MASSENA — Massena Central High School freshmen can make a difference.

That was one of the underlying themes on Thursday when students in the Freshmen Academy took part in the first-ever Student Wellness Day.

“You are the agents of change. You can improve the climate in the high school,” Director of Guidance Robert Jordan told students who were taking part in a “Justice Circle” that was led by guidance counselors.

“It allows them to be unplugged today. They say what they need to say in a safe environment and feel heard,” Freshmen Academy Coordinator Amanda Mittiga said.

She said the topics could include how they feel right now, how they perceived their role in the school and community, and what they could do to improve the school climate.

“We need to focus on helping them become a whole person,” Ms. Mittiga said.

Mr. Jordan told students that some of the initiatives they saw at the high school stemmed from questions asked by students. For instance, he said, a cafe for juniors and seniors was created by students.

“That was adults listening to students,” he said.

Communication was important, he said. Mr. Jordan recalled how during his career students had talked with each other if there were a couple of free minutes at the end of a class. But those days seemed to be gone because of one topic that always came up during the Justice Circle — cell phones.

“For 21 years they would communicate and talk to each other. The last two years, I saw something and it was disturbing. Nobody was speaking, nobody was having interaction, nobody was having conversations,” he said.

The students spent the last couple of minutes of their Justice Circle writing down what they thought would improve the climate at the high school, such as later start times or expanding the use of the cafe to include sophomores.

But the day was about more than the Justice Circle. Representatives from community agencies were on hand to discuss different aspects of wellness. The New York State Police, for instance, discussed digital citizenship. Superintendent Patrick Brady and Mayor Timmy J. Currier gave an opening address to kick off the day.

The “community partners” who participated included the Boys and Girls Club, Horizons, Alcoa/Arconic, Laura Tarbell, New York State Police, Hospice and Palliative Care, St. Lawrence Health Initiative, high school Guidance Department, Forevermore Studios, the Massena police and fire departments, fishing expert Donald Meissner, Massena Recreation Commission, Massena Drug Free Coalition, Seven Sisters, Upper Room Reiki, St. Lawrence Centre mall and Renewal House.

In addition, Chantal Forrest provided yoga instruction, Kris Covell did the same with Cross Fit and Jodi LaGarry talked about the school’s new Cooking Club.

Tarbell Management Group, Massena Elks and Three Feathers Internet Cafe donated to the day, with the Massena Elks providing lunch.

“We have a large number of community partners. The kids are rotating from room to room,” she said.

For the inaugural year, the theme was “Tend to Your Roots. Watch Your Future Grow,” and it featured a canvas painting of a tree done by student Jessey Pomainville, accented with thumbprints from students and teachers on each of the branches.

The committee members who assembled the day’s activities included Ms. Mittiga, registered nurse AnneMarie Miller, Mr. Currier, St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Youth Services Manager Jodele Hammock and Community Schools Coordinator Kristin Colarusso-Martin.

CROGHAN — The newest Carthage Savings and Loan branch is open for business after a ribbon cutting ceremony and reception Thursday morning.

More than 50 people gathered on the front lawn of the International Maple Museum Centre to commemorate the moment in which bank President Thomas H. Piche acknowledged the cooperation it took to open within a month of committing to the project, especially with the museum and St. Stephen’s, but also the municipalities involved.

“This is a true partnership, and we couldn’t be happier,” Mr. Piche said, “Croghan people work together. It’s beautiful.”

Mr. Piche highlighted the bank’s ties to the Croghan community and promised he and his team are dedicated to honoring those bonds.

The branch will be managed and staffed by local resident Wendy McClain with two village residents on the team, Claire Brouty and Medina Martin.

Mr. Piche finished his speech by encouraging the community to give the bank feedback, both positive and negative.

“We can’t do this without you; the only reason we’re here is for you.”

The Carthage Savings and Loan Croghan branch will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. For more information, call 315-346-2000.

WATERTOWN — A voice for others with muscular dystrophy, and all children in need of support through the Children’s Miracle Network, Storm D. Wood will be remembered for his legacy of raising awareness and providing inspiration.

