Town of Fowler eyes hiring court security officer

by Rachel Hunter

The Fowler Town Council is discussing the hiring of a court security officer.

Town of Fowler Supervisor Rick Newvine at the March 13 meeting of the Town of Gouverneur Council said that Town of Fowler Justice Timothy Knowlton has requested a court security officer. Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that a similar discussion was held recently in Gouverneur, and led to the hiring of a court security guard or the Town of Gouverneur Justice Court.

Supervisor Newvine told the town council that he had already started to research the matter. “I called our insurance company,” he said. “There’s no extra premium or anything but they were concerned about his training and stuff like that. Once they know we want to hire a retired state trooper, I think they’ll be fine.” Supervisor Newvine then gave the floor to the Hon. Tim Knowlton, who told the town council he had not approached anyone until he had the “graces of the board to do it.”

“The person that Gouverneur has, because that person is a retired state trooper, he is sort of grandfathered in, and doesn’t need the official training. He falls within the guidelines of a New York State security guard. So, that is basically all taken care of. I did have a very long conversation with Judge Youngs from Gouverneur. Judge Dann was one of the forces that was behind that. Basically, just because of the way things are in the world nowadays, we aren’t left alone here in Northern New York. There’s just some craziness in the world. I know Judge Young said that after only two months of having him there, they are very thankful. It sets a tone having him there.

“Rick had asked me to list just some of the jobs that they do, and I came up with 10 of them – not really an official list, but it is what I got from Judge Youngs and doing a little bit of research by myself. One of the biggest ones though is that they check people in and out. They make sure that everyone is signed in, and they basically keep any law and order that needs to go on in the building. That person would also stand in between the defendant, the attorney and the bench. Any paper that gets handed to a defendant, and there is a paper chase, with them between them, that really eliminates any chance for them approaching the bench and anything negative happening. If you have ever been to the courts in Canton, if you’ve been on jury duty or anything, it’s the same way there. No one gets close to a judge up there. Again, with all the craziness that is going on in the world…

“One of the other things is that, whenever we have mediation, that means Attorney Stefan Dufresne, if there is an eviction or any civil matter, before they come in front of me, they actually go into the historian’s office as that is our mediation room, and they haggle it out. Ninety-nine percent of the time it is handled in there and they come to a conclusion and either something is dropped or typically it is, “Okay, I’ll agree to pay.” We have had situations where Stefan Dufresne who is a big man had to get a little snotty with people because they thought it was ridiculous. They thought it was a waste of time. So this security officer would be in there monitoring that too. You have people haggling over hundreds or thousands of dollars, so tempers could tend to flare. Again, we don’t have a metal detector. I can only imagine what a metal detector would cost, plus we would have to have someone to run that. I am not going to be able to on a bench, running the court, and running a metal detector as people are coming in and out for two hours at a time. Obviously, (Court Clerk Irma Ashley) is back and forth in the office, in and out, in and out. I don’t think it is a job for her either. So that is another thing that their presence does during court times…”

Supervisor Newvine then asked the Hon. Tim Knowlton the list of 10 job duties a Town of Fowler Court Security Officer might have.

“The 10 jobs are to inspect and patrol the premise before and during court. Most people are here by noon and our civil cases start at 1:30 p.m., so it could go into 2 p.m., but they would do that, monitor the property, the entrance, and along with that, I know one of the things that I had done there was to monitor the surveillance cameras. I’ll give you a quick update on that. (Office of Court Administration) still has not gotten back to us on the JCAP grant that we spent a ton of time on. We got bids. It was supposed to be in by the end of December… through the grapevine I am hearing that we should hear by the end of March, so maybe by April, May or June is really what I am looking at, which is really sad because of our security system upstairs.

“The other day I said to Irma, “Wow, look at that monitor.” And it was completely black. You couldn’t even see anybody. You could hear people walking up the stairs, and you had to get up real close to look at them. It is just an antiquated system. So they would monitor those also. Again, the big one, they would authorize the people into it. They would report suspicious behaviors and happenings. Obviously, being a retired police officer, if that is who is to be hired, they are very good at that. Those are things that they are trained to see. They would secure exits, doors and windows. Again, monitor those surveillance cameras. The monitors that we have asked the state to purchase for us are nice, large monitors. There will be one in Irma’s office where my desk is, and one out in the courtroom that they would be able to watch. Like the other night, I was in here at 1 a.m., and I waited and waited and waited. I thought I heard a car. Again, with the monitor, I didn’t know what was going on. And then I heard footsteps coming up the stairs, and I looked and it was the troopers with the defendant. That is really the only way I knew that they were even here.

“Another big one, they would deliver documents from the bench to the defendants and attorneys. They would be in charge of courtroom behavior. Again, the one trial that we did have here, which was Mayor Skelly from Ogdensburg. I had to request from Sheriff Bigwarfe for him to send over a deputy that day. We all know that the County is short of people, short of COs, but he was very gracious and said, “Yeah, I am going to send one over for that, because that could have been a debacle. But I think with that Sheriff’s Deputy up there, and I made it very clear when we started the trial, that we were not going to tolerate any childish behavior or anything… things went really well that day. I think that is a great example of what they will provide.

“Again, they would be present during courtroom mediations and they would monitor all situations and know when to contact police services. We had a gentleman that was to appear in my court. I got an email the morning of court that there was a felony warrant put out for this gentleman by Judge Storie, and if he showed up, would they please call the police. Well, this was a pretty dangerous guy an lo and behold, he showed up – and Irma and I are looking at the TV monitors because I said, “Hey Irma, I think that’s our man.” And she said, “I don’t think it is.” I said, “I think it is.” And she said, “No, it is not.” So when he showed up, I said, “Excuse me sir, what’s your name, could you please sign in? He told me his name and I had to give like baseball signals so Irma would call the police. She called the troopers and they were able to come right up. If that guy had said, “Why do you need to know?” It could have turned bad. He could have bolted or whatever, and the crime that he committed… I am not going to quote Sheriff Bigwarfe… it was not pretty heinous, it was heinous. And so the troopers showed up, and once I was done with him, he turned around and it was almost comical because he said, “Why are you guys here?” And they just said, “Put your hands up.” And they put the cuffs right on him. It was beautiful. He got carted right out of here.”

Supervisor Newvine then asked, “How many hours are you going to need them?” The Hon. Tim Knowlton said, “Well, I believe that the person that Gouverneur is hired is at a minimum of 16 hours per month. I think he gets paid $30 per hour… If it were four hours, you’re only looking at $120 per month.” Knowlton said that the person the Town of Fowler is seeking to hire has his own firearm, taser, bulletproof vest, etc. “I don’t know if he would need something that says Town of Fowler Court Security Officer, but I would think that would be very minimal,” he said.

Supervisor Newvine then asked if Hon. Knowlton had made any progress on getting a court security assessment at the Town of Fowler Hall. “I contacted the Office of Court Administration, and I said, “I would like a security assessment done.” But I don’t think anyone has ever been up here. They don’t know where we are up here. And then all of a sudden I get a text last Friday that said, “If you want that assessment done, I have to contact the Fourth Judicial District judge in Albany and I have to request it in writing on our letterhead from the Courts.” I said, “We would like that assessment done.”

Supervisor Newvine said, “That’s good. I think that is the next step, don’t you?” “Yeah,” Knowlton said in response.

Supervisor Newvine then asked, “Does anyone have any questions?”

Town of Fowler Deputy Supervisor Karen Simmons asked, “Are you thinking about hiring the same person that they are hiring in Gouverneur?” The Hon. Knowlton said, “I know the person. They love him. He is a tremendous presence… I didn’t really want to throw anything at him. But I will touch base. If I have the good graces of the council, I will certainly go to him and say, “Is this something you are interested in?” If not, maybe he knows of somebody… again, it is not like it is a full-time job. There are probably a lot of those guys that are out there and looking to pick up a little something on the side maybe.”

Supervisor Newvine said, “I think you should. I think everybody is in favor of this. If you want to contact him and see if he is interested, then we’ll know where we should go with it.”

