Pike ID plan okayed

MILFORD, PA — The Pike County Commissioners last week approved a new policy to authorize building security efforts that were announced last month.

The new procedures require that all elected officials and employees wear a green photo-identification card at all times when they’re in the Broad Street administration building.

All visitors to the building will be issued a generic, red visitor identification card, which is to be surrendered upon leaving the building.

Rather than terrorism concerns, Commissioner Harry Forbes said the new security system is focused on traffic and court offices located in the building and “hostile court situations,” which can occur at those offices.

The commissioners asked for the public’s patience as there will likely be delays at the door while people adjust to the new procedures.

Caruso conviction overturned

ALBANY, NY — Finding that Sullivan County Court Judge Frank LaBuda omitted instructions to the trial jury, the Appellate Division of the state Supreme Court last week overturned the 2001 conviction of Ronald Caruso.

Caruso was convicted of the murder of his step-uncle, Gary Kays of Hortonville, but the appeals court found that in pre-deliberation instructions, LaBuda failed to tell the jury to consider lesser manslaughter charges that were also filed against Caruso.

The appeals court ordered a new trial.

Sullivan County District Attorney Stephen Lungen wants the court to hear an appeal of the decision.

Federal grant for Sullivan airport

WASHINGTON, DC — Rep. Maurice Hinchey (NY-22) announced last week that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a $150,000 grant to the Sullivan County International Airport in White Lake.

The grant will be used to acquire snow removal equipment. The replacement of aging equipment will ensure safe operations at the airport during adverse weather conditions.

The grant was awarded through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program, which assists the development of a nationwide system of public-use airports by providing funding for airport planning and development projects.

Lions benefit golf tourney

ELDRED, NY — The Town of Highland Lions Club is sponsoring its 28th Annual Spring Charity Golf Tournament on Tuesday, May 18 at the Tarry Brae Golf Course in Fallsburg.

The tournament entry donation is $65 and includes an 11:00 a.m. buffet lunch, greens fees, cart and prizes for longest and straightest drives, high and low scores, least putts, twosome and foursome low scores.

Narrowsburg Motors has offered a new Ford as the prize in a hole-in-one contest on the 17th hole.

For more information call 845/557-8415 or 557-8532.

State issues motorists advisory

JEFFERSONVILLE, NY — The New York State Department of Transportation announced today that construction has begun on the replacement of two deteriorated culverts on Route 52 between Jeffersonville and Youngsville.

Two-way, single-lane traffic will be maintained in both directions until the project is completed and travel delays should be anticipated.

The work is being performed by the D. H. Smith Co. Inc. of Clayville, NY and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2004.

Home Depot in Honesdale

INDIAN ORCHARD, PA — Developers of a Home Depot home center store reportedly are planning to locate a store adjoining Wal-Mart off Route 6 in Texas Township.

Developers are expected to make a formal presentation before the township planning commission on May 18.

The proposal is said to carry the promise of 130 new full-time jobs and some 45 part-time positions.

Northern Wayne council formed

MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, PA — Ten northern Wayne township and borough governments have formed a new council of governments.

The Northern Wayne Council of Governments will provide cost-sharing benefits for its member governments, which include Buckingham, Clinton, Damascus, Manchester, Mount Pleasant, Oregon, Preston, Scott and Dyberry townships, plus the Borough of Starrucca.

Manchester Supervisor Steve Macey chairs the new council, which will next meet in Buckingham on May 19.

Highway pursuit deaths down

HARRISBURG, PA — The state police announced last week that the number of deaths resulting from police pursuits has declined for a second year.

Police in Pennsylvania reported that four peoples were killed in pursuit crashes while six died in 2002 and 11 in 2001.

The number of reported pursuit accidents increased from 1,945 in 2002 to 2,081 in 2003.

The state report is designed to provide statistical information to police departments to help them evaluate their pursuit policies.

Gunther will seek re-election

FORESTBURGH, NY — To no one’s surprise, Aileen Gunther announced last Friday that she will be a candidate for re-election to the 98th District New York Assembly seat this fall.

Gunther, a nurse of 29 years, won the seat of her late husband, Jacob Gunther, after his death last summer. She defeated former Sullivan County Planning Commissioner Alan Sorensen in a special election for the remaining year of Jacob Gunther’s term and now is running for a new two-year term.