Children’s Miracle Network of NNY posted to Facebook May 23 saying: “Yesterday we lost a longtime member of our CMN family, Storm Douglas Wood. We join family and friends in mourning the loss of one of our miracles, who touched the lives of many and will never be forgotten.”

Radio DJ Johnny Spezzano also shared a message on social media, saying, “My longtime friend Storm Douglas Wood has passed away. His 29-year-old body has been fighting Muscular Dystrophy and he has been trapped in his bed for years and finally the disease got the best of him. His Loving Mother Mary Jo and his brother Sterling along with his many family members are in our thoughts. I will not let Storm’s memory fade away. Love you Stormy!”

Mr. Wood was known for loving the Yankees and Syracuse Orange. He enjoyed sharing inspiration with others via social media and tried desperately to make a difference. As an example of his efforts, the “miracle graduate” would call in to the CMN Radiothon each year to encourage people to support the organization that helped him when he was younger.

“He impacted the lives of so many,” said Kristin LaClair of Children’s Miracle Network of NNY.

Just as he loved his community, the community responded to Mr. Wood positively with words of encouragement, and support when he needed a new bathroom to accommodate his wheelchair, and then an Electric Hoyer Lift.

“Even though we know our “miracles” are sick, they have such a big, living presence, that it makes it easy to lose sight of their illness,” said Ms. LaClair. “This was no different with Storm — I didn’t see a patient, I saw a person — a member of our family, our CMN family. With his warm smile and big heart, he will be truly missed but never forgotten.”

WATERTOWN — After 38 years with Samaritan Medical Center, Chief Financial Officer Paul A. Kraeger has announced his retirement, effective June 19.

Mr. Kraeger, a Northern New York native, started his career with Samaritan as a staff accountant after he finished college. Over his career with the hospital, he has held many positions, including manager of general accounting, assistant vice president of finance and vice president of finance.

Currently, he is the hospital’s CFO and senior vice president of finance.

During his time with the organization, Mr. Kraeger has assisted in guiding the organization through large transformations such as the implementation of the medical center’s master facility plan, developing Samaritan Summit Village and construction of the Walker Center for Cancer Care.

The hospital also achieved an investment grade bond rating in 2017 under Mr. Kraeger’s leadership, a designation few state hospitals have achieved, according to hospital spokeswoman Leslie DiStefano.

His career accomplishments continued after he was involved in a 2012 bicycling accident that resulted in him becoming a quadriplegic.

Mr. Kraeger said his success is due to the dedicated employees of Samaritan and the unending support of his wife, Eileen, and three sons. The hospital will be filling his position, Ms. DiStefano said, and has begun the search for Mr. Kraeger’s successor.

CANTON — Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo will soon be getting a formal thank-you from St. Lawrence County legislators expressing their appreciation for his decision not to close any of the county’s three state prisons open.

At their Monday night Finance Committee meeting, county legislators unanimously approved a resolution thanking Mr. Cuomo and the state Department of Corrections for instead picking two other prisons for closure, one in New York City and one in Livingston County.

“If a prison in St. Lawrence County had been chosen not only would it have created unemployment, but it’s doubtful the prison buildings would ever be redeveloped into any useful purpose,” said Legislator James E. Reagen, R-Ogdensburg.“I urge you all to join me in thanking the governor for sparing our prisons and doing something important for St. Lawrence County.”

He pointed to the vacant buildings at the state Psychiatric Center in Ogdensburg.

The full board is scheduled to finalize the resolution at its June 3 meeting.

Legislator Anthony J. Arquitt, D-Helena, said Mr. Cuomo is often accused of ignoring upstate New York, but this is an example of how he represents the entire state.

He also reminded fellow lawmakers of Mr. Cuomo’s support for an agreement between the New York Power Authority and Alcoa that has extended the life of the Alcoa plant in Massena.

“The prisons in Northern New York have repeatedly demonstrated they are less costly to operate than downstate prisons, result in fewer injuries to staff and inmates and result in higher vocational and academic graduation rates, and are more efficient in terms of operation,” the resolution states.

