A student at Indian Valley Elementary School is presumed to have tested positive for COVID-19. The student was last at the school on Monday, October 26th. All “contact tracing” has been completed and all of the students and staff that will need to quarantine have been notified. At this time, Indian Valley Elementary School will remain open.

Due to COVID-19, all Geisinger hospitals are temporarily restricting routine, in-person visits to hospitalized patients, effective Monday, November 2nd until further notice. Family and friends are encouraged to find alternate ways to visit, such as phone calls, Facetime, and Skype. Visitation for outpatient procedures, diagnostics, and clinic appointments remains the same. Adult or pediatric patients who have an appointment at a Geisinger clinic, laboratory or radiology department may have one person accompany them, if necessary. Wearing a mask is mandatory for all visitors in Geisinger facilities. For more information about Geisinger’s visitation policy, visit Geisinger.org/coronavirus.

The Pennsylvania Senate has approved House Bill 86, bringing the state one step closer to a new law that would display the POW/MIA flag on Commonwealth property statewide along with the U.S. flag and flag of Pennsylvania. The bill was introduced by Representative David Maloney (R-Berks), whose uncle fought in the Philippines during World War II under the command of General Douglas MacArthur. At one time, Maloney’s uncle was listed as missing in action. Nearly 1.25 million Pennsylvanians served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, with over 33,000 killed, wounded, imprisoned, or missing during the war. Presently, more than 1500 (1,585) Americans remain unaccounted for in Southeast Asia. House Bill 86 was presented to Governor Tom Wolf on October 22nd. Should the governor sign the legislation, it will take effect in 60 days.

You can give the “Gift of Life” today in Mifflin County. The American Red Cross bloodmobile will be at the Community Hall on Walnut Street in Belleville from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm.

The Lewistown Halloween Parade is tonight (October 28th), beginning at 7:00 pm. There is a new parade route this year. The parade will begin on South Grand Street before moving onto Charles Street, and South Wayne Street. Organizers recommend social distancing. Wear a mask if possible.