In conjunction with Women’s Resources of Monroe County the county’s commissioners declared January Stalking Awareness Month.

In a resolution, the commissioners applauded Women’s Resources for the job it does to protect the residents of the county from stalking. The resolution identified the greatest threats of stalking come from past intimate partners and noted that the periods of stalking can often last for years after the relationship has ended.

Jessie Bell, Outreach Coordinator for the center was grateful for the support of the commissioners and other county organizations.

“We are thankful for all of the support,” she said. “Most people don’t realize the connection to intimate partnerships and we want to especially acknowledge the local law enforcement, the DA and our legal advocates for their assistance. And thank you for acknowledging the dangers of stalking.”

County Archivist Betty Jo Bachman was honored for her 36 years of service to the county. Bachman is retiring.

The commissioners also conducted the following business:

• Reappoint Thomas Wilkins and Chris Kurtz to the Affordable Housing Authority.• Reappoint Chairman John Moyer to the Carbon, Monroe, Pike Mental Health Developmental Services Advisory Board.

• Approve the 2019 Community Services Block Grant Work Plan with RHD-Street Outreach Case Management/Essential Services in the amount of $114,929; RHD-Rapid Rehousing/Housing Search and Placement in the amount of $61,041; Family Promise Rapid Rehousing/Case Management Rental Assistance in the amount of $62,500; Family Promise-Homelessness Prevention/Case Management Rental Assistance in the amount of $49,110; Catholic Social Services-Emergency Shelter/Operations Services in the amount of $30,000.

• Execute the Emergency Food Assistance Program, Program Management Agreement with the PA Department of Agriculture for the period of Oct. 1, 2018, through Sept. 30, 2023.

• Execute the 2018-19 hazardous Material Response Fund Grant Agreement Application in the amount of $11,346.

• Reappoint Katherine Neville to a new term on the Eastern Monroe Public Library board of trustees.

• Appointed Rick Mutchler, Janet Weidensaul and Troy Nauman to the Monroe County Industrial Development Authority.

• Execute an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections to use the services of K-9 for search of the county jail.

• Execute a Juvenile Probation Services Grant Agreement in the amount of $96,795.

• Execute the following for Children and Youth:

An amendment to the Justice Works YouthCare contract to reflect a 29 percent decrease; purchase of services agreements for Pinebrook Family Answers for $30,000 contract limit; Bethany Home Inc. for $100,000; The Blair Foundation of Pennsylvania for $17,000 contract limit; Tiago County Department of Human Services for $180,000 contract limits; KidsPeace National Centers Inc. for $150,000; Hoffman Homes for Youth for $200,000 contract limit; Presley Ridge for $20,000 contract limit; Community Service Foundation Inc. for $90,000 contract limit; Perseus House Inc. for $200,000 contract limit; Justice Works Youth Care for $300,000 contract limit.