Waste hauler wins small business leadership award

SWAN LAKE — Recognizing her “exemplary business practices and contributions to the well-being of the U.S. economy,” Fleet Bank on May 15 was scheduled to present a $10,000 check to Shirley Felder, owner-founder of Sullivan County First Recycling & Refuse of Swan Lake.

The award also provides payment of an additional $10,000 divided among charities of Felder’s choice: Safe Passage and the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund.

Felder’s is one of only ten small businesses in the Northeastern U.S. to be named, and was selected from 1,500 nominations by a distinguished panel of judges.

New ambulance home dedication
this weekend

ELDRED — Eldred American Legion Ambulance Service will be dedicating their new home this Sunday, May 19 and the public is invited to an open house celebration.

The new 4,800 square-foot building, located at 17 Collins Road, just off Proctor Road, has been under construction for about a year, following the donation of the land.

The new building is the first real home of their own for the service, which has shared quarters with the Yulan Fire Department since the county’s oldest volunteer ambulance corps was established in 1948.

Drought emergency ends in Pike,
not in Wayne

HARRISBURG — With groundwater levels improving, Governor Mark Schweiker on May 8 lifted the drought emergency status in Pike, Monroe and two other Pennsylvania counties.

He extended it in 20 other counties, including Wayne, for up to 90 additional days.

Pike and Monroe have been moved to drought-watch status.

In a drought emergency, mandatory water-use restrictions include: strict limitations on the watering of lawns, outdoor gardens, landscaped areas, athletic fields and golf courses as well as the washing of automobiles; not serving water in eating places unless requested by the customer; and closing down artificial waterfalls and ornamental fountains unless needed to sustain aquatic life.

UDC chairman recovering

NARROWSBURG — Upper Delaware Council (UDC) chairman and Barryville resident Lewis Schmalzle is recuperating from heart by-pass surgery he underwent at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ, after suffering chest pains last week.

Schmalzle,79, is a long time community and civic leader and has been Town of Highland UDC delegate since 1994. He began his term as UDC chair in January.

Vice-chair Bruce Selneck of Shohola will preside over the river council during Schmalzle’s recovery

Honesdale group wins state competition

HARRISBURG — Honesdale’s Communities that Care was named among 11 statewide winners in Pennsylvania’s “2002 Violence-Free Youth Challenge” for its efforts to develop school and community-based anti-violence programs.

Communities that Care was recognized for its School Enrichment Program that provides a safe environment where children can develop positive social skills and effective study skills. More than 75 volunteers are involved in the program.

Tax auction information

MONTICELLO — Informational meetings for prospective bidders at the June Sullivan County property auction will be held in the two upcoming weeks.

Meetings will be held in the lobby of the Sullivan County Government Center at 7:00 p.m. on May 23 and May 30.

The auction, including some 600 properties acquired for tax delinquency, will be held at Sullivan County Community College on June 4 to 6.

For more information, visit the county website at www.co.sullivan.ny.us.

Foam plant plans stalled

WHITE MILLS — After successfully completing a controversial conditional use application process in Palmyra Township, the operators of Flexible Foam Products Inc. are reportedly having second thoughts about relocating to Wayne County.

The company reportedly now is considering a second site in Lackawanna County.

The foam company, which was to provide 75 to 125 jobs, was actively recruited by the Wayne Industrial Development Corporation, but area residents and conservation groups opposed the move, fearing air and water pollution problems.