No contract for seven years  

MONTICELLO, NY — Sullivan lawmaker Joe Perrello has expressed concerned to county manager Josh Potosek regarding jail employees:

“I am writing in regards to my concerns about the expired labor contract involving the employees belonging to the CSEA Union who currently work in the Sullivan County Jail. As you are aware, the dedicated employees of this Union have been working without a current contract for seven years. We are at a point where it is unfair for the employees of CSEA and the County for this to continue any longer.

 “Employees in this union consist of corrections officers as well as civilian workers who serve as support staff to ensure the jail runs efficiently. It is my understanding that there have been productive negotiations in the past several months and that we are close to having a tentative Memorandum of Agreement executed. I’d ask that you, as County Manager, work with the negotiating team to ensure that a Memorandum of Agreement is executed with the CSEA Union in the very near future. It is my desire to ensure that the employees of this union are allowed to vote on a new contract as soon as possible.

 “Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to assist in helping to move this issue to along.”

K9 for Wayne sheriff’s office 

HONESDALE, PA — The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office has launched the beginning stages of adding a K9 to the office. As a fundraiser, the office will be hosting a pet first aid and CPR class on April 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This class is designed for anyone with an interest in “pawtecting” the safety and wellness of animals,” said Sheriff Mark Steelman. Training is geared towards pet parents, pet care professionals (groomers, sitters, walkers, vet techs), animal rescue group volunteers and emergency service personnel. No prior training or experience is required. 

Taught by a 25-year seasoned pre-hospital care provider and educator, the class includes a lecture, demonstration and an emphasis on hands-on skills practice to ensure participants proficiency in the life saving skills presented.
The cost is $65 per person (includes handbook, certificate and emergency muzzle). 

To register, visit www.pawsnclaws911.com and click register online.

Two Monticello women arrested for armed robbery

MONTICELLO, NY — On Monday February 25, the Village of Liberty Police Department arrested Kaivena Woodall, 22, and Tylajah Jordan, 22, both of Monticello, after investigating a robbery. The police department began the investigation when they were called to a residence on February 6. The resident reported that he had been attacked by two individuals with a hammer and had items stolen from his apartment. 

The investigation resulted in the identification of Woodall and Jordan as the individuals. They were taken into custody without further incident on February 25. Woodall and Jordan were both charged with robbery and assault, both felonies; criminal possession of weapon; petit larceny and criminal mischief misdemeanors. 

Woodall and Jordan were arraigned in the Town of Liberty Court and remanded to Sullivan County Jail in lieu of $30,000 bail.

Legislation on cyber attacks introduced 

HARRISBURG, PA — With the ongoing attempts of cyber-attacks targeting Pennsylvanians, state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Phila.) has introduced legislation that would help protect the commonwealth’s cyber infrastructure.
“From email and phone scams to personal data breaches, it is unconscionable the number of attempted cyber-attacks occurring in Pennsylvania. With everyone constantly connected on their phones, computers and other electronic devices, the amount of potential attacks will only increase,” Kenyatta said. “We have to protect Pennsylvanians’ personal information and the creation of the Cyber Security Innovation Commission would do just that.” 

House Bill 225 would create such a commission to safeguard Pennsylvania’s data by conducting cyber security audits, improving security and privacy standards and analyzing the protocols. The commission also would work with businesses to make sure they are up-to-date on the newest technology.

During recent PA House Appropriations Committee budget hearings, officials with the Governor’s Office of Administration testified that while they follow national federal guidelines and best practices to defend the commonwealth against cyber-attacks, they still have seen an increase in the number of threats, with 18 billion in the U.S. in 2018.