Village paving delayed one week due to rain

by Rachel Hunter

The Village of Gouverneur reports that the paving projects on Grove St., McKean St., and Helena St. were delayed one week due to the recent rainy weather.

Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that the paving was originally scheduled for the second week in August, following the 2023 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair. It is now anticipated for this upcoming week, the third week in August.

The announcement was made by Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall at the Town of Gouverneur Council meeting last Tuesday. For more information, call the Village of Gouverneur at 315-287-1720.

Gouverneur CSD to provide free school supplies for district students

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Central School District recently informed the community that, for the 2023 - 2024 school year, the Gouverneur Central School District will once again provide all students with free school supplies. Historically, teachers have provided families with school supply lists prior to the start of the school year. This year, families will not have to assume any of the costs related to purchasing school supplies. The District will be using a portion of federal funding to purchase school supplies for all students. The supplies have been ordered and will be distributed to students during the first week of school.

In other news: The Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education held a meeting on Monday, July 31 in the Gouverneur High School auditorium. Board President David Fenlong called the meeting to order, and all then stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

GCS Superintendent of Schools Jackie Kelly then told of a “couple great things happening in the District” that she wanted to share with all those present at the July 31 board meeting.

Supt. Kelly first recognized GHS Science Teacher Lisa Dunkelberg on a recent achievement.

“Jan DeWaters, assistant professor in the Institute for STEM Education in the School of Engineering at Clarkson University, and three New York State high school teachers recently returned from Taiwan where they gave a workshop on project-based energy education. Lisa Dunkelberg, a science teacher at Gouverneur High School, along with DeWaters and two other educators led the two-day workshop. The workshop was a follow-up to a weeklong workshop previously delivered in Taiwan by DeWaters’ team. This is one component of a multi-year initiative to promote energy literacy, energy education, and green energy technology development. The workshops were attended by approximately 50 middle and high school teachers from all over Taiwan. I’d like to congratulate Mrs. Dunkelberg on this great achievement. We are lucky to have her on our team, and we are proud when someone of Lisa’s caliber is in a foreign country, because she is not only representing Gouverneur, but she is showing off the strong commitment we have to high quality teaching here at the District. Congratulations, Lisa.” Great applause sounded throughout the auditorium as the announcement was made.

Supt. Kelly also shared the following: “Last week, a team of administrators, teachers, counselors, and support staff from the Gouverneur Central School District attended the Positivity Project Summer Leadership Conference in Savannah, Ga. The Positivity Project (also known as P2) was first implemented at the Gouverneur Elementary School in the 2022-23 School Year. This year, it will be implemented through Grade 8. This program is designed to empower students to build more positive relationships with one another, and with their teachers. P2 is a character education curriculum that enables students to understand, appreciate, and exemplify the importance of character in themselves and others. The program focuses on character strengths, such as creativity, perseverance, open-mindedness, and love, providing the foundation for genuine self-confidence grounded in self-awareness. Character strengths aren’t about ignoring the negative. Instead, they help students overcome life’s inevitable adversities. Through the use of federal funding, the District was able to send and train 10 employees in preparation for the implementation of P2 this school year.”

Supt. Kelly then shared a letter written to the Board of Education from Gouverneur Middle School Principal Robert Kotz. “Dear Board of Education Members and Mrs. Kelly, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to attend the Positivity Project Summer Leadership Conference. It was a great experience for all members of the team, which included four members from the Gouverneur Elementary School and six members from the Gouverneur Middle School. Throughout the conference our team had the opportunity to explore various topics related to fostering positivity, resilience, and empathy in our educational environment. Our team is confident that the positive impact of this conference will extend beyond the classroom, benefiting the faculty, staff, and community. Our team felt that the sessions provided us with practical tools and strategies that we can implement during the upcoming school year. The financial support provided by the American Rescue Plan federal funding made it possible for our team to collaborate with the extended Positivity Project community. We believe that the connections we have made at the conference will continue to provide many diverse ideas and strategies throughout the years to come. Sincerely, Bob Kotz and the P2 Leadership Team.” Updates from the P2 team will be provided to the school board throughout the year. After a question from Board Member Laurie Roberts, Supt. Kelly said: “There is a curriculum that is part of the Positivity Project. That will occur in morning meetings, advisory at the Middle School. The curriculum is very easy to use. It is a quick one- to two-minute video, and then it results in discussions amongst the kids and the staff. We are excited to see where it goes.”

