Nearly 900 mail ballots returned of Nov. 3 election
Mifflin County elections office prepares for voters
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LEWISTOWN - Mifflin County voters have returned nearly 900 of the 2,371 mail ballots sent for the Nov. 3 general election, county Elections Director Paula Hoffman told the Mifflin County Commissioners on Thursday.
"They're coming back quickly, actually, which is a good thing," Hoffman said during her election update.
Hoffman also announced that Burnham Borough voters will cast their ballots at the Burnham Lions Club building because of the closure of the church that previously served as the polling place. All other polling locations remain the same as they were for the spring primary.
The county elections office will remain open until 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, for residents who need to register, change their registration or become a voter. The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Residents may apply for a mail ballot at the elections office through Oct. 27, wait while Hoffman processes the application, complete the ballot and return it during the same visit.
The county's ballot drop box is inside the first set of courthouse doors and is normally available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will remain open until 5 p.m. on the two deadline days.
Voters must return their own ballots, although a voter with a disability who needs assistance may authorize someone else by completing the required form through the elections office.
Commissioners also proclaimed October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Mifflin County. The proclamation recognizes the 2026 theme, "Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters," and encourages residents to support people with breast cancer and receive regular screenings.
Cher Harpster, representing Central Pennsylvania Pink Connection, thanked the commissioners for recognizing the month and supporting the organization's efforts to promote awareness. Commissioners unanimously adopted the proclamation.
"One in eight women will be affected by breast cancer, but early detection is the key to helping those survival rates," Harpster said. She said the organization recently held an event that brought women together to celebrate survivors, remember those who died and raise money to support women in the region.
In other action, the board approved documents connected to a previously awarded $1.08 million U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development grant. The county has already received about half of the reimbursement and needs to complete additional paperwork.
The board also approved a $25,000 agreement with J-Way Architectural for architectural fees connected to front entrance repairs at the Mifflin County Historic Courthouse. The county received a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission grant for the project.
Commissioners approved two change orders totaling $40,164.96 for the Library Phase 2 Project. A $27,864.96 increase for Mid-State Construction covers modifications to ceilings, flooring and miscellaneous items. A $12,300 increase for Robert P. Lepley Electrical covers changes to the lighting layout and switching. The project architect and manager reviewed the changes before Thursday's vote.
The board approved a $97,802.56 State Food Purchase Program grant agreement. Human Services Director Melissa Stewart said the annual Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture grant supports contracts with local food pantries. The allocation is slightly higher than last year's and applies only to Mifflin County.
A $32,328 Juvenile Probation Services Grant for the period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, also received approval.
Commissioners approved an amendment to the county's professional services agreement with SEDA-COG for the federal fiscal year 2025 Community Development Block Grant program. Carol Kearney-High of SEDA-COG said the amendment moves $6,500 into a Wayne Township project involving water meters and fire hydrants.
The board approved three county real estate tax refunds totaling $923.09. Two resulted from corrected acreage errors on properties in Oliver and Decatur townships. The third covers a Derry Township property approved for tax-exempt status through the state's veterans program. Commissioners also approved a $6.31 tax exoneration on a Granville Township property after a deck was removed from a site at Waterside Campground.
Armagh Township received $5,727 and Union Township received $4,803 from the county's 2026 liquid fuels allocation. Both townships plan to use the money for paving.
The board reappointed Beth Reifsnyder to the Mifflin County Airport Authority for a five-year term ending Dec. 31, 2031, and promoted Matthew Boyer from part-time to full-time corrections officer effective Oct. 18.