radioNOVO News for Lewistown: June 9, 2026

RNN LEWISTOWN 06/09/26          WITH CLASSES OFFICIALLY OUT FOR THE SUMMER, THE JUNIATA COUNTY FOOD PANTRY IS STEPPING IN TO ENSURE LOCAL STUDENTS DON'T GO HUNGRY.          THE FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD SUMMER BACKPACK PROGRAM IS LAUNCHING THIS WEEK, PROVIDING WEEKLY GROCERY AND LUNCH ITEMS TO ELIGIBLE FIRST THROUGH NINTH GRADERS.          ORGANIZERS SAY THE COMMUNITY NEED IS GROWING DUE TO RISING FOOD PRICES. FAMILIES CAN CALL THE PANTRY TO REGISTER, AND DONATIONS OF SINGLE-SERVE MEALS ARE BEING ACCEPTED AT THE MIFFLINTOWN LOCATION.          A FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD BOY FACES CHARGES AFTER ALLEGEDLY PUNCHING A FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD GIRL AND BREAKING HER NOSE DURING AN ARGUMENT IN LEWISTOWN LAST WEEK.          POLICE SAY THE JUVENILE ALSO THREATENED RESPONDING OFFICERS.          HOWEVER, AS THAT INCIDENT PLAYED OUT, 52-YEAR OLD TERRY L HASSINGER OF MILROY BEGAN CAUSING A DISTURBANCE NEARBY.  POLICE HAVE CHARGED HIM WITH DISORDERLY CONDUCT.              LEWISTOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL HAS REJECTED A REQUEST TO SUPPORT AN APPLICATION FOR PENNSYLVANIA CREATIVE DISTRICT DESIGNATION. DOWNTOWN LEWISTOWN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JIM ZUBLER SOUGHT A LETTER OF INTENT NEEDED TO BEGIN THE PROCESS, WHICH COULD HAVE MADE THE COMMUNITY ELIGIBLE FOR UP TO 50-THOUSAND DOLLARS ANNUALLY IN STATE GRANT FUNDING. COUNCIL INITIALLY DEADLOCKED ON THE REQUEST, THEN LATER DECLINED TO RECONSIDER THE VOTE, PREVENTING THE LETTER FROM BEING SUBMITTED BEFORE FRIDAY'S DEADLINE.