Town of Fowler Council hears monthly report on food distribution programs

by Rachel Hunter

The Town of Fowler Hometown Assistance Program (HAP) and Support Our Seniors (SOS) Program proved once again they are a gift to the Fowler community.

Town of Fowler Deputy Supervisor and Food Distribution Program Chairperson Karen Simmons reported at the Dec. 12 town board meeting that a total of 28 people were served through the HAP Program in November over a three-week period (due to the Thanksgiving holiday). The HAP Program is open regularly on Thursdays at the Fowler Town Hall. For more information, call the Town of Fowler at 315-287-0045.

The Town of Fowler also delivered 95 care packages in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday through the SOS Program, and Chairperson Simmons reported that there were 94 care packages scheduled for delivery in advance of the Christmas holiday. For more information on how to join the SOS Program, call the Fowler Town Hall at 315-287-0045.

The Town of Fowler also extended gratitude to all those who recently presented monetary donations to help the town’s food distribution programs. “It’s greatly appreciated,” Councilperson Simmons said.

With assistance from Fowler Town Clerk Tami Gale, the Town of Fowler Hometown Assistance Program now has a closet at the Fowler Town Hall in which they can store provisions for the weekly distribution.

Much gratitude was extended to Councilperson Simmons for the report, and her continual efforts to improve the town’s food distribution programs. The next Town of Fowler Council meeting will be held on January 9, 6 p.m., in the Fowler Town Hall, 87 Little York Road, Fowler.

Local youths pen letters to Santa Claus

The Gouverneur Tribune Press is proud to present the following letters to Santa as submitted to the local hometown newspaper for publication in the Christmas edition. Did you know? Letters to Santa first began regularly appearing in newspapers around the 1880s. Every December since then, newspapers across the nation have published children’s requests for the gifts they want most. The following letters to Santa Claus were submitted by students in the Gouverneur Elementary School and other local school districts:

Dear Santa, Thank you for coming last year. I wish for everyone to have a good year.

Dear Santa, Thank you for coming last year. I loved all the presents. This year, I want a Xbox and Buffalo Bills jerseys, and Stefon Diggs sports cards and Josh Allen sports cards. From, Noah.

Dear Santa, I was OK this year. I helped my dad. I asking for SIUU theme and RC Car. I will eave you cookies and milk. From, Logan.

Dear Santa, I was OK this year. I helped my brother. I am asking for a doll and a new bag. I will leave you cookies and milk and carrots. Love, Janelle.

Dear Santa, I was good. I helped Mom and Dad. I am asking for cat clothes. I will leave you cookies and milk. Santa, I love you. From, Willow.

Dear Santa, I was good this year. I helped my mom with dishes. I am asking for a PS5 and TY Beanie Ballz. I will leave you cookies and milk. Juliah.

Dear Santa, I have been OK. I would like a sawsall. I want a phone and a Xbox. Thank you, Kanon.

Dear Santa, I was good this year. I helped my friend. I am asking for new shoes and clothes. I will leave you milk and cookies. From, Gunner.

Dear Santa, I was good this year. I helped my teacher. I am asking for a RC Truck and gloves. I will leave you cookies and milk. Thank you, Walker.

Dear Santa, My name is Harper. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a LOL Doll, fun and a bed. I’ll set out cookies! From, Harper.

Dear Santa, My name is Zoey. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me LOL Dolls, tablet, and cat. I’ll set out cookies! From, Zoey.

Dear Santa, I was good. I helped my Mom with the tree. I am asking for a drum and cymbals and piano. I will leave you cookies and milk and carrots. From, Adalyn.

Dear Santa, I was OK. I helped Bowr. I am asking for a toy truck. I will leave you cookies and milk. From, Gabriel.

Dear Santa, Thank you for coming last year and giving me presents last year. Can you give me Minecraft set and dinosaur toys and a lego playset, and dinosaur hotwheels set, and a Minecraft stuffed mummy, enderman, creepy skeleton, zombie, spider and everyone of Minecraft One. Love Santa. From, Chase.

Dear Santa, I was good this year. I helped. I will leave you cookies and milk. From, Emily.

Dear Santa, Thank you for coming last year! I would like for Christmas a toy like a real live baby doll, Sharpes, Elf on the Shelf. Love Alki

Dear Santa, Thank you for coming last year. Can you make this year the best by making every family happy? To Santa from Nathan.

Dear Santa, Thank you for coming to my home last year. Can you get me a charizard, and a Hipo, a dog, a cat, a new Santa hat, and a RC Boat.

