SHAMOKIN - Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III was hospitalized recently with kidney-related problems that will require surgery. He will not be able to return to work until at least the second week of September.
During a telephone interview Wednesday morning, Gembic said he was hospitalized over the weekend and must return to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville for surgery.
Gembic's office in the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center will remain open during his absence, but no hearings will be conducted. Seventeen preliminary hearings involving criminal cases scheduled for this past Tuesday were continued and more will be postponed next week.
Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones of Mount Carmel will handle any arraignments or other emergency legal proceedings in Gembic's jurisdiction until he is able to return to work.