HOLLIDAYSBURG

Blair will buy two drones, equipment

Blair County commissioners on Thursday approved the purchase of two drones and all optional equipment totaling $61,990, as requested by the county’s Emergency Management Agency.

The purchase will be made from Axon Enterprises of Scottsdale, Ariz., which submitted the only bid meeting specifications, based on information presented by EMA Director Kris Frederickson.

A lower bid submitted by W.S. Darley & Co. of Itasca, Ill., failed to include information about a drone’s docking capability. That bid also offered only a one year warranty, whereas Axon offered a three-year warranty with coverage that included repairs and full replacement at $900.

Representatives on the Local Emergency Planning Committee have shown interest in shared access to drones which could be helpful to emergency crews responding to situations involving hard-to-reach areas.

Frederickson told commissioners that in light of grants and EMA financial resources, the $61,990 cost is covered with no need for money from the county’s general fund.

Blair parole office gets new grant

The Blair County Adult Parole and Probation Office has secured $415,714 in grant funds from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Justice Reinvestment Initiative 2.

Chief Parole and Probation Officer Scott Bailey told commissioners that this was the first time the county secured this grant. It can cover costs associated with purchasing vehicles, equipment and software which can be removed from the 2026 county budget, Bailey said.

“This is the first year we got this grant … and we do anticipate getting it at least one more year,” he advised commissioners.

County submits request for AED funds

Blair County will submit a $10,223 grant request to the Pennsylvania County Workers’ Compensation Trust for five new automated external defibrillators. The grant will also cover pads and batteries for the AEDs to be available at the courthouse and Fort Roberdeau.

Courthouse to be illuminated

The Blair County Courthouse is slated to be illuminated in green from May 1 to May 22 in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Beginning May 23 through July 31, the courthouse is slated to be illuminated in red, white and blue in support of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Juvenile housing will cost $667 a day

Blair County commissioners voted Thursday to sign a contract for juvenile detention housing with Central Counties Youth Center, from July 1 through June 30, 2027. The cost was listed at $667 per day per juvenile, with additional fees on an as-need basis.

Commissioners Chairman Dave Kessling said that in a search for this kind of housing, the cost at other facilities usually exceeded $700 per day.

“As we talk about building a new prison, you can be assured that we will have some juvenile beds there,” Kessling said.

Compiled by Kay Stephens