The new Napanoch Post Office in the old Ames Plaza, soon to become Walmart, has been set for an October 20 opening. Before then expect some major blasting as the plaza's old structures come down (which explains all the precautions for current asbestos removal and other work going on there now, as well as reports of rampant rats from neighbors). In related news, it seems that Walmart workers have launched historic labor protests and strikes across 28 stores in 12 states, the first retail worker strike in the company's 50-year history. The actions started earlier this week and are currently expected to sweep East to New York and neighboring states in the coming weeks.

SHAWANGUNK – Following the revelation that printing waste had been uncovered, dug up and spread on a field at the Watchtower Printery on Red Mills Road, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation began an investigation several years ago. Earlier this year samples of soil, soil vapor and groundwater data were taken for analysis.

"All of the soil, soil vapor and groundwater data for Watchtower have been analyzed," the DEC noted this week. "The sampling was completed this summer. DEC has received some of the draft data, but it has not been validated. DEC expects they will finish the validation process within a couple of weeks and submit the Remedial Investigation Reports by the end of this month to DEC."

Moreover, it was noted that, "DEC cannot make any interpretations or determinations until this data is validated and the RI Reports are submitted."

The public is invited to air opinions during a public hearing on a preliminary study of the proposed revitalization of the Nevele property, set to take place at 7:30 p.m. next Thursday, Oct.18, at Wawarsing Town Hall in Ellenville. Town residents and other interested parties may view the scoping document pertaining to the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Study during regular business hours at the Wawarsing Town Clerk's Office. The study lists potential impacts of the project ranging from increased traffic to a boon in employment. The project calls for a resort/casino, 450 hotel rooms, golf course, swimming pools, an ice rink and more on the Nevele's 176 acres and is reliant on the state passing new laws okaying casino gambling, and then allowing for such activity to take place at the old resort site outside of Ellenville.