“I will,” Knowlton said.

The Hon. Tim Knowlton then gave the Town of Fowler Council his monthly report for February 2023. “December was slow. January was really slow, and February was super slow,” he said. “There was a total of 15 tickets. But again, we started off March with a bang the other night…” There was some discussion before the Hon. Knowlton concluded his report with the following statement: “The police did make a really nice arrest the other night. The only thing I can say about it is it is really scary with the bail reform... what the person was accused of, he walked out of here, and it was mind-boggling to me. Your hands are tied, and your just like it is a non-qualifying offense. There is absolutely nothing that you can do. Something similar, there was a guy last summer I believe in Massena that had 600 bags of heroin and fentanyl. The guy got arrested, caught with it all, and was released on his own recognizance. That’s basically all you can do… So if anyone is talking with you about bail reform, it is really sad. You have to almost commit murder or bioterrorism or some pretty heinous crimes to be put in jail or be a convicted felon and commit another felony, then it is automatic.”

Town of Fowler Councilman Lynn Bishop said, “If we weren’t at a board meeting, I’d tell you what I think of it.”

There was no further discussion.

The next meeting of the Town of Fowler Council will be held on April 10, 6 p.m., at the Fowler Town Hall, 87 Little York Road, Fowler. For more information, call 315-287-0045 or visit FowlerNY.com.

Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza to be held at Riverview Park on April 1

by Rachel Hunter

The Riverview Park Association and the Gouverneur Recreation Department will present the 2023 Riverview Park Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 1, starting at 11 a.m., at Riverview Park, NY-58, in Gouverneur. This free event is open to all youths (10 and under) in the community to hunt for the over 1,000 candy-filled plastic Easter Eggs on the fields at Riverview Park, take pictures with the Easter Bunny, enter free Easter Basket drawings, etc. All North Country families are encouraged to attend this community event.

This will be the first community-wide Easter Egg Hunt at the Riverview Park in over a decade. It was Riverview Park Association Treasurer Jennifer Link who had the idea to bring back the ever-popular Easter Egg Hunt to Riverview Park in 2023. She hopes this will be the first of many other community events that will be held at the park in the future. The Riverview Park Association and the Gouverneur Recreation Department are proud to work in collaboration, and with the support of the Gouverneur community, to make the 2023 Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza a success. It is hoped that this event will draw North Country families, perhaps for the first-time ever, to enjoy the Riverview Park in early spring, before athletic contests get underway.

Organizers plan to group the youths in the attendance into three age groups (2-4, 5-7, 8-10) and the hunt will be held simultaneously with all youths going after the more than 1,000 candy-filled plastic eggs that will be hidden by volunteers on the grounds and around the playground/concession area at Riverview Park.

The event is made possible due to the outpouring of community support from Gouverneur and the surrounding community. There have been anonymous monetary donations, candy donations, plastic Easter Egg donations, basket donations, and so much more. All donations are welcome, and will be accepted at the Gouverneur Recreation Center, Trinity Ave., Gouverneur, or at the Gouverneur Community Center, 4673 NY-58, Gouverneur, during regular open hours leading up to the grand community event on Saturday, April 1. Monetary donations earmarked for the Easter Egg Hunt can be made through Riverview Park Association, P.O. Box 3, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

The Gouverneur Recreation Department staff and Riverview Park Association volunteers have already stepped up to help to make the 2023 Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza an event not to be missed. Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. has agreed to ask the Gouverneur High School National Honor Society and other youth groups with their advisors looking for community service opportunities to lend a helping hand. Organizers are looking forward to spending hours in the upcoming days packing candy in the more than 1,000 plastic Easter eggs in preparation for the event.

The Easter Bunny will be at the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center, 4673, NY-58, Gouverneur (adjacent to Riverview Park) for families to take holiday photos. The free Easter Basket drawing will also be held at the Community Center, and all North Country families are urged to participate. There will be refreshments available.

Mrs. Link told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that this will not be a one-time event. There are plans for the Riverview Park Association to continue collaborating with the Gouverneur Recreation Department to make the event bigger and better every year. “There’s a lot of potential in it,” Gouverneur Recreation Director Casey Canell said. Mrs. Link agreed saying that the event will start small in 2023, with plenty of growth potential in upcoming years. “We want this to be a hit,” she said.

“We’re really looking forward to it, and looking forward to the partnership,” Director Canell said. “What a great opportunity for the community. This is going to be really neat!” Mrs. Link added, “We’re looking for a successful event so that we can continue to do it…”

In case of inclement weather or ground conditions at Riverview Recreational Park, the 2023 Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza will be rescheduled for the end of April. The decision to reschedule will be made at least a day in advance of the event, and organizers will start spreading the word at that time. For more information about the 2023 Riverview Park Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza, call 757-323-9974 or 315-287-0524.

Gouverneur High School to present Into The Woods Jr. on March 24-25

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur High School will present “Into The Woods Jr.” on Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25, 7 p.m. curtain both nights, in the GHS Auditorium. Into The Woods Jr. was originally directed on Broadway by the original author James Lapine, and includes music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Into the Woods Jr. is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International, New York.

“Be careful what you wish for” seems to be the ongoing theme in Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Brothers Grimm-inspired musical, Into the Woods. The story follows The Baker (Maxwel Lucas) and his wife (Allison Carvel) who wish to have a child, Cinderella (Niciara House-Bowman)who wishes to go to the King’s Festival, and Jack (Hazen Given)who wishes his cow (Alexis Dake) would give some milk. When the Baker and his wife are visited by the Witch (Faith Leader) from next door, who reveals to them that she placed a curse on their family, the two set off on a journey “into the woods'' to reverse the curse. There, we meet Little Red Riding Hood (Jahonna Sloan), on her way to visit her grandmother (Akaysha Shippee-Ray), the Wolf (Sylvia French) who loves tasty little girls, the Witch’s daughter Rapunzel (Jaylynn Dalton), and two lovelorn Princes (Jack Schroeder, Tiamane Hull ). By the end, everyone has gotten their wish and will seemingly live happily ever after.

Other cast members include: Alexandra McDougall (Cinderella’s Stepmom), Brook Garrett (Jack’s Mom), Charlie Newvine (Lucinda (step sister), Zaphire Hall (Florinda (step sister), Derek Hall (Cinderella’s father), Mariah Manning (Narrator), Mysterious Man (Tigran Sahakyan), and Steward (Abigail Lucas).

The Gouverneur community is invited to the GHS Auditorium on Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25 for the spring musical, “Into the Woods Jr.” Curtain time, 7 p.m. both nights. Tickets will be available at the door. The cost is $6 for students and senior citizens, and $8 for adults. For more information about the Gouverneur Central School District, visit gcsk12.org.

Gouverneur Town Council Member Jaimee McQuade resigns

by Rachel Hunter

The Town of Gouverneur Council at its March 14 meeting accepted with regret the resignation of Town of Gouverneur Council Member Jaimee McQuade.

Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. read the letter he received earlier that day. “To the Town Board and Supervisor Spilman, please accept this letter as my formal resignation from my position on the Gouverneur Town Board. Thank you for the opportunity to serve my community over the years. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I will be stepping down from this position, effective immediately. Sincerely, Jaimee McQuade.”

Supervisor Spilman then said the following: “I texted back and forth with Jaimee today, and she just had to make this decision for her family. I respect it. She’s been a good board member… family first.”

Supervisor Spilman then asked for a motion to accept Jaimee McQuade’s resignation with regret. The motion was made by Town of Gouverneur Councilman Curran Wade, and seconded by Town of Gouverneur Deputy Supervisor Jay Bowhall and Town of Gouverneur Councilwoman Lory Whitton. The motion carried with all votes cast in favor.

There was no further discussion.

The next regular monthly meeting of the Town of Gouverneur Council will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 6 p.m., at the Town of Gouverneur Offices Building, 1227 US Highway 11, Gouverneur. For more information, call 315-287-2340.

