The Peru Gazette

Peru dog declared dangerous; owner to be cited » Local News » Press-Republican.

State Police seek help in finding Wal-Mart larceny suspects » Local News » Press-Republican.

Adirondack History: Dannemora Prison’s Chicken Thieves | The Adirondack Almanack.

Adirondack Birds: The Dark-Eyed Junco | The Adirondack Almanack.

Gov. Cuomo says he’s delayed fracking approval because he fears the Legislature – NYPOST.com.

Union works to sink tests – Times Union.

Capitol Confidential » Lawmakers want to end double taxation for military personnel.

Watertown Daily Times | Watertown school layoffs being made today, tomorrow.

Plattsburgh, NY – As part of their proposed fiscal year 2014 budget, the Department of Homeland Security is looking to study the feasibility of imposing a fee to cross the border.  Congressman Bill Owens, who is co-Chairman of the Congressional Northern Border Caucus, strongly opposes the measure and issued the following statement: “Imposing a fee to cross the border is a bad idea, plain and simple,” Owens said.  “I represent a number of communities that depend on Canadian travelers and investment to support local businesses and job growth.  Instead of adding an additional barrier for commerce, we should be taking more steps to ease the legitimate flow of people and goods between our two countries.” 

According to the Department’s budget submission, the study would assess “the feasibility and cost relating to establishing and collecting a land border crossing fee.”  The proposed fee would apply to both the northern and southwest borders of the United States.  DHS requires completion of the study within 9 months of enactment, however Congressman Owens vowed to prevent the measure from coming to light.  

“I will explore all legislative options available to me to prevent this move in the months ahead,” Owens said.  “Good work is being done across the district to reduce wait times and promote increased trade with America’s neighbor to the North. We should keep focus on these positive developments and set aside any initiatives that would diminish the progress already taking hold.” 

Owens recently hosted a forum at Clarkson University on initiatives to promote cross-border trade, including the Beyond the Border Initiative and the Regulatory Cooperation Council.

U.S. / Canadian Economic Data:

• The U.S. and Canada share a $1.2 trillion economic relationship, including trade, tourism and other activities
• Canada remains the largest source of foreign direct investment in the United States.
• Tourists from Canada made more than 21 million trips to the United States in 2011, spending more than $24 billion in the process
• New York’s 21^st Congressional District includes 13 border crossings
• Canada plays a tremendous role in New York State’s economy, accounting for an economic impact of over $1.6 billion in Clinton County alone every year 

                Sources: Canadian Embassy, North Country Chamber of Commerce

Former Saxony hotel ablaze » Breaking News » Press-Republican.

Alcohol can flow in Wilmington » Local News » Press-Republican.

Lenny’s Shoe and Apparel plan approved » Local News » Press-Republican.

Warriors welcome in Lake Placid » NEW TODAY… » Press-Republican.

Peru – St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 will host a spaghetti dinner on Saturday, April 20th at the St. Augustine’s Parish Center. “ALL YOU CAN EAT” spaghetti, salad, Italian bread and a delicious dessert will be served from 4:30 to 6:30 PM for only $7.50 per person, $3.50 for children 6 to 12, free for children 5 and under.  Take-outs are available.

Even on a windy, overcast day Ausable Marsh in spring is chocked full of birds.  On just a short walk you can easily see over ten species.  Pictured here are a red billed mystery bird (any ideas?), a tern, Canada Geese and an Osprey.  The ones that got away inlcude a King Fisher diving for a fish, Red Winged Black Birds, swallows, Mallards and a variety of other ducks.

Watertown Daily Times | Fort Drum’s 2nd BCT supporting Afghan police, military.

Watertown Daily Times | JCC forum explores gun control’s history.

Watertown Daily Times | Clifton-Fine school district dismisses interim administrators.

Common Core Testing Spurs Outrage and Protest Among Parents – NYTimes.com.

New York displaces California as No. 1 – Times Union.

Plattsburgh Half Marathon ready for Sunday » NEW TODAY… » Press-Republican.

Essex County supervisors: Nesting study is for the birds – AdirondackDailyEnterprise.com | 

Test boycott totals 54 Saranac Lake students — double what was expected – AdirondackDailyEnterprise.com 

The Outside (And Inside) Story: Ants | The Adirondack Almanack.

New Report: Lake Champlain Basin Flood Resilience | The Adirondack Almanack.