On Thursday morning, when the commissioners declared March 29 as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day,” the words carried the weight of years: years of service, years of sacrifice and years of waiting for the gratitude they deserved. In Mifflin County, at least, that gratitude finally found its voice.

The resolution recalls the 2.7 million Americans who served between 1955 and 1975, the more than 58,000 who never returned and the many who came home wounded, ill or forever changed by the war’s physical and emotional toll.

Jim Peters, Mifflin County’s veterans officer, thanked the commissioners, noting that for many Vietnam veterans, the welcome home they deserved was delayed. The proclamation, he said, serves as a powerful reminder that their service, sacrifice and courage are honored and remembered.

Pennsylvania 4-H Week

Submitted photo
The Mifflin County Commissioners recognized March 15–21 as Pennsylvania 4-H Week. Pictured are, front, Gracie Arnold, Makenna Hooper and Brenna Bickel; second row, 4-H Program Coordinator Amy Spickler, Katie Setzler, Addison Yorks, Volunteer Leader Tiffany McKnight and Commissioner Rob Postal; back, Teen Council Leader Renee Arnold, Commissioners Noah Wise and Kevin Kodish, Joey Geissinger, Colton McKnight and Teen Council Leader Charlotte Geissinger.

The commissioners also recognized March 15-21 as Pennsylvania 4-H Week. Program Coordinator Amy Spickler attended with several youth and volunteers, many from the Teen Council, who later toured the courthouse.

Spickler said Mifflin County now offers 17 clubs, including livestock, community and Clover Buds, with shooting sports and archery beginning next month.

Enrollment continues to grow, with the goat club reaching 49 members and the Vira Community Club surpassing 65. She also noted that three longtime organizational leaders recently passed their roles to younger alumni who grew up in the program and chose to stay in the county and give back.

Safe Streets and Roads planning grant

Planning Director Jim Lettiere briefed the board on a Federal Highway Administration grant totaling $356,458, with a county match of $89,115, to create a countywide Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. The plan will address safety concerns for pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorized roadway users and help the county compete for future federal transportation funding.

A review committee recommended Michael Baker International to complete the work, citing the firm’s experience and realistic 15-month timeline. Commissioners approved authorization to enter into an agreement.

Hazard mitigation plan updates

Emergency Management Director Phil Lucas presented a professional services agreement with MCM Consulting to complete four annual updates to the county’s hazard mitigation plan. Lucas emphasized that municipalities must adopt the plan to remain eligible for federal funding. Three municipalities have not yet adopted it, and outreach will continue. Commissioners approved the agreement.

Grant to support justice-involved individuals with substance use disorder

Mifflin-Juniata Human Services Director Melissa Stewart outlined a $464,207 Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant — fully funded with no county match — to support individuals with substance use disorder who come into contact with the criminal justice system. The initiative will provide case management, therapy, counseling and housing support in coordination with Tri-County Drug and Alcohol and probation. Commissioners approved the contracts.

CDBG amendments and application cycle

Commissioners approved three amendments to Community Development Block Grant professional service agreements, adjusting environmental review and labor standards fees as projects were revised or replaced.

Carol Crews also announced that the 2026 CDBG application cycle will open March 30, with notices published and packets mailed to municipalities and nonprofits. A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, in the Mifflin County Courthouse Annex.

Yeagertown roadway reconstruction

The board awarded the Yeagertown area roadway reconstruction project to Grannas Brothers Stone and Asphalt for $341,682, contingent on SEDA-COG’s review. Of that amount, $241,444.72 will come from CDBG funds and $100,237.28 from local funds. Work is expected to begin soon.

Personnel actions

Commissioners approved several personnel changes, including three resignations, three hires and one retirement.

Resignations: Zoe Johnson, Children and Youth caseworker; Emily Solt-Marx, LPN, Mifflin County Correctional Facility; and Jill Bryan, LPN, Mifflin County Correctional Facility;

Hires: Lauren Weichel, case coordinator 2; Colton Fleming, part-time corrections officer; and Marie Lanciano, case coordinator 2;

Retirement: Lena Corson, county janitor, effective May 27;

Next meeting

The commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 2, in the Mifflin County Courthouse. They meet the first and third Thursdays of every month, and the fifth Thursday when applicable.