LEWISTOWN - Noting that milk is one of nature's nearly perfect foods with vitamins, minerals and protein that a healthy body needs, the Mifflin County Commissioners on Thursday adopted a proclamation recognizing June as Dairy Month.
"June is the month when nature bestows upon us her most nearly perfect weather," Commissioner Mark Sunderland read from the proclamation. "So it follows that June is the most fitting month to celebrate the importance of dairy products and dairy farmers to our good health and to our community."
Sunderland said Mifflin County boasts of 285 dairy farms that produce 215 million pounds (about 27 million gallons) of milk annually at a value to the local economy of $30 million.
Article Photos
Sentinel photo by JOE CANNON
The Mifflin County Commissioners on Thursday adopted a proclamation recognizing June as Dairy Month. Participating in the proclamation ceremony were, from left, Macy Fisher, outgoing Mifflin County Dairy Princess; Commissioner Kevin Kodish, Commissioner Mark Sunderland; and newly crowned Mifflin County Dairy Princess Amanda Fisher. Absent from photo is Commissioner Otis Riden.
"Dairy farmers are hard at work to provide not only a safe, wholesome product for consumers' enjoyment, but also to provide a clean environment for future generations through the use of new technologies and a better understanding of the links between soil, plants, animals and the natural environment," Sunderland continued.
On hand to accept the proclamation were newly crowned Mifflin County Dairy Princess Amanda Fisher, along with the 2011-12 Dairy Princess, Macy Fisher, Amanda's sister.
"I'd like to thank the commissioners for everything we're going to do together this year," Amanda Fisher said when asked if she had any comment. "This is my very first promotion and we're looking forward to having a good year."
In commemorating June Dairy Month, Fisher presented the commissioners with a tray filled with various cheeses and crackers.
In other business Thursday, the commissioners:
Approved the hiring of Ashton Amspacker of Penn State University as an intern in the Register & Recorder's office effective May 29. All expenses related to the hiring will be paid for by Penn State.
Approved Christine Suloff to serve as an unpaid intern in the human services office effective June 19.
Hired Aaron Michalchik as a part-time public safety telecommunicator effective June 11.
Approved a memorandum of understanding for use by Children & Youth with Child, Adult and Family Psychology Center of State College.
Approved the following appointments to three-year terms on the Children & Youth Advisory Committee: Ann Thompson of Belleville, and Beth Haines and Amy Davis, both of Lewistown.
Approved the renewal of a five-year lease with Greater Lewistown Corporation for the Children & Youth and Domestic Relations offices.
Hired David Smith to fill the vacated position of county casework supervisor in the Children & Youth department effective June 25.
