Catch up with Centre County: First look at casino, Blue-White weekend traffic, more news
Thursday was a busy day for news in Centre County, as members of the media got a first look at the Happy Valley Casino and preparations continue for Penn State’s Blue-White weekend.
The Centre Daily Times also reported on criminal charges involving animal neglect and child endangerment, and looked into a local school board’s decision not to record its public meetings. Below is a recap of the top stories of the day.
• Happy Valley Casino offered a media tour ahead of two public test days this Friday and Saturday, with proceeds going to the State College Food Bank and the YMCA of Centre County. The former Nittany Mall store will initially feature up to 600 slot machines and 30 table games, and General Manager Eric Pearson said regular hours could begin as soon as Monday, April 27.
• A Centre County couple was charged with felony child endangerment after their 5-year-old son fell about 20 feet from a ski lift he was riding alone in March at Blue Knob Ski Resort in Bedford County. State police said it took resort staff about 15 minutes to locate the parents, Micah M. Porter, 34, and Maya M. Porter, 37, of Ferguson Township.
• Denise A. Krape, 56, of Spring Township, was charged with animal neglect after humane officers found 42 dogs living in what they described as deplorable conditions. Centre County PAWS took in all 42 dogs and placed every one in a foster home.
• The Penns Valley school board voted against purchasing equipment to record its meetings, with some members arguing recordings could stifle debate or be misused on social media. The motion failed 2-6 despite repeated requests from community members for greater transparency.
• Drivers heading to Penn State’s Blue-White Weekend should plan for extra travel time due to exit closures along U.S. Route 322 westbound and Interstate 80 Exit 161 westbound. Football parking areas near Beaver Stadium open at 8 a.m. Saturday and require a pass, available for $20 in general lots and $30 in preferred lots.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.