They also provide “outstanding careers,” for more than 1,000 families in the county and more than $100 million in payroll, it states.

Mr. Reagen said it also makes financial sense for the state to close the New York City prison because it has a high real estate value and can be redeveloped.

“The decision of Governor Cuomo to close Lincoln Correctional in Manhattan, a prison located next to Central Park sitting on some of the most valuable real estate in the world, offers the state an opportunity to sell the property for millions and redevelop the property to become a major economic asset for the citizens of our Great Empire State,” the resolution states.

In contrast, Mr. Reagen said it would be unlikely for a closed-down north country prison to be redeveloped.

“If you look at any of the prisons in Northern New York that have been closed in the past several years you’ll see that it’s a disaster for the communities where it’s happened. Those prisons are still sitting empty and creating problems,” Mr. Reagen said.

In March, county legislators urged the governor not to pick Ogdensburg Correctional Facility or Riverview Correctional, both in Ogdensburg, or Gouverneur Correctional Facility, arguing that the north country was willing to accept new state prisons the 1980s and 1990s when residents in New York City and Long Island protested construction of new jails there.

That resolution reminded Mr. Cuomo that during an election campaign visit to Ogdensburg in the summer of 2010 while marching in the Seaway Festival parade, he promised that he would not close prisons in Ogdensburg because the community had set an example by working with the state to provide prisons where inmates could be treated with dignity and respect while paying their debt to society.

In Gouverneur, residents offered to accept a prison and also provide financial assistance to the state to locate a medium-security prison in the community. Later, Gouverneur agreed to accept construction of a secure housing unit within the facility.

“The Board of Legislators thanks the governor for acknowledging how the people of St. Lawrence County have a long history of helping people of the state of New York and the city of New York when faced with a crisis and need a helping hand,” the resolution states.

Besides Mr. Cuomo, copies of the resolution will be sent to various state representatives and the state Department of Corrections.

MASSENA — The parking lot at the Massena Community Center was filled on Thursday, and the picture was about the same inside the building.

People had come to gather information from nearly 30 organizations that were on hand during the 2019 Massena Triad and S.A.L.T. Council annual Senior Information Fair.

“It’s been great. It’s been busy all the time. It’s constantly flowing. The best part is they can see the vendors first-hand. We try to bring in services people may need help with,” said Police Chief Adam J. Love, a Triad member.

Tables were set up throughout the community room, providing a wealth of information about the services that organization could provide — from St. Vincent de Paul, Fidelis and the Legal Aid Society, to GardenShare and Tri-Lakes Home Medical Equipment, to Massena Memorial Hospital and St. Lawrence Health System and many more.

“It isn’t just for seniors,” Chief Love said, but also for those who may need one of the services in the future.

In fact, some of the younger members of the crowd included four students from Massena Central High School, who had volunteered to assist during the day.

For those who didn’t have transportation, a shuttle bus operated from Victory Road and Laurel and Grassmere Terrace during the day, bringing even more people to the community center. This was the first year that service has been available.

“The shuttle service is working as we wanted it to,” Chief Love said.

The event was also broadcast on Facebook Live, on Triad’s page in the morning and, later in the day, on the Massena Police Department page.

“We appreciate the support of the community. If we didn’t have that, this would not happen every year,” he said.

Among those on hand was Devin Reidy, assistive technology instructor from the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired of Northern New York. The organization, which is based in Watertown and whose board of directors consists of several optometrists, serves Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

“Anybody with a visual impairment,” he said.

Mr. Reidy said the organization provides services to those who are blind and visually impaired, including low vision exams, regular vision exams, adaptive aids, vision rehabilitation instruction in the use of the adaptive equipment, mobility training and vocational rehabilitation training. There are also support groups, an assistive technology lab and an aids and appliance store. In some cases, they can also get glasses for individuals from the Lion’s Club.

The organization has been around for a while, he said.

“We’re about to celebrate our 100th year next year,” he said.

Another organization that serves Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties is the nonprofit Northern New York Veteran’s Outreach Center, which opened in 2013 and is also based in Watertown.