Board President David Fenlong, in unfinished business, reported that a public hearing was held on July 10, 2023 with Rob Klimowicz, District Chief Safety Officer, in attendance. No additional comments have been received and the draft 2023-2024 School Safety Plan has not been changed since it was posted. The 2023-2024 School Safety Plan will be adopted at the next meeting on August 21, 2023.

Upon presentation and recommendation of Supt. Jackie Kelly, the Board approved the following items as a Consent Agenda: Minutes of the Organizational Meeting of July 10, 2023 (now posted online at gcsk12.org), CSE Business, and CPSE Business.

Upon presentation and recommendation of Supt. Jackie Kelly, the Board approved the following personnel items: The school board accepted the resignations from Hannah Jock, Physical Education Teacher, effective July 11, 2023, Katrina L. Moore, agriculture teacher, effective August 29, 2023, Nichole Johnson, special education teacher, effective August 30, 2023, and Cortney Evans-Eppolito, high school physical education teacher, effective July 26, 2023.

The school board also approved the following appointments: Adrienne Lake (CSE, CPSE Chairperson), Korrine Patterson (Physical Education Teacher), Michelle Benda (Physical Education Teacher), Marietta Kitto (Family and Consumer Science Teacher), Katrina Cook (Keyboard Specialist), and Stacie Hale (School Nurse).

The school board also appointed Brittany Fairbanks, LPN, for the 2023 Begindergarten Program from August 21-24, 9 to 11 a.m.

The school board approved up to three days between August 1-31 for new curriculum planning for the following teachers Mike Bryant (Business), Alexis Ritter (Art), Heather Parker (12:1:1) and Lisa Dunkelberg (Biology).

The board approved up to 10 days between August 1-31 for Jamie DeRusso for summer guidance support.

The board approved the appointment of returning substitutes for 2023-24 as presented, including: Maureen Baer, Amber Barr, Valerie Bogardus, Jeffrey Burt, Antoinette Cogan, Adrienne Cox, Nicole Cudhea, Pamela Doty, Nazzarena Easton, Julia Fahrig, Michelle Fiacco, John Free, Shawna Gilbo, Kim Harmer, Jennifer Hay, Kylie Helvie, Sabrina Jones, Brandy Kelley, Julieanne Koerick, Anita Mantia, Tracy McCarthy, Ethan Mitchell, Peyton Mussaw, Amanda Newvine, Kaylee Ordway, Donna Parks, Chelsi Peck, Sullivan Rumble, Maureen Schesser, Cathy Schiszler, Nikolaus Schiszler, Deana Shepard, Roxanne Todd, Ciera Vanderbogart, Joseph Wahl, Patricia Williams, and Ling Wu.

The school board approved the following Fall 2023-24 Coach recommendation for Modified Girls Soccer Coach Chelsie Griffith, pending completion of any outstanding certification requirements.

The school board approved the appointment of students as lifeguards for the 2023-24 school year, pending completion of all requirements. This includes Raegan Devlin, William Riutta, and Riley Shepherd.

The school board acknowledged the unpaid leave of absence for childrearing purposes for a tenured employee in accordance with Article 12.3.1 of the contract with the Gouverneur Teachers association.

The board also appointed Polly Sergel to a non-tenure track appointment as an English teacher.

The board approved a series of temporary appointments. Grace Mashaw was appointed to the one-year position of teaching assistant-counselor for the 2023-24 school year, funded by the American Rescue Plan. Jade Walker was appointed to the one-year position of teaching assistant-counselor for the 2023-24 school year, funded by the American Rescue Plan. Paul Buell was appointed to the temporary position of Music Teacher for the 2023-24 school year in a non-probationary capacity without eligible for an appointment on tenure, funded by the American Rescue Plan. Michelle Brenno was appointed to the temporary position of Special Education teacher for the 2023-24 school year in a non-probationary capacity without eligibility for an appointment on tenure.

