Lisa Carylon is from Geneva, NY

Lisa’s Carlyon’s sunrise on Lake Champlain

Mary Freida and Lisa Carlyon arrived at Ausable Point at 4:30 a.m. to capture our beautiful sunrise.

By John T Ryan

Early this morning at Ausable Point, several artists were enjoying the stunning scenery of our region. These talented individuals are part of the 40 artists participating in the Keeseville Community Arts Festival.

On Friday and Saturday, you can view their landscape and architectural paintings at the Plein Air Show and Sale, held at the Old Stone Mill, located at 126 Sable Street. Paintings will be available for purchase from the opening reception on Friday, which runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., through Saturday afternoon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $15 at the door, which includes a limited-edition KEESEVILLE glass and a complimentary beverage from Ausable Brewing Company. A portion of the artwork sales and donations will benefit AdkAction.

The Plein Air art program is just one aspect of Keeseville’s Community Festival. The event also features pottery demonstrations, a 5K color run, plein air painting sessions, a dye workshop for kids, barn quilt making, a free ice cream bar, live music and performances, and much more. For more information about all the activities, please visit https://www.adkaction.org/keeseville-community-arts-festival/.By John T Ryan

Janet Arsenault from Frederick, Maryland looked westward with the Adirondacks in the distance.

Wickham Marsh attracted Katie Langford of Glens Falls, NY.

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

July 16, 2025

July 15, 2025

The 2026 property tax levy growth will be capped at 2% for local governments that operate on a calendar-based fiscal year, according to data released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. This figure affects tax cap calculations for all counties, towns, and fire districts, as well as 44 cities and 13 villages.

“Allowable tax levy growth will be limited to 2% for a fifth consecutive year,” DiNapoli said. “The challenge for local governments will be maintaining essential local services within this cap, while still dealing with higher prices for commodities and services and the potential impact of policy choices at the federal level.”

In accordance with state law, DiNapoli’s office calculated the 2026 inflation factor at 2.64% for those local governments with a calendar fiscal year, above the 2% allowable levy increase.

The tax cap, which first applied to local governments (excluding New York City) and school districts in 2012, limits annual tax levy increases to the lesser of the rate of inflation or 2% with certain exceptions. The law also includes a provision that allows municipalities to override the cap.

Chart 
Allowable Tax Levy Growth Factors for Local Governments

Conversation takes place in Hemmingford, PQ. 

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Avalanche Pass Trail Closed to Protect Public Safety; Slide on Mount Colden Impacting Access

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the closure of the Avalanche Pass Trail in Keene, Essex County, after recent rainstorm events resulted in mud and rockslides. The closure affects the portion of the Avalanche Pass Trail from the intersection with the Lake Arnold Trail to the southern end of Avalanche Lake. DEC staff are working to assess the damage and condition of the area impacted by the mud and rockslides. Hikers should avoid the area until the trail reopens. 

Impacted routes include the passage south to Lake Colden area from the Adirondak Loj, and loop routes over Algonquin Peak, Mount Colden, and Mount Marcy back to the Adirondak Loj through Avalanche Pass. An alternate route through Lake Arnold is possible but hikers are advised conditions are extremely wet and muddy. DEC will provide updates once the trails are reopened.

In addition, a slide on the southeast side of Mount Colden into Feldspar/Lake Arnold trail in Keene, Essex County, resulted in trail blockage. A short bushwhack around debris is necessary to continue on the trail. Hikers are encouraged to take extreme caution if seeking alternate routes or navigating debris. DEC staff are checking other trails in the High Peaks for storm damage or slide impacts that could potentially require trail closures or cleanup work that could impact usage. 

Hikers are advised to check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for updates on trail conditions, seasonal road closures, and general recreation information for the Adirondacks.

View the HikeSmartNY webpage for detailed information on safety and preparedness and what to do in case of an emergency in the backcountry.

