Dan Hust | Democrat THE BETHEL TOWN Board got into the bicentennial spirit at its March 26 meeting, the day before it and Sullivan County celebrated their 200th birthdays. From the left are Councilman Dick Crumley, Supervisor Dan Sturm, Councilman Bob Blais, Town Clerk Rita Sheehan and Councilwoman Vicky Vassmer-Simpson..

Bethel institutes service award

By Dan Hust
KAUNEONGA LAKE — Only a handful of Bethel Volunteer Ambulance Corps District residents opted to vote on the corps’ Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP).
And of the 37 who voted on March 19, 23 said “yes,” as opposed to the 14 who said “no.”
Thus the corps’ members are now eligible for a pension of sorts and death and disability benefits, funded by taxpayers, as they accrue time and experience with the corps.
Motor Speedway returns
After a prolonged public hearing, the Bethel Town Board voted unanimously (minus absent member Denise Frangipane) last Thursday evening to approve the Bethel Motor Speedway’s operating license for 2009.
According to the owner and operators, the Speedway will operate on Saturdays and just two Sundays this year, opening at 1 p.m. and closing at 11 p.m.
Though neighbors complained of the noise, dust and the public address system, they also credited the operators with keeping the 50-year-old racetrack in good condition and always being willing to work with locals.
The season starts April 18 and runs through September 26.
Bethel getting bicentennial museum
Sylvia’s S&G Building on Route 55 in Kauneonga Lake will soon become the Bethel Bicentennial Museum, Town Clerk Rita Sheehan announced last Thursday.
The board appointed County Museum veteran and local resident Bill Burns the director of the new museum, which will open in May.
Volunteers are needed for the museum’s operation (call Rita at 583-4350 to assist), which will be rented through September 15 for $4,500 (with an option to continue through the winter).
Justice Court upgrade
Thanks to the state’s Justice Court Assistance Program, the Bethel Justice Court will be receiving nearly $23,000 to replace its courtroom chairs, tables, desks, flooring and even gavel.
Bethel officials said the grant will also allow the town to build handicapped-accessible bathrooms and buy a handheld metal detector.
meetings to change
The Bethel Town Board, as of its first May meeting, will start gathering on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month (instead of the current Thursdays, which will continue only for the April board meetings).
Meetings will still begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Senior Center in Kauneonga Lake.