Mariana Forteza Site


<p>Thousands of people flocked to downtown State College on a sunny Saturday afternoon to celebrate Pride and the LGBTQ community.</p>



<p>Presented by Centre LGBTQA Support Network, Downtown State College Improvement District and State College Borough, the third annual State College Pride <a href="https://stcodev.wpengine.com/articles/community/parade-festival-among-state-college-pride-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">included</a> a parade of colorful floats and marchers through town and a festival in Sidney Friedman Park, among other events throughout the weekend.</p>



<p>State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Philadelphia, served as grand marshal of the parade and festival. A frequent visitor to Centre County, Kenyatta is the first openly LGBTQ person of color elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly.</p>



<p>He called 2023 &#8220;probably the most important year for Pride in a really long time,&#8221; noting a vocal anti-LGBTQ contingent and legislation in a number of states, particularly related to transgender individuals. </p>



<p>&#8220;In this moment, in this Pride year, what we are doing right now, showing up with joy in our hearts, showing up for and with each other in real community, that is critical right now,&#8221; Kenyatta said. &#8220;Because this is actually what our communities look like. This is actually where most people are&#8230; Do not believe the noise and the nonsense that most people are as hateful and vitriolic as some of the politicians who unfortunately get elected&#8230;. For Pride, it’s really critical for us as a community that we recognize our joy does not exist in contrast to their hatred.&#8221;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://henr18y71trtnloh5jkqnqjqt.js.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pride-2023-kenyatta-lane-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-424953"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, State College Pride grand marshal, and Judge Timika Lane lead the 2023 Pride parade. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.com</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Pennsylvania, Kenyatta said, should aspire to be the best place to live, raise a family and retire for everyone, including LGBTQ people.</p>



<p>&#8220;We deserve to be happy, to be joyous, to be just who you are every single day, no matter what they’re talking about, no matter what they’re doing,&#8221; he said. &#8220;You just be who the hell you are.&#8221;</p>



<p>State College Mayor Ezra Nanes acknowledged that some in attendance may be feeling scared, worried or uncertain because of events nationally. </p>



<p>&#8220;It’s OK to feel that,&#8221; Nanes said. &#8220;I want you to know that me, Ezra Nanes, my family, the Borough of State College, we are here for you. We will always be here for you. We’re going to keep building on the amazing work that you’ve already done, that we’ve already done together.&#8221;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://henr18y71trtnloh5jkqnqjqt.js.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pride-2023-3-1024x751.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-424937"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://henr18y71trtnloh5jkqnqjqt.js.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pride-2023-8-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-424942"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Photos by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.com</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Nanes issued a proclamation last week declaring June as Pride Month in the borough, and as the parent of an LGBTQ child, he called Pride &#8220;not just principle,&#8221; but also personal.</p>



<p>&#8220;One of the greatest joys in life, whether you’re a parent or a sibling or just an adult with a child in your life that matters, is supporting that child in discovering who they are,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I think that’s a really important principle of what Pride is, that we all believe in helping people discover themselves, not telling them who they should be.&#8221;</p>



<p>State Rep. Paul Takac, D-Lemont, said Pride is also personal for him and his family and called it a &#8220;joyful occasion.</p>



<p>&#8220;This represents the absolute best of what State College is and can be,&#8221; he said. &#8220;This sets the standard for what every day should be like. You are not only seen, you are not only accepted, but you should be celebrated and you should be loved. If we could bottle today and make every day like that, wouldn’t this be a better world, a better place to be?&#8221;</p>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stcodev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pride-2023-4-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" data-id="424938" src="https://henr18y71trtnloh5jkqnqjqt.js.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pride-2023-4-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-424938"/></a></figure>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stcodev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pride-2023-6-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" data-id="424940" src="https://henr18y71trtnloh5jkqnqjqt.js.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pride-2023-6-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-424940"/></a></figure>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stcodev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pride-2023-11-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" data-id="424945" src="https://henr18y71trtnloh5jkqnqjqt.js.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pride-2023-11-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-424945"/></a></figure>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stcodev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pride-2023-15-scaled.jpeg"><img decoding="async" data-id="424956" src="https://henr18y71trtnloh5jkqnqjqt.js.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pride-2023-15-scaled.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-424956"/></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stcodev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pride-2023-14-scaled.jpeg"><img decoding="async" data-id="424955" src="https://henr18y71trtnloh5jkqnqjqt.js.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pride-2023-14-scaled.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-424955"/></a></figure>
<figcaption class="blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption"><em>Scenes from the 2023 Pride parade in downtown State College. Photos by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.com</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Timika Lane, a Philadelphia judge who is running for Pennsylvania Superior Court in November, emphasized the importance of individuals making their voices heard to ensure all are treated with dignity and respect.</p>



<p>&#8220;We have to decide in Pennsylvania, what is it going to be? Are we going to be a place of love or are we going to be a place of hate?&#8230; Your voice matters,&#8221; Lane said.</p>



<p>Kenyatta urged those in attendance to be true to themselves, knowing that it will inspire someone else to do the same.</p>



<p>&#8220;If we lift each other up, if we encourage each other to be brave, if we remind ourselves that we are the majority of this commonwealth, that we are the majority of this nation, when we do that then we will continue to pull this nation closer to making the ideals of freedom, justice and fairness real for everybody,&#8221; he said. &#8220;No matter who you are, no matter what you look like, no matter who you love, no matter how you worship or choose not to, here in Pennsylvania it’s about you getting a fair shot and a fair shake. We’re going to keep doing that together.&#8221;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://henr18y71trtnloh5jkqnqjqt.js.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pride-2023-9-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-424943"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.com</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>State College Pride has grown substantially since it was first held in 2021. Last year it drew an estimated 4,000 people and organizers expected that number would increase again for the third edition.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.centrelgbtqa.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centre LGBTQA Support Network</a> (CLSN), which was founded in 2014, has been instrumental in that, as well as in providing resources year round. Sue Marshall, a founding member and current board secretary, said planning for next year&#8217;s Pride will start next week.</p>



<p>In the shorter term, however, CLSN will be celebrating another advancement. A long-planned LGBTQ center for downtown State College will open sometime in August at the corner of Calder Way and South Pugh Street, Marshall said.</p>