Like the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired of Northern New York, the center provides several services including housing assistance, moving assistance, assistance in applying for VA health benefits, case management, financial assistance, food pantry, legal and supportive services and transportation. The center can also connect veterans with other organizations that can provide assistance.

Case Manager Emily O’Neill said the organization not part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, but operate through a Veterans Affairs’ Supportive Services for Veteran Families grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“We’re a housing first model,” she said, helping homeless veterans or veterans who might be facing eviction.

“Sometimes we provide financial assistance,” Ms. O’Neill said.

WASHINGTON — More than 62,000 pounds of beef have been recalled due to possible contamination with E. Coli, according to a release sent on Wednesday from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Safety Inspection Service.

The problem was discovered during traceback activities in response to random sample testing by the service, the relase stated. To date, there have been no confirmed reports of people becoming ill from consuming the meat.

E. coli is a possibly fatal bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps within days after someone is exposed, according to the service. Anyone with health concerns has been urged to seek medical care.

The beef was packed by Aurora Packing Company, Inc. on April 19, and include a range of cuts, including steaks and ribs. The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 788” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Those items were shipped nationwise for further distribution and processing.

Consumers with questions can contact the packing company at 630-897-0551.

OGDENSBURG — A Philadelphia, Pa., man faces allegations that he transported two undocumented aliens while knowing that his passengers were in the United States i

Jaswinder Singh, 30, is charged in U.S. District Court, Syracuse, with transporting aliens in the United States knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that the aliens were in the country illegally.

According to a criminal complaint filed with the court, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine helicopter pilot observed a boat with multiple passengers cross the St. Lawrence River from Canada and land in the town of Waddington at about 9:30 p.m. on May 20. Given the time of night and that the area the boat landed in was not near a designated port of entry, the pilot relayed to a Border Patrol agent on land that he had observed the boat’s occupants get into a vehicle and drive away.

About 30 minutes later, the agent saw a vehicle with Pennsylvania license plates and several passengers pass his location. As the vehicle passed, “it braked suddenly, and a passenger looked back at the Border Patrol vehicle,” the complaint states. The agent followed the vehicle, which was registered to someone in Pennsylvania, and observed the vehicle traveling at a speed well below the posted speed limit and crossing the road’s fog line “in an apparent attempt to encourage the Border Patrol vehicle to pass.”

The vehicle was stopped by the agent in Ogdensburg and the driver, later identified as Mr. Singh, said that his passengers were his mother and cousin, neither of whom spoke English. He also said that his passengers were from India and had no identification, according to the complaint.

The passengers allegedly admitted that had entered the country illegally. During a pat-down, $2,200 in cash was found in Mr. Singh’s jacket pocket and he allegedly admitted that the money was payment for picking up the aliens and driving them to Philadelphia.

Mr. Singh was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge David E. Peebles and ordered held pending resolution of the charges. The charges carry a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

WATERTOWN — A Watertown woman faces charges after allegedly punching out a window at a Factory Street residence on May 17.

City police charged Shantel E. Clark, 27, of 634 Factory St., left apartment, with fourth-degree criminal mischief at 9:17 a.m. Monday at residence.

Ms. Clark was released with an appearance ticket to City Court.

CANTON — St. Lawrence County sheriff’s deputies on May 18 charged John M. Carroll, 52, of Ridgefield, Conn, with driving while intoxicated. He was also cited with failure to dim headlights.

Deputies charge at the time of his arrest on County Route 27 Mr. Carroll was found to have a blood alcohol content of 0.13 percent following a traffic stop for failing to dim his headlights.

Mr. Carroll was issued tickets for Town Court.

WATERTOWN — A Watertown man faces charges after officers allegedly found him in possession of 33.45 grams of marijuana and two Alprozolam tablets.

City police charged Nicholas J. Donato, 20, of 21978 Holcomb St., with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana and with having no/inadequate lights on his car at 11:55 p.m. Tuesday on the 800 block of Arsenal Street.

Mr. Donato was released with an appearance ticket to City Court.

