$2.95 Million Watershed Climate Project Paused - WAC Maintains Staff Fee Need For Procurement

By Mary A. Crisafulli

HAMDEN -  Federal funding awarded to address predicted climate change and its effects on agriculture and water quality in the New York City Watershed is paused. Columbia University's Center for Climate Systems Research and Agricultural Modeling Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AGMIP) is heading the project. In 2023 $2.95 was awarded through the Congressional Community Project Fund secured by Congressman Jarrold Nadler and Senator Chuck Schumer.

Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC), Columbia, and New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) officials are collaborating on seeking other funding opportunities to continue the study.

If funded, the study will develop integrated assessments of current and predicted future climate condition impacts on the watershed. Climate conditions include extreme weather event analysis. The analysis will further examine presently used agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) and their potential effectiveness based on the current and future climate. BMPs are structural, vegetative, or managerial practices that reduce water pollution. The main goal is to improve BMPs to maintain water quality and farm productivity as climate conditions change. 

WAC Director Paul Gallay, a Columbia University Office of Research Lecturer, believes funding is expected to be restored soon. "The problem should fix itself," he said, believing funds are connected to a larger funding pause. 

The Trump Administration stripped Columbia University of  $400 million in federal funds on March 7. Federal agencies paused funding due to "the school's continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students." To restore funding the university was asked to meet specific standards to which they agreed in full on March 21.

WAC Director Jennifer Grossman was still unsure if funding for this project would be restored, stating the funds were connected to the USDA and not the $400 million. 

AGMIP officials did not respond by press time regarding where Congressional Community Project Funds were pulled from. Requests for community projects can be made to several federal agencies. 

In another discussion, WAC directors unanimously voted to uphold their previous procurement policy request response following an appeal by Colm Ryan, of Hobart. 

Ryan requested WAC to produce several contracts between WAC and DEP and the recent best management practices (BMP) bid package. The request was approved by WAC directors pending payment of $9.51. Payment will reimburse staff time required to produce requested materials which has been calculated at about 15 minutes. 

Ryan appealed the approval stating WAC effectively denied the request as it is contingent on payment. Directors upheld the need for payment in considering the appeal. They will resend the original approval with no additions or adjustments. 

WAC Director Karl Gockel said the group did agree to the request it was not denied. "I am comfortable we met our standard for providing information," he concluded.

WAC Director James Darling echoed Gockel.

Grossman agreed, believing the request was not rejected. Grossman noted Ryan could file an article 78 but that it would go nowhere is a waste of judicial time. "The court is going to get angry with him on that one," she said.

Directors entered an executive session to discuss recruiting updates and various executive director report updates.

The next WAC Directors meeting is scheduled Tuesday, April 22 at 10 a.m.

 

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DEC Announces April 1 Start of Spring Trout Fishing Season

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced the April 1 start of the spring trout fishing season, which provides excellent angling opportunities thanks to DEC's annual stocking program and wild trout fisheries. DEC's extensive spring stocking includes nearly 1.9 million trout in waters statewide, enhancing the diversity of fishing opportunities available to anglers across New York State. 

“While anglers willing to brave the cold can enjoy catch-and-release fishing for inland trout all year, the April 1 opener of the harvest season is still a much-anticipated date in New York,” said Acting Commissioner Lefton. “This is the true beginning of a long-awaited spring and a perfect time to get outside and enjoy time along a waterway near you.”

Spring Trout Stocking 

DEC trout stocking is in full swing with 1,873,980 catchable-size brook, brown, and rainbow trout stocked in ponds and streams across the state from mid-March through early June. 'Stocked-Extended' streams, specified in the Inland Trout Streams Regulations section of the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide, will receive fish every other week for two months to provide season-long opportunities for angler success. Most stream stockings will include larger stocked trout (12 inches or greater) as 10 percent of the total number. Spring trout stocking lists, including the scheduled week of stocking for trout streams, can be found at DEC's website.  

Hatcheries met the production target for rainbow and brown trout, but drought conditions in 2024 caused water supply constraints at some hatcheries, inhibiting brown trout growth. Therefore, many stocked brown trout will be less than the desired nine inches in length at the time of stocking. 

