Reminder: GFD Fireworks Spectacular on July 5

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Fire Company will host the largest display of fireworks in the North Country on Tuesday, July 5 at dusk. The event will be held at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds. There is a donation charge at the gates for entry. The gates will open at 4 p.m., and the public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Food vendors will be on site at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds as well. The event was mentioned during the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, June 21.

Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that, after a two-year hiatus, the Gouverneur Fire Department is making plans to come back with the biggest show the Gouverneur Fire Department has ever done.

“It will be the largest show in the North Country for sure,” Gouverneur Fire Chief Tom Conklin told the Gouverneur Tribune Press in a recent interview. “We are looking forward to putting on the show for the community to celebrate the Fourth of July.

“We originally planned to have it on July 4th but being the size of our show, our vendor, was doing to other shows that same night and he didn’t have enough equipment for the size of our show. So we moved it to July 5 because the vendor (Majestic Fireworks) needed all of his equipment for the size of our show alone.”

The Gouverneur Fire Department Fireworks Spectacular is made possible due to the generous sponsorship received from Gouverneur businesses and community members. As of press deadline this week, the list of sponsorships included over 20 names.

As always, the Gouverneur Fire Department asks that no one bring their own fireworks as it is a huge safety concern for the company putting the show on and for the families attending the show.

Don’t miss the GFD Fireworks spectacular at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds on Tuesday, July 5!

Flag Day Parade is Saturday

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce sponsored Annual Flag Day Parade and Business Extravaganza will be held on Saturday, June 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The annual tradition will return to the Gouverneur community after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The event promises to have fun for the whole family, starting at 10 a.m. with fun and activities in the Gouverneur Village Park, including the following: craft vendors, food vendors, business vendors, music and children’s games. Local vendors are invited to bring a table to the Gouverneur Village Park and join the fun! For more information, call the Chamber office at 315-287-0331.

The Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035 will hold its Annual Flag Day Ceremony in the Gouverneur Village Park starting at 12:30 p.m. to celebrate the anniversary of the flag’s birth and to recall the achievements attained beneath its folds. The public is welcomed and encouraged to attend. The ceremony will be conducted at the bandstand, as is tradition.

At 1 p.m., the Gouverneur Masonic Lodge No. 217 will start to serve its Flag Day Chicken BBQ, take-out only, available from the Masonic Temple on Trinity Ave. in Gouverneur. See details in related ad inside this edition.

At 1 p.m., parade participants are invited to head to Wilson St. to Johnstown St. to lineup for the Annual Flag Day Parade. The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce is inviting all who wish to participate to join in the fun this year – local dignitaries, classic/antique vehicles, area children riding bicycles, local businesses and organizations, school marching bands, and others. The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce will also award a $50 check to the most patriotic float in the parade. As in the past, the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce asks anyone with candy for the children to pass it out instead of tossing it into the street. The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce invites all to join (either as parade participant or spectator) to make this parade the best one yet!

At 2 p.m., the parade will commence from Wilson St./Johnstown St. and turn down Main Street traveling across the Route 11 bridge toward the Gouverneur Village Park. The parade will disembark at the Northern Credit Union Parking Lot.

Spectators are encouraged to lineup along the parade route and enjoy the parade. The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce has ordered 300 American Flags, and they will be distributed in advance of the parade. All are encouraged to arrive early at the Gouverneur Village Park to enjoy the festivities.

Don’t miss a moment of the fun during the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce sponsored Annual Flag Day Parade and Business Extravaganza in the Gouverneur Village Park this Saturday, June 11! For more information about the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, visit gouverneurchamber.net.

Memorial Day observance in Gouverneur to be held on May 30

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur community is invited and encouraged to attend the Memorial Day Observance in Gouverneur will be held on Monday, May 30, starting at 10 a.m. in downtown Gouverneur.

The observance is annually organized jointly by the Silas Wainwright VFW Post No. 6338 in Gouverneur and the James Maloy American Legion Post No. 65 in Gouverneur. The 2022 Memorial Day observance is hosted by the Silas Wainwright VFW Post No. 6338.

VFW Commander John Holt informed the Gouverneur Tribune Press this week that the 2022 Gouverneur Memorial Day observance will start with the annual Memorial Day parade. Lineup will once again be at 9:30 a.m. on Rock Island Road in Gouverneur. There will be coffee and donuts for parade participants at the James Maloy American Legion Post No. 65 beforehand.

At the 10 a.m. start time, the parade will turn onto Route 11 and will travel the parade route past the Gouverneur Village Park. The 2022 Parade Marshal will be Roland Roderick. The U.S. Navy Wreath presentation will be at the Route 11 bridge over the Oswegatchie to salute the dead. The parade will then turn left onto Hailesboro St. to Riverside Cemetery where the 2022 Gouverneur Memorial Day Ceremony will be held.

Commander Holt confirmed that the Gouverneur Wildcat Marching Band will be featured in the Memorial Day Parade, and will provide music at the ceremony to follow at Riverside Cemetery (William St., Gouverneur).

Invitations were sent to local dignitaries, and the Village of Gouverneur and the Town of Gouverneur shared details of the annual observance at their respective monthly meetings.

All those in attendance at the Gouverneur Memorial Day Observance will be invited to a luncheon at the Gouverneur VFW Hall, 100 W. Main St., Gouverneur, following the Memorial Day ceremony.

In addition to the 2022 Gouverneur Memorial Day observance, the Silas Wainwright VFW Post No. 6338 will also host Memorial Day ceremonies at Brasie Corners and in the Town of Edwards. North Country community members are encouraged to attend those observances as well. Further details will be reported when information is received by the Gouverneur Tribune Press.

Gouverneur CSD budget proposal calls for 1.5 percent tax levy increase

by Rachel Hunter

Gouverneur Central School District Superintendent of Schools Jacquelyn Kelly presented the final budget proposal for 2022-2023 at the budget hearing on Monday, May 9.

The $41,316,007 budget includes spending increases in staffing, employee benefits, BOCES, equipment purchases and other items. The district is appropriating fund balance and using reserves to minimize the tax levy in the amount of $4,033,445. The tax levy is $6,787,112, an increase of 1.5 percent ($100,283). In the 2021-22 Budget Year, the tax levy was set at $6,686,829, a 2.94 percent increase ($90,677). The Gouverneur Central School District also anticipates a 5.35 percent increase in State Aid for a total of $30,093,545.

