Death of former student ruled natural

The cause of death of a 24-year-old former Penn State student was ruled natural the first week of August by Centre County Coroner Scott Sayers. State College resident Matthew Wigfield died around 10 p.m. on June 24 in his apartment at 738 W. College Ave. He was found by his girlfriend, Penn State student Sarah Ebken (senior-marketing).

In August, Sayers said the cause of death was unknown pending results from the toxicology test.

Wigfield died of pneumonia, Sayers said.

Newlywed's car damaged from fire

The State College Police Department reported yesterday that an unknown person lit crepe paper that was attached to a 2003 red Mazda Protégé on fire Aug. 27. The vehicle -- which belonged to a newlywed couple -- was parked in the garage of the Days Inn, 240 S. Pugh St., police said.

About $6,900 worth of damage was done to the vehicle, but the fire was extinguished before it caused any damage to the building, police said.

Police start investigations for SIP

The State College Police Department reported yesterday that four investigations are underway as part of an initiative to combat underage drinking and providing alcohol to minors.

Source Investigation Project (SIP) began in 2004 as a two-year deal that focused on punishing people over 21 who provided alcohol to minors, State College Lt. Dana Leonard said.

An $11,500 grant was approved for this year's SIP efforts, which police said yesterday have already started with education of 16- through 25-year-old students.

Drug ring-leader's hearing continued

The preliminary hearing for the man accused of being the ringleader for 15 drug dealers in Centre County has been continued to Sept. 27.

Michael Wright, 32, of State College, is charged with selling over $800,000 worth of crack cocaine in the past 19 months. He has been in Centre County Correctional Facility on $250,000 bond since July 31. The hearing will be held at 8:30 a.m. at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte.