Child welfare advocates recognized
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LEWISTOWN -- Local officials recognized the importance of child welfare appreciation Thursday with a proclamation
Mifflin County Commissioners declared June 3-7, as Mifflin County Child Welfare Appreciation Week.
Commissioner Kevin Kodish read the proclamation, emphasizing the critical role of child welfare professionals in protecting the county's children. These professionals often face challenging and emotionally demanding situations, working with families in crisis and children who have experienced abuse or neglect. The proclamation recognized their dedication and the countless injuries and deaths they have prevented through their tireless efforts.
Following the reading of the proclamation, Julia Lyter, a representative from the child welfare sector, expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by the agency, including staffing shortages.
Despite these challenges, the agency has maintained its license in good standing and ensured the safety of children in Mifflin County. Lyter concluded by thanking the commissioners for their support and acknowledging the hard work and dedication of child welfare professionals.
The commissioners also discussed an election security grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The grant, totaling $3,000, will be used to enhance election security measures in the county.
Commissioner Rob Postal highlighted the county's proactive approach to election security, noting that they had voluntarily requested an inspection of their voting machines and facilities by the Department of Homeland Security. The inspection led to improvements in locks and keys, and the grant will further support these efforts and future enhancements through 2025.
In other business, the commissioners:
• Approved requests for exoneration of 2024 county portion per capita taxes from Wayne Township and Union Township;
• Approved a request for exoneration of a 2024 county real estate tax bill in Granville Township due to the removal of a carport;
• Certified the 2022 Cost Allocation Plan;
• Authorized an agreement amendment with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for a bridge in Brown Township;
• Approved an agreement with Michael Baker International for an update to the county's comprehensive plan in the amount of $137,276;
• Approved application for Payment No. 3 to Jay Fulkroad and Sons in the amount of $71,243.36 for Phase II of the Juniata River Trail Project;
• Appointed Natali Foltz to the America250PA County Commission;
• Accepted the resignation of Robin Billett from Children and Youth Case Aide;
• Approved the promotion of Abigail Yoder from Caseworker I to Caseworker II;
• Hired full-time 911 Telecommunicator Susie Slonaker.