Brook trout production was affected by an outbreak of whirling disease at the Randolph hatchery and related DEC actions at the Bath hatchery earlier this month. Many streams will receive fewer brook trout this season. To offset this loss, some ponds will receive surplus brown trout and rainbow trout. Brook trout reared for Adirondack ponds were not exposed to whirling disease so these fingerlings will be stocked as planned.   

Trout Fishing Resources 

The popular Trout Stream Fishing Map on DECinfo Locator allows anglers to view trout stream reaches, color-coded by management category, as well as fishing access associated with those reaches. Links to the Trout Stream Fishing Map and a User Guide are available on DEC's website.  

Anglers can also use smart phones to find trout fishing opportunities around the state by accessing the Tackle Box feature in DEC’s HuntFishNY app. The Tackle Box provides one-stop-shopping for information on access sites, stocking, regulations and more.  Information on how to download the app can be found on DEC’s website. Anglers are encouraged to check out these valuable resources when planning their next fishing trip. 

2025 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide 

A  digital version of the new guide is available to download on DEC’s website. Hard copies of the guide are available wherever sporting licenses are sold. For locations visit DEC’s website.

 

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Catskill Community Players To Celebrate 50 years

By Liz Page

WORCESTER – Members of the Catskill Community Players have enjoyed telling a story from the stage for the past 50 years. Diane Stammel, of Stamford, has enjoyed that story for the past 48 years and is the one constant of the group since it first began its productions on the stage at South Kortright Central School.

The group will mark its 50th anniversary this year with some additional performances.

Looking back through old photos and playbills is nostalgic. The group was founded in 1975 with the purpose of "promoting and presenting theater in the community. Based in upstate New York, their membership is drawn from the communities of South Kortright, Hobart, Stamford, Jefferson, Delhi, Franklin, Oneonta and surrounding areas."

Stammel said  they typically do two performances per year and now call the Wieting Theater in Worcester their home theater. Over their 50-year span they have done 20 musicals, seven variety reviews, two rehearsed stage readings and 57 plays. Their 58th is coming up April 25-27. A Crazy Little Cafe´Called Love is a comedy with romance, portraying a fast-paced day served up in a crazy little cafe. Productions take place at 7:30 p.m. April 25 and 26 with a 2 p.m. matinee on April 27. The Wieting Theater is located at 168 Main St., Worcester.

Stammel carries much of the group's history in her head. Their first production was "Life wih Father" and they have offered original productions, starting with "Hysterical, Historical America" and including "Mama Louisa's Ristorante" and "Catskill Canteen" to name a few. In 1998 they performed "Rexmere Varieties" to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Rexmere Hotel in Stamford. This week marked the 10th anniversary of the fire that claimed the iconic hotel.

Stammel gets a bit emotional when she recalls her ties to the group. "For me, the Catskill Community Players, has given me some dear, close friendships over the years. It has been fun to grow up together and play on stage together. I am hoping I don't age out from being cast. I really enjoy telling a story from the stage."

She recalls seeing "Fiddler on the Roof" when she was 17. "I remember them coming down through the audience and singing "Traditions" and I said, 'I want to do that'." Not in her wildest dreams did she think that 48 and half years later she would  be doing it." She did not dream of a life on stage, but she is still doing it and enjoying it.

Perhaps the note to the audience on their 30-year celebration program explains why this group has continued for half a century.

"There have been many dedicated directors and production staff members  who have put in countless hours preparing for and presenting each of these productions. Actors who have put in hours of rehearsal time and who have "gone on" with little sleep, or bouts of flu and colds, fought icy roads and eaten their meals on the run. All this has been done because of a love of performing and entertaining you - our audience. You are the sparks that light our fires. We thank you for your years of support. We hope to continue to entertain you for many years to come."

And certainly those words still ring true. The CCP does have a following and you can get on the list to be notified of casting and performances.