<p>&#8220;We can’t wait,&#8221; she said. &#8220;We will have a big opening celebration.&#8221;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://henr18y71trtnloh5jkqnqjqt.js.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pride-2023-anchor-arrow-2-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-424949"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Community members danced while Anchor &amp; Arrow played at the 2023 State College Pride festival on Saturday, June 10, in Sidney Friedman Park.</em> <em>Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.com</em></figcaption></figure>


‘Showing Up with Joy in Our Hearts.’ State College Celebrates Pride


<p>There may be just one person who claims not to know who will start at quarterback for Penn State football when the team begins its season against West Virginia on Sept. 2.</p>



<p>While Drew Allar has been set as the presumed successor to longtime starting quarterback Sean Clifford since the day that he stepped onto Penn State’s campus in January 2022, James Franklin didn’t declare a winner to the Nittany Lions’ quarterback competition with 86 days until the season opener.</p>



<p>“We have competition at every single position, every single year, returning starter or not,” Franklin told the media on Thursday. “I think that’s the right thing to do.”</p>



<p>Allar’s competition at the position is Beau Pribula, who, like Allar, was a member of the Nittany Lions’ recruiting Class of 2022. The difference between the two was that Allar was a five-star recruit by the time he arrived on campus. Pribula was a three-star.</p>



<p>More recently, Allar took snaps behind Clifford in the 2022 season. The youngster played in enough games that he was unable to take a redshirt season. By contrast, Pribula didn’t take a snap in a Penn State game until the Blue-White Game in April, when he attempted 22 of his 27 passes with second-string players.</p>



<p>Franklin’s hesitation to name a starter isn’t surprising. Entering his 10th year with Penn State, Franklin wants competition at the position. It’s likely that Allar will only stick around Penn State for two more years. Franklin will need someone to step up when the Ohio native is gone.</p>



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<p>It’s a situation that Franklin has had before. From 2016-17, he had running backs Saquon Barkley and Miles Sanders on the same roster. Barkley was a shout for a Heisman candidate in college, and when Sanders turned pro, he reached last season’s Super Bowl as the starting running back for the Philadelphia Eagles.</p>



<p>At Penn State, Barkley was the evident starter. But Franklin said that competition between the two made them both better. If Franklin has his way, the same will happen to Allar and Pribula.</p>



<p>“I think at times there may have been some frustration with that, but I truly believe that type of competition in college really set them up to be successful in the NFL,” Franklin said. “[Barkley] always had somebody behind him trying to take reps away from him. And [Sanders], as a young player, was trying to overtake [Barkley]. So I think that is a healthy position to be in.”</p>



<p>Franklin also has to answer the question of how he’ll use each quarterback. As Mike Yurcich, Penn State’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach said at the same press conference, each quarterback has different styles. Gameplans have to be tailored to those styles.</p>



<p>Allar’s been described as a quarterback who’s steady in the pocket. Teammates have raved about his ability to place passes in locations where only a receiver can catch them. Allar can be mobile but his arm is what really sets him apart from the pack.</p>



<p>Pribula, however, is described as athletic. He’s the quarterback that Franklin and Yurcich could turn to when they need to push a pile or in a situation that calls for a mobile quarterback. He’s the Nittany Lions’ alternate.</p>



<p>However Franklin plays the two quarterbacks, it will likely be some time before Penn State fans have an answer to the question that’s hung over the program for more than a year. Franklin noted that he wanted Clifford to compete for a starting role for the six years that the recent&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://onwardstate.com/2023/04/29/sean-clifford-drafted-no-149-overall-by-green-bay-packers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL draftee</a></strong>&nbsp;spent in Happy Valley. The same will apply to Allar.</p>



<p>If Franklin has 86 days to name a starter against the Mountaineers, he may just use all 86.</p>


‘We Have Competition at Every Single Position’: Penn State Quarterback Question Still Unanswered


<p>STATE COLLEGE — The countdown is on.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.ironman.com/im703-pennsylvania" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ironman 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley</a> is right around the corner. The triathlon will take place on July 2 in locations throughout Centre and Clinton counties. Director Josh Cone said that things are coming together nicely in preparation for the first-ever Ironman event in Centre County.</p>



<p>“The event is really coming together well and we are excited to see athletes from all over the country here in central Pennsylvania,” he said.</p>



<p>Cone said the response has been overwhelmingly positive.</p>



<p>“The response has been fantastic. There’s been a lot of questions as to what the Ironman triathlon is. Also, the look of disbelief that people would swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 over Centre Hall Mountain and then run 13.1 miles,” Cone said.</p>



<p>There is, however, still a need for volunteers. Cone is hoping that community members will step up and volunteer.</p>



<p>“(We’re) just getting the word out for volunteers to jump in and get involved. It’s a fun way that non-profits can be involved as a team and raise money for their group through the Ironman foundation grant,” Cone said.</p>



<p>According to Cone, volunteers are still needed for morning clothes bag drop at Bald Eagle State Park as well as bag pick-up at Beaver Stadium.</p>



<p>Early weather forecasts show a high of 82 on July 2. The triathlon will stretch across Centre County and beyond.</p>



<p>For those on the fence about volunteering, Cone is hopeful that people will try their hand at it.</p>



<p>“Come join an event that’s high energy, full of passion, watching people chase dreams. … (It’s) a great way to jump in and be involved in something really special that’s happening in our backyard. I’m excited to show the world how awesome central Pennsylvania is,” Cone said.</p>



<p>To volunteer for Ironman, visit <a href="https://ironman.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=69790" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ironman.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=69790</a>.</p>


The Countdown Is On for Happy Valley Ironman


<p>BELLEFONTE — When it comes to Centre County government, circle June 27 on your calendar.</p>



<p>That’s the day the <a href="https://stcodev.wpengine.com/articles/local-news/proposed-responsible-contractor-ordinance-for-centre-county-government-projects-stirs-controversy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Responsible Contractor Ordinance</strong></a> will be voted on by the Board of Commissioners.</p>



<p>During the June 13 meeting, Chair Mark Higgins said the public hearing will take place prior to the regular meeting on June 27.</p>



<p>“I believe it will be toward the beginning of the meeting,” Higgins said.</p>



<p>He added that there will be no venue or time change for the meeting.</p>



<p>“It would need to be held during a time when the Board of Commissioners are open for business,” Higgins explained. “At this point, it would be 10 in the morning for the regularly scheduled commissioners’ meeting.”</p>



<p>The controversial proposed ordinance would establish new requirements for contractors to be eligible to bid on some Centre County government construction projects.</p>



