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Housing sets the stage, but the Fed, PCE are the main event

By Orphe Divounguy | The Center Square contributor (The Center Square) – This week begins with housing, but the real macro story comes later: the Federal Reserve chair’s press conference and the Personal Consumption Expenditures inflation report. The Case-Shiller home price index will likely confirm what Zillow’s data already showed: home-price growth has cooled. Because Case-Shiller is lagged by almost two months, it should mostly validate a slowdown that appeared earlier in Zillow’s more timely home value and market data. National home values are now mostly unchanged from ...

Municipal officials complete State Academy Program

From staff reports LEWISTOWN — Two local municipal officials were recognized during the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors’ Annual Educational Conference in Hershey after completing the administration certificate program through the Pennsylvania Municipal Government Academy. Kelly Shutes, manager of Derry Township, and Kristy Bagrosky, secretary-treasurer of Oliver Township, both completed the leadership and municipal education program offered by the Pennsylvania Municipal Government Academy, a program of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township ...

Breaking ground

Submitted photo MCS Bank trustees, employees and guests break ground Tuesday, April 7, on a new Allensville branch, marking what officials described as continued investment and growth in the local community. Pictured from left are Matt Conrad, trustee; Ruth Eddy, trustee; Will Heath, ...

Former area business owner publishes book on Lewistown manufacturing

From staff reports LEWISTOWN — A former manufacturing executive with ties to the local business community has released a new book reflecting on the rise of a company that once employed more than 100 people in the area. Brian D. Schell, a Lebanon resident and former owner of Buckell ...

Penn Highlands updates visitor check-in process for safety and security

HUNTINGDON — Penn Highlands Healthcare has announced a new visitor check-in procedure at Penn Highlands Huntingdon aimed at enhancing the safety and security of patients, visitors, employees and physicians. Beginning Monday, all visitors will be required to sign in and receive a visitor sticker at the registration area or welcome desk. Visitors must present a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license, in order to receive a sticker. Hospital officials said visitors who do not present an ID may be denied access to patient care areas and asked to leave the facility. ...

First Community announces dividends

LEWISTOWN — Scott E. Fritz, President and CEO announced that on April 14, 2026, the Board of Directors of the First Community Financial Corporation, the parent company of Pennian Bank, declared a quarterly regular cash dividend of $0.06 per share. The cash dividends will be paid on May 1, 2026 to shareholders of record on April 28, 2026.