Bratton honored after 36 years with county
Longtime tax services director recognized upon retirement
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LEWISTOWN -- For more than three decades, Merry Bratton has been one of the steady hands guiding Mifflin County's tax services.
On Thursday, she was honored by the Mifflin County Commissioners for a career defined by dedication, professionalism and quiet leadership as she retires after 36 years with the county.
Bratton began her service on Dec. 17, 1990, as a planning secretary and rose through the ranks to assistant chief assessor, chief assessor and finally director of tax services. Her colleagues described her work ethic, integrity and commitment to residents as the foundation of her long career.
"I’m deeply honored by the presentation of the proclamation," Bratton said. "I have to say I’ll be eternally grateful for the many opportunities I’ve been granted over the past 36 years working for the county. It’s been a very rewarding career, and I’ve enjoyed serving the taxpayers of Mifflin County."
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
The commissioners also adopted a proclamation recognizing October 2026 as the 81st anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The proclamation traces the observance back to 1945, when it began as a week‑long recognition of people with physical disabilities before expanding to a full month that includes individuals with mental health conditions and non‑obvious disabilities.
Kathy Whalen, executive director of JVBDS, thanked the commissioners for the recognition and shared updates on local progress.
"This year, we will be recognizing 45 employers and 68 employees," she said, noting growth from last year's totals of 41 employers and 60 employees.
Whalen listed several Mifflin County employers who hire individuals with disabilities, including Lowe's, Giant, Weis, OIP, Walmart, Haas's, New Vision, Burger King, Horace, Creekside Tavern, and the Boy Scouts of America.
She also announced an employer‑employee recognition event scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22, from 4 to 6 p.m. at 152 E. Market St., lower floor, in Lewistown.
Whalen noted that the organization recently received the Employer Engagement Champion Award at the State Central Region Employment Symposium, recognizing its efforts to expand career pathways for individuals with disabilities.
She also reminded the public of the Shattering the Silence Walk, set for Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. at Kishacoquillas Park.
911 director earns statewide leadership designation
Commissioners recognized 911 Center Director Josh Pennepacker, who recently earned the APCO Registered Public Safety Leader designation through the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International. Only 13 individuals in Pennsylvania hold the credential.
"I am honored to receive this designation, and I am especially proud to share that I am one of only 13 individuals in Pennsylvania to have earned this designation," Pennepacker said.
He explained that the year‑long program required coursework, leadership development and a capstone project updating the interoperable communications plan for the South Central Mountain Task Force's eight‑county region.
Pennepacker added, "Completing the RPL program required extensive coursework, leadership development, research projects, and the successful completion of a comprehensive final project focused on improving public safety communications. The knowledge and skills gained through this program will directly benefit Mifflin County by enhancing leadership within the Office of Public Safety, strengthening our emergency communications operations, and supporting our continued efforts to provide exceptional service to our residents and first responders."
Block grant application approved
Commissioners approved an application for $782,357 in Community Development Block Grants. They included the following projects:
Mifflin County for $222,086 allocation: Newton Hamilton bridge replacement, $182,116; SEDA-COG administration, $33,750; and Mifflin County administration, $6,220;
Armagh Township for $93,666 allocation: Barefoot Road reconstruction, $76,816; SEDA-COG administration, $15,000; and Mifflin County administration, $1,850;
Brown Township for $94,688 allocation: Reedsville Park parking lot, $77,663; SEDA-COG administration, $15,000; and Mifflin County administration, $3,915;
Derry Township for $128,377 allocation: Yeagertown area road reconstruction phase 2: $105,312; SEDA-COG administration, $19,150; and Mifflin County administration, $3,915;
Granville Township for $100,316 allocation: Single-family owner occupied housing rehabilitation, $82,281; SEDA-COG administration, $14,750; and Mifflin County administration, $3,275;
Lewistown Borough for $143,234 allocation: Lewistown fire safety equipment phase 2, $117,484; SEDA-COG administration, $22,000; and Mifflin County administration, $3,750.
Other business
The commissioners approved:
A $5,895 hazardous materials response grant to support first responder training.
A $51,601 adult probation grant, which Chief Probation Officer Nick Wolfkiel said increased by about $10,000 from previous years and is used entirely for officer salaries.
An agreement with Huntingdon County to house inmates at the Mifflin County Correctional Facility in 2027, with an updated rate.
An MOU with the Center for Community Resources for a crisis intervention team coordinator, funded entirely through a Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant.
Conditional approval of an MOU with the Neat Nest for apartment cleaning services, pending receipt of liability insurance documentation.
A $47,730 agreement with Juniata Valley Tri‑County Drug and Alcohol for case management and housing support for individuals with substance use disorder.
An amendment extending the Emergency Food Assistance Program through Sept. 30, 2027.
Ratification of a contract allowing inmates already on Medicaid‑assisted substance use treatment to continue receiving medication and nursing support while incarcerated.
Resignation of Aiden Arnold as part-time corrections officer, effective Oct. 1, 2026.
Next meeting
The commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Mifflin County Courthouse in Lewistown.