<p>The county is currently required to accept the lowest responsible bidder for any given construction project. However, the county code and relevant statutes and regulations provide little guidance for defining “responsible.”</p>



<p>The proposed ordinance would, among other things, require that 70% of the craft labor workforce on projects over $250,000 be certified journeypersons, workers who have completed a state or federally approved apprenticeship training or those currently enrolled in such an apprenticeship program.</p>



<p>Contractors would self-certify with a notarized statement that they are in compliance with the conditions.</p>



<p>At a recent meeting, the BOC voted 2-1 to advertise the proposed Responsible Contractor Ordinance governing county construction projects over $250,000.</p>



<p>The RCO has a 30-day public review period. There are less than two weeks left for review.</p>



<p>Higgins and Vice Chair Amber Concepcion voted in favor of the proposed ordinance, while Commissioner Steve Dershem voted against it.</p>



<p>In other business, the commissioners:</p>



<p>—Heard a presentation about C-NET from Cindy Hahn. She talked about C-NET’s involvement broadcasting county meetings and its service to the public.</p>



<p>—Approved a grant agreement with the Department of Housing &amp; Urban Development for the continuation of the Centre County Rapid Re-Housing Program. The agreement total is $385,415, funded federally for the period of Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024.</p>



<p>—Approved a contract renewal with the Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Psychological Clinic to provide mental health services including outpatient and community services. The contract total is $20,000 funded as follows: state ($19,078) and county match ($922) for the period of July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.</p>



<p>The BOC will meet again at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 20. The meeting is open to the public and will also be televised live by C-NET.</p>


Time, Site Will Not Change for Big BOC Meeting


<p>There’s a new recycling program coming to Centre County.</p>



<p>This one doesn’t involve the traditional curbside bins that collect cans, bottles, plastic and newspapers. No, this one is aimed at reducing food waste that traditionally heads to landfills. Instead, that waste can be used for composting.</p>



<p>What is composting? Shelly Mato, Refuse and Recycling Program administrator for the Centre Regional Planning Agency, said it’s quite simple.</p>



<p>“Composting is really just speeding up the natural process of decomposition of organic material by being more intentional about the mix of material,” Mato explained. “If you take the right proportion of organic materials that are high in nitrogen, like food and green grass and plants, and mix it with the right proportion of organic material high in carbon, like brown leaves and sawdust, and give it the right amounts of air and water, it decomposes into a very nutrient-rich material called humus. If you add that to any soil, it makes the soil healthier and better able to withstand lack of water.”</p>



<p>In the coming weeks, special trash bins will be placed where food scraps and waste can be dumped. And while the program will be new to most in Centre County, one municipality was already on board with composting.</p>



<p>“State College Borough collects food waste from borough residents who have curbside refuse collection, but the rest of the Centre Region doesn’t,” Mato said.</p>



<p>Now, it will. Mato said that these types of programs are not uncommon.</p>



<p>“Food scraps drop-offs are happening all over the country, from New York City to San Diego, and there are lots of different models as well,” Mato explained. “We are fortunate to have a compost site right here in the Centre Region, so we wanted to provide some way for residents to compost their food waste if they want to.”</p>



<p>The program will not run year-round, Mato said.</p>



<p>“The pilot program will run through October, and afterwards we will analyze participation and the amount diverted from the landfill to evaluate the benefits of establishing permanent drop-off sites,” she said.</p>



<p>There will be five drop-off sites in the county. They will be in Benner, College, Ferguson, Harris and Patton townships. Those interested in composting will have to <strong><a href="https://crcog.net/refuse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">register</a></strong> for the program.</p>



<p>“We are not limiting who can participate,” Mato said. “So if you live in, work in, shop in or take classes in the Centre Region, you can register and drop off your food scraps at your convenience.”</p>



<p>By registering, it will be easier to track which sites get the most traction.</p>



<p>“We have to know how many people are using it and where they’re from to decide on future sites,” Mato said.</p>



<p>What can be composted? Well, just about anything food related. Food scraps, including vegetables, fruit, dairy, meat, fish and bones. Also on the list are indoor plant cuttings, indoor dead plants, garden trimmings and even pizza boxes.</p>



<p>According to Mato, composting is good in many ways. It’s environmentally friendly, for starters.</p>



<p>“In Pennsylvania, just under 40% of all waste that is landfilled or incinerated is organic waste. Organic waste produces methane as it decays, which is a greenhouse gas … much more harmful to our environment and our health than CO2. Reducing the amount of organic waste sent to our landfill — and all refuse in Centre County goes to a landfill — not only significantly reduces harmful emissions, but preserves landfill space for materials that can’t be recycled and that don’t have any other end use,” Mato said.</p>



<p>There are already two composting facilities in the county — one in State College Borough and another at Penn State.</p>



<p>Mato said the county could truly lead by example.</p>



<p>“(We) will soon have a biodigester as well that will process organic material, so we really should be able to take advantage of our unique position and become a leader in the state in terms of better management of our organic waste,” Mato said.</p>



<p>To register for the program, visit <strong><a href="https://crcog.net/refuse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crcog.net/refuse</a></strong>.</p>



<p>“Once someone registers, we send them details on how to collect their material and ways to reduce smells and bugs, a list of what to include and a list of what to leave out, a list of the sites, the exact location of the drop-off sites and a code to be able to access the sites.”</p>



<p>The Centre Region COG Refuse and Recycling Program is partnering with the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority and the State College Borough Public Works Department for the pilot program.</p>



<p>“All three have ambitious waste reduction goals, and this is just one of many projects and initiatives we’re working with other area partners to help Centre County residents do just that,” Mato said.</p>


New Composting Program Comes to Centre County


<p>The following property transactions were compiled from information provided by the Centre County recorder of deeds, Joseph Davidson. The Gazette is not responsible for typographical errors. The published information is believed to be accurate; however, the Gazette neither warrants nor accepts any liability or responsibility for inaccurate information.</p>



