Submitted photo
Commissioner Noah Wise, Commissioner Robert Postal, United Way Executive Director Colette Hartzler and Commissioner Kevin Kodish pose for a photo Thursday morning. Commissioners proclaimed January 2025 as United Way month during its regular meeting.

LEWISTOWN — The Mifflin County Commissioners proclaimed January 2025 as United Way Month during its regular meeting Thursday morning, celebrating a milestone anniversary for an organization that has shaped local community support since the Great Depression. United Way of Mifflin-Juniata Executive Director Colette Hartzler painted a vivid picture of the organization’s origins in 1935 when it launched as the Community Chest in partnership with the local Chamber of Commerce. She connected the founding to other significant events of the era — Amelia Earhart’s groundbreaking solo flight from Hawaii to California, the debut of Monopoly by Parker Brothers and President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s signing of the Social Security Act.

“For 90 years, we have been serving our area, our community, to improve people’s lives,” Hartzler said, outlining the organization’s evolution from its Depression-era beginnings to its current role addressing modern economic challenges. She detailed United Way’s focus on the ALICE population • Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed individuals — representing local workers who maintain steady employment but struggle to meet basic needs.

The proclamation sets an ambitious fundraising target of $450,000 for 2025, with funds earmarked to support various demographic groups across Mifflin and Juniata counties. The commissioners specifically recognized the contributions of volunteer board members and partner agencies in maximizing the impact of these resources.

In other business, commissioners approved an agreement with the Law Office of Brian Baker to provide court-appointed counsel for custodial parents in child welfare cases throughout 2025. The $2,500 monthly contract addresses a crucial need in the county’s judicial system. County Solicitor, Steve Snook, explained the demanding nature of this role, noting custodial parent representation occurs in nearly every child welfare case, making it the most labor-intensive position among court-appointed counsel assignments.

The meeting included several decisions affecting county infrastructure and development. The board approved a tax refund of $2,239.37 for a Burnham Borough parcel owned by the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority following a successful tax appeal. Commissioner Robert Postal, abstained from voting due to his involvement on the Rail Authority.

The Hawstone Sanitary Sewer Extension Project received attention as commissioners approved a 180-day extension for C&R Directional Boring, LLC. The revised completion date of July 17, 2025, accommodates delays in acquiring generators for pump stations, highlighting the ongoing challenges in infrastructure supply chains.

Adult Probation brought positive financial news, with Chief Probation Officer Nick Wolfkiel announcing a significant increase in state support. The department secured $32,016 in grant funding through June 2025, representing an $11,000 increase from previous allocations. Wolfkiel noted the financing comes with enhanced accountability measures but will provide crucial support for officer salaries.

The board made several appointments to strengthen various county authorities. Kay Semler received reappointment to the Mifflin County Industrial Development Authority for a four-year term, bringing continuity to economic development efforts. Donald Gearhart joined the Agriculture Land Preservation Board for a three-year term, reinforcing the county’s commitment to agricultural sustainability through 2027.

Kodish’s appointment to the Central Counties Youth Detention Center Board completed the required representation of county commissioners on the oversight body.

Staffing updates included multiple corrections positions, reflecting ongoing efforts to maintain proper staffing levels in county facilities. The appointments included:

• Ryan Taylor as deputy coroner;

• Craig Rutherford advancing from part-time corrections officer to full-time Lieutenant;

• Seth Snyder, Khaleema Mack and Kevin Ulsh were hired as part-time officers;

• William Snook was hired as a part-time security guard position.

The personnel changes also included the announced departure of Sarah Drayer from her court tipstaff position, effective April 30.