Stacy pleads guilty to second-degree murder

GOSHEN, NY — Orange County officials say that Joe Stacy’s second killing will be his last.

Stacy, 77, accepted a second-degree murder plea last week that will send the once-convicted killer and former Westfall Township, PA planning commission chairman back to prison for at least 40 years.

Stacy pleaded guilty to the July 5, 2002 shooting death of Michael Walter at the Port Jervis Auto Mall. Walter, father of 11, was preparing to testify against Stacy on a felony indecent assault charge at the time of the shooting.

Stacy’s July 17 plea was the second time he had admitted shooting someone to death. In 1960, Stacy shot then girlfriend Sandra Allison six times in a Liberty, NY restaurant. He was allowed to plead guilty to a first-degree manslaughter charge and served seven years in prison.

Walter died without life or mortgage insurance. Donations may be sent to a fund set up for his family at Walter Family Children’s Fund, P.O. Box 522, New City, NY 10956.

Carbon monoxide claims teen

MONGAUP, NY — Sullivan County Sheriff’s deputies say a New Jersey teenager died of carbon monoxide poisoning early Sunday morning when he went to sleep in a van where an operating electrical generator had been placed.

Ueudes Faria, 18, of Long Branch was with family staying at Knights Eddy Campground on Saturday night. Faria left the group and went to sleep in the van. During the early morning, other campers complained about the noise of the family’s gas-powered generator and Faria’s brother put the operating generator inside the van, not knowing his brother was inside.

Faria was found soon after, and transported to Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, where he was pronounced dead.

Investing $1.3 million in Sullivan

WOODRIDGE, NY — Governor George Pataki last week announced that Blue Ridge Woodcrafters will invest $1.3 million and create 40 new jobs over the next three years in Sullivan County.

The new corporation will refurbish an existing building and add 5,000 square feet to house raw materials for the purpose of manufacturing laminated counter and table tops, slat boards, stools and dollies. The company will invest $1.3 million, with over $200,000 to refurbish the building and for the building’s addition.

In consideration of their commitment to New York State, Blue Ridge Woodcrafters is eligible to apply for a $65,000 capital grant from Empire State Development to offset a portion of the company’s machinery acquisition costs. In addition, the firm may be able to take advantage of the Empire Zone incentives that could total as much as $891,000.

Gunther’s wife considers Assembly post

FORESTBURGH, NY — Aileen Gunther reportedly is considering running for election to fill her late husband Jacob Gunther’s seat in the state assembly.

Gunther last week told the Times Herald-Record that she was seriously considering the run, but wanted to discuss the idea with her family before making a decision.

Many Democrats around the Sullivan County Government Center confirmed rumors of Mrs. Gunther’s interest earlier in the week, and voiced their support.

“I think it’s hers if she wants it,” said Kathy LaBuda.

Possible Republican candidates include former Assemblyman Richard Coombe and Monticello Mayor Gary Sommers.

Governor George Pataki may call a special election to fill the vacancy or let an election for the remaining year of Jacob Gunther’s sixth term go on the November ballot.

House approves property tax reform
and slot machines

HARRISBURG, PA — For the first time in Pennsylvania history, homeowners across the commonwealth could see substantial school property tax relief. The plan is funded by $1 billion in expected new state gaming revenue coming from 11 new slot machine centers.

Under the plan approved by the house, school districts will receive substantial funding from the state for property tax relief by adopting a slight increase, one-tenth of one percent, in the local Earned Income Tax. In exchange for every additional dollar raised in local taxes, school districts statewide will receive an average of $5 from the commonwealth, though actual amounts will vary by district.

The bill also gives voters local control over further property tax relief by requiring placement of a referendum on the November 2003 ballot. The legislation now goes to the senate for its consideration.

Borough police cars could carry ads in future

HONESDALE, PA — Police cars in the Wayne County seat may soon be carrying commercial messages, as well as exhortations to dial 911 in an emergency.

The borough is considering an offer of a $1, 36-month purchase and buyout program for police cruisers. The only catch is that the police cars would carry commercial advertising.

The borough would save more than $20,000 with each car participating. Police Chief Thomas Frisk supported the idea and assured borough officials that no alcohol, tobacco, firearms or gaming endorsements would appear on the cars.

Honesdale would also hold title on the vehicles.

Borough Solicitor Matthew Meagher is researching the proposed contract agreements.