WATERTOWN — A Watertown man faces charges after allegedly cutting a woman with a 10-inch knife and causing three to four throat lacerations on May 10.

City police charged Marcus Leandry, 47, of 11 Public Square, Apt. 47, with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and second-degree assault at 2:40 p.m. Tuesday at the Metro-Jefferson Public Safety Building.

Mr. Leandry was held pending arraignment later that day.

LOWVILLE — A misdemeanor charge was lodged against a village woman for allegedly shoplifting on May 14.

State police charged Penny L. Rowsam, 43, with misdemeanor petit larceny.

According to the arrest report, Ms. Rowsam was charged on Wednesday evening.

No further details were provided.

MASSENA — The Massena Recreation Department is gearing up for summer.

They begin accepting registrations for Massena Youth Soccer next week, and the picnic area of the Massena Town Beach is available for use.

“We have soccer registration starting Tuesday,” Recreation Director Michael McCabe said.

Massena Youth Soccer registration runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 28 to June 14, except on June 6 and 13, when it’s 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Massena Arena. The cost is $45 per player, which includes a jersey.

Mr. McCabe said this year’s divisions include co-ed pre-kindergarten and kindergarten; boys grades one and two, three and four, and five and six; girls grades one and two, three and four, and five and six; and co-ed grades seven and eight.

The season runs from approximately Aug. 5 to Sept. 27, with two games/practices at a minimum each week. The boys division will run Monday and Wednesday, the girls division runs Tuesday and Thursday, and the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten division runs Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday.

Registration forms can be downloaded at www.facebook.com/massenarecreationcommission or picked up at the Massena Arena.

Anyone with questions can contact the Massena Recreation Office at 315-769-3161.

At the Massena Town Beach, the picnic area will be open from mid-morning to early evening starting Saturday. Pavilions are also available for rental at $50 a day.

“Reservations are going fine. People are already making reservations,” Mr. McCabe said.

The park, but not the bathing area, is also open during the week until 3 p.m.

Inside the Massena Arena, meanwhile, pickleball sessions are held at 9:30 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. The sessions are free of charge.

WATERTOWN — Immaculate Heart Central School received accreditation on May 3 from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools for kindergarten through 12th grade.

The association, established in 1887, accredits early childhood through post-secondary public, private and faith-based educational institutions. If accredited, the association provides leadership in school improvement, according to a news release.

In previous years, Immaculate Heart was accredited for grades seven through 12, but with the school switching to one central building starting this fall, the administration deemed it important that the accreditation reflected a “unified K-12 school.”

To be approved, the school conducted a self-study in 2017, and in 2018 the association’s observation team met with the school’s education council, faculty members, parents and students. The team observes 12 key aspects of a school when finalizing its decision: mission, governance and leadership, school improvement planning, finances, facilities, school organization and staff, health and safety, educational program, assessment and evidence of student learning, student services, student life and activities and informational resources.

Principal Lynise Lassiter stated in an email that this accreditation shows even as a private school with more leeway with curriculum, IHC is meeting strict standards.

“We are an institution that is accountable to the students, parents and teachers,” Mrs. Lassiter stated. “We also want to show the public that we are an institution that focuses on continuous improvement. No one school is perfect; however, we always strive to continue to develop what we do well and improve our areas of weakness.”

In addition, Mrs. Lassiter stated being accredited can help advance students in the future.

“Colleges and universities know that students coming from schools with this credential are more likely to have received a quality education. Moreover, military families who move around can also be assured that their children are receiving credit for courses that are transferable to other schools around the country,” Mrs. Lassiter stated.

All vacant commissioner seats on the International Joint Commission have been filled after officials appointed three new Canadian leaders last week.

The Canadian government confirmed Pierre Béland, Montreal, as the commission’s Canadian chairman and F. Henry Lickers, Akwesasne, Ontario, and Merrell-Ann Phare, Winnipeg, Manitoba, as commissioners on May 16. Sally Cole-Misch, a public affairs officer for the commission, said they were confirmed eight hours before the U.S. confirmed its IJC leaders.

