U.S. News & World Report names Geisinger Lewistown Hospital a Best Hospital

LEWISTOWN, Pa. – Geisinger Lewistown Hospital has been recognized for high performance in the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings and ratings. The publication ranks hospitals for excellent care in 15 adult specialties and evaluates their performance in certain surgical procedures and medical conditions. Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, a CMS 5-Star facility since 2021, and a Leapfrog “A”-ranked hospital since 2019,received two high-performing procedures and conditions recognitions.

“This elite recognition is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our entire team,” said Sabrina Sumner, D.O., chief medical officer of Geisinger Lewistown Hospital “Being named among the best hospitals from across the country affirms our commitment to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care. We’re proud to serve our community with excellence each and every day.”

Geisinger Lewistown Hospital was founded in 1908 to care for residents of Mifflin, Juniata, Huntingdon and Centre counties. It now offers 43 private patient rooms. By summer 2026, that number will grow to 61 private rooms through a $5.1 million expansion project, further advancing people’s access to top-notch care and an outstanding patient experience.

Geisinger Lewistown Hospital is one of four hospitals in the system to receive the honor. The other hospitals recognized include Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, Geisinger Medical Center in Danville and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre.

The annual U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” rankings are based on patient outcomes, as well as overall patient experience, hospital staffing and other factors. The Procedures & Conditions ratings are based entirely on objective quality measures.

About Geisinger

Geisinger is among the nation’s leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in urban and rural communities across Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the nonprofit system generates $10 billion in annual revenues across 126 care sites — including 10 hospital campuses — and Geisinger Health Plan, with more than half a million members in commercial and government plans. Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 5,000 medical professionals annually and conducts more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With 26,000 employees, including 1,700 employed physicians, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania’s largest employers with an estimated economic impact of $15 billion to the state’s economy. On March 31, 2024, Geisinger became the first member of Risant Health, a new nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country. Learn more at geisinger.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

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Geisinger hosting Super Saturday flu shot clinics

Drive-through flu shots offered systemwide for convenience, access

DANVILLE, Pa. – Flu season is quickly approaching, and Geisinger is making it easy to get vaccinated at Super Saturday drive-through flu shot events.

This Saturday, Sept. 13, is the first event. Drive-thru flu shots will be available for anyone age 3 and older at dozens of participating Geisinger locations. Patients 6 months and older can receive their flu shot at Geisinger pediatrics locations.

All Super Saturday events are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Events will also be held Oct. 4 and Oct. 18.

“The flu vaccine protects you against serious illness and keeps you from spreading the flu to those at high risk of severe illness, such as newborns, children, pregnant women, elderly and immunocompromised people,” said Stanley Martin, M.D., Geisinger director of infectious diseases.

Flu season typically begins in the fall and lasts throughout the winter, although the virus can be spread year-round.

Super Saturday drive-throughs will be held at the following Geisinger locations:

Clinics

  • Geisinger Healthplex State College (132 Abigail Lane)
  • Geisinger Lewistown (21 Geisinger Lane)
  • Geisinger Mifflintown (27 CJEMS Lane)
  • Geisinger Philipsburg Multi-Specialty Clinic (210 Medical Center Drive)
  • Geisinger Primary Care Huntingdon (3228 Cold Springs Road) – Sept. 13 and Oct. 4 only

Pediatrics

  • Geisinger Pediatrics Healthplex State College (132 Abigail Lane)
  • Geisinger Pediatrics Lewistown (21 Geisinger Lane)
  • Geisinger Pediatrics Philipsburg (210 Medical Drive)

About Geisinger

Geisinger is among the nation’s leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in urban and rural communities across central and northeastern Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the nonprofit system generates more than $8 billion in annual revenues across 163 care sites — including 10 hospital campuses — and Geisinger Health Plan, with more than half a million members in commercial and government plans. Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 5,000 medical professionals annually and is conducting more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With more than 27,000 employees, including 1,800 employed physicians and 5,200 registered nurses, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania’s largest employers, having an estimated economic impact of $16.8 billion on the state’s economy. In 2024, Geisinger joined Risant Health, a nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country. Learn more at geisinger.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

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Celebrating Excellence: 2025 Centre County Business Award Nominees

The Centre County Business Awards recognize the people, businesses, and organizations whose leadership, innovation, and dedication strengthen our community and drive our economy forward. Each nominee represents a unique story of hard work, vision, and impact, and together, they showcase the talent and resilience that make Centre County thrive.

We are proud to announce the nominees for the 2025 Centre County Business Awards:

ATHENA Champion Leadership Award sponsored by Penn Highlands Healthcare

Honoring individuals who inspire, mentor, and create paths of leadership for women in our community.

    • Alison Kurtz – Ameron Construction Company, Inc.

    • Brandy McAulay – Universal Settlements

    • Brittany Peck – KCF Technologies

    • Centrice Martin – Ferguson Township

    • Pearl Gluck – Centre Film Festival

    • Rebecca Farmer Force – Ben Franklin Technology

Emerging Business of the Year sponsored by Ben Franklin Technology, CTIDA, and Happy Valley Launchbox

Celebrating rising businesses making their mark in Centre County with creativity, vision, and growth.

    • AmpliFLY Video

    • Atlas BioTech

    • Bonfire Old Fashion BBQ

    • Manny’s Live Performance Space / Gorinto Productions

    • Marengo Pass Design

    • Revival Health Rehab

    • Tierney Education

    • Valhalla Business Advisors

Business of the Year sponsored by First National Bank

Recognizing established businesses that demonstrate excellence, growth, and a lasting impact in Centre County.

