Pike concern over West Nile Virus

MILFORD, PA — Pike County residents were warned once again of the possibility of catching West Nile Virus this summer unless precautions were taken.

“You should use insect repellent, eliminate standing water on your property to keep away mosquitoes, and wear long-sleeve and light-colored clothing to reduce the risk of West Nile Virus infection,” said Pike County Human Development Director Christine Obser.

Mosquitoes will develop in any puddle that lasts for more than four days, she said.

“Dispose of any tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers, discarded tires that may have accumulated on your property,” Obser said.

Last season in Pennsylvania, there were 266 mosquito pools tested positive for the virus, and there were 25 cases of human West Nile Virus and two deaths that may have been related to the infection, she said.

For more information call 570/296-3434.

Hinchey calls for rules to protect media diversity

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) had led a group of 16 members of the Future of American Media Caucus in calling on Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin Martin to strengthen existing media ownership rules to ensure diverse and competitive communications media.

In 2003, the FCC proposed media ownership rules that would be even weaker than those created in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which has resulted in rapid conglomeration of the industry and its domination by only five mega-corporations. The Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that the FCC had overstepped its bounds, rejected the new rules and remanded the issue back to the commission.

Recent reports suggest that Martin will soon be revisiting the issue, and will probably attempt to make it easier for single corporations to dominate both broadcasting and print media in any given geographic area.

Supervisors approve casino plan

PARADISE TOWNSHIP, PA — The Paradise Township Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved developer Louis DeNaples’ preliminary plan for his proposed casino at the Mt. Airy site.

The approval was made subject to a number of conditions, including the requirement that he obtain all applicable permits from all levels of government. The supervisors also requested that he sign an agreement with the township regarding the process by which the township will take over Woodland Road from the state, a transfer that DeNaples’ group has requested so that they can have more control over road improvements.

Like developer Greg Matzel, who has proposed a casino for Pocono Manor, DeNaples has applied for one of only two stand-alone licenses for up to 5,000 slot machines that may be awarded to the Pocono area. Three other licenses have been allocated to other areas.

Sullivan firefighters get funding

ALBANY, NY — Five Sullivan County fire organizations, Westbrookville Volunteer Fire Company Number 1, Loch Sheldrake, Rock Hill, White Lake and Summitville, will each receive $10,000 to purchase equipment. The funding was secured by state Senator John Bonacic.

Captain Ralph Tunno of the Westbrookville Volunteer Fire Company said that the funding secured was used to purchase rescue tools. He said, “In 2005, we were able to purchase a thermal imaging camera, due to the grant the senator secured for all of the fire departments in Sullivan County. On behalf of the officers and firefighters, I thank Senator Bonacic for his time and assistance.”

Senate approves greenway

ALBANY, NY — Senate bill 5264, proposed by state Senator John J. Bonacic (R/I/C - Mount Hope), has passed the senate with bipartisan support. The measure amends the Environmental Conservation Law to create, upon local approval, the Upper Delaware River Greenway, consisting of New York communities that border the Delaware River.

Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther is the sponsor of the bill in the Assembly.

The Delaware River Greenway legislation is modeled after the Hudson River Greenway that has been in existence for over a decade.

“The enactment of this measure will provide state funding and technical assistance opportunities to aid eligible localities along the Delaware River in their recreational, planning and beautification efforts,” said Bonacic.

Supervisors want 50-50 split on any sales tax increase

MONTICELLO, NY — John LiGreci, chairman of the Sullivan County Supervisors Association, has written letters to Senator John Bonacic and Assembleywoman Aileen Gunther arguing that, although the supervisors are opposed to any sales tax increase, the towns and villages should share in any rise in revenues if there is one. In the letter, LiGreci proposes that 50 percent of any such increase should go to the towns and villages, allocated according to population.

According to LiGreci, 13 out of the 15 supervisors in the association agree with the proposal, with the supervisors from Neversink and Rockland not having returned his calls as of the date of the letter.

New Yorkers to get property tax credits

ALBANY, NY — The Senate and Assembly has passed legislation, co-sponsored by Senator John Bonacic (R/I/C - Mt. Hope), that will provide tax credit to homeowners in the fall of 2006.

The plan, which will rebate an average of $300 to property owners, had been adopted by the legislature earlier in the year and included in the state budget, but vetoed by Governor Pataki. In Sullivan County, the credits under the legislation enacted yesterday would average $315 for seniors and $216 for others.

Senator Bonacic is pushing legislation passed by the Senate, but not acted on by the Assembly, which would phase out the school property tax and shift the financing of education to the state in communities that opt in.