The State of New York will help its citizens kill themselves beginning today.” ‘No amount of clinical language — ‘medical aid in dying,’ ‘end-of-life option,’ ‘compassionate care’ — changes what this law is: state-sanctioned assisted suicide. The Conservative Party will take no pleasure in saying we told you so as New York continues down this nihilistic path. “Canada legalized assisted death in 2016 for the terminally ill; within five years it expanded to those whose deaths were not ‘reasonably foreseeable.’ Canadian lawmakers are openly debating extending it to the mentally ill. In the Netherlands and Belgium, eligibility has crept from terminal illness to psychiatric suffering to children. In every jurisdiction that has adopted assisted suicide, the ‘strict safeguards’ of year one become the ‘barriers to access’ of year 10. There is no example — anywhere — of these laws contracting. They only expand. “Governor Kathy Hochul assures New Yorkers that the checks and balances she signed into law — a six-month prognosis, two physicians, a five-day waiting period, a recorded request — will protect the vulnerable. But those safeguards cannot survive the moral inconsistency at the heart of this law. New York spends millions on suicide prevention hotlines while its Health Department now issues guidance on suicide facilitation. We tell the healthy young person in despair that his life has inherent worth, and we tell the sick elderly person in despair that ending hers is a dignified choice. A state cannot hold both positions. One of them will give way. “The pressure this law places on society’s most vulnerable — the elderly, the disabled, the poor, those who fear being a ‘burden’ on their families — is not hypothetical. It is documented in every jurisdiction that has preceded us down this path. A right to die becomes, quietly and inevitably, a duty to die. “True compassion is presence, palliative care, and hospice — not a deadly prescription and a hastened goodbye. The Conservative Party stood against this law, we stand against it today, and we will stand with every New Yorker whose life the State of New York has just declared negotiable.”

Was – The Battle of Valcour Island – before, during and after. With Reenactor and Historian Craig Russell. Hear the story of the most important naval battle of the Revolutionary War – fought on our lake on October 11, 1776.

Now – Echoes if we listen  with Helen Nerska based on the newest Clinton County Historical Association CCHA Revolutionary War exhibit: Native, Women and Black Patriots in Focus. Discover how each group contributed to the cause with expectations that were not realized.

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER

1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
2. ROLL CALL
3. APPROVAL of June 2026 minutes
4. OPEN FLOOR TO PUBLIC HEARING
5. APPLICATIONS:
   1. File # P-2026-008 – Site Plan Review – Parcel ID# 280.1-9-40 – 38 Pleasant St. – John Canning – APPLICANT SEEKS TO CHANGE FROM A DUPLEX TO A TRIPLEX APARTMENT BUILDING BY TURNING THE 2ND FLOOR OF HOME INTO A ONE-BEDROOM APARTMENT.
   2. File # P-2026-010 – Minor 2-Lot Subdivision – Parcel ID# 269.-1-30 – 3219 Rt. 22 – Lynn & Howard Manning Jr. – APPLICANTS SEEK TO CREATE A 6.04 ACRE LOT OUT OF THEIR EXISTING 22.5 ACRE PROPERTY.

State had been keeping the lights on for nearly four years after facility’s closure

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

July 30, 2026 – State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Jefferson County District Attorney Kristyna S. Mills, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced the arrest of the former chief of the Cape Vincent Ambulance Squad (CVAS) for allegedly stealing over $157,000 for unauthorized salaries, bonuses, and vacation time for himself and others. The defendant, Jeffrey J. Call, 55, of Three Mile Bay, was charged with grand larceny in the second degree, and one count of falsifying business records.

CVAS is a paid, non-profit ambulance service that operates in Jefferson County and receives funding from multiple sources including local municipalities. In addition to working at CVAS, Call also worked for the Guilfoyle Ambulance Service (Guilfoyle), a for-profit company in Watertown, N.Y.

“Jeffrey Call allegedly exploited his position of trust to divert resources that were supposed to be used to protect the health and well-being of his community,” DiNapoli said. “My office partners with law enforcement throughout the state to hold those who violate the public trust accountable. My thanks to D.A. Mills and the New York State Police for their continued partnership in fighting public corruption.”

“Public trust is the foundation of public service. When someone entrusted with serving their community instead abuses that position for personal financial gain, the New York State Police will work diligently with our law enforcement partners to ensure they are held accountable. I commend our members, the Office of the State Comptroller, and the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office for their commitment to conducting a thorough investigation and protecting taxpayer resources,” James said.

