News

By Jay Braman Jr.
Thanks to Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Belleayre Mountain Ski Center has its own chunk of state funds, even though it’s now in the hands of the Olympic Region Development Authority (ORDA).
ORDA, which took over operation of the mountain from the state just last fall, normally gets state funding to help run its other facilities, Whiteface and Gore, in the Adirondacks.

By Joe Moskowitz
A portion of Arkville’s new water system has been approved by the New York State Department of Health and is pumping away.

Late last week, Arkville Water District Commissioner Terry Johnson flipped the switch to start pumping water out of the hamlet’s new primary well. It’s located off of Franks Street behind the Delaware and Ulster Railroad. “Flipping the Switch’ is a gross understatement. It is a technologically highly advanced pumping and filtration system.

Andes — Bassett Healthcare Network has opened the doors on a much needed and highly anticipated new primary care practice on South Main Street in Andes.

The 2,800-square-foot health center was constructed by O’ Connor Hospital and is staffed by Bassett providers. Dr. Susan Fiore, a well-respected and well-liked physician who lives in the area, is the facility’s medical director.

By Brian Sweeney
Political newcomer Diana Cope will be Margaretville’s new mayor following a 102-24 win over longtime village resident Lauren Davis on Tuesday.

Ms. Cope ran a low-key campaign during her first try for public office.
Mr. Davis was seeking the village mayoral post for the third time. He waged a public battle during his campaign, often criticizing the actions of current Mayor Bill Stanton and the board of trustees.
The new mayor will take office on April 1.

Catskill Mountain News editor Dick Sanford and writer Geoff Samuels were both eating a little crow last Wednesday after it became apparent that they hadn’t paid close attention to a story in the February 13 issue of the paper written by Jay Braman Jr. In that issue, Braman penned a story about an upcoming (March 15) meeting at the Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) that carried the headline, “Flood mitigation strategy tops CWC meeting agenda.”

Staff Report
An application by Bennett Bloom to sell used cars on Route 28, Arkville is the subject of an April 11 Middletown Planning Board public hearing.

Mr. Bloom’s application for a special permit was reviewed at the town planning board’s March 14 meeting and the board requested that he present a dimension of the road frontage and an outline of the area where the vehicles will be displayed. The applicant has indicated that he would like to have 10-15 cars on the lot.

Margaretville — Two residents at Mountainside Residential Care Center were recently certified as Hospice volunteers.

Esther Ronning and John Auran received their official certification in mid-March. They completed their training with a Catskill Area Hospice volunteer who traveled to Mountainside for the instruction.

Director Kathy Roberts said that an average of 8-10 residents are under Hospice care. As certified volunteers, Esther and John can provide a variety of comfort services for their fellow residents.

Margaretville — Connect2Compete is a new initiative at the Fairview Library to promote the importance of digital literacy skills and increase access to free computer and Internet training classes through EveryoneOn campaign.

Connect2Compete is a unique collaboration of government, corporate, philanthropic and community leaders committed to harnessing technology, especially the transformational power of the Internet, to improve the lives of Americans and their ability to thrive in the global economy.

Three options

By Brian Sweeney
With resolutions from the towns of Shandaken and Olive supporting designation of Route 28 as a Scenic Byway, the plan is continuing to more forward.

Peter Manning, the planner who has been guiding the Scenic Byway effort for more than four years, told the News that with support resolutions secured this month from Shandaken and Olive, the Corridor Management Plan will be finalized and submitted to the NYS Scenic Byways Program. The program falls under the auspices of the state Department of Transportation (DOT) and officials there will now review the document.

Andes — The Andes United Methodist Church had its beginnings in 1812, when local resident Israel Chapman hosted “Methodist Society” meetings in his home. In those days, many societies gathered throughout the area, in people’s homes, for prayer and Bible study.
These groups had no regular clergy, although there were “circuit riders” who traveled throughout Delaware and adjoining counties, to lead services. There were no organized churches, but these society meetings became the foundation for establishment of future churches in the circuits.