tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72948705298028599902024-03-05T16:53:03.426-05:00The WNBZ News BlogBecause we can't fit it all into a 20 minute broadcast.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger220125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-14727895742289720082011-03-17T07:26:00.001-04:002011-03-17T07:28:26.096-04:00Public rallies in support of Tupper Lake resortHere's George Earl's report on yesterday's Adirondack Club & Resort public hearings:<br /><br />The L.P. Quinn Elementary School cafeteria was packed Wednesday afternoon during public hearings over the proposed Adirondack Club & Resort project in Tupper Lake.<br /><br />Dozens of community members, business owners, politicians and other leaders from throughout the Adirondacks spoke during the hearings. The overwhelming majority were in support of the Adirondack Club and Resort project proposed for the Big Tupper ski area.<br /><br />Melissa McManus of the Tupper Lake Revitalization Committee asked the state Adirondack Park Agency to send a message that “appropriate development can happen here, that Adirondacks are still open for business and that there is in fact hope for Adirondack communities like Tupper Lake.”<br /><a name='more'></a><br />APA Chairman Curt Stiles and several commissioners attended the meeting, as did lead developer Michael Foxman and his partners.<br /><br />Many of the speakers at the hearing cited the economic woes in Tupper Lake, including the lack of jobs, the decline of once thriving industries and the closure of many local businesses in their appeal for a speedy APA approval of the project.<br /><br />Supporters argued that the resort, which would include a revamped ski area and a subdivision, would bring in hundreds of jobs and reverse Tupper Lake’s declining economic trends.<br /><br />Others speakers emphasized the need for increased private sector investment in the region to replace government jobs that have or will be slashed as a result of the state’s fiscal problems.<br /><br />Ricky Dattola, a speaker who said he was in favor of the resort proposal, asked everyone who supported the project to stand up. Nearly everyone who was seated rose to their feet.<br /><br />Dozens of ACR supporters wore homemade signs on their shirts that read, “Yes ACR,” while others brandished homemade posters and flags in a show of support.<br />Mary Sparks is a former principal of L.P. Quinn Elementary and a life-long resident of Tupper Lake.<br /><br />“I’ve seen many, many changes over the years,” she said. “Tupper Lake thrived when I was a child. But now more businesses are closing, and more youth are leaving to find jobs elsewhere. Tupper Lake is overwhelmingly dependent on the public sector for jobs. Many of these jobs are in jeopardy. Approving the ACR project would go a long way in helping our economy and the economies of the surrounding areas.”<br /><br />Scott Bombard is sales manager at Greymont, a building materials company from the Tri-Lakes that employs some 40 workers and independent haulers.<br /><br />He said development is vital to their success, noting that the ACR project would be “essential to our ability to sustain our business.”<br /><br />Sheila Larkin is a business owner from Tupper Lake.<br /><br />“I believe there have been good questions brought up and good compromises made over the years,” she said. “Now, the APA knows what they need to know and should not be appealed at every step of the way, again and again, to stall this project.”<br /><br />Prior to yesterday’s hearing, numerous local municipalities passed resolutions in support of the project. Earlier this week, the village of Saranac Lake passed one of its own, and Mayor Clyde Rabideau was on hand to reiterate that support.<br /><br />“It doesn’t matter if you’re from Saranac Lake, Lake Clear, or Lake Champlain, today we’re all Tupper Lakers,” he said. “And as a Tupper Laker, I’m asking you to move this process on in a fair and quick manner. Let’s get it done.”<br /><br />The few criticisms of the project came from the park’s environmental leaders. Members of Adirondack Wild and the Adirondack Council criticized the project for not adhering to the spirit of the APA act, which they said intended developments to be contained and clustered.<br /><br />Dave Gibson of Adirondack Wild said there’s still an opportunity to redesign the project “without landscape fragmentation and without violating resource management guidelines.”<br /><br />Several speakers insisted that the environmental groups were standing in the way of progress and that Tupper Lakers didn’t need to be instructed on the value of wilderness.<br /><br />Maureen Peroza, a teacher from Tupper Lake, said the community values its wilderness and that residents “want to keep our land safe, and we teach that to our children every single day.”Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-16210326803505396292011-03-16T10:43:00.001-04:002011-03-16T10:44:55.220-04:00Community Store reaches goal, set to open this summerThe interim board of directors of the Community Store in Saranac Lake announced this week that it has reached its capital investment goal and will open sometime this summer.<br /><br />Board members made the announcement Wednesday morning at the former Corvo’s restaurant, the future site of the shareholder-owned department store.<br /><br />The effort to open a community-owned department store in Saranac Lake launched in the summer of 2007. At the time, the all-volunteer board of directors had high hopes of reaching its $500,000 capital goal quickly.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />What they didn’t anticipate was a severe economic downturn that ravaged markets and had business owners closing their doors rather than staging grand openings.<br /><br />But the Community Store’s interim president, Melinda Little, says that even though it took longer than expected, investors finally came through.<br /><br />According to Little, the funds raised over the last four years will now be released from escrow, allowing the company to enter into financial commitments.<br /><br />“This is going to let us sign a lease,” she said. “And we are in negotiations right now with Greg Moore, who owns this building, the old Corvo’s restaurant. We expect that to come to a conclusion very shortly.”<br /><br />Additionally, the investments can be used to begin hiring key positions for the store, such as manager and assistant manager.<br /><br />The board’s interim vice president, Gail Brill, says reaching the $500,000 mark is a huge relief.<br /><br />“I feel good,” she said. “It’s been a long four years, but we were always secure in the fact that the community would rally in support of the store – and they have.”<br /><br />With the initial fundraising phase complete, the company is permitted to continue collecting shares, up to $600,000, until June.