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County Honors Soapbox Champs, beauty pageant finalists, Ukrainian independence, shared services and more

Matt Shortall - Staff Writer
Posted 8/22/17

MONTICELLO — Sullivan County Legislators honored two intrepid young derby racers at the full board meeting last week, as the newest recipients of their Distinguished Citizen Awards.

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County Honors Soapbox Champs, beauty pageant finalists, Ukrainian independence, shared services and more

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MONTICELLO — Sullivan County Legislators honored two intrepid young derby racers at the full board meeting last week, as the newest recipients of their Distinguished Citizen Awards.

Fifteen-year-old Brianna Roth's competitive nature and 17-year-old Morgan Van Kuren's passion for derby racing made them a perfect team to make their home county proud.

Roth landed first place at the All-American Soap Box Derby World Championships on July 22.

The car in which she covered 986 feet in 29 seconds - the one she built with her best friend Cascio Fonseca - now has a distinguished place of honor in the Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame Museum in Akron, Ohio.

“I couldn't believe it!” she said at her White Sulphur Springs home a few weeks afterwards. “It was a lot of waiting at the top to go down, and then I just went as straight as I can and got as aerodynamic as I can.”

Her lightweight vehicle is nicknamed MOJO in honor of Morgan and his father, Joe, who built it. It's specifically designed to zip down a track as fast as possible. He performed in the World Championships much better than it did on the hill where it first earned a win on North Main Street in Liberty.

“I speak for the entire district when I say we couldn't be prouder of Brianna,” said Legislator Terri Ward, in whose district Brianna lives. “She overcame a 2014 loss with fierce determination and proved successful with an amazing WORLD Championship! Brianna, her family, and her team should be extremely proud of their accomplishments, as we are extremely proud they call Sullivan County home.”

Beauty Pageant contestants recognized

Legislators also honored eight beauty pageant contestants: Sophia Foley as Tiny Miss Sullivan County, Krystal Warf as Miss Congeniality (child) and Molly Rampe as Miss Pre-Teen Sullivan County, Miracle Marcus as Little Miss Sullivan County, Marie Smith as Miss Congeniality (adult), Tammy Brown as Ms. Sullivan County 21 and over, Taylor Welch as Miss Sullivan County 18-29, Amanda Rampe as Miss Teen Sullivan County and Kylie Foulk as Young Miss Sullivan County.

All the finalists will spend the next year volunteering in their communities.

Anne Mikulski recognized as distinguished citizen

Anne Mikulski, SCHN, RN was honored as well last Thursday for “26-plus years of service to the people of Sullivan County,” according to Legislator Nadia Rajsz. “If you ever get bored, we have a place for you here, so please come back.”

Mikulski started with the Department of Public Health in 1990.

“Ann started as a road nurse and has worked in just about every area of our department,” said Public Health Director Nancy Mcgraw. Mikulski worked in Public Health's intake department, was a supervising community health nurse, and led the maternal child health team. “She's been out in all four corners of the county over the years,” said Mcgraw. “We're really going to miss her, but I just want to thank her on behalf of the whole department and all of her colleagues and co-workers in the county.”

Observing Ukrainian Independence Day

The Legislature passed a resolution honoring Ukrainian Independence Day on Aug. 24.

Legislator Nadia Rajsz was joined at the podium by her daughter and Sullivan County Deputy Elections Commissioner Deanna Rajsz, and granddaughter Julia Steimle - all of whom share Ukrainian heritage.

“In the areas currently occupied by Russia's forces, we recognize the struggle of those under direct persecution, including the indigenous Crimean Tatar people, whose language, rights and culture have all been targeted for repression,” read Rajsz.

“There are many more Ukrainians living not only in Lumberland, but in the county of Sullivan. I'm very grateful that we accepted this proclamation, and I hope that the future of Ukraine is one of independence and free from Russian aggression,” said Rajsz

Airport Improvement Continues

Sullivan County has invested more than $56,000 in the past year to improve infrastructure at the International Airport in the Town of Bethel. That's on top of $747,000 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and $166,500 from the state.

These improvements include the installation of new wayfinding signage, replacement of runway lighting, installation of a backup generator and a pavement condition study for use in future grant applications.

“The coming Resorts World Catskills casino and indoor waterpark are anticipated to attract guests who would prefer to fly in, and the airport will make an important first impression to them,” said Sullivan County Manager Josh Potosek in a monthly newsletter.

Sullivan moves on shared services plan

Legislators voted unanimously last week to approve a strategy for planned services.

According to Potosek, the plan will save more than one million dollars for the county.

Public hearings on the plan will be held at the County Government Center at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 12.

A panel of town and village officials who helped Potosek draw up the draft proposal will vote on the final draft on September 14.

Strategies for consolidation includes combining the Town of Fallsburg's police dispatching services with the county 911 system. According to Potosek, that alone would save $487,000.

Other plans for consolidation include local towns and villages sharing the costs of an emergency notification system.

Coupons to replace trash at transfer stations

Effective September 1, the county will officially adopt three improvements to their solid waste and recycling program.

Cash will no longer be accepted at county transfer stations. Residential bagged garbage will now be paid with coupons only. Coupon books are available in increments of five coupons for $10 and 15 coupons for $30.

The county now accepts residential bagged garbage at the flat rate of $2 per bag (30 gallons or less) and have eliminated the requirement for garbage to be in certain colored or clear bags.

The rate for opaque bags has been reduced from $4 to $2.

Furthermore, the county transfer station in Monticello will now be open on Saturdays from 7:45 a.m. until 2:45 p.m. The scale will be open until 11 a.m.

“Our Solid Waste & Recycling crew is constantly seeking ways to improve services to residents and businesses, and these new Legislature-approved initiatives will make trips to our transfer stations faster and more cost-effective,” District 7 Legislator and Public Works Committee Chair Joe Perrello explained.

For more information, please contact Donna Egan, Director of the Sullivan County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling at 845-807-0290.

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