The group started its performances on the stage at SKCS, but have done a dinner theater at the St. John's Episcopal Church in Delhi and at Farrell Hall on the Delhi campus. Stammel said they have been at Weiting for nearly half their existence and praises the small local theater, which has been refurbished. "It is a beautiful theater and does feel like our home now. The Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation has helped with grants to refurbish a building that is more than 100 years old and was originally a theater, before becoming a library for a time before again becoming a theater. There is still a library in one corner of the building.

"It's a great old place," said Stammel. They usually play to a full house each day over the three-day run.

Stammel said they also have a following of patrons. Audiences enjoy seeing community members performing on stage.

Stammel describes them as a "friendly group" and  chuckles a bit. "We really are very friendly and we are a very welcoming group," she said. "Most people like to act, but we have other talents. Some like to direct. I like to make costumes. Others work on the stage. There is more than acting for people to be a part of the group."

They take turns at the leadership roles and there is a good core of people involved who have been together for at least 25 years.

They have a Facebook Page or you can visit at catskillplayers.org.

The cast of “Fiddler on the Roof”, Catskill Community Players first full musical in October 1977.

This is from the Catskill Community Players October 2022 production of “Exhibit This!” Pictured from left are: Maria Johnson, Diane Stammel and  Christine Johnson.

This is from the Catskill Community Players “Murder on the Orient Express”, performed Nov. 2024. Pictured, from left are:  J Lentner, Emily Travisano, Jay Goldman, Kelsey Stearns, Nick Kocienienski, Becky Chien, Diane Stammel, Colleen Bunn, Sheila Ayres, Sebastian Griffiths

The Catskill Community Players Spring 2022 production of “Rumors” included, from left: back row - Mark Murphy, Ben Friedell, Charlie Reiman, Michael Tamburrino; seated - ,  Diana Friedell, Maria Johnson, J Lentner, Diane Stammel , Rhiannon LaCross

 

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NCOC Culinary Team Takes Third Straight Burger Battle At Culinary Arts Institute

Standing on the podium at the 2025 New York State Restaurant Association's ProStart Invitation Burger Battle at the The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park are, from left: Vesti Johnson, chef and assistant culinary instructor; Naddiyah Morgan, of Stamford Central, second place winner; Abby Merwin, Jefferson Central, first place winner and Jody Albano, Culinary Arts Instructor. This is the third straight win for the culinary students at the Northern Catskills Occupational Center (NCOC) in Grand Gorge.

And the winning burger was this Sweet Heat Bacon Burger, created by Abby Merwin.

The winning team in this year’s ProStart Virtual Gingerbread Competition at the Culinary Arts Institute included: Lilly Hrycyna, of Stamford Central;  Abby Merwin, of Jefferson Central; Hailey Temple, of Stamford Central; Kylie Liddle, of Gilboa Conesville and Ayana Sarter, of Roxbury Central with their “Farm House” entry.

GRAND GORGE – The Northern Catskills Occupational Center in Grand Gorge is home to a remarkable group of students. For the third straight year, students in the Culinary Arts program at NCOC stood at the top of the podium in the annual New York State Restaurant Association's ProStart Invitation Burger Battle at the The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park.

Jody Albano, is proud beyond words, "Three years of hard work, dedication and pushing the limits of what's possible and competing against some of the best culinary talent in New York State. And three years of placing first in this competition."

She also credits her teaching assistant Vesti Johnson, who is an integral part of the program at NCOC. "She works just as hard as I do," said Chef Albano.

The two cannot say enough about their students and how much they stepped up to take on this competition and win it. "I am in awe of what these students have accomplished," said Chef Albano. "The pressure in a competition like this is intense and the stakes are high. The expectations are even higher. And yet, they rise to the challenge each time."

The competition consists of creating a restaurant ready burger and side dish in 50 minutes. They are judged on knife skills, safety, sanitation, professionalism, difficulty, creativity and execution. "There's no room for error and there are no second chances," said Chef Albano. "It is just the student and their skills operating under the pressure of performing at the highest level. "They have proven that talent isn't limited to just the big city schools."

The small upstate tech school  is now recognized by the chefs from the Culinary Institute of America. "They compliment our students on their professionalism, skill and execution. That alone speaks volumes," said Chef Albano.

She thanked past and present students for their dedication, passion, skill, determination and heart they can take anywhere. "We are small, but mighty. And we are just getting started."

