Happy Valley Casino officially opens, plus other top local news stories from Monday
From a long-awaited casino opening its doors in College Township to Penn State football’s spring review, it was a busy Monday across Centre County. Here’s a look at the top local stories.
• Happy Valley Casino opens: State College’s long-planned mini-casino began regular hours Monday at the Nittany Mall after successful test days over the weekend. The non-smoking casino features 600 slot machines and 30 table games, employs nearly 400 workers and will host a grand opening celebration on May 8.
• Sexual assault charge in Bellefonte area: Jose S. Lainez, 50, was arraigned on a felony sexual assault charge after a woman told state police at Rockview he assaulted her while she slept at the Econo Lodge near Bellefonte. District Judge Casey McClain denied bail, finding Lainez to be a flight risk and a danger to the community.
• Penn State spring football review: The Nittany Lions wrapped up spring ball Saturday in their first spring under coach Matt Campbell, with quarterback Rocco Becht progressing after offseason shoulder surgery. The offensive line and secondary drew praise, but the backup quarterback situation remains a concern with projected backup Alex Manske recovering from a medical procedure.
• Penn College students head to Kentucky Derby: Twenty-six culinary students from Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport are preparing for a paid internship at Churchill Downs, where they’ll work in fine-dining rooms and the main kitchen ahead of the May 2 race. The college has been providing culinary support at the Derby since the early 1990s.
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.
