In case you haven’t been paying attention to the calendar, 2015 is coming to a close at midnight.
It was a relatively eventful year in the world of State College and Penn State.
When it comes to the world of news, the unfortunate truth is that the more depressing stories tend to get the most traction. Keep that in mind as you navigate this collection of headlines, featuring some of our top-read news and sports stories from 2015.
From new restaurants opening in town — including a downtown Sheetz sans gas pumps — to the firing of Penn State’s offensive coordinator to some tragic domestic disputes, we broke down the highlights and lowlights of 2015 in State College based on what most of you read.
Here it is: 2015 in headlines.
NEWS:
New Breakfast Restaurant Promises a Waffle Experience Like No Other — Jan. 10
Consider the waffle. It’s a simple dish – perhaps deceptively so – and a beloved breakfast staple. State College is no stranger to the morning delight, but a new twist on the old favorite came to town at the start of 2015.
Documents Link Reported Jail Murder Plot to District Attorney’s Alleged Forgery — Jan. 28
Allegations that Centre County District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller forged a judge’s signature on a fake court order took a bizarre new twist at the start of this year, becoming entangled in a jail murder plot. Of course, this is just the first of many stories in 2015 on the so-called courthouse crisis in Centre County.
Drive-in Theatre Reborn as Flea Market — April 16
The Starlite Drive-In has new life. Beginning on Saturday, April 18, the location became the site of Happy Valley Flea Market. The Starlite Drive-In opened in 1949 and closed in 2008. It had been vacant ever since until the flea market moved in.
Severe Thunderstorm Brings Hail, Heavy Winds, and Flooded Roads — April 20
Do you remember the worst storm of the year? A powerful line of thunderstorms crashed through State College on this Monday evening in April, bringing torrential rain, hail the size of ping pong balls, and flash flooding in some areas.
State College Ranked Best Town In Pennsylvania, 14th In Nation — May 29
Residents already knew the secret, but it’s out now: State College is the best town in Pennsylvania. In the 2015 rankings from Niche, State College topped the state list for “best towns” and came in at 14th in the nation.
Silk Road Mastermind, Penn State Alum Ross Ulbricht Sentenced to Life in Prison — May 30
Jerry Sandusky might be Penn State’s most widely known convicted criminal, but drug kingpin Ross Ulbricht can probably now stake claim to a close second. Ulbricht, known by his online pseudonym “Dread Pirate Roberts,” was sentenced to life in prison without parole after being convicted for running the world’s largest drug-trafficking website.
Immigration Raids Yield Federal Charges Against State College Restaurant Owners — July 16
After more than a year of silence, the United States Department of Justice filed criminal charges in connection with the federal raids of eight State College restaurants last June. Just this past week, one of the couples charged received probation after a guilty plea and faces deportation.
State College Spikes Clarify Apology After Performance by Actor Corey Feldman — July 21
Actor Corey Feldman’s appearance at a State College Spikes game generated some national headlines. At issue was not only what he did but also what he reportedly didn’t do. The problem, according to the Spikes, was that Feldman was not expected to sing — and that the duties he was supposed to perform never happened.
Levels Nightclub Closes After Three Years — Aug. 24
Just three years after replacing the Mezzanine at 420 E. College Ave., Levels Nightclub is officially closed. There have been large white “For Rent” signs hanging from Levels for weeks now, and a liquor license application is posted on the front door. That application was made by Charles and Sharon Herlocher, owners of the famous local mustard company
Over 70 Marijuana Plants Seized from Ferguson Township Home — Aug. 27
Two people were led away from a Ferguson Township home in handcuffs after state and local law enforcement agencies seized over 70 marijuana plants from a greenhouse in the backyard.
State College Police Respond To Domestic Dispute That Ended In Fatal Shooting — Aug. 30
An unfortunate morning for the State College community — the State College Police Department responded this morning to a report of a domestic dispute between a husband and wife that left a woman fatally shot, according to a media release by State College Police.
State College Man Charged with Child Porn Possession — Aug. 31
A State College man is facing a felony child pornography charge after an investigation uncovered a large collection on his computer. “He acknowledged that this attraction seemed ‘weird’ at approximately sixth grade,” the criminal complaint said.
Centre County Rallies around Mount Nittany Teacher — Sep. 11
As it often does, the Centre County community rallied around one of its own. Jamie Barbarich Covol is an Autistic Support Teacher at the Mount Nittany Elementary School in State College. She also has a brain tumor. Friends and community members organized a 5K to raise money for the National Brain Tumor Society.
