Tim Durkin

Altoona, Pennsylvania, State College

Multimedia Journalist at WTAJ-TV (Altoona, PA)

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Articles

What should you do with your pennies before they stop production?

3 weeks ago | wtaj.com | Tim Durkin

CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — With penny production set to stop, what should you do with all your loose pocket change? The U.S. Mint confirmed that it received its last penny banks in May, so the last pennies ever made are currently in production. Kish Bank CEO Greg Hayes sees this move as “progress,” especially since he sees few of them even used. “There’s probably 130 billion pennies in circulation right now,” Hayes said.
Ferguson Township moves forward on master plan with new consultant

3 weeks ago | wtaj.com | Tim Durkin

FERGUSON TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WTAJ) — Ferguson Township has a new consultant to help them create a blueprint for the future. Earlier in 2025, the township announced its goal to create an economic master plan. Now they have contracted the organization Fourth Economy for roughly $98,000 to help manifest that goal. The township stresses the importance of community input in the formulation of the plan.
Centre officials respond to being on DHS sanctuary jurisdiction list

3 weeks ago | wtaj.com | Tim Durkin

CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) included Centre County and State College in a list of places violating federal law, but even after the list was taken down, it has officials wondering why they were on it in the first place.
Centre County officials respond to delay on Rockview, Quehanna closure decision

3 weeks ago | wtaj.com | trevor miller |Tim Durkin

BELLEFONTE, Pa. (WTAJ) — A delayed decision from the state on whether to close two correctional facilities has county commissioners cautiously optimistic that more options are being considered. The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections recently updated its website to indicate that a final decision on the future of SCI Rockview and the Quehanna Boot Camp remains pending. The decision had originally been expected in May.
DOC delays prison closures, no updated timetable given

3 weeks ago | wtaj.com | Tim Durkin

BENNER TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WTAJ) — After weeks of uncertainty, the Department of Corrections is delaying the final decision on the proposed closures of SCI Rockview and Quehanna Boot Camp. The announcement was expected to come before the end of May, but this week the DOC updated its website to say the decision is still “pending.” It has Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) thinking the agency may be changing its plans. “I think the delay is a sign that we can have some hope,” Dush said.
Penn State planning on removal of Kepler Barn after failed fundraiser

3 weeks ago | wtaj.com | Tim Durkin

PINE GROVE MILLS, Pa. (WTAJ) — After months of fundraising, the effort to raise money to save Kepler Barn was unsuccessful. Penn State initially planned to tear down the barn, but after community outcry, decided to delay the decision. The university gave the community until June 1 to raise $500,000, saying that would be the cost to maintain the barn.
Huntingdon commissioners take first step to address issues with county jail

4 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Tim Durkin

HUNTINGDON, Pa. (WTAJ) — Huntingdon County’s commissioners are taking steps to address ongoing issues with the county jail. Built in 1978, the jail is showing its age. Commissioner Scott Walls says they have wanted to do something about it for “a long time.”“We’re spending a lot of money out of county to house inmates,” Walls said.
Huntingdon commissioners take first step to address issues with county jail

4 weeks ago | wtaj.com | Tim Durkin

HUNTINGDON, Pa. (WTAJ) — Huntingdon County’s commissioners are taking steps to address ongoing issues with the county jail. Built in 1978, the jail is showing its age. Commissioner Scott Walls says they have wanted to do something about it for “a long time.”“We’re spending a lot of money out of county to house inmates,” Walls said.
Somerset teacher shortage, leaders warn of worsening child care crisis

1 month ago | wtaj.com | trevor miller |Tim Durkin

SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A growing shortage of child care teachers is shutting down classrooms and straining working families across Pennsylvania, prompting Somerset County leaders to call for urgent state investment. At a press conference Thursday hosted at The Learning Lamp Center for Children, lawmakers, business advocates and child care experts detailed the economic fallout of the staffing crises, pointing to recent state and local surveys.
Former Penn State fraternity turned into new space for local nonprofit

1 month ago | wtaj.com | Tim Durkin

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) — A local crisis management organization, Centre Helps, is officially operational in its new home of a former fraternity building in State College. Alpha Chi Sigma at 406 S. Pugh St. was abandoned for several years before State College’s Redevelopment Authority partnered with Centre Helps to give them the building. The roughly $1.5 million in renovations started in late 2024 and lasted through May 2025.

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