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Massena village officials to take comments on new Complete Streets policy

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MASSENA — Massena residents will have an opportunity this month to share their thoughts about an initiative that village trustees began discussing in December 2015.

Trustees will be presenting for public comment the village’s new Complete Streets policy at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

“We’ve talked about this multiple times. This is the same Complete Streets policy that we brought up a while back,” Deputy Mayor Matthew J. LeBire told board members recently.

Complete Streets are streets designed and operated to provide safe and convenient access for all roadway users, regardless of age, ability or mode of transportation. This includes pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, motorists, emergency responders and freight users. It considers the needs of children, the elderly and people with disabilities.

Complete Street roadway design features include sidewalks, lane striping, bicycle lanes, paved shoulders suitable for use by bicyclists, signage, crosswalks, pedestrian control signals, bus pull-outs, curb cuts, raised crosswalks, ramps and traffic calming measures.

That will be beneficial for individuals with disabilities like those who worked with the Massena Independent Living Center, according to the organization’s executive director.

“There’s no doubt that the condition of the sidewalks and the installation of curbs and traffic lights all enable people with disabilities, which there are many,” Jeffrey A. Reifensnyder said.

He had attended a Complete Streets presentation last April that talked about not only the benefits to users, but also the way Complete Streets could help beautify the community.

“We need to use anything good that we can to make Massena more attractive to businesses,” he said.

Mr. LeBire said that, after their discussions about Complete Streets, it was time to put it out to hear what the public thought.

“We talked about the benefits of doing this and now we want to make it official. We’ll hear additional comments from the public before we actually vote,” Mr. LeBire said.

Discussions about Complete Streets began when village officials were looking at options to alleviate pedestrian concerns on School Street, leading from J.W. Leary Junior High School to Nightengale Elementary School, an area that at the time had no sidewalks. That discussion later turned to a broader scope that would encompass the entire village.

“One benefit we see already has been the installation of sidewalks at the junior high school. Students no longer need to walk in the roadway. This is definitely an improvement for the safety of our students,” Massena Central School Superintendent Patrick H. Brady said. “We appreciate that the village is working on providing that. It does support the school.”

He said the district has also been interested in the village’s plan to improve walkways and bike routes.

“In good weather we encourage our students to ride their bikes to school or to walk to school to get their exercise. In doing so, it makes them healthier and more ready to learn,” Mr. Brady said.

He said they’ve also talked about Complete Streets internally. The district’s Wellness Committee met this week and is working on updating the district’s wellness policy in areas such as nutrition and physical fitness, which go hand-in-hand with Complete Streets.

The policy would apply to all village-owned transportation facilities in the public right of way, including streets, bridges and paths, as well as privately constructed streets and parking lots.

“The Village shall approach every transportation improvement as an opportunity to create safer, more accessible streets for all users. This includes planning, programming, design, right-of-way acquisition, construction, reconstruction, operation and maintenance,” the policy reads.

Exceptions for public or private projects must be approved by the Village Board, along with documentation.

Village officials will appoint a Complete Streets Advisory Committee to the Village Planning Commission to identify strategic opportunities to make streets more complete and oversee the implementation of the policy. The committee can include members of the Department of Public Works and representatives of various street users and other advocacy organizations.

The committee must present an annual report to the Massena Village Board, showing progress made in implementing the policy.


Clearing it out

Grand jury indicts two on cocaine possession

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CANTON — A St. Lawrence County grand jury on Friday charged two men separately with drug possession.

The grand jury charged Cesar A. Diaz, 18, of the Bronx, with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

The indictment charges that on or about Oct. 25 in the city of Ogdensburg, Mr. Diaz knowingly and unlawfully possessed more than one-eighth of an ounce of cocaine with the intent to sell it.

In other grand jury action Friday:

Joshua P. Gilbert, 27, of 729 Lovejoy Road, Ogdensburg, was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

The indictment charges that on or about Dec. 14 in the city of Ogdensburg, Mr. Gilbert was knowingly and unlawfully in possession of cocaine with the intent to sell it.

Massena Recreation Department hosting House League Hockey in March

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MASSENA — The Massena Recreation Department is giving minor hockey players an opportunity to continue honing their skills after the completion of their season.

They’re hosting a four-week session of House League Hockey from March 6 to 30.

“The idea is to keep the kids on the ice after Massena Minor Hockey. It’s open to kids outside of Massena Minor Hockey,” Recreation Director Michael P. McCabe said.

The league will be for two groups of players and each group will have eight sessions during the four-week period.

