

During testimony before the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee in September, Sen. Corman learned that Pennsylvanian’s will see a 40% increase in home heating costs this winter.

“We must be proactive and supplement federal LIHEAP funding before the crisis occurs,” Corman said. “Acting too late does little to help those families who won’t qualify for LIHEAP assistance if we do nothing.”

Police Apprehend Theater Suspect
-1/0-/2005
The State College Police Department arrested Fred G. Dravis, 50, of 122 Geis St., Johnstown, PA, for an attempted rape that occurred at the Premiere Theater on October 4, 2005. Dravis was also charged with indecent exposure for an incident that occurred at the Cinema Six Theater later the same evening.

The State College Police received a lead on Dravis from the Logan Township Police in Altoona, PA., where he had been arrested for a similar incident in August 2005.

Dravis was arrested by warrant at his home by the Geistown Borough Police Department and transported to State College. He was arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Carmine Prestia and lodged in the Centre County Correctional Facility on $100,000.00 bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, October 26th at the Centre County Courthouse.

Anti-Portland Rally
-1/0-/2005
Penn State students rallied at the HUB Tuesday in support of former women's basketball player Jen Harris.

Harris has claimed that she was removed from the Penn State women's basketball team because coach Rene Portland believed she was a lesbian. At the rally, the students demanded that Portland be fired for her actions and derogatory comments she made about Harris and Harris' style of dress.

Harris, through her attorney, has threatened to sue the university if Portland does not retract comments she made about Harris.

Toddler On The Roof
-1/0-/2005
A two-year-old child was rescued from the roof of his home Altoona Tuesday.

Witnesses reported that the child awoke from a nap in his room and managed to climb out a window and onto the roof. A passing bus driver saw the child and contacted police.

The little boy was rescued by his mother and was not injured in the incident.

PHEAA Payment Relief for Hurricane Victims, Responders
-1/0-/2005
In an effort to alleviate financial burdens, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has suspended student loan debt payments for borrowers who have been mobilized and are assisting in the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Representative Lynn Herman (R-Centre) announced that relief is also available to students who reside in areas affected by the hurricane.

Borrowers called to active duty due to Hurricane Katrina are eligible for a three-month Administrative Military Mobilization Forbearance.

For those students who reside in affected areas, PHEAA is identifying customer accounts and automatically applying the three-month Disaster Forbearance to Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) loans starting on the date of Hurricane Katrina.

Anyone who has been called to active duty or who has private loans and is residing in the affected areas should contact PHEAA directly at 1-800-233-0557 for guidelines and eligibility requirements.

Public Broadcasting Consolidates Under WPSU Call Letters
-1/0-/2005
Penn State Public Broadcasting (PSPB), previously WPSX-TV and WPSU-FM, has now consolidated its call letters into a single identity, WPSU TV/FM, coinciding with the fall broadcasting season and completion of its move into the new Outreach Building at Innovation Park.

"Our new station identity is WPSU -- WPSU television, WPSU radio and WPSU digital broadcasting. We'll have the same quality programming from PBS and National Public Radio our viewers and listeners depend on through the same channels they have received at home or in the car," said Ted Krichels, associate vice president for outreach and general manager. "With our new location and expanded facilities, Penn State Public Broadcasting can serve as a gateway for the community and Penn State with greater accessibility for collaboration on educational and multimedia projects."

PSPB shares the Outreach Building, located at 100 Innovation Boulevard, with Penn State Continuing Education and Penn State World Campus. The building, which was built by Penn State, was dedicated in September.

"Most stations in the public broadcasting system which have both TV and radio stations use only one set of call letters, such as WETA in Washington, D.C., WGBH in Boston or WHYY in Philadelphia," Krichels said. "With the digital transition and multimedia production capabilities, many public broadcasters have expanded their operations to provide additional educational and online services. A single set of call letters makes the identification of all those services easier."

PSPB services include television and radio broadcasting, pre K-12 educational services, Media Solutions multimedia production services and Media Sales, which distributes educational videos. WPSX-TV broadcasts analog channel 3 and digital channel 15, which went on air in March 2003. PSPB expects to add additional digital services, such as multi-cast channels and data-casting, in the near future.

PSPB's new facilities in the Outreach Building include three television production studios, three radio studios, five video editing suites and four audio editing suites, as well as broadcast operations. The PSPB facility has a digital core, digital router and infrastructure that will support future expansion of digital facilities. PSPB moved more than 700 pieces of equipment from its Wagner Annex operation. That equipment is being integrated with additional new equipment.

WPSU-FM broadcasts on 91.5 in central Pennsylvania, 106.7 in Altoona, 100.9 in Bradford, 104.7 in Clearfield, 92.1 in DuBois, 92.3 in Huntingdon, 90.1 in northern Pennsylvania and 95.1 in Treasure Lake. WPSU-TV broadcasts 8,760 hours of PBS programming and local productions annually to the more than 500,000 households in its 29-county coverage area. WPSU-FM provides music and news service to 250,000 homes in 13 counties of north central Pennsylvania, as well as to listeners on the Web.

