Colorful Display Honors Flag Day

By Jeremy Van Duyne

PORT JERVIS — This past Monday was the annual holiday known as Flag Day, which the commemorates the adoption of the United States flag in 1777 as well as the birth of the United States Army two years earlier.
Port Jervis celebrated the holiday by holding a special event in front of the steps of City Hall. The event honored the history of the American flag and how it changed over the years,
Members of the local Elks Lodge gathered at the ceremony to spread out and open a massive American flag, holding it up over the ground. Members of the Broome St. Band were also in attendance, playing several patriotic songs including the National Anthem.
"This is Port Jervis's 43rd annual ceremony," said Mayor Kelly Decker when opening up the event. "I encourage all residents to celebrate in the tradition of Flag Day by properly displaying the flag on this day."
Decker spoke at the ceremony, telling the story of the creator of the American flag Betsy Ross. Betsy Ross is an American icon, with legend saying that George Washington himself met with Ross to hear her input on the design of the flag. She helped create the design of the stars still seen today in every flag in the United States.
"She had done some sewing work before for George Washington. Washington had shown her a drawing of a six-pointed star. She took on the task of creating a new flag for Washington and finished almost a year later."........For more information subscribe to our paper.

Without EIT, Milford Boro
'Is Bankrupt In Two Years'

By Dakota Hendricks

MILFORD — In a 6-1 vote, the Milford Borough Council voted to advertise their intent to adopt an Earned Income Tax (EIT) after a public hearing on June 30.
Councilman Joe Dooley gave a lengthy presentation on what an EIT is, the state of the Borough budget, the efforts of the Finance Committee to find alternatives and make budget cuts etc.
Dooley went over how the Borough budget works, how state law caps municipalities of their class at 30 mills with an additional five granted by petitioning the courts and how the General Fund is what the Borough has to use for paying employees, vehicle repairs, maintenance etc. The Borough has maxed out their available property taxes for the last 10 years while prices continue to rise and has asked the Court each year for the additional five mills.
Dooley said because the County has not reassessed property values since 1994, the tax rate is based on 10% of the fair market value of properties from 25 years ago. Because churches and County property are tax-exempt, the Borough loses 13% of potential rateables, which amounts to a loss of $131,000 in revenue annually.
The Borough has asked for some assistance from the County and has been refused. The Borough Treasurer said they are borrowing against the expected income of next year, which is not sustainable long term. The Borough has borrowed $57,600 this year. Councilwoman Adriane Wendell said at the Borough's current rate, "two years from now we're (the Borough) gonna be bankrupt." Dooley said .......For more information subscribe to our paper.

Delaware OK's'2nd Amendment Resolution'

DINGMANS FERRY — Delaware Township became the sixth municipality in Pike County to approve a Second Amendment Resolution supporting curtailment of federal or state gun control legislation.
After a lengthy discussion during a packed workshop prior to the bi-monthly Board of Supervisors meeting last week, the resolution underscoring residents' rights to bear licensed arms without restrictions passed by a 2-1 vote, with Supervisor Jane Neufeld objecting.
"We're halfway there," said Bob Roche of the Second Amendment Sanctuary, pointing out that Palmyra, Shohola, Dingman, Blooming Grove and Greene townships also have passed the resolution. Five townships and two boroughs in the county have yet to cast a vote.
"Being an elected official to take the oath of the United States Constitution and the Pennsylvania Constitution to support, obey and defend it, I think this (resolution) is not necessary," said Neufeld before casting her "no" vote. "This is a hearty group here with energy and desire to achieve aims in this area. I feel the township is choosing to take action that is not representative of all of its residents."
Board of Supervisors Chairman John Henderson and Supervisor Rick Koehler voted in favor of the resolution.
Henderson commented afterward, "The last time this came before the Board of Supervisors there was an unacceptable wording which would have put the township in legal hot waters. I said then that I took an oath to protect and defend the entire Constitution (of the United States). This newly worded Second Amendment Resolution is consistent with my oath and values."
Some residents offered varied comments.
"I don't see the purpose and I don't see the township supervisors doing this," said Liz Forrest during the workshop. Roche pointed out during the workshop that what is being considered is a resolution with no punitive action as opposed to an ordinance that addresses consequences.
Resident Steve McBride said during the workshop that, although there has been public concern from some residents who feel their right to bear arms may be restricted in the future by legislation, "you can't have a knee-jerk reaction." McBride cited the example of a person carrying a bank deposit to a bank and that person feels the need to carry arms for protection. "It's the state that has the constitutional right," said McBride.
He told the gathering, "Keep the passion. I agree with it. I hope you are all satisfied (with the outcome)." .......For more information subscribe to our paper.