County officials support veterans transition | News, Sports, Vacancies

LEWISTOWN — County officials honored veterans Thursday with a proclamation declaring Nov. 4-11 Operation Green Light Week.

The purpose of the proclamation is to support military personnel in their return to civilian life.

The proclamation encourages residents and businesses to turn on green lights in their windows to recognize military personnel. The initiative comes as about 200,000 military personnel transition from active duty each year, facing significant stress during their first year of civilian life.

“These service members experience high levels of stress during the first year after military service,” Commissioner Rob Postal read the proclamation. The green light serves as a visible symbol of support for veterans who have maintained their freedom through their service.

Veterans Affairs Director Jimmy Conway said his office assists more than 750 veterans annually, providing more than $1.2 million in benefits in the last fiscal year. “I can’t remember a single time when I came asking for help and you guys said no.” Conway told the commissioners.

His office provides support when needed to veterans from Mifflin County and surrounding areas.

Ed Mann, President of the Mifflin County Veterans Organization, announced their recent achievement of 501(c)(3) status and outlined their mission to support the county’s more than 4,000 veterans who are unable to receive care through government agencies.

Vice President Chad Curry shared his personal perspective on veterans’ transition. “I’ve been out of the military for two years… guys haven’t made it through the transition and are trying to find a career in life outside of what you know every day after 20 years of combat,” he said, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and available resources.

“Our mission, essentially, is to provide support to veterans who cannot get help through a government agency,” Curry explained. The organization meets regularly at St. John’s Lutheran Church and is planning a holiday gathering in December.

In election news, Elections Director Paula Hoffman reported a significant increase in early voting participation.

The office mailed out 5,514 early voting ballots and processed 765 early voting ballots, a significant increase.

from 158 in 2020.

Hoffman raised concerns about vote notification issues, noting issues with email address legibility on applications.

“If you provide your email address, we will not be able to distinguish whether the letter is L or 1… be sure to include your email address in the future so we can read it.” she explained.

She stressed that voters must return mail-in ballots by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5, urging the use of a county drop box or hand delivery rather than the Postal Service. Military voters receive an extension until November 12th. The Board of Elections has increased staffing at polling places to manage expected turnout and will begin processing mail-in ballots at 7:30 a.m. on Election Day, with live streaming available.

“Let’s encourage people to use drop boxes or hand-deliver their ballots to their county instead of mailing them in.” Commissioner Kevin Kodish advised: “Because if we don’t get them by 8 o’clock Tuesday, we won’t be able to accept them.”

In other matters, members of the Commission:

• Approved $9,019 in heating oil funds for Derry Township for a new truck and plow;

• Ratified agreement with Caregivers of America to provide correctional services;

• Approved a $149,520 contract with J-Way Architectural for the second phase of the library renovation;

• Extended Delta Dental employee dental plan through December 2026;

• Approved a $9,459.50 change order for the Hoston water expansion project;

• Appointed three library board members: Wendy Hinkson, Jessica Nail and Alan Kratzer;

• Approved Ordinance No. 48 of 2024, an application for up to $1 million in state funding for library landscaping improvements;

• Approved a $548,639 medical transportation agreement with Call-A-Ride;

• Approved a $47,730 agreement with the Juniata Valley Tri-County Drug and Alcohol Authority for a housing program;

• Approved agreement to purchase services for use, as needed, by children and youth: Bethany Christian Services, Lancaster, PA, Community Specialists Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA, The Summit School, Herman, PA.

Staff actions included:

• Accepted resignations from Corrections Officer Richard Clark, Probation Officer Kristen Sherwood and LPN Blaine Baker;

• Hired Kristen Price as grant program administrator;

Transferred Chelsea Berich from probation to children and youth;

• Approved Zoe Johnson’s internship with Children and Youth Services.