Lake Placid man charged in Rossie man’s murder, prime suspect in homicide of Gouverneur man

by Rachel Hunter

A Lake Placid man has been charged with the murder of a Town of Rossie man and is also the prime suspect in the homicide of Ronald “Huck” Durham of Gouverneur.

A news conference was called by St. Lawrence County Sheriff Brooks Bigwarfe on Tuesday, March 7 in regards to the two homicides. He was joined by SLC Undersheriff Sean O’Brien, SLC District Attorney Gary M. Pasqua, and law enforcement officers.

St. Lawrence County Sheriff Brooks Bigwarfe took to the podium and said the following: “Today, at approximately 3 p.m., the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the St. Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office and the New York State Police have charged Adam W. Smith, age 46, of Lake Placid with Murder in the Second Degree, an A-1 Felony. After investigating an incident that occurred on March 1 of this year at 258 County Route 10 in the Town of Rossie, Smith was arraigned by Rossie Justice Phillip J. Gentile, and remanded to the St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility without bail. We will provide as much information as we can, however, this is still an active investigation, and to not hinder that investigation, we will not get into certain specifics of that case.

“To recap, deputies were initially called to the residence on March 2 at approximately 2:18 p.m. for a body that was located inside that residence. Upon their arrival, deputies found William Freeman, age 67, of Rossie deceased inside the residence with stab wounds to his body. Deputies also discovered that Mr. Freeman’s vehicle had been stolen. On that same day at approximately 5 p.m., Adam Smith was apprehended by law enforcement and Freeman’s 2018 Chevrolet Silverado in Jefferson County on the intersection of 81 Northbound, near the Bradley Street ramp. Smith was subsequently brought back to the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and was charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the Fourth Degree, and was arraigned in front of Canton Town Justice Michael Morgan, and remanded to the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office on $10,000 cash bail.

“An autopsy was performed on the victim the next day by Forensic Pathology Specialist Dr. Michael Sikirica where the preliminary report ruled Mr. Freeman’s death as a homicide from injuries sustained in that knife assault.

“Several leads and interviews have been conducted along with numerous search warrants that have been executed to include residents’ vehicles and personal property. We’ve also been assisted by the New York State Forensic Investigative Unit (FIU) that has collected and processed an abundance of forensic evidence. With the ongoing investigation, the Sheriff’s Office is and has been assisted by the New York State Police, the Office of Homeland Security, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Watertown Police Department, North Country Crime Analysis Center, and the St. Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office. I want to personally thank these agencies for their assistance in this case. It was their outstanding dedication and persistence in numerous hours of investigation has led us to this arrest today. I recognize the frustration with the lack of information that has been released, however, providing any details on this criminal investigation might have tainted the upcoming prosecution or alerted the suspect of our progress.”

Sheriff Bigwarfe reported that the multi-agency investigation has followed the pursuit of justice for the victim and their family. “I want to send my condolences and prayers to family and friends of William Freeman,” he said. “We can only hope that this arrest today can bring some comfort to the family.”

St. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary M. Pasqua then took to the podium and said the following: “As you know, the last few days, there have been developments as well in the investigation into the death of Ronald Durham, which occurred on February 11, which is under investigation by the New York State Police. As you know, in the last few days, Frederick Wing, who was originally arrested for that crime and charged with murder, was released Friday at the request of my office as well as law enforcement after new information was developed during the investigation into Mr. Freeman’s death. At this time, I can say that Adam Smith is the primary suspect in Mr. Durham’s death. I do expect that within the upcoming days, there is an expectation that Mr. Smith will be charged in the homicide of Mr. Durham. That has not occurred at this time, as the New York State Police continues to investigate leads into that matter and continues to execute search warrants in that matter. Based upon the physical evidence that has been collected as well as additional interviews that have been conducted, we do believe that Mr. Smith will be charged with that crime – shortly.”

The floor was then opened for questions from local media outlets in regards to either investigation. Among the questions posed were the following:

Q: “Are there any other suspects?”

A: “There are no other suspects in either of the investigations at this time,” DA Pasqua said.

Q: “On Frederick Wing, anything on his charges?”

A: “His charges remain pending at this time,” DA Pasqua said. “While I have said that we don’t believe that Mr. Wing is ultimately the person that took Mr. Durham’s life, the investigation into what occurred on that day continues and what, if any, actions Mr. Wing took during that time and after that time certainly are under investigation, whether or not any charges ever come of that will remain to be seen, but we are thankful that at this time it appears that Mr. Wing now has been released. We do not believe that Mr. Wing took Mr. Durham’s life and it appears that he is being truthful and honest with law enforcement at this point.”

Q: “There has been some reporting that (Frederick Wing) might be a witness in the case. Is there anything you can say on that?”

A: “All I will say to that is at the time that law enforcement began investigating that crime, they were provided with information from Mr. Wing that made it clear that he had imminent knowledge of what happened,” DA Pasqua said. “Law enforcement did not make the decision to arrest Mr. Wing on some whim. They had solid information based upon what was relayed to them, based upon the physical evidence, that they had probable cause to believe that Mr. Wing committed that crime, which is why they made the arrest. Take from that what you will, but we believe that he had solid, concrete information about what happened. We believe he shared that truthfully and I am willing to share that information now, because his attorney has come out and shared that before we even did…”

Q: “As far the relationship between the victims and Adam Smith, did they know each other?

A: “They were associated,” SLC Sheriff Bigwarfe said. “I can give you that much information… When you’re in the middle of an investigation, you don’t want to get too much into specifics. But generally, we can tell you that they were associated. It wasn’t a random act by some stranger. Hence, we knew early in the investigation that the public wasn’t in danger.”

Q: “What about Frederick Wing and Adam Smith, did they know each other?”

A: “What I will say about that is all the individuals involved in the Durham case were known,” DA Pasqua said. “There certainly were no random coincidences really in either of these cases. As we’ve said, from the beginning, the general public was not in danger. We knew that from early on. We knew they weren’t random acts…”

Q: “Historically, can you remember other cases… similar to it?

A: “Not locally,” DA Pasqua said. “Not since I’ve been here in the North Country, but I think it just goes to show how thorough and how hard working our law enforcement community is. It is unfortunate that we weren’t able to link Mr. Smith right away to the Feb. 11 incident, but based upon the information that we had and all the evidence available, I don’t believe it was possible at that time. But law enforcement didn’t stop that investigation, didn’t stop working those leads. I think the collaborative effort that was put forward by all the agencies is really what led to being able to make that link, and being able to make sure that we got to the right individual.”

Q: “Does Mr. Smith live or stay in the area? I know you said he was from Lake Placid.”

A: “Yes, in St. Lawrence County, I believe it’s in Rossie. Is it Gouverneur? Yes, it’s Gouverneur, the Town I believe.”

SLC Sheriff Bigwarfe then said the following: “I’d just like to say that the individual arrested for this crime – a pretty heinous crime – through our investigation appears to be a very dangerous individual. We’ve got him on one murder, and probably a second pretty soon. To get him off the streets in St. Lawrence County and our adjoining counties, it is pretty important. Again, a lot of hours of work from all of our agencies in St. Lawrence County. That’s what it is all about – solving these as quick as possible. These dangerous individuals, to get them off the streets, is so, so important to the citizens. That’s why the individuals behind me and the law enforcement officers put all those hours and time into those investigations, because they know it is important to get those individuals off the streets. Again, I want to commend them on all that they did as quickly as we did to get them arrested. That’s a pretty quick turnaround for a homicide. But, like Gary said, we are still not done. We still have a lot to do. But that level of getting him off the streets, for myself as Sheriff, the Sheriff’s Office, and all the law enforcement agencies – it's super important to keep every citizen in the county as safe as we can.”

Q: “Is Adam Smith suspected of any other crimes in St. Lawrence County besides the murder and stealing the truck?”

A: “We are looking hard at everything he has done in the past several months, if not years,” SLC Sheriff Bigwarfe said. “We have a lot of unsolved crimes in this county. Was he part of some of those crimes? That is what we are looking into. We are looking hard at all of these things, and we continue to do that.”

