Ben Destefan

Franklin

Editor at Courier Express

Editor of The Courier Express (@celocal). Shippensburg University '09. #SteelerNation

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Articles

Penn State delays branch campus closure announcement until 'mid-May'

5 days ago | thecourierexpress.com | Ben Destefan

DuBOIS — A decision on the potential closure of Penn State DuBois has been delayed until mid-May, according to Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi. Penn State DuBois is one of 12 commonwealth campuses being reviewed for possible closure, with the university citing declining enrollments, changing demographics and financial pressures.
Ollie's Bargain Outlet to open DuBois store at former Michaels building

2 weeks ago | thecourierexpress.com | Ben Destefan

DuBOIS – Ollie's Bargain Outlet is planning to open a store in DuBois at the former Michaels building on Commons Drive.
DuBois Big Lots expected to reopen in May

2 weeks ago | theprogressnews.com | Ben Destefan

DuBOIS — The Big Lots store at the DuBois Mall is expected to reopen in May, according to a spokesperson from Variety Wholesalers. Signs reading “We want you to be a part of the Big Lots comeback!” are currently posted on the storefront of the DuBois location, asking for people interested in working for the discount retailer to apply for a job. “Our DuBois, PA location is scheduled to reopen on May 15,” a spokesperson for the new ownership group said in an email to the Courier Express.
DuBois Big Lots expected to reopen in May

2 weeks ago | thecourierexpress.com | Ben Destefan

DuBOIS — The Big Lots store at the DuBois Mall is expected to reopen in May, according to a spokesperson from Variety Wholesalers. Signs reading “We want you to be a part of the Big Lots comeback!” are currently posted on the storefront of the DuBois location, asking for people interested in working for the discount retailer to apply for a job. “Our DuBois, PA location is scheduled to reopen on May 15,” a spokesperson for the new ownership group said in an email to the Courier Express.
DuBois chief shares concerns on fire study recommendations

3 weeks ago | thecourierexpress.com | Ben Destefan

DuBOIS — DuBois Volunteer Fire Department Chief John Kelsey has several concerns about the recommendations provided in the fire study recently presented by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for consolidation of fire services with Sandy Township. The Courier Express also requested to interview Sandy Township Fire Chief Jason Runyon about the fire study recommendations, but the request was declined.
'Faulty electrical system' causes fire that destroys PSP patrol vehicle stored at DuBois collision shop

3 weeks ago | thecourierexpress.com | Ben Destefan

DuBOIS — A Pennsylvania State Police patrol vehicle being stored at a collision shop in DuBois was destroyed by fire Saturday morning. Following an investigation by the fire marshal, the vehicle fire has been ruled accidental caused by a "faulty electrical system."According to reports, a 2017 Ford Explorer, which served as a state police patrol vehicle, caught fire around 10:45 a.m. on March 29 while being stored at Cataldo's Collision on Division Street.
COLUMN: Return of Community Days can help DuBois turn the page

1 month ago | thecourierexpress.com | Ben Destefan

I wrote an editorial titled “Hoping to find the ‘middle’ for future of Community Days” in June of last year. That published shortly after the first DuBois Days event was held, a celebration put together by a cast of residents following the cancellation of the 30-plus-year tradition known as Community Days in 2024.
Groups coming together to support return of DuBois Community Days

1 month ago | thecourierexpress.com | Ben Destefan

DuBOIS — After a brief hiatus, a collection of dedicated residents are coming together to bring back the tradition known as DuBois Community Days. Having canceled the event in 2024, the DuBois City and Sandy Township volunteer fire departments are planning for the return of the annual celebration and Firemen’s Parade on June 13-14, 2025.
Youth can get early start on trout season Saturday

1 month ago | theprogressnews.com | Ben Destefan

It’s time to let the kids fish. This Saturday, March 29 marks Pennsylvania’s mentored youth trout day, giving youngsters an early start ahead of the statewide trout season opener for all anglers on Saturday, April 5. Fishing hours for youth day are 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in stocked trout waters. Eligible anglers include those ages 15 and younger accompanied by a licensed adult angler. Youth anglers need a mentored permit or a voluntary fishing license to participate this Saturday.
Youth can get early start on trout season Saturday

1 month ago | thecourierexpress.com | Ben Destefan

It’s time to let the kids fish. This Saturday, March 29 marks Pennsylvania’s mentored youth trout day, giving youngsters an early start ahead of the statewide trout season opener for all anglers on Saturday, April 5. Fishing hours for youth day are 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in stocked trout waters. Eligible anglers include those ages 15 and younger accompanied by a licensed adult angler. Youth anglers need a mentored permit or a voluntary fishing license to participate this Saturday.