PHOTOS: Sheetz on Pugh Street Officially Opens For Business — Sep. 22
Sheetz or Wawa? The age-old debate has reared its head once more. Sheetz, a popular convenience store and gas station chain permeating most of western Pennsylvania, has now expanded into downtown State College on Pugh Street, replacing the late Duo Nightclub that shut down due to legality issues.
Federal Agents Search Technology Company, Home in Ferguson Township — Sep. 23
Upwards of 20 federal agents, at least some from the NASA Office of Inspector General, were at work inside a Ferguson Township home on Setter Run Lane. NASA Agents were also at the office of PolyK Technologies on Old Gatesburg Road. Officials from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration are staying tight-lipped about the apparent raid.
Former THON Dancer, Alumna Kayla Nakonechni Passes Away After Cancer Battle — Oct. 14
Nakonechni’s THON journey started when she raised $13,000 to independently dance at THON 2013. In less than half a year, she went from dancing on the THON floor for 46 hours in the fight against pediatric cancer to being a Four Diamonds child. We followed up on Nakonechni’s story, taking a look at how her life was driven by love.
State College Man Expresses No Regret for Fatal Stabbing of Wife — Oct. 27
When asked if he regretted fatally stabbing his estranged wife, all Vladimir Podnebennyy said was that she shouldn’t have told him she was leaving him to start a new life with someone else. “When asked if he regretted stabbing his wife, Podnebennyy stated that she shouldn’t have said what she said,” the criminal complaint stated.
Sue Paterno: ‘Four Years of Secrecy Are Enough’ — Nov. 5
On the fourth anniversary of the scandal that rocked Penn State and the State College community to its core, Sue Paterno published a letter addressed to the Penn State lettermen.
Kildare’s Property Owner Sells Location for $7.5 Million — Nov. 14
A piece of State College property that has been at the center of heated debate within the borough council has been sold. Jeff Haas, the owner of 538 E. College Ave., where Kildare’s is located, confirmed that he sold the property to CA Student Living for $7.5 million.
SPORTS:
Athletic Director Sandy Barbour Apologizes For ‘409’ Sticker Tweet — Jan. 20
The Nittany Lion men’s hockey team opted to wear 409 stickers to recognize the recently unsanctioned football wins under former football coach Joe Paterno. Athletic director Sandy Barbour later tweeted to one unhappy observer that the stickers were “inappropriate and insensitive.”
What is the Future of Beaver Stadium? — Aug. 2
Beaver Stadium’s future? Good question. In many ways, Penn State football is at a crossroads – rebuild or build anew. In a big way, that includes Beaver Stadium.
A Man Of Many Passions, Herb Hand’s Greatest Might Just Be His Players — Aug. 4
Leaning back in his chair nearly as far as it would go, Herb Hand’s gaze drifted off into some far away place as he contemplated the question at hand. “I’m confident in my abilities as an offensive line coach,” Hand finally said, breaking the silence with the kind of gravely voice that can only come after years of coaching. Or rather, simply years of yelling.
Nittany Lion: The Man Behind the Mask — Oct. 12
The Nittany Lion mascots must keep their identity secret. But Centre County Report’s Scott Cikowski gives you an inside look at one of Penn State’s biggest icons.
The Last of the Mohicans — Nov. 19
Jay Paterno applauds the last six Nittany Lions who were recruited by his father and endured the scandal that rocked Penn State in 2011: Kyle Carter, Ben Kline, Angelo Mangiro, Carl Nassib, Matt Zanellato, and Anthony Zettel.
James Franklin Faces Tough Decision When It Comes To John Donovan — Nov. 22
We all know what Franklin ended up doing, but our own Ben Jones offered his opinion on the hot button issue of Penn State’s 2015 football season before offensive coordinator John Donovan’s eventual firing.
Franklin Seemingly Tips Hand With Hackenberg Decision — Dec. 16
While the previous story has entered the realm of “resolved” Penn State football news, the question of whether or not quarterback Christian Hackenberg will return to the Nittany Lions for a fourth season remains unresolved. Franklin just may have tipped his hand as to what choice Hackenberg is poised to make, but only time will tell.
Teammates Have Faith in McSorley as Penn State’s Next Starting QB — Dec. 20
And while it remains to be seen if Hackenberg will head to the NFL Draft or come back to Penn State for his senior year, Mike Poorman took a look at what the Nittany Lions think about the player who just might be next up at quarterback.
