Wayne County soldier dies in Afghanistan

HONESDALE, PA — Wayne County suffered its first military casualty of the current fighting the Middle East on October 30 when Honesdale native Paul Sweeney, 32, was killed by hostile fire in fighting in southern Afghanastan.

Sweeney was a 14-year Army veteran, serving in special forces.

Sweeney is survived by his wife Kristen Allardyce of Lake Ariel and two sons, ages two and three.

Walter sues for wrongful death

MILFORD, PA — Susan Walter, the spouse of a Westfall car salesman who was slain by a neighbor in July of last year, has brought a federal lawsuit charging that Pike County law enforcement figures could have prevented Joseph Stacy from shooting Michael Walter.

Named in the suit are District Attorney Douglas Jacobs, County Detective Timothy Mitchell, assistant DA Bruce DeSarro and Chief County Detective Tracy Todd.

Michael Walter had been preparing to testify against Stacy on sexual abuse charges involving two of the Walter daughters when Stacy shot him at his workplace in the Port Jervis Automall.

The lawsuit charges that officials should have anticipated a violent response from Stacy who has an earlier manslaughter conviction.

The Walter’s 11 children are also named as plaintiffs in the action.

Park service celebrates 25th anniversary

LACKAWAXEN, PA — Staff of the National Park Service in the Upper Delaware will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the authorization of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River on November 9.

The day’s program begins at 11:00 a.m. with a free tour of the Zane Grey Museum.

Assistant Superintendent Sandra Schultz will provide a guided tour of the Roebling Delaware Aqueduct at noon.

The day concludes with a reception at the Lackawaxen Fire Hall at 1:00 p.m., which is expected to be attended by past and present staff members.

The scenic river was created as part of the Omnibus Parks and Recreation Act, which was signed by President Jimmy Carter on November 10, 1978.

Wayne unemployment figures improve

HONESDALE, PA — Unemployment in Wayne County is down from last year at this time according to figures from the PA Department of Labor and Industry.

The county’s unemployment rate in September was 3.5 percent, compared to 4.3 percent last September.

Unemployment in Pike County stands at 3.8 percent, while the state rate is 4.8 percent and 5.8 percent are unemployed nationally.

Birmelin opposes tax increase

HARRISBURG, PA — Rep. Jerry Birmelin is opposed to the new income tax increase, which recently passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Birmelin said that increasing taxes now could dampen a state economy that is flat and struggling to recover.

The bill, which the house approved, includes an increase of .45, to 3.25 percent until July, when it drops to 3.1 percent.

The new tax is expected to produce an estimated $600 million in the first six months and $750 million annually after it decreases.

Route 97 Byway ‘mini’conference'

CALLICOON, NY — Saturday’s mini-conference, “97 Reasons to Meet on the Byway,” is going to be instructional as well as fun.

The conference will feature tips on how local businesses can capitalize on the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway’s state designation, as well as a silent auction with valuable prizes.

The free Saturday event will run from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Delaware Community Center, 8 Creamery Road, in Callicoon. There will be a progress update at 11:30 and at noon, keynote speaker Teresa Mitchell, executive director of New York State’s National Seaway Trail Scenic Byway, will offer a slide presentation and answer audience questions.

A light lunch is included, along with the opportunity to discuss tourism packaging with county experts, browse exhibits from area attractions, network, and exchange brochures. Door prizes will be given. There will also be a silent auction for river valley goods and services. Advance reservations for planning purposes are requested by contacting Laurie Ramie at udcramie@hvc.rr.com or 845/252-3022.

Donated prizes include an eight-hour river float trip for two, and dinner for two at the 1906 Restaurant.

New York launches gun safety program

ALBANY, NY — State and federal officials have gotten together on a joint program to promote safe firearms handling and storage practices among all firearms owners through the distribution of key safety education messages and free gun locking devices.

Project ChildSafe is funded by a $50 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice and will provide nearly 20 million free gunlocks and firearm safety educational materials to families in all 50 states, the five U.S. territories and District of Columbia.

In New York, approximately 500 local law enforcement, public safety offices, and New York State Police locations will serve as distribution points for 712,500 gun locks. Earlier this year, Project ChildSafe donated 33,000 locks to members of the New York City Police Department through the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association. DEC is participating through the Department’s Sportsmen Education Program and Division of Law Enforcement’s outreach programs.