2021 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair officially opens on Tuesday

by Rachel Hunter

The 2021 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair officially opens on Tuesday, August 3 and runs through Sunday, August 8.With childlike enthusiasm, the Gouverneur community along with the rest of St. Lawrence County is eagerly awaiting the return of the annual county fair. From the 4-H Projects and Livestock Exhibits to the Coleman Bros. midway complete with rides and galore, food vendors, and great entertainers on the grandstand… There’s something for everyone at the 2021 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair!

The anticipation for this county fair has been building since before the cancellation of the 2020 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. With vaccinations on the rise and the return to “normal” activities, the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Board has spent months planning to truly make it one of the best county fairs in Northern New York.

Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Manager Don Peck of Gouverneur said that signs will be posted at the auto entrance (Rock Island St.) and the pedestrian entrance (East Barney St.) encouraging all those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated to wear a mask while on the Gouverneur Fairgrounds, in accordance with the CDC and New York State Department of Health Guidelines.

The St. Lawrence County Public Health and the Community Health Center of the North Country (CHCNC) announced this week they would be holding COVID-19 vaccination clinics at the St. Lawrence County Fair, 85 East Barney Street, Gouverneur, NY 13542 at the CHCNC/Public Health Booth (Pfizer for anyone 12 years and older. Johnson & Johnson available while supplies last.) Walk-in only. The clinic will be held on the following dates: Tuesday, August 3rd, 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm; Wednesday, August 4th, 11:00 am - 7:00 pm; Thursday, August 5th, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm; Friday, August 6th, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm; and Saturday, August 7th, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. Vaccinations are available at local pharmacies. If you or someone you know is homebound and is interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, please call 315-386-2325.

Fair Manager Don Peck added that the Coleman Bros. Shows, Inc. will once again bring many rides and games to the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Midway. Wristbands are available at colemanbrothersshows.com. The 2021 Fair will see the return of traditional fair food vendors, and some new food trucks as well. There is still plenty of room under the grandstand for any vendor who wants to join the fun at the 2021 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair. Just call Fair Manager Don Peck at 315-771-7690 or go online at gouverneurfair.net.

Fair Manager Don Peck also added that tickets for the grandstand shows will be available online at gouverneurfair.net and at the Gouverneur Fair Office, 85 East Barney St., Gouverneur, until the start of fair week. Tickets will also be available at the gate during the fair. The 2021 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Grandstand Stage will feature musical talent and more you will not want to miss!

On Tuesday, August 3, 8 p.m., the opening night concert will feature the award-winning American Country Music band, Lonestar.

Lonestar is an American country music group consisting of Drew Womack (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Michael Britt (lead guitar, background vocals), Dean Sams (keyboards, acoustic guitar, background vocals), and Keech Rainwater (drums). The group was founded in 1992 by Britt, Sams, Rainwater, lead vocalist Richie McDonald and bass guitarist/vocalist John Rich. Rich exited the band in 1998 and went on to become one-half of the duo Big & Rich. Since his departure, Lonestar has relied alternatingly on session and touring musicians for bass guitar accompaniment. McDonald exited the band in 2007 to record as a solo artist, and was replaced by former McAlyster vocalist Cody Collins before returning in 2011. After leaving the band a second time in 2021, McDonald was replaced by Womack, previously the lead vocalist of Sons of the Desert.

Lonestar has charted more than 20 singles on the Hot Country Songs chart, including 9 that reached No. 1: "No News", "Come Cryin' to Me", "Amazed", "Smile", "What About Now", "Tell Her", "I'm Already There", "My Front Porch Looking In", and "Mr. Mom". "Amazed" also charted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the first country song to do so since "Islands in the Stream" in 1983. "Amazed" and "My Front Porch Looking In" were the top country songs of 1999 and 2003, respectively, on Billboard Year-End. The group has recorded seven albums, one EP, and a greatest hits package for the defunct BNA Records, and one album each for three different independent labels. Three of their albums have been certified platinum or higher by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The band's first two albums were defined by honky-tonk and neotraditionalist country influences, but subsequent albums largely drew from country pop.

The Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Board agreed to turn this concert around, and all are invited to bring chairs as they will be seated on the grass behind the grandstand stage. There is great anticipation for this opening night concert. Tickets are still available online at gouverneurfair.net or through the fair office up until fair week. Tickets will also be available at the gate. For more information, call 315-287-3010.

The grandstand events continue on Wednesday, August 4 for the Firemen’s Parade, 7 PM. The New York Sire Stakes Harness Racing will be held on Thursday, August 5, starting at noon. Local musical talent and more are invited to perform in the Talent Show on Thursday, August 5, 6:30 PM. On Friday, August 6, the Rafter Z Rodeo will be put on two events – one at 2 p.m. and one at 8 p.m. On Saturday, August 7 will be the Hot Farm Pulling Series at 6 p.m. And on Sunday, August 8, at 1 p.m., there will be the one and only Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Demolition Derby.

The Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair will operate under the applicable guidance of CDC and all NYS DOH and local requirements during fair week. Officials say grandstand events may have limited capacity. Pre-Sale Tickets are available through Etix and the Fair Office (up to fair week). Visit gouverneurfair.net for more information. Tickets also available the day of show at the Gate. The Fair Office is now open Monday through Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. For more information, call 315-287-3010.

The 2021 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair will also see the return of free ground acts – the Rosaire’s Racing Pigs (by the NYS Maple Producers Sugar Shack) and the Eudora Farms Petting Zoo (by the Cattle Show Ring).

Fair Manager Peck also told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that much work has gone into preparing the grounds for the 2021 Fair. New work this year included renovating the Nesco Cattle Barn, horse stalls, and so much more. With fair entries already submitted, Fair Manager Peck said over 200 head of top-quality beef and dairy cattle along with sheep, poultry, goats, and more will be exhibited at the 2021 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair on the Gouverneur Fairgrounds.

The 4-H and Open Livestock Show Schedule and more has been announced as follows: On Monday, August 2, the 4-H Horse Show will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a change from the three-day format used in previous years. The rain date for this show will be on Tuesday, August 3. Also on Monday, August 2 will be 4-H Poultry Show in the Sheep Barn at noon. 4-H Poultry will be in place by 11 a.m.

On Tuesday, August 3, the 4-H and Open Beef Show will be held at 9 a.m. in the Cattle Show Ring. The 4-H Dog Show will be held at 9:30 a.m. (immediately following the Beef Show). The 4-H Goat Show will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the Sheep Barn. At 1 p.m., the 4-H and FFA Dairy Judging Contest will be held in the Cattle Show Ring. At 3 p.m., the 4-H and FFA Dairy Fitting Contest will be held in the cattle show ring. The fair officially opens at 4 p.m. The 4-H Club Booth Judging will be held at 5 p.m. As well, the 4-H Rabbit Show will be held at 5 p.m. in the Sheep Barn.

