Juniata Commissioners recognize disability employment awareness

MIFFLINTOWN -- Juniata Commissioners recognized National Disability Employment Awareness Month Tuesday with a proclamation.

"Juniata Valley Behavioral and Developmental Services is proud to support the Huntingdon-Mifflin-Juniata Employment Coalition that envisions a world where all people, able and differently abled, are fully included and participating members of their communities. This includes the upcoming employer employee recognition event celebrating 42 employers who have diversified their workforce and 62 Employees who are the change that created an impact," Kathy Whalen, administrator with Juniata Valley Behavioral and Developmental Services told commissioners during the board's weekly meeting.

This event will be held from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, at the CDG Square One Clubhouse, located at 8 East Market St., Lewistown.

There will be resources available, two speakers, as well as light refreshments and awards. The HMJ Employment Coalition has partnered with Benjamin Detwile, precision machining instructor with the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology and students to create challenge coins for this year's Employer Awards.

"Today, we join others across the United States, recognizing October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month and we celebrate the contributions of America's workers with disabilities past and present and showcase supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit employers and employees," Whalen said.

In other news, commissioners took the following action:

• Approved an agreement between Juniata County and Mifflintown Municipal Authority that outlines requirements for use of Juniata County's Federal Fiscal Year 2021 Community Development Block Grant funds in the amount of $102,000 for assistance with the Mifflintown Municipal Authority Mifflin Hill Water Main Rehabilitation project;

• Approved the items related to the Whole-Home Repairs Program Grant, including the allocation of $8,505 of WHRP funds toward the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology Electrical Class, as well as the WHRP Program Guidelines;

• Approved the renewal of CCAP Insurance Programs - Volunteers Special Risk Accident Coverage through Gerber Life Insurance Company at an annual cost of $575. The effective date of the policy is Oct. 1;

• Approved the hiring of Tyler Nachtway as casual, part-time 911 Telecommunicators within the 911 Communications Center. The position is classified as part-time at less than 1000 hours per year and, as such, does not qualify for any benefits including membership in the County's Retirement Fund as outlined in the Juniata County Employees Retirement System Plan. Wages will be as per the current bargaining unit contract;

• Hired Denna Freet as a Fiscal Assistant with the Juniata County Children and Youth Services Department, effective Oct. 10, pending receipt of the required background clearances. Wages and benefits will be as per the current bargaining unit contract. Freet replaces Heather A. Yohn, who resigned on Sept. 6, 2022;

• Hired Bailey Haubrick as a Juniata County Children and Youth Services caseworker, effective Oct. 16. Haubrick replaces Dakota B. Trego, who resigned May 19. Salary and benefits will be as per the current bargaining unit contract.