The budget was presented in three parts, as per Sections 207 and 2601-a of the Education Law and as amended by Section 15 of Chapter 171 of the Laws of 1996.

There will be a decrease in the administrative component of $238,124, for a total of $4,700,567, which represents 11.38 percent of the total budget. The administrative component includes expenses for office and administrative costs, salaries and benefits for certified school administrators who spend 50 percent or more of their time performing supervisory duties, data processing, public information, legal fees, property insurance, and school board expenses.

In the Program Component, the budget proposal calls for an increase of $2,290,643 for a total of $28,327,442. This represents 68.56 percent of the total budget. This portion includes salaries and benefits of teachers and supervisors who spend the majority of their time teaching, such instructional costs as supplies, equipment and textbooks, co-curricular activities and interscholastic athletics, staff development, and transportation operating costs.

In the Capital Component, the budget proposal calls for a decrease of $696,086, for a total of $8.288,998. This represents 20.06 percent of the total budget. This covers all school bus purchases, debt service on buildings, and leasing costs, tax certiorari and court-ordered costs, and all facility costs, including salaries and benefits of the custodial staff, service contracts, maintenance supplies and equipment, and utilities.

The financial impact on property owners is as follows: For those with a $60,000 home value, a $11.97 increase. The increase with Basic STAR is $5.98. The increase with Enhanced STAR is $0. For those with a $100,000 home value, a $19.95 increase. The increase with Basic Star is $13.96. The increase with Enhanced STAR is $7.54.

Gouverneur Central School District Superintendent of Schools Jacquelyn Kelly said that the budget supports the District’s long-term goals, which were reported as follows: “Goal #1: Our first goal is to bring consistency to curriculum decisions across grade levels and provide appropriate professional development to support those curriculum decisions. Our primary focus will be on developing the foundational skills necessary for students to effectively read and write.

“Goal #2: Our second goal is to provide the social emotional support and academic opportunities necessary for all students to be engaged in school and find success.

“Goal #3: Finally, we will provide a continuum of Special Education services district-wide to support the needs of all our students.”

Supt. Kelly continued, “The proposed budget focuses on preserving the strong educational programming, safe and secure environments, and extracurricular activities that our community has supported over the years. This budget also provides for additional academic support for all students. This is a fiscally responsible and educationally sound spending plan that focuses on providing the academic supports necessary for all students to be successful. This budget will support needs created as a disruption to education due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the addition of: a Math Academic Intervention Services (AIS) teacher, two (2) Special Education teachers, an Art teacher, a Business teacher, and a Social Studies teacher.”

The Gouverneur Central School District Budget Vote and Board of Education Member Election will be held on Tuesday, May 17, noon to 8 p.m. at the Gouverneur High School. All voters are also encouraged to check out the GHS Art Show in the GHS Auxiliary gymnasium.

Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press are reminded that there are three seats open for the school board, and two incumbents’ names will appear on the ballot – Dr. William Cartwright and Naaman Lowry. The candidates’ biographical sketches can be found on the District website at gcsk12.org. As of press deadline this week, two candidates have informed the Gouverneur Tribune Press of their write-in campaign, Steve Jackson of Gouverneur and Mark Hendrick of Gouverneur. The vacancies will be filled by the three candidates with the most votes, to include any write-in candidates. For more information, visit gcsk12.org.

DeKalb Town Historian to present history of Coopers Fall Iron Company on May 16

Bryan Thompson, the DeKalb Town Historian, will present the history of the Coopers Falls Iron Company on May 16 at 7 p.m. at the Meetinghouse Museum, 696 E. Dekalb Rd., Dekalb Junction.

The lecture is free and everyone is welcome.

The Town of DeKalb Historical Association recently received an ingot produced at Coopers Falls Iron Company and Thompson has researched the history of the production process there.

Reminder: Buy tickets early for Chamber Banquet on May 4

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Area Chamber of Commerce is urging North Country residents to purchase advance sale tickets for the 2022 Chamber of Commerce Banquet. The banquet will be held on Wednesday, May 4, at the Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035, 1419 US Highway 11, Gouverneur, starting at 6 p.m. (cocktail hour), 7 p.m. (turkey dinner), with the awards ceremony to follow.

The Gouverneur Area Chamber of Commerce will present its Award of Merit to Team Blevins and Blevins Ford. Also, Former Gouverneur Mayor/Gouverneur Town Councilman Curran Wade will serve as the guest speaker, to talk about the history of the LifeSavers monument in the Gouverneur Village Park. There is much anticipation for the return of this annual event.

The Gouverneur Area Chamber of Commerce wishes to remind local businesses and residents that there will be no tickets sold at the door this year. Advanced sale tickets are now available until May 3 at the Gouverneur Savings and Loan and the Gouverneur Community Bank, as well as the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce office. Tickets will only be available on May 4 through the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce Office. For more information, call 315-287-0331. Tickets are also available online at gouverneurchamber.net.

Village of Gouverneur urged to increase transparency in local government

by Rachel Hunter

The Village of Gouverneur at the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, March 15 was urged by Village Trustee Troy Besaw to increase its transparency in local government.

The topic was raised six months after NYS Gov. Kathy Hochul, in late October 2021, signed two pieces of legislation boosting transparence in state and local government. The first piece of legislation required documents that are going to be discussed at open meetings to be made available on request or posted on the government's website at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. The second piece of legislation requires the MTA to publish its data in formats that are easily accessible and can be easily downloaded and used by the public.

"There's no excuse for keeping New Yorkers in the dark on the actions governments take to help their constituents, and we've been committed to greater transparency since Day One," Governor Hochul said. "These pieces of legislation will require important local government documents and MTA data to be properly available for constituents to read and utilize. New Yorkers should be informed about the work government does for them every day, but we have to make it easier for them to get that information."

The first legislation is “Making Documents Available Prior to Open Meetings (S.1150-A/A.1228-A).” This legislation makes documents to be discussed at open meetings available to the public at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. The Open Meetings Law is intended to empower the public through the accessibility of meetings of public bodies. The law requires them to make available to the public relevant documents, such as any proposed rule, regulation, or resolution. However, the current law only requires documents to be made available prior to meetings "as determined by the agency or department." This standard has resulted in some government bodies failing to make materials available in advance of meetings, reducing transparency. This legislation requires any proposed resolution, law, rule, regulation, policy, or amendment to be made available upon request and to be posted to the body's website at least 24 hours in advance of their discussion at an open meeting, giving the public access to these important documents in advance.

