News

Free STEM Day opens its doors for middle schoolers

PA News August 19, 2026

STATE COLLEGE — Middle school students from across central Pennsylvania will have an opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics through hands-on activities during a free STEM Day for Schools this fall. Discovery Space is expanding its Maker Faire Happy Valley programming with the event, scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 2 at the State College YMCA. The program is being offered in partnership with Kid Tech Inc. Participation is free for schools, homeschool groups and organized learning cohorts through support from the AAUW State College branch and the ...

‘Bare minimum’ healthcare in rural Pa threatens to get worse

PA News August 19, 2026

Residents of rural Pennsylvania continue to face obstacles to receiving healthcare as new Medicaid and Medicare requirements may soon disproportionately affect residents. Advocates and nonprofits are working to keep these services accessible. Northwestern Pennsylvania has historically faced healthcare challenges for years, and is home to the phenomenon dubbed the ‘maternity desert’. Larger than Connecticut, this desert is comprised of eight counties which lack access to hospitals with delivery services or maternity providers. “We are really seeing challenges with ...

Playhouse seeks cast for Christmas classic

PA News August 19, 2026

McCONNELLSTOWN — The Playhouse at McConnellstown will hold auditions in September for its upcoming holiday production of “A Christmas Carol.” Auditions for children ages 8 to 17 and adults 18 and older will be held at 2 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Playhouse, 11680 Raystown Road, McConnellstown. Previous theatrical experience is not required. The production offers a different approach to Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story. Set on Christmas Eve in England in 1843, the play begins with Dickens alone in his attic studio, where he is visited by the spirit of his younger ...

Police reports

Local News August 19, 2026

Two charged after Orbisonia altercation ORBISONIA — Two women were charged with disorderly conduct following an altercation July 25 on Water Street in Orbisonia. State police said Ashley Rhoades, 21, of Mount Union, and Carly Worrall, 36, of Orbisonia, became involved in a verbal altercation that turned physical. Both were subsequently charged. Two injured in Potter Township crash STATE COLLEGE — Two Philadelphia women suffered suspected minor injuries in a single-vehicle crash Aug. 10 on the U.S. Route 322 westbound off-ramp to state Route 144 in Centre County, according to ...

Calendar

Local News August 18, 2026

The Sentinel offers nonprofit and other community organizations an opportunity to promote upcoming events for free in the community calendar for three days before the event. Events requiring reservations may be promoted for up to two weeks before the reservation deadline. Events that require a purchase from a for-profit business, even if a donation is made to the organization, are not eligible for the calendar. Please be brief and include only basic details. If possible, provide a phone number or email address to be published with contact information. Submit items at least one week ...

Ward proposes changes to voter registration

Local News August 18, 2026

From staff reports HARRISBURG — State Sen. Judy Ward has introduced legislation aimed at strengthening Pennsylvania’s voter registration system by giving county election officials additional sources of information to identify deceased, duplicate and otherwise ineligible registrations. Ward, R-30, said Senate Bill 1429 would improve coordination among state and local agencies, establish timelines for maintaining voter rolls and add safeguards intended to prevent eligible voters from being improperly removed. “Pennsylvania voters deserve confidence that our voter registration ...