Mifflin County Commissioners issue two proclamations
Officials honor county history and disabled workers
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LEWISTOWN -- The Mifflin County Commissioners issued two impactful proclamations that resonate with local history and social advocacy at Thursday's meeting.
The first proclamation officially marked the week as "Mifflin County Week" in honor of the county's 234th anniversary. The proclamation traces the county's origins back to 1789, acknowledging the historical significance of its formation and its role in the region's development.
Named after Thomas Mifflin, a Revolutionary War soldier and the first Governor of Pennsylvania, the county has a rich historical background that the Commissioners were eager to celebrate. "We encourage all citizens to enjoy everything Mifflin County has to offer," the proclamation said.
"I'd like to thank the Commissioners and the rest of the county for recognizing our birthday. I encourage everybody to do what you can to support the county and to investigate, not just the history of the county, but personal histories," said Nancy Aurand of the Mifflin County Historical Society. "We all have a history, and that's part of the Historical Society's mission, to make sure everyone can preserve their past for the present and those in the future."
Commissioner Kevin Kodish addressed the meeting on why the proclamation came about.
"One of the reasons for this proclamation, and some people may think it's odd to celebrate 234 years, but our county has a great history, and I wanted to have the work of the Historical Society highlighted for all they do in the community," Kodish said.
The second proclamation declared October 2023 as "National Disability Employment Awareness Month" across Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Juniata counties.
The proclamation aims to educate the public about disability employment issues and celebrate the valuable contributions of workers with disabilities.
Originating from a 1945 Congressional enactment, the month-long observance grew to focus on "Advancing Access and Equity" for individuals with disabilities.
"Advancing Access and Equity" recognizes the importance of ensuring everyone has equal opportunity to contribute their skills and talents to the workforce.
"The work that's being done to include individuals in everyday life, as far as employment goes, and the independence that comes with employment is done through the Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Juniata Employment Coalition," said Juniata Valley Behavioral and Developmental Services Administrator Kathy Whalen. "That committee envisions a world where all people, the abled and differently-abled, are fully included participating members of their community and engaged."
In other news, the Commissioners:
• Approved Resolution No. 30 of 2023 Adoption of the Regional Municipal Waste Management Plan for Mifflin County.
• Approved a Subrecipient Agreement with the Mifflin County Municipal Authority for a $1,000,000 loan to expand public water services for unserved and underserved areas within Mifflin County.
• Approved the Intermediate Punishment Program Grant Agreements for the period July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024:
Tri-County Drug & Alcohol Abuse Commission – $2,520.00
CenClear Counseling – $28,020.00
Brighter Visions Counseling – $29,340.00
• Approved a Sub-Grantee Agreement with Blue Juniata Grants, LLC, Lewistown, Pa.
• Approved the Assurance of Compliance for the 2023-2024 Human Services Plan.
• Approved an agreement with Juniata Valley Tri-County Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission, Lewistown, PA, for the Coordination of Services for the period Sept. 30, 2023, through Sept. 29, 2024 – $38,761.00.
• Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Lewistown Borough for the Landlord Assistance Website.
• Approved Project Modification Request for the VOCA Grant, reducing salary expenses and increasing supplies.
• Approved a Conflict Counsel Public Defender Services Agreement with Robert J. Ferguson, Esquire, McClure, PA, for Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024- $3,333.33 per month.
• Approved Application for County Aid – 2023 Allocation:
Oliver Township – $3,175.00
• Approved Act 13 Open Space Program.
• Approved a Cooperation Agreement with Lewistown Borough for the Valley Street Demolition Project – $12,703.52.
• Approved an Application and Agreement for the Act 152 Demolition Program for the Lewistown VFW Project $22,715.63.
• Approved a Memorandum of Understanding between Mifflin County, Mifflin County Housing Authority, and Seda Council of Governments for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funded housing projects.
• Approved the Purchase of Service Agreement for use, if needed, by Children and Youth:
Clearfield County Children and Youth, Clearfield, Pa.
Diakon Child, Family and Community Ministries, Topton, Pa.
• Approved the resignation of Michael Moyle from part-time Sheriff Deputy effective Aug. 31, 2023.
• Approved the resignation of Jay Boreman from part-time Corrections Officer effective Sept. 8, 2023.
• Approved the hiring of Vadim Yoder and Lauren Speece as part-time Correction Officers effective Sept. 18, 2023.
• Approved the hiring of Noe Montesinos as a part-time Correction Officer, effective Sept. 25, 2023.
• Approved the hiring of Abigail Yoder for Children and Youth Caseworker, effective Sept. 25, 2023.
• Approved the retirement of Doug Marks from Housing Rehabilitation Specialist effective Nov. 3, 2023. Marks served the county for more than 30 years.