News

ICE considering buying immigrant detention facilities in Pa

PA News August 12, 2026

CLEARFIELD — In mid-July, ICE published a request for information on “turn-key detention services” for four regions across the country, including central Pennsylvania, where it already has the largest immigration detention facility in the Northeast. Local activists worry ICE is either trying to contract directly with GEO Group — which owns and operates Moshannon Valley Processing Center — or even potentially buy the facility. When asked about what the RFI means for Moshannon, an ICE spokesperson told Spotlight PA in an Aug. 10 email that “ICE has access to over 80,000 ...

Pa passes law undermining court decision on lucrative mineral rights

PA News August 12, 2026

HARRISBURG — A law quietly passed this summer aimed to end a complicated, decade-plus legal fight over who owns an estimated $1 billion in Pennsylvania natural gas. It may have only begun a new, even messier chapter. At issue are mineral rights — which give holders the right to extract coal, oil, gas, or ore — underneath as few as 60,000 acres to more than one million, depending on which side you ask. For years, a group of families, led by the Proctor family trust, has waged a legal battle with the state over mineral rights that they say their ancestors acquired more than a ...

Calendar

Local News August 12, 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 ...

Mifflin County Habitat for Humanity seeks volunteers

Local News August 12, 2026

LEWISTOWN — Officials from the Mifflin County Habitat for Humanity expressed a need for volunteers and shared their body of work during the Lewistown Rotary Club meeting Tuesday. While most seem to think Habitat for Humanity is in the business of giving away homes for “free,” the ...

6 measles cases reported amid statewide outbreak

Local News August 12, 2026

LEWISTOWN — Mifflin County’s confirmed measles count has risen to six as cases continue to increase across Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Health reports 232 measles cases statewide, including 57 in the past seven days. Thirty-eight people have been hospitalized. Mifflin ...

Police reports

Local News August 12, 2026

No injuries reported in Route 22 crash MILLERSTOWN — No injuries were reported in an Aug. 3 two-vehicle crash on U.S. 22 westbound in Perry County. Pennsylvania State Police at Newport said a 2026 Honda CR-V was traveling in the left lane near mile marker 214 at about 7:36 a.m. and attempted to enter the right lane when it struck the driver’s side of a 2023 Ford F-250 SuperCab. The collision caused denting to the vehicles. Both drivers were able to leave the scene, and no injuries were reported. Police issued the Honda driver a written warning for driving on roadways laned ...