Highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been detected in Orange County, with cases affecting waterfowl, raptors, and even mammals like skunks across New York. Health officials say there have been no human infections in the state since 2022. Haley Motola, an epidemiologist with the Sullivan County Department of Public Health, is closely monitoring the virus and its potential spread.

Orange County has its own cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as bird flu. Waterfowl, raptors, and even skunks have been affected across the state. Thankfully, no humans have transmitted the virus in New York State since 2022. Haley Motola is an epidemiologist in the Sullivan County Department of Health, where she focuses on the spread of pathogens like bird flu.

Radio Catskill’s Benjamin Land spoke with Motola about the virus and what her department is doing to prevent the spread into Sullivan County.

“ So bird flu is actually part of the Influenza A family. H5N1 is the technical term where we call it HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza),” described Motola. “A kind of influenza that usually only impacts wild birds, especially waterfowl, has gotten into the commercial poultry industry as well as backyard chicken owners and the dairy production industry.”

The Cornell Wildlife Health Lab and the Sullivan County Department of Health recommend being on the lookout for dead birds, especially multiple species in one place. If you do happen to find a swath of deceased birds, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation recommends reporting it.

Another way to take precautionary measures against bird flu is by avoiding raw milk, especially if it has not been heated or tested, according to Motola.

“ We've seen spillover from poultry into dairy cows, which is concerning because it's a mammal. So it's closer to humans,” Motola said. “It's a very high risk dealing with something that's a biological substance that could be contaminated with bacteria.”

The Sullivan County Department of Health also recommends getting your regular flu shots as a means of lessening the severity of the symptoms of bird flu in the unlikely event of contracting the virus.

New York State Police have identified the man involved in a trooper-involved shooting earlier this month in the town of Rochester as Benjamin Scism, 33, of Accord.

Scism remains in critical condition at Westchester Medical Center, according to State Police. He has been charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and second-degree menacing, both Class A misdemeanors.

The shooting happened on February 16 at about 12:42 p.m., after State Police from the Ellenville barracks responded to a 911 report of a man walking along Queens Highway toward State Route 209 while holding what appeared to be a handgun.

According to State Police, troopers located a person matching the caller’s description and issued multiple commands for him to show his hands. Police say the individual did not comply and displayed what appeared to be a firearm, prompting troopers to discharge their weapons.

Scism was struck during the encounter. Troopers then provided medical aid at the scene before he was transported by the Kerhonkson-Accord Rescue Ambulance and later airlifted to Westchester Medical Center, where he remains hospitalized.

Investigators later determined the weapon in Scism’s possession was a pellet gun designed to resemble a .357 Magnum handgun.

Speaking on Radio Catskill’s Local Edition, reporter Chris Rowley said the incident took place along Queens Highway, describing it as an unexpected location for a police shooting.

Rowley said the pellet gun closely resembled a real firearm, which likely contributed to the troopers’ response.

“[It] looks just like a real .357 Magnum,” Rowley said.

Rowley also reported that troopers issued commands before opening fire, and that Scism did not comply. He said the individual raised the object toward officers, leading to the shooting.

Emergency responders credited troopers with providing immediate medical care after the shooting. 

According to Rowley, local emergency officials said the actions taken by State Police at the scene helped keep the man alive until he could be transported to the hospital.

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger outlined an agenda focused on housing, affordability, and public health during her 2026 State of the County address on Feb. 18, while also raising concerns about the impact of federal policy decisions on local communities.

Speaking to a full audience at the Rosendale Theatre, Metzger said the county remains focused on meeting residents’ needs despite what she described as uncertain national conditions.

“The State of the County is strong, despite these unsteady times nationally,” Metzger said. “We remain focused on what our residents need — housing that’s affordable, communities that are safe, a healthy environment and local economy, and services that support our residents’ well-being.”

Housing was a central focus of the address, with Metzger highlighting efforts expected to add close to 700 affordable homes across the county. Projects completed over the past year include developments in Highland, New Paltz, and Kingston, with additional projects in progress, including an affordable housing cooperative and a supportive housing project at the former Quality Inn site.

Shawangunk Journal editor Chris Rowley, who discussed the address with Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo, said Metzger’s emphasis on housing reflects a continued priority for the administration.

“There are a couple of things that jump out,” Rowley said. “But for a lot of people, everyone knows that Metzger is a hawk on getting more housing.”

