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Pennsylvania’s labor force shrank, payrolls flat in August

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate dropped to another post-pandemic low, according to state figures released Friday, but the labor force shrank in August and payrolls remained virtually flat as employers, such as restaurants and school bus companies, struggle to find enough employees. Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate dropped one-tenth of a percentage point to 6.4% from July’s adjusted rate, the state Department of Labor and Industry said. The national rate was 5.2% in August, as Pennsylvania straggles at tied for 41st among states. The figures come out ...

Walmart benefits toy drive

PHOTO PROVIDED Schlesinger Communications’ “Mark The Shark” and Clinton County Toys for Tots’ Jeff Croak, both holding a mock check, receive a generous donation from the Mill Hall Walmart to benefit the 28th Annual Mark the Shark Toy Drive to be held this December. Pictured with them ...

Keller tours Jersey Shore Steel

JERSEY SHORE — The production line of Jersey Shore Steel is all about heating raw steel angles and fabricating them into products for market. U.S. Representative Fred Keller, R-Kreamer, for one, came away impressed by the operation following a recent tour of the Avis plant. “You are taking a product and repurposing it,” he told company officials. The plant is an example, he said, of many busy hands working to get the job done. The spirit of hard work and resoucefulness permeates the entire operation, he noted. Employing about 200 people, the plant makes use of steel rail ...

Powell: Fed on track to slow aid for economy later this year

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve will start dialing back its ultra-low-rate policies this year as long as hiring continues to improve, Chair Jerome Powell said Friday, signaling the beginning of the end of the Fed’s extraordinary response to the pandemic recession. The Fed’s move could ...

Muncy Bank Financial, Inc. appoints new director

MUNCY —Stephen M. Tasselli was appointed to the board of Muncy Bank Financial, Inc. during the August board meeting, according to Robert J. Glunk, chairman of the board. In addition, he will serve as a member of the company’s Salary, ALCO, Trust, Building and Investor Relations ...

Hope Enterprises names new chair of board of directors

WILLIAMSPORT — Hope Enterprises, Inc., a non-profit provider of services for people with intellectual disabilities in Lycoming, Clinton, Northumberland, Sullivan, Columbia, Montour, Snyder and Union counties, has named Michael P. Barclay as chair of its board of directors effective July 1, 2021. In his role, Barclay will lead the 25-member volunteer board in advocating on behalf of those with intellectual disabilities within HOPE’s service area, and overseeing the organization’s direction and mission. Barclay, who has served as a member of HOPE’s board since 2004, will lead the ...