Pennsylvania has one of the highest rates of Lyme disease in the country. The state House has approved legislation to help aid in the treatment of the debilitating disease.  House Bill 1033 would require health insurers to provide coverage for long-term therapy for a patient with Lyme disease or related tick-borne illnesses when ordered by a health care practitioner. The health care practitioner could order the treatment after making a thorough evaluation of the patient’s symptoms, diagnostic test results or response to treatment, and would be required to disclose to the patient all risks and benefits associated with the recommended treatment options.  Lyme disease can be easily treated with antibiotics when caught and treated early. When untreated, the disease can cause joint swelling, cardiac, or neurological complications.  House Bill 1033 now goes to the Senate for consideration.

The Mifflin County School District foodservice is providing free meals to all children up to age 18, living in the school district area. Children do not have to attend one of the public schools. To receive free meals, log on to the school district website and click “USDA extends seamless summer option.”  Pickup for the meals is every Monday at the Mifflin County Junior High School from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. If you have any questions, ,call the foodservice office at 717-248-0148, extension 2514.

PennDOT has updated work on the Route 22 Project in Granville Township and Lewistown Borough.  Crews are continuing with drainage work and sidewalk installation between Hoss Drive and Water Street.  Beginning Monday (June 21st), crews will be working in the area of Third Street in Lewistown to reconstruct the intersection. Traffic pattern changes will be minor, but drivers should remain alert for changing patterns in the area. The contractor will keep two lanes open to traffic whenever possible, but single lane closures will be necessary at times. Drivers should anticipate delays, and exercise caution while traveling through the work zone.