“We’re doing a U-8 league and a U-11 league,” he said.

The U-8 Mite League, which is open to players born from 2008 to 2010, will be held at 5 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at the Massena Arena. The games will be half-ice four versus four.

The U-11 Squirt/Peewee League will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays with games at 5 and 6 p.m. This league is open to players born from 2005 to 2007. Games will be full-ice five versus five.

The cost is $40 for the entire four-week session.

The Massena Recreation Department is also hosting another session of Rock n Skate from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Massena Arena. The event has proven to be popular since it was brought to the Massena Arena in November, drawing about 170 skaters for the first session. Other sessions have been held in December and January.

“We haven’t had one for about seven weeks,” Mr. McCabe said.

The cost is $5 per person and $5 for skate rental, which now has an expanded inventory of all sizes, he said.

Concessions will be available and skaters will likely notice a higher quality of music and more flashing lights.

“We have enhanced sound there with the installation of the new speaker system. We’ve also added additional party lights. There will also be song requests,” Mr. McCabe said.

The new speaker system was installed recently following a fundraising effort by Curt Wood to replace the arena’s antiquated sound system. The speaker system purchase was made possible by donations from local businesses and organizations as well as individual donations through GoFundMe and an account at Massena Savings and Loan.

“The new speakers are installed and operational. They make a tremendous difference,” said Massena Town Councilman Albert N. Nicola, the town’s liaison to the Massena Joint Recreation Commission.

Updates on activities hosted by the Massena Recreation Department can be found on its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MassenaRecreationCommision.

For more information, call the Recreation Department at 315-769-3161.

Lewis County Suicide Prevention Coalition offering free coffee with surveys

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LOWVILLE — Several Lewis County restaurants over the next couple weeks will be offering free coffee to patrons who fill out a short, confidential survey on suicide prevention.

The Lewis County Suicide Prevention Coalition is holding a “Cup of Joe” campaign, starting today and running through March 4, through which patrons at several eateries will be offered a coupon for a free cup of coffee if they complete an attached survey card and accept some information about the warning signs of suicide, local resources and the national lifeline number.

“Cup of Joe is a non-threatening way to reach our community members and provide them with important information that may save their life or the life of someone they care about,” coalition chairwoman Patricia M. Fralick, also Lewis County’s community services director, said in a provided statement.

Information gathered will help the coalition better understand how it can assist the community and provide information about suicide, the release states.

Participating restaurants will include Gary’s Restaurant in Lowville, Town Talk Restaurant in Copenhagen, the Village Inn in Harrisville, Dorrity’s Restaurant in Lyons Falls and Josh’s Riverside Restaurant in Croghan.

“The Lewis County Suicide Prevention Coalition aims to reduce the rates of suicide through education and awareness about where to get help and that it is OK to seek help and talk to someone you care about,” the release additionally states.

Anyone with questions about the campaign may contact Mrs. Fralick at 315-376-5858. More information about suicide prevention is available at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Village of Deferiet to assume own plowing with new truck

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DEFERIET — After mulling over for a few years how to handle snow removal, the village Board of Trustees decided last year to take matters into its own hands.

The village recently took possession of a 2017 International 7300. The truck, equipped with a snowplow, was purchased at a cost of $153,759 from Viking in Harrisville.

Since 2016, the village had contracted with the town of Wilna for snow removal.

However, when the village Department of Public Works started to assume more of the plowing duties in 2014, former DPW Superintendent Travis Intorcia suggested the village purchase a plow.

According to Mr. Intorcia, some of the town plows were too large to fit on some village streets and the heavier trucks caused damage to the village streets.

At that time, village Treasurer James E. Yuhas compiled a cost analysis for snow removal after meeting with then town of Wilna highway superintendent, the late Patrick O’Meara. Mr. Yuhas estimated a savings of $9,631 per year could be realized if the village took over the snow removal duties.

It was also noted the arrangement began as short-term aid and could be changed under a new town highway superintendent. The town was under no obligation to renew the contract. In addition, the cost of the contract, which lastly was $14,000 annually, could be increased due to higher costs for sand, salt and fuel.

At the Feb. 8 village meeting, DPW Superintendent Keith Heames said he is scheduled to take his commercial driver’s license road test March 8 in order to operate the snowplow.

The town of Wilna has continued to provide snow removal services until the village is capable of handling the services themselves.

North Country Regional Economic Development Council kicks off 2017 with new committee, members, plans

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PLATTSBURGH — New members, a new committee and plans for the next round of funding were all part of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council’s first meeting of 2017.

