FRANKLIN, Pa. (EYT) — The Venango County Commissioners approved a cognitive behavioral program for court-supervised individuals on Tuesday during their regular public meeting.

Venango County Commissioners Tim Brooks, Albert Abramovic, and Vince Witherup approved a program for cognitive behavioral therapy for inmates.

According to Bob Daugherty, Director of Court Supervision, this is a 12- to 14-week program that employs curriculum specifically tuned to the inmate’s emotional needs. It uses a problem-specific, goal-oriented approach. It focuses on their present-day challenges, thoughts, and behaviors. It will serve 60 inmates. The end goal of the program is to reduce recidivism.

The commissioners also approved the following contracts:

– Contempo Tech Cleaning Services for office cleaning;
– JBM Electronics and Stenovations for court reporter equipment; and
– SBM Electronics Inc. for 9-1-1 voice logger equipment.

Commissioner Brooks announced that two county employees are leaving their current positions.

Chief Clerk Shelly Hartle is leaving her position on Friday. Hartle had replaced retired Chief Clerk Denise Jones. Commissioners appointed Jones to serve as interim chief clerk until the position can be permanently filled.

Administrative Assistant Dottie Tawney will also be leaving her position this month.

In other business:

– The Commissioners approved the addition of two full-time school resource officers for Valley Grove School District.

– Contracts were approved with Mahantango Enterprises and ECS&R for the collection of hazardous waste services.

– Commissioner Tim Brooks announced that Two Mile Run will be open for camping in the Nature Lodge area for the opening week of Trout Season (April 12-14). The regular family campground will open the weekend of May 10, and Crosby Beach will open June 8, weather permitting.