Dear Santa, Thank you for coming last year. And I hope you can come to my house and get me what I want. Stefon Digg’s jersey please. And just make my family happy. Thank you. From Joey.

Dear Santa, I was good this year. I helped my grandma. I am asking for drums and a tadbar. I will leave you cookies and milk. Jonah.

Dear Santa, Thank you for coming last year. Thank you for all of my gifts. Love, Cash.

Dear Santa, thank you for coming last year. Thank you for giving me so many nice elves. They are so sweet. They are so funny and goofy. I tried to be good for you. Santa, I like to play soccer and sing Christmas songs. My name is Jonathan. I live in New York. I love Christmas, and I love being kind. I love reading and sledding. I love hot chocolate and s’mores roasting on the fire. I love tacos and fries too. I love writing a lot! My Christmas wish is a RC Boat and a good Christmas. I hope I get everything I ask for. I love listening to bells and songs, especially Christmas songs. I love decorating for the holidays and I love decorating my bedroom. I love building snowmen and I love cats. Love my family so much! I like to help my mom bake cookies the most. To Santa, Love Jonathan.

Dear Santa, Thank you for coming last year! This year, I want a fancy coloring book. A microphone, because I love to sing. A rainbow high doll. Squishmallows, they are a stuffed animal. I love them! A pack of candy canes. I love candy canes. They are so minty and sweet! And I wish for everyone to have a good Christmas and get good presents. Have a good Christmas! Love, Presley.

Dear Santa, I have been an OK girl. I am asking for a phone and picks. I will leave you milk and cookies. From, Hadley.

Dear Santa, Thank you for coming last year. I wish to have presents for my family this Christmas. To visit lost gravestone to have one big bean bag. Love, Alean.

Dear Santa, Thank you for coming last year. This year, I would like a mermaid doll. To be specific, a winter waves one. I would also like earrings that dangle with jingle bells on them. A Disney Karaoke machine. A pack of candy canes. Love, Leyda.

Dear Santa, Thank you for coming last year. I want a Dragonballz, Santa. Love, Tucker.

Dear Santa, I need new shoes. I want a toy. From, Vivian.

Dear Santa, I need new socks. I want a phone. From, Tristan.

Dear Santa, I need a new toothbrush. I want a new keypad. From, Paisley.

Dear Santa, I need new pants. I want a new pug. From, Freyja.

Dear Santa, I need black pants. I want a doll house. From, Saleen.

Dear Santa, I need a hot dog. I want a dog. From, Aydn.

Dear Santa, I need a new toothbrush. I want a fake Santa. From Audrianna.

Dear Santa, I need orange juice. I want a rainbow high doll. From, Leighton.

Dear Santa, I need underwear. I want a red chair. From, Alexianna.

Dear Santa, I need mac-n-cheese. I want a four-wheeler. From, Archie.

Dear Santa, I need mac-n-cheese. I want a toy. From, McKenzie.

Dear Santa, I need a toothbrush. I want a new cat please. From, Kyote.