Co-Chairman Garry Douglas, president of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, said it was exciting to be starting another year of work with the council members, who met this week at the Lake Placid Conference Center.

“This process has allowed the north country to chart its own course, bringing unprecedented state investment behind our economic development projects and strategies,” he said in a press release.

“Over the coming months, we will be updating our plans and overseeing the implementation of projects now underway, while actively encouraging the preparation of potential projects for submission mid-year,” he said.

NEW MEMBERS, PANEL

City of Plattsburgh Mayor Colin Read, Essex County Legislature Chairman Randy Preston, Franklin County Legislature Chairwoman Barbara Rice and St. Lawrence County Legislature Chairman Kevin Acres were welcomed as new members of the council.

A seven-member Upstate Revitalization Initiative Project Review Committee (see box) was created.

The council is accepting Intent to Propose applications for the $50 million Upstate Revitalization Initiative fund, and the committee will meet after April 1 to review the first batch of projects for endorsement.

The state is now ready to issue guidelines for use of those funds, which were awarded during the fifth round of the Regional Economic Development Council funding competition.

ENERGY, WORLD GAMES

Council Co-Chairman Tony Collins, president of Clarkson University, said Cuomo’s regional approach to economic development has given the north country the opportunity to lead the renaissance of New York’s small cities and rural communities.

“As demonstrated in the progress updates from past awards and the new topics introduced for emerging project proposals, strong public-private collaboration is igniting sustained transformation in our communities and advancing economic opportunities across the north country,” he said.

The meeting included discussions on a renewable-energy cooperative and a potential north country bid on the 2023 World University Games.

PAST AND FUTURE

Members were updated on the status of all regional council projects, including a summary of the 2016 Regional Council awards.

In December, the area council was awarded $61.4 million for 77 projects, which brings the total for the seven-county region to $484.6 million for 450 projects since the start of the program.

Read briefed members on the Plattsburgh Downtown Revitalization Initiative, County Legislature Chairman Harry McManus provided an update on plans for Plattsburgh International Airport, and Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul talked about Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s budget proposal.

The meeting provided an opportunity to kick off strategic planning for Round 7 of the competition, for which Cuomo has included $750 million in his 2017-18 budget.

PROJECT REVIEW

The members of the Upstate Revitalization Initiative Project Review Committee, which will review proposals for funding, are:

n Paul Grasso, Jr., president and CEO, The Development Corp.

n Bridget Hart, president and CEO, KPH Healthcare Services Inc.

n Hugh Hill, strategic planning & development adviser, The Richardson Group, LLC.

n Michele Ledoux, executive director, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Lewis County.

n Mark Tryniski, president and CEO, Community Bank System Inc.

n Donna Wadsworth, communications manager, International Paper-Ticonderoga Mill.

n Dan Wilt, president, Wilt Industries Inc.

Ogdensburg Public Library sees 53,000 patrons in 2016

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OGDENSBURG — The Ogdensburg Public Library circulated more than 68,000 items in 2016, including books, audio books, DVDs and magazines, according to a year-end report released Monday.

The library was visited by more than 53,000 patrons and of those, 10,320 used the library’s 14 public access computers, according to Executive Director Penny J. Kerfien.

She said in addition to items circulated, approximately 11,900 wi-fi users logged onto the library’s wireless network.

Ms. Kerfien said more than 2,000 new books, audio books and videos were added to the collection last year and a growing number of special events and programs for youths and adults were held at and/or sponsored by the library.

“The library hosted 112 story times and 45 programs for adults,” Ms. Kerfien said. “There were over 112 patrons registered for the summer reading program. We have social hours once a month for the community to come in and get some coffee and conversation with others. We offer individual help with computers four times per month.”

Some of the popular activities hosted at the library during 2016 included once-a-month movie nights, a Pokemon Card Hunt, Family Book Club, candle holder craft making, an event involving making and playing the Tetris game, water gun painting, “Battle of the Books” with the Ogdensburg City School District and a “Gratitude Garland” event.

Representatives of Watertown’s Thompson Park Zoo and its “Reptiles Forever” exhibit visited the library with many different animals.

Also this year, “Overdrive,” the downloadable audio, e-book and e-magazine service, grew in popularity at the library with new titles added for children and young adults, according to Ms. Kerfien.

A new chairlift was also installed on the State Street side of the building to make the library more accessible to those with mobility issues. The library elevator also had a new control panel installed and electrical work was done, Ms. Kerfien said.