<br /><br />Alan Brown is interim treasure for the Community Store. He says some 600 investors donated an average of $800 each – the minimum share price was $100. The largest single investment of $20,000 came from a Saranac Lake family, although the board said it could not identify specific donors.<br /><br />The next step is to hire staff and convert the former restaurant, located on Main Street in the heart of Saranac Lake, into a department store. With about 5,000 square feet of available space, Gail Brill anticipates the business will feature a wide array of products.<br /><br />“Products that are affordable for every person in Saranac Lake and obviously high quality,” she said. “I mean that’s our goal – to have a range of things.”<br /><br />Melinda Little says the store will employee up to eight part and full-time workers from the Tri-Lakes area and will pull full taxes to the village of Saranac Lake.<br /><br />A lot has to happen before the Community Store will be open for business, but a tentative grand opening is set for sometime in early July.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-60493956003146402402011-03-15T11:55:00.001-04:002011-03-15T11:56:46.731-04:00Barrett to chair ORDA board of directorsThe former chairman of the New York State Republican Committee unofficially took the helm of the state Olympic Regional Development Authority’s Board of Directors today.<br /><br />Pat Barrett sat in as chair of Tuesday’s regular ORDA meeting, replacing Joe Martens, who earlier this month was confirmed as the new commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation.<br /><br />Barrett worked for Cuomo during his gubernatorial campaign last year, and served as chair of the state Republican committee from 1989 to 1991.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />At the beginning of today’s meeting, Barrett thanked Joe Martens for his tenure as ORDA chairman and wished him luck in his new role.<br /><br />“Joe will do it in a great manner, and he has the full faith and confidence of the governor, and you got one tough job ahead of you,” Barrett said.<br /><br />Barrett currently serves on the board and served as its chairman before Martens.<br /><br />Martens will remain on the board as the representative for the DEC, according to ORDA spokesman Jon Lundin. He thanked the board of directors for its help and support over the years.<br /><br />“I had big shoes to fill,” Martens said, referring to Barrett. “And now you have big shoes to fill. The nice thing about the transition here is that I’m still on the board, I still love and believe in the institution and the organization, and it’s great to have you back at the helm here – it’s going to be a pleasure working with all of you.”<br /><br />“Believe me, we’ll need your help,” Barrett quipped.<br /><br />Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to make an official announcement about Barrett’s chairmanship soon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-86656701810132170732011-03-03T10:31:00.000-05:002011-03-03T10:32:16.786-05:00Solider, 40, from LP dies in TexasA Lake Placid man who served several tours in Iraq was found dead at his Texas home last month.<br /><br />Officials with the Fort Hood Army Base say Sergeant First Class Shawn Michael Coolidge was found dead at his residence in Killeen, Texas on Feb. 17.<br /><br />The cause of death is not yet known.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />According to a release issued by the Army, Coolidge graduated from Lake Placid High School in 1989 and entered active-duty service in June 1991 as an MI armor crewman.<br />Coolidge served two tours in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. One from Nov. 2005 to Nov. 2006 and another from March 2008 to March 2009.<br /><br />His latest assignment, beginning in Dec. 2010, was with the U.S. Army Operational Test Command in Fort Hood.<br /><br />Coolidge received the Bronze Star and numerous other awards and decorations, including: the Joint Service Commendation medal; five Army Commendation medals; seven Army Achievement medals; the Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Stars; and many more.<br /><br />Army officials say the circumstances surrounding Coolidge’s death are under investigation.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-47621807205465135092011-03-02T13:45:00.001-05:002011-03-02T13:48:05.096-05:00Police looking for missing sistersPolice in Albany issued a missing child alert Wednesday morning.<br /><br />According to reports, police are looking for two sisters who disappeared around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday. Officers suspect the young girls may be with their non-custodial mother, possibly heading for Canada.<br /><br />Officials are seeking the public’s help in locating 15-year-old Ashley Duncan and 12-year-old Heather Duncan.<br /><br />Ashley is described as a white female, 5’8” tall weighing about 160 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes; her sister, Heather, is described as a white female, 5’7” tall weighing approximately 120 pounds with brown hair and green eyes.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Ashley was last seen wearing blue jeans, a puffy green coat, and no shoes – Heather was wearing blue jeans, a purple fleece jacket under a grey coat, and no shoes.<br /><br />44-year-old Patricia Duncan is wanted in connection with the girls’ disappearance.<br />She’s described by police as a white female, 5’8” tall weighing about 180 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.<br /><br />Police say she’s driving a 1995 silver Mercury Villager bearing Texas registration P45FDZ. Investigators have reason to believe Patricia Duncan is traveling to Canada.<br /><br />Anyone with information pertaining to the whereabouts of Heather and Ashley Duncan is urged to contact the state Division of Criminal Justice Services at 1-800-346-3543.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-48530692873260686002011-03-01T09:27:00.000-05:002011-03-01T09:28:55.047-05:00Gibson forms energy advisory councilThe Republican representing New York’s 20th Congressional District announced recently that he’s forming a group to advise him on a broad range of energy issues.<br /><br />Chris Gibson of Kinderhook says the Energy Advisory Council will assist him in identifying the necessary steps to reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil.<br /><br />Gibson also wants to study ways of developing clean forms of domestic energy production and establish the role northern New York can play in that process.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />The council will hold its first meeting March 23.<br /><br />Gibson says providing reliable and affordable sources of energy to businesses and consumers is essential to economy recovery.