Monticello, NY – The Sullivan County Department of Solid Waste & Recycling is accepting retired Christmas trees at no charge from Sullivan County residents, businesses and visitors at the end of this Holiday season.

Liberty, NY – New York State has announced an Emergency HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) benefit is available, beginning January 2.

“Applicants must have exhausted – or have unavailable to them – the original Regular benefit,” notes Sullivan County Deputy Social Services Commissioner Giselle Steketee. “An emergency situation is when a client has less than a ¼ tank of fuel, less than a 10-day supply of wood, coal or pellets, or has a termination notice from a utility company (if they have electric heat or if electricity is required to run a furnace).”

Liberty, NY – Sullivan County’s new Public Health Director, Dr. Jessie Moore, today joined the team at the Department of Public Health, but she’s long been familiar with the County’s health challenges and landscape.

Sullivan County RSVP Coordinator Monika Roosa, right, delivers some blankets – made by RSVP volunteers – to Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless Executive Director Kathy Kreiter.

Monticello, NY – Sullivan County Community Resources Commissioner Laura Quigley and Office for the Aging Director Lise-Anne Deoul are pleased to announce the appointment of Monika Roosa as Coordinator of the County’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).

Monticello, NY – Legislators this month authorized the increase of tipping fees for trash removal companies bringing waste to Sullivan County transfer stations.

“Since this has been something of interest and concern to the public, we want citizens to understand how and why we came to this decision,” explained Legislature Chair Nadia Rajsz. “We were forced to raise rates because of our rising exportation costs. In the meantime, we are diligently looking at other means of handling our waste.”

Monticello, NY – Via an 8-1 vote today, legislators approved the 2025 Sullivan County Budget. District 9 Legislator Terry Blosser-Bernardo was opposed.

The $303 million budget comes with a 2.5% tax levy increase to cover general cost increases and the new EMS fly car system but does not propose incurring new debt.

Bloomingburg, NY – Sullivan County Department of Public Health has confirmed that a raccoon killed in the Bloomingburg area this week tested positive for the rabies virus.

“The raccoon was killed, and the property owners alerted Public Health, just as they should,” said Acting Public Health Director Jill Hubert-Simon. “The head of the raccoon was sent to the State laboratory, where it tested positive for rabies.”

Hurleyville, NY – The Sullivan County Cultural Center (Museum) has its annual Holiday Tree Exhibit on display! The Sullivan County Historical Society hosts this event, where many different Holiday Trees are created by individuals and local organizations.

Holiday Trees are on display now through New Year’s Day, Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-4:30 p,m., at 265 Main Street, Hurleyville. Admission is free!

Monticello, NY - On December 4, 2024, Sullivan County District Attorney, Brian P. Conaty announced that a Sullivan County Jury found Isaiah Blanch, 38, guilty of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony, following a three-day trial.

The jury found that on June 12, 2023, Blanch illegally possessed a loaded and operable .380 caliber “Cobra Ent of Utah” pistol outside his home or place of business.

Monticello, NY – Formal public hearings about the proposed 2025 Sullivan County Budget have been set for Tuesday, December 10 at 5 p.m. and Thursday, December 12 at 9:30 a.m. in the Hearing Room of the Government Center, 100 North Street, Monticello.

Written comment is being accepted by Clerk of the Legislature AnnMarie Martin at annmarie.martin@sullivanny.gov or 100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701.