    • Confer’s Jewelers

    • Envinity, Inc.

    • Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc.

    • Happy Valley Adventure Bureau

    • Jana Marie Foundation

    • Kish Bank

    • Penn Highlands Community College

    • PennTerra Engineering, Inc.

    • Tierney Education

Business Leader of the Year sponsored by Office of Senior Vice President for Research

Honoring outstanding leaders whose vision, integrity, and drive move their businesses and our community forward.

    • Blanca Jimenez – Plum Pristine Clean

    • Brandy McAulay – Universal Settlement

    • Chad Feather – Timberland Federal Credit Union

    • Cindy Pasquinelli – Strawberry Fields

    • David Rishel – CATA

    • Edward Tubbs – Hospitality Asset Management Company, Inc.

    • Greg Hayes – Kish Bank

    • James Tierney – Tierney Education

    • John Sepp – PennTerra Engineering Inc.

    • Johnathan Friedman – Comet Properties, LLC

    • Katherine Tosto – Re/Max Centre Realty

    • Liz Grove – Pine Grove Hall & Flour and Stone

    • Tiara Snare – Centre County Gazette

    • Victor DeDonato – The UPS Store Print and Business Center

Small Business of the Year sponsored by PNC Bank

Highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit and community impact of small businesses in Centre County.

    • Centre County Gazette

    • Centre Markets

    • Colonial Press

    • Giv Local

    • Hello Social Co.

    • Interiors by J&O Studio

    • Plum Pristine Clean

    • Tierney Education

Nonprofit of the Year sponsored by Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.

Recognizing nonprofit organizations whose mission-driven work strengthens our community and supports those who call Centre County home.

    • Ben Franklin Technology Partner of Central and Northern PA

    • Centre County Historical Society

    • Centre Film Festival

    • Centre LGBT+

    • Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts

    • Centre Safe

    • Discovery Space and The Rivet

    • Goodwill Industries of NCPA

    • Jana Marie Foundation

    • Moshannon Valley Economic Development Partnership

    • Out of the Cold

    • Skills of Central PA, Inc.

Join us as we celebrate these outstanding leaders, businesses, and organizations at the 2025 Centre County Business Awards. Tickets are limited, so don’t wait — get your tickets today!

Congratulations to all the nominees!

Keller Engineers Hires Two Transportation Construction Inspectors

September 4, 2025, Hollidaysburg, PA – Keller Engineers, Inc., with locations in Hollidaysburg, State College, and Gettysburg, PA and Haddonfield, NJ is a full-service engineering firm providing client-focused civil and structural engineering, and surveying services.


Keller Engineers, Inc. is pleased to announce two new transportation construction inspectors, Ron Coffman and Garrett Smith!


Ron has over 20 years of construction related experience, including working as an equipment operator for many Pennsylvania Department of Transportation projects. He also holds certification as a Concrete Finisher from the American Concrete Institute and completed the 12 TA-TCI Modules.


Garrett is a graduate of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management. His prior experience includes operating construction machinery. Garrett was also an elected public official on Vintondale Borough Council, serving as Vice President for two years. In preparation for this role, he also completed the 12 TA-TCI Modules.

Penn Highlands State College Offers Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic

(September 9, 2025, DuBois, Pennsylvania)  – Penn Highlands State College is making it even easier for you and your family to get a flu shot this year. A Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the hospital which is located at 239 Colonnade Boulevard in State College.

Adults and teens ages 14 and older can roll up their sleeves and receive the vaccine from the comfort of their vehicle.

Most insurance plans cover annual flu shots so be sure to bring your insurance card.

“Everyone over the age of 6 months should get the annual flu vaccine – especially those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease,” said Trina Abla, DO, MBA, System Chief Medical Officer of Penn Highlands Healthcare. “Although the vaccine doesn’t provide 100% protection, it is still the best defense against contracting the flu and developing serious complications.”

Dr. Abla added, “By getting the flu vaccine, you are not only protecting yourself, you are reducing the risk of spreading the virus to your loved ones – it is a responsible act.”

Penn Highlands State College provides expert care for the entire family. The hospital offers a 24/7 emergency department, inpatient care, surgical department, imaging services and a pulmonary function lab. The adjacent medical office building provides outpatient services ranging from walk-in care for to advanced specialty services and a drive-thru pharmacy.

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Penn Highlands Healthcare was officially formed in 2011 and is comprised of nine hospitals. Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands Connellsville, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands Mon Valley, Penn Highlands Tyrone have served area communities for the past 100+ years. Penn Highlands State College is a new state-of-the-art hospital that opened in 2024. The health system’s business continuum also includes a home care agency, long-term care facilities and residential senior living communities, as well as durable medical equipment companies and retail pharmacies.

Penn Highlands Healthcare has evolved into an organization with approximately 6,200 employees in 150+ locations throughout 26 counties in Pennsylvania that include community medical buildings, outpatient facilities, surgery centers and physician practices. The facilities have a total of 1,396 inpatient, skilled nursing and personal care beds.  The system, which has 849 physicians and 427 advanced practice providers on staff, offers a wide range of care and treatments with specialty units for cancer, cardiovascular/thoracic, neurosurgery, pulmonology, neonatal and high-risk pregnancy patients. Being focused on what is important – patients and families – makes Penn Highlands Healthcare a great choice for healthcare in the region.