Snow squalls, warming shelters and more

What's new in the Upper Delaware region November 24 to 30

Posted 11/22/22

Don’t buy same thing twice

WASHINGTON, DC — On November 17, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) introduced the Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets …

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Snow squalls, warming shelters and more

What's new in the Upper Delaware region November 24 to 30

Posted

Don’t buy same thing twice

WASHINGTON, DC — On November 17, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) introduced the Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act. The bipartisan legislation  could increase oversight of federal government software purchases and reduce wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars.

Each year, the federal government spends billions of taxpayer dollars on software purchases, renewals, and license modifications, according to a news release from Cartwright’s office. Limited assessments of existing software assets, combined with the way vendors sell software, often results in federal agencies making duplicative purchases. Without increased agency oversight and governance, software vendors profit at the expense of American taxpayers. The act would require federal agencies to conduct an independent, comprehensive assessment of their current software assets and restructure their operations to reduce unnecessary costs.

Liberty warming shelter opens

LIBERTY, NY — Sullivan County opened its Liberty warming shelter on November 15, and will keep it open every night of the winter season from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. The shelter is located at the Liberty United Methodist Church at 170 North Main St. During the daytime hours, various public buildings, such as the government center in Monticello, as well as stores and libraries, are available as places to get warm, and Sullivan County’s Department of Social Services can assist in more challenging circumstances. If help is needed, call 845/292-0100.

Snow squalls are bad

HARRISBURG, PA — The Wolf administration, along with the National Weather Service (NWS), is reminding drivers of the threat that snow squalls can pose during the winter months.

According to the NWS, a snow squall is a brief but intense period of heavy snow (up to two inches in 30 minutes). Drivers could encounter strong winds (30-plus mph) and whiteout conditions (visibility less than one quarter mile).

Snow squalls often occur on days with partly cloudy skies. Because the change in weather comes on so suddenly, snow squalls can catch drivers off-guard and lead to deadly multi-vehicle accidents.

Four New York counties designated primary natural disaster areas

WASHINGTON, DC — The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Dutchess, Orange, Putnam and Westchester counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas. The counties suffeed from drought ranging from severe to exceptional during the 2022 growing season. The natural disaster designation allows the USDA Farm Service Agency to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans.

Exit 105 ramp closures

MONTICELLO, NY — The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that the Exit 105-B ramp from State Route 17 eastbound to State Route 42 and the ramp from State Route 42 northbound to State Route 17 westbound in the Town of Thompson, Sullivan County, are both closed until the spring of 2023 to facilitate an interchange reconstruction project.

Motorists seeking to access State Route  42 at Exit 105-B should follow a signed detour that directs them to continue east on Route 17 to Exit 106 to State Route 17 westbound to Exit 105-B on the westbound side of the highway. Motorists seeking to access State Route 17 westbound from State Route 42 should follow the signed detour utilizing Broadway, Jefferson Street and State Route 17B.

Want to go into law enforcement?

HERSHEY, PA — The Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Training and Education announced expanded opportunities in law enforcement education for children between the ages of 15 and 18. Applications are now being accepted for the Hill Impact Program, which has expanded to three locations in Pennsylvania. The 14-week program will run simultaneously at the police academy in Hershey; the National Guard Armory in Greensburg; and the Kingston Armory in Kingston.

The deadline to register is Saturday, December 31, but interested teens should sign up quickly. Class sizes are limited. Teens with a serious interest in attending courses in Hershey should call Trooper Clint Long at 717/497-4577 or email ra-sprecruiter-acad@pa.gov. To sign up for the program in Greensburg, call Trooper Abby Blazavich at 717/614-7971 or email ra-sprecruiter-trp-a@pa.gov. To sign up for the program in Kingston, call Master Trooper David Peters at 570/459-3900 ext. 269 or email dapeters@pa.gov.

Cold-water life jackets mandatory

UPPER DELAWARE RIVER VALLEY — The National Park Service reminds those who could be out on the Upper Delaware River this fall or winter in a boat, canoe or kayak: everyone, regardless of age, is required to wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (life jacket or PFD) during these cold-weather months. The regulation is effective through April 30, 2023.

NY health insurance open enrollment period begins

ALBANY, NY — NY State of Health, the state’s official health plan marketplace, announced the launch of the 2023 open enrollment period for New Yorkers seeking a consumer-oriented, one-stop shopping experience for public and commercial health insurance. Consumers have until Thursday, December 15 to complete their enrollment into a Qualified Health Plan (QHP), with coverage starting on January 1, 2023.

There are three ways to enroll in a health plan through the marketplace: (1) Meet with an enrollment assistor (in person or by phone) – you can find assistance at info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ipanavigatorsitelocations; (2) Call the NY State of Health Customer Service Center at 855/355-5777; or (3) Go online to nystateofhealth.ny.gov/.

Corrections

The article “News from the Tusten Town Board” in the November 17-23 issue of the River Reporter stated a move of the Tusten HORSE was tabled pending information from the Department of Environmental Conservation. It is pending approval from the NYS Comptroller.

The article “Limbo for FIMFO” in the same issue included a caption that misspelled Robert Trotta’s name as Robert Trotter.

federal government, software, warming shelter, snow squalls, drought, Exit 105, law enforcement, National Park Service, health plan marketplace

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