Input needed on broadband maps

UPPER DELAWARE RIVER VALLEY — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released a map that purports to show all locations across the U.S. where broadband internet has been or can be installed. The map is available at broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home.

Input from residents is requested to make sure that the map accurately portrays broadband availability or the lack thereof in the area.

The requested information must be provided no later than Friday, January 13; for step-by-step instructions on how to submit an availability challenge on a mobile browser, visit https://youtu.be/fiFoxZKywv4.

To access the map from a desktop computer, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ldS3bi4bjc.

“The commonwealth’s allocation of funding for broadband deployment under the federal infrastructure law is dependent upon the map being accurate,” stated a press release from Wayne County, PA. “Pennsylvanians should visit the map to search for their home address to determine whether the information listed by the FCC is accurate.”

“Knowing exactly where we have high-speed internet service, and what kind of service it is, will ensure we get the attention and the funding we need to make broadband available in every corner of the county,” said Sullivan County, NY, District 3 legislator Mike Brooks, who chairs the county’s broadband local development corporation.

Fallsburg property taxes collected by county government

SOUTH FALLSBURG, NY — Due to an agreement between the Sullivan County Legislature and the Fallsburg Town Board, the county treasurer’s office will be collecting Fallsburg county/town property taxes in 2023.

“The retirement of our tax collector led us to approach the county about partnering for the upcoming tax collection season,” said Fallsburg supervisor Kathy Rappaport. “We’re grateful for the county treasurer’s response, which will help us meet present needs while we plan for the future.”

Taxpayers should shortly be receiving their bills, accompanied by a flyer listing the various ways they can remit payment. That same list of options is available at sullivanny.us/Departments/Treasurer (click on Fallsburg Tax Payments 2023). Questions are welcome at 845/807-0200 or by visiting the county treasurer’s office inside the government center, which is located at 100 North St. in Monticello. It is open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays.

Water and sewer payments will continue to be collected at the Fallsburg Town Hall, 19 Railroad Plaza, in South Fallsburg.

Shook, Adams take oaths of office

HONESDALE, PA — James Shook of Palmyra Township took the oath of office as Wayne County Commissioner before President Judge Janine Edwards on December 28.

Commissioner Shook graduated from Wallenpaupack Area High School, after which he owned and operated the Wallenpaupack Lanes, a bowling alley. In 1999, he took over operations at the Lake Region IGA supermarket, where he has been for more than 20 years. In 2007, he created the Community Dock Foundation, which, according to a press release, is funded both privately and through annual fundrasing events,  and helps those in need.

Shook was named by Edwards to succeed Joseph Adams, who was elected as state representative for the 139th Legislative District in November. As of press time, Adams was scheduled to take the oath of office for state representative at 12 noon on Tuesday, January 3.

Redistricting hearings scheduled for 2023

ALBANY, NY — Pursuant to Article III, Section 4(c) of the New York State Constitution, the New York State Independent Redistricting Commission will hold a series of 12 public hearings across the state to receive feedback on its court-ordered draft redistricting plan for New York state assembly districts. The New York State Constitution requires the commission to hold 12 hearings in the cities of Albany, Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester and White Plains, as well as the counties of Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond, Nassau and Suffolk. Further information regarding these hearings will be available on the commission’s website, NYIRC.gov.

Garnet Health announces leadership changes

MIDDLETOWN, NY — The Garnet Health board of directors has named Jerry Dunlavey, current vice president of operations for Garnet Health and chief operating officer for Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills, to serve as interim president and CEO for Garnet Health and Garnet Health Medical Center, effective December 30, 2022.

Dunlavey joined Garnet Health in November 2001, where he has served as the system’s vice president of clinical program development and operations, the senior executive responsible for the development of seven ACGME-accredited residency programs. He was also the founding executive for Garnet Health Doctors, a primary care and multi-specialty practice that is part of Garnet Health’s network.

In June 2022, Dunlavey was appointed vice president of operations for Garnet Health and chief operating officer for Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills.

Suspect in Idaho student homicides arrested

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania State Police assisted the City of Moscow, the Idaho Police Department, Idaho State Police, and the FBI in the apprehension of a suspect in the November 13 homicides of four University of Idaho students. Bryan C. Kohberger, 28, was arrested on a fugitive from justice warrant on December 30 by members of Troop N and the Special Emergency Response Team at a home in Chestnuthill Township, Monroe County. Published reports have indicated that Konberger was home visiting his parents for the holidays, and that he was studying criminal justice at Washington State University, nearby to the University of Idaho. Kohberger was arraigned before on-call Magisterial District Judge Michael Muth and remanded to Monroe County Correctional Facility pending extradition to Idaho.

Braebenec announced as minority whip

ALBANY, NY — Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C—Deerpark) announced that he has been promoted to the position of minority whip for the New York State Assembly by Minority Leader William Barclay. He has served on the Republican leadership team in Albany since 2019. “Our conference’s leadership roster has never been better, and I’m energized by the passion and commitment shown in this last election. We’re ready to return to Albany and get to work on the issues that matter,” said Braebenec.

Honesdale borough council position open

HONESDALE, PA — The Honesdale Borough Council seeks to fill a vacancy made by the resignation of Jared Newbon, effective December 21, 2022. Residents wishing to be considered for the position must submit a resume by 3 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2023. All applicants submitting a letter of interest and a resume should attend the scheduled council meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17, and be prepared to state why they wish to serve on the borough council, and answer questions from members of council

Applicants must be a resident of Honesdale Borough for a minimum of one year and be a registered voter. Resumes can be delivered to Honesdale Borough Hall, 958 Main St., weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; faxed; or emailed to the borough office. The fax number is 570/362-5968.  The email address is hdleboro@ptd.net.

Funding for up to 5,000 supportive housing units statewide

ALBANY, NY — Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced 125 conditional awards for annual funding to provide services and operating expenses for up to 5,000 units of supportive housing to serve older adults, survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, veterans and chronically homeless families, as well as individuals with a mental illness or substance use disorder, among others.

“Housing is a human right, and the funding will help those struggling to find a place to live, receive services for special needs, and address mental health issues throughout the state,” said Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther.

Public-service loan forgiveness expedited

ALBANY, NY —  The New York State Department of Labor announced that it has put enforcement measures in place to avert employment-certification delays for those applying for public-service loan forgiveness. This program allows eligible full-time public service and nonprofit workers to apply to have the remainder of their federal student loan debt forgiven after 120 qualifying payments.

What did the Sullivan legislature accomplish in 2022?

MONTICELLO, NY — The Sullivan County Legislature has released a roundup of its 2022 activities. The detailed list is available at sullivanny.us/Departments/Legislature.