Q: “Does Smith have any type of a criminal record?”

A: “Yes, he does,” SLC Undersheriff Sean O’Brien said. “He is currently on probation. It was violated and he is being held in the custody of the Sheriff since Friday when we had the arrest on the larceny charges that he had. So, he was out on the street on probation. It’s unfortunate that people had to lose their lives for that.”

Q: “What crime is he on probation?”

A: “There was a violation probation filed on Friday,” DA Pasqua said. “It was filed in open court. I believe it was filed for Burglary in the Third Degree conviction. I am not positive about that, but I believe that is what it was filed.”

In closing, SLC Sheriff Bigwarfe told the local media: “I appreciate you guys coming here and covering this. It is important for St. Lawrence County citizens to know what happened here in this investigation.”

To view the full press conference, visit St. Lawrence County’s YouTube page.

Town, Village boards hold moments of silence held in memory of Ronald E. “Huck” Durham

by Rachel Hunter

Moments of silence were held in memory of Ronald E. “Huck” Durham during the February meetings of the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees and the Town of Gouverneur Council.

Durham passed away on Saturday, February 11. His full obituary ran in the Feb. 17 edition of the Gouverneur Tribune Press. Faithful readers will recall that Durham worked for the Village of Gouverneur Department of Public Works for over 40 years. The news of Mr. Durham’s tragic death was released on Sunday, February 12 after the investigation conducted by the New York State Police with the assistance of the Gouverneur Police Department. The investigation remains ongoing.

The first moment of silence was held at the Town of Gouverneur Council meeting on Tuesday, February 14, led by Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr., and joined by Town of Gouverneur Deputy Supervisor Jay Bowhall, Town of Gouverneur Councilman Curran Wade, Town of Gouverneur Councilwoman Lory Whitton, Gouverneur Town Clerk Marion Bowhall, Town of Gouverneur Bookkeeper Diane Kelley, St. Lawrence County Legislator District 5 Harry Smithers, Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall, Gouverneur Code Enforcement Officer Rick Wood, Gouverneur Assessor Sherry Geer, Gouverneur Data Collector Phyllis Shaw, among others.

A week later, the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees held a moment of silence at the meeting on Tuesday, February 21, led by Mayor Ron McDougall. Also joining the moment of silence was Village of Gouverneur Deputy Mayor Charles Newvine, Village Trustee Troy Besaw, Village Trustee Floyd McAdam, Village Trustee Shelly Simons-Washburn, Attorney Henry Leader of Case & Leader LLP, Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr., Village of Gouverneur Clerk/Treasurer Barbara Finnie, Village of Gouverneur Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Kristina Ayen, Gouverneur Police Chief Laurina Greenhill, among others.

Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall encouraged all those in attendance to remember Mr. Durham during the moment of silence. “It was a brutal death,” he said.

Later in the meeting, Mayor Ron McDougall said the following during department reports: “I appreciate the Department of Public Works and particularly the Gouverneur Police Department in handling, even though the State Police is the lead and I am not sure if the Sheriff’s Office helped or not, with Huck and the brutal situation... I appreciate all the help and extra resources. Obviously, by the news media, the investigation is ongoing even though an arrest has been made and an incarceration with that, with no bail set of course. But I just appreciate all the help from the DPW and in particular our police department.”

Chief Greenhill then gave the monthly GPD report as follows: The notable activities since the last board meeting on January 17, 2023 are as follows:

Chief Greenhill attended the monthly EMDT and CIT meetings. Also attended the quarterly Citizen’s Advisory Committee meeting at the Gouverneur Prison.

This month, GPD received a request from NYSP Criminal Gun Clearinghouse to update our ATF eTrace account to indicate we would participate in “collective data sharing” with other law enforcement agencies within our state. This is to help us comply with the mandates of NYS Executive Law 230 – Gun trafficking interdiction program. The data sharing mandate was effective December 3, 2022.

St. Lawrence County Department of Human Resources and Civil Service have announced they will be holding a Police Chief examination on 032523. The deadline to apply is 02/22/23. This is a promotional examination and have encouraged our staff that meet the prerequisite to apply. The list will be established to fill any future vacancies throughout the county.

The same office has also reported they requested the Civil Service Commission to allow for the certification lists time allowance to increase from 60 days to 120 days and that request was granted. SLC has recognized the hiring agencies need more time to complete the hiring process due to the psych process.

Chief Greenhill also reported that the newly hired part time dispatcher is now working on his own. “Thus far, he has shown exemplary work ethic and we look forward to his continued growth in that position as he gains more experience,” she said.

For the month of January 2023, the Gouverneur PD received 391 calls for service. 201 required police intervention and 70 were IBR criminal complaints. The PD effected 25 arrests for a total of 34 charges. The breakdown is as follows: Felony- 1, Misdemeanors- 16, Violations- 2, Infractions- 3, Bench/ Arrest Warrants- 3. Mental health – “We received 31 calls for various welfare checks in which 18 were mental health related. 16 of those mental health calls were handled by our agency and 2 by another outside agency. Of the 16 calls our agency handled we took into custody 9 for emergency involuntary evaluation (6 were under 9.41 by police observation/investigation and 3 by pick up order from another authorized agent). 2 others went for evaluation voluntarily and 1 was diverted to G.H. for altered mental state evaluation,” Chief Greenhill said.

The next meeting of the Town of Gouverneur Council will be held on March 10, 6 p.m., at the Town of Gouverneur Offices Building, 1227 US Highway 11, Gouverneur. The next meeting of the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 6 p.m., in the municipal courtroom.

Town board approves appointments to planning, zoning boards

by Rachel Hunter

The Town of Gouverneur Council at its Feb. 14 meeting approved the following appointments:

The town council appointed Jay Emerich of Gouverneur to fill the vacant seat on the Town of Gouverneur Planning Board. The motion to approve the appointment was made by Deputy Supervisor Jay Bowhall, seconded by Councilman Curran Wade and Councilwoman Lory Whitton. The motion carried with all votes cast in favor.

The town council appointed Rick Strate of Gouverneur to fill a vacant seat on the Town of Gouverneur Zoning Board. The motion to approve the appointment was made by Councilman Curran Wade, seconded by Councilwoman Lory Whitton. The motion carried with all votes cast in favor. There is still one vacancy of the Gouverneur Zoning Board.

Supervisor Spilman also announced that in the Spring 2023 the Town of Gouverneur Planning Board would be losing one of its members, Charlie Titus, as he relocates out of the Gouverneur community. “That will be a vacancy then,” Supervisor Spilman said. “We can serve across boards, so at that point we can appoint Rick to the Planning Board also to fill that vacancy. But we will cross the bridge once Charlie crosses the town line.”

There was no further discussion.

The next meeting of the Town of Gouverneur Council will be held on March 14, 6 p.m., at the Town of Gouverneur Offices Building, 1227 US Highway 11, Gouverneur. For more information, call 315-287-2340.

Gouverneur man charged with second-degree murder

On February 11, 2023, around 8:20 a.m., State Police responded to East Side Cemetery on Van Buren Road, in the town of Gouverneur, for a deceased male. When Troopers arrived on the scene, they located Ronald E. Durham, age 72, of Gouverneur, NY, deceased under suspicious circumstances.

As a result of an investigation conducted by the New York State Police, with the assistance of the Gouverneur Police Department, Frederick A. Wing, age 22, of Gouverneur, NY, was arrested for one count of Murder in the 2nd Degree. Wing was arraigned in the Town of Rossie Court and ordered held in the St. Lawrence County Jail, without bail, pending future court appearances.

On February 12, 2023, an autopsy was conducted at Canton-Potsdam Hospital on Ronald E. Durham, after Durham was discovered deceased in the town of Gouverneur, on February 11, 2023. The autopsy determined the cause of death to be sharp force injury to the neck, and the St. Lawrence County Coroner’s Office has ruled the manner of death as a homicide. Frederick A. Wing, age 22, of Gouverneur, NY, remains held in the St. Lawrence County Jail without bail and is charged with Murder in the 2nd Degree.

