MARS — Mars National Bank this year has donated $30,000 to 14 schools or education programs in Allegheny and Butler counties.

Schools and educational programs receiving funding are: Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy, Eden Christian Academy, Family Guidance, George Junior Republic, Girls Hope of Pittsburgh, Holy Family Foundation, Holy Sepulcher School.

Also, Homeless Children's Education Fund, Mars Planet Foundation, Neighborhood Housing Services, North Catholic High School, Pine Richland Opportunities Fund, Seneca Valley Foundation, and St. Killian School.

James Dionise, president and chief executive officer, said, “Donating to supports scholarships and educational improvement is an important investment in our region's future.”

The donations were made through the state Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program.

EMLENTON — Emclaire Financial Corp, the holding company of The Farmers National Bank of Emlenton, has appointed Milissa Bauer and Robert W. Freeman to the boards of the company and the bank, effective Jan. 1.Bauer has been the executive vice president of the Kriebel Companies since August 2008. Kriebel is a family owned business in Clarion involved in the development of shallow conventional natural gas reserves.Bauer has been with Kriebel since 1990.Active in child-advocacy organizations, she is a founding member and co-chairperson of the Children's Scholarship Fund of Pennsylvania.She is a member and the secretary of the Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association, and a Trustee for Clarion University, where she also is secretary. She is a board member of the Clarion County YMCA.Freeman is a partner in Beaconfield Consulting Group LLC, a management consulting firm in Lancaster, Pa.He has a broad financial management and information technology background.

KITTANNING — ACMH Hospital has been designated a lung cancer screening center by the American College of Radiology (ACR).This designation is a voluntary program that recognizes facilities that have committed to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer.To receive this distinction, a facility must be accredited by the ACR and undergo an assessment of its lung cancer screening protocol and infrastructure. Also required are having procedures for follow-up patient care, such as counseling and smoking cessation programs.

WASHINGTON) — Average U.S. long-term mortgage rates ticked down for the third straight week, a positive trend for potential homebuyers.Mortgage company Freddie Mac says the nationwide average for a 30-year mortgage declined to 3.97 percent this week from 3.99 percent last week. Rates are now about a half-point lower than at the beginning of the year.