<p><strong>RECORDED MAY 15-19, 2023</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>BELLEFONTE BOROUGH</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Russel A. Stewart and Joslyn J. Stewart to Benjamin Morre and Jenna Campbell, 401 S. Monroe St., $245,000. </td></tr><tr><td>Alma J. Kimberling to Ville Du Parc LLC, 171 Governors Park Road, $175,000. </td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>BENNER TOWNSHIP</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Curtis A. Borden and Panom C. Borden to Kenneth L. Smith, 164 Far Hills Ave., $679,900.</td></tr><tr><td>Leigh A. Meeker to Leigh A. Meeker and Floyd C. Meeker Jr., 178 Buffalo Run Road, $1</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>BOGGS TOWNSHIP</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Allen S. Fisher to Craig A. Miller, Kifer Road, $50,000. </td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>COLLEGE TOWNSHIP</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Village at Canterbury LP to Jennifer R. Dowd, 532 Brandywine Drive, $420,000.</td></tr><tr><td>Heather E. Hamby and Charles Hamby to Cassandra W. Biblehimer and Brianna N. Biblehimer, 264 Spring St., $1.</td></tr><tr><td>Philip I. Jury, John R. Lyke and Suzanne Jury Lyke to Philip I. Jury and Emily K. Jury, 733 Puddintown Road, $1.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>CURTIN TOWNSHIP</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Wayne L. Mitchell, Mary E. Mitchell, Mary L. Watson, James M. Watson Sr., James M. Watson Jr., Robert B. Watson and Jill L. Watson to Jason C. Watson, 15 Front St., $1.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>FERGUSON TOWNSHIP</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Xiangfen Zho to Bo Huai Liu and Zhou Chen, 106 Red Willow Road, $550,000.</td></tr><tr><td>Brad F. Wagner and Wendy S. Wagner to Robert J. Radzwich and Madeline E. Radzwich, 119 Elm Road, $322,750.</td></tr><tr><td>Daniel R. Van Clief and Mary E. Barbercheck to Debra A. Young, 1886 Huntingdon Lane, $240,000.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>HARRIS TOWNSHIP</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Jamie Garcia Prudencio and Holly K. Chittum to Daniel L. Haxall and Kathyrn Spielvogel, 230 S. Academy St., $475,000. </td></tr><tr><td>Kaywood North Estates LLC to Rebecca Altemus and Andrew J. Decandis, Linden Hall Road, $270,000. </td></tr><tr><td>James M. Hodges III and Julie L. Hodges to Raymond L. Allen and Tonya S. Allen, 122 Towhee Drive, $369,900. </td></tr><tr><td>Thomas Philip Kapsha and Laura A. Kapsha to Robert E. Donahue Jr. and Michele Donahue, 346 Beacon Circle, $680,000.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>LIBERTY TOWNSHIP</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Violet Gunsallus and Mary Ann Etters to Gregory Packer and Judith Packer, Eagleville Road, $800.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>PATTON TOWNSHIP</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Garrett S. Zoschg and Roxanne P. Patton to James S. Molnar, 2009 Fairwood Lane, $259,900.</td></tr><tr><td>Darlene L. Johnson to Joshua L. Johnson, 1987 Norwood Lane, $300,000.</td></tr><tr><td>Kera J. Kollman-Robinson and Lamar Robinson to Habitat for Humanity Inc., 133 Woodycrest St., $188,434</td></tr><tr><td>Michael S. Bratton to Sher Rahman, 2003 Fairwood Lane, $231,000. </td></tr><tr><td>Benjamin Brady Beck and Celeste Beck to Andrew S. Alvarez and Shara A. Alvarez, 1951 N. Oak Lane, $380,000.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>PENN TOWNSHIP</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Jacob F. Glick and Kristena M. Glick to Lyndsey Rae Bidddle, 1079 Penns Creek Road, $290,000.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>PORT MATILDA BOROUGH</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Mark S. Adams to Mark S. Adams and Robert D. Adams, 207 S. High St., $1.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>POTTER TOWNSHIP</strong></td></tr><tr><td>David C. Ferree and Sandra J. Ferree to Arthur E. Shipkowski and Stephanie A. Shipkowski, 159 Goodhart Road, $710,000.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>RUSH TOWNSHIP</strong></td></tr><tr><td>John L. Murphy and Alice Q. Murphy to Caroline Sue Gonzalez, 280 Mt. Equity Road, $47,000.</td></tr><tr><td>C. Hummel Real Estate Limited Liability to Greggory A. Schroeder, 350 Sleepy Hollow Road, $160,000. </td></tr><tr><td>Kenneth C. Valhalla, Margaret A. Valhalla and Peggy A. Valhalla to Kenneth C. Valhalla, Margaret A. Valhalla, Mark Linsenbigler and Corey Linsenbigler, Walnut Street, $1.</td></tr><tr><td>Pennsylvania State University to Commonwealth of PA, 3278 Benner Run Road, $1.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>SNOW SHOE TOWNSHIP</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Thomas H. Salisbury to Richard Fenush and Judith Fenush, 123 Rock Ridge Road, $196,000.</td></tr><tr><td>Pamela Ann Carlin to Deanene E. McCullough, Robert R. Carlin and Todd P. Carlin, East Sycamore Road, $1.</td></tr><tr><td>George L. Robb II, Stacey L. Summey, Robert P. Carlin and Pamela A. Carlin, to Keying Zhou, 774 E. Sycamore Road, $450,000. </td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>SPRING TOWNSHIP</strong></td></tr><tr><td>BRH at Logan Greene LLC, Berks Homes and Berks New Homes LLC to Steven P. Koller Jr. and Jennifer L. Koller, 270 Isabella Circle, $322,490.</td></tr><tr><td>Barbara A. Bush to Quentin S. Burchfield and Stacy A. Burchfield, 111 Slate Court, $449,900.</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne L. Baumgardner and Tracy L. Witmer to Keith E. Lair and Wanda M. Lair, 161 Jodon Ave., $117,000.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>STATE COLLEGE BOROUGH</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Shedra Snipes to Michael P. McShane and Colleen McShane, 508 E. Irvin Ave., $618,500.</td></tr><tr><td>Ralph F. Brower Family Trust, Brower &amp; Kissinger, Brian F. Kissinger, John G. Kissinger, Joan H. Brower and Michael D. Brower to Kissinger Group LLC, 830 S. Pugh St., $250,000.</td></tr><tr><td>Butter Bus Enterprises LLC to Sanjeev Tanotra and Daphne Tanotra, 222 W. Beaver Ave., $250,000.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>TAYLOR TOWNSHIP</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Helen T. Tingle Estate, Helen Tingle Estate, Helene K. Tingle-Uysal and Helene Tingle Uysal to Helene Tingle Uysal and Erdem Uysal, 330 Tuskovich Lane, $1.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>WALKER TOWNSHIP</strong></td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;A Home Builder LLC to William J. Popp and Diana A. Popp, 177 Deerhaven Road, $615,769.</td></tr><tr><td>Kayleen E. Czankener and Adam B. Czankener to Rober Cuneo and Kelly Spates, 205 Riverstone Lane, $202,000.</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>—Compiled by Lana Fulton</em></figcaption></figure>


