Centre Daily Times week in review

Happy Valley Casino CEO departs

Happy Valley Casino’s top executive has departed roughly two months after the Centre County venue opened its doors. Majority owner Saratoga Casino Holdings confirmed former CEO and general manager Eric Pearson’s exit, stating his transition was planned from the start. Assistant general manager Jennifer Johnson is now overseeing daily operations while Saratoga awaits licensing approval for a new general manager. Pearson guided the casino through nearly six years of regulatory hurdles before its April 27 opening. The casino posted $3.6 million in May gaming revenue, trailing all four of Pennsylvania’s other mini-casinos during the same period, though Johnson noted the opening coincided with the slowest time of year and that marketing efforts are still ramping up.

Reported by Bret Pallotto, published June 22

Three-alarm fire displaces apartment residents in Milesburg

A three-alarm fire heavily damaged an apartment building in the 300 block of Front Street in Milesburg on June 18, displacing eight residents. The Citizens Hook & Ladder fire company was dispatched at 11:13 p.m. after neighbors reported flames. Assistant Chief Jonathan McClure said the entire front of the structure was fully involved upon arrival, though crews extinguished the fire relatively quickly. The four-unit building had fire breaks between apartments, but one unit’s only exit was through the fire-affected front, forcing two occupants to escape through a window. No injuries were reported. McClure said the building sustained smoke and water damage throughout all units but remains rebuildable. Multiple companies, including Undine, Logan, Pine Glen, Alpha, Pleasant Gap, and Howard, assisted at the scene, with crews remaining on-site through early the next morning.

Reported by Jessica McAllister, published June 19

Morning Glory Acres opens as family farm retreat

A new agritourism destination has opened in Howard, Centre County, offering families a chance to slow down and reconnect. Morning Glory Acres is owned and operated by Troy and Faith Martin, who say their own experience with disconnection inspired the venture. Troy Martin previously worked seven days a week, putting career ahead of family, which led to a separation. Through therapy and church, he refocused on family life, and that mission now anchors the farm. The property features animals rescued from difficult circumstances, including a miniature donkey, a hinny, and a Holstein cow named Steward Wilson, who stands approximately 6 feet 10 inches tall. The farm also houses goats, miniature pigs, and Silkie chickens. About a mile of trail has been cleared behind the property, with 21 camping sites planned. Troy Martin hopes to partner with youth organizations like the Boy Scouts of America to teach woodworking and animal care skills.

Reported by Avery McGurgan, published June 21

Penn State telehealth program expands sexual assault care

A telehealth program founded at Penn State’s Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing in 2017 is expanding sexual assault care across Pennsylvania. The Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Telehealth (SAFE-T) System connects on-site sexual assault nurse examiners with virtual forensic nursing experts in real time, improving access in rural and resource-limited hospitals. The program now operates at 25 locations, including 19 in Pennsylvania and six in Idaho. Locally, Centre Safe sends an advocate to support every patient during examinations. The SAFE-T System recently added a pediatric program and received $200,000 in grant funding from the Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation in 2025.

Reported by Paloma Pimentel, published June 22

CATA launches free Wi-Fi across bus fleet

The Centre Area Transportation Authority has rolled out free onboard Wi-Fi service across its entire fleet, including fixed-route buses and CATAGo and CATARide vehicles. Riders can connect through the “CATANET” network, with the service designed to help passengers check emails, complete schoolwork, and stay connected during their commutes. CATA CEO Todd Horsley said the addition is a practical improvement that makes rides more convenient and gives customers another reason to choose the service. The Wi-Fi launch follows other recent upgrades, including accessibility improvements to CATA’s website and new contactless “tap to pay” payment technology. The cost of the Wi-Fi installation has not been disclosed. CATA, which serves State College and surrounding townships, operates under a $29.2 million budget for fiscal year 2025-26, with over $20 million funded by local, state and federal subsidies.

Reported by Matt DiSanto, published June 22

Bellefonte honors its Underground Railroad history

Bellefonte is working to preserve its deep ties to the Underground Railroad through walking tours, museum exhibits and church restoration. Local Historia’s self-guided tour, created by Bellefonte Area School District teacher Matt Maris, highlights seven stops including the Bellefonte Art Museum, the St. Paul AME Church, and the former barbershop of William H. Mills. The Bellefonte Art Museum’s ‘A Journey to Freedom’ exhibit features a hidden room believed to have sheltered freedom seekers. The St. Paul AME Church, closed since 2021, is undergoing restoration led by the Rev. Renita Green, who hopes to transform it into a community learning center focused on anti-racism education.

Reported by Jacob Michael, published June 19

This story was originally published June 24, 2026 at 5:35 PM with the headline "Centre Daily Times week in review."