New river lifejacket rules proposed

NARROWSBURG, NY — The National Park Service (NPS) has proposed changes to the Code of Federal Regulations that would require children 12 years of age or younger to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when aboard a vessel and authorizes a park superintendent to “determine other circumstances” that require that PFDs be worn.

Currently, under New York and Pennsylvania law, the NPS locally requires PFD use by children under 12. They also require that all boaters carry PFDs in their boats, but they do not require that PFDs be worn.

A comment period for the proposed changes is open through December 24 and email questions and comments can be addressed to: WASO_Regulations@nps.gov.

The Upper Delaware River Safety Committee will address the local implications of possible changes at an October 30 meeting. The 7:00 p.m. meeting will be held at the park headquarters on River Road—approximately 1.5 miles from the PA side of the Narrowsburg bridge—and is open to the public.

WEDCO gets state money for business park

HONESDALE, PA — The Wayne Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO) last week received approval a $1.25 million state loan for the acquisition of a 252-acre site located at State Route 191, in Sterling Township, one-half hour south of Honesdale. The loan award is contingent on WEDCO meeting certain conditions.

WEDCO plans to develop the site into an industrial park, known as the Wayne Business Park. The park will be marketed to light manufacturing, office and distribution tenants. It is anticipated that 30 tenants will occupy this industrial park, creating 800 new jobs.

The loan was one of six Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loans totaling more than $5.9 million.

Workshop to help save the hemlocks

NARROWSBURG, NY — In hopes of saving a tree species from the ravages of an invasive insect, the National Park Service and the Upper Delaware Council (UDC) are sponsoring a November 5 workshop to provide answers and information from federal, state and local experts.

The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, which is believed to be native to Japan and China, was imported into the U.S. on ornamental hemlocks. The small, aphid-like insects have already destroyed hemlock forests from Virginia northward.

The free workshop will be held in the meeting room of the Tusten Town Hall on Bridge Street at 7:00 p.m. on November 5. For more information contact the UDC at 845/252-3022.

Local courts get state assistance

ALBANY, NY — The Sullivan County towns of Callicoon, Highland, Lumberland, Mamakating, Neversink and the Village of Woodridge were among 27 municipalities in the 42nd Senatorial district, which were recently approved for state aid to purchase new justice court equipment.

Senator John Bonacic (R-42) sponsored the authorizing legislation.

Aid amounts include $5,225 for Callicoon, $1,425 for Highland, $1,463 for Lumberland, $4,400 for Mamakating, $700 for Neversink and $882.82 for Woodridge.

Joint Pike-Wayne prison project?

MILFORD, PA — After suffering a setback in their own plans to build a new prison, Wayne County officials may be considering other means.

Pike County Commissioner Gerry Hansen recently was reported to have commented about his having received an inquiry from an unnamed Wayne County official about the possibility of a joint prison project involving the two counties.

The Wayne County Commissioners are seeking a prison alternative. The commissioners, who had purchased the former Stourbridge Elementary School in Honedale for renovation as a prison and office space, recently lost a court appeal by the Borough of Honesdale, which had opposed the use of the site.

Pataki endorses Sorensen

MIDDLETOWN, NY — New York Governor George Pataki appeared in downtown Middletown Tuesday morning to endorse the candidacy of Republican/Conservative candidate Alan J. Sorensen for the state assembly.

The Republican governor also heads the state Republican Committee, which reportedly has spent $107,000 backing Sorensen’s candidacy.

The state Assembly Democratic Campaign fund has matched that amount in backing candidate Aileen Gunther.

Superior Court upholds guilty verdict

MILFORD, PA — The Pennsylvania Superior Court has upheld the conviction of Joseph Fisher of Gouldsboro, for robbery, criminal conspiracy and theft.

Fisher was convicted after a jury trial in Pike County Court last September for his involvement in the assault and robbery of a Greentown man in November of 2001. At the trial, Fisher attempted to shift blame for the robbery of over $1500 onto his brother, who had previously pled guilty for his own involvement in the crime. After the jury refuted Fisher’s claims and found him guilty, he was sentenced to two-and-a-half to 10 years in state prison by then President Judge Harold A. Thomson, Jr.