This investigation remains ongoing.

Funds needed for new bandstand in village park

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Museum/Historical Association Board is working in collaboration with the Village of Gouverneur and the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce have formed a Bandstand Committee to raise at least $35,000 for a new bandstand in the Gouverneur Village Park.

As Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall and Gouverneur Historian Joe Laurenza penned in a recent donation-seeking letter, the bandstand/gazebo in the Gouverneur Village Park is deteriorating. The Village of Gouverneur has secured a New York State grant for some major improvements to the village park. The grant includes $15,000 for a new bandstand, but that is not enough to cover the estimated cost of a new bandstand, $50,000. A total of $35,000 is needed for a new bandstand.

The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce has greatly assisted in the project, and now local businesses, organizations, and community members are being asked to answer the call to donate. Because the Village of Gouverneur is tax exempt, all donations are deductible. In the past, the Gouverneur community has always been generous in their support of the village projects. Examples of the community’s generosity are the 2021 Light Up Our Village and Town decoration fund, repairs to the eagle on the Gouverneur Memorial Arch, and the Village Park Clock project.

Much gratitude is extended to all those who donate toward the latest fundraising project for a new bandstand. Donations are now being accepted by check made out to: Village of Gouverneur Bandstand, and mailed to Village of Gouverneur, 33 Clinton Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642. All donations can also be made securely with a credit card via the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce website, www.gouverneurchamber.net/bandstand-fund.

If you have questions, please contact Village Mayor Ronald McDougall at 315-287-1720 or Gouverneur Historical Association President Joe Laurenza at 315-323-2654.

Gouverneur Rescue Squad has busiest year in 2022

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Rescue Squad responded to 2,253 calls last year, making 2022 the busiest year in the agency’s history, according to Gouverneur Rescue Squad Director Mark Deavers who gave a report at the Jan. 10 meeting of the Town of Gouverneur Council.

The 2,253 calls included a total of 1,644 911 calls and 608 calls were for hospital-hospital transport. “If we go back to 2019, we had 1638 total responses that year. It is quite a jump. What the cause is, I am not 100 percent sure,” he said.

“In other news, we have a new EMT Class starting in Gouverneur on Sunday,” Director Deavers said. “It’s hybrid, so half of the sessions will be on Zoom from their home if they so desire… and that ends sometime in June, I believe. Our education grant, we are doing a lot of continuing education classes. We did one last Tuesday in conjunction with SUNY and had about 140 people on the call, which is quite a bit larger than we ever expected it to be. UVM does pretty routine education online, and they are lucky to have a dozen. We’ve been pretty blessed with it to be able to attract some of the larger talent. They have graciously donated an hour of their life to talk to people, at this point, all across New York State. That is the excitement.”

“That is a huge jump in responses,” Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. said.

“Yeah, staffing has been a little bit challenging with that big of a jump,” Director Deavers said. “The other thing we are seeing routinely is that we are moving patients quite a bit farther than we used to on the hospital-to-hospital side. We used to go to Rochester and Albany once or twice a year. It’s a couple times per week now that we are going there. A lot of it is tied to the bottleneck in Syracuse, at the Syracuse area hospitals, they are at their capacity of limitations right now.”

Supervisor Spilman said, “I thought when the local hospitals up here started partnering up with the bigger hospitals, that once that partnership was made, if someone needed to be sent somewhere, that it would be to the sponsor’s hospital.”

“Yeah,” Director Deavers said. “I am looking forward to Canton-Potsdam finishing their 50-bed addition. A lot of what we are moving isn’t because Canton-Potsdam can’t handle it, it is because they don’t have the bed capacity for it. My folks will be quite a bit happier. The drive to CPH is a lot nicer than Albany or Rochester.”

Supervisor Spilman said, “Six dollars per gallon for fuel doesn’t help either.”

“Yes, I love getting the fuel bill,” Director Deavers said.

“I can imagine,” Supervisor Spilman said in response. “We did get your contract today. We all haven’t had the chance to review it yet, but we will.”

Town of Gouverneur Councilman Curran Wade then complimented Director Deavers on his recent reports to local broadcast media.

Much gratitude was extended to Director Deavers for his report. Supervisor Spilman said, “We appreciate everything you do for our community, we really do. I am not sure, but the landing pattern is right over our house, and I hear more helicopters circling at my house than I ever have…”

“We are one of their better customers,” Director Deavers said. “Because of the way the weather works, we actually have a little bit of an advantage, because they can go to Vermont or they can go to Syracuse. So when it is snowing down in Pulaski and Adams, we can get them to go to Vermont. That actually allows us to utilize it more than other places. And while our volume is increasing, the acuity is also up quite a bit. We are seeing a lot more sick people… Fort Drum has actually become an asset for aero-medical. The approval process is a little bit longer, but it is free. The medics on it all have the same credentials as the folks from LifeNet, MercyFlight, they are all certified flight paramedics. We have to use them last, but we have been able to use them a couple times.”

“It’s a great asset, Supervisor Spilman said.

There were no further questions. The next meeting of the Town of Gouverneur Council will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 6 p.m., in the Town of Gouverneur Offices Building, 1227 US Highway 11, Gouverneur. For more information, call 315-287-2340.

Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Award Winners Announced

The 2022-23 Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Award Winners have been announced as follows:

Ellen Baer, daughter of Joel and Denise Baer, is starting her second year at SUNY Potsdam where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood/Early Childhood Education with a minor in nutrition and a specialization in geology. Ellen was named to the President’s List for her first two semesters. While taking a full course load, Ellen has worked part time at Dunkin Donuts.  In her spare time, she enjoys working out, snowboarding and spending time with her family and friends.  After graduating from SUNY Potsdam, she plans on earning her Master’s Degree in Special Education and becoming a teacher in the North Country. Her award is made possible through a donation honoring the late Frank and Mary Ellen LaFalce for their many contributions to the education, character development and well-being of Gouverneur students through the years.

Holly Barton is a sophomore at SUNY Brockport after completing her first year there.  She is a 2021 graduate of Gouverneur High School.  Holly is working to enter SUNY Brockport’s nursing program at the completion of the 2022-23 school year.  To help pay for her education, she worked at Echoes on the Lake in Edwardsville, New York over the summer.  In her free time, Holly enjoys hiking and camping with her friends and family. Holly’s award was made possible through revenue drawn from Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Funds.

Raelin Burns, daughter of Kenny and Pam Burns of Gouverneur, NY, is a 2022 graduate of Gouverneur High School. She has been accepted at Clarkson University where she plans to major in Biology. While in high school, Raelin was the captain of the basketball team and played soccer and softball. She was a member of National Honor Society, Key Club and participated in the Chemistry Olympiad Competition. While at Clarkson University, Raelin plans to play basketball. Her goal is to pursue a career in a healthcare field. Her award was made possible through revenue drawn from the Lechler of The People Scholarship Fund.

Haylee Campbell, daughter of Gary and Mona Campbell of Gouverneur, NY, is a 2021 graduate of Gouverneur High School currently going to SUNY Canton in the duel nursing program. She graduated high school with 34 college credits through Gouverneur's college credit opportunities. She has been on the President's List for both semesters of her first year of college.  Holly’s award was made possible through revenue drawn from Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Funds.

Corryn Canell, daughter of Casey and Stacy Canell of Gouverneur, NY, is a 2021 graduate of Gouverneur High School. She just finished her first year at St. Lawrence University. She participated in research during the spring semester in the field of chemistry. Her research was about the "Synthesis of Model Photosystems Using Air-Free Techniques." She has decided to pursue a major in Chemistry along with a minor in Biology. In the fall of 2021 and spring of 2022, Corryn was recognized on the Dean’s List for her accomplishment of maintaining a GPA of 3.6 or higher. Her goal is to pursue a career in the medical field in hopes of helping individuals with their health concerns. Corryn continues to assist the Gouverneur community in many ways, including helping the elderly, providing families with food, and providing families with items to make their holidays unforgettable. Her award was made possible through revenue drawn from the Devendorf Trust Fund established through donations from Delbert E. Devendorf & Rachel Wainwright Devendorf who were generous local supporters of the Foundation who wished to provide future opportunities to students wishing to continue their education.