“The Friends of the Library continued to support the library financially by having two book sales,” she said. “They are planning on having book sales and other fundraisers in 2017. They do accept new members all year long. Membership forms are across from the circulation desk in the Library.”

The hours of the library are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

The Ogdensburg Public Library Board of Trustees held its January meeting to elect officers. Serving as officers on the board will be Chairman Scott McRoberts, Vice Chairman Marc Boyer, Treasurer James Fish and Secretary Michelle McLagan.

Other board members are Matt Duprey, Cathy Piche, Mary Margaret Small and Shelley Bond. The Board of Trustees meets once a month. The meetings are scheduled for 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month.


Copenhagen man sent back to prison after re-trial conviction

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LOWVILLE — A Copenhagen man will resume a lengthy stay in state prison after being sentenced in Lewis County Court Friday on a retrial conviction.

James E. Hall II, 39, of 10001 Route 12, was sentenced to 25 years in prison, 20 years of post-release parole supervision and $1,425 in court fees on charges of first-degree course of sexual conduct against a child and endangering the welfare of a child, to which he was convicted by jury Jan. 12. Judge Daniel R. King also issued an order of protection on the victim’s behalf that is to extend for eight years after his maximum release date.

Mr. Hall was accused of having sexual contact with a girl, then ages 6 and 7, on multiple occasions from September 2009 to October 2010 in the town of Denmark.

He had been convicted of the charges in a September 2011 trial and sentenced to 22½ years in state prison. However, the conviction was vacated in September by an appellate court, which ruled that then-County Judge Charles C. Merrell had erred in denying the defendant’s request to remove his shackles during the trial without making findings on the record about their necessity.

Judge King indicated Friday that he extended the prison term because Mr. Hall had perjured himself during the latest trial, testifying that would never take such actions against a child despite having a couple prior convictions on similar charges.

Also in Lewis County Court Friday:

Joshua D. Ortlieb, 23, of 9566 Main St., Beaver Falls, was sentenced to six months in county jail, 10 years’ probation and $1,425 in court fees on a charge of third-degree rape, to which he pleaded guilty Jan. 20. Judge King also issued an eight-year order of protection, and Mr. Ortlieb was certified as a Level 2 sex offender. He was accused of in May having sexual relations with a girl under age 17 in Lowville.

Rusty J. Woods, 33, of 6 Greenwood Falls, Harrisville, following successful completion of the county Drug Court program, was sentenced to five years’ probation, a $1,500 fine, $570 in court fees, an 18-month driver’s license revocation and mandatory participation in the ignition interlock program. He was stopped Aug. 16 on Church Street in Harrisville.

Joshua S. Alexander, 32, Copenhagen, pleaded guilty to fourth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, also satisfying several other charges. Sentencing was set for March 31. Mr. Alexander was accused of selling methadone and alprazolam on separate occasions over the summer in the village of Lowville.

Jessie J. Bourgeois, 34, of 3036 River Road, Port Leyden, pleaded guilty to amended charges of third-degree attempted criminal mischief and second-degree attempted menacing. Sentencing was set for March 3. Mr. Bourgeois had been accused of, on Nov. 9 in the town of Lyonsdale, threatening Donna Bourgeois with an ax and damaging cupboard doors, window panes and a refrigerator door belonging to her.

Nathan C. Burris, 16, of 6438 Crestview Drive, Lowville, was arraigned on a charge of sexual misconduct and pleaded guilty to the charge. Sentencing was set for April 7. He was accused of having sexual contact with a girl under the age of 17 in September in the town of New Bremen.

Kaige C. Gagnon, 19, of 249 E. Main St., Gouverneur, was arraigned on a charge of third-degree unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine and pleaded guilty. He was then placed on one-year interim conditions of probation. He was accused of having meth-making materials Aug. 2 in Lowville.

Julie A. Greene, 33, of 6412 Crestview Drive, Lowville, was arraigned on charges of second-degree criminal contempt and second-degree harassment and pleaded guilty to the charges. Sentencing was set for March 31. He was accused of grabbing the arm of David Larkins, violating an order of protection on Dec. 4 in the town of Watson.

Jeffrey F. Jantzi, 39, of 7478 Railroad St., Lowville, was arraigned on charges of driving while ability impaired by drugs and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and pleaded guilty to the charges. Sentencing was set for April 7. He was stopped in September on Brantingham Road in the town of Greig.

