Progress - Juniata County 2025

Road projects continue throughout county

BY LIV SUYDAM

reporter

MIFFLINTOWN ---

Keeping a community in a functioning state requires a number of projects throughout the year, but perhaps one of the most important staples in every town is good roads. Keeping roads nicely paved and presentable is the key to a thriving community for various reasons- roads are the in and out, the transportation from one point to another, if roads are terrible the town can not prosper.

Juniata County invested in at least six different road project contracts in 2025.

“These projects in Juniata County represent the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to investing in our infrastructure, which is a crucial component to achieving that goal,” shared Timothy Nebgen, district press offcer for PennDOT 113143 state Route 3008-A03

This $684,000 project was contracted with WenBrooke Contracting Inc. to replace a bridge that spans an unnamed tributary of Tuscarora Creek along Route 3008 (Groninger Valley Road) four miles southwest of Port Royal in Beale Township.

The project consisted of replacing the existing structure, approach paving, guide rail installation, pavement marking, and miscellaneous construction, which improved ride quality over the bridge and the overall condition rating of the structure.

Excavation work began in March and a detour was implemented in June and was completed in August. 121382 Group 2-24-ST92

This resurfacing project improved the ride quality and extended the service life of approximately seven miles of roadway along Route 22 between the Arch Rock and Miffintown exits along with the associated on-off ramps. In addition to the resurfacing, work also consisted of pavement marking and guide rail upgrades.

“The goal of these ... projects is to provide the public with a safe and efficient transportation system that keeps communities connected to each other and to goods and services.”

Tim Nebgen PennDOT press officer 222 222

Work began in early April and was fnished by mid-July.

Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., was the contractor on this $2.9 million project. 114302 state Route 2006-P44:

This project will consist of a total of four bridges that will see work as part of this $5 million contract with Rylind Construction Company, Inc. Work to replace the superstructure of a Route 2006 (Cedar Street) bridge

Roads

Juniata County Industrial Park expands

12 new lots added

By BRIAN CARSON Sentinel reporter bcarson@lewistownsentinel.com

MIFFLINTOWN – Juni-

ata County is opening new doors for businesses with the expansion of its industrial park in Miffintown.

Juniata Business and Industry, which oversees the project, announced that 12 newly developed lots are available in Phase IV of the Juniata County Industrial Park.

The industrial park has been part of the local economy since 1973. Its frst three phases house 28 businesses that employ over 400 people. Dane Walters, marketing director for Juniata Business and Industry, said the new phase is designed to attract both outside companies and local frms looking to grow.

“The main vision for Phase IV is to bring companies in,” Walters said. “It doesn’t really lend itself to large-scale operations. We’re mainly looking at smaller businesses—maybe 50 employees at the most—or existing local businesses that want to expand from where they are now and grow.”

The available parcels range in size from 1.26 acres to over 3.3 acres. Combined, the largest contiguous land area would be under nine acres. Each lot includes paved streets, water, sewer, telephone, electric, and fber-optic connections, which Walters said give prospective buyers a ready-to-build foundation.

Location is another selling point. Miffintown sits between State College and Harrisburg, along U.S. Route 22/322. Walters noted that the site’s access to major highways makes it well-positioned for companies that need to connect with suppliers or customers. “You can get on and off right there. Within an hour, you can be on Interstate 80, 81, 83, or even the turnpike,” he said.

Offcials also point to other advantages. Juniata County has lower taxes and a lower crime rate than larger nearby cities. Walters added the county has a workforce known for reliability. “We have a hardworking workforce, more than what you might fnd in bigger cities,” he said. Several industries already established in the park could draw complementary businesses. Wal-

ters pointed to DuMor, a local manufacturer, and Keystone Coating, which provides powder coating. “It would be a good location for companies that already do business with them,” Walters said. Interest in the new phase has been steady, though Walters acknowledged that rumors about infrastructure have slowed some inquiries. “We’ve had some people saying the streets aren’t approved for traffc, which isn’t true,” he said.

“They were built to the standards of PennDOT and the township. There’s no problem with them at all. The lots are ready for purchase now, and as soon as you get your permitting, you can build.”

Juniata Business and Industry also offer support to businesses relocating to the park. Walters said his team helps companies nav-

igate the permitting process and connect with government loan programs. “Sometimes permitting can be pretty cumbersome,” he said. “We try to help them through that.”

Beyond infrastructure and logistics, Walters described the park as a community in itself. He said JBI is planning to restart a networking program that brings business owners and managers together. A similar effort was held before the pandemic, giving companies the chance to share resources and make connections.

“It really worked out

well that they got discussing who had better deals on shortages or where to purchase different things. It set up a good network,” Walters said. The group plans to meet again this winter.

Juniata County offcials say the expansion is part of a broader effort to strengthen the local economy by providing opportunities for smaller businesses to take root. The industrial park’s growth over the last 50 years has shown how targeted development can create jobs while preserving the county’s rural character.

For now, the focus is on flling the 12 lots in Phase IV. Walters said the opportunity is open for companies looking for a location with infrastructure in place and a supportive business environment. “The lots are available right now,” he said. “We’re ready to welcome new businesses into the community.”

spanning Delaware Creek approximately half a mile east of Salem began in late July and will improve the ride quality over the bridge along with extending its service life. PennDOT anticipates reopening this bridge in late October.

Also in Juniata County, work at a Route 2003 (Doe Run Road) bridge spanning Doe Run approximately half a mile north of Mexico started late in August.

This is another superstructure replacement that will improve the ride quality over the bridge, extend its service life, and improve its overall condition rating. The reopening of this bridge is anticipated for early November.

