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MIFFLINTOWN -- In the somber aftermath of Saturday's tragic shooting in Mifflintown, the Juniata County Commissioners took a stand of solidarity, issuing heartfelt condolences to the stricken community before Tuesday's weekly meeting.
The incident, which claimed the life of a valiant Pennsylvania State Police officer and left another severely wounded, has cast a shadow of grief over the county, prompting a collective pause to honor the courage and sacrifice of these local heroes.
"We see these things on television, but it just doesn't happen here. This is a terrible situation. We feel for all those involved, and our hearts and prayers go out to them," Chairperson Alice Gray said on behalf of the Commissioners. "We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred over the weekend and for everyone in the county affected by them."
Also, the Commissioners approved a professional services agreement between Juniata County and SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) for administrative and implementation services related to the Whole-Home Repairs Program Grant, pending final legal review.
This agreement costs $8,000 for grant administration and $10,000 for implementation and enhancement. Costs will be covered through the grant award.
Juniata County Planning and Development Director Bradley W. Kerstetter and Teri Provost, Director of Housing Development for SEDA-COG, worked on the plan.
"I submitted a professional service agreement to carry out the Whole-Home Repair Program. Juniata County received $200,000. The professional services agreement has SEDA-COG allocating four percent to administration duties of the Whole-Home Repair Program," Provost said.
In other county news, the Commissioners:
• Approved the Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Agreement between Eagle Towing & Recovery Inc., and Juniata County Department of Emergency Services. The contract is for emergency and non-emergency response services as described in Pennsylvania Act 1990-165 (as amended);
• Approved the following Purchase of Service Agreements between Juniata County Children and Youth Services and the entities listed. The agreements shall be in force and effect from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, inclusive: Raystown Developmental Services Inc, TIU Community Education & Workforce Services;
• Approved the Consultancy Services Agreement between Juniata County through Juniata County Children & Youth Services and The Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The term of the agreement is from June 13, through June 30, 2024;
• Approved the use of the County Records Improvement Fund for the following purchase requests: Logitech C920s HD Webcam at a total cost of $79.99 as requested by Joshua L. Stimeling, Sheriff, Palo Alto Networks PA-440 Security Appliance, and related software subscriptions at a total cost of $3,420.68 as requested by S. James Bahorik, County Administrator on behalf of the County Commissioners Office;
• Approved the tax exonerations for Monroe and Susquehanna Townships as per the material provided;
• Reviewed the May 2023 Summary of Collections Report-Fines and Costs submitted by Jacqueline T. Leister, Magisterial District Judge;
• Accepted the resignations of the following individuals as members of the Juniata County Planning Commission: Mr. Keith L. Fawver-Effective May 1, 2023, Mr. George L. Hackenberger-Effective April 18;
• Appointed the following individuals to the Juniata County Planning Commission effective immediately as recommended by Bradley W. Kerstetter, Planning and Community Development Director: Mr. Kevin Mummah-To complete the remaining term of Keith L. Fawver ending Dec.31, 2024, Mr. Greg Watkins – To complete the remaining term of George L. Hackenberger ending Dec. 31, 2025;
• Approved creating a casual, part-time position within the Children and Youth Services Department as recommended by Ashley J. Baxter, Children & Youth Director. If approved, the position will assist with legal paperwork in addition to other duties as needed. This position will be classified as part-time at less than 1000 hours per year and does not qualify for any benefits, including membership in the County's Retirement Fund as outlined in the Juniata County Employees Retirement System Plan.