Drew A. Makuch, 18, of 6226 Number Four Road, Lowville, was arraigned on a charge of third-degree burglary and pleaded guilty. He was then placed on one-year interim conditions of probation.

He was accused of unlawfully entering a building owned by Michael Birchenough in the town of Greig on Feb. 1, 2016.

Three agencies unite under new name: Jefferson County Economic Development

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WATERTOWN — Three separate county economic development agencies have united under one brand name to prevent confusion and better convey their goals.

After a two year re-branding process, the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency, Jefferson County Local Development Corp. and Jefferson County Civic Facilities Development Corp. now share one name that serves as a promotional brand covering each agency’s tools: Jefferson County Economic Development.

F. Marshall Weir III, marketing director for the Jefferson County Local Development Corp., said in addition to preventing confusion, the new brand conveys the agencies’ regional development and international trade goals.

“We’re saying to prospects and to the public ‘We’re a total package,’” Mr. Weir said. “Don’t worry whether it’s JCLDC, JCIDA or JCCFDC. Those are just legal formalities.”

Saturday’s lottery numbers

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Daily Numbers:

Midday 6, 4, 6 Lucky Sum 16

Evening 1, 7, 9 Lucky Sum 17

WinFour:

Midday 8, 4, 8, 0 Lucky Sum 20

Evening 3, 6, 1, 6 Lucky Sum 16

Pick 10: 1, 13, 16, 17, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, 37, 40, 42, 45, 47, 52, 56, 57, 70, 73

Take 5: 2, 4, 10, 32, 35

Lotto: 9, 26, 28, 34, 36, 57 Bonus 47

Powerball: 3, 7, 9, 31, 33

Powerball 20

Canton-Potsdam Hospital schedules blood drive for Feb. 24

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POTSDAM — Canton-Potsdam Hospital will hold its next Red Cross Blood Drive on Feb. 24 in the second floor Conference Rooms A&B and Classroom at 50 Leroy St. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Donors must be healthy, at least 16 years of age, and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors who are 0 Neg, 0 Pos, A Neg, or B Neg should consider a Double Red donation.

Donors can pre-register using Rapid Pass (www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass.) Pre-registration can only be completed the day of the drive prior to arrival.

Registration can be made online at www.redcrossblood.org, or by contacting 1-800-RED-CROSS. If you require assistance with registering, please contact Deborah Lauther at 315.261.5413 or dchaselauther@cphospital.org. First-time donors and walk-ins are welcome.

Science Cafe to feature marine biology conversation

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St. Lawrence University Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology Linda Auker will present the next Clarkson University Science Cafe, “Epibiosis: The Tough World of Marine Invaders.”

The talk will be held twice: 7:15 p.m. on Feb. 28 at the Rushton Conference Room in the Best Western University Inn, 90 E. Main St. in Canton, and at 7:15 p.m. on March 1, at Jernabi Coffeehouse, 11 Maple St. in Potsdam.

Ms. Auker will discuss the ongoing battle for living space for species in the marine world and the impacts of overgrowth among invasive species.

Science Cafes bring together engineers, scientists and area residents in an informal setting, such as coffeehouses or pubs. The speaker makes a short presentation about a topic in his or her field and then opens up the floor to discussion.

For more information on Clarkson University’s Science Cafes, visit www.clarkson.edu/sciencecafe.

Report: First clip released from Lifetime movie about Joyce Mitchell, Dannemora escape

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The first clip from a Lifetime movie about 2015 Dannemora prison break was just released by People Magazine.

The clip from “NY Prison Break: The Seduction of Joyce Mitchell” features Mitchell talking to investigators, and escaped convicts David Sweat and Richard Matt watching news footage of her arrest.

Mitchell, of Dickinson Center, was sentenced in September 2015 to 2⅓ to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to helping the two escape.

The break-out touched off a 23-day manhunt that ended when Sweat was shot and captured in the town of Constable. Matt was shot and killed two days earlier.

Earlier this week, Mitchell was denied early release by the state Board of Parole.

The film is set to premiere on April 23.

The clip can be seen at http://wdt.me/mitchell-clip.

Cornell Cooperative Extension offers children’s programs during mid-winter break

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CANTON — For grade school students fearful of boredom during the weeklong mid-winter break, fret not. Cornell Cooperative Extension has put together a lengthy list of outdoor programs, healthy eating workshops and other fun and educational activities to keep students occupied during their vacation.

Amy L. Sands, 4-H community educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension, said this is the sixth year the program has been offered at the extension farm, 2043B Route 68, and said the activities will get children moving and learning in a fun and interactive fashion. It also helps students realize more about the world around them, she said.

