by Rachel Hunter
The Town of Gouverneur Council opened its Tuesday, February 10 meeting with a solemn and deeply felt moment of silence honoring two veterans whose recent passing leaves a profound void in the North Country. The room fell still as councilmembers, town officials, and residents paused not only to acknowledge their loss, but to recognize the generations of service, sacrifice, and quiet leadership embodied by both men.
Randy L. Durham Sr. (1959–2026) devoted 21 years to the United States Army and Marine Corps, carrying the discipline, loyalty, and sense of duty forged in military life into every chapter that followed. After returning home, he continued that lifelong commitment to service as the Town of Fowler Highway Superintendent. Durham became known for his steady leadership, his early‑morning road checks in every season, and his unwavering dedication to public safety—often long before most of the community was awake. His work ethic, humility, and devotion to the people he served earned him deep respect across the North Country. For many, he was not only a public official but a reassuring presence: someone who showed up, who cared, and who quietly made life safer for everyone around him.
Norton W. “Nort” Taylor (1922–2026), who passed away at the remarkable age of 103, represented a generation defined by resilience, sacrifice, and unshakeable patriotism. As a World War II veteran with the U.S. Army Air Forces, Taylor not only witnessed but actively contributed to one of the most consequential periods in world history. Yet it was the decades that followed, marked by his steady involvement in the community he loved, that endeared him to generations of Gouverneur residents. His longevity, gentle character, and steadfast sense of civic responsibility made him a cherished figure whose presence felt like a living bridge between past and present. To many, Taylor embodied the quiet strength of a century lived with purpose.
Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. reflected on their lives, remembering both men as “fine gentlemen” whose service—first to their nation and then to their communities—set an enduring example of dedication, leadership, and quiet strength. Their absence will be felt not only in the institutions they served, but in the hearts of the people who knew them.
Those in attendance for the tribute included: Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr., Deputy Supervisor Jay Bowhall, Town Councilmembers Curran Wade, Lory Whitton, and William Infield, Town Clerk Marion Bowhall, Highway Superintendent Michael Wainwright, Assessor Sherry Geer, Code Enforcement Officer Rick Wood, Town Bookkeeper Diane Kelley, Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall, St. Lawrence County Legislator District 5 Harry Smithers, along with other local officials and members of the public who gathered to honor the memory of two men whose lives shaped their community in lasting ways.
In other news: The Board heard a legislative update from St. Lawrence County Legislator District 5 Harry Smithers (R‑Gouverneur).
Town Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. reported on the success of the Gouverneur Fire Department’s annual banquet, praising both the strong turnout and the outstanding meal prepared and served by the Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035. He noted that the event was exceptionally well attended, reflected the deep community support for local firefighters, and offered a meaningful opportunity to recognize their service. Spilman added that he was personally glad to have been there, describing the evening as both enjoyable and important for honoring the department’s ongoing commitment to public safety.
Community Center Report: The Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center—jointly supported through the long‑standing partnership between the Town and Village of Gouverneur—saw steady use at the beginning of February, as they hosted two birthday parties as well as a vendor show that brought additional visitors and activity into the building.
Highway Department Report: Superintendent Michael Wainwright reported that the department has been busy plowing significant amounts of snow in recent days and has hauled in an additional supply of sand—about 2,000 yards—which he hopes will be sufficient for the remainder of the season. He noted that both the Town of Fowler and the Village of Gouverneur assisted. Town of Gouverneur highway crews also cleared snow from around fire hydrants to ensure accessibility for emergency services. While the department experienced a few equipment breakdowns, all issues have since been resolved, and the Town is now back to operating with its full five‑truck fleet. Supt. Wainwright reported that Town of Gouverneur is now in possession of a new hotbox to support upcoming road maintenance needs.
The Board approved the County Winter Maintenance contract for the next three years, an agreement negotiated jointly between the Town Supervisors and St. Lawrence County, which outlines the reimbursement the Town will receive for maintaining 12.94 miles of county roads: $79,581 for the 2026–27 season, $82,816 for 2027–28, and $86,051 for 2028–29.
The Board approved the annual dog pound–shelter agreement between the Town of Gouverneur and Town of Gouverneur Dog Control Officer Daniel Moyer of Gouverneur, dated February 10, 2026.
The Board adopted its annual Investment Policy, as recommended by the Office of the State Comptroller, establishing the guidelines in effect from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026.
The Board approved expenditures of $2,000 toward a Local Government Efficiency Grant application to support technical upgrades, including planned improvements to the chlorination buildings and the wastewater pumping stations. The project aims to install a SCADA system that would allow the Village to remotely monitor operations in real time, and the municipalities have also applied for funding to purchase a new backup generator for the pumping station. The Town and Village are sharing the cost of the grant‑writing services for this application.
The Town of Gouverneur Council will hold its economic development meeting on Friday, February 27, noon, at the Gouverneur Town Offices Building, 1227 US-11, Gouverneur. The next regular monthly town board meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 6 p.m., at the Town Office. For more information, visit www.townofgouverneur.gov or call 315-287-2340.