Deed Transfers


<p><strong><u>SNOW SHOE</u></strong></p>



<p>Mountain Top Swimming Pool, 225 Park Ave., Snow Shoe<br>(814) 470-3272<br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Mountain-Top-Area-Pool-Association/100057881460434/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">facebook.com/people/Mountain-Top-Area-Pool-Association/100057881460434/</a><br>Open through Monday, Sept. 4<br>Hours: noon-6 p.m. daily</p>



<p>ADMISSION</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Adults</td><td>$6</td></tr><tr><td>School age</td><td>$5</td></tr><tr><td>Under 5</td><td>$3</td></tr><tr><td>Under 1</td><td>Free</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<p>SEASON MEMBERSHIP</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>New family*</td><td>$175</td></tr><tr><td>Returning family*</td><td>$155</td></tr><tr><td>New individual</td><td>$110</td></tr><tr><td>Returning Individual</td><td>$100</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">*Family memberships are up to 5 people.<br>Additional family members — $20 each</figcaption></figure>



<p><strong><u>MILLHEIM</u></strong></p>



<p>Millheim Pool at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Park<br>120 Park Entrance Road<br>(814) 349-5273<br><a href="http://www.millheimpool.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">millheimpool.com</a><br><a href="mailto:millheimpool@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">millheimpool@gmail.com</a></p>



<p>Open through Monday, Sept. 4<br>Mon., Wed., Thurs.: noon-7 p.m.<br>Tues., Fri., Sat., Sun. and holidays: noon-9 p.m.</p>



<p>ADMISSION</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Daily&nbsp; (noon-closing)</td><td>$7</td></tr><tr><td>Twilight&nbsp; (5 p.m.-closing)</td><td>$4</td></tr><tr><td>10 daily visits</td><td>$60</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Children 3 years and under are free.<br>Pavilion rentals are available.</figcaption></figure>



<p>SEASON MEMBERSHIP</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Regular family</td><td>$300</td></tr><tr><td>Individual</td><td>$150</td></tr><tr><td>Twilight family*</td><td>$155</td></tr><tr><td>Twilight individual*</td><td>$85</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">•Twilight membership — weekends, holidays, after 5 p.m. weekdays</figcaption></figure>



<p><strong><u>STATE COLLEGE</u></strong></p>



<p>Park Forest Community Pool, 2100 School Drive, State College<br>William L. Welch Community Pool, 670 Westerly Parkway, State College<br><br><a href="https://www.crpr.org/aquatics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRPR.org/aquatics</a><br>(814) 231-3071<br>Open through Monday, Sept. 4<br>Weekdays: noon-8 p.m. Weekends/holidays: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.</p>



<p>RESIDENT FEES (State College Borough and townships of College, Ferguson, Harris and Patton)</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Age</td><td>Daily Pass</td><td>Season Pass</td></tr><tr><td>2 and under</td><td>Free</td><td>Free</td></tr><tr><td>3-10 and 65+</td><td>$10</td><td>$85</td></tr><tr><td>11-64</td><td>$12</td><td>$110</td></tr><tr><td>After 5 p.m.*</td><td>$7 (ages 3+)</td><td>$65 (ages 3+)</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">*After 5 p.m. includes all day on weekends<br>5th+ family member passes — $50/person</figcaption></figure>



<p>NON-RESIDENT FEES</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Age</td><td>Daily Pass</td><td>Season Pass</td></tr><tr><td>2 and under&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>Free</td><td>Free</td></tr><tr><td>3-10 and 65+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>$12</td><td>$128</td></tr><tr><td>11-64</td><td>$14</td><td>$165</td></tr><tr><td>After 5 p.m.*</td><td>$9 (ages 3+)</td><td>$98 (Ages 3+)</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">*After 5 p.m. admission includes all day on weekends<br>5th+ family member passes — $75/person</figcaption></figure>



<p><strong><u>BELLEFONTE</u></strong></p>



<p>Kepler Pool, 401 Governors Park Road, Bellefonte<br><a href="https://www.bellefontepool.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bellefontepool.org</a><br>Closed for repairs during 2023.</p>



<p><em>—Compiled by Karen Dabney</em></p>


Breaking Down Centre County’s Swimming Pools


<p>As the summer heats up, area residents can cool down at their nearest community pool. Four Centre County pools are open now through Labor Day — Millheim Pool, Mountain Top Swimming Pool, Park Forest Community Pool and William L. Welch Community Pool. The pools are open to everyone, regardless of residence.</p>



<p>Kepler Pool in Bellefonte will remain closed again during the 2023 season. More funding is being sought for needed repairs.</p>



<p><strong>SNOW SHOE POOL</strong></p>



<p>The Mountain Top Swimming Pool at Snow Shoe is managed by the Mountain Top Area Swimming Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and relies on admission fees and donations to operate the pool for the public.</p>



<p>“Kids from the YMCA in Bellefonte have been coming here the past two years to practice for their swim team,” said Jennifer Nastase, MTASA president and manager of the pool. “We host various daycares and have for many years.” She said no child is ever turned away.</p>



<p>“Please watch our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Mountain-Top-Area-Pool-Association/100057881460434/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook page</a>,” she said. “I’m trying to have a set schedule of events every week.” She is considering events like movie nights and Slushy Sundays.</p>



<p>Nastase said the pool plans to hire three more lifeguards and may extend the season beyond Labor Day, depending on the weather and if the lifeguards can work. At the end of the season, they’ll have a doggy swim.</p>



<p>“The one big thing we are going to miss since COVID, again this year, is our bus program,” Nastase said. “It&#8217;s just a shame. It served so many aspects of life, getting kids to the school for the free lunch program as well as socializing and exercising.”</p>



<p>She said the school buses are no longer available to be rented for the program, and the organization can’t afford to hire a commercial bus service.</p>



<p>“We have a wonderful pool,” she said. “About 12 years ago, a group of people decided to fix it up. There are a lot of these pools built about 55 years ago. If people don’t keep them up, they’re failing. You can’t build these pools now for less than millions of dollars.”</p>