Love our New York lands by finding alternate forms of sustainable outdoor recreation, always practicing Leave No TraceTM, and giving back through volunteer work and stewardship. Visit DEC’s website for more information about recreating responsi

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

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Triple Crown Finale Brings Big Thrills to Plattsburgh City Beach

The final round of the East Coast Watercross Triple Crown is making a splash on the Adirondack Coast August 1–3, 2025, as 100 of the country’s top racers hit the water at Plattsburgh City Beach for a high-octane weekend of jet ski racing, freestyle stunts, and adrenaline-fueled action.

Athletes from Florida, Texas, Wisconsin, Arizona—and even Canada—will take on a wild 30-buoy course in pursuit of podium finishes and their share of a prize pot totaling around $25,000. Triple Crown points have been building all season long, with earlier rounds in Alabama and Michigan. The final stop in Plattsburgh is where it all gets decided.

Racing runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM each day, and spectators can expect fast-paced, edge-of-your-beach-chair excitement from start to finish. While there’s no formal freestyle competition this year, a midday freestyle show will give fans a taste of the jaw-dropping tricks that make this sport so spectacular.

And best of all? It’s totally free to watch (just bring a beach parking pass!). Limited-edition merchandise will be available for purchase on-site, making it easy to bring home a piece of the action.

📍 Location: Plattsburgh City Beach, 4 Beach Road, Plattsburgh, NY
📅 Dates: August 1–3, 2025
🕙 Time:

• Friday, August 1: Practice Day | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday, August 2: Race Day | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Sunday, August 3: Race Day | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM à Be sure to treat yourself to a tasty lunch from the Adirondack Food Therapy food truck—serving up delicious eats on Sunday!

💵 Note: Regular beach parking rates apply.

Whether you’re a die-hard motorsports fan or just looking for an epic way to spend a summer weekend, Watercross at the Beach is one you won’t want to miss.

Learn more at goadirondack.com/watercross! 

Plan your summer getaway now at goadirondack.com and experience why Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Coast are the ultimate freshwater destination for adventure, sport, and family fun.

A Peru Town Board Work Session has been scheduled pn July 22 at 4PM at the Peru Town Hall.

Credit Helps Address Connection Between Extreme Heat and Worker Health and Safety, as Highlighted by NYSIF’s 2024 Report

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF)’s new Extreme Heat Equipment Credit. The credit helps qualifying small businesses protect their workers through the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies designed to minimize the effects of heat exposure.

“Extreme weather events have unfortunately become our new normal, and here in New York, we are prioritizing resources to help our small businesses and workers statewide,” Governor Hochul said. “Our hardworking employees across the state deserve to have access to necessary benefits in instances of heat-related illnesses, especially those who work long hours outdoors.”

With 2024 being the hottest year on record, and each year between 2015-24 ranking among the 10 hottest years on record, rising temperatures have become a critical occupational hazard for many industries. Extreme heat can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion and can exacerbate preexisting conditions such as asthma, kidney disease, or heart disease. Exposure to extreme heat can also impair cognitive and motor functions, increasing the risk of on-the-job accidents.

The NYSIF Extreme Heat Equipment Credit is available to small businesses — up to 10 employees — in manufacturing, warehousing, carpentry, landscaping and farming; industries where workers are often exposed to extreme temperatures. These businesses can receive a one-time credit of $1,000 or 10 percent of their annual workers’ compensation premium, whichever is less, toward the purchase of PPE designed to protect workers from the effects of extreme heat.

Today’s initiative is the latest in NYSIF’s commitment to promote worker safety and combat the effects of climate change. NYSIF recently expanded its Climate Action Premium Credit to additional providers of health care services as well as entities engaged in the medical supply chain. The program provides financial incentives and technical support for climate action planning and implementation.