Connor Canell, son of Casey and Stacy Canell, graduated from Gouverneur High School in 2020.  He is currently a Junior at Utica University majoring in Wellness and Adventure Education. Connor is involved in the Utica College Programming Board, Nutrition Club, the Musical, Choir and is an Orientation Mentor during the school year. In his spare time, Connor volunteers at GHS Varsity Track & Field home meets and assists in fundraising for the St. Lawrence County Cancer Group.  It is not unusual to see Connor helping neighbors or visiting with senior citizens. Connor plans to complete his bachelor's degree in May 2024.  He will continue his studies to accomplish a master's degree in Education and Administration.  Connor intends to become an athletic director, principal, or vice-principal when completing his course work.   His award was made possible through the Kraker and the Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Funds.

Celia Carbone is the daughter of Matt and Lisa Carbone and granddaughter of Fred and Nancy Dunkelberg. Celia is a 2020 Gouverneur High School graduate and has completed her second year at the University at Buffalo, where she is pursuing a degree in the field of psychology. While in high school at GHS, Celia was involved in community service, Key Club, Varsity golf, and was President of the National Honor Society. Celia’s goal is to continue her education and receive her doctorate to become a therapist. Her award was made possible through revenue drawn from Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Funds and the GTA Scholarship Fund, made possible through the Gouverneur Teachers’ Association.

Alex Clancy, son of Bill and Norma Clancy of Gouverneur, NY, is a 2022 graduate of Gouverneur High School. He has been accepted at Nazareth College where he plans to pursue a degree in Biology. While in high school, Alex was an active member of Key Club, Yearbook, and National Honor Society. He also oversaw the lighting for the school’s musicals and concerts. His goal is to become an anesthesiologist.  Alex’s award was made possible through revenue drawn from Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Funds.

Hailey A. Clancy is the daughter of Patrick and Shelley Clancy of Fowler, New York. Throughout high school Hailey has been a three-season athlete participating in JV soccer, varsity cross country and indoor and outdoor track and field. Hailey was also a member of choir, was inducted into the National Honor Society her sophomore year, a captain of the cross-country team as well as a scholar athlete all four years of her high school career. Hailey graduated high school in the top 10 of her class. Hailey will attend Elmira College and will pursue a master’s degree in nursing with a minor in Spanish and plans to join the cross-country team. Hailey is considering continuing her education to become a nurse practitioner. Her award was made possible through revenue drawn from the Adler Trust Fund.

Katelyn M. Clancy is the daughter of Patrick and Shelley Clancy of Gouverneur, New York. Katelyn is a 2022 graduate of Gouverneur Central School and earned an advanced Regents diploma. While in high school, Katelyn was a member of the National Honor Society. She was also a member of the volleyball, cheer and softball teams, and served as captain of her volleyball and cheer teams during her senior year. Katelyn was the recipient of the Section X Athlete of Distinction, All Northern for volleyball and the Outstanding Sportsmanship Award for cheer and softball during her senior year. Katelyn also worked part-time at Dunkin during high school and has volunteered many hours at the Gouverneur Elks Lodge. Katelyn will be attending Alfred State College in the fall and pursuing her degree in Radiology Technology and plans to play volleyball.  Her award was made possible through revenue drawn from Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Funds.

Hailey D. Cook, daughter of Andrew & Katrina Cook, Gouverneur is a 2022 Honors Graduate from Gouverneur High School. While in high school, Hailey was a member of the National Honor Society and the Tri-M Music National Honor Society, where she held the position of president. She also was a part of the cheer team, jazz band and is the drum majorette for the marching Wildcats. Hailey will be attending SUNY Canton majoring in Psychology. Her award was made possible through revenue drawn from Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Funds.

Jenneca L. Cook, daughter of Andrew & Katrina Cook, Gouverneur is a 2019 Honors Graduate from Gouverneur High School.  Jenneca is going into her fourth year at SUNY Potsdam majoring in Sociology and Psychology with a minor in Human Services.  She has made the Dean’s and President’s Lists and is a member of the Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society.  Jenneca is a proud member of Zeta Gamma Sigma Sorority where she currently holds the position as President. Her award was made possible through revenue drawn from the Lechler Trust Fund.

Grace Cummings, daughter of Shawn and Clara Cummings graduated from Gouverneur Central in June 2019. Grace is currently attending St. John Fisher College in Rochester where she is a three-sport competitor in Cross Country, Indoor Track & Field, and Outdoor Track & Field. Grace volunteers in the Rochester communities while attending college. Grace is continuing her education as a senior in the Nursing Program at SJFC. Her award was made possible through revenue drawn from Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Funds and a scholarship funded by Gouverneur Cooperative Dairymen.

Joseph Cummings is a second year Sport Management Major at St. John Fisher College.  Joseph graduated from Gouverneur High School in 2021.  He carried a 3.49 GPA through his first semester and a 2.59 GPA his second.  He is a part of the football team and has been offered to join the wrestling team as well.  Joseph enjoys working out and hanging out with his friends from school.  He attends mass every Sunday at the Catholic church on campus.  He plans to become an athletic director after graduation in 2025. His award is made possible through the Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Funds.

Alexis Devlin, daughter of Sean and Stacey Devlin of Gouverneur,  is a 2022 graduate of Gouverneur High School. She has been accepted into the Exercise Science program at SUNY Cortland to pursue a degree in the sports medicine field.  While in high school, Alexis completed 30 hours of college courses. Alexis was a part of the National Honor Society and Varsity Club. Alexis was active in volleyball, basketball, softball, and was a manager for the varsity football team. In college, Alexis plans to work with athletics and intramural programs. Her goal is to work with athletes in training and rehabilitation programs. Her award is made possible through the Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Funds.

John Erdman, son of Andrea and Daniel Erdman of Gouverneur, NY, is a graduate of Gouverneur High School and currently studies aerospace engineering at Clarkson University with a minor in project management. In high school, he played varsity soccer, track, and cross country. He was the captain for the boy varsity soccer team his senior year. John was also very active in Boy Scouts and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. In high school, he served as the treasurer for the Class of 2020, parliamentarian of National Honor Society, and the treasurer of Varsity Club. In college he is a part of the outing club, soccer club, and is secretary of ski club. His goal after college is to design, build and fly airplanes. This Founder’s Award is given in honor of John W. Rouse, who was a prominent businessman from Gouverneur and the founder of the Gouverneur Foundation Inc. and the entire Cives’ Family. It is given to a student pursuing a degree in Engineering.

Brynn Farley, daughter of Dawn and Michael Farley, is a 2022 graduate of Gouverneur High School and the Clarkson School. She will be continuing her education at Clarkson, majoring in Civil and Environmental Engineering. In high school she was active in soccer, track, golf, Key Club, Select Strings, and Student Senate. She also was in Tri-M Music Honor Society, and served as the Parliamentarian for National Honor Society. In her past year at Clarkson, she was in the Honors Program and the Clarkson School Council. She also earned the Clarkson School’s plaque of recognition for maintaining a 4.0 gpa both semesters. Next year, she will be an RA and a Peer Educator and plans to tutor for freshman courses. This summer, she is interning with GE Aviation in the Quality Engineering Department. She has since joined their Women’s Network and an Intern Creative Committee that is dedicated to making website improvements for future interns. Brynn’s scholarship is made possible through revenue drawn from the CIVES Founder’s Trust Fund, in honor of John W. Rouse and is given to a student pursuing a degree in Engineering.

Dylan Farr, son of Tony and Tzveta Farr of Gouverneur, NY, is a second year Engineering and Management major at Clarkson University. He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 2021 as the valedictorian of his class and has made president’s list in his first two semesters of college. Dylan was the captain of his high school golf team and went on to play men’s golf at Clarkson in both the fall and spring semester in his freshman year of college. He plans on completing a four year bachelor’s degree in Engineering and Management in order to pursue a career in engineering. Dylan’s award was made possible through the Kathryn T. Jackson Trust Fund.

