As 2023 comes to an end, it’s time to reflect on the past year with the Year in Review.
Here are some of the Centre County Gazette’s top stories of 2023.
Concepcion Sworn In, Pipe Departs for Harrisburg – January
Sworn in on Jan. 17, Amber Concepcion is the first female Centre County commissioner in 19 years. She was appointed to replace former commissioner Michael Pipe, who took a position Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration.
Pipe had served as a commissioner for 11 years, having begun his first term on Jan. 2, 2012.
Prior to joining the Board of Commissioners, Concepcion was the president of the State College Area School Board for nine years.
Beaver Stadium Upgrades – February
In February, Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi announced that the university intended to consider a multi-phase renovation project for Beaver Stadium.
The total project, set to be completed in four years, is estimated to cost $700 million.
In May, the Board of Trustees approved an expenditure of $70 million for the first stage. Athletic Director Patrick Kraft said in December that design of the renovation, which is expected to begin in the spring of 2024, is 30% complete.
Shrewsberry Heads to Notre Dame – March
Penn State men’s basketball coach Micah Shrewsberry took the head coaching job with Notre Dame after his second season with the Nittany Lions. Shrewsberry made the announcement on March 22.
Shrewsberry coached Penn State to a 37-31 record over two seasons, including the Nittany Lions’ first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2011 and first NCAA tourney win since 2001. At the end of March, Penn State announced that VCU’s Mike Rhoades accepted the coaching position.
Arrest Made in Decades-Old Rape Case – April
Officials made an arrest on April 17 for the rape of a Penn State student that occurred in July 2000. The cold case was reopened in April after forensic genealogy led police to Kurt Alan Rillema in Michigan.
Penn State Detective Nick Sproveri reopened the case in July 2021, after thinking the genealogical DNA might lead to the suspect. In January 2023, a genealogical match led to three brothers, one of whom was a Penn State student in 2000.
This led police to believe Rillema was visiting his brother when the crime took place. Police then began to investigate Rillema and took a disposable coffee cup he used as evidence.
The DNA testing was a match to the cold case in State College, and another rape that took place in Michigan in 1999, according to police.
Baseball Teams Take Home Titles – June
The Bald Eagle Area and the Bellefonte baseball teams both won their state championship games in 2023.
On June 17, Bellefonte defeated Dallas 7-1 for the PIAA Class 4A title. The same day, the Bald Eagles took home an 11-0 victory against Mount Union in the Class 2A title game.
It was the first time in county history that two teams claimed PIAA baseball championships on the same day.
Success of Ironman Happy Valley – July
The first-ever Ironman 70.3 Happy Valley saw major success in July. Across Centre and Clinton counties, 2,405 athletes raced in the triathlon on July 2.
The event was based on a three-year deal, so 2023 marked the first of three Ironman Happy Valley 70.3 triathlons.
In September, the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau received a $70,000 grant for the event.
Public Pushback Leads to Reversal of Eminent Domain Decision – August
In an effort to replace the Pugh Street Parking Garage, the State College Borough intended to use eminent domain to acquire the building that holds The Brewery, Music Mart, Canyon Pizza and Canyon Wings in August.
Eminent domain law allows government “to take private property for public use in return for just compensation.”
Two weeks later, the borough rescinded its decision during a council meeting that was attended virtually and in person by over 100 community members.
$3 Million Bail for Penn State Student – September
A suspended Penn State student was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide following a Sept. 12 crash on East Park Avenue that killed Lovisa Arnesson-Cronhame.
Arness-Cronhame was a 25-year-old graduate student from Sweden.
On Sept. 27, a Centre County judge set bail at $3 million for 20-year-old Ahmed M. Alqubaisi from the United Arab Emirates. He posted bail on Oct. 4 and was released under several conditions, including wearing a GPS monitor and surrendering his passport and visa. He is awaiting trial.
Waffle Shop Catches Fire – October
A fire broke out inside the downtown State College Waffle Shop on Oct. 10. Firefighters responded to a fire found in the back of the building that caused severe smoke damage.
The popular breakfast spot reopened in November after being closed for nearly one month.
Airport Enters New Era – November
Since its 1978 opening, central Pennsylvania’s primary commercial service airport had been known as University Park Airport.
In November, airport, government and business officials gathered to unveil the new sign, renaming it the State College Regional Airport.
The change had been discussed for years, with supporters citing helping to decrease confusion for travelers and promote a stronger regional identity.
Centre County Commissioners Win Re-Elections – November
All three incumbents on the Centre County Board of Commissioners won their election campaigns in November.
BOC Chair Mark Higgins, Vice Chair Amber Concepcion and Steve Dershem all return for new four-year terms.
Preparing for Peach Bowl – December
For the first time, Penn State football is competing in the Peach Bowl.
The Nittany Lions take on Ole Miss on Dec. 30 in Atlanta as part of the New Year’s Six bowl games.
The matchup announced in December marks the 52nd bowl game in Penn State’s history and the ninth bowl game for coach James Franklin.
Compiled by Danielle Blake and Olivia Estright