Upon presentation and recommendation of Supt. Kelly, the Board rescinded the appointment of Michelle LaVigne as School Tax Collector and appointed Rachel Wainwright, Village of Gouverneur, as School Tax Collector for 2023-24. Supt. Kelly said: “Prior to COVID, the Village did collect our taxes for us. as we’ve done in the past, the Village is going to once again collect our school taxes this year. Rachel Wainwright will be collecting taxes in person daily at the village offices located at 33 Clinton St., Gouverneur. Taxes can be paid Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and taxpayers can still mail in tax payments and the address will be listed on the bill. But taxes will no longer be collected here at the high school. This option actually provides better hours to the taxpayers to pay their taxes in person…”

The board also had its first policy review reading of four policies. Policy 3420 (Non-Discrimination and anti-harassment in the School District) was updated. The Civil Rights Compliance Officer was changed from Carol LaSala to Jessica Sullivan. Policy 3421 (Title IX and Sex Discrimination) was updated. The Title IX Coordinator changed from Carol LaSala to Jessica Sullivan. Policy 5676 (Privacy and Security for Student Data and Teacher and Principal Data) was updated. The Data Protection Officer changed from Shannon Mattice to Jacquelyn L. Kelly. Policy 6122 (Sexual Harassment in the Workplace) was updated in response to the release of an updated model sexual harassment prevention policy for employers in NYS. This is a required policy. The board will take action on these policy changes at the next board meeting on August 21.

The school board approved the AIA Document C132-2019 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Construction Manager as Advisor for the Middle School Renovations & Site Work Project.

The school board declared the following equipment as surplus and authorized the Business Manager to sell or dispose of the following items: one small kettle, two steamers, one double kettle, one 4-burner vulcan gas stove, five double convection ovens.

The school board formally accepted the gift of the donation from the family and friends of Jenny Reddick (GHS ’64), in the amount of $830, and increase the 2023-24 budget by the same. Ms. Reddick passed away on June 12, 2023. In her memory the family asked in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the GHS Art Department. It is the wish of the family to provide these funds to assist our Art Department to encourage and develop the student artists. Board President Fenlong extended gratitude to all those who donated in memory of Mrs. Reddick. “We appreciate this,” he said.

The school board also adopted RS 2418 (Standard Work Day Resolution for Employees). It was resolved that the district established the standard work days for its employees and will report days worked to the New York State and Local employees’ Retirement System based on the time keeping system or the record of activities maintained and submitted by these members to the clerk of this body. The Print Aide will work 7.5 hours per day.

The next meeting of the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education will be held on Monday, August 21, 5:30 p.m., in the GHS auditorium.

Village promises to help raise up presenters at 2023 GBOC Walk

by Rachel Hunter

Marilyn LaPierre of Gouverneur inquired at the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees meeting on July 18 if the new gazebo would be installed in time for the 2023 Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Walk on Saturday, October 7. Mrs. LaPierre is member of the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Committee.

Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall said, “It is iffy, to be fair, if we are going to have it in time or not for the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Walk. However, we are committed to getting a truck or build a temporary stage, if it is not there… We have to have something to raise people up. We’ll know when we get closer, but either way, we are committed to doing that.”

“That is greatly appreciated,” Mrs. LaPierre said. “Thank you.”

The 2023 Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Walk is scheduled to be held on Saturday, October 7 in Gouverneur. More information will be published as details are finalized. The Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund assists individuals who live in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis, and Franklin counties, New York, by providing financial assistance with household, medical, travel, and living expenses during a patient's treatment of both breast and ovarian cancers. All financial support received goes directly to assist newly diagnosed patients with their recovery. For more information, visit www.gouverneurbreastovariancancerfund.com.

Gouverneur Community Wide Rummage Sales this weekend

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Community Wide Rummage Sale Weekend will be held on Friday, July 14 through Sunday, July 16. See inside this edition of the Gouverneur Tribune Press for the rummage sale listings. A decades-long tradition for many North Country families, all local residents are urged to shop at all the rummage sales in the greater Gouverneur community.

The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, going great in Gouverneur in since 1908, has encouraged participation in the 2023 Gouverneur Community Wide Rummage Sale Weekend. Executive Director Donna Besaw told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that the Chamber has secured the official permits to allow anyone to set up a rummage sale in the Gouverneur Village Park from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 14-16. Many North Country residents have seen the huge banners advertising the event in downtown Gouverneur, which were provided through the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce and installed by the Village of Gouverneur Department of Public Works.

There is great anticipation for the 2023 Gouverneur Community Wide Rummage Sale Weekend with hopes for lots of participation from residents in Gouverneur and the surrounding communities. For more information on the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, visit www.gouverneurchamber.net.

GVFD to host fireworks spectacular this Sunday

Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Department is celebrating 145 years of service to Gouverneur and the surrounding areas by hosting the largest, most spectacular, and longest fireworks held in the North Country on Sunday, July 2, at dusk, at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds.

There are local vendors here selling hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ, pizza, fried dough, cotton candy, candy apples, popcorn, toys, cheesecake on a stick, locomotive rides and much more. So enjoy the show and support your local vendors.