Wednesday, August 4, is 4-H Spirit Day. At 10 a.m., 4-H Dairy Showmanship will be held in the Cattle Show Ring. The FFA Leadsmen Class will immediately follow. At 10 a.m., the FFA Tractor Driving, FFA Tree and Wildlife ID, FFA Field and Forage Contest will be held at the FFA Barn. At 1:30 p.m., the 4-H and Open Sheep Show will be held in the Sheep Barn. The 4-H Sheep Lead Event will be held at the grandstand, starting at 6:30 p.m., just before the Firemen’s Parade at 7 p.m.

On Thursday, August 5, the 4-H and Open Holstein, Gurnsey and Milking Shorthorn Show will be held at 9 a.m. in the Cattle Show Ring.

On Friday, August 6, the 4-H and Open Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, and Jersey Cattle Show will commence at 9 a.m. in the Cattle Show Ring.

On Saturday, August 7, the FFA building will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for daily activities and demonstrations. The 4-H Cat Show will be held in the 4-H Youth Building at 2 p.m.

On Sunday, August 8, the release of 4-H exhibits and livestock will be from 3 to 4 p.m.

With lots to see and do at the 2021 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair, make plans today to attend from opening day, Tuesday, August 3 through Sunday, August 8! For tickets and more information, visit gouverneurfair.net. See you at the fair!

Gouverneur Recreation Department starts Summer Youth Recreation Program

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Recreation Department commenced it Summer Youth Recreation Program on Monday, July 12. The weekly schedule featuring Park Palooza Game Fun at Riverview Recreational Park in Gouverneur, trips to the beach at Sylvia Lake. Other activities throughout the week include STEM fun, active play, and trips to Regal Cinema Movie Express and Thompson Park for Swim and Splash fun.

The first guest visitor was scheduled to be the Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Department on Thursday, July 15. Other guest speakers scheduled are from the Gouverneur Police Department (Thursday, July 22) and Gouverneur Rescue Squad (Thursday, July 29).

In addition, the Gouverneur Recreation Department will feature Senior Citizen Bingo Socials weekly on Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Gouverneur Recreation Center, located at the corner of Clinton St. and Trinity Ave. On Friday, July 30, the Gouverneur Recreation Department will also hold a senior citizen luncheon following the bingo social.

Future updates will be featured in an upcoming edition of the Gouverneur Tribune Press. For more information, call 315-287-0524.

Reminder: Sign-up local youth to participate to Gouverneur Recreation Department’s 2021 Summer Youth Program

by Rachel Hunter

Today is the last day to complete advance registration for the Gouverneur Recreation Department’s 2021 Summer Youth Program, which will be held July 12 to August 12, 2021. Advanced sign-up opportunities will be available today (Friday, July 8) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gouverneur Recreation Center, at the corner of Clinton St. and Trinity Ave., in Gouverneur.

“We are encouraging families to drop by, say hi, and sign up for summer!” Director Canell said.

The Gouverneur Recreation Department’s 2021 Summer Youth Program will be based from Riverview Recreational Park in Gouverneur this year. The following weekly schedule of events have been planned:

The Summer Youth Program will feature “Morning Park Palooza” activities on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. There will be supervised park play groups for ages 4 to 6, 7 to 10, and 11 to 14. The youth program will feature active play, theme days, arts and crafts, and there will be featured guests.

Afternoon swimming at Sylvia Lake in the Town of Fowler on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for ages 7 to 14, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Gouverneur Recreational Department will also be sponsoring outings for youth ages 7 to 14 on Wednesdays to Regal Cinema in Watertown and the Thompson Park Pool and Splash Pad.

“The recreation staff is excited to return and are eagerly preparing,” Director Casey Canell told the Gouverneur Tribune Press. He said that during bus outings, all youth as well as Recreation staff and volunteers will be required to wear a mask. Masks are not required, but welcome while youth engage in outdoor play and swimming. For more information, contact Recreation Director Casey Canell at 315-287-0524.

The Gouverneur Recreation Center also announced that the Gouverneur Recreation Department’s Senior Citizen program will begin Friday, July 16 and continue every Friday morning at the Gouverneur Recreation Center, located at the corner of Clinton St. and Trinity Ave., Gouverneur. “We will be hosting bingo and coffee socials,” Director Canell said. “All senior citizens are welcome.” For more information, contact Recreation Director Casey Canell at 315-287-0524.

More information about Gouverneur Recreation Department’s Summer Youth Program will be made available in upcoming editions of the Gouverneur Tribune Press.

Town of Gouverneur Council votes to donate to Gouverneur Chamber’s Light Up the Village and Town fundraising campaign

by Rachel Hunter

The Town of Gouverneur Council at its economic development meeting on Friday, June 25 unanimously voted to donate $500 toward the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce’s “Light Up the Village and Town” fundraising campaign.

The Gouverneur Area Chamber of Commerce has commenced its “Light Up Our Village and Town” fundraising campaign to raise enough funding for new lit snowflake decorations to be installed in the Gouverneur Village Park.

Due to the state of disrepair, the worn-out lit snowflake decorations that are on the village lampposts in the Gouverneur Village Park each holiday season are no longer able to be installed. Reportedly, the lit decorations were first installed in the Gouverneur Village Park in 1975 and have had minor repairs ever since. Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce President CJ Fitzgerald told the Gouverneur community in December of 2020 that the Gouverneur Chamber would be seeking monetary donations to fund replacements.

The Chamber hopes that, with enough community support, there will be enough funds to purchase lit snowflake decorations that can be installed down Main St. in Gouverneur. The entire Gouverneur community is invited to participate in the fundraising campaign – businesses, residents, civic organizations and more are invited to join the effort to help fund this project. Donations can never be too big or too small… Give what you can afford as every dollar will be appreciated.

The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce has announced that there are sponsorship opportunities available. For a donation of $1,000 you can sponsor a light pole with a new snowflake in the business district for $1,000. A sponsorship plaque will be put on the pole with the sponsor name(s). Co-sponsorship opportunities are also available. All donations can be made online at www.gouverneurchamber.net, or mailed to the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce Office at 53 Herm Towne Road, Gouverneur, NY 13642 c/o Executive Director Donna Besaw.

As of press time this week, Executive Director Donna Besaw announced that businesses, organizations and individuals in the Gouverneur community have already donated a total of $16,775, which has been deposited in the Chamber’s account for the purpose of replacing the decorations. All donors have been listed on the Gouverneur Chamber website, gouverneurchamber.net.

Much gratitude is extended in advance to Gouverneur community for their generosity. More information and sponsorship reports from the Gouverneur Chamber’s “Light Up Our Village and Town” fundraising campaign will be featured in upcoming edition of the Gouverneur Tribune Press. For more information, visit gouverneurchamber.net.

No Fourth of July Fireworks Display in Gouverneur this year

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Fire Department recently announced that it has decided not to host a Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular in 2021 due to COVID-19 related restrictions.

