Families Encouraged to Register Early
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that online registration for the 2023 Summer Camps program will open Sunday, April 2, 2023, at 1 p.m. Applications should be submitted through the online registration program available through a link from the Summer Camps website. Parents and guardians are also advised to monitor this site to complete registration forms and are encouraged to register early since spaces fill up quickly.
“DEC’s Summer Camps program has a long tradition of introducing youth to the outdoors through fun, hands-on, minds-on activities that create life-long connections to nature,” Commissioner Seggos said. “Our camps provide increasingly rare opportunities for children to unplug and immerse themselves in the natural world. Kids at DEC Summer Camps are guided by highly qualified staff in hiking, canoeing, and overnight camping adventures each week.”
Now in its 76th year, the Summer Camps program offers week-long adventures in conservation education for children ages 11-17. DEC operates four residential camps for children: Camp Colby in Saranac Lake (Franklin County); Camp DeBruce in Livingston Manor (Sullivan County); Camp Rushford in Caneadea (Allegany County), and Camp Pack Forest in Warrensburg (Warren County). Opening specific camps is dependent on staff availability.
Camp capacities will be reduced again this next year to provide the safest experience possible. Read more »
Posted: January 12th, 2023 under General News.
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Since the start of the new year, Clinton County hasn’t seen any home closings. Here’s why.
Click here for the NBC5 story
Posted: January 12th, 2023 under Business News, Law Enforcement News, National News, Northern NY News.
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The tax cap, which first applied to local governments and school districts in 2012, limits annual tax levy increases to the lesser of the rate of inflation or 2% with certain exceptions, including a provision that allows school districts to override the cap with 60% voter approval of their budget. DiNapoli’s office calculated the inflation factor at 8% for those with a June 30, 2024 fiscal year end.
“School and local communities are still navigating the post-pandemic needs of their students and residents while dealing with high rates of inflation and employee turnover,” DiNapoli said. “School district and municipal officials must exercise fiscal prudence to stay under the cap amid these challenges as they prepare their budgets.”
The 2% allowable levy growth affects the tax cap calculations for 676 school districts and 10 cities with fiscal years starting July 1, 2023, including the “Big Four” cities of Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Yonkers.
List of allowable tax levy growth factors for all local governments
Property Tax Cap: Inflation and Allowable Levy Growth Factors
Track state and local government spending at Open Book New York. Under State Comptroller DiNapoli’s open data initiative, search millions of state and local government financial records, track state contracts, and find commonly requested data.
Posted: January 12th, 2023 under Education News, State Government News, State Legislator News.
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From the office of Governor Kathy Hochul
Energy Affordability Guarantee, a First-in-the-Nation Pilot Program to Ensure Participating New Yorkers Never Pay More than Six Percent of Their Incomes on Electricity
Plan Would Deliver $200 Million in Utility Bill Relief for Over 800,000 New York Households
Puts New York on Trajectory for Zero-Emission New Construction and Phase Out of New Fossil Fuel Heating Equipment
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced investments in energy affordability, clean and efficient buildings, clean air, and clean water, as part of the 2023 State of the State. The proposal will create the Energy Affordability Guarantee to ensure participating New Yorkers never pay more than six percent of their incomes on electricity. Governor Hochul also announced $200 million in relief for utility bills for up to 800,000 New York households earning under $75,000 a year that are not currently eligible for the State’s current utility discount program. Additionally, Governor Hochul announced an ambitious package of building decarbonization initiatives, including for zero-emission new construction and the phase out of the sale of new fossil fuel heating equipment. This announcement also includes $500 million in clean water funding, coupled with the creation of Community Assistance Teams to help disadvantaged communities access financial assistance.
“New York State is leading by example and setting in motion a bold agenda to promote energy affordability, reduce emissions, and invest in clean air and water,” Governor Hochul said. “The first-in-the-nation Energy Affordability Guarantee will help hardworking families as we implement the nation’s most ambitious climate plans and chart a path to a cleaner, healthier New York for future generations.”
Addressing Energy Affordability
In addition to advancing an economywide Cap-and-Invest-Program that supports universal rebates to consumers, Governor Hochul is proposing a series of policies to insulate our most vulnerable households from rising energy prices while advancing the transition to lower emissions. Actions include:
- Providing $200 million in relief for high electric bills. New York State will provide a credit to approximately 800,000 households that make under $75,000 to help pay burdensome electric bills.
- Pairing affordability support with modernizing low-income homes through EmPower Plus Pilot. EmPower Plus will help 20,000 low-income families improve their homes by adding insulation, upgrading to energy efficient appliances, and switching from polluting fossil fuel heating to clean, efficient electric alternatives. Homes that qualify through the EmPower Plus program are also eligible for the Energy Affordability Guarantee when they fully electrify. This first-in-the-nation pilot program will ensure participating families never pay more than six percent of their incomes on electricity. The current EmPower program served more than 14,000 homes in 2022 and EmPower Plus is expected to reach over 20,000 households within the next year through a combination of weatherization and electrification measures, drastically cutting energy use as well as delivering more than 17,000 metric tons of averted emissions – thanks to an infusion of $200 million in new State support.
