Taking advantage of the recent bone chilling cold while it lasts The Federation of Sportsmen’s Club of Sullivan County, The Sullivan County Democrat Newspaper, the Ten Mile River Boy Scouts, and the Ted Boniface Family will be sponsoring their Annual Free Youth Ice Fishing Derby on Saturday, January 27th from 8-2pm (weather permitting.) The Derby will take place on Crystal Lake in Bethel. Ice fishing or hard water fishing dates back some 2,000 years to the North America’s native people who ice fished out of necessity for food during the colder months. Ice fishing has been a popular sport in New York for the last two hundred years. 

If you have ice fished before, bring your tip ups (the device that holds the fishing line over the ice hole) and bait. If you have not ever entered the Derby before, a limited amount of tip ups and bait will be available and augers will be onsite to drill holes in the ice. There will be prizes for all who fish and trophies will be awarded for kids up to fifteen years old. It is a wonderful opportunity to be out fishing with those who have decades of experience and a true love for one of Sullivan County’s oldest recreational fishing sports. Some popular fish to catch in New York during ice fishing are yellow perch, pike, lake trout, walleye, and black crappie. So, get to “Jigging” those lines! For more information call Carl at the Sportsman’s Federation at 845-292-2151 or go to sportsmansfederation.com. There will be no ATV’s or snowmobiles allowed at the Derby and in case of cancellation please check both radio stations WVOS and WSUL or call the phone number listed above. 

Sullivan County is still taking HEAP applications for home heating assistance. For those not familiar with HEAP benefits, the programs will pay for a fuel delivery of your choice for your household if you meet certain income requirements. HEAP pays for a wide variety of heating fuels: natural gas, firewood, wood pellets, oil, kerosene, electric, propane or bottled gas, coal and even corn. And you do not have to own your home to qualify for HEAP and there are no age restrictions. The current monthly gross income limits (before any deductions) are: One person-$3,035-two persons-$3,970-three-$4,904-four-$5,838-five-$6,772. (You can find the full list on the HEAP website.) With the initial application there are some basic documents required-photo ID/driver’s license, social security cards, income documents and/or pay stubs, utility bills and the name of your current heating provider. Once the application has been submitted and approved, the program pays your heating provider directly. In New York State you can apply online at myBenefits.ny.gov. Applications can also be done in person at the Sullivan County Government Center located at 100 North Street in Monticello. There are some circumstances where getting an emergency HEAP delivery is possible. Funding for the program is limited so if interested you should apply as soon as possible. Applications are now available at the Sunshine Hall Free Library and at the Town of Highland Town Hall during regular business hours. To reach the HEAP hotline call the NYS Office of Temporary Disability at 1-800-342-3009 or the Sullivan County Government Office at 845-794-3000.