Veterans’ van makes its debut

MONTICELLO, NY — Because of state funding and the approval of the Sullivan County Legislature, the county’s veterans now have access to a brand-new van. “Our Veterans Van began transporting vets to local medical appointments on May 8,” said Veterans Service Agency Director Stephen Walsh. “Owned and maintained by the county’s transportation department, this vehicle replaces an aging van previously operated by the Sullivan County Veterans Coalition.” That agency still remains a key partner, he said.

Call ahead for the veterans’ office

MONTICELLO, NY — Due to an influx of cases resulting from recently passed federal legislation, the Sullivan County Veterans Service Agency (VSA) is asking visitors to make an appointment before coming to the office, which is located inside the government center. The PACT Act, which expands Veterans Administration health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances, has increased interest in the already busy VSA office.

The VSA office assists and supports all Sullivan County veterans and their families. To schedule a visit to the VSA, call 845/807-0233.

Baker votes for bills to support veterans

HARRISBURG, PA — Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) voted for three bills approved by the state senate to help veterans start or expand a business, access programs and services available to them, and make it easier for disabled veterans to obtain a free lifetime fishing license. 

Senate Bill 248 would create the Veteran-owned Business Loan Guarantee Program within the Pennsylvania Financing Authority. Senate Bill 447 would establish in law the PA VETConnect program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and which helps the commonwealth’s veterans—who number over 700,000—access programs and services tailored to their needs. Senate Bill 411 would make it possible for disabled veterans with a 100 percent disability determination to obtain a free, lifetime fishing license.

Rep. Molinaro forms advisory committees

BINGHAMTON, NY — U.S. Rep. Molinaro (NY-19) announced the creation of the Congressional Veterans Advisory Committee, ThinkDIFFERENTLY Advisory Committee and Agricultural Advisory Committee. Each congressional advisory committee is made up of experts, advocates, community members and industry leaders from across New York’s 19th Congressional District. 

Sullivan’s financial reporting continues to win awards

MONTICELLO, NY — For the 32nd consecutive time, the Sullivan County Treasurer’s Office has been accorded the Financial Reporting Achievement Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The county also received a certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting from the GFOA.

Hoosick Falls receives settlement

HOOSICK FALLS, NY — New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos announced an agreement that commits manufacturer Saint-Gobain and Honeywell, a technology/manufacturing conglomerate, to implement the new water supply for the Hoosick Falls Village Water System, with an estimated cost of $10 million. The agreement also holds the companies accountable for $30 million in past costs incurred by state taxpayers as well as $5 million in natural resource damages. The companies remain responsible for determining the extent of site-related contamination from historic industrial operations, including onsite disposal of perfluorooctanoic acid (commonly known as PFOA) at the McCaffrey Street facility in the village of Hoosick Falls.

Liberty man arrested for attempted murder

LIBERTY, NY — On Tuesday, May 9, at approximately 9:35 p.m., officers with the Village of Liberty Police Department responded to North Main Street for a report of an injured female. Upon officers arrival it became apparent that the female had been the victim of an assault and had sustained multiple laceration and puncture wounds as the result of being stabbed. The female was transported by Mobilmedic Ambulance to a medivac helicopter and flown to Westchester Medical Center, where she was treated for multiple injuries. 

Liberty Police Officers apprehended Jesse Rubio, 24, of Liberty for the assault. Rubio was charged with attempted murder in the second degree, robbery in the first degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree and tampering with physical evidence, all felonies. Rubio was arraigned in the Town of Liberty Court and remanded to Sullivan County Jail without bail.

Sullivan DPW holds public hearing

ELDRED, NY — The Sullivan County Department of Public Works will hold a public hearing at the Highland Town Hall in Eldred on May 18 at 6 p.m. to discuss the replacement of a bridge on Taxpayers’ Pond in Yulan. According to Highland Town Supervisor Jeff Haas, the road over that bridge (County Route 22) is frequently used by emergency services, and they are advocating for the road to remain open during the replacement.

One dead in Delaware River recovery

YULAN, NY — On Sunday, May 14, at 7 a.m., the Yulan Fire Department was dispatched to assist the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department for a search for a lost camper. On arrival it was determined that it was a water recovery. The body was recovered on the Pennsylvania shoreline, just south of the Ascholona Campground. Responding agencies included Lumberland Fire-Dept Glen Spey, Highland Lake Fire Department, Lackawaxen Township Fire Department, White Lake Fire Company, Kauneonga Lake Fire Department, Sullivan County Dive & Rescue Team and Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office. The Yulan Fire Department reminds everyone camping near the river to wear lifejackets.

Shadfest takes place May 19-28

REGION — The Festival of the Founding Fish: Upper Delaware Shad Fest will take place from May 19 to 28, with festivities throughout the week including shad food tastings, educational talks, a dance party, angler’s fair and craft beer and cocktails. See “Lake Huntington News” for more information, or go online at https://riverreporter.com/stories/2023-shadfest-official-guide,97181 for a guide to the shadfest events.