MIFFLINTOWN — Juniata County Commissioners approved a grant application that aims to improve justice system responses to substance use disorder during their Tuesday meeting.

Melissa Stewart, director of Mifflin Juniata Human Services, sought the commissioners’ approval for this 2025-26 fiscal year grant application from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

The purpose of this grant program is to expand access to evidence-based supports for people entered in the criminal justice system with substance use disorder, specifically opioid use disorder and stimulant use disorder.

If the funds are received Juniata County Probation and Parole, Tri-County Drug and Alcohol and Mifflin Juniata Human Services will be working collaboratively to implement services to individuals with substance use disorder who come into contact with the criminal justice system through diversion, case management, treatment, etc.

Commissioners also:

• Approved the cleaning contract between the Juniata County Register and Recorder’s office and Suzan McClure for cleaning services. The rate agreed upon is $60 bi-weekly. The contract period spans from March 17, 2026 through Feb. 28, 2027;

• Approved the payment of the Juniata County Hazardous Material check in the amount of $76.25;

• Approved the purchase of service agreement between the Juniata County Public Defender’s office and Brittany Shetter, Esquire for conflict counsel. The contract will begin on April 1, 2026, and continue until their paid hourly services of reaches $13,000 or upon (30) day written notice of intent to terminate this contract;

• Approved three CDBG-IDIS checks for C&R Directional Boring, LLC in the amount of $189,512, $101,606.60 and $ 35,467.65 as submitted by the Juniata County Planning and Community Development Department;

• Approved the February 2026 departmental reports for the Juniata Children and Youth Office;

• Approved tax exonerations for Greenwood, Monroe, Milford Townships and Mifflin Borough;

• Approved hiring Courtney Graham as a clerk within Magisterial District Judge Tracy Powell’s office. Graham will replace Rayona Gish who resigned on March 10, 2026.