“What topics would you like to hear and see more about?” asked Chris Norton, Senior Vice President of WVIA, at the preview last Sunday of the second season of All Creatures Great and Small at the Dietrich Theater. Before we saw the showing of episode one of the heartwarming story of the young veterinarian in rural England, he told us about the goals of two new programs at WVIA, new programming that includes the Keystone Edition program and Short Takes, each exploring unique people and places and happenings in our corner of northeastern Pennsylvania. Chris began the presentation by showing one of the recent Short Takes that featured Stephen Hendrickson and how he envisioned and constructed his Christmas in July exhibit at the Dietrich. Our partnership with WVIA has enriched our programming so much and we look forward to many other opportunities to learn more of WVIA’s cultural and arts programming in the future.

CLARKS SUMMIT — During January’s council reorganization meeting Jan. 3, Judge Julia Munley swore in council president Gerrie Carey, who has been on council for 25 years.

DALTON - During January’s reorganization meeting, Jan. 3, the Honorable James Gibbons swore in current council members Jared Gard, Leonard Peters, Albert Propst, and Lori Swanchak as well as new council member Brian Malamud.

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden announced last month that the federal government will buy half a billion COVID-19 rapid test kits and distribute them free to people to use at home. But despite high public demand for tests, it will still be several more weeks before these kits are available to be shipped, White House officials said.