<br /><br />“The United States needs a revised energy policy that reduces energy costs, limits our dependence on foreign oil, and protects our environment,” he said.<br /><br />Gibson supports what he calls an “all of the above” energy policy that includes investments in solar, wind, biomass, hyrdo, and nuclear energy. He adds that his Energy Advisory Council will include representatives from all of those industries.<br /><br />Since being elected to office last year, Gibson has been staging meetings with experts in the field of energy production and transmission. He’s also publicly supporting the development of a nuclear power plant somewhere in upstate New York.<br />Gibson says the North Country can lead the charge in developeing clean energy technology.<br /><br />According to his spokeswoman, Stephanie Valle, the energy council will focus on three primary areas: energy generation and conservation/efficiency efforts; energy transmission; and fuel transportation needs.<br /><br />The council will also focus on growing public awareness about energy challenges facing both the 20th district and the nation as a whole, Valle says.<br /><br />Gibson says his nonpartisan council will also be available to review energy proposals put forth by Congress.<br /><br />“I look forward to hearing their recommendations and counsel regarding energy legislation being considered before Congress as well as what impediments are currently restricting the development of domestic energy sources,” Gibson said.<br /><br />Valle says the council will consist of a “broad range” of energy stakeholders and will be named before the March 23 meeting.<br /><br />She adds that Gibson has formed a similar panel to advise him on issues facing farmers.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-30565341826820535862011-02-09T09:10:00.001-05:002011-02-09T09:10:35.526-05:00Gibson, Sayward to host town hall meeting in Lake PlacidA pair of state and federal lawmakers will host a town hall-style meeting in Lake Placid next week.<br /><br />Chris Gibson, who represents New York’s 20th Congressional District, and Teresa Sayward, who represents New York’s 113th Assembly District, will participate in a town hall forum from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18 at the High Peaks Resort on Saranac Avenue.<br /><br />The event is being hosted jointly by the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce, the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism.<br /><br />Gibson and Sayward – both Republicans – will make opening remarks, with a question-and-answer period to follow.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-62384608423669824982011-02-08T14:42:00.003-05:002011-02-08T14:46:21.773-05:00What's your superpower?Marist College released a poll this week showing that the preferred superpower for Americans is either mind-reading or time travel.<br /><br />Other top desired powers include the ability to fly and invisibility.<br /><br />Here's the rest of this afternoon's AP brief:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Time travel and mind reading tied for first place in a Marist College poll released Tuesday. Both superpowers received 28% of the votes out of 5 choices. Flying came in third followed by the ability to teleport and invisibility.</span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Pollsters surveyed 1,020 people across the country Nov. 15 through Nov. 18. The margin of error is plus or minus three percentage points.</span><br /><br />Read more about the poll <a href="http://maristpoll.marist.edu/28-holy-super-powers-batman-mind-reading-and-time-travel-top-list/">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-79196944210218624832011-01-31T12:42:00.001-05:002011-01-31T12:44:32.898-05:00Trudeau to stay in SLOfficials with Trudeau Institute announced this morning they intend to keep the research facility in Saranac Lake.<br /><br />Here's the official press release:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Trudeau Institute’s Board of Trustees announced today that the Institute is committed to staying in Saranac Lake.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“The Trudeau Institute is committed to Saranac Lake and is dedicated to advancing biomedical research in the region,” said Trudeau President Dr. David Woodland. “As we further develop our long-term plan focused on maintaining our status as a premier research organization, our goal is to continue to thrive in the Adirondacks while pushing the frontiers of biomedical science.”</span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“I want to thank the Board for their attention to this process and their swift decision-making,” continued Dr. Woodland. “I also want to thank our legislators for their offers of support. We intend to continue this important discussion with our elected officials as Trudeau needs the support of our federal and state government in order to grow while meeting our mission of improving human health.”</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“While the decision was made to continue our deep history in Saranac Lake, Trudeau is currently finalizing a growth plan and a path that allows us to adapt to the accelerating</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">pace of biomedical research,” said Dr. Woodland. “We intend to contact local philanthropists, scientists and members of our community to help us plot a path forward.”</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-67514544671268155502011-01-28T10:16:00.000-05:002011-01-28T10:17:44.848-05:00Local man looks to purchase SearsReports surfaced Friday that a local restaurant owner is nearing a deal to purchase the Sears building, with the intent of reopening the parking lot to public use.<br /><br />The Adirondack Daily Enterprise says Paolo Magro, who owns the Little Italy pizzeria on Main Street and the Nonna Fina restaurant on River Street, is under contract to purchase the 1.41-acre parcel from Phil Vivlamore and Larry Mullen.<br /><br />The pending deal does not include the Sears business itself. That remains on the market.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Margie Philo, of Adirondack Premier Properties in Lake Placid, told the Enterprise the building is under contract and she’s hopeful the parking lot issue will be resolved.<br /><br />Vivlamore and Mullen closed the Sears parking lot to the public after negotiations with the village of Saranac Lake to purchase it fell through last year.<br /><br />The closing of the lot angered many residents, with some calling for a boycott of the business.<br /><br />In December, the Sears owners put the property on the market, citing bad blood with local officials and a sense that the community no longer welcomed them.<br /><br />Philo told the Enterprise that she thinks Paolo Magro will be able to strike a deal with the village, leading to the reopening of the lot.