At the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees meeting on March 15, 2022, Village Trustee Troy Besaw said the following: “Mayor, I came across that the governor put out a mandate that we had to post our agenda 24 hours prior to a meeting, and the meeting minutes had to be posted by 15 days following the meeting date. We are not doing that.”

“Is that an actual law now or is that a proposal?” Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall asked.

“That’s an actual law,” Trustee Besaw said.

The Gouverneur Tribune Press raised the question in late 2021 to local municipalities, asking how they were going to adhere to the new regulations. While comments were made regarding the difficulty of the mandate, no further comments were made in public session. The Town of Gouverneur has made changes to its website that would potentially allow for the prompt posting of monthly agendas and related documents. But there has been no changes made to the Village of Gouverneur website. The latest meeting minutes published and posted for the public’s viewing online by the Village of Gouverneur was in September 2018.

The Open Meeting Law, revised in February 2022, states the following: “If the agency in which a public body function maintains a regularly and routinely updated website and utilizes a high-speed internet connection, such minutes shall be posted on the website within two weeks from the date of such meeting…” In the same subsection, the law states that unabridged video recordings or unabridged audio recordings or unabridged written transcripts may be deemed to be meeting minutes. The law also states: “Nothing in this section shall require the creation of minutes if the public body would not otherwise take them.” The full Open Meeting Law document is available for viewing at opengovernment.ny.gov.

After some discussion, Village of Gouverneur Trustee Troy Besaw once again encouraged the Village of Gouverneur to follow the new regulations for the prompt posting of agendas, meeting documents, and meeting minutes.

There was no further discussion on the matter.

The next regular meeting of the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 6 p.m., in the municipal courtroom.

Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education approves personnel changes

by Rachel Hunter

Upon the presentation and recommendation of Gouverneur Central School District Superintendent of Schools Jacquelyn Kelly, the GCSD Board of Education at its March 28 meeting approved the following personnel items as a consent agenda:

The Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education approved the resignation request from Michelle Benda, Physical Education teacher, effective June 24, 2022.

The Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education approved the resignation request of Lauren VanCour, School Social Worker, effective April 17, 2022.

The Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education also approved several appointments. They are as following: Instructional – The school board approved Caitlyn A. Sullivan, Elementary Teacher in the PreK-6 Elementary Tenure Area, for a four-year probationary period commencing on April 4, 2022. Ms. Sullivan’s initial assignment is Grade 3. Extra Duty: The school board approved Brandon Griffin as an instructor for middle school afterschool tutoring. Substitutes: The school board approved the following substitutes: Madison Brooks, Logan Garrison, Luke Gates, Alyssa Gilbert, Kylie Helvie, Christal Mann, Kaylee Ordway, Brooke Richards, Sarah Shepherd, Kiesha Smith, April Sochia, and Hannah Stowell. Student Lifeguards: The school board also appointed the following student lifeguards: Sierra Billings and Gage Cornell.

The Gouverneur Central School District also approved the appointment of Polly Sergel, who is provisionally certified in Literacy (Grades 5-12) and permanently certified in Agriculture, as the long-term substitute for a leave-of-absence employee. Later in the meeting, the school board acknowledged the paid and unpaid medical leave of absence.

The Gouverneur Central School Board of Education also extended the unpaid Child Rearing Leave of Absence for a probationary employee from February 28, 2022 through April 8, 2022 (previously scheduled to end April 1, 2022), in accordance with Article 12.3 of the contract with the Gouverneur Teachers’ Association.

Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education President David Fenlong said: “We definitely want to wish congratulations to everyone who was appointed. And we want to thank Michelle Benda for her 32 years with the District and everything she has done here. We wish everybody well.”

The next meeting of the Gouverneur Central School District will be held on Monday, April 11, 5:30 p.m., in the GHS Auditorium. For more information about Gouverneur Central School District, visit gcsk12.org.

Village of Gouverneur proclaims “Nort Taylor Day”

by Rachel Hunter

The Village of Gouverneur has declared “Nort Taylor Day” in Gouverneur on his 100th birthday – Thursday, April 7, 2022.

Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall made the declaration with the full support of the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees at the March 15 meeting. Mayor McDougall said plans have long been in the works to make Gouverneur native Norton Warren Taylor’s 100th birthday an occasion to remember. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, Mr. Taylor’s family decided to hold a drive-by celebration in lieu of a party at the Gouverneur Community Center.

The entire Gouverneur community is invited to participate in the drive-by celebration, which is planned for Thursday, April 7, 2022 with line-up at the Gouverneur Elementary School parking lot at 5:45 p.m. The parade will go by Mr. Taylor’s residence. A birthday card shower has also been organized. Those who wish to join the fun are encouraged to send cards to Mr. Taylor at 31 Meadow Lane, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

The Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees will hold its budget hearing on April 7, 4 p.m., with a special board meeting to follow. The next monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 6 p.m., at the municipal courtroom.

Mask mandate to be lifted at Gouverneur CSD, other SLC schools

by Rachel Hunter

On Sunday, February 27, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the statewide mask requirement in schools will be lifted on Wednesday, March 2, based on emerging data regarding declining COVID-19 positivity and hospitalization rates. The Gouverneur Central School District – among other school districts across St. Lawrence County – was notified on Tuesday, March 1 that the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department will support the change in guidance. Effective on March 2, students, staff and visitors are no longer required to wear masks in any of the district school buildings or on buses. Mask-wearing will be optional.

In a letter to district families, Superintendent of Schools Jacquelyn Kelly said in part the following: “As with all decisions, there will be individuals who support the continuation of mask wearing and those who favor the removal of all mask mandates, and we understand and are respectful of both perspectives. Wearing a mask is a personal decision and we will not tolerate any teasing, harassment, or negative remarks regarding an individual’s personal choice to continue to wear a mask in our schools or on a bus. As always, we continue to work with our local county health officials as COVID-19 health and safety protocols evolve. If any additional changes to these protocols are made, we will communicate those to you.” Much gratitude was extended to district families for their “ongoing partnership and commitment to the health and safety of our students, staff and school visitors.” Any questions can be directed to a school nurse or administrator.

