Mid Hudson Times Jun. 05 2019 | Page 4

4 Mid Hudson Times, Wednesday, June 5, 2019 I n B rief Wallkill man killed in Rte 300 crash A crash between a motorcycle and a car took the life of a Wallkill man Friday night. Thomas Pennington II, 27, of Wallkill was pronounced dead at Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh. Town of Newburgh Police said the driver of a Dodge Avenger was making a left turn onto Stewart Avenue from Route 300 when Pennington’s motorcycle, northbound on Route 300, struck the passenger side of the Dodge Friday around 11 p.m. The Town of Newburgh Detective Division was assisted by the State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit. No charges have been filed. Gun buyback event is June 22 The latest gun buyback program in the City of Newburgh has been set for Saturday, June 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The program is designed to allow people to safely surrender guns and receive a Walmart gift card of up to $150 depending upon the type of gun surrendered. Those turning in an operable assault weapon will receive a $150 gift card. Those surrendering operable handguns, or modified rifles or shotguns, will receive gift cards of $100. Those surrendering rifles, shotguns, antique or non-working firearms will receive $25 gift cards. Guns must be unloaded and brought in a plastic or paper bag. Guns being transported in a car must be unloaded and in the trunk. There is no limit to the number of weapons that may be surrendered. Active or retired law enforcement officers or licensed gun dealers are not eligible to participate in the program. No identification is required to turn in a weapon and no questions will be asked. Town of Newburgh DIAL • A • BUS SERVICE 1.00 Per Ride One Way $ • Children under 6 Free • Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult • Senior Citizens half-price (60 & over) Fully Equipped for the Handicapped For reservations of info, call 564-6084 Between 8 and 12 a.m. Monday thru Friday Operating Hours Mon. - Fri. 8:15 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. SATURDAY SEASONAL MORNING RUN Advance Notice Needed For Reservations Allow extra time for additional rider pick-ups 7 bridges to be repaired Seven bridges along Route 9W, a state highway, will be rehabilitated or replaced this year with the state picking up the $23.6 million price tag. The bridges to be addressed include the Angola Road Bridge over Route 9W in the Town of Cornwall; Willow Avenue bridge over Route 9W in the Town of Cornwall; River Road bridge over Route 9W in the Town of New Windsor; and four Route 9W overpasses in all three towns, including along Quaker Avenue. Senator James Skoufis (D, Woodbury) secured the funding in the state budget. “Revitalizing these seven bridges at key points along Route 9W will create a safer drive and, in some cases, pedestrian experience, for local residents and visitors alike,” Skoufis said. Assembly passes relief measure for schools Assemblyman Colin Schmitt (R,C,I,Ref-New Windsor) co-sponsored a bill that passed the Assembly Tuesday to provide the Newburgh Enlarged City School District and the Chester Union Free School District final cost report relief. The state has levied a $12.5 million penalty against the Newburgh Enlarged City School District and a $1.3 million penalty against the Chester Union Free School District. This bill would relieve the entirety of the fines for both districts. “I was proud to work in bipartisan fashion to co-sponsor and pass a final cost report relief measure for Newburgh and Chester Schools,” Schmitt said. These multimillion dollar fines levied by the State negatively impact students and taxpayers of both districts. This is the year for Governor Cuomo to sign this legislation and provide relief to students and taxpayers in Newburgh and Chester.” The bill has passed both chambers and now heads to the Governor’s desk. Man shot on Renwick Street Police in Newburgh are investigating the shooting of a man near 122 Renwick Street early Sunday morning. Police received a Shot Spotter alert of the shooting around 4:25 a.m. The victim, who had been shot in the abdomen, was transported to Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital. His condition is not known. The case is being investigated by the Non-Fatal Shooting Team of Newburgh City Police. Town scheduled special meeting The Town Board of the Town of Newburgh will conduct a special meeting on Tuesday, June 18, at 10:30 a.m. at 1496 Route 300, Newburgh, The purpose of the meeting will be to review the annual financial audit performed by the CPA firm of RBT. The audit will cover calendar year 2018. The meeting will be open to the public. Orange County Sheriff and Parks Commissioner encourage safe speeds on the Heritage Trail Orange County Sheriff Carl E. DuBois and Parks Commissioner James Brooks are reminding bicyclists to travel at safe speeds when utilizing the Heritage Trail. “Safety for all users on the Heritage Trail is important and will be protected,” DuBois said. “The trail is a shared public space, and safety and courtesy make for a positive experience for all users. We encourage everyone who takes advantage of this wonderful County resource to be respectful of one another.” Brooks added: “While people assume the risk in any recreational activity, trail users need to be responsible in order to keep the trail enjoyable. Maintaining safe speeds at all times are important. If the trail is wet, users should be more careful. When passing, announce yourself and pass safely on the left.” The County has made significant improvements to the trail in recent years, including numerous patching projects. Currently, the Heritage Trail runs 14.5 miles from Goshen to Harriman with approximately 150,000 people using it each year for running, biking, hiking and environmental and natural studies. Schmitt to host Anti-vaping forum Assemblyman Colin Schmitt (R,C,I,Ref-New Windsor) will be hosting a Youth Anti-Vaping Public Forum on Saturday, June 15 at the Washingtonville High School Cafeteria with his Youth Anti-Vaping advisory council. Some general topics that will be addressed at the round table discussion will include what is vaping and why it is a health concern, the impact of vaping on lungs that are still developing, addictive properties of nicotine and THC products (vaping marijuana), and the progression of vaping that can eventually lead to more dangerous substances. The goal will be to discuss what can be done to decrease usage among youth populations and increase awareness on the hidden dangers and health risks of vaping. The forum will take place from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Washingtonville High School Cafeteria, 54 West Main St, Washingtonville Members of the public are invited to participate. Those interested in testifying should RSVP to Jena Knight, [email protected] or 845-469-6929, no later than June 7. Town pursues hotel motel tax Continued from page 1 breakfasts” as well as “tourist facilities.” Piaquadio stated in an email to the Mid-Hudson Times that Airbnb renters, people who rent out a room in their home or their entire house through an online service, would be included in this hotel motel tax. Airbnb listings in the town of Newburgh in the month of June ranged from $65 a night to $499 for the use of a house on Orange Lake, and $682 for a Balmville riverfront home.