In late 2024, the CVAS board discovered that Call was paying himself and others unauthorized salaries instead of the approved hourly wage and reported the allegations of fraud to the State Police, who contacted DiNapoli’s office and a joint investigation commenced. Read more »

August 03, 2026- Saranac Lake, NY- Governor Hochul visits newly opened Pendragon Theater in Saranac Lake (Darren McGee/ Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)

August 03, 2026- Saranac Lake, NY- Governor Hochul visits newly opened Pendragon Theater in Saranac Lake (Darren McGee/ Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)

August 03, 2026- Saranac Lake, NY- Governor Hochul visits newly opened Pendragon Theater in Saranac Lake (Darren McGee/ Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)

$11 Million Project — Supported by More Than $6.2 Million from the State — Positions the Theatre as a Cultural and Community Anchor

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced an additional $750,000 state investment to close the final funding gap for Pendragon Theatre. Earlier this year, the Governor announced the opening of Pendragon Theatre’s new downtown facility in Saranac Lake valued at more than $11 million. The additional funding for the new theatre at 56 Woodruff Street, where a vacant grocery store once stood, represents a significant investment in the region’s cultural infrastructure and a major milestone for one of the Adirondacks’ leading performing arts organizations.

“The Pendragon Theatre is a testament to what is possible when we prioritize the arts as a catalyst for downtown revitalization,” Governor Hochul said. “What was just a vacant grocery store in the middle of the Saranac Lake community was transformed into not only a performing arts space but also a year-round gathering space that residents and visitors can call home.”

The additional $750,000 state investment closes Pendragon Theatre’s final funding gap and provides the theatre with a permanent home designed to support expanded year-round programming, foster artistic development and increase access to live theatre for residents and visitors. The theatre serves as a cultural anchor in downtown Saranac Lake, contributing to ongoing revitalization efforts and supporting regional economic growth through increased tourism and local engagement.

The project was supported through a combination of public and private investment, including support from various state agencies, reflecting New York State’s continued commitment to strengthening arts and culture as key drivers of economic development. New York State provided more than $6.2 million to the project, including a $2.5 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant, a $2 million Empire State Development Restore NY grant to the Village of Saranac Lake, a $500,000 ESD Market NY grant, a $750,000 discretionary grant from ESD, $400,000 via two New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Smart Growth grants and a $145,000 New York State Council on the Arts grant.

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Adirondack Community Connections (ACC) is inviting the community to help fight food insecurity during its Community Food Drive on Saturday, August 9, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Trinity Park in Plattsburgh.

The event will collect non-perishable food items and canned goods for two organizations serving neighbors throughout the North Country: the Plattsburgh Interfaith Food Shelf and The Alliance for Positive Health Food Shelter. ACC has set an ambitious goal of collecting 1,000 pounds of food in a single afternoon.

Community members are encouraged to stop by with shelf-stable donations, including canned vegetables, fruit, soup, beans, pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter, and other non-perishable staples. Every donation, no matter the size, will help local organizations meet the growing need for food assistance.

“Food insecurity affects individuals and families from every walk of life,” said Patricia Barnett, Vice President of Adirondack Community Connections. “This food drive is about neighbors helping neighbors. We hope the community will join us in making a meaningful difference for local food programs that serve people every day.”

Founded to strengthen connections across the North Country, Adirondack Community Connections works to bring people, organizations, and resources together through service projects, volunteerism, and community partnerships. The organization’s mission is rooted in the belief that stronger communities are built through collaboration, compassion, and civic engagement. 

ACC encourages residents, businesses, civic organizations, and faith communities to participate by donating food or helping spread the word about the event.

Event Details

What: Adirondack Community Connections Community Food Drive
When: Saturday, August 9, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Trinity Park, Plattsburgh, New York
Requested Donations: Non-perishable food items and canned goods
Beneficiaries: Plattsburgh Interfaith Food Shelf and The Alliance for Positive Health Food Shelter
Goal: Collect 1,000 pounds of food

For more information about Adirondack Community Connections or to learn how to get involved, follow ACC on social media or contact the organization directly.

Read more »

Plattsburgh, NY (August 5, 2026) — The North Country Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that registration is now open for a free welding training program.

The training will run for 3 weeks (Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm each day) from September 9th – 29th (120 total hours of instruction). All classes will be held in-person at the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at Clinton Community College.

This training is open to anyone looking to learn how to weld or improve their welding skills; previous experience is a benefit but not required.