<br /><br />Magro told the newspaper he likes the Saranac Lake community. He added that financing for the deal hasn’t been secured, and he’ll have to find some way of generating revenue from public use of the lot to make the numbers work on his end.<br /><br />The property is listed at $819,000.<br /><br />Saranac Lake Mayor Clyde Rabideau says the village is ready to negotiate should Magro’s deal come to fruition.<br /><br />“I’m really hopeful that should Paolo Magro be able to purchase the Sears building and parking lot that we can come to some sort of agreement,” he told WNBZ. “Our ears have always been open, we’ve always offered fair market value or a reasonable lease price – and we’re going to listen to Paolo and hear what he has to say about his plans for it, in terms of what he’d like to see from the village.”<br /><br />“I think it’s a positive development and we’ll have to wait and see,” Rabideau added.<br /><br />Currently, the lot is only open to customers of Sears, Nori’s Village Market, and Edward Jones.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-74682449463606446962011-01-27T13:24:00.000-05:002011-01-27T13:25:25.977-05:00Gibson wants repeal of 1099, won’t support Owens’ billNorth Country Congressman Chris Gibson says he wants to repeal the 1099 reporting requirement included in last year’s Affordable Care Act.<br /><br />But the Kinderhook Republican won’t support a repeal measure introduced this week by his Democratic colleague, Bill Owens.<br /><br />The reporting requirement, which doesn’t take effect until 2012, forces businesses to submit IRS Form 1099s for every business-to-business transaction of $600 or more.<br /><br />Owens, who represents New York’s 23rd Congressional District, says the measure small businesses are already overburdened with tax paperwork and reporting requirements.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />His repeal bill would be pay for through a 5.4 percent surcharge on adjusted gross income that exceeds $1 million annually for joint tax filers, or $800,000 annually for individuals.<br /><br />According to Gibson spokeswoman Stephanie Valle, that essentially amounts to a tax on wealthy Americans.<br /><br />“Unfortunately, this tax will impact small businesses who file as individuals on their taxes – so basically, turning around and hurting the very people you’re trying to help by repealing the 1099 reporting requirement,” she told WNBZ.<br /><br />Valle says Gibson supports repealing the 1099 provision, but not through additional taxes and fees.<br /><br />He’s currently cosponsoring similar legislation to repeal the measure.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-16423214964235311022011-01-27T11:30:00.000-05:002011-01-27T11:31:07.016-05:00ORDA worker injured at Whiteface MountainAn employee of the state Olympic Regional Development Authority was injured earlier this week while performing maintenance on a ski lift at Whiteface Mountain.<br /><br />ORDA spokesman Jon Lundin says the worker was attempting to restart the chair lift at Kids Kampus when the accident occurred at about 10:15 a.m. Monday.<br /><br />According to reports, the lift had malfunctioned and crews were using a standby, auxiliary engine to help unload a pair of skiers and two instructors from the top of the lift.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />In doing so, the employee – which ORDA declined to identify – was struck by a chain.<br /><br />The individual was treated by medical personnel at the mountain and subsequently airlifted to the Fletcher Allen Health Care Center in Burlington, Vermont for further treatment.<br /><br />Ted Blazer is president and CEO of ORDA.<br /><br />“Our thoughts are with the employee,” he said in a prepared statement. “We are hopeful for a full recovery.”<br /><br />Lundin says an investigation into the cause of the accident is now under way.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-69422300118281185022011-01-27T09:10:00.000-05:002011-01-27T09:11:33.066-05:00Senator looks to stop congressional pay raisesNew York’s junior senator introduced legislation this week aimed at halting congressional pay raises.<br /><br />Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand’s bill would prohibit automatic raises for members of Congress. 12 of her colleagues in the Senate are cosponsoring the legislation.<br /><br />The bill mirrors a similar one introduced last year by Senator Russ Feingold, a Democratic from Wisconsin.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />According to Gillibrand, the legislation would end the annual cost-of-living adjustment provided to members of the Senate and the House of Representatives.<br /><br />“Hardworking, middle class workers are never guaranteed an annual pay raise, and neither should their leaders in Congress,” Gillibrand said in a prepared statement.<br /><br />In 2010 and 2011, individual bills eliminated the pay raise temporarily.<br /><br />Gillibrand’s legislation would permanently end the practice.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-61800955606003637062011-01-03T13:41:00.001-05:002011-01-03T13:41:39.772-05:00Police search for missing Saranac Lake manThe Saranac Lake Village Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a local man who went missing over the weekend.<br /><br />Chief Bruce Nason says village cops are looking for 55-year-old Gary P. Sklaryk of 304 Ampersand Avenue, Saranac Lake.<br /><br />According to Nason, Sklaryk was reported missing by a family member on Sunday. He was last seen at approximately 4 a.m.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Sklaryk is described by police as a white male, six feet tall, weighing approximately 120 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes and a full beard and mustache.<br /><br />Officials say he was last seen wearing a blue and gray plaid hooded sweatshirt, gray corduroy pants and black slippers. Nason says he was heading in an unknown direction when he went missing.<br /><br />Sklaryk also has a medical condition that may require medical attention. He does not have access to a vehicle.<br /><br />Nason says that forest rangers with the state Department of Environmental Conservation have been notified of the missing man, and notice has also been sent to Ray Brook-based state police, the Tupper Lake, Lake Placid, and Malone village police departments and Plattsburgh City Police.<br /><br />Anyone with information regarding Gary Sklaryk’s whereabouts is urged to contact police at 891-4422.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-85801324772915702892010-12-30T10:42:00.001-05:002010-12-30T10:42:53.802-05:00ORDA worker hurt following lift malfunction...An employee of the state Olympic Regional Development Authority was injured following a lift malfunction at Whiteface Mountain this week.