Officials share local updates

Representatives prepare for semi quincentennial celebration

MIFFLINTOWN -- The United States' semi quincentennial celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of its founding will take place in 2026, and a celebration like this begins with preparation starting now.

Jessica Eaton Guyer, curator for the Tuscarora Academy Museum and volunteer with the Juniata County Historical Society, is Juniata County's representative on the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States' semi quincentennial celebration.

Guyer shared updates with Commissioners regarding the celebration during the officials' weekly meeting on Tuesday.

The location for the semi quincentennial event has not yet been decided, but organizers hope to celebrate at the community building or the commercial building located at the Port Royal fairground.

"We would like each township and borough to sponsor an exhibit of people demonstrating a work method from the colonial times in a hands-on way where you're not just watching them but can participate with them," said Guyer.

Guyer suggested other event ideas like an old time photo booth, a parade, and a historical costume contest. She added that she hopes for the involvement of the local high school band and drama departments. Guyer said the event could potentially end with a firework or a drone show.

She said the celebration will be a "memorable time for county residents.''

Guyer said, "It's going to be a lot of work and preparation, but that is why we're talking about it now."

Anyone interested in joining the committee to volunteer in organizing this celebration may contact Guyer at (717) 571-5859.

Guyer also shared that officials should continue to ask the public for their input on the location of a Liberty Tree.

"Every county is going to be receiving an official Liberty Tree grafted from one of the last remaining trees that resided in the United States," said Guyer.

The location of the tree must link to the American Revolution and must be on publicly accessible property. Two locations that fit this criteria are the lawn of the Juniata County Courthouse or any older cemetery that has 10 to 15 burial plots for war veterans.

Commissioners previously decided to place the tree on the courthouse lawn, but due to the size that the tree will grow to, the location was denied.

Officials have not yet decided upon a location for the tree, but they are open to ideas from the community.

Guyer also discussed the Bells Across PA program in which one replica fiberglass liberty bell will be placed in each county. The program seeks applicants for a local artist interested in painting the bell. This artist will receive a commission of $1,250.

Anyone interested in applying to paint the bell or anyone with a suggestion on a location for the Liberty Tree may contact Guyer at (717) 571-5859 or visit the Facebook page, titled America250PA – Juniata County.

The Academia Pomeroy covered bridge, the longest bridge left in the state, was selected as the location for the bell as it is out of the elements, under surveillance and a tourist attraction in Juniata County.

"In 2023, and the first four months of 2024 it was recorded that the bridge was visited by more than 1,500 people who came from no less than 140 towns and cities across Pennsylvania, 30 other states and nine other countries," said Guyer.

Any businesses interested in sponsoring with their name displayed on a plaque may contact Guyer at (717) 571-5859.

Guyer worked with the Juniata County School District superintendent to prepare local elementary schools to apply for the Keystone Classroom initiative. When the schools receive approval, the initiative schedules a date for local and elected officials to come to the schools to hand out free backpacks filled with Pennsylvania themed educational goods and to read to the school children.

According to Guyer, if Juniata County elementary schools do not receive approval for the initiative, they may schedule a date for the 2025-26 school year.

Commissioners also heard from 4-H Educator Emily Shoop regarding the upcoming fair.

Last Saturday was the horse and pony round up in Mifflin County.

The Juniata County Youth Fair will begin at 7 a.m. Monday, July 22, with its chicken show.

"This will be our first time showing live birds since before COVID," said Shoop.

In other news, commissioners:

•Ratified a Juniata County COVID-19 Mitigation Grant Project Modification Request for the Mifflin County Correctional Facility employees to update their COVID vid 19 policies to align with current CBC guidelines;

•Acknowledged the completion and submission of the 2023 County Auditor's Report;

•Approved the purchase of service agreements between Juniata County Children and Youth Services, the Juniata County Probation Department and the entities listed. The term of each contract is July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 unless otherwise noted;

•Approved the purchase of service agreement between Juniata County Children and Youth Services and TIU Community Education & Workforce Services, PA to implement the Second Step Program. The term of the contract is July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 inclusive with the total cost of the agreement not to exceed $230,048;

•Reviewed the June 2024 Children and Youth Statistical Report as submitted by Ashley Baxter, Children & Youth Director;

•Approved the Certification Statement County Children & Youth Social Service Programs for the period of April 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024 as submitted by the Children & Youth Fiscal Department;

•Approved the Family First Transition Act Invoice Claim for the period of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 as submitted by the Children & Youth Services Fiscal Department.

•Approved the Child Welfare Information Solution Data Sharing Agreement between Juniata County Government on behalf of Juniata County Children and Youth Services and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the period of Oct. 1, 2024 through Sept. 30, 2025 as recommended by Ashley Baxter Children & Youth Director;

•Acknowledged the hiring of Barbara Lyter to fill the part-time tipstaff position effective July 16, 2024 as requested by Court Administration and set an hourly rate of $18.83 with a two hour minimum work day. Tipstaff assists the jurors with their needs and questions, delivering files for the judge, taking attendance, answering questions regarding the judge's daily list, and ensuring that all parties are present and on time.