Submitted photo Pictured, from left, are Commissioner Kevin Kodish, Commissioner Noah Wise, Kathy Whalen, executive director of Juniata Valley Behavioral and Developmental Services, and Commissioner Robert Postal.

LEWISTOWN — The Mifflin County Commissioners on Thursday approved measures ranging from a proclamation marking National Disability Employment Awareness Month to a $27,600 change order for courthouse repairs.

The meeting opened with a resolution honoring October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, noting its 80th anniversary. Commissioners joined with Huntingdon and Juniata counties in adopting the proclamation, which commends the contributions of workers with disabilities and urges local employers to expand opportunities.

Kathy Whalen, representing Juniata Valley Behavioral and Developmental Services, said the three-county region now has 39 employers hiring individuals with disabilities, employing about 70 people. She announced an upcoming recognition event on Oct. 23, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the agency’s office on East Market Street in Lewistown.

“It’s time that we celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and raise awareness about issues related to disability employment,” Whalen said.

Whalen also reminded residents of the annual Walk to Prevent Suicide, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 5, at Kish Park. Registration begins at noon with the walk at 1 p.m. “It’s a lovely event, widely attended,” she said, adding that radio stations and food trucks will participate this year.

In other business, the commissioners approved a request to exonerate a $6.31 real estate tax bill in Granville Township. The parcel contained a pavilion that has since been removed, making the bill ineligible for collection.

The board also signed off on a $1,000 liquid fuels allocation to McVeytown Borough. Borough officials said the funds will help cover streetlight expenses for 2026.

Several contracts related to Children and Youth services were authorized. The first, with the Tuscarora Intermediate Unit in McVeytown, extends the Parents as Teachers program, which provides in-home guidance for families. Children and Youth Administrator Nicole Patkalitsky said the grant totals $146,963 and represents a continuation of services already in place. “The money is there, and the program continues,” she told the board.

Additional one-year agreements were approved with Concern Professional Services of Fleetwood, The Salvation Army of Allentown, and Perseus House of Erie. These agencies provide foster care and residential treatment for dependent and delinquent youth, with state-set daily rates ranging from $67.87 to $387.97. Patkalitsky noted the county seeks to place children locally, when possible, but “if we can’t, you have to look outside. That’s what these are for,” she said.

The commissioners also authorized Change Order No. 1 for the Mifflin County Historic Courthouse rehabilitation project, increasing the contract with Mid-State Construction by $27,600.

Officials said the adjustment covers unforeseen structural issues, including floor damage and a section of ceiling that has separated. Commissioner Noah Wise said he typically dislikes change orders but acknowledged this one was necessary. “This case is well-needed,” he said.

Three personnel actions were approved: hiring Katrina Foltz as a case manager/intake specialist in the Public Defender’s Office, effective Sept. 29; transferring Justin Trego from 911 telecommunicator to 911 data analyst, also effective Sept. 29; and accepting the resignation of part-time corrections officer Kobe Bonnell, effective Sept. 26.

The meeting also touched on election preparations. Officials said new electronic poll books will be demonstrated to the public on Oct. 13 in three sessions — morning, afternoon, and evening — at the elections office.

Voters will still use paper ballots, but check-in will now involve signing on electronic pads. Deadlines are approaching, with Oct. 20 as the last day to register or update information and Oct. 28 as the last day to apply for a mail-in ballot.