Be on the lookout for the firemen selling 50-50 raffle tickets. These are also available at the fireman’s tent.

The show is sponsored by local businesses: Superior Plus Energy Services, Conklin Insurance, The Casablanca Restaurant, Dunn Paper, GS&L Northland Veterinary Hospital, KT Contracting, Empire Northeast, RSI Roofing, Tripp Fuels div of Glider Oil, Blevins Ford, Cives Steel, Vanderbilt Minerals LLC, MRSLC, Newvine’s Napa, Fun Unlimited, Hill Top Energy, Titan Mining.

“This show wouldn’t be possible without the contributions from these fine local sponsors,” the Gouverneur Fire Department said in a prepared statement. “We wish everyone a safe holiday and enjoy the show.”

Jesus Revolution: Richville Church to host movie matinee this Saturday, June 24

The Lighthouse Community Church will hold a matinee movie showing of “Jesus Revolution” on Saturday, June 24, 1:30 p.m., at 209 Main St., Richville. Admission is free, and free snacks and refreshments will be served.

Inspired by a true movement, “Jesus Revolution” tells the story of a young Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney) being raised by his struggling mother, Charlene (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) in the 1970s. Laurie and a sea of young people descend on sunny Southern California to redefine truth through all means of liberation. Everything changes when Laurie meets Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie), a charismatic hippie-street-preacher, and Pastor Chuck Smith (Kelsey Grammer) who have thrown open the doors of Smith’s languishing church to a stream of wandering youth. What unfolds becomes the greatest spiritual awakening in American history. Rock and roll, radical love, and newfound faith lead to a “Jesus Revolution” that turns one counterculture movement into a revival that changes the world.

The North Country community is invited and welcome to attend.

Gouverneur Ecumenical VBS to be held June 26-30 at First UMC Gouverneur

by Rachel Hunter

Gouverneur’s Ecumenical Vacation Bible School this summer will be Monday, June 26 to Friday, June 30, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon). Sponsored by the Gouverneur United Methodist and St. James Churches, VBS will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur this year.

All boys and girls from 4 years old through those who have just finished 6th grade are welcome and encouraged to attend. Teenagers who have finished grade 7 are welcome to come and help.

This summer, the 2023 Gouverneur Ecumenical VBS will be “stellar,” and local youths will be launched on a cosmic quest where they’ll have a blast shining Jesus’ light to the world.

For more information or to pre-register, visit gouverneurumc.org.

Gouverneur to commemorate Flag Day this Saturday

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce will present the Flag Day Parade and Business Extravaganza in conjunction with the Friends of the Library’s Arts In The Park Celebration this Saturday, June 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the Gouverneur Village Park. The day promises to be jam-packed with loads of family-friendly fun for the young and young-at-heart.

Flag Day – which commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 – has been celebrated in the Gouverneur community with much fanfare since the Elks held their Flag Day Ritual here in the early 1900s. The Flag Day festivities expanded over time, much to the credit of the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce (going great since 1908), and now is a family tradition for many North Country families, especially those in Gouverneur and the surrounding communities. And the 2023 Flag Day Parade and Business Extravaganza is no exception.

The Gouverneur Village Park will be the place to be on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce’s Business Extravaganza (in keeping with their mission to encourage North Country residents to shop local), the Friends of the Library will host the 32nd Annual Arts In The Park Celebration featuring over a dozen local artists and crafters. Through major fundraisers like Arts in the Park, the Friends of the Library are able to further assist the Gouverneur Public Library with wish-list items as directed by management. Due to generous community support in years past, the Friends have been able to support the Gouverneur Public Library with the purchase of the book drop-off bin located at the library’s entrance, a large screen monitor for the library loft, and a shelving cart to help assist in the re-shelving of books, among other needed items. All North Country residents are encouraged to show their support of the Gouverneur Public Library this Saturday. The artists and crafters will be on site from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The rain location will be St. James School.

Also available throughout the day will be children’s games (made possible by the Gouverneur Recreation Department), farmers market vendors, food trucks (including Rollin’ Soul, Mullin’s, and Cotton Candy ‘N More), static display of vehicles from Ft. Drum, vendors and displays from local businesses, service organizations, churches, and community groups, music by DJ Bob Hughes and so much more.

The Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035 will tell the history of the flag during a special ceremony at 12:30 p.m. in the Gouverneur Village Park. All are invited to come and join the commemoration of the American Flag. The Gouverneur Elks, with support from other volunteers, will carry their large American Flag in the Flag Day Parade. It is reported to be one of the largest in Northern New York.

