THOMPSON — With multiple attractions opening their doors, what a year 2018 has been for the Town of Thompson.

Resorts World Catskills casino opened to much fanfare in February 2018 along with the YO1 Wellness Center opening its doors in June, 2018, Thompson stands to be the next destination hot spot.

Residents of Thompson were treated to lower taxes this year as gaming money started to roll in from the casino.

The Center for Discovery announced they would be expanding into Rock Hill, a hamlet in Thompson, and will build a cutting edge specialty hospital and research institute.

Thompson now has its own solar array in Sackett Lake, that will be producing energy shortly.

For this year, Thompson shows no signs of slowing down as the New York State's largest indoor water park is set to open in March and more upscale hotels will soon be opening in the nearby towns of Bethel and Highland.

Once again on the town board for 2019 will be Councilman Scott Mace, Councilwoman Melinda Meddaugh, Councilman Peter Briggs, Councilman John Pavese, and Town Supervisor Bill Rieber Jr.

The Sullivan County Democrat was once again named the official newspaper of record for the Town of Thompson.

Making up the town office is Marilee J. Calhoun as Town Clerk and Kelly M. Murran and Thomas J. Kelly as Deputy Town Clerks.

The Receiver of Taxes will be Doreen Huebner and presiding Town Justices will be Judge Sharon L. Jankiewicz and Judge Martin S. Miller.

Highway Superintendent for 2019 will be Richard L. Benjamin, Jr. and David Wells will be Deputy Highway Superintendent.

Town Park Manager for 2019 will be Glenn Somers, and Melissa DeMarmels will be Thompson's Comptroller.

Road Repair

At the reorganizational meeting held on January 8, 2019, a list of potential road repairs for the new year was presented. The number of roads improved can change due to weather, damages, scheduling and the cost of materials according to Superintendent of Highways Rich Benjamin Jr.

The roads are Wild Turnpike; E. Glen Wild; Bowera; North Shore; Edwards Rd Ranch Rd; Gibber Rd; Feldman Circle; Barnes Blvd; Silver Terrace; Bristol; Darthmouth; Cardiff; Plymouth; Emerald Dr; Drake In; Norfolk; Brighton; Hastings; Timber Point Road and Overlook Drive.

Dove Trail

Like many other towns, Thompson will be gearing up for Woodstock's 50th golden anniversary celebration.

Agreeing to work with the Sullivan County Visitors Association (SCVA), the town has to pick an artist from a list provided by SCVA and have a location set by February 15.

According to the guidelines provided by SCVA, “Every effort must be made to hire a Sullivan Catskill artist.”

When the artist is picked, they must agree to follow design standards provided by the SCVA, and they must be submitted to the Dove Planning Committee.

Thompson has not finalized where to place the dove or how many they will get or buy. The dove is five feet tall by seven feet wide and weighs about 150 pounds.

When placing the dove, SCVA has some guidelines that towns, villages, and hamlets have to adhere to.

The doves have to be accessible to the public for free during normal business hours. They also have to be in an area that will deter climbing and vandalism.

The doves also have to be free from obstructing windows, entrance ways or normal pedestrian walkways.

The town, village, hamlet or business will maintain the permanent dove installation once it is installed which has to be done by May 23.

Furthermore, the doves have been in a central location that allows for high levels of pedestrian traffic, activity, and parking.

Recently, Bethels Woods Center for Arts announced their dates for the 50th Anniversary concert weekend for August 16, 17 and 18 and the dove trail is to help promote the event for the county.