Sullivan County businesses provide donations for flood relief fund

LIBERTY, NY —Two Sullivan County businesses, M&M Auto Group in Liberty and Rolling V Bus Corporation in South Fallsburg, have joined to help support the Roscoe flood relief efforts.

For every new or used vehicle purchased through M&M Auto Group from August 13 through September 3, M&M will make a donation on behalf of the customers to the Roscoe Flood Relief Fund. Rolling V Bus Corporation will match every dollar raised by M&M Auto Group.

The Roscoe Flood Relief Fund was created as part of the ongoing recovery effort following the deadly flash flood in June. Six homes were either completely wiped away or had to be condemned because of the flood. The goal of the Roscoe Flood Relief Fund is to rebuild those homes for the displaced families. Money from the fund is currently being used to help displaced families with auxiliary residences, as well as daily necessities.

Checks for donations may be made payable to Roscoe Flood Relief Fund and mailed to Roscoe Flood Relief Fund, c/o M&T Bank, 56 Stewart Ave. Roscoe, NY 12776.

SBA assistance available to flood victims in Colchester and region

ALBANY, NY — The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a physical disaster and economic injury declaration for homeowners, residents and businesses in Delaware County and seven contiguous New York State counties, including Sullivan County, that were adversely affected by the June 19 flash flooding.

SBA assistance will provide homeowners and renters with low-interest physical disaster loans to pay recovery costs not covered by insurance. They may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace clothing, furniture, cars or appliances damaged or destroyed in the disaster. Homeowners may apply for up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence.

Businesses of all sizes are eligible to apply for a physical disaster loan of up to $1.5 million to repair or replace damaged real estate, equipment, inventory and fixtures. These loans will cover uninsured or under-insured losses. Small businesses suffering substantial economic injury may be eligible for an economic injury disaster loan of up to $1.5 million to meet necessary financial obligations.

The deadline for applying for physical disaster loans is October 15; the deadline for economic injury loan applications is May 14, 2008.

Pennsylvania House committee hears testimony on open records bill

HARRISBURG, PA — Amid increasing calls for more transparency in government, the Pennsylvania house State Government Committee held a public hearing last week to discuss a measure that would make government records more accessible to the public. The discussion centered upon legislation that would levy a $1,100 fine upon a state agency found to be deliberately obstructing access to public records. The measure would also establish a new state agency, the Office of Access to Public Records.

Opponents argue that the bill goes too far. Discussions in the house continue as to how to strike the proper balance between the public right to know and requirements of confidentiality and privacy.

Pet Chihuahua stolen from Beach Lake home

BEACH LAKE, PA — Richard Van Dine would like to get his dog back.

Van Dine, who lives on Van Dine Road in Beach Lake, PA, said the theft occurred on the afternoon of August 14.

Van Dine said he went to town to do some shopping and a thief ripped open a door and broke into his house. The intruder made off with pain pills, money and his pet Chihuahua named Geico, like the insurance company.

Van Dine reported the theft to the police, but so far has received no information regarding the whereabouts of his 18-month-old pet.

Van Dine said he does really care about the money but, “I’d just like to get my dog back.”

Anyone with information on Geico’s whereabouts is asked to call 845/252-7414.

Meeting to discuss closure of FSA office

JEFFERSONVILLE, NY — A public meeting will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 27 at the Jeffersonville Inn to discuss the possible closure of the Farm Service Administration (FSA) office in Liberty. The meeting is the next step in a series of required steps the New York State FSA Committee must take before an FSA office may be closed.

At the meeting, FSA state executive director Brymer Humphreys and members of the New York State FSA Committee will present facts and figures reiterating the reason for the proposed closure. The floor will be opened for comments and questions after the presentation.

At a previous meeting, the Sullivan County FSA strongly recommended that the Sullivan County FSA Office remain open.

For more information call 845/439-4359.

New home in the works for flood victims

ROSCOE, NY — The Roscoe Flood Relief Fund has plans to build a new duplex home for the two Finkle families, whose homes were completely destroyed during the disaster in June.

The architectural design has been donated by David Tucker of Roscoe. Donations of labor and materials are being sought to complete the residence. Among the materials and equipment needed are concrete for the foundation, as well as a concrete contractor to set concrete forms and help with the completion of the foundation, and building materials to frame the home.

Sullivan Counry Legislator Elwin Wood, a member of the Flood Relief Committee, said the current plan is to have the foundation completed by October 1 so that the Helping Hands construction crew, working with Reverend Nancy Asbury, can frame the home.

For more information call 845/794-3000, ext. 3300.