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LEWISTOWN -- In an effort to modernize local services and enhance community rehabilitation, the Mifflin County Commissioners discussed a plethora of initiatives on Thursday, ranging from online firearms licensing to innovative crime intervention programs.
Chief Deputy Sheriff Laurie Kozak presented the continuation with Permitium, LLC for online License to Carry applications. The platform provides a convenient route for busy residents to initiate the process online. After making an online submission, applicants are notified electronically and need to finalize the process in person.
Despite its convenience, the program has yet to see widespread use. Kozak expressed optimism, stating it “might just be a matter of time before it picks up and everybody is deciding to do everything online.”
Chief Probation Officer Nick Wolfkiel unveiled a $94,854 grant awarded for the Intermediate Punishment Program (IPP) for the upcoming fiscal year. The IPP aims to reduce jail time through electronic monitoring, intense supervision, random drug testing and extends offenders counseling and opportunities to reorient their lives.
Clear Concepts Counseling and Tri-County Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission secured grants of $29,340 and $3,200, respectively. Those funds will aid in providing materials needed for 12-step programs and trauma-informed care, among various new, evidence-based practices, providing treatments and evaluations to help offenders in maintaining proper conduct. Wolfkiel emphasized the mandatory nature of the counseling.
Wolfkiel acknowledged the lack of concrete recidivism data, but noted that most offenders involved in the IPP do not proceed to state prison within the first few years. Additionally, he highlighted the elusive nature of the term “recidivism,” indicating that its definition remains a subject of debate.
The commissioners also approved a five-year agreement concerning the Supervision Funds, primarily channeled toward the salary and benefits of the probation department.
According to Wolfkiel, the agreement ensures the county’s share of the funds will continue to support local probation efforts.
In other news, the commissioners took the following actions:
• Approved the application for County Aid – 2023 Liquid Fuels Allocation for Armagh Township in the amount of $5,737.00; Bratton Township in the amount of $2,171.00; Lewistown Borough in the amount of $7,340.00; and Burnham Borough in the amount of $2,037.00.
• Approved the 2024 holiday schedules for the prison, courthouse, and 911 employees.
• Approved three-year agreement with RBA Professional Data Systems, Inc. State College, for the e-Jury and Warrant Software – $2,917.75 plus hourly technical support as needed (Court Administrator Christine Stuck).
• Approved Resolution No. 27 of 2023, opening a Mifflin County Children and Youth Services checking account at Juniata Valley Bank.
• Approved Resolution No. 28 of 2023, opening a Coroner Admin Fund checking account at Juniata Valley Bank.
• Approved the hiring of Seth Traxler as a part-time 911 telecommunicator, effective Sept. 18, 2023.
• Approved the subrecipient agreement with the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology for $150,000 for purchasing equipment and tooling to expand future workforce training.
• Approved the resignation of Probation Officer Zackary Zimmerman, effective Aug. 31, 2023.
• Approved the hiring of Probation Officers Joseph Garris III, and Kenneth Winkelman, effective Sept. 5, 2023.