Eligible purchases under the NYSIF Extreme Heat Equipment Credit program include but are not limited to fans, ventilation systems, cooling vests, ventilated hard hats, UV-resistant safety glasses, and cooling towels. NYSIF policyholders that qualify can apply for the credit on the NYSIF website at nysif.com/ppe.

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Barrie Finnegan accepts Spirit of Ianelli Award on behalf of the North Country Honor Flight Volunteers

Barrie Finnegan thanked Sunrise Rotary for the Award

Barrie Finnegan thanked the volunteers for their dedication. Not all the volunteers could be present for the ceremony.

Plattsburgh, Saturday, July 12 – The Sunrise Rotary Mayor’s Cup Regatta & Festival Committee has named the North Country Honor Flight as its 2025 Spirit of Ianelli Award honoree. Sunrise Rotary Club President Wanda Carroll presented the award to Barrie Finnegan, Executive Director of the North Country Honor Flight, along with other members of the organization, at the Mayor’s Cup Regatta Awards ceremony at the City Marina.

The Spirit of Ianelli Award was established in 2010 in honor of the late Mayor John Ianelli, former Mayor of the City of Plattsburgh and co-founder of the Mayor’s Cup Regatta in 1978. This honor is bestowed upon one individual or group of individuals – sailor or landlubber – who exemplifies the same “community does matter” spirit that inspired Mayor Ianelli over 45 years ago, empowering our lake community to thrive, not only on race day, but every day.

The North Country Honor Flight is a 100% volunteer-led non-profit organization dedicated to honoring local veterans by providing them with free trips to visit our nation’s war memorials in Washington, D.C. Flights began in 2013 and to date 61 Honor Flights have taken over 900 veterans to Washington, D.C. These trips offer veterans the opportunity to reflect on their service, bond with fellow service members and receive recognition for their service.

Plattsburgh Sunrise Rotary has been a proud supporter of the North Country Honor Flight from the beginning. In addition, several past and current Sunrise Rotarians are veterans and have made the trip to Washington, D.C. along with fellow service members. Sunrise Rotarian found their stories and memories of the day to be extremely powerful and very moving.

Past honorees of the Spirit of Ianelli Award include:

2024 – Mike Collin

2023 – Mia Taylor

2022- Julia Devine and Amy Guglielmo

2021 – Thom and Betty Loreman

2020 – Local Frontline Essential Workers

2019 – The Plattsburgh Air Park Restoration Group of Volunteers

2018 – Leigh and Stephens Mundy

2017 – Janet Duprey

2016 – Gordie Little

2015 – Local Law Enforcement of Clinton County, NY

2014 – Kit and Sally Booth

2013 – Bob Wallet

2012 – Roger Harwood

2011 – Matt Spiegel

2010 – Bob Pooler

**

Roughly 70% of the state’s farms carry no crop insurance, according to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture.

Click here for the VTDigger story 

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Trail Closed to Protect Public Safety due to the presence of a bull moose

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminds hikers the temporary closure of the Goodman Mountain trail in the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest in the town of Tupper Lake, remains in effect,

DEC staff, accompanied by the New York State wildlife veterinarian, conducted a site visit to Goodman Mountain on July 10. The same moose continues to reside on or near the trail and continues to demonstrate unusual behaviors. It is suspected that this moose may have an underlying illness influencing behavior as it continues to remain on or near the trail and is not responsive to attempts to move it off the trail.  Based on these observations, and the terrain, the trail will remain closed to protect the moose and ensure public safety in the event of a close encounter with the public.  Moose are large animals, and while no signs of aggression have been observed, moose can be dangerous if approached too closely.

DEC Wildlife experts continue to monitor the situation closely, and Forest Rangers will be actively enforcing the closure. The trail will remain closed until DEC determines it is safe to reopen. An update will be issued at that time.

Signage is posted at trailheads and access points, and visitors are urged to seek alternative hiking destinations in the region.

For more information about the closure, contact DEC Region 6 Office of Natural Resources at (315) 785-2263.