Helping get this small upstate technical school program into the limelight for three straight years were: Anthony Accordino and Skye Lewis, both from Roxbury Central, first and second place, respectively, in the 2023 competition; Naddiyah Morgan, of Stamford Central, first place in 2024,  and this year's winners - Abigail Merwin, of Jefferson Central and Hailey Temple, of Stamford Central, first and second place, respectively.  

This year's winner, Abby Merwin, created the Sweet Heat Bacon Burger, described as a bold short rib beef burger infused with jalapenos, jalapeno jack cheese, and a sweet-smokey blend, kissed with garlic chili sauce and buttery steakhouse seasoning. It was topped with crispy maple-candied bacon and fried three pepper cheese, nestled in a toasted pretzel roll and served with sweet and smoky baked beans.

Second place winner, Hailey Temple, created a Cajun Surf & Turf Burger, described as a bold fusion of land and sea. It consisted of a  hand-crafted beef brisket burger blend, infused with Cajun spices, minced garlic and chopped onions for a rich, smoky depth of flavor. Topping  her masterpiece was a golden, pan-seared shrimp cake made with succulent shrimp, sweet red peppers, crisp green onions and a touch of Old Bay, fresh lemon and dill. It was served on a warm, toasted herbed focaccia roll, slathered with a zesty housemade remoulade sauce. It was served with a sweet pineapple slaw. 

Kylie Liddle competed with her Asian Harmony Burger, described as a meticulously crafted Certified Black Angus blend of chuck, brisket, and short rib, enhanced with the delicate umami of hoisin, fresh ginger, and garlic. This decadent burger was crowned with a crisp apple slaw and finished with a crunchy peanut-hoisin aioli, all nestled within a toasted brioche bun. It was served alongside elegantly prepared Vegetarian Japanese Udon Noodles. It was described as a true symphony of balance, refinement, and bold flavor.

In addition to winning the burger battle three years in a row. The Culinary Arts Students have won the following competitions:

 ProStart Virtual Gingerbread Competition-

2023 - Trynati Donato, of Stamford Central, first place  with her “Frozen Castle" and 

Angelina Randazzo, of Hunter Tannersville, second place with her “Wreck it Ralph House”

Trynati is currently as SUNY Cobleskill for Culinary Arts and Angelina is currently at the Culinary Institute of America for Baking and Pastry Arts

2024- Student Emily E.,  of Roxbury Central sook second place with their “UP House”

2025 - 1st  Place in the team competition with their “Farm House” included: Abby Merwin, Jefferson;

Hailey Temple, Stamford;;Lilly Hrycyna, Stamford; Kylie Liddle, Gilboa Conesville and 

Ayana Sarter, Roxbury  

ProStart Virtual Cake Decoration

2024 1st  Place - Tea Mattice, Roxbury with her “Piggy Spa Day Cake”, first place; Emily E., Roxbury with her “Panda Cake”, third place and Briana Beaupre- Gilboa with “Strawberry Dream Cake”, fourth place.

The 2025 competition has not happened yet, so Albano warns to stay tuned for results

2024 - ProStart Virtual Pumpkin Carving Competition

Paige VanValkenburgh, of Gilboa took third place in the 2024 competition with her “Chucky Pumpkin”

"Jody consistently guides ONC students to success, whether in the classroom or competitions like the recent burger battle and other past events, according to Tara Nolet, Human Resources Coordinator at NCOC. "Her dedication and her students' achievements speak volumes."

Congratulations NCOC culinary students.

 

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Stamford Man Arrested for Alleged DWI

HARPERSFIELD — Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced the arrest of a Stamford resident for driving while intoxicated.

On Tuesday night, March 18th, 2025, Sheriff’s Deputies observed a vehicle traveling on Harper Street, in the Village of Stamford with no rear taillights illuminated. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver of the vehicle was identified as 39-year-old Irvin Peel of Stamford. 

Upon completion of the investigation, Sheriff’s Deputies arrested and charged Peel with, Driving While Ability Impaired by drugs, a misdemeanor, Peel was also issued traffic summonses for No/Inadequate Lights and No/Inadequate Plate Lamps, both violations in the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.