<br /><br />ORDA spokesman Jon Lundin says an investigation into the incident is under way. He notes, however, that the malfunction was not caused by wind and the lift line and chairs were not in danger of falling to the ground.<br /><br />The malfunction occurred on Lift I – the Freeway Lift – on Little Whiteface Mountain at 10:58 a.m. Wednesday. Lundin says 76 people were on the lift when the malfunction happened.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Ted Blazer is president and CEO of ORDA. In a statement released to media outlets Thursday morning, he said one member of the mountain’s ski patrol was injured and is being evaluated.<br /><br />“Our thoughts are with those affected and we are thankful that there were no serious injuries,” Blazer said.<br /><br />He also credited ORDA employees for their handling of the incident.<br /><br />“The Whiteface crew and responders did an outstanding job following procedure and evacuating the lift, ensuring everyone’s safety,” Blazer said.<br /><br />Ski patrol began skiing the length of the lift line immediately following the malfunction. All skiers were evacuated by 12:45 p.m.<br /><br />Lundin notes that the ski industry’s standard for lift evacuation is two hours from the time of the incident.<br /><br />Officials note the Freeway Lift was constructed in 1978 and passed inspection earlier this year. The lift has 121 chairs, 23 towers, and measures 4,100 feet in length. Its vertical rise is just under 1,500 feet.<br /><br />The lift can carry up to 800 skiers.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-31432674853527345492010-12-29T12:08:00.008-05:002010-12-29T14:36:22.155-05:00Comptroller finds Lake Placid government handing out taxpayers’ money...Here's a report filed by Jon Alexander a few minutes ago:<br /><br /> <em>French King Louis XIV built the gold and jewel-laden palace at Versailles, the Roman Emperor Caligula named himself a god and Lake Placid Village officials apparently get grossly overpaid for work they never did.<br /><br />State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli blasted Lake Placid Village government Wednesday following the completion of an audit that found village employees were paid over $111,000 for unapproved leave accruals. One town officials received lumps of cash for leave time that was never even earned.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />In a verbal smack-down of Lake Placid government, DiNapoli said the village board was guilty of brash negligence when it dolled out over $93,000 in unearned leave accrual payments between August, 2008 and October, 2009.<br /><br />“Lake Placid has to get its fiscal house in order and fast,” DiNapoli said. “Local governments must be more vigilant than ever in exercising their financial responsibilities to protect taxpayer resources from abuse and errors.”<br /><br />The audit found Village Clerk Kathryn McKillip received a whopping $38,000 in unauthorized leave accrual payments over the 14 month period, including $22,774 which she never actually earned.<br /><br />DiNapoli also found the village paid seven department heads over $40,000 in unauthorized leave payments.<br /><br />The audit states Lake Placid spent about $18,000 on dental and health insurance for employees who are no longer eligible.<br /><br />DiNapoli is calling for a segregation of the village’s payroll duties and increased oversight from the village board.<br /><br />Calls to Lake Placid Mayor Craig Randall went unreturned Wednesday.</em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-8109395097571034002010-12-27T12:22:00.002-05:002010-12-27T12:28:02.963-05:00Beard shaving for Donegal contest is this Saturday...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1NftJRqoj3LBGGWzrZBxaHMluYQtmAC3YrNWa3cy0PRXybmGrpCZEEMWcDst_JgDTgRARy9QzkzLcDhZdnxVfK8yQFsTeGmlGHoLCOZ3qQEnVPO8x_0AyYVEavvz3IFYv2bX2gi8Fpw/s1600/P3170936.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1NftJRqoj3LBGGWzrZBxaHMluYQtmAC3YrNWa3cy0PRXybmGrpCZEEMWcDst_JgDTgRARy9QzkzLcDhZdnxVfK8yQFsTeGmlGHoLCOZ3qQEnVPO8x_0AyYVEavvz3IFYv2bX2gi8Fpw/s200/P3170936.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555414962018140834" border="0" /></a><br />John Warren at the Adirondack Almanack is reminding folks today that beard shaving for the third annual Adirondack Donegal Beard Contest is this Saturday:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Participants in the 3rd Annual Adirondack Donegal Beard Contest are preparing to shave their facial hair New Year's Day in anticipation of growing their Donegal Beard for this year's contest. New beardsman are welcome to take part in the event, which is free and open to the public.</span> <a name='more'></a> <span style="font-style: italic;">The Donegal Beard (also called a Chin-curtain or Lincoln) is an Irish-style beard that grows along the jaw line and covers the chin – no soul patch, no mustache. Contestants must be clean shaven January 1st and grow a Donegal Beard by St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th). On Saint Patrick’s Day all beards should conform to the Donegal standard.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">The contest will be held from 4 to 7 pm, Thursday (St. Patrick's Day), March 17th, at Basil and Wicks (formerly Casey's North), on Route 28 in North Creek, NY. Judging will be at 6 pm, prizes will be awarded.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Judging is based on the following criteria: Length, Fullness, and Style and Sophistication.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Attached Photo: Contestants in the First Donegal Beard Contest, held at Gore Mountain Ski Area, March 17, 2009. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-71636566278151881062010-12-21T11:37:00.001-05:002010-12-21T11:39:11.361-05:00Sears owners look to sell building, parking lot...Jon Alexander is reporting that Sears in Saranac Lake is up for sale:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The owners of Sears in Saranac Lake are seeking to sell their building, the business and the recently-barricaded Main Street parking lot that has roused non-stop controversy for months.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Adirondack Premier Properties owner Margie Philo told WNBZ Tuesday that the owners of Sears, Larry Mullen and Phil Vivlamore, are looking to shed the property because of the fallout surrounding the parking lot’s August closure.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“The owners feel that at this time – with the business climate in village and their difficult experience over the last 16 months – they just felt unwelcome,” she said. “So they decided to list it.”</span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Vivlamore and Mullen have been locked in a test of wills with village officials for months.