Work on a state Route 4001 bridge in Clinton County started earlier this construction season, as did work on the Miffin County Veterans Memorial Bridge spanning the Juniata River along state Route 103.

120682 state Route 22-CMB:

This $893,113 project was contracted with Kriger Construction, Inc. as a safety improvement project to install a high-tensioned cable median barrier that prevents vehicles from crossing over into oncoming traffc.

This project impacts 2.5 miles of state Route 22 in Fermanagh Township and the preliminary work started in March with single-lane closures.

PennDOT anticipates project completion in early November.

85183 state Route 333-A10:

This project will include the replacement of a bridge along Route 333 in Turbett Township, Juniata County, approximately 3.5 miles southeast of Port Royal Borough.

On July July 22 traffc was detoured and by the end of August the detour was lifted.

According to PennDOT, further work is needed to reset guide rail at this work zone, however traffc impacts will consist of daytime fagging with minimal long-term traffc impact.

In addition to the structure replacement, work also consisted of approach paving and guide rail installation.

Mid-State Paving, LLC., was the contractor on this $341,000 project.

This project will include the replacement of a bridge along state Route 333, Turbett Township, approximately 3.5 miles southeast of Port Royal Borough.

On July 22 traffc was detoured and by the end of August the detour was lifted. According to PennDOT, further work is needed to reset guide rail at this work zone, however traffc impacts will consist of daytime fagging with minimal long-term traffc impact.

In addition to the structure replacement, work

in Juniata and

also consisted of approach paving and guide rail installation.

Mid-State Paving was the contractor on this $341,000 project.

119410 state Route 22-P63:

The project is an ongoing bridge rehabilitation project that is expected to continue into the 2026 construction season.

The work zone impacts a pair of bridges along state Route 22, eastbound and westbound, that span Platt Hollow Road at the Thompsontown/East Salem exit in Delaware Township.

Traffc was reduced to one lane. Additionally, the eastbound on-ramp at Thompsontown is closed, and traffc following a detour. Overall work consists of rehabilitating the structures, approach paving, drainage improvements, guide rail installation, and pavement marking.

Jay Fulkroad & Sons is the contractor on this $4.4 million project.

108876 Group 2-25-ST9:

This resurfacing project was a part of a $1.3 project, contracted with Glenn O. Hawbaker that improved the ride quality and extended the life of just over two miles of state Route 22.

Work started late in July and wrapped up in September. The project also included guide rail upgrades and pavement markings.

“The goal of these and all PennDOT projects is to provide the public with a safe and effcient transportation system that keeps communities connected to each other and to goods and services, thus driving economic growth and opportunity,” added Nebgen.

As Juniata County continues to fourish, keeping the communities connected stays at the center of the projects. Get it all! The Sentinel

Kish Bank expands to Miffintown

BY MINA PHILLIPS Correspondent

MIFFLINTOWN — Kish Bank has continued on with its trend of growth with the opening of a new branch in Juniata County. Located at 4215 William Penn Highway in Miffintown, the newest branch offers convenient access for local residents and businesses. The addition is yet another representation of Kish Bank’s commitment and loyalty to customers.

This new branch, coming in at 3,200 square feet, came in under budget at around $2 million. While most new branches take around only eight to 10 months to open their doors, this location took about a year overall due to getting minorly set back in the permitting phase.

The new branch features new modern banking technology along with the upbeat customer service that Kish Bank is known for.

With the added Live Banker ATM, customers can make multiple full-service transactions from the comfort of their cars, including cashing checks, making loan payments, and much more. The Live Banker is an experience like no other, Kish Bank President Gregory Hayes explained, “It’s personal, human, and can do everything a teller does.” The Live Banker option even allows you to deposit up to 50 checks at one time.

The most exciting part for customers though, may be that the Live Banker ATM is convenient with its extended hours. While the branch lobby is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays, the Live Banker ATM is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. week days. Although the Saturday hours remain the same as the lobby hours, 9 a.m. to noon, the extended hours throughout the week may be convenient for many

different customer needs. Along with the excitement of the new Live Banker ATM, this branch also holds true to its other core values, including passion and commitment for

where to open a new branch. We actually have a location strategy team that tracks how many impressions a location gets.” This specifc branch is located next to the Weis Markets, which natural-

“We are very committed to helping communities grow becaue it helps us grow and helps other businesses grow and expand.”

Greg Hayes President of Kish Bank

their employees, customers and communities. Employees of Kish Bank are sure to be passionate about their positions. In fact, the branch manager at this new location has been working in the fnancial industry for over 15 years. When deciding where to open a new location, there are many factors to be considered. Hayes explained, “We use a lot of data to decide

ly generates a lot of traffc. “As we have grown, physical presence is really important to us. We are very committed to helping communities grow because it helps us grow and helps other businesses grow and expand,” Hayes explained, “Banks are a critical part of a growing community.”

The branch has a grand opening week from June 2

through June 6. The grand opening week was full of events, where the community could visit the new branch, enjoy refreshments from different vendors, and partake in some giveaways and special events. The ribbon cutting then took place on June 5. Hayes explained, “The grand opening week was terrifc. It was a great grand opening week, we had over 600 visitors and opened over 130 new accounts in that frst week.”

Since the ribbon cutting and special grand opening events, the continued success of the branch has been overwhelming. “We have opened over 500 new accounts and have had many millions of dollars deposited,” Hayes rejoiced.

The branch is expected to continue that trend, with many community members enjoying the new branch. Kish Bank staff and Juniata County community members would consider this branch a success.