Using a combination of classroom and hands-on (shop) training, this course will teach individuals the basics of Metal Inert Gas (MIG) and Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW). The following topics will be covered:

• Welding Safety and Symbolization
• Measurements for Fabrication
• Reading shop drawings/blueprints
• MIG Welding on carbon and stainless steel
• FCAW on carbon steel
• Welding inspection and equipment troubleshooting

Students will also be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) at no additional cost. This includes a welding helmet, jacket, gloves, eye/face protection, hand tools, and a storage bag. PPE will become the students upon successful completion of the training.

**Students will be required to provide their own safe footwear (steel-toed safety shoes/boots are required)

For more information or to register visit: northcountrychamber.com/Economic-Development/Welding-Training or contact aaron Fregeau at (518) 563-1000 or at aaron@northcountrychamber.com.

Space is limited and filling out the interest form does not guarantee a spot in the program. After registering, individuals will be contacted if they are selected to take part in the training.

This training was made possible by funding support from the New York State Department of Labor and NYS Senator Jeremy Cooney.

PLATTSBURGH, NY, August 5, 2026  – Plattsburgh City Councilor David Monette is inviting residents from Ward 5 and across the City of Plattsburgh to roll up their sleeves and help preserve one of the city’s most recognizable historic landmarks during a community “Beautification Day” on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (weather permitting) at the Samuel De Champlain Monument Park, 30 Cumberland Avenue.

The volunteer event will focus on cleaning and beautifying the monument grounds through litter removal, landscaping, weeding, and general park maintenance. The effort is intended to enhance the appearance of the park while encouraging community pride and stewardship of one of Plattsburgh’s historic public spaces.

“The Samuel De Champlain Monument is an important part of our city’s history and waterfront,” said Councilor Monette. “This is an opportunity for neighbors to come together, take pride in our community, and make a visible difference. Whether you can volunteer for an hour or the entire day, your help will be greatly appreciated.”

Residents, families, civic organizations, scout troops, service clubs, and local businesses are encouraged to participate. Volunteers should wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor work and are encouraged to bring work gloves if they have them.

“This is about more than cleaning a park,” Monette added. “It’s about strengthening community connections and demonstrating the pride we all share in Plattsburgh.”

Event Details

• What: Samuel De Champlain Monument Beautification Day
• When: Saturday, August 15, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Where: Samuel De Champlain Monument Park, 30 Cumberland Avenue, Plattsburgh
• Who: Open to all residents, community organizations, and volunteers

Honoring a Century of Care

Plattsburgh, NY — As part of its yearlong centennial celebration, The University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) invites the North Country to a day of family fun, local history and community pride on Saturday, Aug. 15. The festivities feature a reenactment of a historic transfer of patients from Champlain Valley Hospital to the new CVPH Medical Center and a free Centennial Carnival from 11 am to 5 pm.

The day begins at 9 am with a reenactment of the 1972 event that marked the opening of the CVPH Medical Center on Beekman Street.  Starting at SUNY Plattsburgh’s Champlain Valley Hall on Rugar Street, teams will push a hospital bed along a route similar to the one traveled by hospital staff more than five decades ago, arriving at our main campus in time for the start of the Carnival.

The family-friendly event honors CVPH’s 100-year legacy of caring for the North Country while serving as a heartfelt thank-you to the community whose trust and support have helped shape the hospital’s first century of service.

“The Centennial Carnival is an opportunity to bring families, friends and neighbors together, reflect on our shared history, and celebrate the important role health care plays in keeping our community healthy and strong,” said Alice Hyde Medical Center and CVPH President Michelle LeBeau. “It’s a chance to look at how far we have come and the sometimes difficult decisions made to continue to advance health care in our community. Taking time to celebrate – even in these turbulent times – is important because it reminds us not only of what we have accomplished together, but of the commitment to our patients and each other that has guided us throughout the years.”

The Carnival will feature live entertainment, activities, local food vendors and attractions for all ages, including:

• Live Music
  • Quasimojo (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
  • Craig Hurwitz, Jay LeSage & Friends (2 to 4 p.m.)
• Presentation by New York State Senator Dan Stec (1:30 pm)
• Teddy Bear Clinic (1 to 4 pm)
• Pipsqueak the Clown
• Illusionist Wyatt Hacket
• Thera-Pet Donkeys
• Bounce houses
• Games courtesy of The Giving Shift
• Food and refreshments from:
  • The Food Dudes
  • Adirondack Food Therapy
  • Mr. Ding-A-Ling (providing free ice cream thanks to a generous donation from Centers Health Care)
  • High Peaks Brew
• 300 coupons for free single scoop cones courtesy of Stewart’s Shops.