“I think it broadens their horizons a little bit and makes them realize what there is to do outside,” Ms. Sands said. “So many kids go home after school and they get on their computer or on their Xbox or something like that. This gives them fresh air, it gives them exercise and it lets them know there is something beyond computers and that this is fun.”

Ms. Sands said the programming also offers an opportunity to interact with others instead of sitting home alone during the winter break.

“Some kids may be left alone at home all day and this way they are not home by themselves all day and they can come socialize with other people and learn something new or build on what they already know,” she said.

Ms. Sands said the research-based learning will include outdoor activities like snowshoeing and wildlife tracking, food preparation classes and even some safety information.

“We have different casts of prints of different wild animals and we also have some skulls, owl pellets and different things they might see out in the woods,” Ms. Sands explained, referencing the wildlife tracking program. “When we go out in the woods, the kids may be able to find some of these things and identify them.”

“The cooking classes will be nutritional cooking classes, where they learn to make desserts that aren’t bad for you, replacing sugars with natural sugar like using maple syrup. The pizza, they will learn about why pizza dough rises and what you can put in your pizza; vegetables, and where do the vegetables come from and what other vegetables you can put in,” she continued.

The ice fishing and tip-up building lesson will involve education about safety on the ice, which Ms. Sands said is a good thing to stress this year considering the number of people who have fallen through ice this winter.

“We will talk about how you test to make sure you have enough ice to get onto a body of water to ice fish and what you look for,” she said. “They will show them how to test the ice.”

Complete list of programs

Snowshoeing & Wildlife Tracking: 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday. Students will participate in a snowshoe tour of the Extension Learning Farm. The group will spend time exploring the surrounding area for some north country wildlife and will discover methods to spot wildlife and their signs even in the cold winter months. There will be a short introduction to snowshoeing before heading outside. Participants are asked to bring layers of warm clothing and winter boots, since this class will have an outdoors component. Snowshoes will be provided for those who don’t have any. There is a class limit of 15. The fee for this class is $5. Please indicate if you need snowshoes when registering.

Outdoor Survival & Quinzee Building: 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday. Students will learn what it takes to survive in the wilderness and the basic steps of outdoor survival. After a short classroom instruction time, participants will have the chance to practice these skills in the Extension Learning Farm woods. Participants are asked to bring layers of warm clothing and footwear since this class will also have an outdoors component. This class is open to all ages and has a class limit of 15. The fee is $5.

Ice Fishing & Tip-Up Building: 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday. This activity will include building a tip-up to use on the Extension Farm pond and to take home. Participants are asked to bring layers of warm clothing and winter boots since, weather permitting, participants will get a chance to try their luck at ice fishing. This class is open to all ages. The class limit is 15 and the fee is $10.

Desserts, Desserts & More Desserts: 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday. Participants will get hands-on experience making fun and delicious desserts. While the desserts are cooking, some fun games will be played to increase your appetite for our creations. Class limit is 15 and the cost for this class is $5.

Youth Sewing Class: 10 a.m. to noon Thursday. This class is designed for youths with some experience operating a sewing machine. Participants will make an apron for cooking, woodworking or gardening. Each participant is asked to bring a sewing machine, fabric scissors, pins, ruler or tape measure, and 3 pieces of material cut into 3 different sizes: a rectangular piece 12”X15”, another 8”X10” and one 12”X3” and matching thread. Sturdy polyester blend material is suggested. Denim or canvas is not recommended for this project. Class limit is 10 and the fee for this class is $5.

The Pizza Process: 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday. Through hands-on experience, participants will learn the science behind pizza dough, the nutritional value of their favorite toppings and the many options that go into creating this Italian favorite. Tasting of all the various creations will be included along with recipes to take home. Participants will engage in games such as Human Machine, Change Three Things and Opposite Hunt while their creations are baking. Class limit is 15 and the fee for this class is $10.

Dogs, Dogs and More: 10 a.m. to noon Friday with Maureen Ring, 4-H Dog Club Leader, registered veterinary technician and owner of 4 Paws Training. Maureen will discuss proper behavior when around other dogs, what people should or shouldn’t do around strange dogs, what to do with dogs both outside and in vehicles, dog body language and other dog-related topics. There will be a question-and-answer session. Participants will also make dog treats to take home to their dogs. This class is open to anyone with an interest in dog behavior management. Class limit is 20 and the fee is $5.

