Town of Owego
The HUD Small Cities Community Development Block Grant was filed for the Town of Owego in the amount of $400,000. If accepted, a Community Advisory Committee will disperse funds through Tioga Opportunities. Funds will go toward helping needy families repair their homes, i.e. roofing, furnaces, winterization.

Drawings for the Route 434 safety widening project can be reviewed at the town hall.

Public hearings for the following issues will be held on Tuesday, April 21, at 7:30 pm, at the town hall: a special permit to construct an additional sign at Hiawatha Links; the rezoning of property on Route 434 at exit 66 to highway interchange.

The town will co-sponsor the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce for the U.S. Army Jazz Ensemble scheduled for June 25. The concert is free.

Fees for a new telecommunications tower special permit will be $4000. A co-location fee will be $1000.

Town Clerk Mike Zimmer's dog Rosewood, a Saint Bernard, won "Best of Breed, Female" at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club in New York City this February.

Village of Owego
The Strawberry Festival is scheduled for June 20.

Mayor Richard Hoban and Trustee Robert Burger were recognized for their years of service. Both stepped down from office this year.

Welcome to Village Justice Ruton "Tom" Beauter, new Mayor Barb Fink, Trustees Rocky Sylvestri, Pat Gavin, and Ed Arrington.

Truck traffic is still a big issue for village residents with approximately 1000 trucks detouring down Front Street due to Court Street Bridge restrictions.

The Owego Historic Market Place has hired Ralph Warner as a part time promoter.

Tioga County
Legislators announcing re-election intentions were John "Bud" Waite, John King, Bill Calaroso, Fran Leavenworth, and Charlene Caldwell. Dom D'Angelo will be stepping down. Todd Smith and Earle Schecter will be running in a Republican primary for D'Angelo's seat.

Local law enforcement agencies were funded to purchase six Alcosensors, a new radar gun, and an accident reconstruction package. Funding came from the County Stop DWI program.

Tioga County was declared eligible for disaster emergency assistance through the Farm Service Agency due to drought conditions between April 1 and September 4, 1997. Applications will be accepted through June 8. The phone number is 607-565-2106.

The Tioga County Republican Dinner will be held on Friday, April 17, at the Owego Treadway. Tickets are $25 per person. Contact me at 687-0965 if you are interested in attending.