LEWISTOWN — The Mifflin County Commissioners meeting on Thursday featured a full agenda that included the redirection of substantial grant funds, honoring emergency medical services staff and updates on veterans’ support programs.

Much of the meeting centered on a resolution, authorizing the rescoping of funds awarded under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. This resolution, tabled at a previous meeting, involved $4 million originally intended for a Mifflin County Academy expansion project.

The commissioners approved redirecting $1 million of these funds to the Mifflin County Historic Courthouse project and $3 million to the Mifflin County School District for its fieldhouse project.

Commissioner Kevin Kodish provided context for the decision, explaining the county applied for the grant on behalf of the school district, as the district itself is not an eligible applicant. “Originally, the $3 million that is being rescoped (Thursday) was intended to be used as part of a major building project at the Academy,” Kodish stated, reading from a prepared document. “Last year, the school district decided to hit the pause button on that project. At this point, it is unclear what any future project at the Academy would entail.”

He noted the rescoping ensures the funding opportunity does not expire, as all grants have completion deadlines. “The $3 million is being repurposed to assist in covering the cost of the Field Houses at the new MCSD Sports Complex,” Kodish read.

However, Kodish also voiced an appeal regarding the Academy’s future needs. He highlighted the often-lengthy delays in receiving reimbursements, citing the county’s wait of over a year and a half for funds after the Annex project completion and a past instance where the Mifflin County Industrial Development Corporation waited over six years.

“With that important information in mind, I encourage our partners at the school district to ultimately use those $3 million for needed improvements at the Academy,” Kodish urged. “The sports complex is nearly finished, and the financing for that venture is in place.”

He described the Academy, formerly the Vo-Tech, as a 60-year-old facility needing upgrades. Kodish emphasized workforce development’s importance, referencing a recent signing ceremony for Academy graduates entering local employment.

“There is a constant need for new electricians, plumbers, building construction workers, welders, beauticians, nurses and early childhood workers. Our Academy and its instructors are doing everything possible to provide quality instruction and training,” he continued. “It is my hope that the school district uses the time available now to plan a building renovation or renovation/addition project so that when that $3 million in funds comes to the county for school district use, there is a project ready to begin.” The commissioners then approved the resolution.

The commissioners proclaimed May 18-24, 2025, as Emergency Medical Services Week. The proclamation recognized EMS as a vital public service, with members ready to provide lifesaving care 24/7. It highlighted how access to quality emergency care improves survival rates and how EMS fills healthcare gaps.

The 51st anniversary theme is “EMS Week: We Care for Everyone.” Mike Coldren, representing local EMS, spoke briefly. “We care for everyone. That means we care for you whether grandma had chest pains or [there’s an] automobile accident in the ditch.” He also mentioned a “Stop the Bleed,” event scheduled for May 22.

James Conway, the outgoing Veterans Affairs director, presented an update. He announced the annual Veterans Appreciation Day picnic will occur next Friday, May 23, at Kish Park, marking its 50th year.

“It’s gotten bigger and better every year,” Conway said. He mentioned the new, larger location at the orange pavilion and an additional 30×60 tent to accommodate attendees, rain or shine. The event is free, funded by donations and state grant money.

He also reported Mifflin County veterans received $1.4 million in awards as of Feb. 28, with an additional $203,000 since then, projecting a record year for benefits.

Conway then introduced his successor, James Peters, whose hiring was formally approved later in the meeting, effective May 5. Conway stated Peters is awaiting his state accreditation to process claims independently, but has been training for a month. “He’s really picking up real quick. So we’re in good hands,” Conway assured.

In other new business, the board approved a request for exoneration of a 2025 county real estate tax bill of $129.31 for a parcel in Oliver Township, where a mobile home was demolished. They also approved exonerating 39 per capita taxes for Granville Township, requested by Tax Collector Billi Weaver.

A Title IV-D Cooperative Agreement with Jerry Wagner, Esquire, was approved. Wagner will provide services as the IV-D Attorney for Mifflin County Domestic Relations.

Resolution No. 3 of 2025 received approval, allowing funds as a match and interim financing for the Mifflin County Historic Courthouse Construction Project (RACP No. ME-2122). This relates to phase two of the courthouse improvements.

James Lettiere, planning director, announced the opening of round one for the 2025 Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund Open Space and Recreation Grant Program, with $50,000 available. “These funds are meant to be used for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, [and] open space areas,” Lettiere explained. Applications are due July 31, with minimum awards of $5,000 and maximums of $15,000. Entities that received funding last year are ineligible for this round.

The chairman received authorization to sign the necessary updated RACP documents for the Mifflin County Historical Courthouse Project No. ME-4244.

The commissioners declared their intent to award bids for the Mifflin County Historic Courthouse Project, pending USDA approval and contractor bonds and insurance. The intended awards are: Mid-State Construction for General Construction at $287,950; BSC Mechanical, Inc. for Mechanical at $1,264,229; and Lepley Electrical Contractor for electrical at $270,316.

Several personnel items were approved:

• The hiring of James Peters as director of Veterans Affairs, effective May 5;

• The resignation of Suzanne Vencanski from Children and Youth Caseworker, effective May 9;

• Rescinding the hiring of Jake Cunningham for a probation intern, effective May 12;

• The resignation of Kallie Weaver from judicial assistant, effective May 16;

• The promotion of Kristen Price from part-time to full-time grants program administrator, effective May 19;

• The hiring of Kathleen Hoover for deputy sheriff, effective May 19;

• The hiring of Aija Binder for judicial assistant, effective May 19.