Upon completion of arrest processing, Peel was released on appearance tickets and traffic summonses and was directed to appear in the Town of Harpersfield Court at a later date.

 

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Suspended License Arrest in Meredith

MEREDITH – Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced that an Otego NY man was arrested on driving with a suspended license after a traffic stop in the Town of Meredith 

On Sunday, March 23rd, 2025, Sheriff Deputies conducted a traffic stop on State Highway 28 in the Town of Meredith. During the traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle was identified as Christopher Romano 38-years-old of Otego NY.  Romano was found to have a revoked license due to several suspensions in Otsego County.

Romano was arrested and charged with aggravated unlicensed operator in the second degree, unlicensed operator and failure to obey a traffic control device. 

Romano was released on traffic summonses and an appearance ticket, Romano was directed to appear in the Meredith Town Court at a later date. 

 

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Sentencing in Drug Case

DELHI – Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced that Gage Pankiewicz, 23, of Walton, New York was sentenced to five years of felony probation supervision for the crime of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, a Class D Felony, in Delaware County Court on March 18, 2025.

On September 4, 2024, deputies of the Delaware County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at a residence in the Village of Walton on suspicion of drug trafficking. A forcible entry was made, and deputies arrested Gage Pankiewicz, among other suspects. During the search, suspected narcotics later confirmed to be methamphetamine, was recovered by deputies along with a blue substance later confirmed to be fentanyl. Deputies also recovered packaging, scales, and a rifle. Two other individuals were also arrested. On January 21, 2025, Mr. Pankiewicz pled guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, a Class D Felony. 

On March 18, 2025, Mr. Pankiewicz appeared for sentencing. Pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement, Judge John L. Hubbard sentenced Pankiewicz to five years of felony probation supervision. If Pankiewicz fails to abide by the terms of his probation, he faces up to two and a half years in state prison.

District Attorney Shawn Smith thanked law enforcement for their efforts, “I want to thank Senior Investigator Chris Erwin, Investigator David Barnes, Major John Demeo, Corporal Kyle Karcher and Deputies Zachary Finch and Robert Mantzouratos, for their work on this case. Searching drug houses such as these is never safe, and I am glad that their work has resulted in these convictions.”

 

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Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Division Awarded Re-Accreditation

DELHI — Sheriff Craig DuMond announced that on Thursday, March 6th, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Division was awarded Re-Accreditation status by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) for continuing to meet the standards set forth by The Accreditation Council.
The Law Enforcement Accreditation Program is a voluntary program overseen by DCJS and is designed to improve an agency’s effectiveness, efficiency and professionalism; promote training and foster public confidence in law enforcement. The Program consists of 112 total standards (52 Administrative standards, 12 Training Standards, and 48 Operations Standards), of which the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office met or exceeded to be awarded re-accreditation status.
This award marks the third such successful “re-accreditation” status that the Sheriff’s Office has received since they received their initial Certificate of Accreditation in 2010.
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is one of only 186 accredited law enforcement agencies across in NYS and one of only 37 Sheriff’s Offices currently accredited in New York State.
Speaking on the award, Sheriff DuMond commented “I am incredibly proud to receive this prestigious award on behalf of The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. I am blessed to work alongside a team of individuals that understand the importance of integrity, professionalism and what it means to serve the public. We hold our expectations and standards high to ensure the excellent quality of the services we provide and will continue to provide to the residents of Delaware County.”
In fact, the Assessor who conducted our most recent assessment had this to say about our Office, “The DCSO is an excellent law enforcement agency and has a long history of accreditation compliance.  Departmental personnel were cordial and cooperative during the visit and all personnel were very professional in their approach to assessment. I found the atmosphere of the department to be very customer-oriented, clean and morale to be very good.”     
Rounding out receipt of the awards, the Law Enforcement Program Manager Undersheriff Kim Smith was also awarded the John Kimball O’Neil Certificate of Achievement, recognizing her tireless efforts and commitment toward ensuring that the Sheriff’s Office continued to meet the standards.