The announcement read as follows: “We have had a lot of inquiries about hosting our 4th of July fireworks. Unfortunately with the unknown of the capacity rules, we elected not to have them again this year. We have to order the show three months in advance, so the decision was made last month not to host the show. Financially, we cannot put the display on unless we fill the fairgrounds to max capacity. With the restrictions in place, we would not be able to do that. We are looking forward to when we can host them again. When that time comes, you have our promise that we will make up for the last two years with the biggest display we have ever hosted! Until then, have a safe summer and we thank everyone for your support!”

GCSD Board of Education meeting open to public on June 28

The June 28, 2021 regular meeting of the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education will be held in the High School Auditorium. This meeting will be open to the public and will begin at 5:30 PM.  The meeting will include a retirement recognition for Superintendent Lauren French. Current social distancing protocols and the use of masks while inside the school building will apply.

Two Demolition Derby events scheduled for 2021 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair, other plans finalized

by Rachel Hunter

Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Manager Don Peck announced this week that plans have been finalized for the 2021 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair, which is scheduled to be held Tuesday, August 3 to Sunday, August 8.

As faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall, the 2020 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair was canceled about a year ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. But things are looking up for this year’s county fair.

The 2021 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair will open on Tuesday, August 3 with a concert by Lonestar at 7 p.m. on the grandstand stage.

Known for merging their country roots with strong melodies and rich vocals, Lonestar, comprised of Richie McDonald (lead vocals), Michael Britt (lead guitar & backing vocals), Keech Rainwater (drums), and Dean Sams (keyboards & backing vocals), has amassed RIAA-certified sales in excess of ten million album units since their national launch in 1995, and achieved ten #1 country hits including "No News," "Come Crying To Me," and their crossover smash "Amazed" (which was also #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the first record since 1983's "Islands in the Stream", to top both charts). The band's awards include a 1999 ACM Single of The Year for "Amazed" (the song also won the Song of the Year award), and the 2001 CMA Vocal Group of the Year. With over a 100 dates worldwide per year, they are celebrating over 20 years together. Lonestar's recently released CD, Never Enders, features ten new original Lonestar songs that bring the band's trademark sound into the contemporary arena.

Fair Manager Peck said, “We have already sold all of the advanced track seats, so none of those are available. But we are going to turn the concert around. They are going to use the grandstand. We are going to turn the concert around, and the people who have their reserved track seat tickets will still have premium seats. They are going to be right in front, behind the grandstand stage, all fenced off. Festival seating will be $25 per ticket. You can stand, bring a chair, if you want, and it will be in the infield…” Tickets will be available soon online, and also in the fair office when it opens for the season in mid-July.

On Wednesday, August 4, will be the Firemen’s Parade and Band Day. “Band Day could be limited. We don’t know exactly… A lot of bands aren’t marching. So we only have three or four bands at the present time. We are reaching out to the fire departments now.”

Fair Manager Peck also announced that there will be a talent show in front of the grandstand on the evening of Thursday, August 5. Harness racing will once again be at noon on Thursday, as is the annual tradition.

On Friday, August 6, there will be a rodeo in the afternoon and evening in front of the grandstand. Tickets will be $15 each.

On Saturday, August 7, there will be a truck pull in the afternoon and a modified tractor pull in the evening. Tickets will be $15 each.

A big change is coming to annual crowd-favorite, the Demolition Derby. The 2021 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair will host two Demolition Derby events. “We are having one at noon, and one at 4 p.m. We are going to limit it to 50 cars per derby. They must be pre-registered. We are going to pre-sell the grandstand tickets for a maximum of 1,200 tickets per derby. We are doing that due to COVID regulations. We don’t want the grandstand packed like it normally is. We don’t want to have waiting lines like they normally do to buy their tickets. We don’t want to have waiting lines for people to register their cars and go up to the judges stand where it is so crowded. So for this year, we are going to try two derbies, limited to 50 cars per derby. Each derby will be like a separate derby completely. The prize money will be the same as in the past for each derby. We are going to be doubling our expenses, but we are going to be limiting it to only 1,200 people in the grandstand. It’ll be a great show. Those tickets will be pre-sold at the fair office…” The tickets will be $15 each. More information about ticket availability will be released in a future edition of the Gouverneur Tribune Press.

Fair Manager Peck also announced the return of the free ground acts, the Eudora Farms Interactive Petting Zoo and Rosaire’s Racing Pigs. The 2021 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair will also see the return of Coleman Bros. Shows Inc. for carnival rides and games.

When asked by the Gouverneur Tribune Press if the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair had received any guidance about traffic flow under the grandstand and in other buildings, Fair Manager Peck said the following: “I believe we are going to open up underneath the grandstand. We will have one-way traffic in accordance CDC and NYS Department of Health regulations. So there will be arrows on the floor for one-way traffic under the grandstand and also on the floor in the Youth Building.”

More information about the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair will be published in upcoming editions of the Gouverneur Tribune Press. For more information, visit GouverneurFair.net.

Gouverneur Community Wide Rummage Sales on this weekend

by Rachel Hunter

The 2021 Gouverneur Community Wide Rummage Sales are on this weekend (June 4-6). The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce recently moved the annual event to the first weekend in June after hearing from community members that they wanted it to be held earlier due to all the autumn obligations.

The response has been tremendous, and with other towns and villages in St. Lawrence County holding their own community wide rummage sales this weekend, there has never been a better time to get your rummage sale fix!

The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce reminds the Gouverneur community to practice COVID-19 protocols, social distancing of six feet and wearing masks while visiting rummage sales, especially those held in enclosed spaces like a garage.

All Gouverneur residents hosting rummage sales are reminded that it is against local law to put rummage sale signage on any curb, sidewalk, pole, post, tree, rock, fence, hydrant, bridge, another sign, or other surface located on, over, or across any public street, right-of-way, property, or thoroughfare. To serve the local community, the Gouverneur Tribune Press has opened up its classified section this week to all rummage sale advertisements. While the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce is not creating a map this year, rummage sale listings can be found in this week’s edition of the Gouverneur Tribune Press!

Don’t miss your chance to snag some great deals this weekend at the 2021 Gouverneur Community Wide Rummage Sales – Friday, June 4 through Sunday, June 6. Hours vary at each participating rummage sale location. For more information about the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, visit gouverneurchamber.net.

Gouverneur Farmers Market opens June 3

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Farmers Market, sponsored by the Gouverneur Area Chamber of Commerce, is returning to the Gouverneur Village Park this summer. It will be open every Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., from June through October. The 2021 Gouverneur Farmers Market season will open this Thursday, June 3.

Gouverneur Farmers Market Director Linda Brown told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that she anticipates at least seven vendors to make their return during the 2021 Gouverneur Farmers Market season. But there is still plenty of room for local vendors to sign up to join the farmers market fun. For more information, call Linda at 315-287-0384.

Are you looking for farm-fresh produce, plants, local products, crafts and more? Don’t miss the Gouverneur Farmers Market this summer on Thursdays in the Gouverneur Village Park!