Mr. Lickers, environmental science officer for the Mohawk Council of Awkesasne’s Department of Environment, has overseen various conservation efforts and development on the St. Lawrence River for years, particularly during his 32-year-tenure as the council’s environment director. He also served on the IJC’s Great Lakes Science Advisory Board.

Mr. Beland founded the St. Lawrence National Institute of Ecotoxicology and has served with several Canadian agencies, according to the commission. Ms. Phare was founding executive director of the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources and also served as chief negotiator for the Government of the Northwest Territories.

“We’re thrilled,” Ms. Cole-Misch said.

The International Joint Commission is a binational organization tasked with regulating water levels, water flow and various uses of binational waterways, including the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Its three U.S. and three Canadian commissioners also investigate transboundary issues.

The U.S. Senate confirmed former New York Assemblywoman Jane L. Corwin as the commission’s next U.S. chairwoman and Robert C. Sisson, Michigan, and Lance V. Yohe, North Dakota, as commissioners last week.

While the commission and its boards and committees could carry out their day-to-day responsibilities despite the gap in leadership, they needed a quorum of at least four commissioners to hold public meetings, appoint new members to the commission’s boards and approve any new projects and studies.

POTSDAM — After years of waiting, a $9.5 million remediation of the Waste Stream Inc. site on Outer Maple Street in Potsdam is set to get underway.

The cleanup of the 147 Outer Maple St. site, which the state Department of Environmental said represents a significant threat to public health or the environment and was determined to be contaminated with several toxins and chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls, which is known to cause cancer, is expected to last through spring of next year.

In 2011, the DEC formed a plan for Waste Stream to take care of cleanup.

Just west of the village, the approximately 27-acre site had been used primarily for scrap metal recycling but is currently vacant and all on-site structures have been demolished.

Based on the results of prior investigations, DEC officials said polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are the primary constituent of concern in surface and subsurface soil and sediment at the site. Additional concerns include volatile organic compounds in groundwater and semi-volatile organic compounds and metals in soil.

Town Supervisor Ann M. Carvill said she spoke with the DEC recently about the project.

“Basically he just relayed what they will be doing with the clean up and that expect to see equipment there, both hauling away contaminated water and contaminated soil and some of the contaminated soil, of course, will remain there,” she said. “I asked him if it will be contaminated with PCBs and basically he said yes.”

Ms. Carvill said the future of the site is unknown at this time but it was something that she would be looking into.

“To me the important thing is that they are cleaning it up to the best extent that they can,” she said. “It’s unfortunate that it can’t be completely cleaned up, but there you have it.”

“Historic operations led to contamination at the site and an off-site area consisting primarily of wetlands,” the DEC reported. “The site is bounded by another scrap yard to the west, undeveloped land to the north, a wetland to the east and an industrial area and State Route 11 to the south.”

The cleanup activities will be performed by Waste Stream Group “remedial party” with oversight provided by DEC officials under the state’s Superfund Program and the wetlands will be restored with appropriate fill, topsoil, wetland seed mixtures, shrubs, and trees to create a natural condition.

The site is listed as a Class 2 site in the State Registry of Inactive Hazardous Waste Sites, which represents a significant threat to public health or the environment and requires action.

“The goal of the cleanup action is to achieve cleanup levels that protect public health and the environment,” DEC officials said in a news release issued Wednesday.

The key components of the remedy include excavating approximately 5,300 cubic yards of contaminated on-site soil, approximately 100 cubic yards of off-site soil along the southern property line and approximately 4,900 cubic yards of contaminated sediment from the Northern Drainage Area that contain PCBs.

This soil and sediment will be disposed of at an off-site, permitted hazardous waste facility.

Officials said they will be excavating approximately 5,000 cubic yards of off-site soil that contains volatile organic compounds, semi-volatile organic compounds, PCBs and metals above cleanup objectives. The soil will be consolidated on-site in a consolidation area.

They will also be excavating approximately 21,300 cubic yards of on-site and off-site sediment from the southern and northern drainage areas that contain elevated levels of PCBs.

The sediment will be consolidated on-site beneath a soil cover.