Re-Enactment Commemorates Beginning of CVPH Medical Center
On May 15, 1972, with the merger of Champlain Valley Hospital (CVH) and Physicians Hospital finalized and the construction of CVPH Medical Center, a state-of-the-art facility on Beekman Street complete, 98 patients from CVH were transported to the new facility. It took about 6 hours to transfer 60 people by ambulance and another 38 patients via taxicab, private car, wheelchair, hospital bed and several on foot.

Watch history come to life Saturday morning as teams re-create the transport during a bed relay that begins at Champlain Valley Hall on Rugar Street through the SUNY campus onto Draper Street, crossing Broad Street and making a right onto Cornelia Street and then turning onto Beekman Street toward the CVPH Main Entrance. Spectators are welcome and encouraged to cheer on participants.

“This anniversary celebration honors the patients, families, employees, volunteers and community members who have helped shape the organization over the last century and celebrates those caring that legacy forward today,” LeBeau said. “We hope the community will enjoy the festivities and join us in celebrating 100 years of caring at 75 Beekman Street.”

Graphic and photos provided 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Plattsburgh, August 3, 2026. The Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) is reminding residents to stay up to date on recommended vaccines this Immunization Awareness Month. Vaccines help to significantly reduce the risk of infection, disease, hospitalization and death. They also help to decrease the spread of vaccine preventable diseases.

“Vaccines work by triggering our immune system to recognize and fight off specific pathogens,” explained Nichole Louis, BSN, RN, Director of Health Care Services at the CCHD. “Our immune system then remembers how to fight off that illness if we come in contact with it again.”

“Vaccination is one of the simplest and most effective ways we can protect ourselves, our families, and our community,” said Jeff Sisson, Director of Public Health. “As we prepare for the new school year and the fall and winter respiratory virus season, I encourage all Clinton County residents to talk with their health care provider to make sure they are up to date on recommended vaccines and help keep our community healthy.”

Vaccines protect against more than 20 serious infections and related diseases including: measles, mumps and rubella (MMR); polio; diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP/Tdap); hepatitis A and B; human papillomavirus (HPV); influenza; COVID-19; pneumococcal; meningococcal; varicella (or chickenpox); shingles; Haemphilus influenzae type b (Hib); and rotavirus. There are also several other globally used vaccines. Recommendations vary depending on age, heath status, and lifestyle. The best way to be sure you are up to date on vaccination is to have a discussion with your health care provider.

“Vaccines are safe and effective,” added Ms. Louis. “Side effects are uncommon, most are mild and short-term, they are far less serious than the disease the vaccine is meant to prevent.”

Additionally, New York State has immunization requirements for school entrance/attendance. Though the requirements differ by age and grade, vaccinations typically required include: DTaP/Tdap, polio, MMR, hepatitis B, varicella, meningococcal, Hib, and pneumococcal. The easiest way to determine if your child is up to date on all their vaccines is to contact their pediatrician or school nurse. If your child is missing a vaccine, or due for a booster, contact your pediatrician. “Do this now to get them scheduled as the appointments fill up fast. Do not wait until the last week of summer,” urged Ms. Louis. “If you are having trouble locating your records or have a provider that does not carry vaccines, contact CCHD at 518-565-4848.”

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. August 3, 2026 – Assemblyman Michael S. Cashman (D-Plattsburgh) announced today that he has secured $300,000 in state CREST funding for the Battlefield Memorial Gateway Project. The park, which is currently in its second phase of construction, is a public-private partnership between the Town of Plattsburgh and the Clinton County American Legion.

The Battlefield Memorial Gateway is a military remembrance park featuring multiple community-centered spaces. The project is currently in the second of three phases of construction. Upon completion, it will feature a remembrance plaza that can accommodate public events, a children’s playground, and additional highlights.

“The North Country has been part of nearly every chapter of the American story, from the colonial period to the founding of our nation,” Assemblyman Michael S. Cashman said. “Every generation of men and women has answered the call to serve our nation. The Battlefield Memorial Gateway is more than a memorial; it is a multigenerational space of honor, reflection, and engagement. It is a place where children can walk alongside their grandparents, where stories of service can be shared across generations, and where families can connect with the sacrifices that secured the freedoms we enjoy today. As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, this investment helps ensure that the legacy of those who served, and the role the North Country has played throughout the American journey, will continue to educate, inspire, and unite our community for generations to come.”

