Patient care motivates improvements
BY LIV SUYDAM Sentinel reporter osuydam@lewistown sentinel.com
LEWISTOWN — Build-
ing and bettering our community is not an overnight job, it takes time and dedication to the process of improvements; Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital has understood that and put the work in this past year.
With a busy 2025, repairing, improving, and renovating, Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital continues to put patient care at the forefront of their mission and will continue that into 2026 with projects already in the works.
Newly renovated Sleep Center
This $932,000.00 investment included the moving and renovating of Geisingers Sleep Center.
Celebrating the 30th year of serving our community, the sleep center moved from the ffth foor to the second foor of the hospital. The move is part of a large renovation project that is making space for all private rooms.
“Renovating our hospital is not just about updating the physical space; it’s about enhancing patient care, improving operational effciency and making sure our facilities meet the highest standards of safety and comfort. Modernizing our infrastructure allows us to provide the best possible care to our community and stay at the forefront of improvements,”shared AJ Hartsock, associate vice
president, operations
Geisinger’s Sleep Center is dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of sleep disorders. Located at 400 Highland Ave. in Lewistown, the center offers comprehensive care for conditions such as sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome and narcolepsy.
The sleep center features comfortable, private bedrooms designed to help patients feel relaxed and at home during sleep studies. It also offers unattended home sleep testing, which can be performed within 24 hours of clinical evaluation. The center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, ensuring high standards for in-center and in-home sleep testing.
Move to private rooms This transformation represents a $5.1 million investment in the future of patient care at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital.
“This renovation is more than just a facelift — it’s a refection of our mission to provide exceptional, patient-centered care,” explained Vice President
and Chief Nursing Offcer
Stacey Osborne.
Private rooms offer a number of benefts including privacy -- patients have their own space, which allows for confdential conversations with healthcare providers and more personal comfort, infection control which reduces the risk of spreading infections between patients, noise reduction allowing for quieter environments promote better rest and recovery, family involvement as it will be easier for family members to visit and stay with the patient, improved patient experience as this journey enhances dignity, comfort and satisfaction during hospital stays and technology integration — often includes modern
features like digital whiteboards, smart beds, and personalized lighting or climate controls.
“We’re prioritizing the patient experience as we become trusted pillars in our communities,” said Osborne. “Patient-centered care aligns with our broader mission to serve our communities with excellence and compassion.”
Emergency department refresh and improved privacy
Nearly a dozen projects have been completed in the Emergency Department under this $210,000.00 investment, to improve patient fow by creating additional patient care areas
Improved patient fow provides better patient out-
comes, reduces overcrowding, improves patient satisfaction, enhancing staff effciency, and optimizes resource use.
Some of the newly improved projects include: the new phlebotomy draw area and new clean supply and equipment supply areas.
Projects that are in process include a new medication room, three new patient rooms, and creating more private patient rooms.
In all, Geisinger will be creating 10 more private patient rooms.
Looking ahead to 2026
Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital will be renovating the Sandy Lane Clinic that’s located across from the hospital. As time goes on, the hospital will continue to seek ways to improve facilities in a manner that keeps patient care at the center of their hospital.
MIFFLIN COUNTY PROGRESS
Next phase of River Trail project forthcoming
BY BRIAN CARSON Sentinel reporter bcarson@lewistown sentinel.com
LEWISTOWN – The Juniata River Trail project continues to advance, with county planners exploring new links between Lewistown’s riverfront and nearby parks while confronting a stalled section west of town.
Phase 2 of the project, fnished in late 2024, created roughly a half-mile of paved, ADA-accessible trail along the former Pennsylvania Canal towpath from Crystal Springs Avenue to State Street. The extension tied Lewistown’s existing paths into a seamless three-mile network that now includes the R.H. Rothermel Trail, Victory Park, the downtown connector along Water Street, the Kish Riverwalk, and the loop around Rec Park.
County Planning Director James Lettiere said the new link has helped unify what had been scattered stretches of trail into one connected experience.
“Phase 2 of the Juniata River Trail connects to a continuous loop of over three miles of trail in one direction, including the R.H. Rothermel Trail, Victory Park, the Downtown Connector along Water Street, the Kish Riverwalk and the walking loop around Rec Park,” Lettiere said.
With the asphalt laid and wayfnding signs installed earlier this year, offcials have shifted their focus to Phase 3, a more complicated step that would push the trail west along the river. But progress there has hit a wall—literally and fguratively.