Former Player, Harris, Threatens Lawsuit
-1/0-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- Penn State Women's Basketball Coach Rene Portland stated last week that former player Jennifer Harris exhibited a poor attitude and work ethic and failed to meet the performance standards of the team. In response, Harris has threatened to sue the school if Portland fails to retract her comments.

Portland's comments followed a claim by Harris that Portland was sexually biased and frequently accused Harris of being a lesbian.

An attorney representing Harris claimed that Harris was an excellent student and a team leader, yet she was frequently harassed by Portland for her manner of dress and "perceived sexual orientation." Harris, who has transferred to Jamed Madison University, says she is not a lesbian.

University officials claim that Harris never issued a complaint about Portland to the university, but instead went directly to the press. Penn State is conducting an investigation into the accusations against Portland.

Penn State's Lady Lions have won five Big Ten championships under Portland's leadereship. While a member of the team, Harris started 22 games and averaged 10.4 points per game.

No More Polygraphs For Gricar's Family
-1/0-/2005
While they still have no credible leads in the disappearance of Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar, the Bellefonte Police are not planning to administer polygraph tests to any additional members of Gricar's family.

Gricar's girlfriend, Patty Fornicola, and daughter, Lara, underwent lie-detector tests, becuase investigators wanted to make sure the women knew nothing about Gricar's disappearance or his whereabouts. Both women passed easily, and police are unable to justify the testing of additional family members.

Tops for Tailgating
-1/0-/2005
Sports Illustrated Online has labeled Beaver Stadium as the best tailgating spot in the country.

Beaver Stadium received 30,000 online votes to claim the prize. The Buffalo Bills' Ralph Wilson Stadium finished second in the month-long contest.

High Cost for High School
-1/0-/2005
(Source: Centre Daily Times) -- The State College Area School Board accounced Monday night that the plan to remodel the district's North Building, consolidate ninth through 12th-grade students in one building, and tear down the South Building will cost approximately $101 million.

When the school board originally approved plans to move forward with the remodeling project the estimated cost was $80-$91 million. The cost has increased since then, however, as school officials and employees work to agree on what should be included.

Officials expect the project to go out to bid about one year from now, with construction beginning in January 2007. The project is expected to be completed during the 2009-10 school year.

Medical Safety Legislation Introduced
-1/0-/2005
Under legislation outlined by Sen. Rob Wonderling (R-24) and Sen. Jake Corman (R-34) at a press conference Monday at the state capitol, more health care providers will be able to implement electronic health information systems to improve health care quality, reduce medical errors and advance the delivery of patient-centered care.

Senate Bill 934 would create the Medical Safety Automation Fund (M-SAF), which would provide matching grants up to $1,000 for health care providers to implement a medical safety information system for patient health records. Wonderling said that while electronic health systems would be a useful tool for clinical activities and data sharing, protecting the privacy and security of health information would remain a top priority.

“M-SAF allows our health care providers to use the latest information technology to provide the best and most accurate care possible,” said Wonderling, who sponsored the bill. “This new technology also gives patients more access and control over their own health records, allowing the patient to be a more active partner in the care they receive.”

Corman, Chairman of the Senate Public Health & Welfare Committee and a member of the Pennsylvania eHealth Initiative, said one of the most important benefits of this legislation would be improved public health reporting and coordination of care among health care providers to ensure secure, confidential access to health information to enable individuals and communities to make the best possible health decisions. Corman noted that the upgrades in technology would also reduce health care costs resulting from inefficiency and incomplete information.

“One goal of this legislation is to interconnect all healthcare providers in the Commonwealth to the benefit of all Pennsylvanians so that their medical information is available whenever and wherever they need it, while at the same time protecting their privacy,” Corman said. “We live in a digital age and medical record keeping needs to keep pace so that a person’s medical records are available during any unforeseen emergency or circumstance.”

Armstrong Woman Tried To Steal Pregnant Woman's Baby
-1/0-/2005
(Source: Associated Press/Altoona.com) An Armstrong County woman is accused of beating her pregnant neighbor with a baseball bat, driving her to a secluded area and cutting her belly in an attempt to steal her baby.

Police say the attack on Valerie Oskin was stopped before her baby was taken because a 17-year-old boy on an all-terrain-vehicle came across the women in the woods.

Oskin's baby is in stable condition after being delivered by an emergency Caesarean section, and Oskin is in the trauma ward at Allegheny General Hospital. Oskin was believed to have been in her third trimester.

Charges against Peggy Jo Conner include attempted homicide. A man who identifies himself as her husband says she wouldn't do such a thing and he's sure she is innocent.

DEP Grant for Bellefonte
-1/0-/2005
Representative Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre and Mifflin) has announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA-DEP) has awarded a $4,000 grant under the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Environmental Cleanup – Home Heating Oil Release Reimbursement Program to Bruce Cramer in Bellefonte Borough, Centre County to reimburse corrective action costs.

"This is a real shot in the arm for Bellefonte Borough," Benninghoff said. "I’m pleased that PA-DEP is supporting our local municipalities as they strive to protect our community’s environment."

Eligible sites contain UST’s with a capacity of 3,000 gallons or less used for storing heating oil for consumption on the premises where stored.