HONESDALE - Wayne County District Attorney Mark Zimmer has been honored by the Pennsylvania District Attorney's Association for his statewide leadership in the investigation and prosecution of child abuse.

Zimmer was presented a special achievement award, the first time any such recognition has been given to a single district attorney. Zimmer advised the General Assembly to change the child protective services law, which resulted in vastly improving investigation of child abuse cases and the linking of child service workers with police and prosecutors.

MILFORD - Organizers of the Black Bear Film Festival have received a $1,000 grant from the Rita J. and Stanley H. Kaplan Foundation.

The festival is scheduled for October 27-29 with 10 screenings to be shown at the Milford Theater and the Tri-State Theater Drive-In.

Organizers say the festival "celebrates Pike County's heritage as a film making location and as the birthplace of American Conservation, as well as education, diversity and cultural enhancement."

For more information, call 570/409-0909 or visit the festival website at www.BlackBearFilm.com

ALBANY - New York Governor George Pataki has said he will not consider a reported plan by gambling casino owner Donald Trump to set up an Indian gaming casino in New York City.

The New York Post reported that Trump, who recently admitted his role in an advertising smear campaign against the St. Regis Mohawks, would propose a city Indian casino if a Monticello casino is approved.

Pataki responded, saying his emphasis was the placement of casinos in traditional tourism areas including the Catskills and Niagara Falls.

Another Trump competitor, Park Place Entertainment, last week announced that it has nearly completed its federal applications for a proposed casino at Kutshers.

BUSHKILL - The National Park Service at the Delaware Water Gap reported a suicide and a drowning over the past holiday weekend.

The body of a 41-year-old California man, believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound was found in Hemlock Pond on Friday, September 1st.

On Sunday a 40-year-old Corona, NY man, Angel Taveras was drowned near the Hialeah Picnic area while trying to help a swimming youth in trouble in the water. The youth was uninjured.

MONTICELLO - On September 12, 13 and 14 Sullivan County will hold an auction of some 700 properties taken for non-payment of taxes.

The auction will be at the Sullivan County Community College in Loch Sheldrake and will be conducted by Haroff Auction and Realty of Schroon Lake, New York.

Prospective bidders must meet pre-set bidding and payment requirements. Contact the Sullivan County Real Property Administration office for details.

To view sale properties visit the auction website at www: nysauctions.com

BETHEL - Area chefs will be preparing for a challenge at the September 10 Fall Garden Harvest Market at the Woodstock concert site.

Organizers are challenging six local chefs to prepare meals using only materials available at the market. Competitors will include chefs from: the Dead End Café of Parksville, the Eldred Preserve, the Grill at Tennnanah Lake, Mr. Willy's, Piccolo Paese of Liberty and the Villa Roma.

The Sunday market runs from noon to 4:00 p.m. through Columbus Day.

LIVINGSTON MANOR - A state police bomb disposal unit was called to a Wright Street home September 1 after a substance thought to be plastic explosive was found.

Troopers said an unidentified Binghamton man was cleaning out a house early Friday evening and found what he believed to be C-4 explosive.

Police cordoned off the area and the bomb disposal team subsequently determined the substance to be plumber's putty.