The Monroe County commissioners proclaimed January as Stalking Awareness Month for the county.

Citing the frighteningly high number of domestic abuse cases throughout the area and the country as a whole, the commissioners joined the Women's Resources of Monroe County in the proclamation and noted the great work done by the organization on the part of women and families in the county.Paige Fetterly of Women's Resources was present to accept the proclamation on behalf of the organization."Thank you for your continued support," Fetterly said. "Without your support and that of the communities we couldn't do what we do. It helps our clients to know that there are others out there aware of their situations and willing to help."Fetterly said that Women's Resources is planning a number of events over the course of the month to bring awareness to the issue of stalking.The commissioners approved purchase of new uniforms for the sheriff's office and the correctional facility. Contracts were awarded to Starr Uniform for $25,489 and $47,417 for the two departments. Additional uniform related contracts were awarded to Moritz Embroidery for $5,105 and Witmer Associates for $9,397.A commercial lease was ratified with Barthold Mill Partners for rental of office space for Magisterial District Judge Kris Anzini through Dec. 31, 2021, at a rate of $21,281.13 per year, with a yearly annual increase of 2 percent.The Collective Bargaining Agreement with Teamsters Local 229 for court-appointed, nonprofessional employees was executed, as well as the annual Emergency Management Performance Grant application for the period of Oct. 1, 2016, through Sept. 30, 2017. The grant reimburses the county for one-half of salaries paid in the Emergency Management Office.