“Plans to extend the trail west along the river from the termination point of Phase 2 are at an impasse,
since the private property owner is not receptive to allowing easements to traverse this property,” Lettiere said. He added that buying the land outright isn’t feasible. “Purchasing the property to develop the trail further is cost-prohibitive,” he said. That obstacle has county planners re-evaluating their next move. “The next practical trail to develop would connect Victory Park, the Kish River Walk, Rec Park in Lewistown Borough and Kish Park in Derry Township, and from Victory Park to Stone Arch Bridge,” Lettiere said. Such a route would extend the system east and north instead of west, linking several heavily used recreation areas into one continuous corridor. County engineers are review-
ing rights-of-way, while planners coordinate with borough and township offcials on potential funding applications for design and construction.
The Juniata River Trail has evolved gradually over the past decade, shaped by grants, land access, and community partnerships. A 2020 state grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources provided $295,000 for design and construction within Lewistown. Since then, local governments have added smaller matches to keep the project eligible for new rounds of state assistance.
What began as an idea in the county’s 2010 Greenways and Open Space Plan has become one of central Pennsylvania’s quiet success stories. Residents use
the fat, paved path daily— walkers, runners, cyclists, and anglers share the same stretch of riverbank that once carried canal boats and freight.
The paved surface and ADA-compliant features have opened access for residents who couldn’t navigate gravel or dirt trails. The addition of ADA parking at Riverside Drive,
years, and in the meantime, smaller connections, like the proposed Victory Park-to-Stone Arch Bridge segment, can still move forward. “We’re focusing on what’s practical and keeps the momentum,” he said. Each phase, he added, builds both recreational and economic value. The river corridor offers scenic access for families and vis-
DCNR grant proposal later this year, aiming to fund design work for the Victory Park link. If awarded, bidding could begin as early as 2026. Maintenance crews will continue to monitor completed sections through the winter, ensuring the asphalt surface and signage hold up under cold weather.
benches, and clear signage has made it easier for seniors and families to enjoy the riverfront without diffculty.
Local offcials say that accessibility is drawing visitors from outside the borough as well. During borough meetings this spring, council members noted increased foot traffc near downtown restaurants and coffee shops on weekends.
Environmental agencies have also supported the trail’s careful placement. Portions run close to the Juniata’s foodplain, so planners worked with the Department of Environmental Protection to stabilize embankments and maintain wildlife buffers. Future construction will follow the same standards, using drainage systems that limit runoff and protect native vegetation.
Even with the impasse west of town, Lettiere said planners remain optimistic. Negotiations with property owners can take
itors while complementing downtown revitalization efforts already underway in Lewistown.
County offcials are expected to submit another
For now, Phase 2 stands as proof of concept: a trail that connects history and modern recreation. On any afternoon, it’s easy to spot kids on bikes, retirees on scooters, and anglers resting along the guardrail, all sharing a space that didn’t exist a few years ago. As Lettiere put it, the project’s steady progress refects more than engineering. “It’s really about connection—connecting parks, people, and the river itself,” he said. “Even if we have to adjust our path, the goal remains the same: giving residents better access to the Juniata and linking our communities together.”
Grant aids in YMCA pool upgrades
BY BRIAN CARSON Sentinel reporter bcarson@lewistowns entinel.com
BURNHAM – The Juni-
ata Valley YMCA in Burnham is getting a major refresh aimed at improving comfort, reliability, and energy effciency for its members—especially those who rely on the indoor pool for exercise and therapy.
Design work is already underway on a project that will renovate the aging pool ceiling and replace the facility’s outdated PoolPak climate control system. The upgrades are expected to begin late this year or early next year, according to Kristen Price, grants program administrator with the Miffin County Planning and Development Department.
Funding for the work includes a $600,000 Statewide Local Share Account Grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The Miffin County Commissioners secured the grant on behalf of the YMCA, which will cover additional project costs.
The improvements come after years of mechanical issues with the PoolPak, which regulates air temperature and humidity in the pool area. Frequent malfunctions have forced temporary pool closures, disrupting programming and frustrating members. Price said the replacement system will enhance reliability and reduce maintenance costs.
“The project will allow
the YMCA to offer a reliable and welcoming indoor swimming environment to our community,” she said. “Replacing the PoolPak will enhance reliability and reduce maintenance and repair costs, making the system more cost-effective and energy-effcient.” The YMCA’s indoor pool is one of the community’s most-used ftness and recreation assets, serving residents of all ages. It’s used for youth swim lessons, therapy programs for seniors, and local swim teams that rely on the facil-
ity throughout the year.
