Submitted photo
Pictured are (front, from left) Dawn Hart of Fayette Township EMS, Interim Director of the Seven Mountains EMS Council Cathy Grimes, Mary Tonge, and Jesse Zook of Lack Tuscarora EMS. Also pictured are (back, from left) 911 Director Adam Waite, Glenn Kerstetter of Fayette Township EMS, 911 Supervisor Mike Henry, and Mike Graybill of Richfield EMS.

MIFFLINTOWN — The Juniata County community received some good news and some bad news regarding its emergency responders on Tuesday.

Commissioners presented Seven Mountains EMS Council Interim Director Cathy Grimes with a proclamation, naming the week of May 18 to May 24 as EMS Week.

However, despite the celebration, Commissioners discussed the recent cancellation of an EMT class held at the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology due to low enrollment.

“Most higher education academies have a minimum requirement of students to be able to conduct classes. It’s usually 15 students to make it financially feasible,” said Grimes.

“Our office can provide assistance in helping to recruit community members who want to join the EMS field,” Grimes added.

Grimes thanked the agencies and the 911 Center for their commitment to the community 24/7, 365. She stated that emergency responders often work behind the scenes with very little recognition.

“I am proud of our EMS providers and their

dedication to their communities,” said Grimes.

Glenn Kerstetter of Fayette EMS, 911 Director Adam Waite, and Grimes agreed that they are going to collaborate on a plan to get more recruitments in the future.

Emergency medical services are a vital public service; honoring their 50th anniversary of EMS week, emergency responders celebrate their past and look forward to the future.

Juniata County will show its support for emergency responders with an EMS appreciation night at Port Royal Speedway slated for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 28.

Racing is also a part of the agenda with the Aumiller’s Insurance 410 sprints, AB Auto Glass late models, 305 sprints and the Juniata Tire Sales/Casner’s Service Center enduro dash divisions.

A parade will take place around the speedway during intermission.

Apparatus will be on display with engines and trucks coming from all over, as well as ambulance companies.

Kids’ fire truck rides will begin at 5:30 p.m. until 6:15 p.m. on the Juniata County Fairgrounds.

The Seven Mountains Emergency Medical Services Council will have Andy the Ambulance roaming the grounds to interact with fans of all ages.

Andy the Ambulance is an interactive, remote-controlled educational ambulance used as a tool for public outreach and education.

The council will also have static displays of mass casualty equipment on hand and emergency preparedness kits for distribution along with other giveaways; CPR training will also be available for anyone interested.

Commissioners also:

Approved the tax exonerations for Walker, Fermanagh and Tuscarora Townships;

Approved payment of the checks in the amount of $164,158.904;

Approved the April 2025 Summary of Collections report as submitted by Magisterial District Judge Josh Imes Office, as well as the Monthly activity report as submitted by Juniata County probation department.

There is no Juniata County Commissioners meeting on May 20. The next regular public meeting for the Juniata County Commissioners is scheduled at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27.