Local priest named Bishop of Scranton

SCRANTON, PA — Monsignor Joseph C. Bambera has been named the Bishop of Scranton by Pope Benedict XVI. Bishop-elect Bambera will be ordained a bishop and installed as the 10th Bishop of Scranton on Monday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m. in St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton.

Born in Carbondale to Joseph Bambera and Irene Kucharski Bambara, he is 54. Unlike many bishops in recent years, Bambera has served as assistant pastor in two churches and pastor of five churches in the Scranton area, rather than as an auxiliary bishop or a vicar in an archdiocese like Philadelphia.

He obtained a degree in canon law in 1991 from St. Paul’s University, Ottawa, Canada, a pontifical institute. After gaining his Licentiate, he returned to Scranton and was appointed a judge in the diocesan tribunal in addition to his pastoral appointments. Soon after he became the Diocesan Director of Ecumenism and Interfaith Affairs. In July 1995, he was appointed by Bishop James C. Timlin to assume the role of Vicar for Priests for the diocese.

Locals urged to complete census forms

MONTICELLO, NY — Sullivan County Manager David P. Fanslau has issued a statement to county residents emphasizing the importance of completing and returning census forms.

“It is essential that all Sullivan County residents are counted in the 2010 census,” said Fanslau. “The census data is used to determine eligibility for grants from the federal government, appropriate representation in the U.S. Congress and a host of other uses that will benefit Sullivan County for the next decade.

“The failure to be counted in the 2010 census will shortchange Sullivan County, and may be the difference in whether federal funding is received in Sullivan County, or sent elsewhere in New York State or the country.”

Eldred Central School board holds budget workshops, seeks board candidate

ELDRED, NY — In preparing the 2010-2011 school year budget, the Eldred Central School (ECS) Board of Education will hold workshops open to the public at the Jr./Sr. High School at 7:30 p.m. on March 18 and 25, and is inviting suggestions and comments. The annual budget hearing and meet the candidate evening is scheduled for May 6 at 7:00 p.m. at the high school. The budget vote will take place at the high school on May 18 between 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Current president Raymond Henry is completing his service to the board and will not seek re-election. The five-year term for his replacement will run from July 2010 through June 2015. All interested candidates should obtain a petition from the district clerk in the superintendent’s office and return it with the required signatures no later than April 19. For more information call 845/456-1100.

Bankruptcy eases burden for Westfall

WESTFALL, PA — A municipal bankruptcy for the Township of Westfall, which has been struggling to find a way to deal with a $20 million lawsuit judgment against it, has been approved by a federal judge. It is the first such municipal bankruptcy in the history of the state.

The $20 million award was granted in 1999 to developers Devid H. and Barbara Katz, who said that the township had illegally put a halt to one of their development projects. The Katzes agreed to a $6 million compromise payment prior to the final approval of the bankruptcy, with quarterly payments of $75,000 over 20 years.

Town property taxes were raised in December in anticipation of the final settlement of the issue. The new taxes are about $200 higher than the old taxes for the average taxpayer in the township. The new millage rate of 31.20 required special court approval, as it now exceeds the state limit.

Bonacic seeks nominations to honor storm heroes

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — New York State Senator John Bonacic is inviting nominations of people who provided extraordinary services during the recent snowstorm for a special state senate honor. Nominees are sought for the categories of firefighters, EMS workers, police, highway workers and utility workers and volunteers.

In his invitation letter, Bonacic notes that the actions of these groups of people were key to allowing the lives of area residents to return to normal. To nominate someone, members of the public can visit www.nysenate.gov/press-release/nominate-someone-who-helped-during-storm , fax to 845/344-3328 or mail to 201 Dolson Ave., Suite F, Middletown, NY 10940. The deadline is Saturday, March 20.

Sullivan libraries get funding

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Aileen M. Gunther (D/C/I - Forestburgh) has announced that four libraries in Sullivan County have been awarded over $190,000 in public library construction grants. The grant funds are from $14 million in capital funds for public library construction provided in the 2009 state budget.

The Tusten-Cochecton Branch of the Western Sullivan Public Library will receive $6,582 for the replacement of a boiler and installation of a new hot water heater. The Daniel Pierce Library will get $178,512 for renovation and construction of a new 3,000-square-foot connector between the original building and a 1981 addition, plus the purchase of three new circulation terminals, 18 workstations and supporting networking equipment. The Livingston Manor Free Library will receive $2,500 for the installation of a new oil tank and removal of three deteriorated tanks. The Sunshine Hall Free Library in Eldred will receive $2,500 for construction of a new parking lot in front of the building.