Pennsylvania heating assistance extended and more

What's new in the Upper Delaware region May 26 to June 1

Posted 5/25/22

What's new in the Upper Delaware region May 26 to June 1

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Pennsylvania heating assistance extended and more

What's new in the Upper Delaware region May 26 to June 1

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COVID cases on the rise in Sullivan County

MONTICELLO, NY — Cases of COVID-19 in Sullivan County have doubled since the start of May. Ninety cases were reported on May 3 and 182 cases on May 20. Eight Sullivan County residents were hospitalized with COVID-19 on May 20. The county’s COVID-19 community level is medium as calculated on May 19; the CDC calculates community level based on new cases and available hospital beds. For counties at a medium level, it recommends that people wear a mask if they have symptoms, a positive test or exposure to someone with COVID-19, and consider wearing a mask at other times.

SmART continues advocacy efforts

BETHEL, NY — Smallwood Aware Residents Team (SmART) formed out of community concerns about a proposed development by BESIDE Cabins on Pine Grove Road in Bethel. SmART is continuing to fundraise for its advocacy following the announcement that BESIDE Cabins is abandoning that development, with a planned event at the Smallwood Civic Association Lodge from 1–5 p.m. on Sunday, May 29.

“SmART is a strong community-wide network. We have received great support from Smallwood and beyond. Our supporters have been generous both with their financial contributions and in expressing their belief in our mission. We are anticipating a full house and a great time for the families and friends of our supporters,” writes SmART steering committee member Paula Moss.

Pennsylvania heating assistance extended

HARRISBURG, PA — The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season has been extended once more, with the deadline moving from May 20 to June 17. Department of Human Services (DHS) acting secretary Meg Snead urged Pennsylvanians who are behind on or having trouble paying home heating bills to apply for assistance through LIHEAP to apply for cash and crisis benefits ahead of the new June 17 deadline.

Pennsylvanians can apply for LIHEAP and other public assistance programs online at compass.state.pa.us and can also apply for medical assistance and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program by phone at 866/550-4355.

Property redemption date extended to June 30

MONTICELLO, NY — Sullivan County treasurer Nancy Buck announced on May 19 that properties delinquent on their 2019 and 2020 taxes can be redeemed by June 30. State law permits owners of properties facing foreclosure to “redeem” their properties—removing them from the foreclosure list—by paying the outstanding taxes and associated penalties.

“I want to point out that this is not a repurchase or installment program—that opportunity has already passed,” Buck said. “Payment must be made in full by June 30 in order to redeem a property.”

Petitions to reinstate ban on LNG rail transportation

UPPER DELAWARE REGION — Petitions signed by 15,157 individuals were submitted on May 18 to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), an arm of the U.S. Department of Transportation, calling for action to prohibit the transport of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by rail. The petition first calls upon PHMSA to suspend the Trump administration’s 2020 rule that lifted the long-standing ban on LNG rail transport, allowing it to be transported on the nation’s railways; and second, to reinstate the permanent ban. Lastly, the petition asks that special permits for LNG rail transport be denied before the ban is adopted, including special permit DOT-SP 20534 for the proposed Gibbstown, NJ/Wyalusing, PA LNG Export Project.

Residents of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware and other states signed petitions, all stating the same demands. The petitions were issued by Berks Gas Truth, Clean Water Action, Clean Air Council, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Earthworks, Food and Water Watch and League of Women Voters of Delaware.

Sullivan County wins financial reporting award

MONTICELLO, NY — For the 31st year in a row, the Sullivan County treasurer’s office has received 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. The award was given after a panel of judges determined the county’s 2020 comprehensive annual financial report met the GFOA’s standards, including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of transparency and full disclosure” in communicating financial details and motivating people to read it.

Honesdale police scam

HONESDALE, PA — The Pennsylvania State Police station in Honesdale received notice from the public of a scam. Citizens have reported that they received telephone calls from “Lt. Johnson of the Pennsylvanian State Police” stating that there is a “warrant for their arrest.” This impersonator told people that they were “in contempt of court for jury duty” and “violations of Megan’s Law.” He requested they purchase gift cards and large monetary sums of money sent to the “terminal at the barracks.”

The PA State Police and other law enforcement agencies will never solicit money over the phone. If citizens receive any calls regarding this type of scam, they are instructed not to provide any information and not to send any money or gift cards.

Shrewd Fox ale called best in state

ELDRED, NY — Shrewd Fox Brewery, a local farm brewery based in Eldred that boasts all-natural, locally-grown ingredients, won the Governor’s Cup (Best Beer in New York State) and a gold medal for its 3 Dog IPA at TAP® New York 2022.

TAP® New York is a craft beer and food festival, now in its 23rd year. It was held May 21 and 22 at Bethel Woods and features 100 craft breweries located throughout the state.

Correction

The story “Bulldogs’ spring baseball and softball tourney” in the May 19-25 edition of the River Reporter included a photo identifying a Sullivan West player as Max Hubert. The player identified was Max Ebert.

COVID-19, Sullivan County, SmART, Smallwood, Pennsylvania, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, property redemption, financial reporting, Sullivan County treasurers, Honesdale, police scam, Shrewd Fox, correction

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