<p>She said the organization received $25,000 from the Centre County Commissioners this year. Area clubs, individuals and State Correctional Institution at Rockview help with ongoing repairs. Fred “Dick” Thompson and his family are generous supporters who built the pool pavilion.</p>



<p>The organization is seeking additional funding for rebuilding the baby pool and other projects.</p>



<p>&nbsp;“There’s nothing here for the kids to do,” Nastase said. “I need to offer them something to do, and for their parents. I need to keep this alive. Keep them out of trouble.</p>



<p>“We have a small concession stand and Hershey ice cream, or pack a lunch,” she said.&nbsp; “Come stay cool at the pool.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-statecollege-com wp-block-embed-statecollege-com"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://stcodev.wpengine.com/articles/community/breaking-down-centre-countys-swimming-pools/
</div></figure>



<p><strong>MILLHEIM POOL</strong></p>



<p>The Millheim Pool and the surrounding Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Park are also managed by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Penns Valley Park and Recreation Association Inc., and the pool is funded by donations and memberships.</p>



<p>“I got involved 10 years ago, as a way to give back,” said PVPRA President Collen Swetland.</p>



<p>She said any size family will be admitted for the family rate. “Everybody’s welcome. We will have two to three family days with some games and food to try to attract more families.”</p>



<p>“September 4 is the end of the season. All the lifeguards are high school kids. They start back to school and school sports,” she said.</p>



<p>On Sunday, June 11, the PVPRA is partnering with the Millheim Legion to hold a cornhole tournament. The proceeds will go to the pool.</p>



<p>New this year is the addition of lap swimming in two lanes. Swetland said this was requested to allow people to prepare for the pool’s largest fundraiser, the Penns Valley Triathlon, which draws competitors from neighboring states. More information can be obtained by emailing Jean Karp, <a href="mailto:pennsvalleytri@gmail.com">pennsvalleytri@gmail.com</a>.</p>



<p>&nbsp;“For two years, no one was able to come out to the pool. It deteriorates faster when it’s not being used or it’s being used too hard,” Swetland said.</p>



<p>The PVPRA board decided not to repair the damaged baby pool due to the expense and turned it into a sandbox play space.</p>



<p>“Last year was the first year twilight memberships were offered,” Swetland said. It’s a lower cost option for admission from 5 p.m. to close on weekdays plus weekends and holidays.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>The pool offers fitness programs before the pool opens, and swimming and SCUBA lessons. A coed league plays at the pool’s sand volleyball court on Wednesday nights.</p>



<p>Swetland said Millheim Pool started a new partnership with East Penns Valley Library at the pool’s Splash Bash on June 2 to celebrate the last day of school. The library brought books so kids could read in the shade.</p>



<p>“We worked with the Millheim Lions club and the national Lions Club to get an ADA lift chair for folks who are wheelchair bound to lower them into the pool,” she said.</p>



<p>PVPRA received a grant for $25,000 of COVID money from the county commissioners and will use it to buy a new chlorinator pump and a new vacuum system.</p>



<p>&nbsp;The pool receives support from the Millheim Fire Company, Lions Club, local businesses and the Millheim Legion. She says people are welcome to volunteer to help with fundraisers and donations.</p>



<p><strong>STATE COLLEGE POOLS</strong></p>



<p>Centre Region Parks and Recreation manages two public pools in the State College area, Park Forest Community Pool and William L. Welch Community Pool. Memberships and daily admission fees are discounted for residents of State College Borough and the townships of College, Ferguson, Harris and Patton.</p>



<p>“The membership passes are valid at both pools,” said Todd Roth, CRPR aquatic supervisor. “Some people switch it up, depending on where they live. With my kids, it was wherever their friends went.”</p>



<p>The CRPR <a href="https://www.crpr.org/aquatics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a> lists SCUBA and swimming classes, plus special events, including a family film night on Aug. 11 and a build-your-own cardboard boat race on July 8.</p>



<p>“We do constant updates on our website,” Roth said. “If they have a question, they can look and get the latest information.”</p>



<p>In June and July, each pool will offer Wibit on alternating weekends, beginning with Welch Pool on June 10-11, Roth said. He described Wibit as a floating obstacle course. Participants run across the big inflatable pieces and try not to fall into the water. “It’s pretty fantastic,” he said.</p>



<p>CRPR may offer bonus days to open Welch Pool on some additional weekends in September. Roth said it will depend on the weather, the availability of staff and the home game schedule. Park Forest Pool will host a dog swim event in September.</p>



<p>“I think we’ve got great amenities — waterslides and a splash pad for kids,” Roth said. “It’s good, wholesome family fun.</p>


Community Pools Are Open for Summer Fun


<p>One local community park will be getting a new name.</p>



<p>Benner Township Park is being renamed the Benner Township Veterans Community Park. Deb Burger spearheaded the project, which is near and dear to her heart.</p>



<p>Her brother,&nbsp;<a href="https://stcodev.wpengine.com/51-years-after-air-force-pilot-went-missing-bellefonte-family-still-searching-for-answers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maj. Lewis P. Smith II</a>, was a 1964 Penn State graduate and Blue Band trumpeter. An Air Force ROTC member, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force upon graduation.</p>



<p>In May 1968, Smith was shot down over Laos while flying a combat mission. He has been listed missing in action ever since.</p>



<p>The 55th anniversary of that event took place on May 30.</p>



<p>“I was in fifth grade when he was shot down,” Burger explained. “My father was in World War II and Korea, so our family has always been about veterans.”</p>



<p>Throughout her life, Burger has gone above and beyond when it comes to veterans.</p>



<p>“I felt bad because the Vietnam veterans never got the recognition that they deserved,” Burger said.</p>



<p>Getting the park renamed is big for Burger. However, there’s more.</p>



<p>Burger asked the Benner Township supervisors to rename the baseball field for Dennis Johnstonbaugh, a Vietnam veteran who lost his legs while serving his country.</p>



<p>Burger said her family is connected to Johnstonbaugh.</p>



<p>“My father, who was a contractor, actually built his house for him when he came back,” Burger said. “I was in sixth or seventh grade and I would go out with my Dad. I had been in Dennis’ house to help my Dad do stuff. … I’ve always felt this kinship connection.”</p>



<p>Getting the park and baseball field renamed was a long and involved process, Burger said. In fact, she began the push for this way back in 2017.</p>



