Sullivan releases proposed 2023 budget

MONTICELLO, NY — County manager Joshua A. Potosek presented a 2023 tentative budget to the Sullivan County Legislature. According to a press release, the budget continues to reduce debt, expands existing services, avoids layoffs and eliminates the unpopular solid waste access fee—all without raising taxes.

“As proposed by my office, the 2023 Tentative Sullivan County Budget prioritizes what’s important to our residents: tax relief, debt reduction, road and bridge investment, and cost-effective government,” Potosek said. “At the same time, it does not burden taxpayers with further tax hikes, but carefully positions the county for a stable financial future.”

The $267,069,580 budget, as currently proposed, includes a slight tax rate decrease, projected to be 0.127 percent. It does not propose incurring new debt or dipping into the fund balance of the general fund. Full details of the budget are available via a new “digital budget book” at county-sullivan-ny-budget-book.cleargov.com/5073. (It is also accessible through www.sullivanny.us.)

Multiple officers injured at Sullivan Correctional Facility

FALLSBURG, NY — Seven officers were injured at Sullivan Correctional Facility in two separate inmate attacks that led to two of the officers needing to be transported to a local hospital for further treatment of their injuries. On November 1, an officer observed an inmate attempting to harm himself; three officers sustained injuries attempting to bring him to the infirmary for evaluation. The following day, an inmate was brought to an escort room to be searched for contraband; four officers sustained injuries as the inmate fought with them, and two were transported to Garnet Medical Center for treatment.

SPCA receives state grant

ALBANY, NY — The Sullivan County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has received a $100,000 grant for an HVAC system, new kennel gates, doors and fencing that will support animal health, safety and comfort, announced the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul. The grant was awarded as part of a nearly $5 million package granted to 17 nonprofit animal shelters and humane societies through the fourth round of the New York State Companion Animal Capital Fund.

Guilty pleas in connection with death of Billy Steinberg

FORESTBURGH, NY — Sullivan County DA Meagan Galligan announced that Mohammed Islam, 33, of New York City, was convicted of first-degree manslaughter, third-degree burglary and fourth-degree arson in connection with the death of Town of Forestburgh Fire Department assistant chief William “Billy” Steinberg. In the course of fighting a January 15 fire set by Islam in the Town of Thompson, Steinberg died of a heart attack. By his guilty plea, Islam accepted criminal responsibility for the death, admitting that he intentionally set a fire that recklessly damaged the building at 65 Rock Ridge Dr. and set in motion the events that led to Steinberg’s heart attack, a press release issued by the DA’s office said.

Burglars target Asian business owners

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a series of residential burglaries targeting Asian American restaurant owners. To date, nearly $1 million in cash and personal property has been stolen from the homes of Asian Americans who own Chinese food restaurants throughout the state.

“While many of these crimes occurred in the northeastern part of the state, similar burglaries have been reported across the commonwealth,” said Col. Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “We want business owners to be aware of this trend and take preventive measures.”

Protections for unfairly discharged LGBTQ vets and more

ALBANY, NY — Gov. Kathy Hochul signed eight pieces of legislation in appreciation of Veterans Day, underscoring, according to a press release, the administration’s commitment to supporting American service members who have risked their lives to defend the nation.

There are three new laws. One affects veterans who were unfairly discharged because of their LGBTQ identities; they and other veterans with qualifying conditions will be added to certain provisions that apply to honorably discharged vets, or to those who were released from military service.

Another law requires employers to display a poster containing information on veterans’ benefits and services. A third offers a no-interest rate on certain linked loans, intended for certified service-disabled veteran-owned business enterprises; it also provides the support and financing necessary to carry out a procurement contract with an agency or authority or other entity of the state or federal government.

In addition, Hochul directed that 17 state landmarks be illuminated green on Veterans Day as part of Operation Green Light, which began in New York State and has spread throughout the country to recognize veterans and service members from all eras of military service.

Worker crisis fund in Wayne County

HONESDALE, PA — The Wayne County Community Foundation has announced its new worker crisis fund, designed to provide necessary help to keep employees working in the event of unforeseen difficulties. Through referrals from the Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance, the community foundation uses assets from this fund to alleviate barriers to employment and to fill the gap of services that are not supported through other state and federal programs.

To make a donation, visit www.WayneFoundation.Org and select “Worker Crisis Fund” from the options on the Donate Today page, or send a check to the Wayne County Community Foundation, 214 Ninth St., Honesdale, PA 18431 with “Worker Crisis Fund” in the memo.

DEC encourages safe hunting

ALBANY, NY — With the Southern Zone regular big-game season beginning Saturday, Nov. 19 throughout much of the southern part of New York State, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos is encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to respectfully share the woods and follow common-sense safety precautions this fall and winter.

Hunting is among the most popular forms of wildlife recreation in the state, drawing an estimated 600,000 New Yorkers afield each year. DEC requires big-game hunters using a firearm to wear hunter orange or pink and encourages non-hunters to wear blaze orange, blaze pink, or another bright color during fall and winter months to be seen more easily and from greater distances.

Pet owners are also encouraged to affix a bright colored vest or scarf on their dogs and keep pets leashed at all times. Trapping seasons for many species are open throughout the fall and early winter. Although rare, traps set for furbearers like raccoons and coyotes can also capture dogs that are not under control.