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">They sought to sell the property to the village for at least $265,000 or negotiate a lease that far surpassed the previous agreement that they inherited when they bought the property 16 months ago.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">But unwilling to match their price, the village balked at buying the 100-spot parking lot and it has remained barricaded to a general public that had enjoyed access to the convenient location for years.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Philo said the 1.41-acre property and the building – including the existing leases with Nori’s Village Market and Edward Jones – are listed at $819,000.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Sears business is also for sale, but is listed separately.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“They’re very busy with other properties and businesses – and this only being one of them and feeling it wasn’t going very positively – they decided it was in their best interest and probably in the best interest of the town and village, it would be best for a new owner to be there,” she said.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Unlike most local controversies, the Sears’ lot fallout has remained visceral and divisive. Many Saranac lake residents have called for a community-wide boycott of the business.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Adirondack Premier Properties has received seven inquires since it was first listed early Monday morning. Philo said several site visits are scheduled for this week.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">She characterized one of the interested parties as – quote – “a prominent” local business owner, but would not elaborate.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-26899873404804222392010-12-02T12:09:00.001-05:002010-12-02T12:09:59.590-05:00Police searching for missing TL womanPolice in Tupper Lake are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a 79-year-old woman reported missing Thursday morning.<br /><br />Tupper Lake Village Police Officer Justin Perryman told WNBZ that family members of Helen Reandeau reported her missing around 11 a.m.<br /><br />Helen’s daughter-in-law, Diane, says she was last seen by her son and daughter at a residence on King Street in the village of Tupper Lake at approximately 7:15 a.m.<br />Diane says she arrived at the home at about 9:15 a.m., and soon after friends and family members filed a missing persons report.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />She adds that neighbors owning trained search and rescue dogs tracked Helen Reandeau in the direction of the Adirondack Medical Center Mercy Care facility on Wawbeek Avenue, but soon lost sight of her footprints.<br /><br />Officer Perryman said Helen’s boots and coat were left inside the house. He notes that she also suffers from Alzheimer’s disease.<br /><br />“We’re looking for her around town right now, we’ve contacted various law enforcement agencies so they can look for her,” he said. “The family is also looking for her around town, at stores, friends’ homes, and family members’ homes.”<br /><br />Perryman says most of the family is actively involved in the search, so it’s unlikely the missing woman is with a family member. He adds that Helen often goes for walks around town, but not during the winter.<br /><br />Diane Reandeau says Helen often needs encouragement to leave the house in the winter.<br /><br />“We ask that anyone who may have seen her contact us immediately,” she said.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-3273358647885247152010-12-02T06:52:00.000-05:002010-12-02T06:54:16.413-05:00Bridge update this morning...The Associated Press reports that officials with the state Department of Transportation will provide an update on the Lake Champlain bridge project.<br /><br />Here's the AP brief:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">New York state transportation officials and the contractor building the new bridge across southern Lake Champlain will give the public an update on the $70 million project.</span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Transportation officials and Colorado-based Flatiron Constructors will hold a news conference and public session Thursday at the Crown Point State Historic Site.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Officials postponed an earlier planned update on Nov. 12 but gave no reason why.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The public meeting is planned for 2 p.m., with a press event scheduled for 10:30 a.m.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The original bridge linking Crown Point and Addison, Vt., was demolished in December 2009, about two months after engineers found severe erosion on the 80-year-old span's concrete piers.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The new bridge is expected to open by next October.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-47560272162883166342010-11-22T16:18:00.000-05:002010-11-22T16:19:07.891-05:00In TL, Cuomo issues stern warningDuring a surprise visit to Tupper Lake Monday, Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo issued a stern warning to state workers.<br /><br />According to WWNY-TV, Cuomo was touring the Sunmount Developmental Disabilities Services Office and campus when he issued the following statement:<br /><br />“If I was a state worker and just a resident of the state, I would be afraid of what is coming ahead,” he said.<br /><br />The WWNY report states that Cuomo has been touring state facilities since being elected. During his campaign, the Democrat promised to cut state spending and slash the state workforce.<br /><br />While touring Sunmount, Cuomo said layoffs cause pain for families, but that difficult decisions will need to be made in order to bring New York out of its fiscal crisis.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-42640040463828575262010-11-18T12:37:00.002-05:002010-11-18T12:40:32.836-05:00Rabideau on Trudeau's future...I'm posting here, in its entirety, an editorial penned by Saranac Lake Village Mayor Clyde Rabideau regarding Trudeau Institute's future in Saranac Lake:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Future of Trudeau and Saranac Lake</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Guest Commentary by Clyde Rabideau</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Trudeau Institute might leave us—an option affirmed by senior management---something most Saranac Lakers thought impossible until few weeks ago. After all, Trudeau Institute has been around for 126 years and was founded by the village’s first mayor, Edward L. Trudeau. Nothing could be more Saranac Lake than Trudeau Institute.