<p>“I like what the supervisors did. They named the entire park for all veterans. And then they allowed the one ballfield in the park to be named for Dennis,” Burger said.</p>



<p>Johnstonbaugh has coached baseball before.</p>



<p>“I think this is very appropriate,” Burger said, “and I really want to thank the current Benner Township supervisors for helping to push this through. … They were very good about it.”</p>



<p>Burger thanked Jim Lanning from the Centre County Veterans Mentorship Program for helping her get on the agenda to speak with the supervisors.</p>



<p>This isn’t the first time Burger has done something like this. She got the High Street Bridge in Bellefonte renamed as Veterans Bridge and she helped to get the Hometown Heroes banner program off the ground.</p>



<p>In 2021, Burger got <a href="https://stcodev.wpengine.com/articles/local-news/beaver-stadium-seat-dedicated-to-honor-pow-mia-service-members/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>a seat at Beaver Stadium designated a “Chair of Honor,”</strong></a> which always remains empty. The specially designed black seat honors POW/MIA service members.</p>



<p>“We got the chair placed,” Burger said. “That was very special.”</p>



<p>An official ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on July 16.</p>


Benner Township Park, Baseball Field to Be Renamed


<p>BELLEFONTE — While broadband internet access for rural areas in Centre County continues to be an uphill battle, progress is being made.</p>



<p>During the May 30 Centre County Board of Commissioners meeting, the commissioners received an update from Liz Lose, the county’s assistant director of planning and community development.</p>



<p>The county had <a href="https://stcodev.wpengine.com/articles/local-news/centre-county-seeking-proposals-from-internet-providers-to-expand-broadband-service/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>issued a request for proposals on broadband expansion</strong></a> on April 25. The purpose of that, Lose explained, was to “find a project and get a provider lined up.”</p>



<p>At this week’s meeting, Lose revealed five companies that had responded and met the criteria.</p>



<p>“I met with a dozen different companies virtually, offering a different wealth of technology. I was able to answer their questions and give them some feedback on what we were looking for,” Lose explained.</p>



<p>The deadline, she said, was 5 p.m. on May 26. The five companies that responded were: Centre Wisp Venture Company LLC of Centre Hall; All Points Broadband Partners LLC of Richmond, Virginia; Verizon Pennsylvania LLC of Philadelphia; Comcast Cable Communications LLC of Philadelphia; and Pavlov Media of Champaign, Illinois.</p>



<p>“All companies had the required attachments that we had asked of them. Today, we’re going to start the deep dive in coordination with our broadband consultant, CTC Technology, to start to go through these proposals,” Lose said.</p>



<p>She said the proposals are “comprehensive,” averaging between 30 and 40 pages apiece.</p>



<p>“Once we get through those evaluations, we will come back to the board with a recommendation of which project — or perhaps projects — would be feasible in some manner,” Lose said.</p>



<p>Chair Mark Higgins talked about the scope of the project.</p>



<p>“We’ve been working hard on this for years and now it’s finally come to fruition. The broadband expansion RFP revolves around a $200 million state grant,” Higgins noted.</p>



<p>Proposals selected by the county for partnership will be seeking some of the more than $200 million in grants from federal American Rescue Plan Act funding that will be made available statewide for broadband projects through the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. <a href="https://dced.pa.gov/newsroom/pennsylvania-broadband-development-authority-approves-guidelines-for-200-million-broadband-infrastructure-grant-program-will-begin-accepting-applications-in-may/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Guidelines for the program</strong></a> were released in April and applications opened in May. Grant requests must be submitted to the broadband authority by July 10, and a local match of 25% of the grant award will be required. </p>



<p>Higgins said that he was pleased to see so many companies stepping up to provide service and solutions.</p>



<p>“It’s great to see that we’ve had such strong interest in providing broadband to our roughly 8,000 residences that are either unserved or drastically underserved throughout the county,” Higgins said.</p>



<p>There are approximately 7,900 addresses throughout Centre County that are either unserved or underserved by broadband internet. Broadband internet access is critical for business and education in the county.</p>



<p>“Having that information has really helped this process to move forward as well as it has — and to do so on some tight deadlines,” said Commissioner Amber Concepcion. “I’m looking forward to seeing this move forward.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://henr18y71trtnloh5jkqnqjqt.js.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/priority-areas-1024x612.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-419454"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A map shows the priority zones identified in Centre County’s broadband study. Image by CTC Technology.
</figcaption></figure>



<p>In January, the Federal Communications Commission completed a nationwide survey which asked residents to weigh in on their broadband internet experiences.</p>



<p>Now, it’s time for the next steps.</p>



<p>“Of course we are going to look at affordability. Do these companies offer those kinds of packages for residents? And just kind of the overall vitality and what their experience is,” Lose said.</p>



<p>Commissioner Steve Dershem questioned the wording of the RFP.</p>



<p>“The terminology — contract negotiations — what is our role in this? Are we a pass-through or are we a willing participant in this project? Where do we fit into the matrix of things here?” Dershem asked.</p>



<p>Lose said that the county will be more of a partner.</p>



<p>“The county, at this point, isn’t really in a position to be a pass-through. We’re going to be a partner in this,” Lose said. “What that looks like? We don’t know yet, until we get into those proposals.”</p>



<p>The Centre County Board of Commissioners will meet again at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 6. That meeting is open to the public and will also be televised live by C-NET.</p>


Commissioners Hear About Progress of Broadband Project


<p>SHIPPENSBURG — State College Area track and field coach Artie Gilkes has a couple of nicknames for Jesse Myers just to keep him loose.</p>



<p>“I like to give him the business sometimes,” Gilkes said. “He just smiles and laughs or comes back with something funny. That lets us know he doesn’t take himself too seriously.”</p>



<p>Myers, though, is serious business on the track.</p>



<p>Just a sophomore, Myers put himself firmly on the inside track to one of the most-decorated careers in Little Lion track annals, finishing in the top four in three Class 3A events — taking the gold in the 200-meter dash — at the PIAA championships on Friday, May 26, and Saturday, May 27, at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium.</p>



<p>“I went into the&nbsp;meet expecting&nbsp;to be in the top eight. However, I did not expect&nbsp;to place as high as I did,” Myers said. “My expectations for myself were to win at least one event, but it still came with a surprise&nbsp;when I had won.”</p>



