Submitted photo
Pictured is 4-H member Gabrielle Jacobs, who showcases the insights she gained on her trip to the National 4-H Congress in Georgia.

MIFFLINTOWN — Juniata County 4-H member Gabrielle Jacobs, alongside 4-H Youth Development Educator Emily Shoop, Tuesday accepted the Juniata County Commissioners’ proclamation designating the week of March 15 through March 21 as Pennsylvania 4-H week.

Shoop shared with commissioners that the organization’s numbers are growing as it just added five new volunteers to their already 36, just in the last 24 hours.

Shoop explained that they have 145 members, but are getting more as the days go by. Last year, they served 185 members.

Shoop announces the group is gearing up for the fair which is being held July 20 through the 24 with their livestock sale on July 23.

Shoop said that Jacobs is showing turkey this year, but that is not the only reason Jacobs attended the meeting.

Jacobs also wanted to publicly thank her sponsors for supporting her and giving her the opportunity to gain more knowledge by sending her to a program designed to help her grow.

Sponsored by 4-H and Sprucehill Township, Jacobs was able to attend the National 4-H Congress in Georgia.

This event is an annual leadership development conference focusing on leadership skills, citizenship, and global awareness for high schoolers featuring educational workshops, international speakers, and community service that takes place over Thanksgiving weekend. Each day of her trip, Jacobs participated in various team-building activities.

Commissioners issued a second proclamation designating March as American Red Cross Month.

Gary Langsdale, a director on the American Red Cross board, acknowledged the many activities the Red Cross has underway in

Juniata County.

The organization has 10 volunteers who live in Juniata County and since July his team has responded to five disasters, mostly house fires.

The Red Cross collected 366 units of blood from 17 blood drives performed in Juniata County since July 1, 2025, and provided readiness and preparedness training to 70 people.

In other news, commissioners heard from Mike Hower regarding the town hall meeting held last Wednesday, March 4.

Hower explained representatives from Vision Solutions gave a presentation regarding the countywide reassessment.

Hower added that his office has received a ton of phone calls since the Town Hall meeting, mostly regarding the Clean and Green Program.

“We have 180 properties interested so we have a lot of work to do but it’s a good thing,” added Hower.

Commissioners also:

• Approved and accepted the resignation of Rayona Gish from her position as a Clerk/Secretary for the Magisterial District Court 41-3-01 effective as of the end of business on March 10, 2026;

• Approved the reappointment of Polly Digon of Mifflintown, to the Juniata Valley Behavioral & Developmental Services Citizens Advisory Board. The official three-year terms will commence on January 1, 2026 and expire on Dec. 31, 2029:

• Approved the monthly reports for the Sheriff’s Office, Treasurer’s Office, Tax Assessment Office and the Juniata County Probation Office as well as the Disbursement Summary report submitted by MDJ Powell’s Office;

• Approved a service agreement between Juniata County and MCM Consulting Group, Inc. for services for Juniata County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. The agreement will be completed by Sept. 30;

• Approved the appointment of Charles Bryner to four-year term for the Formal Appeals Board as presented by Michael Hower, director of GIS and assessment;

• Approved the tax exonerations for Greenwood, Delaware, Milford, Greenwood, Walker, Fayette, Susquehanna Townships and Mifflintown Borough as per the material provided;

• Approved the purchase of services agreements for Juniata County Children and Youth Services with Brittany Shetter, Esquire for Guardian Ad Litem services at an hourly rate of $85, Jedediah Lemon, Esquire for Guardian Ad Litem services at an hourly rate of $85, David Wilson, Esquire for Guardian Ad Litem services at an hourly rate of $85, Eric Williams, Esquire for Guardian Ad Litem services at an hourly rate of $85, K. Michael Sullivan, Esquire for Guardian Ad Litem services at an hourly rate of $85, Mark Remy, Esquire for Guardian Ad Litem services at an hourly rate of $85, Donald Zagurskie, Esquire for Guardian Ad Litem services at an hourly rate of $85, Chrystal Prosser, Esquire for agency solicitor services at an hourly rate of $97.55, and Stephen Snook, Esquire for agency solicitor services at an hourly rate of $97.55;

• Ratified payment of the following checks in the amount of $245,666.98;

• Approved the hiring of Collin Dudanowicz to fill the position of probation officer with the Juniata County Probation and Parole Department effective March 9, as recommended by Michelle Beaver, Chief Probation Officer. Dubanowicz will replace Justin Dobson who resigned Feb. 20. Wages and benefits will be as per the current bargaining unit contract;

• Approved the hiring of Rian Peters as a casual, part-time employee within the Security Department to provide security services as needed at an hourly wage of $23.08 and a start date of March 12.

• Approved a service agreement between Juniata County Commissioners and GRS for pension software.