School tax hikes, WingFest and 'No Kings' anniversary: Top Centre County stories

Centre County residents face school tax increases in nearly every district as summer events and civic demonstrations fill the calendar. Here’s a quick look at the top local stories from June 9.

Here are key takeaways:

• Nearly every public school district in Centre County is planning real estate tax increases for the 2026-27 budget year, with State College raising taxes for the fifth consecutive year at 3.5%, adding about $134 annually for the average homeowner. Districts cited rising healthcare costs, new hires and inadequate state and federal funding as key drivers. Penns Valley is the only local district not raising taxes.
• Tussey Mountain WingFest is expanding from eight weeks to nine weeks this season, running every Thursday from June 11 through Aug. 6. VIP tickets are available for the first time at $27.50, offering access to the lodge with air conditioning and interior restrooms. The WingFest food court has been relocated closer to the lodge and the terrain graded to eliminate uphill walking, while the beer garden moved across the street to the Tussey Mountain Fun Centre, spokesperson Aaron Weyman said.
• Keystone Indivisible is organizing a Flag Day demonstration on the I-99 overpass at the Toftrees exit from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, displaying U.S. flags and the message “We the People means all the people.” The event marks one year since the first “No Kings” rally. Local and national organizers are encouraging Centre County residents to watch “Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment” at New York City’s Town Hall on Sunday evening, featuring Jane Fonda and Patti Smith. The closest planned watch party is in Williamsport.

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.