Commissioners recognize century-old DAR

LEWISTOWN -- The Mifflin County Commissioners officially proclaimed Oct. 7, 2023, as the 115th anniversary of the General Thomas Mifflin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) at Thursday's meeting.

This recognition comes as the chapter celebrates over a century of historical preservation, education, and patriotic service to the community.

Dorothy Messimer, Chapter Regent of the General Thomas Mifflin Chapter of the DAR, expressed her gratitude for the proclamation.

"Thank you, Commissioners (Kevin) Kodish, (Robert) Postal, (Mark) Sunderland, for the proclamation celebrating the 115th year of the General Thomas Mifflin Chapter of Pennsylvania Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution," she said. "Each daughter of the Society highlights the importance of historical preservation, education, and patriotism."

Founded on Oct.11, 1890, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution were born out of women's desire to express their patriotic sentiments. This longing emerged during a time when women were often excluded from men's organizations.

The General Thomas Mifflin Chapter of the DAR, named in honor of the Revolutionary War hero, was organized on Oct. 7, 1908. With a rich history spanning over a century, the chapter boasts members hailing from Mifflin, Juniata and Perry Counties.

Throughout the years, members of the General Thomas Mifflin Chapter dedicated countless volunteer hours to a myriad of causes, embodying the true spirit of service. Their efforts are part of a larger tapestry as they join forces with over a million other DAR members nationwide.

Highlighting the extensive efforts of the Daughters, Messimer shed light on the numerous community service opportunities undertaken by the members.

"There are many opportunities available to serve our community, state, and country. Service to America is one of those programs where each Daughter donates her time to various endeavors," she said. "Daughters have freely donated their time, not only to their own communities, but also to other communities across the state to assist other chapters, honor revolutionary patriots, clean cemeteries, and collect items for our soldiers, veterans, and their families. Thus far in 2023, the General Thomas Mifflin chapter has donated approximately 800 hours to various entities in Pennsylvania."

Residents of Mifflin County and neighboring areas are encouraged to join in the celebrations as the community comes together to honor the dedication, passion, and patriotism of the DAR members.

If you want to know more about the DAR, visit www.dar.org.

Also, the Commissioners gave the green light to the FFY 2023 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects, outlining the allocations and initiatives set to benefit the community.

The total allocation for the CDBG projects across Mifflin County is $791,174. Here's a breakdown of the allocations for various areas:

Mifflin County: $223,208

Armagh Township: $94,749

Brown Township: $95,796

Derry Township: $130,321

Granville Township: $101,554

Lewistown Borough: $145,546

Projects:

For Mifflin County:

Wayne Township Water Meter Replacement: $103,403

Lockport Stormwater Improvements: $79,628

Administration: $40,177

For Armagh Township:

Spot Demolition of Blighted Structures: $77,695

Administration: $17,054

For Brown Township:

Walnut Street Sidewalk Project Phase 3: $57,419

Single-Family Housing Rehabilitation: $21,134

Administration: $17,243

For Derry Township:

Yeagertown Area Road Reconstruction Phase 1: $106,864

Administration: $23,457

For Granville Township:

Single-Family Housing Rehabilitation: $83,275

Administration: $18,279

For Lewistown Borough:

West Fourth, West Fifth and North Grand Streets Reconstruction: $123,715

Administration: $21,831

The application will be forwarded to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (PA-DCED) by October 27, 2023.

In other news, the Commissioners:

* Approved a request for exoneration of the 2023 county real estate tax bill and relieve the Tax Collector from collecting this bill: Parcel No. 16,10-100,140 in Derry Township – the parcel was tax exempt as a county repository property for 2023 – $308.30;

* Approved an agreement with the Center for Community Resources for services, supplies, and training from Sept. 1, 2023, through Sept. 30, 2024 – $25,000;

* Approved the reappointment of Tim Dunmire, of McVeytown, to the Library Board for a three-year term;

* Approved the appointment of Rachael Steinbach, of Reedsville, to the Library Board for a three-year term;

* Approved a grant application for the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program at the Correctional Facility from Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2025 – $193,102;

* Approved the reappointment of Mark Baker, of Lewistown, and Mark Conner, of McVeytown, to the Solid Waste Authority for three-year terms;

* Approved the resignation of Jordan Bell from Corrections Officer effective Sept. 20;

* Approved the hiring of Robert Sidney as part-time Corrections Officer effective Sept. 24;

* Approved the promotion of Taylor Knight, Khaleema Mack, and Garrett Nichols from part-time Corrections Officers to Full-time Corrections Officers, effective Oct. 1;

* Approved the resignation of CDBG Administrator Chastity Fultz, effective Nov.3.