But the pool area, built over 25 years ago, has also become a visual reminder of age and wear. The ceiling, now discolored from years of moisture, will be refnished as part of the project.
“While the discoloration on the ceiling in the pool area poses no health risks, some people have been discouraged from using the pool because of the way it looks,” Price said. “The renovations will create a more welcoming space for community members.”
Broadband growth continues in Juniata River Valley
SIERRA BOLGER Reporter sbolger@lewistownsentinel. com
One-Stop Communications is expanding its broadband services and deepening its investment in Miffin County’s digital infrastructure.
Last year they celebrated alongside the residents of the Juniata Terrace as they brought high-speed fber to their borough.
But it didn’t end there, they expanded their fber through downtown Lewistown and in the last year and has recently begun extending its network down through Pine Street in Lewistown.
Not only that but the company is also enhancing its fber-optic network, upgrading its rural wireless technology, and introducing new services to provide residents and businesses with more competitive and reliable options.
The goal, according to Miffin County Wireless President Cody Wian, is to offer fast, reliable internet at an affordable price, backed by local support that customers can count on.
One-Stop’s dedicated business solutions team is actively working with local companies to improve their internet and phone services while often pro-
viding signifcant monthly savings.
It’s a hands-on approach that highlights the value of working with a local provider.
“Our fber-to-the-home and business projects are steadily expanding across central Miffin County,” said Wian.
One-Stop serves rural residents by reinvesting heavily in its wireless internet service, upgrading equipment on three of its towers with new technology this has allowed for the rollout of ULTRA Internet.
“A service capable of delivering faster upload and download speeds to customers outside the reach of fber. The new equipment provides speeds and reliability that surpass much of the outdated coaxial cable infrastructure still common in many parts of the county,” said Miller.
“Thanks to our investment in Tarana and Wave next-generation fxed
wireless technology, we are now delivering substantially faster speeds than ever before on our wireless platform,” Wian noted. “With just a handful of upgraded towers, we are already offering 400 Mbps and 800 Mbps service in select areas, and we’re continuing to expand coverage throughout the community.”
With the merger of One Stop and Miffin County Wireless nearly two years ago, One-Stop is leveraging its combined strengths to bring more essential services to the area. But at the end of the day, Wian emphasizes that the company’s core mission remains centered on customer service. As One-Stop continues to invest in technology and its community, its focus remains frmly on being a local connection with resources and support that Miffin County can trust.
The planned improvements align with broader efforts to keep the Juniata Valley YMCA a center-
“The project will allow the YMCA to offer a reliable and welcoming indoor swimming environment to our community.”
Kristen Price Grants program administrator 222 222
piece of community health and recreation. The organization, which has expanded programs in recent years to include youth sports, after-school care, and adult ftness classes, has been candid about the strain of maintaining aging facilities while trying to meet growing demand.
The grant helps relieve some of the pressure. Local Share Account funding—generated through Pennsylvania’s gaming revenues—supports projects that strengthen community infrastructure, recreation, and economic development. Miffin County offcials have used similar grants for park renovations, downtown upgrades, and safety equipment purchases across the region.
The YMCA project stands out for its direct impact on public health and
wellness. For many residents, the pool isn’t simply a place to swim; it’s a place to recover, connect, and stay active in a rural area where year-round ftness options are limited.
As Price explained, the updates are about reliability as much as comfort. The goal is to ensure that when residents show up for water aerobics, swim lessons, or therapy sessions, the doors are open and the water is warm.
“The pool has been closed several times in recent years due to mechanical issues involving the PoolPak,” Price said. “This replacement will help us avoid those disruptions and make the system more sustainable in the long term.”
Construction timelines remain fexible as design work progresses. Once bids are awarded, the project will move quickly to minimize downtime for members.
While no completion date has been fnalized,
Price said the goal is to fnish early in the coming year. The YMCA plans to communicate with members about any temporary closures or service changes during the construction period.
For now, the news has been met with optimism by residents who’ve long considered the YMCA a lifeline, especially during harsh winters when outdoor activity slows and the pool becomes one of the few local places for low-impact exercise.
When fnished, the improvements will mark one of the most signifcant upgrades to the Burnham facility in decades, reaffrming its role as a year-round hub for community health and recreation.
The ceiling will shine again, the air will feel cleaner, and the sound of splashing—steady, rhythmic, familiar—will once more echo through the heart of the Juniata Valley YMCA.
