New internet provider seeks MC business

Wian discusses advantages with local commissioners

LEWISTOWN -- A new wireless provider seeks to offer internet accessibility at an affordable rate for Mifflin County residents.

Cody Wian, of Mifflin County Wireless, described the mission behind his company, which he said was founded in June of last year, to Mifflin County Commissioners during the board's meeting on Thursday.

Wian thanked Commissioners for allotting the business CARES Act funding, which he said helped the lower cost to customers and helped expand the network's reach.

"Mifflin County residents are faced with increasing internet costs due to data caps that providers are now putting on," said Wian. "Today, more and more people are relying on the internet for education, flexible instruction days and entertainment needs. People need the internet and the speeds in some of our areas are not capable of what our people need it for."

Mifflin County Wireless, Wian said, is looking to address some of the wireless accessibility issues that exist in Mifflin County.

Currently, he said, Mifflin County Woreless offers service opportunities with two major towers ¯¯ one on Jack's Mountain and on state Route 103.

They also have towers under construction, including one in Havice Valley Road, Siglerville, Middle Road and Back Maitland Road, which are expected to be online within one to two months, he said.

"We will be able to service up past McVeytown and down past McClure. We will also have additional commercial towers in McVeytown and Lewistown which will give us additional capacity in those areas."

Wian said the company is also negotiating with landowners on Jacks Mountain to service the east end of Mifflin County.

"If we can get on one of the highest points in the county, then we can service down to McClure from Shade Mountain."

Wian said Mifflin County Wireless is trying to cover as much of the county as possible. He said they will not have data caps, charge installation fees or require customers to enter into contracts.

"We believe customers stay with us because we're providing quality service," he said.

The board of commissioners also took the following action:

¯Rejected an offer for $500 for a parcel in Lewistown Borough currently in the repository for unsold properties;

¯Accepted an offer for $100 for a parcel in Derry Township that is currently in the repository for unsold properties;

¯Approved a purchase of service agreement with Bethany Christian Services of Greater Delaware Valley for use, if needed, by Children and Youth for July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021;

¯Approved a change order in the amount of $12,394.75 with Lobar Inc. for coroner area modification on the annex project. According to Commissioner Rob Postal, the coroner's office will be moving from the courthouse to the remodeled annex building;

¯Approved a credit of $803.29 from Lobar Inc. for door hardware on the annex project;

¯Approved an agreement with Compros Inc., Altoona, for fiber installation from the prison server room to the courthouse not to exceed $30,000;

¯Approved a project modification request for the victims of Crime Act Grant changing staff name;

¯Approved the resignation of Robert Ebersole from corrections officer effective Feb. 6;

¯Approved the resignation of Children and Youth Caseworker Brandon Antoine effective Feb. 5;

¯Hired Briana Wheatley for Children and Youth Caseworker effective Feb. 16.