Submitted photo
Pictured are, front, Dawn Hart, of Fayette Township EMS; Bronda Milliken and John Horan of Central Juniata EMS; back, Adam Waite, 911 director; Glen Kerstetter of Fayette Township EMS; Mike Henry, 911 supervisor and Patrick Traxler of Seven Mountains EMS Council.

MIFFLINTOWN — Juniata County commissioners voted Tuesday to support the Christian Retreat Center’s application for state funding to expand outdoor recreation amenities at the camp.

During the commissioners’ weekly meeting, retreat Director Zach Bashore said the organization plans to apply for funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program, also known as NAP.

According to Bashore, the program provides tax credits to businesses that contribute to nonprofit organizations serving low-income populations.

Bashore thanked commissioners for supporting the organization’s 2025 funding request with a similar letter of support. He said two businesses contributed a combined $25,000 last year, allowing the retreat to purchase a new pavilion and renovate a ball field used during summer camp programs.

For 2026, Bashore said the retreat plans to use funding for a new playground, a floating dock at the front pond and a new access road to the pond area. The project is intended to reduce traffic on the camp’s main road while improving access to the pond.

Bashore said the project budget is estimated to cost about $55,000, adding that seven businesses have already pledged approximately $65,000 in contributions.

Summer camp programs begin June 15. More information is available by calling (717) 734-3627.

Also during Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners issued a proclamation recognizing May 18-24 as EMS Week in Juniata County.

Commissioners were joined by several EMS representatives, including Patrick Traxler of the Seven Mountains EMS Council.

Traxler thanked commissioners for recognizing emergency medical personnel and highlighted the agencies serving Juniata County, including Fayette Township EMS, Port Royal EMS, Central Juniata EMS, Juniata Med Trans, Lack-Tuscarora EMS, Thompsontown Ambulance and Richfield Ambulance.

“These teams are made up of people who don’t just respond to emergencies — they respond to their neighbors, their friends and their communities,” Traxler said.

Traxler said the Seven Mountains EMS Council’s mission is to strengthen and advance EMS services throughout the region while ensuring providers have the resources, support and training needed to continue serving communities safely and effectively.

“The emotional weight of the work doesn’t end when the call does, and yet these men and women continue to show up whether it’s 3 p.m. or 3 a.m. because they believe every life in this county matters,” Traxler said.

He added that he hopes the proclamation represents an ongoing commitment to supporting EMS providers and strengthening partnerships to sustain emergency medical services in the county.

Commissioners also heard an update from Steve Baumgardner of Central Juniata EMS regarding the organization’s merger with Geisinger Ambulance Service.

Baumgardner said Central Juniata EMS recently signed an agreement with Geisinger that officials believe will bring long-term stability to the community.

According to Baumgardner, Geisinger will assume responsibility for Central Juniata’s basic life support territory. He said the service will continue operating out of the current building using existing equipment, while employees will transition to Geisinger employment.

In other business, commissioners:

-Approved a service solutions agreement with OAESYS for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $6,620;

-Approved purchase-of-service agreements between Juniata County Children and Youth Services and Valley Youth House for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027;

-Approved the certification statement for county Children and Youth social service programs for Jan. 1 through March 31, 2026;

-Approved the April 2026 Act 148 third-quarter report submitted by the Children and Youth Office.