<p>Keyed by Myers, the State College boys finished second in the Class 3A team standings to Chambersburg, 48-34. The Little Lions 4-by-800 relay team of Henry Adams, Owen Vaira, Sam Viglione and Nick Sloff won a bronze medal, and Sloff also was an individual medalist, placing sixth in the 1600 run.</p>



<p>In addition, another sophomore, Nathan Haas, finished seventh in the discus.</p>



<p>“Our coaching staff really breaks down where we can score points and what the kids need to do to get the job done,” Gilkes said. “Our goal of goals was to finish on the podium, and that requires everyone to buy into what our coaches are instructing. It also helps them have very achievable goals to pursue.”</p>



<p>The State College girls 3200 relay of Marlee Kwasnica, Chloe Poindexter, Amy Devan and Grace Morningstar finished fourth. Several other Centre County athletes competed but didn’t medal — the top eight in each event earn medals.</p>



<p>“Jesse had himself a weekend,” Gilkes said. “All the planning and all the scheming doesn’t matter much if your marquee athletes don’t step up and do marquee things.”</p>



<p>Myers did enough in Friday’s preliminaries to put himself in position for three medals on Saturday, but there wasn’t an inkling that he’d put together the performances he did.&nbsp;He was eighth in both the 100 meters (10.75 seconds) and 400 meters (48.32) and sixth in the 200 (21.49).</p>



<p>Then Myers turned it up a notch with the spotlight the brightest. With little recovery time after he captured the silver medal with a 47.81 400, the Little Lion 10th grader came right back to run a personal-best 21.23 in the 200-meter finals, winning by a tenth of a second over Upper Darby’s Lavar Jackson.</p>



<p>“The 400 takes a way bigger toll on your body than the 200,” Myers said. “I was super pumped when winning the 200, realizing&nbsp;all the hard work had paid&nbsp;off.”</p>



<p>Myers’ Saturday began with a fourth-place showing in the 100 finals. His time was 10.78.</p>



<p>The Little Lions relay was about eight seconds off the pace and in 23rd place when Vaira took the handoff and gained 17 places in the 4-by-800 ranks. Viglione moved State up three more positions, and Sloff brought it home in a time of 7 minutes, 48.47 seconds.</p>



<p>That was good enough to win the slower heat and get third place.</p>



<p>“The relay worked out almost perfectly, because we were able to duke it out with LaSalle even in the slow heat, which really gave us all a challenge that led to a significant drop in our times,” Sloff said.</p>



<p>“When Ovi (Viara) got the stick, there was no holding back. I think the announcer called him ‘a little ball of fire going around the corner,’” Gilkes said.</p>



<p>The Penn State-bound Sloff got State College off to a good start by placing sixth in the mile on Friday, crossing the line in a time of 4:11.40.</p>



<p>“I got a PR in the 1600 by a second, and I am happy with how I placed. The entire race was all very close in time, so it was difficult for everyone to be happy with how the results ended up,” Sloff said. “I was really happy to win the two medals, and it was especially nice to win another 4-by-800 medal because I got to experience it with my teammates.”</p>



<p>Haas overcame shoulder injuries and garnered his first-ever state medal by throwing the disc 158 feet, 11 inches.</p>



<p>“My main goal for the season was just to make it to states and then do the best I could in whatever events I qualified for,” Haas said. “The key to doing well was just remembering what my coaches had taught me and executing those throwing cues every time I got into the discus ring.&nbsp; Once the technique finally came together, I was able to throw my best throw of the season.”</p>



<p>Seeded seventh, the Lady Little Lions 4-by-800 was in the top five from start to finish and wound up with a time of 9:20.67.</p>



<p>“It’s always nice to improve on your ranking. They went out there and ran a season’s best at the state meet. It’s what they needed to do,” Gilkes said.</p>



<p>Sloff also ran the 800 meters, finishing 18th with a time of 1:57.33. Additionally for the Little Lions, shot putter Ben Spencer placed 15th with a best throw of 49-5.25, two-miler Isaac Opperman placed 25th with a time of 9:36.79 and State’s boys 4-by-100 and 4-by-800 relays both placed 27th, running 44.98 and 3:31.73, respectively, in their preliminary heats.</p>



<p>On the girls side, State College’s other two relays — the 400 and 1600 — were 11th and 26th. The 400 timed 48.81, the 1600 4:20.14.</p>



<p>Individually, Kwasnica was 25th with a time of 5:05.30 and Devan 31st with a 5:17.52 in the 1600 run, while Malia Abdullah was eliminated in the prelims in both the 100 and 200, where she recorded times of 12.37 and 25.69, respectively.</p>



<p>Morningstar was slated to compete in the 800 but scratched.</p>



<p>The Bellefonte girls also sent two girls to compete in Class 3A. Thrower Gabrielle Deitrich was 24th in the discus with a distance of 91-8. Victoria Schellenberg didn’t record a height in the pole vault.</p>



<p>Of the county athletes competing in Class 2A, Penns Valley’s Miles Brooks and Philipsburg-Osceola’s Chad Muckey came closest to reaching the podium, both finishing 11th. Brooks triple jumped 42-5. Muckey traversed the 3200 in 9:31.26.</p>



<p>Muckey also ran the 1600, timing 4:33.12 for 23rd place.</p>



<p>Bald Eagle Area had three field athletes in action. Abby Hoover was 16th in the girls javelin with a best throw of 112-5. Kieran Jodon placed 18th in the boys shot put at 45-3.25, while Kaiden Gates achieved 5-10 in the high jump for 19th place.</p>



<p>Penns Valley’s Micah Good was knocked out in the trials in the 400 and 200. He ran 13th in the 400 meters with a time of 50.88 and was 18th in the 200 meters with a 23.09. Meanwhile, teammate Greyson Kimler had the 20th-best time in the 300 hurdle prelims of 42.80.</p>



<p>For the Lady Rams, Abby Stitzer timed 1:00.49 in the 400-meter trials, the 17th-best time, and Lillyanna Smith was 19th in the 3200 finals at 12:14.33.</p>



<p>The Bellefonte boys had Zane Hummel take 17th with a 41-6.25 triple jump, the 3200 relay take 19th with an 8:32.15, Alex Crist take 24th in the 1600 meters with a 4:34.18 and Sherman Lowry come in 24th in the 110 hurdle trials with a 16.27.</p>



<p>St. Joseph’s Colin Simander was 22nd in the 2A boys 800 meters. His time was 2:02.01.</p>


State High Teams Shine at PIAA Track and Field Championships

Centre County Gazette

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