NY & PA briefs

Wayne County restaurant catches fire, Martucci impounds ballots and more

What's new in the Upper Delaware region November 19-25

Posted 11/18/20

Wayne County restaurant catches fire

MOUNT PLEASANT TOWNSHIP, PA — A structure fire at The Red Schoolhouse restaurant located on Bethany Turnpike was reported around 2 p.m. last Sunday. No …

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NY & PA briefs

Wayne County restaurant catches fire, Martucci impounds ballots and more

What's new in the Upper Delaware region November 19-25

Posted

Wayne County restaurant catches fire

MOUNT PLEASANT TOWNSHIP, PA — A structure fire at The Red Schoolhouse restaurant located on Bethany Turnpike was reported around 2 p.m. last Sunday. No injuries were reported but the restaurant has been closed “indefinitely,” according to PA State Police. PA fire marshals were requested to determine the origin of the fire. 

“Based on scene examination, the fires’ origin was placed in the basement of the restaurant and was caused by a furnace malfunction,” according to police. During the fire, a small explosion occurred, causing the building to move from its foundation. The fire was ruled accidental.

Martucci impounds absentee ballots

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — In the extended race for New York’s 42nd Senate District, incumbent Democrat Sen. Jen Metzger trailed behind her opponent Mike Martucci by a little more than 10,000 votes after the polls closed. Martucci soon claimed that this margin was wide enough to claim victory for himself. But Metzger made no concession, saying that she’s confident the approximately 25,000 absentee ballots will be “overwhelmingly” Democratic.

Sullivan County was scheduled to begin opening its absentee ballots one week after Election Day, but due to a petition from Martucci for absentee ballots to be impounded, counting was delayed until Monday, November 16. Keep up with the latest election results in Sullivan County at www.riverreporter.com/news.

Cuomo urges vigilance during holidays

ALBANY, NY — During a press conference last Sunday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo implored New Yorkers to maintain proper social distancing, especially during the coming winter months.

“These next few weeks will be challenging as the holidays arrive. We all want to be with our loved ones, especially after this hard year, but we must remain vigilant. We all have COVID fatigue, but we simply don’t have the luxury of letting our guard down,” Cuomo said. “We can manage this global surge of COVID, but these next few weeks are key in maintaining our progress.”

Apple pond permanently protected

CALLICOON CENTER, NY — The Delaware Highlands Conservancy (DHC) is pleased to announce that Apple Pond Farm in Sullivan County has been permanently protected with a conservation easement.

Landowners Dick Riseling and Sonja Hedlund made the decision to protect Apple Pond Farm with a conservation easement with the DHC that will ensure the land will remain affordable and viable as a farm. 

The property has been farmed since 1865. Under their direction since 1973, Apple Pond Farm has been both a food producer and education center. In 2003, energy efficiency and renewable energy generation became a major focus at the farm, producing 95 percent of its electricity via clean energies.

The DHC works in partnership with landowners and communities to protect the natural heritage and quality of life of the Upper Delaware River region. More information is available at 570/226-3164, 845/583-1010 or www.DelawareHighlands.org

Wolf signs 12th renewal of opioid disaster declaration

HARRISBURG, PA — Last Thursday, Gov. Tom Wolf extended his opioid disaster declaration for the 12th time since first declaring it in January 2018.

“We must continue to fight both the COVID-19 pandemic and the opioid epidemic in our commonwealth, and I am grateful to the dedicated team of the Opioid Command Center for its commitment to fighting the opioid epidemic even among challenging circumstances,” Wolf said. 

Some state lawmakers, like Rep. Mike Peifer (PA-139), have been critical of the governor’s extended use of emergency declarations, doubting their effectiveness after so long. But Wolf maintains that the declarations allow the state to “loosen regulations and work outside of typical procedures to expedite aid and initiatives to help those suffering.”

Delgado surveys district

RHINEBECK, NY— Rep. Antonio Delgado (NY-19) met last week with his four bipartisan advisory committees focused on small business, agriculture, veterans affairs and health care to hear about constituents’ priorities in preparation for the 117th Congress. In addition, the congressman launched a district-wide survey to ask residents in all 11 counties about what they would like to see Congress focus on in the coming months.

“As I prepare to return to Washington next week, it is critically important that I hear from folks all across our district about the priorities most important to them and their families,” Delgado said. “Conversations with folks here at home continue to inform my work to advocate for everyone in our district, irrespective of party affiliation.”

PA expands window for backdating unemployment

PENNSYLVANIA — The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) has temporarily expanded its ability to backdate Unemployment Compensation (UC) claims from six weeks to up to 52 weeks.

According to L&I, the temporary change will simplify the process for backdating and allow for more approvals at a faster pace.

Claimants seeking to file a backdated claim should email uchelp@pa.gov with the subject line “Back Date Request.” The email should include the exact date they were separated from their employer and any relevant information about the separation. Due to the anticipated high volume of requests, responses might be delayed. Claimants should send only one email request; multiple requests will only delay the process.

Additional information is available at www.uc.pa.gov

Wayne Memorial opens heart clinic

HONESDALE, PA — In early December, a new multi-physician practice will officially open inside a renovated former patient floor at Wayne Memorial Hospital. Honesdale Cardiology will be its first occupant.

The new speciality clinic is a joint venture between Wayne Memorial Hospital and Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers. Hospital CEO David Hoff anticipates other specialties locating to the same space in 2021.

More information is available at www.wmh.org or www.wmchc.net.

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