During her COVID-19 update report, Supt. Kelly informed the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education at its meeting on Monday, February 28 that an update to the district’s masking protocol was anticipated for the following day (Tuesday). True to her statement to the school board, Supt. Kelly released the updated mask policy for Gouverneur Central School District students via the school website, gcsk12.org. “The Gouverneur Central School District will continue to support any student or staff member who would like to continue masking by maintaining an adequate supply of masks and an environment that supports efforts of the individual to make tough decisions based on their own personal situations,” Supt. Kelly told the school board.

During the COVID-19 update, Supt. Kelly also said the following: “Weekly updates continue to be posted on the Gouverneur Central School District website relative to the positive COVID-19 cases. For the period of February 19 to February 25, the District had no COVID positive cases. For the preceding week of February 12 to February 18, there were 16 new cases. We continue to see a significant decrease in cases, which is in line with the data that is being shared across the state and nation. At-home test kits were sent home with students on Thursday, February 17 and families were asked to test their children upon return to school today, Monday, February 28. While the nurses continue our practice of notifying impacted families, faculty and staff, if we learn about a positive case, no longer quarantining or contact tracing has been very beneficial to everybody.”

Much gratitude was extended to Supt. Kelly for her report. For more information about the Gouverneur Central School District’s policies and COVID-19 related information, visit gcsk12.org.

GPD investigates death of Gouverneur resident

by Rachel Hunter

Village of Gouverneur Chief of Police Laurina Greenhill on Tuesday afternoon sent the following press release to all local media:

On February 13, 2022 at approximately 1:03 p.m., the Gouverneur Police Department and Gouverneur Volunteer Rescue Squad were summoned to 18 Johnstown St., Apt. D., Gouverneur, for a report of a male unconscious and not breathing. Upon arrival, the male was determined to be deceased. St. Lawrence County Coroner Kevin Crosby responded to the scene and an autopsy ordered.

The autopsy was performed by Dr. Robert Stoppacher, Medical Examiner, at Lourdes Hospital, Binghamton, NY. The cause and manner of death are pending further investigation.

The decedent has been identified as Andrew D. Johnston, age 39, same address.

The investigation has determined that Johnston was involved in a physical altercation earlier that day at approximately 1:36 a.m. at the Serendipity Bar, William St., Gouverneur. Anyone with information about that altercation is asked to contact the Gouverneur Police Department at 315-287-2121.

The Gouverneur Police is working with the St. Lawrence County District Attorney’s office and do not believe there is a threat to the public. The investigation is ongoing. The New York State Police also assisted at the scene.

Gouverneur High School releases second quarter honor roll

The Gouverneur High School released the following honor roll for the second quarter of the 2021-22 academic year. Academic Excellence honors were earned by student with grade average between 97 and 100 percent. High honors were earned by students with a grade average between 93 and 96.99 percent. Honors were earned by students with a grade average between 87 and 92.99 percent.

The second quarter honor roll was announced as follows:

In Grade 9, Academic Excellence honors were awarded to Carly Bartholomew and Destiny Blair. High Honors were awarded to the following students: Mae Cummings, Hannah Dafoe, Gavin Davis, Alexander Hendershot, Madison Hopper, Gianna Manning, Cayden Middleton, Danielle Shattuck, Kaden Wells. Honors were awarded to the following students: Kristen Burns, Mya Connor, Samuel Cox, Brendan Cunningham, McKenzie Dixson, Tony Fiacco, Janaya Fuller, Audrey Gaines, Zoe Griffith, Graydon Hance, Jayden Jenne, Meghan Keen, Paige Kirby, Willow Knapp, Abigail Lucas, Kendra Murdie, Tucker Mussaw, Charley Newvine, Kaleb Platt, Renisa Richards, Hannah Roderick, Raine Rumble, Garrett Shampine, Akaysha Shippee-Ray, Alyssa Stowell, Hannah Trimm, Malique Zeller.

In Grade 10, Academic Excellence honors were awarded to the following students: Llydia Blaine, Ivey Bulger, Rylie Redmond, Caitlyn Store. High Honors were awarded to the following students: Abigail Bowman, Brodie Burns, Meredith Bush, Austin Lacey, Faith Leader, Jacey Sheen, Riley Shepherd, Chloe Smith. Honors were awarded to the following students: Jonavin Ayen, Carly Barr, Sierra Billings, Chloe Boclair, Mazie Bowhall, Chloe Bright, Hayley Burt, Gage Cornell, Ashton Currier, Cael Denesha, Matthew Filiatrault, Courtney Forsythe, Sylvia French, Meadow Greenhill, Zaphire Hall, Elizabeth Hamilton, Tanner Hitchcock, Emily Infield, Emalyn Kulp, Rylynn Martin-McIntyre, Kati McIntosh, Tatum Mulder, Ninah Newcombe, Owen Nichols, William Riutta, Jaden Rodriguez, Kaden Schiszler, Joshua Spilman, Ashton Wilson, Jude Wilson, Connor Witherell, Hyde Wood.

In Grade 11, Academic Excellence honors were awarded to the following students: Ava Bartholomew, Addison Blair, Allison Carvel, Addison Conklin, Robert Gardner, Niciara House-Bowman, Ravin Labarge, Noel LaPierre, Mariah Manning, Elizabeth Riutta, Miranda Rowley. High Honors were awarded to the following students: Maya Bartleson, Randi Griffith, Rikki Griffith, Maxwel Lucas, Shane Muyano, Elisabeth Porter. Honors were awarded to the following students: Markeyce Abar, Shia Bright, Lia Canell, William Dubberly, Jacob Edney, Hazen Given, Hannah Kirby, Alexandra McDougall, Jack Schroeder, Piper Simmons, Kobe Steorts, Jerricka Walton.

In Grade 12, Academic Excellence honors were awarded to the following students: Carter Baer, Cierra Besaw, Raelin Burns, Alex Clancy, Hailey Cook, Ashlee Flood, Kate Forsythe, Kaitlyn Gibson, Cassidy Hardy, Ella Impaglia, Kortney Knight, Madison Kurdziel, Allie Martin, Thomas McIntosh, Hailey Morrissiey, Peyton Mussaw, Torie Salisbury, Cole Siebels, Addison Sonntag, Matthew Tobin II, Christopher Weaver, Connor Wood, Ariana Zeller. High Honors were awarded to the following students: Makayla Cassell-Beck, Katelyn Clancy, Alexis Devlin, Emma Hicks, Katelynn Hocking, Kiarra Jenkins, Samina Kheuangthirath, Olivia Rastley, Emma Rushlo, Janay Smith, Caden Storie, Kaleb Webster. Honors were awarded to the following students: Aiden Breckenridge, Cole Davis, Chad Facey II, Griffin Fenlong, Avery Hayden, Matthew Helvie, Caleb Hubbard, Shyanne Hutton, Gino Jacobs, Victoria Klimowicz, Colby Leslie, Alexander Lucas, Grace Mashaw, Julia McIntyre, Ariel Mooney, Michael More, Sullivan Rumble, Kaylin Shampine, Landon Shinski, Matthew Spilman, Carter Todd, Honor, Mark Tomford, Trayton Tupper, Gabriel Wainwright.

