1000 Islands/Jefferson Co.

(03/09/12) The House Agriculture Committee convenes a hearing this morning on the federal Farm Bill at North Country Community College in Saranac Lake.

The hearing is one of only four scheduled for outside Washington DC so far on the bill. It comes at the invitation of Rep. Bill Owens of Plattsburgh. The public is welcome.

See the live webcast via the link below, and hear more this afternoon on All Before Five. more

(03/08/12) U.S. Representative Bill Owens says environmentalists shouldn't be concerned about his stand on a new water level plan for Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

The International Joint Commission started controlling high and low water levels in the 1950s. While that's kept a stable water level, the agency now says it's bad for the environment. The new plan allows water levels to reach higher highs and lower lows.

The IJC has yet to release all the plan details. Congressman Owens recently wrote to the agency, urging closer attention to shoreline property damage along Lake Ontario. He says that damage could exceed $3 million annually. more

(03/01/12) The Lewis County village of Lyons Falls has voted to enact a new curfew. It prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from being in streets, parks or other public places without an adult, between 10:30pm and 6am.

There will be exemptions for young people going to and from work or a public event--but they'll only be allowed a half hour to get where they need to go. And a youth, parent or guardian found in violation of the curfew could face a fine of up to $250 and up to 15 days in jail. more

(02/24/12) Jennifer Caddick has led the environmental protection and education organization Save the River for the past six years. But she's announced now she'll be stepping aside. Reporter Joanna Richards stopped by the offices of the organization to speak with Caddick about the issues that have defined her tenure at the organization and what priorities a new leader will be facing as the group begins a new chapter. more

(02/23/12) More North Country school have declared fiscal emergencies. Beekmantown Central School in Clinton County has unveiled a plan that would slash 43 jobs and the district's entire interscholastic sports program.

The Plattsburgh Press Republican reports the district faces a $3.2 million shortfall. Superintendent Scott Amo told a gathering Tuesday evening that "reductions in people are inevitable."

In Jefferson County, Lyme Central School officials have appealed to Gov. Cuomo change the way the state distributes school aid to give more to rural schools. In a letter quoted in the Watertown Daily Times, Superintendent Karen Donahue wrote, "I've witnessed great reductions in state aid, federal aid, and now a capped tax levy...now our students are suffering. They face the unfortunate circumstances of living in the wrong zip code."

More than 100 parents, students, and teachers gathered at the Canton High School auditorium last night. At least three busloads of them from Canton, Potsdam, and possibly other school districts are heading to Albany next week. They were meeting to learn what they'll do when they get there. more

(02/16/12) Hospice groups provide care and comfort to people facing the end of their lives. Hospice of Jefferson County is about to take a big step forward in the kind of care it can offer dying patients -- a home.

Joanna Richards toured the new Watertown residence with CEO Stephen Lyman. more

(02/09/12) Kellie Greene has tossed her hat into the mix of candidates seeking to defeat U.S. Rep. Bill Owens in the upcoming congressional election. The Sackets Harbor woman describes herself as a "true" constitutional conservative. She says she's been sitting on the sidelines long enough and is ready to make a go of it.

Greene formally announced her candidacy during an event in Watertown last week. She's challenging businessman Matt Doheny, a former Wall Street financier, for the Republican and Conservative party lines. A primary has been set for June 26. Chris Morris has more on the candidate. more

(02/03/12) Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced last week that the military wants to close some installations as its reduces its force size and winds down the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The process is called BRAC, for "base realignment and closure."

A spokeswoman for Fort Drum said the post isn't commenting on the announcement, but reporter Joanna Richards spoke with Carl McLaughlin, executive director of the Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization in Watertown, about how Fort Drum may fare as the BRAC process takes shape. more

(01/27/12) Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced yesterday that he wants Congress to authorize a new round of base closures that could help the Pentagon save more than 500 million dollars.

That news angered Congressman Bill Owens, whose district includes the Fort Drum Army base near Watertown. Martha Foley has details. more

(01/23/12) Watertown has been excited about the possibility of a new future for the city's landmark Woolworth building for several years. The historic downtown building is on the site of the dry goods store where F.W. Woolworth began his retail career.

In 1921, after launching his five-and-dime empire, Woolworth demolished the old store and built his imposing new headquarters. But as the five and dime empire went, so went the building. It's been vacant for years.

A new owner purchased the building several years ago, now city officials worry the redevelopment plans may be in jeopardy. Joanna Richards has the story. more