MIFFLINTOWN — Juniata County natives Morgan Imes and Jamie Walters were recognized for their hard work in 4-H during the Juniata Commissioners’ weekly meeting Tuesday as a part of the Prevention Board Youth Spotlight program.

Imes and Walters were nominated for their consistency in participating in several community service projects and programs.

“4-H has shaped me as a person, and I feel better when I’m out doing stuff and connecting with the community,” said Imes.

“The Juniata County Prevention Board enjoys recognizing and acknowledging youth in Juniata County who are going above and beyond to make an impact in their community,” said Robin White of the Prevention Board.

Commissioners also proclaimed the week of March 16 through 22 as Pennsylvania 4-H week.

Emily Shoop, 4-H Youth Development Educator, gave Commissioners an update on what the group is working toward.

“PA 4-H serves 202,918 youth statewide and has 3,684 volunteers. In Juniata County, we have 157 youth and 48 volunteers, including five youth volunteers who are our camp counselors. That volunteerism equates to over $250,000 in value to our community,” said Shoop.

4-H Camp is coming up June 16 through 20, and the camp seeks volunteers for camp counselors. Registration is live. Call the office for more info at (717) 436-7744.

Juniata County Youth Fair is slated for July 20 through the 25, and interested persons can follow their Facebook page for a list of all activities for the week.

County Horse Round-up is July 12 in Mifflin County at the Youth Park in Reedsville.

“The District Horse Show will be held August 9 and 10 in Centre Hall at the Grange Fairgrounds, and the State Horse Show will be held the last week of October at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg,” added Shoop.

“I nominated the two girls because they truly have become some of my ‘Swiss Army Knives’ in the program. I can always call on them to speak about their positive experiences in 4-H, like Morgan did today. They are also awesome advocates for 4-H to their peers. They jump at challenges and new opportunities and try new things. All of which makes them extremely well-rounded youth and assets to Juniata County,” said Shoop.

“Morgan Imes and Jamie Walters were recognized for their efforts in growing as leaders, mentoring fellow students, and being positive role models to other youth in the community,” said White.

The Prevention Board presented Imes and Walters with goodie bags containing gifts and gift cards as well as a plaque recognizing them for their hard work.

Region 2 President of the Juniata County Farm Bureau Dave Graybill also shared what the Farm Bureau has to offer our community and how becoming a member can help.

“We are the largest farm organization in the county with 300 plus family members,” said Graybill.

If you are a member of the PA Farm Bureau, you are also a member of the American Farm Bureau.

“All members in Juniata County receive discounts but the biggest thing we do for the county is help promote a good legislature in local, state or national,” said Graybill.

As a Farm Bureau member, you gain access to a variety of benefits, including discounts on travel, entertainment, and goods, as well as health and wellness programs, and the ability to advocate for farmers and rural communities.

“We are the voice for farmers,” added Graybill.

“To give an example, there is a current bill, not sure where, to bring whole milk back to the schools and as a member I can respond with an action request to tell my legislator who’s representing us that that bill is important to us,” said Graybill.

“I have already responded to Rep. John Joyce, Sens. McCormick and Fetterman, all who are on board to be co-sponsors,” said Graybill.

You do not have to be an active member or even a farmer to be a Farm Bureau member.

Farm Bureau members care about the stories behind their food and drink and are dedicated to supporting the farmers who make it all happen.

Their membership supports the efforts to preserve the state’s agricultural heritage and ensure that family farms can continue to produce local food, grow their communities and promote responsible stewardship of the land and natural resources.

Commissioners were also visited by Sylvia Middaugh, victim witness program coordinator, who sought approval of the Juniata County Victims of Crime Act year two continuation grant proposal.

“This is a federal grant that was secured 11 years ago, funding programs to help these victims,” said Middaugh.

The grant supports victim compensation assistance to programs that help pay for out-of-pocket costs, crisis counseling, referrals, and accompanying victims to court.

Commissioners approved this grant proposal asking for $31,154 for one year.

Juniata County Commissioners also:

Adopted resolution 2025-3 Juniata County 2025 Hazard Mitigation plan as presented by William Hummel, Emergency Management Coordinator. Asking each municipality in Juniata County to adopt this plan;

Approved the tax exonerations for Fayette Township as per the material provided;

Approved monthly reports from February for the Sheriff’s Office and Treasurer’s Office as well as the permit report for the Assessment Office and the Adult & Juvenile Probation Report submitted by the Probation Office;

Approved payment of checks in the amount of $89,068.75;

Ratified a Letter of Support for the Abuse Network’s Victims of Crime Act for 2025-2027 grant application;

Approved a change in compensation for the Director of Security Personnel position to reflect the addition of duties and modifications to the job description effective March 17, 2025;

Approved hiring Timothy Hower as a casual, part-time maintenance employee within the Commissioners’ Office at an hourly wage of $16.25 effective March 17, 2025. The position is classified as “part-time” at less than 1000 hours per year and, as such, does not qualify for any benefits including membership in the County’s Retirement Fund as outlined in the Juniata County Employees’ Retirement System Plan.