County officials recognize National Night Out

LEWISTOWN -- A nationwide event aimed at forging a relation between local law enforcement and the community was recognized by county officials Thursday.

The Mifflin County Commissioners issued a proclamation recognizing National Night Out, slated for 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 1 at Kish Park.

Commissioners said Mifflin County's event includes Lewistown Borough Police Department, Granville Township Police Department and Mifflin County Regional Police.

"It’s a unique opportunity for Mifflin County to join forces with thousands of other communities across the country promoting cooperative police community and crime prevention efforts," Commissioner Robert Postal read from the proclamation. "It is essential that all citizens of Mifflin County be aware of the importance of crime prevention programs -- an impact that their participation can have on reducing crime, drugs and violence in Mifflin County."

Mifflin County Regional Police Chief Andre French explained the importance of National Night Out.

The event "promotes strong police community partnerships and neighborhood comradery to make our neighborhood a more safe, caring place to live."

The police chief added that 2023 is the 40th anniversary of the community building campaign, which started in 1984.

In other news, commissioners approved a proposal that would introduce a medication that treats drug and alcohol dependence to the Mifflin County Correctional Facility.

"Vivitrol is a long acting medication for treating substance abuse disorders," said Ryan Snyder, security and training manager.

Snyder said the drug would be funded by the Mifflin County Opioids Settlement Relief Fund and would not cost the taxpayers.

Commissioners also approved system funding that would allow inmates to have access to tablets, phones and inmate chirpers.

Snyder said the tablets come with 70,000 books, GED modules, financial modules, parenting and religious modules.

Warden Jason Kormmanic said, "on the security side we will be able to do video visitation, which means it’s easier for friends and family to visit." He adds that the chirpers will give them the ability to text and make calls in a secure, manageable way.

Clarissa Beaver and Ava Kratzer discussed service projects by Mifflin County 4-H Teen Council.

Beaver said the program has grown since the last time they spoke and they have around 250 youth and more than 35 volunteers that are still working diligently for their upcoming Youth Fair. Kratzer thanked commissioners for their support.

"Due to your continued support of Teen Council, we have been able to complete many service projects over the last two years."

Kratzer said the group raised $308 for R.O.F.F. along with donations of food and litter. Last year, they also made more than 120 care packages for the residents of William Penn Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

In other business, commissioners took the following action:

•Relieved the Menno Township tax collector from collecting tax bills from two parcels -- one in the amount of $446.69 and one for $217.86;

• Rescinded an action taken on June 29 to exonerate Menno Township tax collector Cindy Clever from collecting a 2023 real estate bill in the amount of $472.47;

• Appointed Melissa Stewart, of Lewistown, to the Mifflin County Housing Authority for a five-year term, expiring Dec. 31, 2027;

• Opened a bid received for the Green Avenue Extended property in the amount of $101,000 from MAD Holdings.

• Approved an application of county aid for Menno Township liquid fuels in the amount of $3,007;

• Approved purchase of service agreements for use, if needed, by Children and Youth, for: Bethesda Lutheran Services, Meadville; Summit Early Learning, Lewistown; Raystown Development Services, Huntingdon; Merkey, Harrisburg; Corrine Lawhorn, Hatfield; Hunter Hepner, McAlisterville; Tuscarora Intermediate Unit, McVeytown; Tuscarora Intermediate Unit Communities that Care, McVeytown;

• Approved the resignation of Brian Pully, tipstaff, effective July 14;

• Hired Robin Wilson, tipstaff, effective July 24;

• Approved the resignation of Janet Headings, tipstaff, effective Oct. 31;

• Approved the resignation of Claudia Kuhns, probation officer, effective July 27;

• Hired Casey O'Dell as Children and Youth placement supervisor, effective Aug. 2.