Dear Santa, I need new shoes. I want a new cat. From, Jaxstin.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Isaac. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I that was nice: I helped my mom. Here are a few things I have been wishing for: red bike and fire truck. Love, Isaac.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Bailey. I am 6 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I that was nice: I gave my sister a hug. Here are a few things I have been wishing for: LOL dolls and LOL house set. Love, Bailey.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Ricky. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I that was nice: I shared toys with my friends. Here are a few things I have been wishing for: Dragonballz house and battle arena. Love, Ricky.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Matthew. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I did that was nice: made pictures for my sister. Here are a few things I’ve been wishing for drone and headset for Matthew. Love, Matthew.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Akeara. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. Here are a few things I’ve been wishing for: color and trace book, Gabby’s cakey kitchen. From, Akeara.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Trinity. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I did that was nice: helped my mom. Here are a few things I’ve been wishing for: stuffed reindeer and kitchen set. Love, Trinity.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Everleigh. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I did that was nice: helped my grandma. Here are few things I’ve been wishing for: stuffed car and remote control car. Love, Everleigh.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Lincoln. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I did that was nice: helped my mom. Here are a few things I’ve been wishing for: drum set and race card. Love, Lincoln.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Bryce. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I did that was nice: I share with my friends. Here are a few things I’ve been wishing for: lots of toy dinosaurs. Love, Bryce.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Paisley. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I did that was nice: I helped my mom with laundry. Here are a few things I’ve been wishing for: a dog and a kitten. Love, Paisley.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Malici. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I did that was nice: shared with my brother. Here are a few things I’ve been wishing for: lawnmower and oven. Love, Malici.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Kendra. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I did that was nice: I played with my brother. Here are a few things I’ve been wishing for: A Barbie doll and a Barbie car. Love, Kendra.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Zayden. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I did that was nice: I helped a friend pick up toys. Here are a few things I’ve been wishing for: A transformer and a remote control car. Love, Zayden.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Olivia. I am 5 years old. This year, I have been nice. One thing I did that was nice: I helped my teacher. Here are a few things I’ve been wishing for: A phone and a Barbie doll. Love, Olivia.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Leo. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I did that was nice: I helped my friends pick up toys. Here are a few things I’ve been wishing for Pokemon figures, Pokemon cards, and candy canes. Love, Leo.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Alex. I am 6 years old. This year, I have been nice. One thing I did that was nice: I didn’t say bad words. Here are a few things I’ve been wishing for: fire truck and a squishy snowman. Love, Alex.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Eva. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I did that was nice: II helped my brother get up when he fell. Here are a few things I’ve been wishing for: makeup stand, makeup, and unicorn clothes. Love, Eva.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Laurie. I am 6 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I did that was nice: I helped my sister pick up toys. Here are a few things I’ve been wishing for: Monster Hive, Baby dolls, and a Squishy. Love, Laurie.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Caleb. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I did that was nice: I helped my mom. Here are a few things I’ve been wishing for: a sonic race car and a sonic. Love, Caleb.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Devon. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I did that was nice: I helped my teacher. Here are a few things I’ve been wishing for: A big squishmellow and a American Girl doll. Love, Devon.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Otis. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I did that was nice: I shared my toys. Here are a few things I’ve been wishing for: a fake elf, Pokemon, and remote control car. Love, Otis.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Zander. I am 6 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I did that was nice: I have shared my toys. Here are a few things I’ve been wishing for: a super sonic and a bunch of Pokemon cards.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Fahim. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I did that was nice: I gave my friend a high five. Here are a few things I’ve been wishing for: A remote control car and a nerf gun. Love, Fahim.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Maddyson. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I did that was nice: I cleaned up my house. Here are a few things I’ve been wishing for: A blue car and a Barbie doll. Love, Maddyson.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Jaxton. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I did that was nice: I was nice to my sister. Here are a few things I’ve been wishing for: A monster truck and a playground. Love, Jaxton.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is Charly. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. One thing I did that was nice: I helped my friends clean up. Here are a few things I’ve been wishing for: a big red car and a monster truck. Love, Charly,

Dear Santa, I want a bouncy house for Christmas. Love, Rhydian.

Dear Santa, I want a pizza for Christmas. Love, Jonathen.

Dear Santa, I want a stretchy superhero for Christmas. Love, Lincoln.

Dear Santa, I want a farm set for Christmas. Love, Hank.

Dear Santa, I need clothes. I want a puzzle. From, Grady.

Dear Santa, Christmas is my favorite holiday, because you can get a lot of presents and spend time with your family if you can’t see them. Do you have any children? Only 11 more days until Christmas time, that is so exciting. All I want for Christmas is for my cousin to be happy because their dad/my uncle died last week, so it is sad for them, so I hope you can do that for me, that would be great. And if you can, can you give them each like two or three more presents? It will make them so happy because they only get two or three presents each year. Their names are Jaron, Trinity, and Gabe. They will be so thankful for it. They, and my family, are going through a hard time without him. We all really miss him. He was a great dad/uncle. My cousins and aunt gotta say goodbye, but I never got to. I don’t know if we are going to have a funeral, but I hope we do, and my mom and I can go to the funeral because he is my uncle, so I should go to his funeral. So I hope you can give them their wishes to thank you. Sincerely, Charlotte. Merry Christmas, Santa Claus.

Dear Santa, I hope you’re doing well. I don’t want a lot for Christmas. The only thing I want is to know you’re real and the elfs I have are real. I’m to not think Christmas is a real holiday. I think you and the elves are not real. I still love the holiday Christmas, but I just don’t think Christmas magic or anything else is real. So if you could make me believe in you again, that would be great. Thanks. Love, Ricki.

Dear Santa, How are you? I’m so thankful that you gave us presents. What I would like for Christmas is a gymnastics bare, and I would like a gymnastics beam, and paint markers, and coloring books, and coloring pencils. My very favorite thing I want is a phone. And that’s all I would like. Sincerely, Avery. Have a merry Christmas.

