Lake Wallenpaupack ice rescues

HONESDALE, PA — The Tafton Dive and Rescue Team rescued five people who fell through the ice on Lake Wallenpaupack on February 3. A post on the rescue company’s Facebook page said ice condition can vary greatly on different parts of the lake and advised the public to use caution when moving out onto the ice.

 “Today we responded to a total of five people going through the ice including two ATVs and a snowmobile... This happened at the same place, same day, different times. The area north of Epply Island between Shuman’s Point and Spinnler’s Point has OPEN WATER and THIN ICE !”

The post also said that none of the incidents were fatal, and all of the victims made it to shore.

The poster added this warning: “Just because someone says they had eight feet here or 14 inches of ice there is not indicative of the ice conditions across the entire lake; it can vary immensely. Enjoy the outdoors and be safe check the ice thickness, carry ice awls for self rescue and with any water activities it’s ALWAYS a good idea to wear a personal floatation device.”

“The life you save may be your own.”

Sullivan County clerk announces retirement

MONTICELLO, NY — Sullivan County Clerk Daniel Briggs confirmed on February 5 that he will retire at the end of his term on December 31, 2019.

“It has been a privilege to serve the people of Sullivan County as their county clerk these past 11 plus years,” he said. “I will be leaving with deep pride in the team which comprises my office. I’ve worked with many dedicated and talented people, and whatever success I have enjoyed has been a direct result of their efforts and commitment.”

Raised in Monticello, Briggs has served in a variety of other public roles, as well: nearly 18 years as county treasurer, five years as county manager and one year as assistant commissioner of the NYS Office of Housing and Community Renewal, plus terms as a Town of Thompson councilman and acting Village of Monticello justice.

“Throughout my public service tenure,” he remarked, “I have always maintained a primary goal: to be a credit to the county I serve.”

He will continue to serve Sullivan County, as he remains a member of the Monticello Fire Department, the Sullivan Renaissance Steering Committee, the SullivanArc Human Rights Committee and the local Eagle Scout Review Board.

Wolf proposes higher minimum wage

HARRISBURG, PA — As part of his annual budget address delivered on February 4, Gov. Tom Wolf proposed raising the state’s minimum wage, which he said would save the state money.

 “Governor Wolf is proposing to save nearly $120 million over the next two years by raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $12 an hour on July 1, 2019,” a press release from his office reads. “The boost in pay for one million workers would enable tens of thousands of people to work their way off of public assistance, reducing the burden on taxpayers who are subsidizing low wages.”

The Republican-controlled Senate and Assembly are likely to resist raising the minimum above the current level of $7.25 an hour, which has not been raised in 10 years.