GAZETTE THE CENTRE COUNTY
www.CentreCountyGazette.com
Special night
Former Little Lion Matt Suhey presented officials at State College Area High School with a Golden Football on Sept. 16 at Memorial Field. The footballs were distributed by those who played on a winning Super Bowl team./Page 24
September 22-28, 2016
Volume 8, Issue 38
FREE COPY
United Way holds kickoff event By G. KERRY WEBSTER kerry.ccgazette@gmail.com
STATE COLLEGE — The message wasn’t about opening wallets and donating cash during the 2016 United Way Campaign Kick Off event, held Sept. 20 at Housing Transitions in State College. The message, instead, was focused on more local involvement and increasing an already healthy partner network. Tammy Gentzel, executive director of the United Way, said the organization is now moving away from setting funding goals and instead will attempt to increase the number of partner agencies involved. She said funding and donations will continue to be crucial for the program; however, she noted those looking for the United Way thermometer to gauge the status of the donations won’t be able to find one. Instead, the long-standing staple mark of the organization will be replaced with the message, “What will you Live United for? “On behalf of the Centre County United Way Partner Network, I invite everyone in Centre County to live United,” she said. “Join us as we fight for the basic needs of every citizen in our community. We are excited for the future. We can make great things happen ... together.” Tracy Spalvins was in attendance at the press
conference. Always wanting to be a State College homeowner, she sought out the services of two United Way partner organizations in helping her find that dream home. She utilized the services of the State College Community Land Trust, a UW partner agency, which assists first-time home buyers. “Not only was I able to purchase a home through this program, but they provided me with homeowner education as well as pre-purchase budget counseling,” she said. “As a matter of fact, some of that budget counseling actually took place right here at Housing Transitions.” She said through this interaction with State College Community Land Trust, she was able to meet with another partner organization — Mid-Penn Legal Services. She said the people there walked her through her land lease and closing documents. “The State College Community Land Trust, MidPenn Legal Services and the Centre County United Way all helped me realize my dream of becoming a homeowner in the community where I work and live,” she said. “Their collaboration exemplifies the idea of Live United. I encourage everyone to help build a stronger community and support the Centre County United Way and its partner agencies.” United Way, Page 4
G. KERRY WEBSTER/The Gazette
STANDING UNITED: Penn State President Eric J. Barron spoke briefly to a small crowd gathered at Housing Transitions for the 2016 United Way Campaign Kickoff.
District investigates Instagram threat
STRIPED OUT
By GEOFF RUSHTON StateCollege.com
STATE COLLEGE — State College Area School District officials said Sept. 18 they are confident there is no threat to its schools after an investigation into a threatening social media post on Sept. 16. State College Police investigated an Instagram post under the account name “scasdshooter” that showed images of the Columbine school shooting with the caption “inspiration for the event happening on Monday.” A middle school student called police Sept. 17 and admitted responsibility for the post, and said he meant it as a joke. Police confirmed through interviews with the student and his parents and review of the device used to make the post that he was responsible. They also confirmed he had no access to weapons and determined there was no credible threat TIM WEIGHT/For the Gazette
Threat, Page 5
PENN STATE held its second “Stripe Out” when the Nittany Lions played Temple on Sept. 17 at Beaver Stadium. More than 100,000 fans turned out for the game, a 34-27 Penn State win. For more on the game, see Gazette Gameday on Page 19.
Judge orders NCAA to produce documents related to sanctions By GEOFF RUSHTON StateCollege.com
HARRISBURG — The judge in the estate of Joe Paterno’s lawsuit against the NCAA on Sept. 19 ordered the organization to produce all communications with its board members, administrators and Penn State officials related to the repeal of the Opinion ............................ 9 Women’s Corner ....... 10, 11
consent decree and sanctions against the university. Specially-presiding Senior Judge John Leete, of Potter County, also required the NCAA to provide a privilege log listing any documents being withheld on the grounds of attorney-client privilege. Judge, Page 5
Health & Wellness ..... 12, 13 Education ....................... 14
Community ............... 15-18 Gazette Gameday ...... 19-22
CHRIS MORELLI/Gazette file photo
SCARY SITUATION: The State College Area School District recently dealt with a threat on social media, but it turned out to be a hoax.
Sports ......................... 24-27 Community Profile ... 28-30
Designs for Living ..... 31-33 Around & In Town ......... 34
What’s Happening ......... 35 Puzzles ............................ 36