Two additional positive COVID-19 cases in the Mifflin County School District were verified over the weekend.   In a weekly letter to parents and guardians, the district said both cases involve employees who work at night.  One employee works at Lewistown Intermediate School, and the other works at Mifflin County High School.  Both employees report to work after student dismissal and do not have interactions with students.  The administration has verified neither employee had interaction with students last week.  The school district says it may have to go to full remote learning for a period of time if the number of COVID-19 cases in Mifflin County continues to rise.

A total of $480,000 in state funding will support critical water system upgrades in Huntingdon County.   A loan of more than $348,000 and a grant of more than $131,000 will help upgrade the Petersburg Borough Authority Slow Sand Filtration Plant, according to Senator Judy Ward (R-30) and Representative Rich Irvin (R-81).  Many of the existing features of the plant have reached the end of useful life, leading to significant water loss. The upgrades will bring the plant into compliance with standards set by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and will provide major benefits in terms of public and community health. The funding was awarded through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).

Geisinger is enrolling people with dementia and their caregivers in a national research study that will compare three models of dementia care over an 18-month period.  Participants will complete questionnaires at enrollment and through phone calls at regular intervals throughout the study. Patients will receive $20 at enrollment and $15 after 18 months for a total of $35. Caregivers will receive $20 at enrollment and after 18 months for a total of $40. No in-person visits are necessary, and participants do not need to have a Geisinger primary care provider.  For information, call 570-808-7215 or visit geisinger.org/dcare.  An estimated 6 million people in the United States are living with dementia.

The American Red Cross will be in Mifflin County for a blood drive today.  You can give the “Gift of Life” at the Community Hall on Main Street in Allensville today from 1:30 pm to 7:00 pm.