Centre Daily Times week in review

Centre County recovery nonprofit opens new home

Rule 62 Recovery and Wellness now has its first permanent home at 220 Regent Court, Suite B, in College Township after about 40 years of rotating temporary sites, board president John Dickison said. The nonprofit’s move was fueled by an $800,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, leaders said. About 20 meetings are already held weekly, with plans for sober events like watch parties, movie nights and dances, Dickison said. The renovated space adds bathrooms, sprinklers, a private room and a children’s playroom, board member Tim Marshall said. Fundraising plans are in development as the group aims for future services and hopes to someday join United Way, Dickison said.

Reported by Jacob Michael, published Oct. 17

Centre County budget work hit by state, federal delays

Centre County commissioners said their 2026 budget planning is hampered by a more than 100-day Pennsylvania budget delay and the ongoing federal government shutdown. The Democrat-controlled House passed a $50.3 billion plan, but Spotlight PA reported it likely will not pass the Republican-controlled Senate, and no Senate vote is scheduled. A U.S. Senate vote to reopen the federal government failed, extending uncertainty, commissioners said. Commissioner Steve Dershem said the county is modeling flat funding, which limits new or expanded programs. Commissioner Mark Higgins said reserves should carry Centre County to Dec. 31 without service cuts, though some other counties are furloughing staff and trimming human services.

Reported by Jacob Michael, published Oct. 21

Former Howard funeral home director sentenced for ‘betrayal’ of corpse abuse

Former Singer-Kader-Neff Funeral Home owner Garrett A. Singer, 34, was sentenced to 23½ months probation with 30 days house arrest after pleading guilty to abuse of corpse charges. Singer allowed Joan E. Donley’s body to decompose for nearly six weeks while telling her family the ashes were ready. The corpse was only identifiable through surgical implants and dental records when discovered by state police responding to complaints about missing death certificates. Daughter Sherry Cramer described the emotional toll and betrayal in court, saying Singer robbed her mother of dignity in death. Singer apologized, citing mental health struggles and being unprepared as a first-time business owner. His funeral director licenses were revoked for at least five years. Reported by Bret Pallotto, published Oct. 20

Hundreds join ‘No Kings’ march in State College

More than 1,500 protesters gathered on Penn State’s Old Main lawn Oct. 18 for a local “No Kings” rally before a peaceful march through downtown State College. Marchers stayed mostly on sidewalks along College Avenue, South Garner Street, Beaver Avenue, and Allen Street. Traffic was not impacted and volunteers guided crossings. The event dispersed around 2:05 p.m., about two hours after it began. Organizers linked the rally to a national day of action, saying more than 2,500 events were planned and attendance nationwide neared 7 million, exceeding a June effort they called one of the largest in U.S. history. Local attendees cited concerns about democracy, health care, and education.

Reported by Jacob Michael, published Oct. 18

PennDot backs Atherton road diet to boost safety

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recommended a road diet on South Atherton Street between Westerly Parkway and Allen Street, reducing from two lanes each way to one each way with a 14-foot center turn lane, plus drainage work and a shared-use path on one side. Engineer Lou Spaciano said separating left turns would reduce conflict points, improve side-street crossings, and lower crash severity by keeping speeds more consistent. Council President Evan Myers questioned potential neighborhood cut-throughs, noting no diversion impact study was done. PennDOT tentatively targets final design by September 2027, bidding in August 2027, and construction spring 2028 to summer 2029.

Reported by Halie Kines, published Oct. 16

Remains of missing Curtin Township man identified

Centre County Coroner Scott Sayers said remains found Sept. 9 on the Curtin Township property of 77-year-old Leon Bowman were identified by dental records. There is no evidence of foul play, and the cause and manner of death are undetermined, Sayers said. Bowman was reported missing on Christmas Eve and appeared to have been deceased for months before discovery by a Pennsylvania Game Commission warden, Sayers said. There was no gunshot wound and no weapon near the remains, Sayers said. Pennsylvania State Police at Rockview are investigating. The search included drones, helicopters, K-9s, and more than 20 Howard Fire Co. members on Christmas Eve.

Reported by Bret Pallotto, published Oct. 21

This story was originally published October 22, 2025 at 7:19 PM with the headline "Centre Daily Times week in review."