 

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SUNY Delhi Culinary Team Wins Regional Title - Heads to Nationals for Second Consecutive Year

SUNY Delhi Hot Food Team 2025 left to right, Matthew Caliendo, Sarthak Thapa, Brennan Spencer (captain), Moses Rojas, and Derik Cole.

 

DELHI — SUNY Delhi's hot food culinary team successfully defended their title in the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Student Team of the Year Northeast regional competition in Columbus, Ohio, earlier in March. The win secures Delhi a spot in the finals to compete against other regional winners for the title of ACF Student Team of the Year 2025. The national competition will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, in July. At last year's nationals, SUNY Delhi placed second.

The students on the team are Brennan Spencer (captain), Matthew Caliendo, Sarthak Thapa, Moses Rojas, and Derik Cole. The team was coached by SUNY Delhi culinary instructors Chef Victor Sommo and Chef Sean Pehrsson.

In addition, SUNY Delhi student Jahnasia Sutton competed individually for the title of ACF Student Pastry Chef of the Year, placing second with a high score silver medal.

"Our competition team is very disciplined, detail-oriented, and a pleasure to work with," Chef Sommo said. "They stayed on campus over spring break, practicing their dishes over and over. To have their dedication pay off was amazing to watch. We couldn't be prouder."

"I think it speaks volumes about SUNY Delhi's culinary program that our hot food team has been able to win two back-to-back regionals and qualify for the nationals for the second year in a row," said Chef Pehrsson. "The students were committed from day one and stayed focused and humble. They worked tirelessly and sacrificed countless hours for this victory."

In the hot food competition, each team was required to create a four-course menu (appetizer, salad, entree, and dessert) with local ingredients, a fish appetizer, and an entree with a protein of their choice. With their theme, "Winter in the Catskills," Team Delhi featured rainbow trout from Skytop Springs for the appetizer and duck from Hudson Valley Farms for the entree. Fruits, vegetables, herbs, and dairy for Delhi's menu were also sourced from local providers.

In the pastry chef competition, Jahnasia Sutton prepared a Gateau St. Honore, a French layered cake with pastry cream, adding a tropical twist.

The judges praised Team Delhi not only praised for their flavors and menu progression but also for cleanliness and organization.

To prepare for the upcoming nationals in July, Team Delhi will stay on campus after the semester is over and dedicate their summer to practicing and perfecting their dishes.

SUNY Delhi has long been recognized as one of the best culinary schools in the nation. In the last decade, Delhi students have won dozens of individual and team medals, including multiple American Culinary Federation (ACF) state, regional, and national titles. On-campus facilities include Bluestone Pub & Restaurant, a large banquet/catering kitchen, a baking and pastry kitchen, an ice carving lab, a full-scale butcher shop, and a lounge bar with a beverage lab.

 

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SUNY Delhi Student Honored with Statewide EOP Award

DELHI — SUNY Delhi student Donovan Church is among 50 exceptional students in SUNY's Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) whose academic merit and perseverance were recognized with the 2025 Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence. SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. presented the awards at a ceremony held in Albany, NY, earlier this month. Church was accompanied to the event by SUNY Delhi President Mary Bonderoff, EOP counselor Jessica Blake, and his grandmother.

Donovan Church of Altamont, NY, is a senior in SUNY Delhi's Construction Management program. After facing academic and disciplinary challenges early in his college journey, he embraced the support offered by EOP and other campus resources, emerging as a leader among his peers at Delhi. His many campus roles now include serving as a senior resident assistant, an EOP peer mentor, an EOP ambassador, and the president of the Associated General Contractors student chapter.

"Donovan is a testament to the transformative power that EOP can hold," says Gabriella Vasta, interim director of accessibility and opportunity programs at SUNY Delhi. "He is a compassionate and dedicated young man who has used his challenges and obstacles as motivation to help others in and outside of his community."

"This award represents a sense of accomplishment and pride for my family - succeeding despite all the hurdles," Church says. "Seeing all the hard work pay off feels like a weight starting to lift off my shoulders. After four years in college, I've gained recognition, and others are starting to look up to me. It's important to me to be a good role model and inspire others, especially my younger siblings."

