Submitted photo
The Juniata County Board of Commissioners recognized members of the Juniata High School FFA. This recognition is part of the Juniata County Youth Spotlight program coordinated by the Juniata County Prevention Board. Pictured are Juniata High School FFA members (front, from left) Gretchen Dessin, Kyra Kauffman, Summer Hancock, and Cassi Parson; (back, from left) Conner Schlegel, Mylee Landis, Wyatt Dysinger, Shalelyn Armstrong and Juniata High School FFA Adviser Becca Zendt.

MIFFLINTOWN — Juniata County High School seniors are paving the way for underclassmen through an agriculture-based club in which they mentor younger students.

Juniata County Commissioners recognized the high school students for their commitment to the FFA Tuesday during the board’s weekly meeting.

FFA student Summer Hancock spoke on behalf of the group, explaining its extensive mentoring and activities that have been provided at Tuscarora Junior High School.

Also during the meeting, commissioners approved of the revised Family First Transition Act Invoice Claim for the period of July 2023 as submitted by the Children and Youth Services Fiscal Department.

“The Family First Grant is a fully stated funded grant to help with staff and foster parent recruitment and retention. We can also use these funds for certain programs to keep children safely in their homes. As well as, for trauma training to be trauma aware when working with families,” said Ashley Baxter, administrator for Juniata County Children and Youth Services.

Baxter also wanted to remind the public about the Foster Care recruitment event slated for 5 to 7 p.m. today at the Port Royal Community Building where you can come hear from foster parents about their experiences, meet with a local foster parent support group, and meet with the various foster care agencies about the process.

The Commissioners also took the following action:

Approved the CivQuest Software License and Services Agreement between Juniata County and Civic Vanguard Inc. for implementation, hosting, and maintenance related to online parcel viewing services as recommended by Michael J. Hower, Assessment / GIS Director. The term of the agreement is for one year from the date of signing at a total cost of $18,880. Hower told commissioners that this allows the parcel to keep running properly;

Approved the Certification Statement for the County Children and Youth Social Service Programs for the period of July 1 through Sept.. 30 as submitted by the Children and Youth Fiscal Department;

Approved and accepted the staff resignations from Rachel J. Foltz from her full-time administrative specialist position within the Juniata County Probation and Parole Department effective as of the end of business on Nov. 17. As well as, Cynthia Clagett from her full-time caseworker position at Juniata County Children and Youth Social Services Agency effective as of the end of business on Nov. 8;

Approved and accepted the staff resignations due to retirement from Stanley J. Ely from his position as a full-time security employee within the commissioners’ office effective at the end of business on Feb. 23, 2024. As well as, Dennis R. Hutchings from his position as Veterans Affairs Director effective as of the end of business on Feb. 2, 2024;

Approved Kallie Liendo to serve as an unpaid intern during the 2024 spring semester in the district attorney’s office as recommended by Cory Snook, District Attorney;

Approved the tax exoneration for Mifflintown Borough as per the material provided.