Electric-vehicle firm expands its reach

WOODRIDGE, NY — BUZZ Equipment Company, which has been the authorized representative for Miles Electric Vehicles in New York and Northeastern Pennsylvania since March of 2008, has now been named the company’s exclusive authorized sales representative for Connecticut and Massachusetts.

The Miles vehicles feature all steel uni-body construction, absorbed glass mat batteries (meaning there is no liquid electrolyte to leak out in the event of an accident) and can be recharged by plugging them in overnight to any standard 15-amp outlet. They cost about two cents a mile to operate.

The launch of a highway-speed vehicle, the XS500, is expected in the fourth quarter of 2009. It is projected to have a top speed of 85 m.p.h. and will have a sticker price in the mid-30K range. For more on the electric vehicles, see our article “Surge of electric vehicles on the horizon” in the May 15 issue.

With the new territory, Woodridge-based BUZZ is now one of the leading sources for alternative fuel vehicles in the Northeast.

For more information call 845/434-5710.

Local safety officials honored

SYRACUSE, NY — Local safety agencies were recognized at a brunch in honor of public safety professionals hosted by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton at the state fair in Syracuse on Friday, August 22. Those honored were the public safety agencies and individuals who coordinated the successful search and rescue of three-year-old Daniel Niktalova, who was missing near the Swinging Bridge Reservoir for almost 24 hours in May.

Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff, Sullivan County Public Safety Commissioner Richard Martinkovic, Lieutenant Paul Rinaldi of the New York State Forest Rangers and Liberty firefighter Harry Rampe, who led the team that found the missing child, were presented with certificates of recognition by the comptroller. Sheriff Schiff accepted the award on behalf of all the rescue workers who participated in the search.

Monticello Aldi robbed

MONTICELLO, NY — About $14,000 in cash register receipts was stolen from an Aldi store clerk in the store parking lot as she was taking the cash receipts to her car to make a deposit. The incident took place around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 24. The woman was pushed to the ground by her male assailant, who then took the cash and fled.

According to police, the man escaped in a small blue car. The car, which may be a Honda Civic, had been parked behind a neighboring business.

Village police are looking for information on the incident. Call 845/794-4422.

Delaware allows installment of taxes

HORTONVILLE, NY — The Town of Delaware Board voted to allow the installment payment of town taxes at its meeting on August 20.

On January 31, 50 percent of the total tax may be paid, with 25 percent paid by the end of February and the final 25 percent payment on April 1, 2009.

“We realize that many residents are feeling financial pressure at these times so we want to give them every advantage in the payment of taxes,” said Jim Scheutzow, town supervisor.

Extracurriculars nixed for home-schooled

PORT JERVIS, NY — The school board in Port Jervis has voted six to three to maintain the current ban on home-schooled students’ participation in extracurricular activities.

A number of board members described themselves as torn over the issue, but in the end only Ron Cecchini, Roger Kalin and Patrick Witherow voted to lift the ban. Those against the ban feared that it would cause legal and logistical problems.

A possible compromise, that would have allowed home-schooled students to participate in clubs but not in sports or the school play, was shot down by the school attorney, who advised that he felt that only an all-or-nothing measure would stand up in court.

A bill currently before the New York State Assembly would require school districts to allow home-schooled students to participate in certain activities, which would override the Port board’s decision.

Hawley considers burning ban

HAWLEY, PA — The Hawley Borough Council will consider amending its current burning ordinance to prohibit all outdoor burning except for cooking fires used for barbeques. The current ordinance permits burning in a barrel between 9:00 a.m. and dusk, but prohibits burning in the downtown commercial zones, as well as excluding certain items that emit noxious fumes.

The council has received complaints regarding burning of household garbage by neighbors, sometimes forcing them to have to stay inside their own houses.

The council’s solicitor, Robert Bernathy, has been asked to draft the amendment, which will be taken up at the council’s September 10 meeting. If the council decides to proceed at that time, a public hearing on the matter will be scheduled.