Griffin Fenlong, son of Susan and David Fenlong of Fowler, NY is a graduate of Gouverneur High School class of 2022. He has been accepted at SUNY Canton where he plans on studying HVAC. Griffin was active in football, baseball,indoor track and the trap shooting team. In his spare time he enjoys fishing and riding ATV’s. His goal is to find a job in the field and then eventually start his own heating and cooling business. His award was made possible through revenue drawn from the Mary M. Farley & Stewart W. McCollum Scholarship Fund.

Ashlee Flood is the daughter of Kimberly and Thomas Flood. She is a 2022 graduate of Gouverneur High School and will be moving forward to pursue a higher education in Graphic Design at SUNY Potsdam. During her high school career, she participated in many activities such as orchestra and art, both of which she intends to continue during her time in a college setting. Her goal is to demonstrate the importance of graphic design in all employment opportunities and work in several industries in advertising. Ashlee’s scholarship was made possible through revenue drawn from the Gleason Trust Fund established in memory of Margaret Gleason who was a teacher in the Gouverneur School District and through the Gouverneur Foundation General Scholarship Funds.

Kate Forsythe, daughter of Joe and Kim Forsythe of Gouverneur, NY, is a 2022 graduate of Gouverneur High School. She has been accepted at Cazenovia College where she plans to pursue a degree in Fashion Marketing. While in high school, Kate was active in Junior Varsity and Varsity Soccer, Varsity Cheerleading, and Outdoor Track during her Freshman and Sophomore year. She participated in the Varsity club and was captain of the Varsity Cheerleading team her senior year. At Cazenovia, Kate plans to get a Bachelor's degree in fashion marketing and do an internship in New York City her junior year of college. Her goal is to eventually work for a well-known clothing company. Her award was made possible through revenue drawn from Gouverneur Foundation General Scholarship Funds and from the Gray scholarship fund.

Kaitlyn Gibson, daughter of Jeffrey and Wendy Gibson of Gouverneur, NY, is a 2022 graduate of Gouverneur High School. She has been accepted to Northeastern University where she plans to study Criminal Justice and Psychology. While in high school, Kaitlyn participated in soccer and served as captain her senior year, indoor/outdoor track, golf, and basketball. She was a member of National Honor Society, where she was Vice President, Varsity Club, where she was President, Student Senate, where she was Secretary, and Key Club, where she was Vice President. She also participated in the school play her senior year, as a member of stage crew where she was Property Mistress. While at Northeastern University, Kaitlyn plans to take advantage of the work-study program and join their Fiction Addiction Book Club. After college, Kaitlyn hopes to work for one of the divisions of law enforcement at the federal level.  Her award was made possible through revenue drawn from the Barnhart Trust Fund and from Gouverneur Foundation General Scholarship Funds.

Brady Hall, son of Jolie and Don Snider, and Jeff and Genny Hall, is a second year Engineering and Management major attending Clarkson University. He graduated in June of 2021 from Harrisville Central School as the Valedictorian of his class as well as receiving the 7News Academic All-Star. He was also active in soccer, basketball, baseball, lacrosse and the high school trap shooting team. In his free time, Brady enjoys being with friends and family, hunting and fishing. Brady plans to complete 4 years and earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and Management from Clarkson University.   Brady’s award was made possible through revenue drawn from the JGR Family Scholarship Fund.

Chantel Horne, daughter of Melissa Horne of Gouverneur, NY, is a second year double major in History and Women & Gender Studies with a minor in Museum Studies. She graduated from Gouverneur High School in 2021. She has joined the Environmental Club and SAGE (Student Activists for Gender Equality) and worked with multiple other students from different parts of the state and country to help the campus be more inclusive and fun. Chantel has also joined the Rugby club and has played in multiple skirmishes and matches and enjoys the games and playing with her team. She continues to pursue her hobbies of cooking, drawing, and singing. Chantel plans to continue her education and would like to become a historian and part-time curator. Her award was made possible through revenue drawn from the Devendorf Trust Fund established through donations from Delbert E. Devendorf & Rachel Wainwright Devendorf who were generous local supporters of the Foundation who wished to provide future opportunities to students wishing to continue their education.

Ella Impaglia, daughter of Stacey Hance and Andrew Impaglia, is a graduate of the class of 2022 at Gouverneur High School. She is a participant of National Honor Society, Key Club, and vice president of Varsity Club. Ella is an athlete and competed in Swimming, Indoor track and Outdoor track and field. She is enrolled in Nazareth College and is looking forward to studying psychology. While at Nazareth College, Ella intends to take part in swimming. Her plan later on in her education is to become a psychiatrist. Her award is made possible through the Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Funds.

Kiarra Jenkins, daughter of Don and Brandi Jenkins of Gouverneur, NY, is a 2022 graduate of Gouverneur Central High School.  She has been accepted to SUNY Plattsburgh where she plans to pursue a degree in education.  While in High School, Kiarra participated in Soccer, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track all 4 years of her high school career.  She was a member of the National Technical Honor Society and a member for the Honors Group.  Her goal is to become a second grade teacher.  Kiarra has been on Honor Roll, High Honor Roll, and Academic Excellence throughout her high school years.  She volunteers her time at her family store in Richville, NY.  Kiarra has interned for BOCES at St. Lawrence County ARC, where she loved working with the clients, and was even offered a summer job there.  She also interned at Gouverneur Elementary School and her passion for teaching has only grown from this experience.  The staff and students at Gouverneur Elementary will hold a special place in her heart for everything they have done for her. Her award was made possible through revenue drawn from Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Funds and from the Class of 1960 Trust Fund.

Kortney Knight, daughter of Lisa and Leo Knight of Gouverneur, NY, is a 2022 graduate of Gouverneur High School. She will be attending  SUNY Canton in the fall with an undeclared major. While in high school, Kortney was active on the swim team and served as captain her senior year. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Tri-M Honor Society, Yearbook Club, lifeguarded, and was a member of various music ensembles. While at SUNY Canton, Kortney plans to participate in the yearbook staff.  Her award was made possible through revenue drawn from Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Funds.

Kurtis Knight, son of Leo and Lisa Knight, is a fourth-year history major at St. Lawrence University with a minor in Canadian Studies. Kurtis has worked with the Women’s Hockey team as their equipment manager for all three years he’s been at SLU. Last fall, Kurtis worked with the football team as their equipment manager, and on occasion will assist the Men’s Hockey equipment manager. When not working with the women’s hockey team, Kurtis plays on the club hockey, intramural soccer, and softball teams. After graduation, Kurtis hopes to either get a job as an equipment manager with a hockey team or to use his history degree to pursue a teaching career. His award was made possible through revenue drawn from Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Funds and from the Smith Trust Fund established by the late Marjorie M. Smith who is a retired teacher and the late LeRoy Smith who was a prominent businessman in the Gouverneur area.

Grace Mashaw, daughter of Emily and Curtis Mashaw of Gouverneur, NY, is a 2022 graduate of Gouverneur High School. She attended Southwest Technical center where she received  top achiever awards both years and also was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. For the last two years, Grace was set to go to SUNY Potsdam for teaching. After hearing of several tragedies that took place over the year, she began to reevaluate that decision. Grace wants to go into a field that will allow her to make any positive impact. She has now decided to explore her options and go into Liberal Arts. This will give her the opportunity to cross register at SUNY Potsdam , St. Lawrence and Clarkson University. Grace has been accepted at SUNY Canton where she will be starting with Liberal Arts in the fall of 2022. She plans to participate in the Environmental Change Organization and has applied for work study.  Her award was made possible through revenue drawn from Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Funds.