For more information about Gouverneur Central School District, visit gcsk12.org.

Gouverneur Middle School releases second quarter honor roll

The Gouverneur Middle School released its second quarter honor roll for the 2021-22 academic year as follows:

Academic Excellence honors were awarded to the following students: Kelvin Bice III, Kameran Bice, Michael Bingham, Olivia Bos, Taylor Farr, Cam Fawcett, Caleigh Flynn, Laina Kurdziel, Maycee Matice, Saloma Miller, Audrey Ormasen, Jerryn Peck, Caleb Premo, Carter Premo, Emma Riutta, Olivia Salazar, Zackery Schiszler, Giuliana Shepherd, Myah Siebels, Lorelei Slate, Wyatt Slate, Hayden Stowell, Gavin Tulley, Joseph Weldon, Hannah White, Adalyn Worden.

High Honors were awarded to the following students: Gage Allen, Liberty Allen, Karlee Ashley, Cyler Baer, Laila Bearden, Ashlyn Besaw, Kaelyn Bishop, Cole Blair, Violet Blair, Arianna Brown, Delia Bush, Katelin Bush, Zachery Bush, Nick Canell, Hope Cardinell, Rodney Cardinell, Brody Carr, Abriana Casey, Chloe Chambers, Kacey Collette, Arianna Colon, Sarafina Colon, Charlie Constance, Alana Correa, Avery Cox, Rose Cox, Charlee Cudhea, Brodey Daniels, Raegan Devlin, Lucas Doster, Gabriel Dusharm, Brayden Evans, Electa Fitzgerald, Elise Fitzgerald, Payton Forsythe, Kylie Gallagher, Isaac Gates, Karsen Goodale, Taylor Guthrie, Gregory Haines Jr., Lilah Hale, Emilee Hance, Gracen Hance, Madison Harper, Courtney Hays, Kaidyn Johns, Jordyn Johnson, Kaiden Johnson, Sarina Johnson, Payton Kirby, Tanner Kirby, Laraya Klock, Mackensi Koerick, Robert Kulp, John-Michael Leader, Kaitlyn Losey, Lily Macaulay, Aaron Marinella, Adrianna Mashaw, Parker Matice, Alexa Merkley, Connor Middleton, James Minckler, Paul Minckler, Michael Moore II, Madison Nichols, Reese Nichols, Tucker Nichols, Lauren Ordway, Tristen Parris, Cruz Pawananon, Jon Persons Jr., Damien Prashaw, Jaycie Prashaw, Alaynna Salter, Annabelle Schroeder, Arianna Sibley, , Lilah Siebels, Isabella Simmons, Damien Sixberry, Dreyden Sixberry, Hannah Sochia, Azlan Spicer, Kiraghan Stamper, Brian Stowell, Addison Tarkowski, Daimon Tuttle, Gavin Warren, Hanna Webster, Garrison White, Gracie White, Serenity Whitmarsh, Arianna Wood, Peyton Wood, Teigan Woodward, Dakota Wylie, Mia Young.

Honors were awarded to the following students: Brock Aldridge, Eugene Alguire, Dante Alton, Xavier Ames, Tristan Arquitt, Lane Ayen, Hadley Baker, Isabella Barbarito, Collin Bice, Dawson Blair, Kolbe Blair, Jackson Breckenridge, Rae-Lynn Burns, Avian Burt, Patrick Camidge, Brendan Campbell, Nori-Anne Card, Holly Carr, Cassidy Chambers, Saige Chambers, Alessandria Colon, Alessandro Colon, Curtis Crandall, Trey D'Agostino, Olivia DeGroff, Dylon Dixson, Lillian Douglas, Jennah Dubberly, Graham Fishel, James Fishel, Josslyn Fishel, Gabrielle Free, Grayson French, Trison Gagnon, Miles Gaines, Liam Gallagher, Reid Gardner, Kendall Goodale, , Bentley Graham-Brown, Cy Greenhill, Tuffy Griffith, Alexander Hall, Laynee Hall, Lee Hance, Sophi Hayden, Logan Hill, Grayson Hoffman, Devin Hogle, Johnathan Hogle, Aden Hubbard, Ayden Huff, Fate Hunter, Alice Idzenga, Peyton Jacques, Keegan Jefferson, Kadance Johnston, Anthony Jonquil, Michael Jonquil, Tanner Knight, Moriah Koerick, Ameillia Lacks, Braegan Lancto, Avalynn Langille, Yasmine Langille, Ragean Larsen, Reese Larsen, Gage Liscum, Rylee-Ann Lumley, Logan Lynde, Zackery Marlow, Sophia Marx, Faith Matthews, Keanna Matthews, Wesley McCarthy, Olivia McDougall, Rylee McEathron, Briahna McGill, , Carter McGill, Ayden Miller, Michael Moon, Kolt Murdie, Gabrielle Nagy, Hope Neuroth, Joshua Newcombe Jr., Karson Nicholas, Marlayna Nichols, Maliek Nisbeth, Troy Parris, Brycen Parshley, Jacob Pitts, Jonah Prashaw, Casmeir Reaves, Amelia Reynolds, Rylee Reynolds, Trent Reynolds, Kyle Rizza, Aidan Roggie, Makenna Rowe, Brayden Scott, Brianna Scott, Blake Shampine, Madison Sibley, Sully Simmons, Alyssa Smith, Angelica Smith, Lynx Smith, Maddix Sovie, Saige Stowell, Micaela Swinton, Niklas Tharaldsen, Nora Tharaldsen, Dameon Towne, Peyton Travis, Izzabella Vann, Nathan Wang, Storm Watson, , Lola Weaver, Celia Weekes, Jacob Weeman, Carter Whitmarsh, Sikoya Whitmarsh, Ella-Mae Whitton, Brayton Wiegand, Kailey Williams, Alivia Wilson, Garrett Witherell, Isabella Zeller.

