More than 50 concerned people attended a public hearing pursuant to the proposed divestiture of the commonwealth's State General Hospitals, in particular the one in Coaldale.

The hearing was held by the PA House Select Committee. Among those addressing the panel were Mayor Thomas Boyle of Coaldale; Rev. Robert Dressler, pastor of St. Ann's Church, Lansford; Betty Pajakinas, R.N., representing the

P.N.A.; Marion Wargo, local AFSCME president; Ron Blissard, PV Chamber of Commerce; Mary Jane Nunemacher, treasurer of Lansford Ambulance; Gilbert Allison, former state representative; and Edward J. Keller, executive director of AFSCME Local 13.