Registration is still open for the mid-winter break specials, but some are full. To register for a class or get on a waiting list for a certain program, call Cornell Cooperative Extension at 315-379-9192.


Good weather, good trails attract SnoFatShu participants

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MANNSVILLE — Saturday’s warm weather may have melted some snow in the Winona State Forest, but it didn’t melt the enthusiasm of those who participated in the “SnoFatShu” Duathlon, a race that was two parts snowshoeing and one part “fat-biking.” Fat-bikes — bicycles with thick off-road tires — became popular in the 2010’s, and SnoFatShu race director Matt G. Westerlund said he was introduced to the concept by a friend.

“He was talking about fat-biking, and being that I run the Stonewall Snowshoe Race, we decided we should merge these two fast-growing winter sports,” creating the SnoFat­Shu in 2016. He participated in Saturday’s event as well.

The course, Mr. Westerlund explained, consists of two five-kilometer snowshoe trails with a 10-mile fat-biking course in between. People were allowed to participate in teams as well, either with both members biking and snowshoeing or one doing each event. Mr. Westerlund had said that participants in the 2017 event came from Ontario, Rochester, Albany and Syracuse.

Four Syracuse-area friends said they came to the event partly because Winona’s trails — 40 miles in all — are so well-maintained.

“I love the area and the people here,” Dan DeFrese said of the Winona Forest Recreation Association.

“There’s more snow here than in Syracuse and the trails are really well-groomed,” added Ben Freer.

Mike G. Bellinger, Trail Director for the Winona Forest Rec. Assoc., estimated that “400 hours of labor” from volunteers and Association members went into preparing for SnoFatShu.

Mr. Bellinger said the hard work is worth it to raise awareness of the Recreation Association, whose membership fees allow them to maintain high-quality equipment.

“I think our membership has doubled since they had the first race,” he said.

Helene Schmid, a friend of Mr. DeFrese and Mr, Freer, said that she was a fan of the Winona Forest Rec. Assoc. and planned on participating next year. Ms. Schmid and her friend Reanna Wenham finished first in the all-woman’s team category.

Ms. Wenham, an avid runner who works in Watertown, said the event provided a great opportunity to still be active. “Normally I ‘hibernate’ in the winter, so this is a nice change,” she said.

A total of 76 people participated in the Second Annual SnoFatShu Duathlon, with winner Gonzalo Espinosa of Trenton, Ontario, completing in one hour and 41 minutes.

Massena dog trainer hosts workshop for dogs, owners

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MASSENA — It was the dog days of winter at the Massena Chamber of Commerce on Saturday.

Dog owners from the area brought their dogs in tow to participate in Massena Dog Day, a training workshop led by longtime trainer Andrea G. Dugan.

Hounds of all ages and sizes were in attendance, including a young but large St. Bernard easily weighing over 100 pounds, a curious pug-beagle-mix puppy and a treat-loving golden retriever-dachshund mix.

All attendees — furry and otherwise — were willing to learn some new tricks.

Ms. Dugan entered the realm of dog training when she took a dog to an obedience class more than 30 years ago. She had dabbled in dog training, but this was what inspired her to take it more seriously.

“I saw all of the ribbons, trophies, plaques and certificates on the instructor’s wall, and I asked, ‘what are those from and how do I get involved?’” she said. “Then I started doing my own research.”

Ms. Dugan said she believes in using a positive reinforcement technique to shape a dog’s behavior; she presented this technique at the workshop.

Food and praise were given to the dogs for desirable actions and after a dog earned a reward, Ms. Dugan said, she would invite her pet to attempt a slightly more challenging behavior.

“I didn’t want to train my own dog using the traditional ‘yank-and-yell’ method,” recalled Ms. Dugan, who has self-published two dog-training books. “Operant conditioning is important and effective.”

“We invite a completely different species into our home and expect them to forget everything they know and learn English and how to be human,” Ms. Dugan said. “It takes time.”

Lynn Barnes, Black Lake, brought Bernie, a goldendoodle puppy with a full-grown bark, to the workshop in an attempt to teach him some basic tricks and manners.

“I thought we would either be getting sent home early or staying late afterwards,” Ms. Barnes joked. “He’s just a puppy, so he needs some help.”

“Having a puppy is like having a kid all over again,” she added.

For more information about Ms. Dugan’s dog training services, telephone her at 315-705-7491 or 315-769-5626.

Malone man facing six felonies in alleged drive-by shooting

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MALONE — A village resident is facing six felony charges after he allegedly fired two shots into a house on Fort Covington Street in a drive-by shooting on Friday night.