For more information about the Gouverneur Central School District, visit gcsk12.org.

Gouverneur Bancorp, Inc. To Acquire Citizens Bank Of Cape Vincent

Cambray Mutual Holding Company (the “MHC”), Gouverneur Bancorp, Inc. (OTC Pink: GOVB) (the “Company”) and Gouverneur Savings and Loan Association (the “Bank” and, together with the MHC and the Company, “Gouverneur” or the “Gouverneur Entities”) and Citizens Bank of Cape Vincent (“CBCV”) today announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which CBCV will merge with and into the Bank, with the Bank as the surviving institution, in a series of transactions. The combined institution will have approximately $210 million in total assets and five offices in two counties in Northern New York.

Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of CBCV and each of the Gouverneur Entities, CBCV stockholders will receive $1,056.11 in cash for each share of CBCV common stock held, representing aggregate merger consideration of $8,448,900.

Faye C. Waterman, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Gouverneur, commented “The acquisition of Citizens Bank of Cape Vincent will further expand our footprint into Jefferson County and the Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River communities. Gouverneur and CBCV share the same core values, and this merger allows us to honor our longstanding commitments to our stockholders and communities while continuing to serve our customers with the same high level of personal service. The merger will also offer expanded products and services to the CBCV and Gouverneur customer base.”

Mr. Waterman continued “We are very excited about our growing Gouverneur family and serving the St. Lawrence County, Jefferson County and Lewis County regions for many years to come.”

Taylor Robbins, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Bank of Cape Vincent, commented “Citizens Bank of Cape Vincent is proud to be partnering with Gouverneur Savings and Loan. We believe this merger is an excellent fit given our familiarity with Gouverneur Savings. Both of our institutions have been successfully serving our communities for over 100 years. This merger offers significant and enhanced benefits to our customers, communities, employees, and shareholders. We are excited and look forward to demonstrating to all of our combined constituents that we’re better and stronger together. We believe this is an excellent opportunity for both institutions and we look forward to all of the opportunities that lie ahead for us.”

Under the merger agreement, Gouverneur will appoint one current CBCV director to the Board of Directors of each of the Gouverneur Entities, and will appoint Mr. Robbins as Executive Vice President.

The merger is expected to be consummated during the second quarter of 2022, after the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of all required regulatory approvals and the approval of CBCV’s stockholders. In connection with the execution of the merger agreement, Gouverneur entered into voting agreements with the members of the Board of Directors of CBCV. Subject to the terms and conditions of the voting agreements, these individuals have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

Keller & Company, Inc. is serving as financial advisor to Gouverneur and Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP is serving as legal counsel to Gouverneur in connection with the transaction. Piper Sandler & Co. is serving as financial advisor to CBCV and Luse Gorman, PC is serving as legal counsel to CBCV in connection with the transaction.

About Gouverneur: Gouverneur Bancorp, Inc. (OTC Pink: GOVB) is the holding company for Gouverneur Savings and Loan Association, which is a New York chartered savings and loan association founded in 1892 that offers deposit and loan services for businesses, families and individuals. At September 30, 2021, Gouverneur Bancorp had total assets of $134.7 million, total deposits of $100.8 million and total stockholders’ equity of $27.2 million.

About Citizens Bank of Cape Vincent: Citizens Bank of Cape Vincent (CBCV) is a New York commercial bank offering deposit and loan services for businesses, families and individuals.  At September 30, 2021, CBCV had total assets of $87.2 million, total deposits of $79.7 million and total stockholders’ equity of $7.3 million.

Additional Information: In connection with the proposed merger transaction, CBCV will prepare a proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”), as well as other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. The Proxy Statement will be mailed to the stockholders of CBCV, and stockholders of CBCV are urged to read the Proxy Statement and other relevant materials when they become available before voting on the merger. The foregoing description of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the merger agreement, which will be included in the Proxy Statement.

The merger agreement is not intended to provide any other factual information about Gouverneur, CBCV or any of their affiliates. The representations and warranties contained in the merger agreement were made only for purposes of that agreement and as of specific dates, were solely for the benefit of the parties to the agreement, may be subject to limitations agreed upon by the parties, including being qualified by confidential disclosures made for the purposes of allocating contractual risk between the parties to the agreement instead of establishing these matters as facts, and may be subject to standards of materiality applicable to the contracting parties that differ from those applicable to investors. Investors should not rely upon the representations, warranties and covenants or any description thereof as characterizations of the actual state of facts or condition of Gouverneur, CBCV or their affiliates. Moreover, information concerning the subject matter of the representations, warranties and covenants may change after the date of the agreement, which subsequent information may or may not be fully reflected in public disclosures by Gouverneur or CBCV.

CBCV and certain of its directors and executive officers may be deemed to be “participants” in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of CBCV in favor of the merger. Information about the directors and executive officers of CBCV will be set forth in the Proxy Statement.

This press release does not constitute a solicitation of proxies.

Special Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements: This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should” or other similar expressions. All statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and neither Gouverneur nor CBCV undertakes any obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

A number of factors, many of which are beyond our ability to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following: the ability to obtain regulatory approvals and meet other closing conditions to the merger, including approval by CBCV’s stockholders, on the expected terms and schedule; delay in closing the merger; changes in interest rates; national and regional economic conditions; legislative and regulatory changes; monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board; the size, quality and composition of the loan or investment portfolios; demand for loan products; deposit flows; competition; demand for financial services in our market area; changes in real estate market values in our market area; and changes in relevant accounting principles and guidelines. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.

Town of Gouverneur appoints acting assessors

by Rachel Hunter

Gouverneur now has two fully credentialed acting assessors. The Town of Gouverneur Council at its Economic Development meeting on Jan. 28 approved the appointment of two acting assessors, Sherry Geer and Phyllis Shaw. Both are former Town of Fowler assessors/data collectors, who recently moved into the Gouverneur community and submitted a joint application to the Town of Gouverneur by the Jan. 27th deadline. Their terms are effective on February 3, 2022. The Town of Gouverneur Council approved the appointment unanimously with one vote abstained by Town of Gouverneur Supervisor David Spilman, Jr. The next meeting of the Town of Gouverneur Council will be held on Tuesday, February 8, 6 p.m. For more information, call 315-287-2340.