- Directing the Low-Income Energy Task Force, composed of State agencies that administer energy affordability programs, to undertake immediate efforts to improve the alignment of existing programs and streamline administrative processes to increase access to these services and the impact of public dollars.
Investing in Clean Air and Reducing Emissions
To improve air quality and reduce emissions from various sectors, Governor Hochul is:
- Calling for zero-emission new construction, with no on-site fossil fuel combustion by 2025 for smaller buildings, and by 2028 for larger buildings.
- Proposing New York take a nation-leading stand to prohibit the sale of any new fossil fuel heating equipment by 2030 for smaller buildings and 2035 for larger buildings, along with related fossil fuel systems for all buildings.
- Advancing a system to assign letter grades to larger buildings statewide based on their energy usage to help building managers make informed choices to cut electricity bills and emissions.
- Building on New York’s nation-leading investments in transportation electrification by directing the Department of Public Service (DPS) to identify and remove the barriers to deploying charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles efficiently and timely.
- Directing the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) to source all facilities’ electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030 by generating its own electricity and prioritizing other green resources such as community solar or purchasing renewable energy from other local facilities.
- Creating an Office of Just Transition to centralize and direct State planning for a just transition; New York will be the first to advance a structure dedicated to the achievement of an economywide just transition for affected workers and communities that looks beyond the transition from coal and addresses the shift away from other fossil fuels.
Investing in Clean Water
Governor Hochul will invest $500 million in clean water funding to support water quality and infrastructure projects and protect public health. To leverage these investments and ensure ongoing coordination with local governments, Governor Hochul will develop Community Assistance Teams, which will provide proactive outreach to small, rural, and disadvantaged communities and help them access financial assistance to address their clean water infrastructure needs.
Building on the State’s previous actions to combat emerging contaminants like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), Governor Hochul will establish a program offering financial assistance to municipalities to investigate sources of contamination and remediate contaminated sites over the next five years. This new program will provide the resources New York communities need to remove these chemicals from our environment and protect clean water.
Reduce Waste and Invest in Local Recycling Programs
Solid waste is the fourth-largest contributor to climate-altering greenhouse gases. To protect communities and alleviate the burden on municipalities and taxpayers, Governor Hochul will propose the Waste Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, which shifts the responsibility of recycling to the producer and away from taxpayers. New York State will develop a new, more efficient waste reduction strategy that will increase recycling rates, save local governments money, create jobs, and protect the environment. The program will require that New York meet material-specific recycling rates, create binding post-consumer recycled content rates, and help ensure recycling is convenient for consumers.
Read more »
Posted: January 12th, 2023 under General News.
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URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Burlington VT
119 PM EST Thu Jan 12 2023
Southern Franklin-Western Clinton-Western Essex-
Including the cities of Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, Dannemora,
Ellenburg, Lake Placid, and Newcomb
119 PM EST Thu Jan 12 2023
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
7 PM EST FRIDAY…
* WHAT…Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of
two to six inches and localized ice accumulations of one to two
tenths of an inch.
* WHERE…Southern Franklin, Western Clinton and Western Essex
Counties.
* WHEN…From 4 PM this afternoon to 7 PM EST Friday.
* IMPACTS…Isolated power outages and tree damage are possible due
to the ice. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
conditions will impact the evening and Friday morning commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Mixed precipitation will move into the
region during the late afternoon hours with the greatest ice
accumulations in mid to high terrain above 1000 feet. Any mixed
precipitation will change to accumulating snow by Friday
morning.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
Please allow extra time if travel is necessary.
Posted: January 12th, 2023 under Northern NY News, Weather News/History.
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Dannemora Federal Credit Union (DFCU) is excited to announce a $350,000 donation supporting the Plattsburgh YMCA renovation project of CVPH Wellness Center on New York Road into a state-of the-art health and wellness facility.
CEO of the Plattsburgh YMCA, Justin Ihne, said of the announcement, “We are immensely grateful that Dannemora FCU is providing this significant gift to the New YMCA project. This meaningful level of support shows a commitment to not only the YMCA, but to our shared North Country communities.”
Dannemora FCU President and CEO Chris Hay said, “We are honored to continue our commitment to the community by partnering with the Plattsburgh YMCA. The Y provides countless opportunities for families across Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties; whether it’s through sport offerings, the childcare and after school programing, summer camps or general fitness programming. This is a transformative project for our region, and I can’t wait to see how the Y can grow with this new facility!”
The New Plattsburgh YMCA on New York Road plans include fitness center, child watch areas, studios and meeting/conference rooms just to name a few. The YMCA’s strong history in our community will only lead to brighter futures for the North County. Both DFCU and YMCA live the motto of “Small enough to know you. Large enough to serve you”.
“The YMCA is a critical part of our community for all ages. The YMCA is something that will greatly impact our current and future generations and we are so proud to be able to donate to their legacy and watch them flourish in their new location! This is going to be an amazing chapter for their team and everyone who helped make this possible,” Business Development Manager Anna Hewitt-Channell said.
We are so excited to watch this project unfold, and we cannot wait to see the benefits and positive impact this has on our community!