Dear Santa, How are you doing? Are you doing well? I hope so! What I am thankful for is having a house and also having dogs and cats. I have three dogs, and two cats, just if you wanted to know. Also, I am thankful for my TV. Thank you, Logan.

Dear Santa, I would like a camera, because I have been good this year. I want a camera so I can take photographs of my memories and other things. I would also like a new bed set for my bedroom and a makeup set. I think my sister, Morgan, would also like a makeup set, too. I would like Barbie dolls and a new bean bag chair. My dogs would love some new toys for Christmas, too. Christmas Eve, I will leave out cookies and milk. Thank you and Merry Christmas. Love, Megan.

Dear Santa, This year, I have been good! I would like a baby doll and a stuffed animal for Christmas. Fidgets would be a nice present, too! I will leave out cookies and milk for you. For the reindeer, I will leave out carrots for them. Merry Christmas, Aleigha.

Dear Santa, I would like to have a Minecraft Lego Mountain Cave set. It is a cool set! I would really appreciate some new Nintendo games including the Pokemon Scarlett or Violet. I plan on leaving out cookies and milk for you, and the reindeers will have carrot treats, too. The reindeer deserve treats, too. Merry Christmas, Wes.

Dear Santa, How are you? Santa, I want a new Nintendo Switch, also a new white desk, drawing supplies, and paint and markers. Also I would like coloring books, candy, Harry Potter book series, and lots of math notebooks. I want blank white drawing books, lots of fidgets, lots of bucket slimes for me and my brothers, and thank you for the books from last year. Ho Ho Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas, Santa Claus. Thank you, Keelee Rose.

Dear Santa, I hope you’re doing good. Thank you for the toys you got me last year. This year, I would like a flying orb, blue pot magic mixes, slime kit, an Ashon Drake doll that can go in a bath. From, Janie.

Dear Santa, I know that you are busy so if you have a chance to read this letter it is very appreciated, but I’ll probably call you. I want a Raves football and a Lemar Jakson ring. Thank you for the delusions choklet cole last year. From, Eliot.

Dear Santa, This year, for Christmas, I want Pokemon cards, a Naruto costume, Pokemon video games, sonic video game, the newest one. I love how you give gifts around the world in one night and your elfs and how they look and when they try to hide. Thank you for giving gifts to everyone around the world. I wish I can help you with that because you’re like the nicest person around the world. I also want to thank you for the electric piano last year, because it’s fun to have and to practice for a real piano. I love Christmas because of you, Santa. Merry Christmas! Thank you, Madden James.

Dear Santa, I want Pokemon cards for Christmas this year or a phone. Thank you for everything you got me in the past. Love, Triton.

Dear Santa, I hope you’re doing well. I would really like the following: Koopa Troopa toys, Koopa Troopa blanket, Yoshi blanket, Chromebook, Robux gift cards, 5 surprise balls, and a red dinosaur. Thank you. Sincerely, Levi, and Steve, the penguin.

Dear Santa Claus, I hope you’re having a good time in the North Pole. If you don’t mind, can you get me the stuff on this list? A toy for Scoop (my dog), a new iPhone (any kind is fine), soft slippers for mom, Hulk venom for Auggie, Lanky box plushie for Luca, Dog plushie for Quinn (he is a baby), Football Vikings for Jarred, kitty toy for Phelie, and cat blanket for dad. If it’s too much for you, it’s OK. Thank you for the stuff you got me las year. I love the little robot you got for me and my brothers, it’s really cool. Sincerely, Rowan.

Dear Santa, My name is Treyvon. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. These are three things I am wishing for: a picture of mom, games, and a car. I will set out cookies and milk for you on Christmas Eve. From, Treyvon.

Dear Santa, My name is Charlie. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. These are three things I am wishing for: car, X-Box, and a stuffed animal. I will set out cookies and milk for you on Christmas Eve, From, Charlie.

Dear Santa, My name is Cayden. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. These are three things I am wishing for: Pokemon, paint and an art set. I will set out cookies and milk for you on Christmas Eve. From, Cayden.

Dear Santa, My name is Adalynn. I am 6 years old. This year I have been nice. These are three things I am wishing for: a dog, a bunny, and chocolate. I will set out cookies and milk for you on Christmas Eve. From, Adalynn.

Dear Santa, My name is Kylee. I am 6 years old. This year I have been nice. These are three things I am wishing for: a baby, shoes, and chocolate. I will set out cookies and milk for you on Christmas Eve. From, Kylee.

Dear Santa, My name is Raelynn. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. These are three things I am wishing for: a unicorn, new door, and a butterfly. I will set out cookies and milk for you on Christmas Eve. From, Raelynn.