State Police investigate fatal crash in Fowler

On May 13, 2021, at approximately 10:32 a.m., State Police responded to State Route 58 in Fowler for a report of a one-car crash. An investigation at the scene revealed that a 2014 Jeep Compass operated by 66-year-old Debra A. Day of Fowler, was traveling east on State Route 58, when her vehicle ran off the south shoulder of the road and struck a rock wall head on. The vehicle then rolled and eventually landed back onto all four wheels in the southbound lane of traffic. Day was transported by LifeNet to SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse where she succumbed to her injuries. An autopsy is pending. This investigation is ongoing.

GHS to release virtual theatrical performance on May 20

Theater is back at Gouverneur! Gouverneur High School Grades 10-12 to present: 6 Ft. Scenes, a play by Lindsay Price. The performance will be released for viewing at: 7:00 PM, Thursday, May 20th on the GCSD Facebook Page. Donations can be made to the High School Musical Department at the High School.

A total of 15 scenes will be performed by: Cole Siebels, Hazen Given, Noble Baker, Maia Ontiveros and Alan Boclair. "A collection of 15 scenes in which no two characters get within 6ft of each other. Use them to explore the physical and emotional distance between people - what causes us to stay apart?" It is directed by Emily Bason with assistance from Alex Clancy (lighting) and Kolby Wells (sound).

A special word of gratitude is extended to Gouverneur High School Principal Cory Wood, Grant Hanlon and Robert Decker.

Murder Investigation: Rossie man gunned down inside Richville home, SLC Sheriff makes 3 arrests

St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputies have charged John C. Anson, 29, of 580 County Route 18, Richville, with murder in the second degree (A-1 Felony), Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second degree (C Felont), after an investigation that occurred at 580 County Route 18, Richville, at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 4. Deputies were initially called to the residence for a burglary in progress with an unknown male inside.

Upon their arrival, deputies found Justin A. Massey, 40, of Rossie, NY deceased with a gunshot to his body.

Also charged during the incident are Charles M. Anson, 51, of Richville with three counts of Reckless Endangerment (D Felony) and Tampering with Physical Evidence (E Felony). Kayla M. Briggs, 25, of DeKalb Junction with Tampering with Physical Evidence (E Felony).

Both Ansons are currently being held at the Sheriff’s Office awaiting arraignment in front of a local court judge. Due to New York State Bail Reform, Kayla Briggs will be issued an appearance ticket and released.

The St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by the New York State Police, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the North Country Crime Analysis Center, and the St. Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office.

It is not believed that any other suspects are at large as it relates to this particular incident. The investigation remains pending.

The Sheriff’s Office will release more information when it becomes available. As the North Country mourns the loss of Justin Massey, the Gouverneur Tribune Press will update this story as more information is made available.

Hydrant flushing in Gouverneur on May 5, 6

The following is a public service announcement from the Village of Gouverneur:

The Village of Gouverneur, Department of Public Works, wishes to inform residents that hydrant flushing will be done during the day, from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm Wednesday May 5, 2021 and then again from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm on Thursday May 6, 2021.

Residents may notice a loss of water pressure and a slight discoloration of the water. While the water is safe to drink, residents are encouraged to hold off on doing white laundry.

“Thank you for your cooperation and we are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause,” DPW Supt. TJ Simmons said. “If you have any further questions, you can contact the Department of Public Works at 287-0110.”

Village of Gouverneur COVID-19 Pandemic Update

submitted by Mayor Ron McDougall

Well Gouverneur here we are on week fifty-nine of this dreadful pandemic. Remember the following seven pillars:

1. WEAR A MASK

2. SOCIAL (PHYSICAL) DISTANCE

3. WASH YOUR HANDS

4. STAY HOME IF SICK

5. STAY LOCAL

6. GET TESTED

7. GET VACCINATED (when available to you)

In breaking news this past weekend both Federal and State Governments approved the Johnson and Johnson vaccine suspension to be over effective immediately. The eleven day so called pause will help a number of our citizens who prefer the Johnson and Johnson so called one and done vaccination process. It should be noted that our St. Lawrence County Health department has at least 100 Johnson and Johnson shots available at present and expect more to be available soon.

For pillar number 7 vaccinations are possible by the following means:

1. To register you can get on the NYS site - am I eligible and if this becomes difficult you can also call one of the following numbers where you will be able to talk to a person and schedule your vaccination. The number is 1-833-NYS-4VAX OR 1-833-697-4829.

2. Here in St. Lawrence County older adults needing assistance scheduling vaccine appointments can call the County Office for the Aging at 315-386-4730. St. Lawrence County Public Transit is offering route deviations to bring riders to COVID-19 vaccination sites. Maps and schedules are viewable at slcnypublic-transit.com. The Public Health Department is also available to assist with registration and answer questions at 315-386-2325 or SLCCOVID19SHaredMailbox@stlawco.org.

Globally, India which seems to be most infected country presently with of course a dense population and a limited amount of vaccines or health care capacity. Worldwide there is an estimated 150 million cases that have been documented of which well over 3 million have lost their lives.

Here in our own country we are averaging 50,000 positive cases per day which is down about 10 percent from a week ago. Nationwide vaccines seem to be widely available at this time with the addition of the Johnson and Johnson being added to the supply chain. Of our 50 states and territories Michigan seems to be the most severe infected state at this time.

In State news the Governor was in Syracuse yesterday and announced the State Fair will go on this year as scheduled for the full 18 days from August 20th until September 6th. However there will be strict COVID guidelines instituted and 50 percent capacity limitations. In other state news on Friday, April 23rd it was announced that 60 year olds and above will be able to access vaccine clinics by simply walking in. This will be effective statewide however it is recommended to still schedule appointments when possible. Also effective April 1st all Correctional Facilities will be reopened to visitations with COVID guidelines in place.

From the Control Room Board our top priority remains getting as many people vaccinated with whatever type of vaccine is available as soon as possible. Here in Northern New York our rate of infection decreased to 1.38 percent over the weekend.

In St. Lawrence County news our Board of Legislators did hold a meeting last evening. However there was no COVID presentation made by the County Health Department or their representatives. Our County Administrator Ruth Doyle did update us on vaccination clinics along with vaccine availability. In addition she was complementary to the Gouverneur Rescue Squad in there help to administer vaccines to home bound residents not only in Gouverneur but other areas of our County.

The following is Countywide data for the past week:

TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021 – MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021.