The Gouverneur Flag Day Parade is at 2 p.m. Line-up is at 1 p.m. Parade participants are urged to enter on Wilson St., marching down to the Johnstown Street intersection. The parade will turn left down Main Street, going over the Route 11 Bridge (over the Oswegatchie River) and march by the crowds in the Gouverneur Village Park. The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce announced this week that Gouverneur Chamber Director Donna Lawrence will serve as emcee and call the parade. Anyone interested in participating in the parade is welcome. The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce will award a $50 prize for the Most Patriotic Float (presented following the parade).

Among the many parade participants looking forward to being in the 2023 Gouverneur Flag Day Parade are three marching bands. This includes the Gouverneur Marching Wildcats, the Indian River Marching Warriors, and the Copenhagen Marching Knights. As faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall, the Gouverneur Marching Wildcats will premiere their 2023 Show, “Groovy Gouvy,” which includes “That's The Way I Like It,” “Low Rider,” and “Funkytown.” All North Country residents are encouraged to check out the local marching bands as they start their season.

The Gouverneur Lions Club will hold their Pick a Duck fundraiser in the Gouverneur Village Park on Saturday. The drawing will be held following the Flag Day Parade at 3 p.m. Tickets are being sold by the Gouverneur Lions, and will be available on Saturday. The first place prize of $500 is sponsored by Conklin Insurance. The second place prize is a complete flag pole with set-up sponsored by the LaPierres. The third place prize is $200 sponsored by Precision Contracting. The fourth place prize is a $100 Lottery Tree sponsored by Lawrence Manor. All funds raised will go to support their mission of serve the blind and visually impaired and the greater Gouverneur community.

While enjoying all of the many festivities in the Gouverneur Village Park on Saturday, all North Country residents are urged caution around the Gouverneur Memorial Arch which is scheduled for repair work soon. Much gratitude is extended to the volunteers in the Gouverneur Garden Club for beautifying the Gouverneur Village Park and other areas in the community ahead of Flag Day.

In addition to all of the events in the Gouverneur Village Park, the following events have also been announced:

The Gouverneur Masonic Lodge No. 217 will hold its annual Flag Day Chicken Barbecue fundraiser on Saturday, starting at 1 p.m., at the Gouverneur Masonic Temple, Trinity Ave., Gouverneur.

A craft fair will be held on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center, 4673 NY-58, Gouverneur, to benefit the Ryan’s Wish Foundation, a nonprofit organization created to celebrate the inspirational life of Ryan Saidel. The foundation is dedicated to helping people who are battling a serious illness to “play and live strong.” The Foundation serves people in the tri-county areas of Northern New York: Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties. Funds received from the Foundation can help offset traveling costs and other expenses incurred by individuals and their families during treatment or hospitalization.

The Gouverneur Wrestling Golf Outing will be held on Saturday, 10 a.m. tee-off, at the Emerald Greens’ 18-hole golf course in Gouverneur. All proceeds will benefit Friends of Gouverneur Wrestling. The next Gouverneur Wrestling Club Inc. fundraiser will be a Father’s Day Chicken BBQ on Sunday, June 18, 11 a.m. till gone, at the Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035.

All North Country residents are encouraged to join the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce’s Flag Day Parade and Business Extravaganza and the Friends of the Library’s arts In The Park Celebration this Saturday in Gouverneur Village Park, as well as the many other events in and around the Gouverneur community. For more information about Gouverneur’s Flag Day activities, visit www.gouverneurchamber.net.

Gouverneur Memorial Day Observance to be held Monday

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Memorial Day observance will be held on Monday, May 29, 10 a.m. in Gouverneur. The annual observance is jointly hosted by the James Maloy American Legion Post 65 in Gouverneur and the Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338 in Gouverneur. The public is invited and encourage to attend to help pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The Gouverneur Memorial Day Parade is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. sharp. As is tradition, the parade will line-up on Rock Island St. (in front of Dunkin’) in Gouverneur, starting at 9:30 a.m. All marching bands, marching units, local clubs, local businesses and civic organizations are welcome to participate in the parade. American Legion Post 65 Commander Jason Carvel told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that he has received confirmation that the Gouverneur Wildcat Marching Band, Civil Air Patrol, Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, Gouverneur Rescue Squad, Gouverneur Fire Department, local dignitaries, among others will be participating in the Memorial Day Parade. Coffee and donuts will be available for all parade participants starting at 8 a.m. at the James Maloy American Legion Post 65, 163 E. Main St., Gouverneur.

