BELLEFONTE — The Centre County Commissioners’ April 14 meeting held a full late of agenda items. Here are five things to take away from the meeting:
$750K grant for library and historical museum
Commissioners announced that the Centre County Library and Historical Museum was awarded $750,000 from the Keystone Grants for Library Facilities program — the maximum amount available through the grant program. This grant program doles out grant dollars to aid in planning, acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of facilities.
CCLHM is a partnership entity composed of various libraries throughout the county. As specified in their grant application, the CCLHM will be using the awarded funds to expand and renovate the Centre Hall Library.
Kathleen Edwards, Centre Hall Library Branch Manager, stated, “We are excited to serve the Penns Valley community with more programs, more books, and more services.”
Denise Sticha, Executive Director of CCLHM, noted the renovation will more than double the square footage of the library; add meeting rooms; add a family restroom; and upgrade electrical, plumbing, and HVAC features in the building. Sticha shared that the $2.4M project’s construction would ideally begin in the fall of this year and carry over through the summer of 2027.
Natalie Corman, Deputy Administrator for Centre County Government, noted the team’s ability to navigate the highly competitive grant application process. Gov. Josh Shapiro released $11M through this grant program to just 15 counties.
Spring Career Fair
The Centre County Spring Career Fair will be held Thursday, April 23 at 1 p.m. at C3 Sports. The event is the result of collaborations among PA CareerLink, the Chamber of Business and Industry, Centre County Government, and State College Borough.
The group coordinated this second annual career fair to ensure that our talented job seekers in the area have the chance to connect face-to-face with employers and explore real, current job opportunities in the area. In advance of the event, both employers and job seekers are showing strong participation and excitement.
About 100 employers will attend the C3 Sports Complex, 200 Ellis Place in State College. This is the largest job fair in Centre County. Employers or job seekers interested in attending the career fair can still register on the CBICC’s website.
9-1-1 Dispatchers Week
April 12-18 was proclaimed 9-1-1 Dispatchers Week in Centre County to honor the diligent, professional emergency telecommunicators who provide critical services day in and day out.
“9-1-1 dispatchers are the single vital link for our law enforcement, fire, and medical services personnel,” the proclamation read. Despite their crucial role, 9- 1-1 dispatchers’ work often goes unseen; this is especially true when good dispatchers provide effective and efficient services, limiting their interaction with the public.
Nevertheless, it is important to take note of dispatchers’ hard work in keeping our communities safe and connected to emergency services. It is equally important to continue to promote emergency communications as a career, to ensure continuity of our vital 9-1-1 services. Centre County Government is hiring 9-1-1 dispatchers, with hourly rates beginning at $22.67 and competitive benefits. People who are interested can apply on the county’s website.
8-1-1 Safe Digging Month
Commissioners proclaimed April to be 8-1-1 Safe Digging Month. Pennsylvania 811 is responsible for fielding excavation notices and coordinating utility and construction crews to protect critical underground infrastructure.
Contacting 8-1-1 allows the caller to be connected with utility operators who can help locate and avoid underground utilities, such as gas lines. It is the law to 8-1-1 at least three business days before digging when using mechanized equipment. It is strongly suggested, however, to contact 8-1-1 any time you are digging.
A simple phone call can prevent unsafe digging practices that can pose threats to physical and material safety. As the weather warms and we see more residential and commercial construction, it is important to remember how 8-1-1 works to protect personal and material safety.
County vehicles going to auction
Thirty-one used county vehicles will be heading to auction after the commissioners approve the sale of the vehicles through the Central PA Auto Auction.
Dave Lomison, Director of Transportation for Centre County Government, shared with the commissioners that the partnership with CPAA remains very beneficial to the county. Lomison noted that CPAA has provided an almost-seamless way for the countyto turn over and liquidate its old fleet vehicles, boasting a 100% sale rate.
The auction is scheduled to be held on Thursday, May 21, starting at 8 a.m. This is the CPAA’s monthly utility/non-dealer sale event, making it open to both the county and the public.
Pre-registration for the auction is required; however, participation in the auction can take place in-person or online. To find more information and register, visit www.cpaautoauction.com.
