Milanville General Store robbed

MILANVILLE, PA — The Milanville General Store on River Road was robbed during the late evening or early morning hours of June 7 or 8.

The store’s owners, Rocco and Vanessa DeGori, noticed the broken front door at 7:00 a.m. when they opened on June 8.

The robber went off with about $1,000 worth of cigarettes and about $100 in cash.

“We don’t keep much cash here because of the chance of burglary,” Vanessa said.

The DeGoris have owned the store for two years.

A few years ago, the store, which was owned by Vanessa’s father, was also robbed.

The incident is under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police.

Government center closed Friday

MONTICELLO, NY — The Sullivan County Government Center will be closed on Friday, June 11 to honor the National Day of Mourning for deceased former President Ronald Wilson Reagan.

“It’s the proper thing to do considering he was one of our most effective and well-loved presidents,” said county manager Dan Briggs. “He set out to change the country and ended up changing the world.”

President George W. Bush has declared Friday, June 11, 2004 a National Day of Mourning and closed all federal offices with the exception of national security agencies.

Governor George Pataki has also ordered all non-essential state offices closed for the day.

The Naturalization Ceremony at the Lawrence H. Cooke Courthouse has been rescheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Friday June 18, 2004.

Rendell calls for national dam safety

HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Ed Rendell has called on President Bush to support a national dam safety initiative.

Rendell acted as Pennsylvania sent notices of violations to 256 dam owners for emergency action plans, and issued orders against 23 for failure to comply.

Governor Rendell spoke on June 1, while standing atop the remains of the South Fork Dam at the Johnstown Flood National Memorial, where a poorly maintained dam failed on May 31, 1889, and unleashed a 40-foot wall of water that destroyed downstream communities and claimed more than 2,200 lives.

“Our national security, the safety of our aging dam infrastructure, and our ability to respond to dam hazard emergencies are compromised by the lack of a national dam-safety program,” Rendell said.

Bridge closure

DEBRUCE, NY — The Sullivan County Division of Public works has scheduled the June 16 closure of County Bridge 275 in the Town of Rockland.

The bridge, which carries Mongaup Road across Sprague Brook, will be closed for approximately 14 weeks as county workers replace the bridge.

Detours routes will be posted.

Mt. Laurel names new leader

BUSHKILL, PA — The Mountain Laurel Center for the Performing Arts has named Richard Bryant as its new chief executive officer.

Bryant, 51, is president of the ArtsBa Group of Madison, NJ and is the third CEO at the financially troubled arts center in the past year, replacing Joseph Blaney, who resigned in March.

The center has canceled its 2004 season and, along with the Pike County Industrial Development Authority, is also facing a state audit for its handling of a $15 million startup grant.

According to his company’s website Bryant has worked with performing arts centers in California and New Jersey, and lists more than 20 years experience in theater arts promotion, specializing in theater, dance, classical music, jazz, opera, Broadway, festivals, exhibitions, children’s events and collaborative programs among multiple companies.

Sorensen will not seek Assembly seat

MONTICELLO, NY — Alan Sorensen, who ran an unsuccessful campaign last year for the 98th District Assembly seat left vacant by the death of Jacob Gunther, will not seek the office again this fall.

Sorensen made a formal announcement at the May 27 Republican Convention in Sullivan County.

The former Sullivan County planning commissioner, who has since been appointed to state position in Albany said, “I have a real opportunity in my current position as Assistant Commissioner of Housing and Community Policy at DHCR to make a meaningful contribution to state-wide policy to help all New Yorkers.

“I am grateful to all of those who supported me last year and will remain actively involved in the Sullivan and Orange County communities.”

Gunther announces bill passage

ALBANY, NY — A bill providing Sullivan County and its municipal subdivisions with the authority to grant a property tax exemption of up 10 percent for volunteer firefighters and ambulance personnel has passed the state Assembly.

Sponsor, Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D-98) said the bill provides a reward for the work that volunteers do as well as an incentive to attract more qualified people to volunteer.

The bill has been delivered to the state Senate where it is seeking sponsorship.

Counties share in new grants

HARRISBURG, PA — Pike and Wayne counties each shared in last week’s round of emergency management grant announcements.

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency last week announced the awarding of $3.7 million in state planning and training grants to all 67 counties. Funding will enhance the emergency planning and training capabilities of the counties and their municipalities as they relate to homeland security.

Pike is scheduled to receive $36,372, while Wayne will get $36,568.