I’ve written something like 125 columns for StateCollege.com over the last six years. But never a “negative” piece.

I’ve always felt it was my niche, even my calling, to lift up Happy Valley’s charitable organizations, groups like Strawberry Fields, Out of the Cold and Centre Volunteers in Medicine. And to salute unsung heroes in our community, people like Lydia Abdullah, Doug Arnold, Ellen Campbell and Dr. Roy Love.

But never a negative column. Until now.

Though I would prefer to focus on the thousand points of light in my beloved hometown, I can’t ignore a looming threat of darkness. Some call it a “mini-casino,” a breathtaking way to downplay this place that is planned to hold a whopping 750 slot machines.