While Rowley said the number of new units is significant, he noted the broader need remains.

“That’s a reasonable number,” he said. “Obviously we could use more, but that’s a reasonable number.”

Among the proposals highlighted in the speech is a plan to create a 10% property tax exemption for full-time Ulster County residents. Metzger said she is working with State Sen. Michelle Hinchey on legislation to pilot the exemption, which would shift more of the tax burden onto second-home owners.

Rowley said the proposal is likely to draw both support and opposition.

“That is guaranteed to be popular with one group and not with another,” he said. “But that’s often the way it is with tax policy.”

He added that policies aimed at easing financial pressure on residents could draw attention from other counties facing similar challenges.

“Anything that offers a county a little bit more income… they’ll snatch at it,” Rowley said.

Metzger also outlined efforts to address homelessness, including a $2 million investment to create small, community-based shelters operated by nonprofit partners. The shelters are intended to provide temporary stability for families as they transition to permanent housing.

Rowley said housing instability has wide-reaching consequences, particularly for children.

“These families have been priced out of their rental apartments or they’ve lost their house, and they are now adrift,” he said. “That’s a terrible thing. It’s destabilizing for kids.”

He said frequent moves can disrupt education and long-term stability.

“Homeless children are not going to do well in school,” Rowley said. “They may be in one place this week and in Kingston the next. Which school are they going to?”

The county is also pursuing longer-term housing solutions, including a proposed social housing pilot in partnership with Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha and Hinchey, aimed at expanding permanently affordable housing options.

In addition to housing, Metzger highlighted investments in mental health services, including a 24/7 Crisis Support Center and expanded counseling services for children, as well as public health initiatives such as air quality monitoring and testing for PFAS contamination in private wells.

Transportation improvements were also included, with new Sunday bus service in Kingston scheduled to begin March 1 and expanded paratransit service to meet increased demand.

Metzger also said she plans to work with county officials to establish a countywide standard requiring law enforcement agencies operating in Ulster County, including federal agencies, to display visible identification.

Throughout the address, Metzger pointed to federal immigration enforcement practices, tariffs, and spending cuts as factors that could affect local communities, emphasizing the role of local government in responding to residents’ needs.

Rowley said the address outlined a broad set of initiatives, but their impact will depend on how they move forward.

“There’s a lot here,” he said. “We’ll see how the legislature handles all that.”

While there are limits, collaboration still happens through a handful of key avenues, a Spotlight PA review of Shapiro administration policies and statements shows.

New York State has earned approximately $35 million in accrued interest on the more than $3 billion in opioid settlement funds it has secured to date. Some advocates are concerned that how and where interest dollars are used could be harder to follow with provisions in Governor Kathy Hochul’s latest executive budget. Radio Catskill's Kimberly Izar reports.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation released a policy draft last month to increase the accessibility of the outdoors to people with mobility disabilities. The policy aims to standardize the criteria for evaluating where Other Power Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs) can be used and is currently accepting public comments until March 9. 

Radio Catskill’s Julia Kim had the chance to speak with DEC’s ADA Accessibility Coordinator Leah Akins, Accessibility Advisory Committee Chairman Jason Thurson and others about issues the policy is aiming to address, ongoing debates surrounding accessibility and environmental protection and future efforts to increase the accessibility of the outdoors. 

A hearing Thursday gives lawmakers an opportunity to grill police and prison leaders.

The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce has appointed a new President and CEO to lead the organization’s efforts in supporting local businesses and driving economic growth across the region.

Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with the Chamber’s new President and CEO, who is stepping into the role at a time when Sullivan County continues to focus on strengthening its business community, supporting entrepreneurs, and promoting sustainable development.

In the conversation, the new leader outlined priorities for the Chamber, including expanding support for small businesses, increasing membership engagement, and strengthening partnerships with local and regional organizations. They also highlighted the importance of adapting to changing economic conditions and ensuring that businesses have the resources they need to grow and succeed.

The Chamber plays a key role in connecting businesses, advocating for economic development, and promoting the county as a place to live, work, and visit. Under new leadership, the organization is expected to continue building on those efforts while exploring new opportunities for growth.

The new President and CEO said they are looking forward to working with local businesses, community leaders, and residents to help move Sullivan County forward.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has retracted its false claim that the agency had bought a warehouse in Orange County, calling it a "mistake." Radio Catskill’s Kimberly reports.