Broadband program seeking interest

ALBANY, NY — Empire State Development (ESD) and Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) are encouraging owners and managers of affordable housing properties across the state to indicate their interest in the $100 million Affordable Residential Connectivity program by taking a survey; the link is below. The program will provide no-cost installation of fiber broadband wiring and equipment upgrades under Gov. Kathy Hochul’s ConnectALL initiative. ESD and HCR are asking property owners and managers to indicate interest in receiving these fiber installations at no cost, regardless of whether properties already have broadband wiring. 

Following the survey, interested parties will be contacted with a more detailed application. The survey is available at bit.ly/ConnectALL_survey_RR.  

South Hill Road closing

GRAHAMSVILLE, NY — The Sullivan County Division of Public Works is closing a portion of County Road 156 (South Hill Road) in the Town of Neversink to replace County Bridge 216. The bridge is located approximately 300 feet east of the intersection of State Route 42 and CR 156. This section is scheduled to be closed to all traffic for approximately six months, starting at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 1.

County marks centennial anniversary of fallen detective

HONESDALE, PA — The Wayne County Commissioners, along with the district attorney and county detectives, mark the 100th anniversary of the death in the line of duty of George B. Knapp, a deputy county detective. Knapp, who had served as chief constable of Honesdale prior to being named as deputy, was fatally shot by Wesley Decker during a raid on a moonshine operation near Equinunk on May 3, 1923. Knapp is the only law enforcement officer to die in the line of duty in the county. 

Deerpark celebrates 225th anniversary

DEERPARK, NY — On April 17, the Town of Deerpark celebrated the 225th anniversary of its first town board meeting. “Our town historian Michael Worden and his committee gave a wonderful presentation of the history of the town,” reads the town’s press release. “We are proud to celebrate 225 years of family oriented community and love with our residents.”

Officers assaulted at Sullivan correctional facility

FALLSBURG, NY — On April 17, six officers needed to be treated at Garnett Health Medical Center for assorted injuries after an inmate faked being unresponsive in his cell and charged and attacked officers who entered the cell to check on his wellbeing at Sullivan Correctional Facility, according to a press release from the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association. The inmate, 26, is serving a five-year sentence after being convicted for second-degree burglary and robbery in Onondaga County in 2021. Click here for more.

Edward Holley arrested for the murder of Megan McDonald

WALLKILL, NY — On April 20, the New York State Police arrested Edward V. Holley, age 42, of Wawayanda, and charged him with second-degree murder in connection with the murder of Megan McDonald. McDonald was discovered deceased in the Town of Wallkill, Orange County, on March 15, 2003, from blunt force trauma. Holley was arrested following a 20-year investigation, was arraigned in the City of Middletown Court, and was remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail. State police are asking anyone with information about this case to call the state police at 845/344-5300.

Adams announces assistance opportunities for May

HAWLEY, PA — Rep. Joe Adams (R-Pike/Wayne) is providing the following services to assist individuals at his district office, located at 2523 Route 6, Suite 2. Those interested in scheduling an appointment should contact the district office at 570/226-5959.

On Monday, May 1, staff from MyCIL will be available to help persons with disabilities, aged 18 and over, on how to obtain home- and community-based services, transportation and housing resources, and other services to promote greater independence in the community. On Monday, May 8, American Legion Department Service Officer William McGovern will be available to assist veterans and their dependents. Services include assistance with compensation, pension and death benefits, education and health care, plus other benefits. 

PA to schedule xylazine as a controlled substance

PHILADELPHIA, PA — On April 18, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced his administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as “tranq,” a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania’s illicit drug supply. Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen has submitted a notice of intent to temporarily add xylazine to the list of Schedule III drugs under Pennsylvania’s Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. Bogen will also submit a notice of intent to schedule nitazines, a class of synthetic opioids that has never been approved for use in the United States, as a Schedule I drug.

Chant Realtors founder dies

MILFORD, PA — Real estate leader Davis R. Chant has died at the age of 84. In a Facebook post by his agency, Davis R. Chant Realtors,  Chant is described as a leader, founder, real estate broker, friend, mentor and the most kind and gentle man.

According the Delaware Valley School District website, “Chant, from the class of 1955, was a class leader and outstanding basketball player. He graduated from Belmont Abbey College in 1960 with a degree in Real Estate. For more than 50 years he has led Davis R. Chant Realtors and been an active leader in the profession on the local, state and national levels. He is also known for his leadership and support of many community service organizations.” 

He founded Davis R. Chant Realtors in 1964.

Election petitions challenged in Highland

HIGHLAND, NY — Some of the signatures on the election petitions for John Pizzolato (potential Democratic candidate for the Town of Highland Supervisor) and Joe Barnes (potential Democratic candidate for Town of Highland Highway Superintendent) have been challenged. The Sullivan County Board of Elections plans to meet with the candidates this week; see next week’s issue for follow up coverage.