Dear Santa, My name is Abel. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. These are three things I am wishing for: X-Box, pizza, and a train. I will set out cookies and milk for you on Christmas Eve. From, Abel.

Dear Santa, My name is Daniel. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. These are three things I am wishing for: book, stuffed dog, and picture of mom and dad. I will set out cookies and milk for you on Christmas Eve. From, Daniel.

Dear Santa, My name is Masyn. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. These are three things I am wishing for: Princess Ellie, Baby Alive ambulance, and Baby Alive. I will set out cookies and milk for you on Christmas Eve. From, Maryn.

Dear Santa, My name is Declan. I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. These are three things I am wishing for: socks, camel (live), and reindeer (live). I will set out cookies and milk for you on Christmas Eve. From, Declan.

Dear Santa, so do you make animals? Because I really want a piglet! This might be weird, but I’ve wanted a piglet for almost a year. Also a cuter dinosaur plush, and a stuffed animal hammock. From Esther P.

Dear Santa, I want Star Wars Disney Cars and Roadtrip Disney Cars. From Charlie P.

REMINDER: Gouverneur Chamber’s Community Christmas in the Village Park is this Saturday

by Rachel Hunter

All North Country families are invited to the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Community Christmas in the Village Park. The Christmas festivities and parade will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

As faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall, the newest attraction this year is the two live reindeer from the Shortsville Reindeer Farm in Shortsville, NY, which has been in operation since 2017. Coming to Gouverneur will be a three-and-a-half year old cow, Sassy, and her one-and-half-year old daughter, Brida. North Country families are reminded that reindeer do not generally like to be touched (especially on their antlers), but that attendees will be able to feed the reindeer and get pictures taken with them. All attendees should listen to the reindeer handler's instructions. Mike Schaertl of the Shortsville Reindeer Farm told the Gouverneur Tribune Press this week that the reindeer don't like carrots but have been known to eat apple slices and raisins. The handler has been known to accept hot chocolate, coffee and sweet treats from the folks visiting the reindeer. Families are also informed not to wear boots or clothing that has been recently exposed to goats or sheep, as goats and sheep harbor an airborne virus that is deadly to the reindeer. The reindeer visit is sponsored by local businesses Northland Veterinary Hospital, Mrs. Beasley's Liquor & Wine, Kinney Drugs, and the Gouverneur Hospital, as well as personal donations from the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees.

The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce will also welcome Santa Claus back to the North Country on Saturday, December 3 during the Annual Christmas Parade. Line-up begins at 4 p.m. and the parade begins marching at 5 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to attend with their business, civic organization, sports team, family, etc. by marching or riding on a float or vehicle. Parade participants are asked to start lining up in the municipal parking lot near Aubuchon. Lighting up your marchers and floats is encouraged since it is dark at 5 p.m. when the parade starts. The Chamber will award $50 to the best holiday float or vehicle attending. If you have candy for the children, please hand it out only, no throwing it to the children due to safety reasons. For more information, call the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce at 315-287-0331. Santa Claus will arrive by fire truck at the end of the parade and will greet children in the village gazebo afterwards. Santa will have a small gift for each child, sponsored by Northern Credit Union and the Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035.

The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce Community Christmas in the Village Park will commence at 2 p.m. with children’s games, bounce house by Aubuchon Hardware, food trucks, vendor fair and refreshments, and more. To join the vendor fair, contact the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce. Chamber members pay no feed and others pay a nominal $15 charge. In addition, MacFadden-Dier Insurance will sponsor free horse-drawn wagon rides around the Gouverneur Savings & Loan parking lot and the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce provides free hot chocolate and cookies in the basement of the Methodist Church. Gouverneur merchants are encouraged to stay open that evening to add to the festive atmosphere and increase their visibility.

The Gouverneur Lions Club will also be hosting the second weekend of its Christmas Tree Sale fundraising event in the Gouverneur Village Park on Saturday, December 3. Christmas trees will be available starting at 1 p.m. until all the trees are gone. For more information, text 315-771-1433.

The Community Health Center of the North Country will hold a donation drive at the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Community Christmas in the Park on Saturday, December 3, 2 to 7 p.m., at the Gouverneur Village Park. The Community Health Center of the North Country is partnering with GFC Food Pantry and Baskets of Hope to collect donations of household items and winter clothing for those in need. Household items (toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc.) and winter clothing (coats, hats, boots, etc.) will be collected to support those in need in the North Country. Items can be dropped off at the CHCNC table during the Christmas In The Park event on December 3, or at the Health Center (77 West Barney Street) leading up to the event. More information will be reported about this event in an upcoming edition of the Gouverneur Tribune Press.