</span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">There’s a buzz that representatives will soon head to Kannapolis, North Carolina, home to the North Carolina Research Center—nestled in the Charlottesville-University-Research Hospital-hotbed—to check out its one million square feet of state-of-the art, ready-to-go lab space, equipment and prime research facilities. A Trudeau spokesman said they did not want their staff “buying houses” until their “strategic planning,” now underway, was complete.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Now, like most buzzes, it may or may not be true, but Trudeau’s Chairman of the Board lives in Charlottesville and Trudeau management say they need an urban research hospital environment like Kannapolis to get more federal funding, so it is believable. And, even if it isn’t true, Saranac Lakers should still take its measure and gird for battle.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">So what might magnetize Trudeau to Kannapolis? A heck of a lot, truth be told. It’s one of the fastest growing areas of the country in which a multi-millionaire visionary by the name of David Murdock, bulldozed the Cannon Textile/Towel mills in the city’s downtown and built a Land of Biotech Oz through a public-private partnership with all the bells and whistles for research innovation and profit. It is a one-stop-shop for biotech research and for-profit ventures, with plenty of moolah to back it up, alongside universities like Duke, UNC and UC State and beau coup hospitals. It’s got mojo to spare.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Who would blame Trudeau’s management for checking it out and sending its “faculty” there?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I do and here’s why: We’re not like Kannapolis or the rest of the country for that matter, and that is our strong point. We’re unique and grand discoveries regularly take root here—in the Capital of the Adirondacks--amidst the solitude and serenity of our evergreens and lakes where great ideas take flight.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Saranac Lake has never been the epicenter of “urban-based, biotech, throw-the-money-at-‘em science.” No, we’re the epicenter of humanity—right where we want to be—where our forbearers gave comfort and solace to those that were ill. We always cared and always will, regardless of how much “moolah” is involved. Our scientists carry backpacks to work and not briefcases. They wear hiking boots and not high-heels. Backpacks and hiking boots probably aren’t that sexy in Kannapolis…but are more practical. We are unique and meaningful and so shall be the future discoveries at Trudeau IN Saranac Lake.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Kannapolis is a wake-up call, as is the so-called “Strategic planning” now underway at Trudeau, which many say is just window-dressing for a move to Kannapolis. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Saranac Lake and the State of New York must invest in real intellectual infrastructure that is uniquely “ours” and fearlessly compassionate, if it is to survive and thrive in the biotech future where money seduces, just as Kannapolis, our most fearsome competitor, is doing in its own way. We must lower our shoulder and push ahead with our own strategic plan and a solid, never-give-up commitment, staking our future on what has sustained us for generations, yet adapting as we must. If federal grant money is Trudeau’s answer, we must devise ways to get it to them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">We must also make sure in the days ahead that the Trudeau Board of Trustees, though they may not live here, understand that the very lifeblood of the institution they safeguard pulsates only if it has our indomitable Adirondack people, place and purpose...a people, a place and a purpose that will not go gentle into that good night.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-40536815773401475352010-11-18T12:25:00.002-05:002010-11-18T12:30:44.769-05:00Game on...I just returned from a news conference in Lake Placid, where officials announced that the winter Empire State Games will in fact be held in February 2011, despite reports this week that the state has pulled funding for the games.<br /><br />You can read my earlier report <a href="http://www.wnbz.com/November2010/111810/StateCancels.htm">here</a>.<br /><br />As of right now, barring any issues on the state's end, the games will proceed as planned, with the towns of Wilmington and North Elba, the village of Lake Placid, the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), and the Olympic Regional Development Authority joining forces to keep the games alive.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />I'm posting here the release issued this morning by ROOST. I'll have a full report later today during the five o'clock news hour.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Officials from the Village of Lake Placid, the Town of North Elba, the Town of Wilmington, the New York State Olympic Development Authority (ORDA) and the Lake Placid CVB, and the Whiteface Regional Visitors Bureau are pleased to announce that the communities will host the 2011 Empire State Winter Games.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">According to a statement from the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation on November 16, the summer, senior, physically challenged and winter Empire State Games were cut from the 2011 budget. The 31st annual Empire State Winter Games were scheduled to be held in February 2011 in Lake Placid. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The cancellation swiftly led to discussions amongst community leaders about a solution that would allow the Games to resume as scheduled this winter. Representatives from the Towns of North Elba and Wilmington, the Village of Lake Placid, the Lake Placid CVB and the ORDA made a joint decision Wednesday evening to work cooperatively to ensure that the games will continue at the same high level to which athletes are accustomed.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“We’ve made this decision on behalf of the greater Lake Placid region, just as Lake Placid decided in 1928 to pursue the 1932 Olympic Winter Games during the Great Depression, ” said Mayor Craig Randall. “This situation is actually an opportunity for Lake Placid, as it jump-started our existing plans to convene a leadership committee that will facilitate programs to support the communities’ sustainable future.” </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“With the expertise of our venue management team at ORDA, the Lake Placid CVB, our North Elba Park District, and our partners in Wilmington we have more than enough expertise to host a very successful event; now and in the future,” added Roby Politi, Supervisor of North Elba.