After President Trump signed into law a $900 billion pandemic relief package that includes $600 stimulus checks for struggling Americans, lawmakers are continuing efforts to raise check amounts in Congress; the House passed a standalone bill late Monday afternoon that would increase the amount to $2,000 if approved by the Senate. The vote count was 275-134. Trump signed into law a $2.3 trillion pandemic aid and spending package on Sunday, restoring unemployment benefits to millions of Americans. The deal provides $1.4 trillion to fund government agencies through September and contains other end-of-session priorities such as an increase in food stamp benefits. The House met for the rare holiday week session to vote on Trump’s unmet demand for larger $2,000 virus relief checks. The bill passed the House, but faces resistance today from the Republican led Senate. For now, the administration can only begin work sending out the $600 payments.

PennDOT is alerting motorists Mann’s Narrows Road in Brown and Derry Townships is closed due to a rockslide. The closure is expected to be in place for up to three days. During this time, PennDOT will evaluate the rock formation and perform site cleanup. There will be two detours in place. Traffic heading toward Reedsville will take West Freedom Avenue to Route 322 Westbound. Traffic heading toward Yeagertown will take Route 655 to Route 322 Eastbound. PennDOT will issue an update once the closure and detours have been lifted.

A Granville man has been arrested for an attempted burglary. 31 year old Tyler D. Wert was arrested for forcibly entering the home of a former acquaintance early last Saturday morning. Mifflin County Regional police officers were dispatched to a residence on South Mann Avenue in Yeagertown for a reported act of trespassing. Officers spoke with the homeowner who indicated Wert was not invited or welcome at the residence. Officers located Wert just inside the front door. He was uncooperative with police and found to be intoxicated. During a search, officers found suspected methamphetamine on his person. Wert was charged with criminal trespass and possession of a controlled substance. He was transported to the Mifflin County Prison to await arraignment.

The Borough of Lewistown is notifying customers of the changes to the trash and recycling routes for the upcoming holiday. The Thursday and Friday routes will be picked up one day earlier. The Thursday route will be picked up tomorrow (Wednesday) while the Friday route will be picked up on Thursday. There are no changes to other days. Friday’s recycling customers are reminded their materials are to be held until their next regularly scheduled recycling day on January 15.