There is much anticipation building in Gouverneur for the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Community Christmas in the Gouverneur Village Park on Saturday, December 3, 2 to 7 p.m., with parade featuring Santa Claus, starting at 5 p.m. (lineup at 4 p.m.). For more information about the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, visit gouverneurchamber.net.

Reminder: First UMC Gouverneur to host Free Community Wide Thanksgiving Dinner

by Rachel Hunter

The First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur will host a free Community Wide Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 24, starting at noon. The dinner is open to all residents of Gouverneur and the surrounding communities.

The 2022 Community Wide Thanksgiving Dinner will be complete with all the trimmings.

The dinner will be served via a takeout only format this year, and reservations are required by Tuesday, November 22. Deliveries available only to those unable to pickup. Please call the church office to RSVP by Tuesday, November 22 at 315-287-2440.

North Country joins forces to support Fowler resident injured in fuel truck explosion

by Rachel Hunter

The North Country community is coming together to support Fowler native Jon Kelley, a former Town of Fowler employee, who is recovering from injuries sustained in a fuel truck explosion and fire, which occurred mid-October in the Town of Fowler.

Jon Kelley was working on the fuel truck when it exploded on Oct. 18 at Tripp Fuels on County Route 22 in Fowler. He was blown off it. After the blast, Kelley’s childhood friend, Bradley Blackburn, two Ft. Drum soldiers rushed to action to help the wounded man. He was flown to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, and has been hospitalized for nearly one month.

The Town of Fowler Council at its Nov. 7 meeting approved for letters of recognition to be sent to Town of Fowler resident Bradley Blackburn, to the Commander of the 10th Mountain Division Major General Gregory Anderson recognizing the valor of two 10th Mountain Division soldiers Staff Sgt. Joshua A. Hayes and Pfc. Jacob V. Lundermo for their heroic actions on October 18, 2022.

Town of Fowler Supervisor Rick Newvine read the letters as follows:

“To Commander of the 10th Mountain Division Major General Gregory Anderson: On October 18, 2022, two 10th Mountain Division soldiers – Staff Sgt. Joshua A. Hayes and Pfc Jacob V. Lundermo – showed the people of the Town of Fowler what a great asset Fort Drum is to the North Country. An explosion of a fuel truck at Tripp Fuels caused serious injuries to Jon Kelley, a Fowler resident and employee of the fuel depot. The actions of these two veterans and a neighbor Brad Blackburn kept this incident from becoming a full-blown disaster. Their military training showed immediately. With no concern for their own safety, they led people from the adjacent restaurant to safety and directed any potential threat of subsequent explosion to a safe distance from the incident area. They then proceeded to administer care to the victim until healthcare professionals arrived. There is no doubt in the minds of this town board or anyone that was there that these three prevented any ensuing damage or physical harm by their heroic efforts. We, the Town Board of Fowler, will at our next meeting recognize the valor of these individuals and hope the Department of the Army will do the same for these two exemplary soldiers.” The letter was signed by all Fowler Town Council members.

Town of Fowler Supervisor Rick Newvine then read the following letter for Town of Fowler resident Bradley Blackburn: “The Fowler Town Board would like to officially recognize and thank you for your actions on October 18, 2022 at Tripp Fuels. Your calm and professional reaction to this unfortunate accident kept the effects of the explosion and aftermath to a minimum. Jon Kelley’s injuries while very serious, could have been much worse, and many others could have also been hurt. When life deals us these unexpected circumstances, like it did on October 18, we all hope that we can be that guy who steps up and becomes a hero. Thank you for being that guy.” The letter was signed by all Fowler Town Council members.

The Town of Fowler Council unanimously approved to send the letters. The motion was made by Town Councilman Scott Cleveland, seconded by Town Councilman Lynn Bishop, and approved by all town councilpersons present.

Later in the meeting, Town of Fowler Deputy Supervisor Karen Simmons reported that she had talked with Jon Kelley’s wife, Natalie, who said that they are hoping Jon will return home on Nov. 17.

“She said it is going to be a long road,” Deputy Supervisor Simmons said. “He is going to have to have a lot of rehabilitation, a lot of physical therapy. He’s had a hip replacement, he had a rod put in from his hip to his knee, and he had a broken heel, and a lot of skin grafting. She said that he’s been very positive throughout the whole process. The people at the hospital just can’t believe how upbeat he is and everything for what he went through. But she said that they are hoping he will be able to come home on Nov. 17…”

The Town of Fowler has placed donation jugs at the Fowler Town Hall, Tripp Fuels in Fowler, and Newvine’s NAPA Auto Parts in Gouverneur in order to help the Kelley family “with the untimely loss of income.”