Sentinel photo by LIV SUYDAM
Pictured is the Juniata Valley YMCA.
Renovated library set to reopen in spring
BY BRIAN CARSON Sentinel reporter bcarson@lewistown sentinel.com
LEWISTOWN – Renovations on the Miffin County Library are expected to continue next year, revealing a modern, energy-effcient space designed to serve residents for decades to come. The $1.5 million Phase 1 renovation represents the most signifcant overhaul in the library’s 50-year history, bringing new technology, upgraded infrastructure, and a reimagined children’s area to the heart of downtown.
Library Director Susan Miriello said the transformation was overdue. “Before renovations, we were turning the lights on and off at the breaker box,” she said. “The HVAC system didn’t heat or cool properly, the elevator worked now and then, and the children’s library was buried in the basement.” Now, energy-effcient lighting, a new HVAC system, updated electrical and fber internet, and additional outlets are in place.
“The question isn’t what changed; it’s what didn’t,” Miriello said. The upgrades also include a nursing mothers’ room, new public restrooms, and a bright children’s library on the main foor—a recognition of how important young readers are to the system.
“Children’s books have the highest number of checkouts for the library,” Miriello said. “We wanted a space that refects that.”
While the Lewistown building was closed to the public during the construction, services continued at the Kish Branch Library in Belleville and through a locker pickup system outside the main branch. “We used our COVID-era skills to keep getting books to patrons,” Miriello said, noting that the locker system is still available for convenient access.
Phase 1 of the project was fnanced through a Keystone Grant, administered by the Offce of Commonwealth Libraries. The program supports older, rural libraries that partner with local governments to upgrade facilities.
Miriello credited the Miffin County Commissioners for their support and partnership in securing the funds. “The commissioners understand the need to improve county buildings for future generations,” she said. “The library staff and board fully appreciate their work. We’re grateful to have
commissioners who value libraries and the services we provide.”
The improvements are far from fnished. According to Kristen Price, grants program administrator with the Miffin County Planning Department, Phase 2 is scheduled to begin in spring 2026. That phase will expand the project beyond interior modernization to include exterior renovations and physical additions, transforming the library into a countywide hub for workforce development, education, and healthcare.
A federal Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund grant, administered by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, will cover Phase 2 costs, an estimated $1.64 million. The funds, Price said, are specifically earmarked to support broadband access and digital equity initiatives.
“This project will transform the Miffin County Library into the Miffin County Community Learning Center,” Price said. “It will expand the building’s space and modernize its technology infrastructure to improve broadband access for residents and support a range of educational and community services.”
Commissioner Robert Postal added that the renovation is designed “for generations to come.”
The new library aims to serve not just readers, but learners of all kinds. When construction is complete, the Penn State Extension offce will move into the building, and a new community room will be available for public rental. The library’s role, Miriello said, is expanding along with its walls.
“Libraries beneft the community by providing free and equitable access to information, technology, and books for all ages,” she said. “We encourage social connections through children’s and adult programs, and we foster literacy and lifelong learning. Libraries are an integral part of a vibrant society.”
The reopening marks a new chapter for a building that frst opened its doors in 1975 — a time when card
catalogs, not computers, were the heart of library organization. Today, fber internet, charging stations, and digital resources sit alongside traditional stacks, refecting both continuity and change.
For Miffin County residents, the improvements promise more than aesthetic updates. They mean a safer, more comfortable, and more connected public space, a place where generations can gather to learn, collaborate, and share ideas. “The renovations ensure that library service will be available for the next 50 years,” Miriello said.
The library’s reopening will also bring back programs that were relocated or paused during construction. “Fall story time for children is currently ongoing, and there are many activities for adults,” Miriello said. She encouraged residents to visit miffincountylibrary.org for updates on adult programs and upcoming events.
For many locals, the library is more than a building; it’s a public commons, a place where a child’s frst story time or a job seeker’s internet session can mark turning points in a life. The renovations, Miriello said, aren’t about changing that mission, but protecting it.
“The improvements to the library and to the historic courthouse took thoughtful planning,” she said. “It’s about preserving what matters most while preparing for the future.”
When the ribbon is cut this spring, the Miffin
County Library will look brand new. But its purpose — to serve as the community’s shared space for learning, curiosity, and connection — will remain the same.
Sentinel photo by LIV SUYDAM
The Mifin County Library has undergone major renovations in recent years. Phase 2 is set to begin in spring 2026.
