Fallsburg school district considers alcohol testing policy

FALLSBURG, NY — There will be a community meeting on a new proposed alcohol policy for the Fallsburg school district from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 17, at the Woodbourne Fire Hall on Route 52. Everyone is encouraged to attend and discuss issues that involve the safety and well-being of our young people and the community.

Fallsburg Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ivan Katz presented the draft policy for the school board’s consideration in early December. The policy would call for testing students for alcohol upon “reasonable suspicion” that they have consumed, possessed or distributed alcohol. Testing could be done at any school activity on or off school property. A full copy of the draft may be found at www.fallsburgcsd.net/news.cfm?story=9513.

For more information call 845/434-5884, ext 1215.

Lake Huntington Fire Company gets grant

LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) has announced that the Lake Huntington Fire Company has been awarded a $71,549 federal grant to purchase new equipment.

The Lake Huntington Fire Company will use the federal funds to pay for a thermal imaging camera that allows firefighters to find unconscious victims in smoke-filled rooms, pinpoint the sources of fires and detect structural dangers before they cause injury and death. The fire company will also purchase 25 sets of new turnout gear. The new helmets, gloves, protective coats and pants and other gear will bring their protective equipment up to the new standards.

The funds come from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the United States Fire Administration (USFA). Hinchey, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, has worked to secure full funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program since its inception in 2001.

Property tax relief plan unveiled

ALBANY, NY — New York State Senate Republicans have unveiled a property tax relief plan calling for the elimination of the school property tax for homeowners, providing STAR rebates for the majority of homeowners and increasing rebates for seniors. The plan includes the Senate’s NY-Stop Taxing Our Property provision, which authorizes school districts to freeze the tax rate for seniors over 65. In addition, each school district would be authorized to take a public vote to determine if real property taxes on primary residences would be phased out over five years and replaced with additional state funding under a new school aid formula.

“This is the single most pressing issue facing the people of our region,” said senator John J. Bonacic (R/I/C - Mount Hope), a long time proponent of property tax relief. “Our seniors are being forced to sell their lifelong investment, families are finding it difficult to remain in their homes, and our young people cannot afford to realize the American dream of home ownership.”

GHI, HIP propose to become for-profit; hearings open to public

NEW YORK STATE — Group Health Incorporated (GHI) and Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York (HIP), together known as EmblemHealth, have filed to become a for-profit entity. As part of its regulatory review of the proposal, the New York State Department of Insurance will hold public hearings on January 29 at 10:00 a.m. at HIP offices at 55 Water Street, New York City and at 11:00 a.m. on January 31 at the Empire State Performing Arts Center in Albany. Any member of the public may testify at these hearings or submit written comments concerning the proposed plan.

In order to approve the proposed conversion, the department must find that it will not affect the companies’ contract holders and enrollees, will not negatively impact the delivery of health care benefits and services to the people of New York; and will result in the fair, equitable and convenient winding down of the business and affairs of the not-for-profit corporations.

The plan may be found online at www.hipusa.com. Anyone with questions may call HIP or GHI at 877/444-6506, or the New York State Insurance Department at 212/480-5148.

To schedule testimony, contact the Department’s Public Affairs Bureau at 212/480-5262. Written comments should be addressed to Emblem Hearings, Public Affairs Bureau, New York State Insurance Department, 25 Beaver Street, New York, NY 10004 and/or e-mailed to the Insurance Department at EmblemHearings@ins.state.ny.us. Comments will be accepted for 30 days after the close of the last public hearing.

Alleged gang attack on Monticello club

MONTICELLO, NY — Three people were stabbed and one was beaten severely in what appears to be a gang attack at the Cinco Estrella Honduran Club (formerly known as the Anson House) on East Broadway on Sunday, January 6.

Sullivan County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report at about 4:00 a.m. Witnesses at the scene told them that 20 to 25 men had attacked patrons in the bar with knives and baseball bats, and fled the scene in several cars.

A vehicle fitting one of the descriptions given by patrons was stopped on State Route 17 by state troopers shortly afterward, and the driver arrested for DWI. Three occupants of the vehicle, Alex Flores, 18, Emanuel Flores, 20, and Alberto Silva, 19, all of Newburgh, were arrested and charged with Gang Assault in the First Degree. They have been remanded to the Sullivan County Jail without bail pending further court appearances.

Deputies believe that the assailants are members of the Newburgh chapter of the Mexican Mafia street gang. The four victims were transported to Catskill Regional Medical Center. Two were treated and eventually released and two remain in serious condition at the hospital.

An investigation is ongoing.