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“The Empire State Games represent a great economic impact to the greater region,” said Randy Preston, Supervisor of Wilmington, home of Whiteface Mountain. “We look forward to being part of the team that will make certain that this event will continue to be part of our winter calendar.”</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“Our facilities and venue management were already prepared to host these events, said Ted Blazer,” President of ORDA. “The venues are set, our staff is ready, and we will pull off an exceptional Empire State Winter Games 2011.”</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“We’re pooling all of our collective talents, and are prepared to aggressively pursue funding to make this happen,” said James McKenna, President of the Lake Placid CVB. “We have already and will continue to communicate closely with the former Empire State Games staff to guarantee a rewarding experience for our New York State athletes.” </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Senator Elizabeth O’C. Little was very supportive. “My office is willing to meet and assist any way possible,” she said. “I’m very glad that the community stepped forward to promote yet another great event in the Adirondacks.”</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward was equally encouraging. “Great news,” she said. “Partnerships like this are necessary to keep great programs such as this in place.” </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The event will be held on February 25-28, 2011, and includes competitions in the disciplines of alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ski jumping, ice skating and more.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-85924138709549624132010-11-17T15:57:00.000-05:002010-11-17T16:00:07.182-05:00No takers for Camp GabrielsJon Alexander reports this afternoon that the state Office of General Services received no bids for the former Camp Gabriels minimum security prison.<br /><br />Here's his story:<br /><br />The state has been looking to sell the 91-acre parcel ever since its 2009 closure due to shrinking inmate populations and declining budget appropriations at the state Department of Correctional Services.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />But apparently, no one wants the property. The state had set a minimum $950,000 bid on Camp Gabriels.<br /><br />Heather Groll is spokeswoman for OGS.<br /><br />“We’re going to look at the potential options that are available to us from an economic development standpoint,” she said. “Potentially leasing, requesting the help of the Empire State Development Corporation, going to RFP, potentially holding on to the property until there’s a change in the market.”<br /><br />The bids were scheduled to be opened on Wednesday afternoon.<br /><br />The town of Brighton has been actively participating in the search for potential buyers.<br /><br />Brighton Supervisor John Quenell said he isn’t surprised that no bids were received.<br /><br />“I was not terribly optimistic based on the level of interest that we have seen in the town and the lack of people who showed up for the scheduled tours,” he said.<br /><br />“There were two open houses in October and nobody came to the first one and only one group came to the second. I sort of felt at that point that there isn’t any serious interest out there.”<br /><br />For nearly a year, the Brighton Redevelopment Committee has been looking for new uses for not only Camp Gabriels, but also the soon-to-be shuttered Paul Smith’s Visitors Interpretive Center.<br /><br />The region lost 107 jobs when Camp Gabriels closed.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294870529802859990.post-57541309788977425992010-11-03T15:00:00.004-04:002010-11-04T09:48:49.409-04:00GOP v. tea party Conservatives : Owens victory falloutRepublicans in New York's 23rd Congressional District are blaming Conservative Doug Hoffman -- and through the transative property UNYTEA -- for Matt Doheny's defeat at the Hands of the incumbent Democrat Bill Owens last night.<br /><br />But Hoffman and UNYTEA's brass are firing back.<br /><br />While not actively campaiging, Hoffman remained on the Conservative line and garnered 9,500 votes. Without counting the 9,000 abesentees cast in the district, Owens bested Doheny by 4,000 votes.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />This morning, newscasts across the region contained clips and quotes of GOP anger as they blaseted Hoffman for either not getting out earlier or not publicly supporting Doheny at campaign events.<br /><br />This from Hoffman spokesman Rob Ryan, who blames, not surprisingly, the GOP party bosses:<br /><br /><em>Doug Hoffman said, “The outcome of the 23rd Congressional race is proof positive that the Republican and Conservative Parties must work together to achieve victory. The spoilers in this race are the political bosses who have yet to come to that realization. The 23rd Congressional District’s 11 Republican County Chairs knew since January that I would be on the Conservative Party line and that I would have no legal way to get off it after July. Yet, they endorsed Matt Doheny even though I had the grass-root support and momentum from the 2009 campaign to create a Republican/Conservative landslide in 2010. The Republican bosses in the 23rd CD have to live up to their big tent philosophy. I am a living example that they did not.”</em><br /><br />And from UNYTEA Chair Mark Barie:<br /><br /><em>I congratulate Congressman Owens on his apparent victory in the race for Congress in the NY 23rd Congressional District.<br /><br />The results of yesterday’s election, however, should not be interpreted as a mandate for more taxes and more spending.<br /><br />Mr. Owens was reelected by the narrowest of margins and with less than fifty percent of the vote.<br /><br />He is no longer a member of the majority party and most of yesterday’s winners in the House races, campaigned on the repeal of the Health Care act which Mr. Owens supported.<br /><br />Mr. Owens is one of the lucky ones.<br /><br />He has been given a second chance to lower our taxes, to reduce government spending, and to limit the size of government.<br /><br />UNYTEA will be watching with great interest.<br /><br />Note:<br /><br />The narrow margin of Mr. Owens victory can be attributed to any number of factors. There was widespread confusion as to whether or not Doug Hoffman was still in the campaign. The extremely negative ads, many of them paid for by organized labor, which depicted Matt Doheny as a Wall Street investor who paid no taxes, were grossly inaccurate but apparently effective.<br /><br />In the end, Mr. Owens garnered about as many votes this year as he did last year. But Mr. Doheny and Mr. Hoffman, the two fiscal conservatives in this race, received more than 52% of the total vote.</em>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0