September 15-21, 2016

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Your Award-Winning News Source for the Upper Delaware River Valley Region Since 1975

Vol. 42 No. 37

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SEPTEMBER 15-21, 2016

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www.riverreporter.com

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$1.50

Honesdale emergency homeless shelter faces possible closure By LINDA DROLLINGER

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ONESDALE, PA — The ongoing shortage of borough police officers could impact a safety net operation available to the people of Wayne County for the past five years. Warmth in the Night shelter, operated by Grace Episcopal Church, may have to close its doors this winter. Susan Erb, wife of Reverend Edward K. Erb, told the Honesdale Borough Council at its September 12 meeting that the church board recommended closure of the shelter, if threeshift borough police coverage cannot be guaranteed for the duration of the shelter’s operating season: December 1 to March 15. Erb said the board’s decision had been made with the safety of shelter guests and volunteer staff in mind. “Most of our volunteer staff are women and the elderly, who feel particularly vulnerable when threatening situations arise.” Noting that in the past borough police have been quick to respond when called for in such situations, Erb said that elimination of second and third shifts could jeopardize the safety of all at the shelter. “Some of our shelter guests have mental health problems, substance abuse issues, or are domestic violence victims. Violent behavior on the part of shelter guests and their families is not uncommon,” said Erb, who worried that state police coverage, provided in the absence of borough police, could be too long in coming. Addressing the council in support of Warmth in the Night, Margaret Ennis of Wayne County Human Services said the shelter is the only resource of its kind in the area and noted that its absence would place those needing emergency shelter

TRR photo by Jonathan Charles Fox

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Smiling faces at Jeff Jamboree

EFFERSONVILLE, NY — Beaming faces like those of healthy five year-old Kirsten, left, and four year-old Alessandra, seen here enjoying the Jeff Jamboree, remind us of why we join the fight against childhood cancer during the month of Septem-

ber. For more on the Jeff Jamboree and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month visit Jonathan Fox’s column on page 28.

Continued on page 3

Warriors in the war on cancer

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A new cast in Callicoon

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SPANNING 2 STATES, 4 COUNTIES, AND A RIVER THAT UNITES US


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September 15-21, 2016 by Stuart Communications - Issuu