The Gouverneur Memorial Day Parade will start at 10 a.m. sharp, turning right onto East Main St. (Route 11) in Gouverneur and traveling past the Gouverneur Village Park, over the West Main Street (Route 11) bridge over the Oswegatchie River where the U.S. Navy Remembrance will be the conducted. The parade will then turn left on Hailesboro St. to the Riverside Cemetery where the Gouverneur Memorial Day ceremony will be held.

American Legion Commander Jason Carvel confirmed to the Gouverneur Tribune Press that the guest speaker will be Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Joseph Grimsey of the 91st Military Police Battalion, Fort Drum, NY. The Civil Air Patrol will escort the special guests during the presentation of ribbons.

Following the Gouverneur Memorial Day observance at Riverside Cemetery, all North Country community members and visitors in attendance will be invited to the James Maloy American Legion Post 65 for a free luncheon.

For more information about the Gouverneur Memorial Day observance, call American Legion Commander Jason Carvel at 315-877-2411.

Hydrant flushing notice

The following is a public service announcement from the Village of Gouverneur: The Village of Gouverneur, Department of Public Works, wishes to inform residents that hydrant flushing will be done during the day, from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm Wednesday, May 24, 2023 and then again from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm on Thursday, May 25, 2023. Residents may notice a loss of water pressure and a slight discoloration of the water. While the water is safe to drink, residents are encouraged to hold off on doing white laundry. Thank you for your cooperation and we are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any further questions, you can contact the Department of Public Works at 287-0110.

Polling Location Reminder: Gouverneur voters cast ballot at Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center

by Rachel Hunter

Gouverneur voters are reminded that the Gouverneur polling place is the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center, 4673 NY-58, in Gouverneur.

The St. Lawrence County Board of Elections recently mailed out reminders to local residents, detailing information about the 2023 Primary Election and General Election and related information. The notice also tells each voter’s jurisdictional information, party affiliation, election district, and polling place.

A few Gouverneur voters have reported that they were directed to cast their ballots in the Town of DeKalb. Gouverneur voters are encouraged to look at their polling place reminder card. If the polling place reminder card says DeKalb, voters need to the St. Lawrence County Board of Elections at 315-379-2202 to correct their polling place.

The St. Lawrence County Board of Elections has announced the Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 27, and polls will be open, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Early voting is being held June 17 to 25. The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 7, and polls will be open, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Early voting will be held October 28 to November 5.

Information about polling places, early voting sites, and more is available at www.votestlawrence.org. If you are interested in serving as an election day worker, need an absentee ballot application or voter registration forms or have other questions, contact the Board of Elections at 315-379-2202.

Town, village boards hear about Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza success

by Rachel Hunter

The success of the Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 1 was recognized at the Town of Gouverneur Council and the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees meetings this month. Over 1,000 plastic eggs were filled with candy and toys by volunteers, and were hidden at Riverview Recreational Park in Gouverneur for local youths to locate. The event was made possible due to generous support from local businesses and community members and the hard work and dedication of the Gouverneur Recreation Department, the Riverview Park association, and in partnership with the Gouverneur Community Center.

“It was a huge success,” Gouverneur Recreation Department Director Casey Canell said.

Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. commented, “The Easter Egg Hunt was great. We had almost 200 kids register, but the way the tickets were given out, we could only give one ticket per family. We had 16 gift baskets to give away. I’m going to say we had 500-600 people there easy. We put out 1000 Easter eggs, and they were gone in 10 minutes. It was a nice day. It really worked. The sun shined. It was a little cold, a little windy, but what a great event. It was wonderful to see everybody.”

Town of Gouverneur Highway Superintendent David Perrigo said, “My kids loved it.”

Supervisor Spilman then extended gratitude to Riverview Park association Treasurer Jennifer Link who organized the event alongside Gouverneur Recreation Director Casey Canell. Supervisor Spilman also served hot cocoa and popcorn to the youths in attendance alongside other duties in the Gouverneur Community Center to make the event a success.

“It all worked out well,” Supervisor Spilman said. “It’s going to be bigger and better next year… that’s what I heard from both Jen and Casey. We’ll see what bigger and better brings…” There is much anticipation to see this community event return in 2024.