Posted: January 11th, 2023 under Business News, Charity Events, City News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History.
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Dr. Anne Marie Kiley meets Cubby before the journey begins
Becki Moss-Patnode gives Cubby to Vet. Assistant Kathy Henderson (L)
Cubby, the traveler
Elmore staff members who took care of Cubby L-R Jennifer Briggs, Chelsea Clark (holding Cubby), Jeremy Owen, Becki Moss-Patnode (Executive Director), and Anja Perez
Elmore SPCA News Release – January 11, 2023
Cubby’s story with Elmore SPCA begins on Sunday, October 30, when he enters our doors through dog control. It is to be both a bad day and a good day for this cute, sweet little gremlin. Earlier in the day, while running at large, Cubby is hit by a car. Town of Plattsburgh Dog Control Officer Jody Perrea responds by taking him to Palmers Veterinary Clinic for evaluation. The examination thankfully indicates no immediate harm resulting from the accident. Still, Cubby is experiencing considerable distress and discomfort from the painfully long, thick, heavy, dirty, matted fur (containing a fishhook) that requires sedation for the veterinary office to shear it away.
A routine scan is done to detect whether a microchip is present. The scan results in a match registered to an owner in Florida. As the story unfolds, Cubby’s Florida family is faced with rehoming when an out-of-country assignment to Japan leaves them without the availability of long-term care for him. Forced with surrendering their dog to a Florida shelter, his family sadly never expects they will see him again after a tearful separation on March 27, 2019. His adoption from the Florida shelter somehow finds Cubby traveling a great distance to Plattsburgh, New York.
After years away, Cubby’s family returns stateside, relocating to California. When contacted by the microchip registration company about Cubby’s location, his family is in the process of transitioning back to Florida. They quickly reach out to Elmore to seek information and provide a series of beautiful, cherished photos of a well-loved and cared-for Cubby.
After researching many travel options, on Wednesday, January 11, Cubby begins his return journey home to his family. Dr. Anne Marie Kiley, DVM of Adirondack Mobile Vet Services, will transport him. The humans on both sides of this transport are very excited; it will be a thrilling and emotional reunion. All of us at Elmore SPCA wish this cute little gremlin named Cubby a wonderful, uneventful return ride to Florida and the best life forward with a family who loves him.
Next month, Cubby will be home to celebrate his 9th birthday.
Posted: January 11th, 2023 under Adirondack Region News, Faces of Peru, General News, National News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru resident news/accomplishments.
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“He is a stain on the House of Representatives,” said County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
Click here for the City and State story
Posted: January 11th, 2023 under Congressional News, National News, Political News, Statewide News.
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The mountains in Northern New York could see 4-8 inches of snow, with some snow possible in parts of Vermont
Click here for the NBC5 story
Posted: January 11th, 2023 under Adirondack Region News, Northern NY News, Regional NY-VT News, Weather News/History.
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Posted: January 11th, 2023 under National News.
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Acting New York State Police Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli has appointed Captain Troy J. Granmoe, Troop B, Zone 1 Commander at SP Plattsburgh, replacing the newly promoted Major Brent M. Davison, assigned to Division Traffic in Albany, NY. Captain Granmoe began his career with the State Police in November 1998, when he entered the New York State Police Academy and successfully graduated, placing him at SP Plattsburgh as a Trooper.
In 2004 Granmoe was promoted to Sergeant and transferred to Troop K, SP Rhinebeck, where he worked until being transferred to Troop B, SP Westport, in January 2005. In February 2006, Granmoe was appointed Sergeant/Station Commander and assigned to SP Schroon Lake until August 2010, when he was transferred to SP Lewis.
In February of 2013, Granmoe was promoted to Lieutenant and transferred to Troop A, SP Jamestown, to be the Zone 3 Assistant Zone Commander. In September of 2013, Granmoe was assigned to Troop B as the Office of Emergency Management Lieutenant and he participated in several local disasters and serious emergencies, including serving as the Incident Liaison Officer throughout the search of Clinton Correctional Facility escapees, Richard Matt, and David Sweat.
In June of 2020, Granmoe was assigned as Troop B, Zone 1 Assistant Zone Commander in Plattsburgh. In June of 2022, he was promoted to Captain-BCI and assigned to the Professional Standard Bureau Central Regional Office in Liverpool, NY, before being assigned as the new Zone 1 Commander in Plattsburgh. Captain Granmoe will oversee all the Troopers and Sergeants assigned to work the State Police stations located in Clinton and Franklin counties.
Before his State Police service, Captain Granmoe served in the U.S. Army as an Infantry Paratrooper with combat service in Southwest Asia and has several deployments to locations all over the globe. Captain Granmoe continued his military service in the U.S. Army reserves until February of 2011, when he retired as the First Sergeant of B Company, 1-391 st Instructor Unit, then located in Colchester, VT, and holds numerous awards for his military service.
He and his family have lived in the local community for over 25 years, and he looks forward to continuing to serve the communities of the North Country and carrying on the tradition of providing the best possible State Police service to its residents.
Posted: January 11th, 2023 under General News.
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