Schuylkill County Commissioners’ Chairman Barron “Boots” Hetherington Wednesday mentioned the accomplishments of 2021.

He said he was “trying to reflect” on the year past.

“Most of our headlines were about COVID and problems in the county, but there are some major accomplishments,” he said.

The biggest plus was keeping the courthouse open and fully operational, he said.

“I want to commend our administrator Gary Bender, our HR director Heidi Zula, former President Judge Baldwin, and the vast majority of our row officers working as a team,” he said.

Among the other notable highlights were building renovation projects. Power washing done at the courthouse, repointing the stone walls at the prison, renovation of the 410 building for mental health, drug and alcohol and senior services, office space and a location for District Magistrate James Reiley, Hetherington said.

The prison also had work done, including the air purification system and HVAC system. The prison has had problems in the past with poor air quality and COVID-19 was a threat.

“Avoiding a major outbreak of COVID at the prison was a concern,” Hetherington said.

The money - $1,176,959 of CARES funds from the federal government - was “well-spent,” he said.

Other projects included a 40 percent water consumption reduction at the courthouse, $636,639 in demolition projects, two county bridges replaced, one in Porter and Barry townships, airport road in Foster Township and off Route 901 near Highridge Business Park being totally paved, the controller’s office getting $7,500 in funds from the Pennsylvania treasury in unclaimed assets, and the prothonotary’s office converting files to save space in archives.

Courthouse changes included Plexiglas shields at all county row offices, scheduling appointments, social distancing of jurors, installation of the air purification units and shielding for the witness stand.

Hetherington also talked about the COVID money distributed of $1,132,467.

“Anyone who applied and was eligible received funding,” he said.

The CHIRP funding, COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program, was also mentioned. Hetherington said $1.56 million was distributed to 71 applicants. There is $400,000 in requests outstanding. Using American Rescue Plan funds is a possibility, Hetherington said.

Lastly, $253,550 in CDBG-CV COVID relief loans/grants were distributed. The program is still accepting applications. Contact nepa-alliance.org or call 570-891-4649.