A spaghetti dinner fundraiser will be held on Saturday, November 19, 4 to 6 p.m., at the Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035, located at 1419 US Highway 11, Gouverneur. Dinners will be available via takeout or free delivery. Volunteer drivers will be available to bring the meals to Gouverneur, Hailesboro, Fowler, Harrisville, with more communities being added as word spreads about the benefit event. The dinner costs $12 per meal, and includes spaghetti, tossed salad, roll and dessert. All funds raised will benefit Jon Kelley as he recovers from the work-related injury. All North Country residents are encouraged to RSVP by calling or texting Melissa Woodward, event organizer, at 315-355-1440.

“There is a saying “Fowler kids stick together.” My parents were Fowler kids and so was Jon. I have known Jon since I was born, he was my neighbor and I grew up with his two boys. My husband considers his son Dustin one of his best friend’s so our families have always remained close,” Mrs. Woodward said. “Jon has always been a “pick up the phone and call when you need me” type of guy. When I heard of his accident I knew that Jon needed all of his “Fowler kids” to stick together and give to him the way he’s always gave to us. A little way to show Jon just how much we all love him and how we’re all here to support his road to recovery.”

A GoFundMe page has also been established to assist Jon Kelley and his family with medical and travel expenses. As of press time this week, a total of 19 donations had been submitted, totaling $3,300.

Jon Kelley is known in the Fowler community for his willingness to give the shirt off his back for a community member in need – and now the North Country community has the opportunity to show their big heart for one of their own through several local benefits. More information on these upcoming events will be reported as further details cross the Tribune news desk.

Trick-or-treating hours set in Gouverneur

by Rachel Hunter

The Village of Gouverneur has announced that trick-or-treating hours in the Village of Gouverneur will be on Halloween night, Monday, October 31, between the hours of 5 and 7 p.m.

The Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees set the trick-or-treating hours at its Oct. 18 board meeting. The motion to set the hours was unanimously approved by the village board.

Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall reported that the times will also allow the costumed youths to attend the Third Annual Parkstead Gouverneur Trunk and Treat on Monday, October 31, 4 to 6 p.m., at 500 Sleepy Hollow Road in Gouverneur. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. Once again this year, there will be a costume contest and lots of candy. All those in attendance are encouraged to come in their best costume and bring a treat container to collect all the candy and other treats offered at the various decorated trunks throughout the Parkstead Gouverneur complex. All local businesses and community members are also invited to set up a decorated trunk and help distribute treats to the costumed youth in attendance. For more information or to register a trunk, call Parkstead Gouverneur at 315-287-3163.

In addition, Mayor McDougall also announced the following upcoming Halloween events in the Gouverneur community:

The 2022 Gouverneur Trunk or Treat, sponsored by the Community Health Center of the North Country and Seaway Valley Prevention Council, in partnership with the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association and Gouverneur Central School District, will be held on Friday, October 28, 6 p.m., at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds. All trunk-or-treaters are encouraged to wear their best costume, as the annual event returns to its original walk-through format.

Motorists are asked to park in the Gouverneur Central lot on E. Barney St. Costumed children will then make their way through the fairgrounds entrance between the parking lot and the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair office. They will then walk down the Gouverneur Fair Midway section, stopping at each vehicle with decorated trunks and receive their treats. This is a free community event, and all are invited to attend.

Organizers informed the Gouverneur Tribune Press that a total of 20 decorated trunks have already registered for the event, with plenty room for more. All businesses, organizations and individuals interested in decorating a trunk are encouraged to register their vehicle by calling 315-713-4861 or email council@svpc.net.

Mayor McDougall also reminded that the Gouverneur Recreation Department will hold its 27th Annual Community Costume Spooktacular on Saturday, October 29, starting at 11 a.m., on the Village Park Green in downtown Gouverneur, weather permitting. All costumed youths are invited and encouraged to attend. A costume contest will be held at 11:30 a.m., and prizes will be awarded. All entrants will then join a Halloween Parade down the Main St. block at noon. For more information, call the Gouverneur Recreation Department at 315-287-0524.

The next meeting of the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 6 p.m., in the municipal courtroom.