Gouverneur Recreation Director Casey Canell also submitted the following report detailing the activities of the department in March 2023:

The Before-School Morning Program is held weekdays at the Gouverneur Elementary School, and is hosted in partnership with the Gouverneur Central School District. The enrichment program features early morning wake-up activities, interactive social play, arts and crafts, and breakfast. The highlights this month included kids kindness recognitions and innovative activity stations.

The After-School Program – Recreation Center STEAM Studio – which focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, arts, and Math for students in grades 2-4 (Monday and Wednesday), and UPK-1 (Tuesday and Thursday). Bus transportation from the school is provided by the Gouverneur Central School District. Program highlights include recreational opportunities exploring STEAM field, theme days and guests with fine arts appreciation, gaming stations with tournaments, and interactive social play. The highlights this month included the St. Patrick’s Bash and Spring Theme Celebration.

Toddler Town continues on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The recreational preschool playgroup program features interactive socialization, music and art with a story and snack, and active play. This month’s highlights included Leprechaun Fun Day with Parent & Me Social.

The Senior Citizen Program featuring a bingo and coffee social is held on Friday mornings, featuring food bingo games with socialization. All area seniors are welcome to join. The highlights in March featured the Luck of the Irish Bingo Blast.

In other related business, Director Canell reported that the Gouverneur Recreation Department had submitted the Recreation Department’s annual report and grant funding application to the St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau.

Director Canell also reported that the Missoula Children’s Theatre Performing arts Week would be held July 24 through July 29 in the GHS auditorium. This year’s production will be Cinderella. Registration will begin on May 1. All those interested are encouraged to call the Gouverneur Recreation Department at 315-287-0524.

Volunteers asked to lend elbow grease to cemetery clean-up efforts

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Cemetery Association’s Cemetery Clean-Up will be held on Saturday, May 6, starting at 8 a.m. at the Riverside (William St.) and East Riverside (Outer Grove St.) cemeteries in Gouverneur.

All volunteer assistance from around the North Country community is gratefully accepted. Volunteers are asked to bring supplies such as gloves, rakes, chainsaws, and more to assist with the clean-up efforts after the long winter and in advance of the Memorial Day holiday. The annual cemetery clean-up is an ideal opportunity for local students and other community groups to get in their community service hours. In past years, the event has drawn 4-H members, FFA members, scouting troops, sporting teams, National Honor Society, and other groups. All support is welcomed.

Organizers told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that hot dogs and refreshments will be served to the volunteers during the annual cemetery clean-up.

The Town of Gouverneur Highway Department and Village of Gouverneur Department of Public Works loaders will also be on site to help with the clean-up efforts.

To learn how you can help with the Gouverneur Cemetery Association’s Annual Clean-Up or for more information, call Donna Besaw at 315-287-2991.

Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Application Deadline Is April 30

The Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary is pleased to announce that scholarship applications are now available.

The Auxiliary recognizes and honors the service and dedication of four deceased members: Peg Hanlon, Betsy Deuval, Della Evans and Janet Storch. Scholarships in their honor are awarded annually to students pursuing a career in a medical or health related field. These scholarships memorialize the efforts of these community women who worked tirelessly to provide care and comfort to those in need. The scholarships are funded by the Auxiliary on an annual basis and the awards are discretionary, depending upon the qualifications of the candidates and the availability of funds.

To be eligible for this scholarship, an individual must be a high school graduate who has successfully completed at least one semester of college and reside in the Gouverneur Hospital service area. This area includes the Towns of Fowler, Antwerp, Edwards, DeKalb, DePeyster, Harrisville, Hermon, Macomb, Richville and Rossie. Consideration may also be given to current Gouverneur Hospital employees who live outside of the service area. Applicants must apply for the scholarship on an annual basis.

A committee of Auxiliary members will select the award recipients. Criteria for selection includes career interest, financial need and academic achievement.

Applications are available from Valerie Graves at Gouverneur High School Guidance Office [phone: (315) 287-4914]; Lori-Anne McCormick at Gouverneur Hospital [phone: (315) 261-5750]; or Janet Melillo, Auxiliary member [phone: (315) 222-8738].

COMPLETED APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY APRIL 30, 2023.

Swatting hoaxes hit local schools

by Rachel Hunter

St. Lawrence County Sheriff Brooks Bigwarfe reported on Thursday, March 30 that swatting hoaxes had hit area schools – including Gouverneur Central School District. The threats of violence were unfounded.

