Commissioners recognize regional dairy farmers
Proclamation designates Ice Cream Day in Mifflin County
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LEWISTOWN -- The dairy industry has played a major role in Mifflin County's economy for many years, helping sustain the county's agricultural heritage and supporting local families, businesses and communities.
Dairy farmers throughout the county work year-round to provide milk and other dairy products while contributing significantly to the local economy. The Mifflin County Commissioners' proclamation recognized the dedication of these farm families and the important role they continue to play in preserving agriculture as one of Mifflin County's leading industries.
With that in mind, the commissioners approved a proclamation Thursday designating July as National Ice Cream Month and July 19 as National Ice Cream Day in Mifflin County during their meeting at the Mifflin County Courthouse.
The proclamation highlighted the dairy industry's impact on the county and recognized the farmers, dairy processors, local businesses and community organizations that help make the industry a vital part of the region's economy and culture.
Commissioners noted that the observance originated in 1984 when President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month and designated the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day. The proclamation encourages residents to celebrate while supporting local dairy farms and businesses.
Representatives from the Twin Kiss in Lewistown attended the meeting and thanked the commissioners for recognizing the dairy industry.
Commissioners also acknowledged the many local ice cream shops, creameries and dairy businesses throughout the county that help support agriculture and provide residents with locally produced dairy products.
Rebecca Harrop, of the Mifflin County Farm Bureau and a local dairy farmer, thanked county officials for recognizing the hard work and dedication of farmers.
"Farming is hard, it's stressful and it's a way of life," Harrop said. "It's not a job to us. We do it because we love it."
Harrop said the proclamation shines a spotlight on the commitment of farm families whose efforts often go unnoticed. She also promoted several upcoming agricultural events, including the Farm Bureau's Farm-to-Table Gala in August, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Night at Rocky Ridge Rodeo in September and the Mifflin County Youth Fair.
One of the fair's most popular attractions, the giant ice cream sundae event sponsored by a local creamery, will return during fair week.
The commissioners unanimously approved the proclamation and encouraged residents to support local dairy farms, creameries and ice cream businesses throughout the month.
The recognition served as a reminder of the important role agriculture continues to play in Mifflin County and the many dairy farm families whose dedication has helped make the industry a cornerstone of the local economy for generations.
In other business:
Contracts and agreements
Commissioners approved the following contracts and agreements:
-A memorandum of understanding with the Tuscarora Intermediate Unit to provide adult basic education and workforce development services to inmates of the Mifflin County Correctional Facility in Lewistown for the period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, for $7,500;
-Five-year proposal from Revise for redesign and maintenance of the county website for $7,600 annually;
-Proposal for fire protection systems from Rowe Sprinkler Systems for the Mifflin County Library, $450 per annual inspection and $750 for five-year frequency inspection; Historic Mifflin County Courthouse, $150 per annual inspection and $250 for five-year frequency inspection; Mifflin County Courthouse, $650 per annual inspection and $1,525 per five-year frequency inspection; Mifflin County Courthouse Annex, $175 per annual inspection and $685 for five-year frequency inspection; and Mifflin County Prison, $350 per annual inspection and $800 for five-year frequency inspection;
-Proposal for annual extinguisher inspection and maintenance and semi-annual maintenance of kitchen fire suppression system from Swartz Fire and Safety Equipment Co. Inc.;
-Grant agreements for the Homeless Assistance Program (HAP) for the period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027: Mifflin-Juniata Human Services Case Management, $7,368; Mifflin-Juniata Human Services Rental/Utility, $6,276; Shelter Services Inc. Emergency Shelter, $11,433; The Abuse Network Inc., $6,352; Mifflin-Juniata Human Services Administration, $3,494;
-Brown Township supervisors' selection of the lowest bidder for the Walnut Street Sidewalk Project Phase Community Development Block Grant, $93,970.
Personnel matters
Commissioners approved the following personnel matters:
-Transfer of Denisha Yoder from full-time to part-time telecommunicator, effective July 13, 2026;
-Resignations of Nataleigh Van Horn from Children and Youth caseworker, effective July 17, 2026; and Bailey McCall, from Children and Youth caseworker, effective Aug. 14, 2026.
Next meeting
The commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, in the Mifflin County Courthouse.