NEW CASES - +95 = 7123 TOTAL (vs 131 new cases a week ago)

RECOVERED CASES - +111 = TOTAL 6915 (vs 190 a week ago)

HOSPITALIZATIONS - +4 = 11 CURRENTLY

DEATHS - 0 = still at 95 TOTAL

COVID TESTS ADMINISTERED - +9,174 = 302,653 TOTAL

(vs 10,432 a week ago)

ACTIVE CASES - -16 = 113 CURRENTLY

Here in Gouverneur we have had six new positive cases in the past week which stands at a total of 625 currently. At present our isolations now total five versus nine the week before last. In other Gouverneur news our Community Center in partnership with St. Lawrence County is hosting a second shot clinic on Friday, April 30th. Let me remind you to be fully vaccinated you need to get that second shot. I find it somewhat alarming that nationwide eight percent of individuals who received the first shot did not for whatever reason receive the second shot. Also this Friday, April 30th the Gouverneur Fire Department will host a so called pop up vaccination clinic from 2-4 p.m. As of this morning they have 13 open appointments available. Next week our Gouverneur Fair Board meets again and I anticipate many decisions will be made about the status of this year’s Gouverneur - St. Lawrence County Fair. With the State Fair announcement yesterday it certainly appears that our local fair will be open on a somewhat limited basis.

From my aspect as your Mayor and a Control Room Board member our COVID performance and response to it are on a continuous improvement trend. However in a bit of caution it would seem countrywide and here locally we have about half our population inoculated. The question remains what about our second half of the population? To obtain our goal of herd immunity we have to get a majority of the second half of our population inoculated. It is a fact that as our supply increases that the vaccination process is slowing. In another bit of caution remember in general our three approved vaccine types are estimated to be 95 percent effective so in turn even if you are fully vaccinated there is still one chance in twenty that you could be re-infected. So remember adhere to the pillars. Until next week keep the faith, better days are coming. Take care and God bless.

GCS Superintendent Search Community Presentation to be held this Thursday in GHS Auditorium

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Central School Board of Education has selected Jacquelyn L. Kelly as the finalist in the search for a superintendent candidate.  Kelly will present to stakeholder groups on Thursday, April 22, 2021. A community presentation will be held at the Gouverneur High School Auditorium on Thursday at 6 p.m. It will consist of a 20-minute PowerPoint presentation by the candidate, followed by a 20-minute Q&A period. This is an in-person event, and will not be livestreamed on the GCSD Wildcats Facebook page.

All groups will be provided with a feedback form that will be provided to the Board of Education on Friday, April 23, 2021. Following the stakeholder sessions, the Board will review the feedback forms, conduct final reference checks, and discuss next steps.

Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that longtime superintendent Lauren French recently announced her retirement at the end of this school year, leaving the post vacant.  

BOCES District Superintendent Thomas Burns was called upon by the school district’s Board of Education to act as a consultant in the selection of a superintendent of schools, and in the recruitment, screening and evaluation of candidates. This service is provided under the BOCES Administrative Services.  

Jacquelyn Kelly has over 20 years of experience as an educator, and has served as Assistant Superintendent for Ogdensburg City School District in Ogdensburg, NY since 2019. Prior to this post, Ms. Kelly acted as Primary Principal at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Ogdensburg, NY. Kelly holds a CAS as a School Building Leader from St. Lawrence University, a Masters of Science in Education from Nazareth College, and a Bachelor of Science in Management from St. John Fisher College.  

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from the candidate on Thursday, April 22, 6 p.m., in the GHS Auditorium.

Volunteers needed for Gouverneur Kiwanis Club Annual Cemetery Cleanup on May 1

by Rachel Hunter

The Kiwanis Club of Gouverneur is spearheading its Annual Cemetery Cleanup after a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The primary focus of the work will be tree and branch removal. All North Country community members are invited to help on Saturday, May 1. Those participating are invited to bring chainsaws, nippers etc., and gloves. Organizers said that leaf raking is fine, but is not the top priority.

The public is welcome to begin at 8 a.m., and work as long as they wish. As in years past, the Kiwanis Club of Gouverneur will have a registration table for volunteers at Riverside Cemetery. Groups such as Boy and Girl Scouts, sports teams and families are welcome to attend and help as long as they observe the generally accepted COVID prevention measures. The cemetery is in an open-air situation, and the Kiwanis Club believes the risks are minimal. Masks should definitely be worn at registration and at the food station unless eating at the time. The Gouverneur Kiwanis Club members will be available to sign students papers to indicate that they have volunteered on the day of the annual cemetery cleanup.

The Town of Gouverneur will provide a payloader from 9 to 11 a.m. or so. The Village of Gouverneur will provide a backhoe and operator.

The Cemetery Committee wishes to inform the public that all Christmas and other decorations will be removed and discarded as of the clean-up day. Families wishing to retain such materials should remove them before then.

The Kiwanis Club of Gouverneur, Inc. will cook and provide hot dogs and bottled water for volunteers.

For more details, call Lyle Hotis at 315-276-5199.

COVID-19 Update: GCSD on remote learning through February

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Central School District on Feb. 18 announced that it would continue education via its remote learning model through the end of February. Students in out-of-district programs (i.e. BOCES, Ag Academy, etc.) continue to attend as long as they are not placed under quarantine, said Superintendent of Schools Lauren French.

“One of the things that we are looking at is we have a very high rate of student infection right now,” Superintendent French said in her weekly COVID-19 update to the GCSD community. “What I did is I went back and collected information… In January, we were basically getting one positive student every three days. Now we have one positive student every one and a half days, which means in the last nine days, we have taken six positive students. We took an additional positive student today. We’ve taken several positive employees. And so, because these people will not come off of quarantine until the end of next week, I am expressing my concern right now so that parents can make best decisions for their children that we will remain remote.

“I do understand that causes a great deal of consternation in the community. I know that not everybody is happy with that decision. What I have to do is make a decision on what is best for the vast majority of people. Personally, I am responsible for the health and safety of almost 2,000 people. We have just under 1,600 students. We have very close to 300 employees. Then we have the bus garage staff, and while they are not my direct employees… they are employees of First Student … they are employees that I care about and people that help us every day. So I have to be mindful that my decisions also take their care and their wellbeing in mind.

“I know some people have been critical on where I am getting my numbers (on the rate of infection) from… I explained it recently this way: The information that is posted about Gouverneur is just the Village and Town of Gouverneur. Our school district actually takes in seven different zipcodes. When people look at just Gouverneur and see that in the county yesterday we had 69 positive cases. Gouverneur, yesterday, only had 45. Those were not 45 new cases…

“So part of the consternation is: “Well, where is Mrs. French getting her numbers from?” Every night I get a file that is securely downloaded from Public Health. It goes to several people in the Nurse Department, and confirms all of the names of the people that I have to keep track of. Yesterday, that list was 134 people. Today, the list was 144 people. Those are the data points that I have to look at. So, in order to be mindful that people have to make safe plans for their children… I agree with that, and I want to support that… we will be remote for the next week. The reason for that is the majority of our people who are on quarantine right now will be off next Thursday and next Friday.

“The second piece of information that I have to ask people to help me with is: This is not a one-size fits all solution. A lot of times people have said, “Why can’t we do what Edwards is doing? Why can’t we do what Hermon-DeKalb is doing? Why can’t we do what Hammond is doing or Indian River?” We have a very discreet set of parameters that make Gouverneur Central School unique. We have many more students than Hammond, Hermon-DeKalb or Edwards. That is one thing.