Gouverneur Central School District Superintendent of Schools Jacquelyn Kelly reported that the threat was only made toward a “high school.” So the Gouverneur High School was placed in a hold-in-place. The other buildings had a police presence, but were not placed in a hold-in-place. “Thanks to quick action by our administrative team, our SRO, and our local law enforcement officials, who were immediately on the scene, the building was secured so faculty, staff, and students were safe,” she said. “The threat was deemed non-credible and the building was cleared by law enforcement.” The students were later returned back to normal activities and the Gouverneur Central School District continued to have a police presence in and around the school buildings throughout the day.

Supt. Kelly sent a letter to district families on March 30, which said the following: “Dear Gouverneur Families, this morning, March 30, several area school districts, including Gouverneur, Potsdam and Canton, have received unfounded threats of violence.

“According to law enforcement, these identical messages did not target any specific building or person(s). This act is a crime, known as swatting, and is a harassment technique that involves calling in an emergency police response against an innocent target. There have been several more of these "swatting” calls made throughout the region. At this time, the Gouverneur Central School District has been cleared by law enforcement and the threat was deemed non-credible. Students and staff are safe and back to normal activities.

“As always, the safety of our staff and students is our highest priority. As a precaution, families throughout the region may notice an increased police presence at schools following these unfounded threats. We strive to work collaboratively with our communities to keep everyone safe. I would like to remind our students, staff and families that if you see anything out of the ordinary in or around our school buildings please inform us. This is an important way that can help keep our communities safe. Thank you.”

Supt. Kelly also addressed the topic at the GCSD Board of Education at its meeting on Monday, April 3, which was held in the Gouverneur Middle School cafeteria.

“I’d like to take a moment tonight to thank our local law enforcement agencies for their response to the swatting call that was received last week,” she said. “As you likely know, on Thursday, March 30, several area school districts, including Gouverneur, received unfounded threats of violence. This was an example of swatting.

Swatting is a criminal harassment tactic used to deceive an emergency service, such as a 911 dispatcher, into sending a police or emergency service response team to another person’s address. In this case, the police were sent to the Gouverneur High School. Both the Gouverneur Police Department and the New York State Troopers were on the scene immediately. I’d like to thank them for their quick response and continued support. I’m thankful to have such great support and know that the safety of our students and staff is not only our top priority, but it is also the top priority of local law enforcement agencies. Thank you for all that you do to keep our students and staff safe.”

Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education President David Fenlong said, “Thank you very much. I couldn’t have said it any better myself. Nice job, appreciate you recognizing them. It’s a great opportunity here at the board meeting to recognize those people for all that they do for us.”

The very next morning, Tuesday, April 4, the Gouverneur Central School District went on a two-hour delay in response to an email bomb threat, a hoax that was directed at several area schools in addition to schools across New York State. The Gouverneur Central School District was later cleared by law enforcement. The New York State Troopers, along with a K-9, and the Gouverneur Police went through each district building. The buildings were all cleared and the threat was deemed non-credible, and students and staff were safe to come to school on the two-hour delay schedule.

The following message by Supt. Kelly was distributed to District families: “In response to the email threat that we received this morning, April 4th, the District worked with the New York State Troopers and the Gouverneur Police Department to complete a thorough sweep of our buildings, including the use of trained police dogs, to ensure that they are safe for our staff and students. At this time, police have deemed the threat is not credible and we have been cleared to resume all normal operations. Incidents of this nature are unsettling for staff, students, families, and the community at large. While these hoax messages are often not credible, I would like to assure you that the health and safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. As a result, you may notice an increased police presence at our schools. As a district, we strive to work collaboratively with our communities to keep everyone safe. I would like to remind our students, staff, and families to inform us if you see anything out of the ordinary in or around our school buildings. I would also like to express sincere appreciation to the New York State Troopers and the Gouverneur Police Department for their prompt response and commitment to helping us keep our school community safe. Please contact my office if you have any questions or concerns.”

As a precaution, families throughout the region noticed an increased police presence at schools following these unfounded threats. The unfounded threats of violence caused school delays or closures at area schools. Also affected were BOCES, Hermon-DeKalb, St. Lawrence County Head Start Program, Edwards-Knox, and Morristown. There were reports of similar threats at schools across New York State on Tuesday morning, and is considered to be another example of swatting.

NY-21 Congresswoman Elise Stefanik released the following statement following “swatting” calls reporting fake active shooter and bomb threat claims to schools in Upstate New York and the North Country. “The soulless criminals who committed these shameful and cowardly illegal acts must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I thank our local and state law enforcement who are working to investigate these threats, so perpetrators will be swiftly brought to justice.”

The next meeting of the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.gcsk12.org.

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.