Source: Syracuse native Eric Carle, author of ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar,’ dies at age 91 – syracuse.com

Source: Conroy still hopes to get on Area 4 ballot | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Weather: Strong thunderstorms expected across northern New York, Vermont

Source: Extra, Extra, Read All About it! Lake Placid girl writes, delivers Averyville Press to neighbors | NCPR News

Boat Stewards to Conduct Boat Inspections and Educate Recreating Public at Boat Launches Statewide

As this year’s boating season officially kicks off, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminded water recreationists to do their part in protecting New York’s waters from aquatic invasive species (AIS) by remembering to clean, drain, and dry watercraft and equipment. Last year, boater traffic increased by nearly 20 percent at some launches and boat stewards counted more than 390,000 boats at launches across the state, a significant increase from the 276,515 watercraft counted in 2019. DEC anticipates more boaters will hit the water this season and with them an increased risk of introducing AIS to New York’s waters. Taking proactive steps such as cleaning off fishing tackle, removing aquatic vegetation from rudders, disinfecting boat hulls and water compartments, and properly disposing of bait, significantly reduces that risk.

“Aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels, spiny waterflea, hydrilla, and others can be easily transported from one waterbody to another on boats, trailers, and fishing equipment,” said Commissioner Seggos. “Protecting New York’s waters is a high priority for DEC. Our lakes and ponds are invaluable in providing wildlife habitat, sustaining our state’s fisheries and fishing industry, and offering opportunities for recreation.”

Over the last few years, DEC has expanded its boat steward coverage through the Watercraft Inspection Stewardship Program, reaching additional recreationists with the Clean, Drain, Dry message. Boat stewards demonstrate how to conduct boat and trailer inspections prior to launching into a new waterbody and provide basic facts about AIS. In 2020, DEC’s boat stewards talked with more than 30,000 boaters who were unfamiliar with the boat steward program. These stewards also intercepted more than 19,000 AIS on boats and equipment, including hydrilla, which was removed from boats headed into Lake Champlain and Lake Ontario. Existing hydrilla infestations in Cayuga, Erie, Tioga, Tompkins, and Westchester counties are currently costing New Yorkers more than one million dollars a year in control and mitigation.

“Last fall we opened the new boat launch at Otisco Lake. We are thrilled that this will be one of more than 200 locations participating in the New York State Watercraft Inspection Steward Program,” said Matthew Marko, DEC Region 7 Director. “We ask that all recreationists clean, drain, and dry their watercraft and equipment to help protect New York’s waters.”

“The Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) is looking forward to providing education and outreach at the new Otisco Lake launch and hopes to reach more new boaters,” said Hilary Mosher, Coordinator, Finger Lakes PRISM.

To help protect New York’s lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, visit DEC’s website for more information on AIS and a step by step guide for ridding boats and equipment of AIS. Today, DEC also released a newly developed public service announcement (PSA) to air across the state reminding boaters to clean, drain, and dry their watercrafts in order to protect state waters. The PSA is now available on DEC’s YouTube page.

Source: New York’s latest vaccine incentive: A raffle for free SUNY, CUNY education

“Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who died in service to their country. The holiday was officially proclaimed in 1868 to honor Union and Confederate soldiers and was expanded after World War I to honor those who died in all wars. It became an official federal holiday in 1971, known as Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day. Today, Memorial Day honors over 1 million men and women who have died in military service since the Civil War began in 1861.” Source: Memorial Day: May 31, 2021

Former Town of Potter Clerk Julie Brown was sentenced to six months in Yates County jail today for stealing nearly $27,000 in public funds for her personal use. Her thefts were discovered during a joint investigation by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s office, Yates County District Attorney Todd Casella’s office and Yates County Sheriff Ronald Spike’s office.

Annual Return Raises Fund’s Estimated Value to $254.8 Billion

Source: Biden administration reins in street-level enforcement by ICE – The Washington Post

Source: Applauding the Plattsburgh Compact – – The Adirondack Almanack

“For children who are afraid of needles stinging them, a bee named Buzzy at Kinney Drugs stores may help them work through that fear and get them vaccinated against COVID-19. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has opened up the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 12 and up, and Kinney Drugs is bringing Buzzy in to help ease the pain and make the experience less scary.”

Source: Vaccine buzz at Kinney Drugs | News, Sports, Jobs – Adirondack Daily Enterprise

The Adirondack Experience (ADKX), a sprawling 121-acre campus in the heart of the Adirondacks, will open its 2021 summer season in two phases.

Source: ADKX to reopen May 28 to members; fully open July 1 – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: NY prepares to give out $3.5B to renters and small businesses hit by pandemic – syracuse.com

Source: Covid in NY: New cases fall to new low since September – syracuse.com

Source: Feds say less than 1% of fully-vaccinated adults get Covid ‘breakthrough infections’ – syracuse.com

Source: ‘Only going to get harder’ to be unvaccinated, expert on NY Covid rules says – syracuse.com

Source: Syracuse officials tackle ‘crisis of violent culture’ after 2 teens killed: Adults at fault for kids killing kids – syracuse.com

On November 11, 1930, thousands of Plattsburgh’s citizens turned out for the dedication of the city’s newest bridge. The Bridge Street Stone Arch Bridge replaced an aging and inelegant steel strut bridge to join the beautiful City Hall and McDonough Monument as iconic structures in Plattsburgh.

Join Roger Black on Monday, June 17th at 6:30 p.m. at the MHAB Life Skills Campus, 14 Dormitory Drive, Plattsburgh (off New York Road, then Idaho Avenue) for a talk about the bridge, the downtown area and to view photos of the event.

Roger Black is a volunteer with the Clinton County Historical Association with a special interest in the new CCHA website and the thousands of glass plate and celluloid negatives in the Clinton County Museum’s archives.

There will also be a zoom connection to the presentation which can be accessed by emailing the CCHA Director. For more information call 518-561-0340 or email director@clintoncountyhistorical.org. The event is free and open to the public. State and local COVID restrictions will be in force.

Source: 2 more free concerts confirmed for 2021 NYS Fair – syracuse.com

Source: Plattsburgh’s new YMCA location to open July 1 | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | Back in November the YMCA was in negotiations with the City of Plattsburgh about leasing the City Recreation Center at the U.S. Oval.