GAZETTE The CenTre CounTy
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May 1st is First Friday in downtown State College beginning at 5 p.m./Page 9
April 30-May 6, 2015
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Volume 7, Issue 17
TIM WEIGHT/For the Gazette
OPENING DAY: Participants in Nittany Valley Little League took to the field on April 25 to mark the start of baseball and softball season. Nittany Valley has nearly 300 players participating in 2015.
Nittany Valley Little League opens season in style By CHRIS MORELLI editor@centrecountygazette.com
BELLEFONTE — On a chilly spring morning, baseball and softball players from Bellefonte and beyond were introduced over the loudspeaker. They entered through the outfield and joined their teammates near the infield dirt at the Walker Township Field. Yes, Little League is back in action. The Nittany Valley Little League held its opening day on April 25. Once again, Nitta-
ny Valley did it in grand style — player and coach introductions, some special guests and of course, the first pitch of 2015. The league has a new president, Dan Auman, who took over for Skip Reichert. At the conclusion of the ceremonies, Auman talked about getting another season underway. “I’m really happy. The sun just seemed to come out at the right time,” Auman said. “It’s a lot of work, but this day just makes it worth it.” Following the team introductions,
always reaches out to us, about coaching, everything. He’s got a great crew,” Auman said. Nittany Valley Little League has nearly 300 boys and girls playing everything from T-ball to Little League.
Penn State baseball head coach Rob Cooper spoke to players, coaches and parents about the importance of Little League. “You are the future of our sport,” Cooper explained. “California is the No. 1 state at producing Major League Baseball players. Pennsylvania is No. 2. That all starts here.” Auman was impressed with what the coach had to say. “I thought Coach Cooper was awesome. He’s all about the youth and building the program. He’s been really supportive. He
Little league, Page 3
INSIDE For more photos of Opening Day, check out images from Gazette photographer Tim Weight. Page 26
Sports center eyed for old skating rink
Commissioners move forward on prison plan
By CHRIS MORELLI
correspondent@centrecountygazette.com
By GREGG KOHLHEPP
editor@centrecountygazette.com
MINGOVILLE — In another lifetime, the Hecla Park Skating Center bustled with activity. It was a popular destination for teenagers who wanted to skate and hang out with their friends. But, for decades, the building has sat vacant — until now. Business partners Rich Rogers and Scott Smith are in the process of converting the building into the Bellefonte Sports Academy @ the Rink. The 13,000-square foot, climatecontrolled facility will include five fully equipped individual batting cages, two dedicated pitching lanes for baseball and softball, utility lanes and a pair of golf cages. According to Rogers, it’s something he’s envisioned for awhile. Police Report .................... 2 Opinion ............................ 7
is that we’re bringing something different to the area than what’s here, what’s in the
BELLEFONTE — Centre County Commissioners conditionally approved a memorandum that would serve to initiate the final plans of the SCI-Rockview Land Development project, holding back complete approval until meeting with the Department of Corrections to fully understand the impact that this plan will have on the county. The SCI-Rockview Land Development plan contains a final stage — Restricted Housing Unit Building Additions and Alterations. This final residential stage would expand the prison population, adding inmates in need of mental health services from around the state. “We just want to be informed,” said Commissioner Steven Dershem. “Their (Rockview’s) mental health unit will have some direct impacts with us.
Skating rink, Page 4
Commissioners, Page 5
CHRIS MORELLI/The Gazette
RINK RENOVATORS: Scott Smith, left, and Rich Rogers are renovating the old Hecla Park skating rink into the Bellefonte Sports Academy @ the Rink. The venue will feature batting cages and pitching and hitting stations, as well as golf simulators. “It’s something that I’ve worked on and off for the last five years. The last two years, I’ve been aggressively pursuing the idea,” Rogers said. “The concept
Health & Wellness ............ 8 Education .................. 10, 11
Community ............... 12-18 Kids and Summer ..... 19-22
Sports ......................... 23-31 Arts & Entertainment 32, 33
What’s Happening .... 34, 35 Puzzles ............................ 36
Business ..................... 37, 38 Classified ........................ 39
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