Gouverneur CSD hears COVID-19 update

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education at its Jan. 24 meeting heard the following COVID-19 update from GCS Superintendent of Schools Jacquelyn Kelly:

“Weekly updates continue to be posted on the Gouverneur Central School District website relative to positive COVID-19 cases. For the period of Saturday, January 15 through Friday, January 21, the District had the following positive COVID-19 cases reported: The Gouverneur High School had 11 cases. The Gouverneur Middle School had eight cases. The Gouverneur Elementary School had 18 cases, for a total of 37 new cases. During the preceding week of Saturday, January 8 through Friday, January 14, there were 84 new cases. We experienced a significant increase in positive cases when sent at-home test kits and asked families to test their children upon return to school on Monday, January 10.

“As I am sure you are aware, the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department distributed a press release on Friday that aligns with the New York State Department of Health guidance for isolation and quarantine. One of the biggest changes that you will expect to see is that the New York State Department of Health will no longer conduct contact tracing. This means that individuals potentially exposed to COVID-19 will no longer be contacted by the Department of Health. Going forward, the Gouverneur Central School District will no longer be collecting information about contacts to report to the county health departments, except for in limited circumstances. We will no longer be conducting contact tracing in the school, for the most part. I say for the most part, because there may be an occasion in an event of a positive cluster or high risk exposure when the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department may ask the school to conduct contact tracing. If this becomes necessary, our school nurses will contact families by phone as they have in the past.

“Families, faculty and staff will not be responsible for contacting the school about any exposure that occurs outside of the school setting. We will continue our practice of notifying impacted families, faculty and staff as we learn about a positive case. This will involve a general notification alerting families, faculty, and staff of a positive case in a particular classroom or location. This type of notification will ask families, faculty and staff to monitor closely for symptoms but will most likely not result in anyone being in close contact or excluded from school. Students, faculty and staff will continue to be sent home if they come to school symptomatic.

“As we have done throughout the pandemic, the symptomatic individual can visit a healthcare professional for a negative test to return to school once their symptoms subside. Now, we are also giving families, faculty and staff one additional option. We will be using the testing supplies that the District received from the New York State Department of Health to offer families the option of testing at home. If a student or employee is sent home symptomatic, they will be able to use the test kit to administer two tests within a 24-48 hour period. If the symptomatic individual receives two negative test results, they will be able to return to school. One of the keys of ensuring the success of this new approach is rigorous symptom monitoring. Given the large number of positive cases in our region, the safest assumption is that we are all exposed on a regular basis, and as much, should be mindful of any COVID-associated symptom.

“I am very hopeful that this new approach strikes a balance of keeping our students in school while staying committed to the overall health and safety of our students and our entire school community. I encourage everybody to visit our District website for additional information regarding the updated guidelines for exclusion from school and school-related events.”

Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education President David Fenlong extended gratitude to Mrs. Kelly for keeping up-to-date on the latest guidance, and sharing the information with the Board.

On Jan. 25, the Gouverneur Central School District published the following notice on the District website: “You may be aware of yesterday's Nassau County Supreme Court ruling concerning the constitutionality of the state's mask mandate. The New York State Education Department has informed the District that the New York State Department of Health is in the process of appealing this decision and has further directed the District to continue to require the use of masks while this legal dispute is pending. Therefore, there is no change to the mask protocols we have been following, All students and staff members are required to wear masks at school. We will continue to follow the guidelines of the New York State Education Department and the New York State Department of Health, and we will keep you informed of any changes. Thank you for your continued cooperation and partnership during this time.”

In other school news:

The Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education at its Jan. 24 meeting accepted the Financial Report, for the period ending December 31, 2021.

The Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education approved a consent agenda, including the minutes of the regular meeting on January 10, 2022, the Claims Auditor’s reports for the period of January 14, 2022 to January 21, 2022, as well as CSE Business and CPSE Business (which includes the creation of a 1.0 FTE 1:1 Aide for a student, represented by the Gouverneur School Related Personnel Union, effective January 12, 2022, as recommended by the CPSE Committee), as well as the Treasurer’s Report for December 2021. This approval was made upon the presentation and recommendation of Supt. Kelly.

The Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education, upon presentation and recommendation of Supt. Kelly, approved the following personnel items as a consent agenda. The school board appointed Colleen Ruud to the position of Principal Account Clerk (12-month non-contractual) in the competitive class of civil service, commencing on February 7, 2022. The school board appointed Miranda Bango to the position of Individual Aide in the non-competitive class of the civil service, commencing on January 18, 2022. The school board also approved the appointment of Hailey Palmer (cafeteria) to work as a per diem substitute for the 2021-22 school year. The school board also acknowledged the medical leave for an employee, which is tentatively scheduled to begin March 2022, for approximately eight weeks. The employee will incur approximately 20 unpaid days. This leave is covered under Family and Medical Leave Act.

There was no other new business or public comments made at the regular school board meeting. The meeting adjourned to executive session to discuss the employment history of particular persons, and no further business took place. For more information about the Gouverneur Central School District, visit gcsk12.org.

Gouverneur Ice Rink opens for the season

by Rachel Hunter

The ice skating rink at Riverview Recreational Park in Gouverneur officially opened for the season on Saturday, January 15 at 4673 NY-58, Gouverneur.

Ice skating has been a favorite winter pastime for North Country families since at least the late 1880s. While the community’s ice rink has seen different locations over the years, what has remained the same is the North Country’s love of the ice.

The Gouverneur Ice Rink, now opened for the season and located near the Gouverneur Community Center, welcomes North Country residents of all skill levels to lace up their skates and enjoy the sport. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, organizers request that only one family use the bunkhouse at a time to put on skates.

The Gouverneur Ice Rink is possible thanks to many hours of volunteer support and donations from the Gouverneur community. Any notices regarding the ice’s condition will be posted on the Gouverneur Riverview Park Facebook page. For more information or to learn how to donate, call Jeremy at 315-921-1754.

Gouverneur Public Library hosting “Blind Date With A Book” and “Super Secret Surprise” Books Program now until Feb. 14

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Public Library, 60 Church St., Gouverneur this week started a new book programs for its patrons to encourage reading throughout the winter months leading up to the Valentine's Day holiday.