Church describes the role of EOP during his college years as "the family that always has your back."

"EOP pushes you to be better and supports you through thick or thin through counseling, tutoring, and financial assistance. You can't do it without other people."

Church's career choice in construction was inspired by role models in his life who worked in the field. He graduates this spring with a bachelor's degree in construction management and has already received multiple lucrative job offers. He has accepted a civil construction position in Tennessee.

Since 1967, EOP has provided access, academic support, and supplemental financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The EOP award is named in memory of Norman R. McConney Jr., a former assistant dean for special programs at SUNY, who helped create EOP as a statewide program.

 

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Supervisors Debate Renegotiations Of County Ambulance Contract

By Mary A. Crisafulli

DELHI - After two years of service Delaware County Supervisors review data from the $1.9 million contract with AMR (American Medical Response) for a county-wide ambulance service. The contract provides two basic life support vehicles and one advanced life support vehicle on a 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week schedule. Two are stationed in south Hamden and another at Pindars Corners. Supervisors intended the service to act as supplementary support to other paid or volunteer services throughout the county. 

Data from 2024 indicates the majority of calls county ambulances respond to are in - Delhi, 668, Davenport, 289, and Stamford, 217. Walton, Harpersfield, Meredith, and Sidney had under 100 calls answered. On the other end, some towns received little to no additional support - Middletown, 4, Tompkins, 13, Hancock, 20, and Deposit, 0. Middletown, Sidney, and Handcock all have operating paid ambulance services.

The major issue with the service explained Margaret Wilson, deputy emergency services director and EMS coordinator, is regulations for Medicare and Medicaid billing. New York legislation sets minimum bill amounts for Medicare and Medicaid patients of around $250. Wilson said the bill amount is close to one-third of the call costs at a base rate of $1,500. A high number of county residents receive Medicaid or Medicare, said Wilson. 

Collected revenues from billing account for 35% of total contract costs; the remainder is billed to the county. Average revenues are exactly as predicted, said Emergency Services Director Steve Hood.

Wilson reported that 85% of the AMR staff for Delaware County live locally. Average ambulance response times - including all services - are down to 14.2 minutes from the 50 minutes before the AMR contract. Wilson concluded that the service has been beneficial for the county and has increased volunteer response times by reducing burnout.

Wilson and Hood told supervisors that the contract cost is more likely to increase drastically if it is sent out to bid again rather than extending and renegotiating the current contract with AMR. Hood will research potential renegotiation costs as compared to bid prices. 

Some supervisors noted that response times might appear to have decreased since most of the calls are in Delhi and the ambulances are stationed nearby.

Hancock Supervisor Jerry Vernold reported receiving concerns from his constituents who already pay $300,000 annually for EMS. He said the Hancock Ambulance serves the town well and it is possible residents will ask to terminate the service if the county service continues or expands. That will force the county to add an extra ambulance to service Hancock's needs and about seven people would be unemployed, said Vernold. "We are paying for a service that quite frankly we don't need," he concluded.

Andes Supervisor Wayland Gladstone and Middletown Supervisor Glen Faulkner added concerns about Westchester Medical paid EMS closing. In a recent meeting with the medical center, Gladstone and Faulkner attended, it was noted the service is facing staffing challenges. This issue would also force the county service to expand. 

Hood reported one additional ambulance and Advanced Life Support staff would triple the contract costs. 

The Emergency Services Committee has been tasked with making recommendations on how to proceed with county ambulance services. The contract with AMR ends in December. 

The county received $25,000 from New York State Department of State for the StateWide Investment in More Swimming Program which provides lifeguard training and employment funds.

The county paid $91,974.96 for services for inmates deemed unable to participate in criminal defense proceedings and require psychiatric care.

Supervisors accepted a bid from CJs Lawn Care for $1,290 to mow 129 county-owned FEMA Flood Buyout properties in Sidney.

The county recognized National Public Health Week for April 7 through 13th.

Supervisors entered an executive session that Planning and Watershed Affairs Director Shelly Johnson-Bennett was invited to.

The next regularly scheduled Board of Supervisors meeting is Wednesday, April 9 at 1 p.m.

 

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