Tyree N. Stines, 36, was charged by Malone Village Police with first-degree attempted assault, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, aggravated criminal possession of a weapon, criminal use of a firearm, first-degree reckless endangerment and third-degree criminal mischief. Stines was arrested in Plattsburgh after police traced his car to a residence in that city and was brought back to Malone, where he was arraigned on the charges and committed to the Franklin County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail.

Village Police Chief Chris Premo said that at 10:07 p.m. Friday, a resident on Fort Covington Street heard a loud bang and thought someone was trying to break into the residence. When police arrived on the scene, they discovered a bullet in an outside wall and a window in the front door that had been struck by a second bullet. That bullet was found lodged in a wall inside the house, the chief said.

No one was injured in the shooting, but Premo noted that four people were in the house at the time and two were sitting on a couch placed against the wall one bullet had struck.

“Someone was very lucky,” Premo said.

The incident appears to have been the fallout of a domestic situation, the chief said. One of those in the residence was Stines’ ex-girlfriend and she pointed police in his direction, he said.

A neighbor who was familiar with Stines also called police and told them where he might be found, the chief said.

Plattsburgh City Police and New York State Police surrounded the residence in that city where Stines was believed to be and he was taken into custody when he and a woman described as his current girlfriend left the building, Premo said.

The current girlfriend was not charged, Premo said, noting she is not believed to have been involved in the drive-by shooting.

While securing the scene, Plattsburgh police saw a handgun in Stines’ car, Premo said. The vehicle was secured and brought to Malone, where police obtained a search warrant and recovered the weapon, he said.

U.S. Border Patrol agents also provided assistance with the arrest, Premo noted.

City Council reviewing city manager’s job performance

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WATERTOWN — The City Council has determined that City Manager Sharon A. Addison has taken a “high-energy approach” to her job during the past year.

Council members will complete the job review process for Ms. Addison on Tuesday night. They recently met in executive session to discuss her job performance.

They are also reviewing the job performance of City Clerk Ann M. Saunders.

They are expected to pass a resolution on Tuesday that states the council is pleased that Ms. Addison had “demonstrated her management and communication style and has become an effective leader.”

They also are impressed that she “has been effective maintaining the financial strength of the city and preparing a fiscally responsible city budget.”

According to the resolution, council members privately shared their observations and suggested some areas of improvement. The two public servants also had provided council members with personal assessments of their performance for the previous year,

Using the same process, council members also praised Ms. Saunders’ job as city clerk, stating she has “done an excellent job of carrying out the duties of her office and serving the public.”

They want her to continue to improve technology in her office.

Council members will take up salary increases for the two employees during the budget process this spring.

Council members also will consider whether to sell a dilapidated building at 240 Coffeen St. for $2,500 to next-door neighbor David Mabry III, who plans to demolish it and create more parking a for a two-family house at 248 Coffeen St.

Tuesday’s meeting, pushed back a day in observance of Presidents Day, starts at 7 p.m. on the third floor of City Hall, 245 Washington St.

Waverly Winterfest sunny, fun

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ST. REGIS FALLS — Families and local residents flocked to St. Regis Falls on Saturday to enjoy the Waverly Winterfest.

The Winterfest kicked off Saturday morning, and was greeted with a clear sunny sky and 40-degree weather.

Waverly still had plenty of snow on the ground, however, along with a well-preserved ice-skating rink at the St. Regis Falls campsite.

Attendees had a variety of activities to choose from throughout the day. The St. Regis Falls Fire Station hosted a barbecue chicken dinner, serving dozens of to-go meals and setting up tables for guests to stay and eat.

Just outside, impromptu teams set up for a game of volleyball in the snow and slush.

One of the largest attractions was the campsite, where the ice rink had not only been prepared, but a nearby hill was repurposed as a tube and sled course.

The campsite also hosted cooking activities from the local Girl Scouts troop and a sugar-on-snow demonstration by local volunteer Tina Egeland.

All funds raised by the Winterfest this year will go toward the new Waverly ice rink. The ice rink was developed last year by local Girl Scout Alexis Sprankle, who earned the Silver Service award from the organization for her work on behalf of the town.

Much like Malone’s Winter Carnival, the Waverly Winterfest was previously an annual event that has fallen to the wayside in recent years. This year’s Winterfest was organized by a local coalition of partners, including the Town of Waverly, the Waverly Youth Council, American Legion Post 322, ADK Riverside, and the St. Regis Falls Fire Department.

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