“Blind Date With A Book” is for all adults in the Gouverneur-area community to enjoy. Gouverneur Public Library Manager Greta Schrader said patrons will get a choice between historical fiction, romance, suspense and thrillers, and non-fiction. “The patron would come in, and the books are all covered up,” Schrader said. You get three words that describe the books for whatever stirs their emotions. They will bring it up to us. We’ll check them out. And when they get it home, they can open it.” As soon as the patron is finished reading their selection, they are welcome to make a return visit to the Gouverneur Public Library to pick another book. The program will last until Valentine’s Day, Monday, February 14.

A similar program has been established for local youth, and is called the “Super Secret Surprise Books Program.” All youths in the Gouverneur-area community are invited to stop by the Gouverneur Public Library and make their selections. Gouverneur Public Library Manager Greta Schrader said that youth will have the opportunity to select picture books, early chapter books, or chapter books. As soon as youths are finished reading their book selection, they are invited to make another selection. This program too will last until Valentine’s Day on Monday, February 14.

For more information on these programs, stop by or call the Gouverneur Public Library at 315-287-0191.

Gouverneur Central School District to host Food Box Distribution on Jan. 17

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Central School District will host a Food Box Distribution on Monday, January 17, starting at 11 a.m., at the Gouverneur Elementary School Parking Lot, 111 Gleason St., Gouverneur.

Organizers told the Gouverneur Tribune Press this week that 500 boxes of produce and dairy products will be available for distribution until all are gone.

All attendees are asked to follow the traffic cone pattern for safety and contactless pick-up.

DeKalb Jct. UMC to host free will Chicken and Biscuit Dinner on Jan. 11

by Rachel Hunter

A Free Will Chicken and Biscuit Dinner will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 5 to 6 p.m., at the DeKalb Junction United Methodist Church, 4302 Route 11, DeKalb Junction. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the meals will be available via curbside delivery. All monetary and non-perishable food donations will be accepted to support the food ministries of the DeKalb Junction and Hermon United Methodist Churches.

All motorists are asked to come via the Gouverneur direction, so that they can turn directly into the parking lot and not have to cross the traffic on Route 11. All then are asked to follow the traffic cones, turn around and stop at the door where volunteers will bring out the required number of meals and Pastor Martha Helmer will momentarily visit with the folks in attendance. All meals are served on a first come, first served basis.

Organizer April Allen told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that the DeKalb Junction Methodist Church started its holiday food box ministry at least 15 to 20 years ago.

“Originally they provided all the fixings for a holiday meal at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, delivering to individuals and families in the Hermon-DeKalb School District that had been identified as being a family that would benefit from receiving a box,” Mrs. Allen said.

“At some point prior to 2012, they approached the Hermon Methodist Church to see if they would be willing to be a distribution point for the boxes for the families with a Hermon address which the Hermon Church was happy to do and within a couple of years the Hermon Church took over providing the food for and packing the boxes for those families.

“Today, the two churches operate separately but cooperatively. Each continues to provide holiday food boxes at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter to individuals and families within the Hermon DeKalb School District. Both pantries have non-perishable food items they can provide to anyone living within the school district who finds themselves in need of food on a short-term basis,” Mrs. Allen said.

DeKalb Junction UMC and Old DeKalb UMC Pastor Martha Helmer told the Gouverneur Tribune Press this week that the food ministry serves about 20 local families, and are constantly seeking other residents who could benefit from the program. The mission is possible thanks to great deal of support received by community members, church members, and others. Pastor Helmer added that generous donations of canned goods and boxed food items are brought to the ministry from the Kendrew Church, since it is partially in the Town of DeKalb. “It’s a community project,” Pastor Helmer said.

Mrs. Allen agreed, saying that “both pantries rely solely on donations of non-perishable food items and money from their respective members and members of their communities to continue their ministries.” She added that both pantries have been the grateful recipients of food from food drives organized at the Hermon-DeKalb Central School and by other local groups, including Scouts.

When supplies get low at the local food pantries, the churches inform their congregation through a “needs list.” At the DeKalb Junction UMC and the Old DeKalb UMC, Pastor Helmer said they print the needs list in the church bulletin from time to time throughout the year, and ask for supplies like boxed macaroni, boxed potatoes, canned goods, juices, peanut butter, etc.

“When we get down, we just make a list and try to replenish because there are families who might need food in between the holidays,” Pastor Helmer said.

The North Country community has been generous to support the food ministries at the DeKalb Junction and Hermon United Methodist Churches in the past – even amid tough times like the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Pastor Helmer told the Gouverneur Tribune Press this week that the food ministry is just one of many at the local United Methodist Churches.

“We try to do God’s work and God’s missions within our community and often that goes out to the larger community, country and the world, depending on the project,” she said.

Pastor Helmer said she is always amazed at God’s providence. While taking a course, Pastor Helmer encouraged the Seven Steeples United Methodist Churches (Edwards, South Edwards, Hermon, Russell, DeGrasse, DeKalb Junction, and Old DeKalb) to assist the Red Bird Mission in Kentucky.

“We boxed up and sent just shy of 95 pounds of baby needs items – wipes, diapers, shampoo, pacifiers, sippy cups, etc.,” she said. “It was the week before the tornadoes hit, and they were 10 miles from this mission. You can see how God was working in us getting that material there. I just thought that was God’s hand working. I was so pleased that was a good mission for our churches. Everybody was more than willing to help…”

Pastor Helmer said she hopes to do another mission project in the spring.

“It’s fun to help out where we can,” she said.

In addition, parishioners at the United Methodist Churches are able to donate to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), which assists dozens of disaster relief projects each year – including the recent disaster relief project for the Kentucky tornado victims. All donations are welcome for that project as well.

Among the many other projects, Pastor Helmer said the visitation ministry has grown exponentially amid the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

“We appreciate anything anyone can do to help with the missions within our community, our country and our world,” Pastor Helmer said.

With only a few days remaining until the Chicken and Biscuit Dinner on Tuesday, January 11 at the DeKalb Junction Methodist Church, volunteers are readying to serve the North Country community another delectable dinner – with all donations going to the food ministries at the DeKalb Junction and Hermon United Methodist Churches. Organizers say the food pantry could use donations of applesauce, fruit cups, dry pasta, pasta sauce, canned soup, canned meat, etc.

Please check the expiration date to ensure it is not passed before making the donation. “We always end up with outdated products and we cannot use them when we pack our boxes,” Mrs. Allen said.

For more information on the DeKalb Junction United Methodist Church, call the office at 315-347-3383. Ed. Note: See upcoming editions of the Gouverneur Tribune Press for the announcement of future benefit dinners and other events across the North Country community.