“Some of those schools have parts of their campus that can be isolated. We do have three distinct campus settings – Elementary, Middle and High. But that doesn’t always make a difference if the bus is dropping students off at all three locations and the transmission occurs on the bus. Please understand, I am not putting bus drivers under the bus so to speak. Our bus drivers are the very first group of people that greet our kids, try to get them to school every day safely, support them. They are the individuals that notify us with needs and concerns and things for us to be aware of so I would never undermine their primary responsibility in keeping our students safe. But our busing, in terms of the fact that Gouverneur is 223 sq. miles – that is larger than both Canton and Potsdam combined. We pull in a lot of kids from a lot of areas, which means those students (not only on buses, but also in different areas) are exposed to a lot of different things.

“There are two things I am working on right now – and that is to reassure, not only my staff, but also the community that we are constantly plugging ahead to try to make a difference and to try to mitigate as many things as we can amid this pandemic. The first thing I am working on is COVID testing for athletes. The only fly in the ointment in my mind is that you do not have to be tested to play. That is state law, by the way, that’s not a Lauren French law. The state says that testing cannot be a pre-requisite to join a team. So, even if I test 90 percent of my athletes, and 10 percent say, “I am not testing,” they are still allowed to play. I don’t begrudge them the right to play but that certainly makes it very difficult to try to isolate and identify prior to any level of spreading whether or not an athlete is positive. However, regardless of that point, we are still going to go forward… We’ve been working on the paperwork and the permission slips that should be able to go out relatively quickly.

“The second thing I am working on, and find very valuable… I think it is going to be a game changer for us. The CDC just released new guidelines, and they are very interesting…The guidelines right now with CDC say: If you have had a vaccination, and you have had both vaccinations, that after a certain period of time, you don’t have to be put in quarantine anymore if you have been exposed to a positive person. You still have to be mindful that you can still be a carrier, and still carry the illness home to a child or an immunocompromised loved one or to a family member that you are taking care of. But to understand that to have two vaccinations gives you some level of protection…

“What I did today was send out a data collection form. It will be a private form, because this is confidential medical information. It is not mandatory that they take it because it is medical data, but for those people that are willing to take the collection… it will ask several questions: 1) Have you received both vaccinations? If so, will you have them both in place by March 1. Will you have them both in place by April 1? If we can get a good analysis of how many people and where they are and who has been vaccinated… then whenever any positive student case comes in, then we would be able to in all likelihood leave staff in place, allow them to continue teaching and only isolate a smaller number of students. This does not preclude students, but it certainly will enable us to have a safer opportunity to have staff present at the building and offering their instruction, keeping the routine in place. So, working this week on both of those, not only the athletic testing but also the vaccination requirements gives me a positive feeling that we are doing the right thing to try to move forward.

“As I said earlier, I know that this is not going to meet the needs of everyone. I understand that. I don’t think there is any one decision that I can make that would satisfy the needs of everyone. So, I fall back on what I have always found to be true and to always be the right decision. That is, to not compromise the safety of my staff or my scholars. This is the only way I can do this because it is the only variable I can control.

“I hate the fact that we have told people that they are in quarantine, that there are positive test results, and they refuse to quarantine. Those people who go out in the community are jeopardizing everything that we are trying to do. I just shudder about that because that is a cavalier attitude to take toward people who only want to be safe, and to be happy. Those individuals have the right to make that decision. It is just that it is counterintuitive and counter productive to what we are trying to do at school… and it continues the spread. I can’t control that, and therefore it makes it that much more difficult to open school.”

Superintendent French also shared that GCSD has had a lot of people helping by “making support visits to people in profound need.”

“The level of need in this community is huge,” Superintendent French said. “The home visits that I have made this week… the home visits, they are just sad. Thinking about them, we have people right now that are at home dealing with metastatic cancer and have a positive loved one. And the fear of the person with cancer – not only trying to get chemo, but stay isolated from a positive student is hard. I’ve walked into two of those situations where people with metastatic cancer now have a positive student living in the home. And it just makes you cry for them. It makes you sad…

“The other thing that I look at and think about is… I had a mom call. Both mom and son were positive, had to quarantine, could not go out of the house, didn’t have enough food, and so I called and said, “What sounds good to you?” She said some sandwich things, and I roasted a chicken and called her. I said, “I am going to come over and leave it on your porch… just turn a light on.” She said she had a dog and would have to hook him up because he is a big one… I said, “Is that all you need?” And I could tell by her voice that it wasn’t. So I pressed her… She said, “I need dog food.” I had to laugh. She said, “I am embarrassed to ask you for dog food.” And I said, “Well, your dog has to eat over the next 10 days, so I’ll get you dog food.” So I went to Price Chopper and got 10 cans of dog food. And this is how small town Gouverneur is… the checkout girl is a student. She said, “Mrs. French, I didn’t know you got a dog.” And I said that I didn’t. But that is what I love about Gouverneur. We do have people that when they need help, we have others that will help them.

“If somebody is looking for something to do, please post on Facebook that you are willing to help someone else. Right now, we have a lot of people who could use a kind word. They could use a kind message. They could use a kind thought. As we are remote this week, the whole goal is to stop the spread. You can do that by staying at home, staying masked, washing your hands, and thinking about protecting others.

“Until we can slow this down, it is going to be very difficult for us to return to normal. The two biggest things that are going to get us back to normal? One, having our staff receive their vaccinations. I am working at that. The second is when we are back at school and do the testing for athletes. Athletes are being given the priority because of the close contact that they are going to be in. And then, we will look to extend that out into the community.

“I thank you. I know that this is not easy. I have offered many, many times, if you need something, I am more than happy to help make it work for you. We’ve got an absolutely wonderful staff. I could not be where I am today without that group of people. I couldn’t be here today without our bus drivers. I couldn’t be here today without my board. Never have I gone through it. To be truthful, my great-grandfather died in it in 1918. I just happened to read his obituary the other night, both he and my great-grandmother died in it in 1918. Maybe I am sensitive to the fact that a pandemic is real, but being kind to people right now is what we need the most. I do care about you. I care about this community. We will get through this if we work together.”

Much gratitude was extended to all the community members who are volunteering to help amid the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. For those who are in need, leave a message with Mrs. French 315-486-2689, or at any of the school offices and they’ll try to connect your needs with a volunteer. All are encouraged to accept volunteer support.

For future COVID-19 updates at Gouverneur Central School District, follow their Facebook page (GCSD Wildcats) or read upcoming editions of the Gouverneur Tribune Press. Any questions can be directed to building principals – High School (287-1900), Middle School (287-1903), and Elementary (287-2260).

Supervisor: Return for second dose of COVID-19 vaccine at the Gouverneur Community Center Feb. 21-22

by Rachel Hunter

Town of Gouverneur Supervisor David Spilman, Jr. at the Feb. 9 meeting of the Gouverneur Town Council reported that the Gouverneur Community Center, located at 4673 NY-58, Gouverneur will once again be busy on Feb. 21-22 as 550 local residents receive their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine – and are vaccinated against COVID-19. Kinney Drugs employees will once again administer the vaccine to all those with appointments.

