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Friday, February 26, 2021

Local Sports

Monticello boys basketball season cut short by COVID-19

MONTICELLO -- With only four days left to the basketball season, Monticello had to cancel its remaining games due to the positive testing associated with two individuals associated with the team. In a season that will be long regarded as notorious ... read more

Top Stories

County seeing substantial fires this year

By Isabel Braverman - staff writer

: The Woodridge Fire Department and the Rock Hill Fire Department battled this blaze in Woodridge on Monday, just one of many fires that have already occurred since the start of this year.

SULLIVAN — Sullivan County Fire Coordinator John Hauschild said in 2020 there were 27 structure fires. So far this year there have been 42.
“There has definitely been an increase,” Hauschild said. “Due to what, I don't know.”
He said it could be a combination of things, such as people being at home more and using other forms of heat due to the high cost of fuel.
He cautioned that space heaters should be kept clear of curtains, furniture, clothing and anything that's ignitable.
Also don't overload electrical outlets, especially if using a space heater.
“People need to be observant,” he said. “Take precautions and just be careful.”
Commissioner of Public Safety Rick Sauer said they are still analyzing the data on what's causing the fires but, like Hauschild, says it could ... read more

Mamakating updates tax assessment for seniors

By Samantha Montagna - reporter/photographer

MAMAKATING — During the February 2 meeting, the Mamakating Town Board held a public hearing on the Introductory Local Law to Update Town Code Chapter 172 for Senior Citizens Tax Exemptions. Town Supervisor, Janet Lybolt, explained that the ... read more

Latest News

Acting, gymnastics and a new talk show ... the Tweeds do it all

By Joseph Abraham - co-editor

This is part four of a new series the Sullivan County Democrat will be running each Friday in February in recognition of Black History Month.

She is a Sullivan County native that acts, models and continues to help her parents run J & J Driving School. He is an author, who also acts, teaches ... read more

A heart as large as his stature

By Matt Shortall - co-editor

: Pete Pekny Jr. shows off some of the classic cars that his younger brother Chris loved to work on.

LIVINGSTON MANOR — Ask anyone who was fortunate enough to know him and they'll inevitably tell you the same thing. Christopher Pekny, 28, was larger than life in just about every way imaginable. An imposing figure standing 6'5” and weighing 250 ... read more