A minimum 24-inch thick layer of clean soil will be used to backfill all on-site and off-site soil excavations, cover any remaining areas of residual contamination above the cleanup objectives, and cover the soil and sediment that is consolidated on-site.

These areas will be underlain by a demarcation layer.

Officials said after cleanup activities are completed, the remedial party will prepare a Final Engineering Report that will describe the cleanup activities completed and certify that cleanup requirements have been achieved or will be achieved.

DEC will keep the public informed throughout the cleanup of the site.

Boating through Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River to catch some pike or trout this year isn’t like shooting fish in a barrel, but some anglers have managed to overcome the high waters and cold, wet weather to cast their reels.

Charter captains like Fred M. Kuick, who owns Shady Lady Sport Fishing Charters in Henderson, said they have high enough dockage to wade through the rising water levels. Others like Thomas Gillette, who owns Classic Charters in Clayton, said elevated levels have prevented them from entering the water by submerging docks, and the cold weather hasn’t helped.

Fishing access and catch rates in the lake, river and adjoining bays can vary between location, dock height, the types of fish anglers seek, wind direction and, in some cases, location.

“A lot of it is just day-to-day,” said Robert R. Gregory, owner of Trophy Angler Charters, Henderson. “Just depends on the conditions.”

The daily mean water level on Lake Ontario on Wednesday was 248.72 feet — 2.56 feet higher than average, according to the International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board.

Mr. Kuick said members of the Henderson Harbor Fishing Guides Association raised the docks at Henchen Marina Inc. in Henderson Harbor so they can still pick up customers. While the water has deterred Mr. Gregory from boating in the Chaumont area, he said it hasn’t prevented him from entering the water in Henderson.

Debris like planks of wood, tree branches and even picnic tables has not inhibited either captain from fishing. Mr. Gregory said anglers need only to take further caution.

“We’ve dealt with this two years ago, so we’re a little better prepared this time,” said Matthew Heath, owner of 1000 Islands-Seaway Charters, Alexandria Bay.

Ronald J. Ditch, who owns Ron Ditch & Sons Charter Service and Marina in Henderson, however, said the high water coupled with winds have discouraged anglers by creating four- to five-foot waves in the lake. His dock remains inches above the water after raising it, but his bait shop has flooded and the debris inhibits access to the lake, he said.

“It’s really devastating. We survived it two years ago. It’s not good, but we’re muddling through it,” he said. “I’m damn near afraid to go out boating, to be honest.”

The temperature of the lake around Jefferson County was about 50 degrees Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

While fish typically become more active in warm water, John M. Farrell, a professor at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, said temperature preferences vary between species, causing differences in catch rates. While anglers like Mr. Gillette and Mr. Ditch said the colder temperatures have reduced catches, particularly by causing them to find warmer areas to feed, others like Mr. Kuick and Mr. Heath said they only had to change their tactics.

“You’re going to have to adjust to where they feed and the nature of how they feed,” said Jeffrey T. Garnsey, owner of Classic Island Cruises in Clayton.

While the abnormally high lake and river levels in 2017 produced flooding and shoreline damage to waterfront communities, it attracted more fish by drawing warm water from tributaries and expanding access to more tributaries and creeks. Unlike 2017, however, the high water is cold, Mr. Farrell, director of SUNY ESF’s Thousand Islands bio station, said, but it could improve habitat access for fish.

“The higher water is going to create more habitat availability in flooded zones,” he said.

OGDENSBURG — State police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a stolen riding lawn mower.

The lawn mower, a 2019 Husqvarna YTH20K42, color orange, gray, and black, was stolen between May 18 and 20 from the Woodchop Shop located on East Main Street.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Jay Taylor at 518-873-2750.

n OGDENSBURG — The Walk with a Doc event scheduled for today has been canceled due to flooding at the Abbe Picquet Trail. The St. Lawrence County Public Health Department plans to reschedule the walk.

n OGDENSBURG — The Salvation Army’s Seek & Find Shop, 727 State St., will continue its sidewalk sale today — complete with bounce houses — as part of the annual Memorial Day City Wide Garage Sale.