MIDDLETOWN – Continued economic growth in Orange County means “positive job creation, economic opportunities, expansion of the property and sales tax bases, more opportunities for entrepreneurship and homeownership, and an enhanced quality of life,” Steven Gross, director of the county’s Office of Economic Development, said during a county economic summit held at the SUNY Orange main campus in Middletown on Friday.

Gross told the 300 businesspeople in attendance the county’s growth has no signs of letting up.

“Orange County is strong, vibrant and ready to do business and people have taken note of this as we are one of the fastest growing counties in the State of New York, if not the fastest,” he said. “Corporations and businesses want to be here because we have it all – location, location, location, as our realtor friends like to say, we’re 60 miles from New York City, we have Stewart International Airport, we have the Hudson River with a deep water port in the City of Newburgh and the city fathers have visions of cruise ships coming in shortly.”

“We must continue the county’s economic momentum and build upon our recent successes as smartly planned growth, strong infrastructure, commercial expansion, and job creation are the keys to our county’s future,” said County Executive Steven Neuhaus.

ELLENVILLE – Dominic Naquan King, also known as “Domo,” who was wanted for the murder of Gerald Keith Richardson, also known as “Blood,” 39, of Ellenville, in that village on the night of June 29, 2021, has been arrested in Los Angeles, California.

King fled New York immediately after the killing and became one of New York’s most wanted fugitives.

For the last 15 months, Ellenville Police and a task force attempted to locate King.

A police operation in Los Angeles led to his arrest. He was flown back to New York and taken into custody at New York Stewart International Airport by members of the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force and Ellenville Police.

“While this is just the beginning of the process to see that justice is served, at least for the time being, the family of the victim can take solace in knowing that this alleged violent suspect, who has allegedly committed such a cowardice and heinous act has finally been apprehended and must now answer for his actions,” said Ellenville Police Chief Phillip Mattracion.

King was arraigned in Ulster County Court on a sealed indictment, which was issued by a grand jury charging him with murder and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, all as felonies.

He was remanded by to the Ulster County Jail without bail.

Agencies working on the investigation included Ellenville Police, US Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force, Ulster County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office, and State Division of Parole.

MONTICELLO – A 26-year-old Fallsburg man was convicted in Sullivan County Court on Friday of the murder of a two-year-old girl in the Town of Fallsburg.

As jury selection was scheduled to begin this coming Monday, Brian Owsinski admitted to striking Amara Campbell in the stomach at least twice, causing injuries resulting in her death.

When sentenced in November, Owsinski faces 20 years to life in prison.

On January 25, 2022, authorities were called by the child’s mother, who reported the toddler to be unresponsive. She was rushed to Garnett Health Medical Center Catskills in Harris where she was pronounced.

An autopsy revealed the child died of fatal internal bleeding.

Police investigation determined Owsinski was alone with the child at the time the lethal blows were inflicted.

“This defendant’s actions were unconscionable. There is no bringing Amara back to her family and all of those in our community who loved her. Her death was wholly unnecessary and unforgivable,” said District Attorney Meagan Galligan. “Amara’s father has demonstrated tremendous bravery throughout the criminal justice process, supporting this prosecution on behalf of his lost daughter and her surviving sister. My office will continue to support him and advocate for the life sentenced this defendant deserves.”

BEACON – A month shy of its 59th birthday, the north – and original – span of the Newburgh-Beacon on I-84 had its re-decking project dedicated with a ribbon cutting ceremony that was attended by Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado Friday.

“The Newburgh-Beacon Bridge re-decking is a significant investment in the Hudson Valley community, improving travel, safety and resiliency along this corridor,” said Delgado. “This deck replacement will greatly improve travel conditions for commuters in this region.”

Speakers following Delgado included State Senator James Skoufis, Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson and Beacon Mayor Lee Kyriacou.

The project, which included new steel and concrete decking, was completed nine months early on the 1.5-mile span over the Hudson River at a cost of about $102 million. That price tag includes removing the tollbooths for conversion to cashless tolling, making it the most expensive project ever conducted by the New York State Bridge Authority.

The south span replacement was conducted 2012-2014, and in 2019 the raising of the overpass over Route 9W in Orange County was completed.

POUGHKEEPSIE – The City of Poughkeepsie’s Malcolm X Park on Mansion Street closed on September 19 and will remain closed while significant improvements are made to the park that is adjacent to the Beulah Baptist Church.  The park is expected to reopen in the summer of 2023.

The Department of Engineering is overseeing the reconstruction of the Malcolm X Park work, which the city has planned and funded in conjunction with New City Parks, Scenic Hudson, and other community partners.

In September of last year, members of the community gathered at the park to offer input on their vision for the future of the park.

Based on community input, according to City of Poughkeepsie Community Engagement Director John Penney, the lengthy reconstruction includes the resurfacing of the basketball courts, new walking paths along Fallkill Creek, a pavilion, and other improvements to the popular park.