Medical facility breaking ground

ROCK HILL, NY — After more than four years of development, the first tenant at Sullivan County’s Emerald Corporate Park will be breaking ground next Tuesday.

County officials will be joining those from Crystal Run Healthcare at 10:00 a.m. on August 19 for formal ceremonies marking the beginning of construction on an 81,000 square-foot outpatient treatment facility.

The new complex, covering 15 acres of the park, reportedly will employ some 30 physicians and a staff of 180 persons at its planned opening in July of next year.

Developer’s purchase worries residents

WESTFALL, PA — Some 70 residents of the Hickory Grove Trailer Park may be looking for new sites for their homes if a reported sale of the park is completed.

Township officials late last month confirmed that a sale, rumored as a site for the home improvement chain, Lowe’s, may be in the works. No project has come before the township.

A Georgia developer reportedly confirmed that a 30-acre site, including the park, was being sought.

Township officials say the park residents, many of them senior citizens, are tenants and no township approval is required for their landlord to sell.

New Yorkers assist in western fires

ALBANY, NY —Two area state forest rangers were among fire fighting crews dispatched by Governor Pataki to help combat western wildfires last week.

Forest Ranger Stephen Preston, of Claryville, and Forest Ranger Shawn Plaisted, of Livingston Manor were among a crew of 20 rangers and firefighters dispatched on August 6.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service, through an interagency cooperative agreement with the forest rangers, requested a crew to combat the raging wildfires in Montana.

This is the 24th year that New York State has sent a crew to assist with national wild land firefighting efforts.

Statewide Moment of Silence

ALBANY, NY — Governor Pataki on Monday announced plans to commemorate the second anniversary of the September 11th attack with ceremonies in New York City and Albany.

The governor called on local elected officials to plan their own memorial events in conjunction with observances taking place in these cities.

The hallmarks of the state’s remembrance will include a statewide moment of silence and tolling of bells at 8:46 a.m., observing the time the first plane struck the North Tower.

For more information call Mary Curtis at 845/887-5454.

Wayne grants for corporate park study

HONESDALE, PA — Wayne Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO) has received some $90,000 in federal and local grants to fund feasibility studies for the creation of a 252-acre business park in Sterling Township on Route 191, near Interstate Route 84.

WEDCO reportedly has optioned the property and plans to break ground in 2004.

Pharmaceutical, steel and fragrance industries are said to be prepared to take space in the park, providing from 750 to 1,000 new jobs.

‘Station to station’ driving tour

COCHECTON, NY — The Upper Delaware Heritage Alliance (UDHA) is sponsoring “From Station to Station: A You-Drive Tour of Railroad Stations and Sites” on Saturday, September 6.

It’s free and it begins at the Cochecton Preservation Society property on NYS Route 97 at 1:00 p.m., where you can pick up a map itinerary for the guided motor tour featuring historical overviews at each whistle stop.

The three-hour tour will begin at the Cochecton Station, the state’s oldest Erie station, proceed to the 1898 Callicoon Depot, move on to Wayne County, and conclude at the Starlight O&W Railroad Station. Refreshments will be served.

Old Willow Avenue bridge collapses

HONESDALE, PA — The Old Willow Avenue Bridge spontaneously collapsed in to Carley Brook on August 5, two days after borough officials had closed it due to safety concerns.

Closure was prompted when borough police on August 3 received a phone call from a motorist who said the bridge pavement felt like it was sinking.

Neither PennDOT nor Honesdale Borough claim ownership of the 98-year-old bridge.

Kameen resigns from DA’s office

MILFORD, PA —County Court Judge candidate Joseph Kameen has resigned his position in the Pike County District Attorney’s office.

Kameen has served in the office for 10 years, the last five as first assistant district attorney.

In his July 31 letter of resignation, Kameen said he felt it would not be fair to continue in office in light of the time required for his campaign.

Evangelist to visit Wayne

HONESDALE, PA — What is the “Missing Peace?” is a question that has become apparent on billboards and yard signs around the Upper Delaware.

Evangelist Mike Pelletier will be coming to the Wayne County Fairgrounds to explain how one can find peace with God. Services will be held from August 17 to 22 at 7:00 p.m. nightly. There is no admission fee and no offering will be taken. All are cordially invited to attend.