Stadium
Continued from Page C1
Rhonda Kelley, executive director of the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce, has experienced it firsthand.
“I had the privilege of attending the opening football game, and the sense of pride was absolutely everywhere,” Kelley said. “I want to express how inspiring it has been to see the impact our new high school sports fields have already had on the community.
“I truly believe heads were held a little higher that night as people expressed their pride in what our community accomplished together,” Kelley added. “It was especially moving to hear conversations among parents and alumni, including former football players who returned to celebrate this milestone and cheer the Huskies on to victory.”
For Kelley and other community leaders, these new facilities are more than just fields, they are a reflection of our community’s spirit, dedication and investment in the future.
“None of this would have been possible without the generous support of the sponsors and community members who believed in this vision and helped make it a reality,” Kelley said. “The energy and excitement these fields have brought to our town are yet another example of what makes the Juniata River Valley such a special place.”
The support of these businesses – all cornerstones in the community – are obvious as their names are throughout the complex on fields and stadiums to scoreboards and the press box as well as field houses and concession stands.
“Our student-athletes have enjoyed the facilities and it is great to see them being able to participate on a level playing field with our opponents,” said Mifflin County High School Athletic Director Tish Maclay, who coached field hockey for many years at Indian Valley on
a lumpy grass field. “It has allowed them to develop skills to help them be more competitive against the tough opponents of the Mid Penn Conference.
“We are very grateful to all of the donors and sponsors who helped to make the dream come true,” Maclay added. “We have outstanding facilities that have become a pillar of our community.”
Initial feedback on the complex has been glowing at times for Kish Bank Field at Donald M. Chapman III Stadium as well as Marcal Paper Field, school officials said.
“Many schools throughout the state have reached out to say how ‘beautiful’ the facility is and our community has shown up to support all of our teams,” Maclay explained.
She hopes the upgraded facilities will open new doors for the school’s athletic department, such as hosting district and state postseason games.
“Officials from both District VI and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) have reached out to Mifflin County High School regarding the opportunity to host upcoming playoff contests,” said Mifflin County School District Superintendent of Schools Vance Varner.
“It is anticipated that Mifflin County High School will serve as a host site for postseason events during both the fall and spring seasons.”
School officials also hope to host band competitions, which would provide a local stage for
“None of this would have been possible without the generous suppor o sponsors and community members who believed in the vision and helped
Rhonda Kelley Executive Director, Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce
the ultra-successful Mifflin County High School Marching Huskies to perform closer to home.
Currently, the band travels to Schuylkill County, Shamokin, Tyrone and Hershey to per-
form. Taking the field in Mifflin County would not enable family and friends
Sentinel fle photo
The stands have been flled for home football games this season at Mifin County High School. That has created a renewed sense of community and translated into additional revenue for businesses.
See Stadium / Page C7
make it a reality.”
to see the bands and other athletics without having to travel, but it would likely bring in throngs of fans from other visiting schools. Those fans would likely dine at Miffin County restaurants, fll their gas tanks at convenience stores or even seek lodging at hotels.
“This represents an excellent opportunity to showcase our athletic facilities and the quality of our district’s programs.” Varner added. “While visiting the area, spectators and participants will also contribute to the local economy by patronizing area businesses and experiencing the welcoming atmosphere of the Miffin County community.”
More spectators typically translates into more revenue for business owners like Amy Oden-Bitner who runs four Dunkin’ Donuts franchises in Central Pennsylvania with younger brother, Erik.
MIFFLIN COUNTY PROGRESS
Oden-Bitner said their Burnham location on Electric Avenue, which is just down the hill from the high school, has seen an uptick in business with the opening of the new sports complex.
Continued from Page C6 See Stadium / Page C8
“We greatly appreciate the continued support of our business by our loyal customers and the community and welcome the increase in the business in Burnham Dunkin’.”
Other business owners on both the Lewistown and Burnham sides of the high school complex likely will share similar stories. While increased sales has been positive, Oden-Bitner said more foot traffc has led to problems.
“Unfortunately kids are loitering and hanging out in our store and not purchasing anything,” Oden-Bitner explained. “We have limited parking as it is and the increase of people in and around the location – especially in parking lots – leading to some fghts or pushing and shoving along with that we have
Miffin County maps decade of growth
BY BRIAN CARSON Sentinel reporter bcarson@lewistown sentinel.com
LEWISTOWN – The Miffin County Planning Department is entering a pivotal phase of change— one that blends long-term vision with tangible, onthe-ground projects already reshaping how residents live, work and move through the community.