This will happen “as long as everybody shows up,” Supervisor Spilman said in a word of encouragement to the local community members.

Supervisor Spilman and the town council members made no further comment during the town board meeting.

The next meeting of the Town of Gouverneur Council will be held on March 9, 6 p.m., at the Town of Gouverneur Offices Building, 1227 US Highway 11, Gouverneur.

GCS Board of Education holds public hearing on Pandemic Plan

by Rachel Hunter

The GCS Board of Education held a public hearing on Jan. 25 to discuss the Gouverneur Central School District’s Continuity of Operations Plan in order to comply with Chapter 168 of the Laws of 2020 that require public employers, including public school districts, to adopt a continuation of operations plan in the event that the governor declares a public health emergency involving communicable disease.

This Plan will become part of the District Safety Plan and includes protocols for responding to a declared public health emergency involving a communicable disease.

The draft plan has been posted on the GCSD website and Facebook page. The public is welcome to submit any comments or questions about the Plan by leaving them on the Facebook page or sending them to PandemicPlan@gcsk12.org by February 24, 2021.

Gouverneur Central School District Superintendent of Schools Lauren French emphasized that the list and description of positions and titles considered essential in the event of a state-ordered reduction of in-person workforce refers to location, not the value of the service.

“This did go through our District Shared Decision Making Team,” Superintendent French said. “So individuals across the community did help, and made some great suggestions that we were able to incorporate. The most difficult thing to wrap your head around is the difference between essential and non-essential. They are not talking about the value of the person’s contribution to the school. They are talking about the location the person has to be in… The easiest way to explain it is the person who runs the copier is an essential worker, because she can only run the copy machine at school. She cannot perform 1,000 copies per day from her kitchen. On the other hand, we can have one our nurses who does the records, she can actually work from her home on an Internet connection, and maintain all of the records that we need for this pandemic. So when you are struggling with a word, and somebody says, “Well, why is a teacher not essential?” If a school building is closed, the teacher is more able to work from a home environment or other place with Internet access. I did take a lot of questions on that, and people did not like that vocabulary. But one of the things that is important is these words are used consistently across the state. Then, when we do a shelter-in-place or a lockdown, those terms are consistent – whether you are in Gouverneur or Westchester County. So, we had to keep with the vocabulary and the tier designation that was given to us in the template to fill in.”

For the purposes of identifying “essential” workers, the Gouverneur Central School District has established three tiers of essential workers. Tier I: encompasses any position in which it is essential (with no exceptions) for the employee to be on campus or in person to perform all of their job duties. Tier II: encompasses positions in which it is essential for the employee to be on campus (in person) to perform some of their job duties, but some duties can be performed remotely. Tier III: encompasses positions in which it is not essential for the employee to be on campus or in person to perform their duties, all of their duties can be performed remotely, except for potential exigencies that must be performed in person. The full list can be viewable in the Plan, which has been posted on the GCSD website.

The 11-page document also details the protocols GCSD will follow in order to enable all non-essential employees and contractors to telecommute including, but not limited to, facilitating or requesting the procurement, distribution, downloading and installation of any needed devices or technology, including software, data, office laptops or cell phones, and the transferring of office phone lines to work or personal cell phones as practicable or applicable to the workplace.

“The Gouverneur CSD will work with employees to provide access to technology. Administration will conduct a survey among employees to collect information about the numbers, types, and condition of devices used for necessary job functions, as well as any lack of internet service. GCSD will designate a single point of contact in each work location to plan and communicate with supervisors as information from surveys becomes available. We will include opportunities for training and support for employees to adapt to remote work. We will identify a device and/or general technology support person for each work location and establish an IT helpdesk hotline for troubleshooting issues remotely. This information will be published on the employee intranet. GCSD will develop procedures for the return and inventory of district-owned devices as part of a return-to-work technology plan. We will develop on-site triage of staff and student devices in partnership with BOCES IT service to minimize the time that staff may be without a device. We will develop a technology support plan for employees that includes options for employees without internet access. These options could include specific use of school space and safe resources. Employees will continue to comply with applicable laws and cybersecurity guidelines. Devices will be provided by the employer and equipped with antivirus and applicable security settings including pre-loaded software programs and applications. Employees should refrain from using personal devices to complete work duties. Any adjustments to the provided devices should be arranged through the technology services and/or local IT helpdesk staff. All connections will be via secure transmissions either through the vendor/website or a secure VPN service. The return-to-work procedures will include: Safely bagging devices collected at work locations; Sanitizing the devices prior to a repair or replacement evaluation; Ordering accessories that may be needed over the summer; Conducting prepared maintenance routines to remove malware and fix standard issues including screen, keyboard, or battery replacement; Utilize existing asset tracking tools; and » Identify a team to assist with processing, returning, and maintaining devices, if needed.”

The document also tells how GCSD will, to the extent possible, stagger work shifts of essential employees and contractors in order to reduce overcrowding on public transportation systems and at worksites.

“In the event that building capacity must be reduced, to avoid overcrowding of entrance and exit points, work shifts of Tier I essential employees shall be staggered through arrival and departure times. Tier II essential employees shall be staggered by having these employees perform duties that must be performed in person at different times or days such that the fewest number of Tier II essential employees will be in person at any given time. Similarly, Tier III essential employees, when responding to an exigency that requires in person presence, will to the extent possible based on the exigency, report to the worksite and leave the worksite at times when the fewest number of essential employees are at the worksite. Entrance and exit locations will be assigned as appropriate to significantly reduce areas of congregation. Should the need arise to limit building occupancy and/or stagger work schedules and shifts, each supervisor will develop a weekly or bi-weekly schedule that establishes adjusted shifts, hours, or days for in-person reporting and will share that schedule with employees via email or other electronic means. Gouverneur uses One Call Now as a District resource.”

The document also detail the protocol that GCSD will implement in order to procure the appropriate personal protective equipment for essential employees and contractors, based upon the various tasks and needs of such employees and contractors in a quantity sufficient to provide at least two pieces of each type of personal protective equipment to each essential employee and contractor during any given work shift over at least six months. “Ordering of Supplies will be an essential part of safe operations due to requirements for PPE and additional disinfection and cleaning products. The Gouverneur CSD has designated a single point of contact for ordering supplies and maintaining an inventory throughout the school year to ensure adequate PPE and cleaning supplies are available at all times. The Gouverneur CSD will follow proper procurement procedures to order these supplies.”