Swinging for Education: SJS Vikings Annual Golf Tournament to be held this Sunday

by Rachel Hunter

The St. James School Vikings Annual Golf Tournament will be held on Sunday, August 28, at Emerald Greens in Gouverneur. All North Country resident are encouraged to participate. By “swinging for education,” participants will help raise funds to benefit the St. James Catholic School in Gouverneur.

Registration will be held at 10 a.m., with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. The cost is $50 per person, or $200 per team. The cost includes greens fees, cart fee, welcome gift, hot dog lunch, cash bar, and a chance to win great prizes!

There will be a $1,000 cash payout that will be split for the best team score in the men, women and co-ed divisions. This prize is in memory of Dale I. Bush, a longtime supporter of the St. James School Annual Golf Tournament.

Dale I. Bush passed away in 2019 at the age of 76. Dale was born on February 24, 1943 in Gouverneur, NY, the son of Alton S. Bush and Margaret L. Jones Bush. Dale graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1961 and from Canton ATI in 1963, with a degree in Agri-Business. After college, he joined the United States Army Reserves.

Mr. Bush began his career at Agway in Syracuse in 1964 as a manager/trainee. He married Kathryn Randall on April 30, 1966 at St. James Church in Gouverneur. They moved to several different states, returning to Gouverneur in 1972 and purchased his grandparents' farm on the Welch Road. He worked for Agway, Augsbury, and Atlantic/Ultramar until he started his own business, D.I. Bush Fuels Inc. in 1982.

Dale was an active member of St. James Catholic Church in Gouverneur where he was a Eucharistic Minister, Parish Council member, 20-year Kiwanis member, 15-year trustee of E.J. Noble Hospital board of directors, advisor/board member of Gouverneur Community Bank, advisory board member for St. Lawrence/Lewis County BOCES, and a member of the board of directors of Cambray Housing. In 2003, Dale and Kay were named Citizens of the Year by the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce. Dale enjoyed spending time with his family, his beef cows, golfing, collecting tractors, trips to the casino, bowling, singing and dancing.

The St. James Golf Tournament Committee Members include Mike and Emily Bason, Teresa Minckler, Bridgette LaPierre, Ashley June, and Michelle Fuller. The committee announced that there will be a 50/50 raffle as well as special raffle of a Lemon Basket, featuring lemon-themed items, and a cooler, donated by Ace Hardware.

Registration for the 2022 St. James Vikings Annual Golf Tournament is still open, and all those interested in participating are encouraged to attend. For more information, call Committee Member Michelle Fuller at 315-486-8173.

GFD Fireworks Spectacular set for Labor Day

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Fire Department announced this past week that its fireworks spectacular has been rescheduled for Labor Day, Monday, September 5, dusk at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds.

Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that the fireworks spectacular was originally scheduled to be held on July 5, but it was postponed due to inclement weather.

The Gouverneur Fire Department promises that it will be the biggest display of fireworks that the GFD has ever done, and will be the biggest display of fireworks in the North Country. There will be a donation charge at the game for entry. The gates will open at 4 p.m.

The fireworks spectacular is made possible, due to the many generous sponsorships from local businesses.

More information will be reported as the event nears.

Village of Gouverneur to undertake improvement project

by Rachel Hunter

The Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees at its June 21 meeting adopted the following resolution:

“Whereas, the Village Board of the Village of Gouverneur intends to undertake an improvement project known as Village of Gouverneur Wilson and Smith Street Collection System Improvements, and

“Whereas, in conjunction with said project, the Village plans for the construction of new 8” PVC sewer mains with 4” and 6” PVC laterals, new manholes, and new catch basins along Wilson Street, Smith Street, Johnstown Road, and a portion of NYS Route 11, and

“Whereas, the Village Board has received a long Environmental Assessment Form, Part I, which is dated June 21, 2022, and

“Whereas, the Village Board of the Village of Gouverneur wishes to act as lead agency in this matter and conduct a coordinated review under the State Environmental Review Act,

“Now Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Village Board of the Village of Gouverneur does hereby request that it be designated as lead agency for the purpose of performing environmental review on the project, and

“It is further Resolved, the Environmental Assessment Form be circulated to all other involved agencies to seek their approval of the Village as lead agency in order to conduct a coordinated review of the project.”

The motion to adopt the resolution was made by Trustee Troy Besaw, and seconded by Deputy Mayor Charles Newvine.

The question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly put to a vote. Votes in favor were cast in a roll call vote, and it was unanimous decision of the village that the resolution be thereupon declared and duly adopted.

The next meeting of the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday, July 19, 6 p.m. in the municipal courtroom. For more information, call 315-287-1720.

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.