The county is nearing completion of its comprehensive plan update, “Miffin County 2035: A Decade of Progress,” expected to be approved by the commissioners in December 2025, according to Planning Director James Lettiere.
The document will guide development, housing, and infrastructure decisions for the next ten years, acting as a blueprint for coordinated growth. “There are challenges and opportunities that await Miffin County for the next 10 years,” Lettiere said. “They’re thoroughly vetted within this plan.”
At its core, the plan aims to balance preservation and progress, acknowledging the county’s rural character while laying out steps to meet modern demands for housing, transportation, and recreation. It arrives amid a surge in activity across every corner of the county, from multimillion-dollar infrastructure investments to neighborhood-scale improvements driven by grant partnerships and community input.
Nowhere is that mix of ambition and practicality clearer than in the Miffin Moves initiative, a countywide active transportation plan adopted in 2023. It identifes gaps in sidewalks, trail connections, and pedestrian safety features across boroughs and townships.
One of its frst pilot projects—the Allensville SR-655 streetscape—has moved from paper to proposal, with the county submitting a $2.5 million Multimodal Transportation Fund application this summer. The project includes widened sidewalks, improved crossings, and pedestrian lighting through the heart of the village, a stretch that serves both Amish and
motor vehicle traffc.
“This is a good example of what these long-term plans are supposed to do,” Lettiere said. “They identify needs, attract funding, and deliver projects people can see and use.”
Equally visible is the expanding Juniata River Trail, where a half-mile ADA-accessible extension opened last fall, connecting to a three-mile loop through Lewistown’s Victory Park and the State Fire Academy area. Funded by DCED, DCNR, Act 13, and local sources, the new link gives residents and visitors a continuous path along the riverfront. It’s now being used for local 5Ks, weekend walks, and potential tourism programming through the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau.
Longer term, county planners are studying the next link, tying the trail into Kish Park and beyond, forming a seamless recreational corridor across the valley. That connectivity theme threads throughout the new comprehensive plan: creating “connections” in housing, jobs, recreation, and transportation.
Infrastructure remains a quiet but central piece of the county’s forward motion. In Granville Township, the multi-year Hawstone Road water and sewer extension project is addressing public health and growth needs along the SR 333 corridor.
The work—funded through Community Development Block Grants and state awards—will add a 100,000-gallon storage tank, new mains, and a pump station by late summer 2025. For residents long dependent on wells and on-lot systems, the project will mean access to reliable service and cleaner water.
The county’s Bridge Capital Plan, completed by Keller Engineers last fall, outlines a 10-year strategy for critical structures, many of which have quietly aged past their design life. Among the top priorities slated for inclusion in the 2027–30 Transportation Improvement Program are the Jacks Creek Road bridge, the Chestnut Street Extension bridge, and Barefoot Road over Treaster Run. Each represents an engineering concern and a lifeline for
emergency response, agriculture, and commuters.
Meanwhile, the 2024 CDBG program continues to direct small but impactful investments into local neighborhoods.
This year’s allocation— roughly $782,000 countywide—funds water meter replacements in Wayne Township, street reconstruction in Yeagertown, a new park pavilion in Reedsville, single-family housing rehabilitation in Granville, and HVAC upgrades at Lewistown’s Rec Park. Since 1984, the county’s housing rehabilitation initiative alone has improved over 500 homes.
The Countywide Action Plan for Chesapeake Bay watershed improvement adds an environmental layer to the development picture. In 2024, restoration projects repaired over 2,500 feet of stream bank in Upper Kishacoquillas Creek and Honey Creek, while new riparian buffers and “turf-to-meadow” conversions reduced runoff. A $530,000 DEP block grant will fund additional water-quality projects in 2025. Such efforts underscore the comprehensive plan’s emphasis on sustainability, ensuring economic growth doesn’t come at the cost of natural assets. That balance, Lettiere noted, is key to maintaining both the county’s identity and its resilience in an era of shifting demographics and infrastructure challenges.
Beyond infrastructure, the planning department is coordinating several
capital projects that refect the county’s investment in community facilities. Construction on the Miffin County Community Learning Center, the second phase of the library expansion, is expected to begin in October 2025, funded through the American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects Fund. The project will expand public access to tech
Sentinel fle photo
The stands have been flled for home football games this season at Mifin County High School.
fle photo
The Mifin County High School football team runs onto the Kish Bank Field at Donald M. Chapman III Stadium in Lewistown for the frst time sporting an American fag.