County parole office honored

Commissioners recognize agency for services

MIFFLINTOWN -- Juniata County's probation and parole office was recognized Tuesday with a proclamation from commissioners.

The agency "does a lot of work within the county without any recognition," Juniata County Commissioner Alice Gray said during the board's meeting.

The proclamation comes during Pennsylvania's Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week.

Gray said the purpose of the proclamation is to recognize the agency's efforts to get prisoners "back into a no-crime life."

Chief Probation Officer and agency director Michelle Beaver was present at the meeting, along with Assistant Director Abby Krepps.

"I think it's important to remember that -- yes probation, parole, IP (intermediate punishment), ARD (accelerated rehabilitative disposition) are consequences, but at the same time, we're here to help. We're going to get them back where they need to be as a productive member of society," Beaver said.

Beaver also discussed a grant for strategic planning that the agency applied for, which would address reentry of prisoners into society by collaborating with other agencies.

Commissioners also took the following action:

• Acknowledged the resignation of Lesa Walters from her position as district court secretary for Magisterial District Court in Jacqueline Leister's office, effective July 11;

• Approved a letter of support for the Juniata County Historical Society to digitize its archives.

• Approved a certification statement for the Juniata County Children and Youth Social Service program for April 1 through June 30;

• Approved a letter of support to the Mifflintown Municipal Authority supporting a grant application to fund the Mifflin Hill water main replacement project;

• Approved the creation of one additional casual, part-time position within the commissioners' office to provide security services as needed. These positions are classified at less than 1,000 hours per year and are not eligible for benefits nor are they part of the county's retirement fund;

• Approved the hiring of Gary M. Wolfe as a casual, part-time employee within the commissioners' office to provide security services as needed and set an hourly wage. This position is classified at less than 1,000 hours per year and is not eligible for benefits nor is it part of the county's retirement fund.