The GCSD estimates the quantity of personal protective equipment (PPE) needed as follows: For Tier I, there are 45 essential workers with 20 expected in-person shifts per month. The quantity needed per day is 45, and the quantity needed per six-month period is 5400. For Tier II, there are 38 essential workers with 20 expected in-person shifts per month. The quantity needed per day is 38, and the quantity needed per six-month period is 3448. For Tier III, there are three essential workers with 20 expected in-person shifts per month. The quantity needed per day is three, and the quantity needed per six-month period is 270. PPE will be stored in designated supply closets and storage rooms, which are easily accessed, in each work location. A listing of inventory in each storage location will be posted visibly in each location.

The document also outlined the following screening and isolation procedures: “The Gouverneur CSD will conduct mandatory daily screening in accordance with existing privacy laws among employees prior to entry of the work location via an electronic questionnaire. This screening questionnaire will ask employees to report any COVID-like symptoms, contact with positive individuals, travel to restricted areas, or known positive COVID-19 test results. It will also prompt employees to contact their supervisor to discuss other concerns not listed before entering the worksite. A failed screening will immediately notify both the head nurse and the employee’s supervisor who will advise the employee not to report to work. Results of the screening questionnaire populate a spreadsheet by which the Head Nurse tracks all quarantines, COVID-related leaves, and other relevant metrics. The supervisor and COVID-19 Safety Officer will work together in partnership with the Department of Public Health to advise the employee on proper protocols given his/her specific situation and to assist in contract tracing when necessary. If an employee develops symptoms at work, GCSD will immediately separate students and staff with COVID-19 symptoms by moving them to an isolation room or area. Each work location has designated an isolation room (separate from the nurse or health office), which is separated from the rest of the building. This room will be used in the event that a person becomes ill or begins to display COVID-19 symptoms during the school or work day. Whenever possible, the room will be located as close to an exit as possible, or have an outside exit within the room. For the purposes of contact tracing, Gouverneur will log all persons who entered the room. Individuals who are sick should go home or to a healthcare facility, seek COVID-19 testing, and should follow CDC guidance for caring for oneself. Individuals should also watch for emergency symptoms and seek emergency medical care if symptoms occur. Contact tracing will be conducted for the person placed in the isolation room. As part of symptom screening, Gouverneur is prepared to refer symptomatic individuals to an appropriate healthcare provider or testing site. State, Tribal, territorial, and local health officials and/or healthcare providers will determine when viral testing for COVID-19 is appropriate.”

GCS also outlined their cleaning and disinfection protocols, and stated that the responsibility of disinfection and cleaning will lie solely with custodial/maintenance/building and grounds staff. “These workers have undergone specific training related to CDC approved methods of cleaning and handling of cleaning products. Other non-custodial employees are prohibited from bringing their own cleaning products from home, including aerosols, wipes, or sprays. Exceptions may be made in certain cases as determined by the Director of Facilities. Prescribed methods: According to the CDC, reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 by cleaning and disinfection is an important part of maintaining public spaces. The virus that causes COVID-19 can be killed if the right products are used. The EPA has compiled a list of disinfectant products that can be used against COVID-19, including ready-to-use sprays, concentrates, and wipes. Each product has been shown to be effective against viruses that are harder to kill than viruses like the one that causes COVID-19. Custodial staff have undergone specific training on using EPA approved cleaning products to properly disinfect and clean areas. In the event of a positive case in the building: Timing and location of cleaning and disinfection of surfaces: At a school or central office: Close off areas visited by the ill persons. If possible, open outside doors and windows and use ventilating fans to increase air circulation in the area. Wait 24 hours or as long as practical before beginning cleaning and disinfection. Cleaning staff should clean and disinfect all areas such as offices, bathrooms, common areas, shared electronic equipment (like tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls) used by the ill persons, focusing especially on frequently touched surfaces. If it has been more than seven days since the person with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 visited or used the facility, additional cleaning and disinfection is not necessary. Notification of Positive Cases In the event of a positive case of COVID-19 among the Gouverneur employees, a notification will be posted on STEW with the location of the positive case. No details or identifying information will be shared. In some cases, Gouverneur administrators may contact employees to inform them of possible contact and advise them not to report to work until Public Health officials have completed official contact tracing procedures.”

The draft document also outlined the protocol for documenting precise hours and work locations, including off-site visits, for essential employees and contractors. The protocol shall be designed only to aid in tracking of the disease and to identify the population of exposed employees and contractors in order to facilitate the provision of any benefits which may be available to certain employees and contractors on that basis. “Gouverneur CSD will maintain a record of precise hours and work locations and will utilize Aesop to track attendance for all employees. Each work location will maintain a record of visitors by requiring sign-ins upon entry. Each classroom will also maintain a log of visitors each day to determine movement within the buildings.”

It also outlined the protocol for how GCSD will work to identify sites for emergency housing for essential employees in order to further contain the spread of the communicable disease that is the subject of the declared emergency, to the extent applicable to the needs of the workplace. “In the event that an essential employee is in need of emergency housing, Gouverneur CSD will refer the employee to the appropriate public health contact who will secure available emergency housing. When necessary, Gouverneur CSD will communicate with local public health officials to identify the employee as an essential worker.”

The following essential phone numbers were also included in the draft document: Food orders during the pandemic can be placed with Heather Hollis - 315-287-1690 Contact with Head Nurse Bev Martin -318-287-1902 Changes or concerns with transportation First Student 315-287-0650 Registration Needs: Mrs. Porter 315-287-1949 Elementary Concerns: Ms. Zawatski, Principal 315-287-2260 Middle School Concerns: Mrs. Sullivan, Principal 315-287-1903 High School Concerns: Mr. Wood, Principal 315-287-1900 District Concerns: Lauren F. French, Superintendent 315-287-4207 Remote help desk - 315-287-7681.

The Gouverneur Central School District said its guiding principle will not waiver… all decisions will be made on keeping all people safe. The draft plan has been posted on the GCSD website and Facebook page. The public is welcome to submit any comments or questions about the Plan by leaving them on the Facebook page or sending them to PandemicPlan@gcsk12.org by February 24, 2021.

Gouverneur Kiwanis Wildcat Backpack Program resumes at GES

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Kiwanis Wildcat Backpack Program at Gouverneur Elementary School resumed this past week. This program provides bags of food to elementary school children who receive free breakfast and lunch in the Gouverneur Central School District.

Gouverneur Elementary School Principal and Gouverneur Kiwanis President Charity Zawatski said the following: “These have been challenging times for our community, students, and families. Families continue to persevere, yet many can still use some support during this unusual pandemic circumstance. If you are able to donate individually packaged items such as granola bars, pop and peel items (like soup cans or mac n'cheese), oatmeal, or anything that is individually wrapped, we are happily accepting donations for the Kiwanis Wildcat BackPack Program at Gouverneur Elementary. These items can be used to supplement our backpack bags to feed students over their off or remote days and weekends.”

Those with any questions on the Gouverneur Kiwanis Backpack Program can contact Dawn Streeter at 315-276-0433. Those who would like to donate toward the program, can send a check to: Kiwanis Wildcat BackPack Program c/o Dawn Streeter 5864 State Highway 58 Gouverneur NY 13642.