“The Battlefield Memorial Gateway is a project our community can truly be proud of,” Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Chuck Kostyk said. “It’s a place where we can honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans while giving future generations an opportunity to learn about our history and the people who helped shape it. This funding moves us another step closer to bringing that vision to life, and we’re incredibly grateful to Assemblyman Cashman for his continued support and for believing in the importance of this project for the Town of Plattsburgh and the entire North Country.”

“I am so excited about this great news,” Sons of the American Legion member and Battlefield Memorial Gateway project board member John Rock said. “This funding will help make significant headway on this project. Our veterans deserve this great recognition and all the honor we can give them. We need this site to honor the people of the North Country who served and serve today, especially as we celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. I have long appreciated my friendship with Cashman and our combined efforts on this project and am excited to see it progress.”

        More information on the Battlefield Memorial Gateway project can be found on the Town of Plattsburgh’s website here: https://www.townofplattsburghny.gov/home_page/battlefield-memorial-gateway/.

Troopers Seized 214 Vehicles and Issued More Than 1,100 Tickets To Ensure Public Safety and Accountability

38 Individuals Owed Nearly $103,000 in Unpaid Tolls and Fees to Thruway Authority

Thruway Authority Has Recovered More Than Two-Thirds of Monies Owed to Date From Thruway Suspended Drivers

Albany, NY Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State Police Troop T, in partnership with the New York State Thruway Authority, seized 214 vehicles and issued more than 1,100 tickets during four statewide enforcement details on the Thruway system to proactively address the use of missing, altered, or obscured license plates (known as ghost plates) that some motorists intentionally use to avoid tolls. The enforcement details took place during the first half of this year along the 570-mile Thruway system in the Capital, Hudson Valley and Western New York regions.

“These enforcement operations are about protecting public safety, holding toll evaders responsible and safeguarding the toll dollars that drivers rightly contribute to maintain our transportation network,” Governor Hochul said. “We will continue working with the Thruway Authority and the New York State Police to put the brakes on ghost plates.”

In total, the owners of 38 vehicles that were impounded and had Thruway suspended registrations owed $103,000 in unpaid tolls and fees to the Thruway Authority. The Authority has since recovered more than $70,000.

This is part of an ongoing commitment to combatting motorists using ghost plates to avoid tolls, evade traffic enforcement cameras, or operate unregistered or unlicensed vehicles. In 2025, the State Police and Thruway Authority conducted seven enforcement details across the state, resulting in State Police seizing a total of 310 vehicles and issuing 1,749 tickets. This initiative resulted in the Authority recovering more than $132,000 of the $224,000 owed (59 percent) from 42 vehicle owners.

New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “Toll dollars collected on the Thruway are reinvested back into the system to maintain, modernize and improve the infrastructure that millions of motorists rely on every day. By holding toll evaders accountable, we help protect honest, paying customers, preserve some of the lowest toll rates in the nation and ensure the Thruway remains a safe and reliable roadway for generations to come. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul and the New York State Police Troop T for their continued partnership in protecting the integrity of the Thruway system.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “A crucial mission of the State Police is ensuring the safety of the state’s roadways, and an important part of that effort is holding accountable those motorists who break the law by using fake, stolen or obscured license plates. They are putting the traveling public at risk by potentially impeding an accident investigation, and further, by not paying their fair share in tolls, they reduce the revenue that enables important roadway maintenance. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued support and the Thruway Authority for its partnership in helping us keep the Thruway safer for all motorists.”

2026 Toll Enforcement Details on NYS Thruway System:

On March 17, State Police impounded 80 vehicles from motorists crossing the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge (GMMCB), which connects Westchester and Rockland counties, including 18 impoundments for unpaid Thruway tolls. Troopers issued 293 tickets as part of the operation, 141 of which were for license plate violations.
On May 5, a second detail was conducted on the GMMCB, in which State Police impounded 69 vehicles, 10 for unpaid Thruway tolls. The operation resulted in 290 tickets, including 178 for plate violations.
On May 5, another detail took place in the Western region, and State Police impounded 15 vehicles from motorists on I-190 in Buffalo, 3 for toll evasion on the NYS Thruway. Troopers issued 262 tickets, including 138 for plate violations, during the operation.
On June 11, State Police impounded 50 vehicles from motorists on I-87 in Albany, 7 for unpaid Thruway tolls. Troopers issued 310 tickets as part of the operation, including 58 for license plate violations.

The elimination of Adirondack trees by Finch Paper in pulp production has other ramifications in addition to the impact on local workers

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Chicken/Stuffing Casserole 

Vegetable 

Bread

Dessert 

Served 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., take-out only, at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru, NY 12972. 

All are invited and welcome!

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Click here for the NCPR story