Juniata County names Historical Society to lead bicentennial planning

BY BRIAN CARSON

MIFFLINTOWN — Juniata County Commissioners approved a resolution Tuesday naming the Juniata County Historical Society as the official planning and coordinating body for the county’s 200th anniversary in 2031.

The board approved Resolution 2026-5 during its regular meeting. The action does not include an immediate cost, but gives the Historical Society time to organize events, partnerships, and public history efforts tied to the bicentennial.

Spencer McLaughlin, representing the Juniata County Historical Society, said the timing makes sense because the Historical Society is nearing its 100th anniversary while the county prepares for its bicentennial.

McLaughlin said the resolution explains the goal of starting now rather than waiting until closer to 2031.

“Reaching 100 years as an organization is a good benchmark for us,” McLaughlin said, adding that the society is “outgrowing our space in the archives.”

For residents, the designation gives bicentennial planning a central organization responsible for coordination. Planning for a countywide observance could involve local organizations, municipalities, schools, historical sites, and public events.

Commissioners also approved purchase-of-service agreements for Juniata County Children and Youth Services covering July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The agreements are with Danette Dupree, for trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy; Raystown Developmental Services Inc., doing business as Clarvida; Mifflin Juniata Human Services; TIU Community Education & Workforce Services; Works Youth Care Inc.; and Sarah Jefferson LCSW LLC.

Jeff Moore, with Juniata County Children and Youth Services, said there continues to be a strong need for mental health services locally and elsewhere.

“There’s just a huge need for more and more mental health services,” Moore said. “So we’re doing our best to provide what we can locally.”

Moore said the agency works with children and families and is always looking for additional services that can help families.

No dollar amounts for the individual service agreements and no specific contract costs were discussed during the meeting.

Commissioners noted that Children and Youth remains in the same location for now, though office space is being adjusted and visitors use a different entrance. Moore said several staff members will move into the back half of the building as space changes continue.

Commissioners also discussed an upcoming Historical Society event at Academia, where a new brick path is scheduled to be unveiled on Sunday.

McLaughlin said the project was completed in partnership with the Chamber Leadership Class and JPH. He said the path improves access to the site, including for older volunteers and visitors with mobility concerns.

During public comment, commissioners heard about a possible land need for emergency services training and future 911 center use.

A Thompsontown Fire Company representative discussed a roughly 2-acre parcel in the Cedar Springs area, saying no funds are currently available to purchase the land, but grants or other funding sources could be explored.

The representative said the location could be useful because it is near the center of the county and could serve emergency responders from different areas.

Commissioners suggested checking with nearby municipalities and state officials about possible funding sources.

Commissioners also heard that the former kitchen countertop manufacturing facility along William Penn Highway outside Thompsontown is expected to be renamed William Penn Industrial Park.

The fire company representative said the buildings are now rented, and the facility is doing well, calling it positive news after the community lost jobs at the site.

Commissioners also approved tax exonerations for Walker, Fayette and Milford townships and payment of checklist Nos. 78741 through 78786 in the amount of $120,429.38.

No business was scheduled for the Salary Board, Retirement Board, or Board of Elections.