Dekoda Matthews is the daughter of Laurie White and Dereck Matthews of Russell NY. She is a graduate of Edwards-Knox Class of 2022. She has been accepted to SUNY Canton College of Technology for the fall of 2022 where she plans to pursue a degree in Nursing. While in high school, Dekoda was a part of the Varsity Basketball, Soccer, and Softball teams for four years. In this time, she earned awards such as second team all northern in soccer for two years, sportsmanship in basketball, sportsmanship and first team all northern in softball, along with being Athlete of Distinction in all sports. She was also secretary of the National Honors Society which she belonged to for three years and served as secretary of her class for four years. After graduating from SUNY Canton, Dekoda hopes to become a Registered Nurse. This scholarship is made possible through donations made by the late Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Freeman of Edwards.

Hailey Morrissiey, daughter of Adam and Misty Morrissiey, is a 2022 honors group graduate of Gouverneur High School. Hailey was president of Student Senate, president of Key Club, secretary of the National Honor Society, as well as a member of Varsity Club, Tri-M Honor Society, Art Club, Girls’ Varsity Swim, Girls’ Varsity Indoor Track, Varsity Golf, and Select Strings. Hailey will be attending the honors program at Clarkson University in the fall, where she will major in biomolecular science.  This award is made in honor of Attorney Max Levinson.

Emily Mullin, daughter of Jim and Tammy Mullin, is a 2021 graduate of Gouverneur High School. Emily is in her sophomore year at SUNY Potsdam where she plans to pursue a degree in Psychology. While in high school, Emily was active on the swim team and was employed as a lifeguard. She has been a member of the St. Lawrence Figure Skating Club in Canton for 13 years. Emily plans to continue as a member of SUNY Potsdam’s swim team. Her award was made possible through revenue drawn from Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Funds and the Tully Trust Funds established in memory of Harold and Ala Jones Tulley. Ala Jones Tulley was a teacher in the Gouverneur School District and this scholarship is made possible by the generous donations of their sons Phillip and Douglas Tulley.

Peyton Mussaw, daughter of Chris and Kennedy Mussaw of Gouverneur, NY, is a 2022 Gouverneur High School graduate. She has been accepted at Clarkson University where she plans to pursue a degree in psychology and continue to become a Physician Assistant. While in high school, Peyton was a member of the soccer, indoor track and field, and softball teams, where she served as captain for both soccer and softball. She served as president of the National Honor Society, vice president of the Varsity Club, secretary of her senior class, and an active member of the Student Senate.  Her award was made possible through revenue drawn from Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Funds.

Abigail Paro is a junior  and a  Fisheries and Wildlife major at Paul Smith’s College. She graduated in 2020 from Edwards-Knox High School. Abigail has been on the Dean’s list for the entirety of her college career. She works as a student ambassador at the college and just recently returned from a travel abroad program to Iceland learning about geothermal resources. In her free time Abigail goes four-wheeling and hiking. Abigail plans to complete her bachelor’s degree and be a forest ranger. Her award was made possible through revenue drawn from Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Funds.

Connor Reed is the son of Richard and Colleen Reed. He is a senior Mechanical Engineering major at Clarkson University with a minor in  Mathematics. He graduated in 2018 from Gouverneur High School. Connor has made President’s  List his last four semesters. In his spare time, he enjoys playing intramural soccer and hiking. Connor  plans to graduate with his BS and would like to work in product R&D.  His award was made possible through the Lechler Trust Fund established by Howard & Mary Lou Lechler.

Torie B. Salisbury, daughter of Scott Salisbury and Paula Holdstock, of Gouverneur, NY is a 2022 graduate of Gouverneur High School. She has been accepted at SUNY Canton where she plans on pursuing a degree in Forensic Criminology. While in high school, Torie was active in soccer, basketball, track and field. She served as captain in both soccer and basketball her senior year. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and Varsity Club. After college, she plans to obtain a job in the forensics field.  Torie’s award was made possible through revenue drawn from Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Funds.

Justin Scott is a fourth-year Psychology student at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York. He graduated from Edwards-Knox Central School with an Advanced Regents Diploma with Honors and Mastery in Mathematics and Science. Justin has been on the Dean’s List for the past 3 semesters at the University of Buffalo, as well as this past 3 semesters at HWS. He is an active member of his community and continues to give back through community service. Justin is also an active volunteer of Crisis Text Line that provides relief to those in crisis across the United States. In his spare time, he continues to pursue his hobbies of basketball and soccer. Justin plans to complete his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and then continue his education in hopes of becoming a psychiatrist. His award was made possible through revenue drawn from Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Funds.

Tyler Scott, son of Matthew and Diane Scott of Russell, NY, is a 2022 graduate of Edwards-Knox Central School. He has been accepted at Elmira College where he plans to pursue a degree in biology. While in high school Tyler participated in basketball, baseball and soccer and served as team captain of all three varsity teams. Tyler also took part in varsity golf his senior year while battling a knee injury that took him out of baseball. He was also the Vice President of his class and the National Honor Society his senior year. While at Elmira college, Tyler plans to play golf and intramural sports once his knee is ready to go. His goal is to become a Doctor of Chiropractic. Tyler received the Lashuay Scholarship which was established through donations made by the late Paul E. Lashuay of Edwards.

Nate Sitts, son of John and Christine Sitts is senior Computer Engineer major at Clarkson University. He will also be completing a minor in electrical engineering and math. He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 2019 and will be continuing his education at Clarkson in the fall. His award was made possible through revenue drawn from the James E. Jackson Trust Fund.

Hannah Spilman is a fourth-year Psychology major at Clarkson University (CU) with a minor in biology and a concentration in Pre-Physician-Assistant Studies. She graduated in 2019 from Gouverneur High School. Hannah has been on the President’s List for four out of the six semesters she has completed at CU. She is an active member of both the CU’s Doctors Without Borders and CU’s Pre-Physician-Assistant Club and an inductee of CU’s Psi-Chi Honor Society. Additionally, she is a research-assistant in Dr. Andreas Wilke’s Evolution and Cognition Lab and will accompany him and her fellow research assistants to Berlin, Germany this summer to help with his current children’s study. Outside of school, Hannah works as a phlebotomist at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg, NY to obtain the necessary clinical hours for Physician-Assistant school. She also enjoys spending time outdoors, especially alongside close family and friends. Hannah hopes to complete her undergraduate degree at Clarkson and then apply to PA school to pursue her dream of becoming a Physician-Assistant. Her award was made possible through revenue drawn from the Devendorf Trust Fund established through donations from Delbert E. Devendorf & Rachel Wainwright Devendorf who were generous local supporters of the Foundation who wished to provide future opportunities to students wishing to continue their education.

Caden Storie, son of Brandon and Valerie Storie of Gouverneur, NY is a 2022 graduate of Gouverneur High School. He has been accepted at SUNY Canton where he plans to pursue a degree in HVAC Engineering. While in high school, Caden was active in football, basketball and baseball and served as captain of all 3 his senior year. He was also a member of Varsity Club. While at SUNY Canton, Caden plans to participate in intramural basketball. His goal is to obtain a job in his filed of study prior to graduation from college. This award was made possible through revenue drawn from the William J. & Joyce C. Farley Scholarship Fund.

Christopher Weaver, the son of Gary and Dianne Weaver of Gouverneur, NY, is a 2022 graduate of Gouverneur High School. He has been accepted to the University of Rochester and plans to major in Molecular Genetics. During high school, Christopher won several medals in the 2021 and 2022 Science Olympiad competitions and volunteered many times through food drives and other community events. When attending the University of Rochester, Christopher plans on taking part in research on his major and other subjects. His award was made possible through revenue drawn from Gouverneur Foundation Scholarship Funds and the James W. Gore trust fund honoring the late James Gore. James was a promising young man from Gouverneur who tragically lost his life in his senior year.

Mason White, son of Timothy and Jennifer White of Russell, NY, is a 2022 graduate of Edwards-Knox Central School. He has been accepted to SUNY Delhi where he plans to pursue a degree in Golf and Sports Turf Management. Mason is a certified lifeguard and has been employed at swimming locations throughout his community. While in high school, Mason participated in basketball, baseball, and soccer throughout his high school career and recently found his passion for golf. He plans to continue this passion while at SUNY Delhi in addition to his studies. Mason received the Lashuay Scholarship which was established through donations made by the late Paul E. Lashuay of Edwards.

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.