Destiny Jo S. Hart, 18, of Gouverneur was arrested at 11:50 a.m. on Wednesday, February 1 at the Gouverneur Police Department upon follow up investigation of a January 29, 2017 domestic incident at a Sleepy Hollow Rd. apartment.
Hart was charged with unlawful imprisonment 2nd and disorderly conduct. Hart engaged in a verbal argument with another person that was loud enough to disturb the neighboring apartment.
As the arguing escalated she blocked a bedroom door to prevent the other party from exiting the bedroom and leaving the apartment.
She was issued appearance tickets returnable to the Gouverneur Town Court.
Village of Gouverneur Police Chief Laurina Greenhill announced this and the following police blotter items:
Kyle R. Lashbrooks, 20, of Gouverneur was arrested at 9:02 p.m. on Saturday, January 28 on W. Main St. following a traffic stop. He was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, inadequate muffler, unsafe tires, inadequate stop lamps and operating with no headlamps. He was released on appearance tickets returnable to the Gouverneur Town Court.
Scott A. Hayden Jr., 23, of Gouverneur was arrested at 2:40 p.m. on Sunday, January 29 at the Gouverneur Police Department following investigation of a domestic incident at a Sleepy Hollow Rd. apartment. He was charged with disorderly conduct and animal cruelty. It is alleged he engaged in a verbal argument with another that was loud enough to disturb the neighboring apartment. As he was leaving the apartment he was witnessed kicking a Jack Russell Terrier dog. He was arraigned at the Gouverneur Town Court before Justice Travis Dann and released on his own recognizance to appear at a later date.
Samantha R. Law, 28, of Gouverneur was charged at 8:41 a.m. on Monday, January 30 on Depot St. following investigation of a vehicle and traffic incident on January 29, 2017. She was issued traffic summonses for inadequate headlamp and failure to notify DMV change of address on her driver’s license and vehicle registration. All returnable to the Gouverneur Town Court.
Amy L. Turner, 48, of Antwerp was charged at 12:47 p.m. on Monday, January 30 with passed red light on W. Main Street. Turner was issued a traffic summons returnable to the Gouverneur Town Court.
A 49-year-old Gouverneur man was arrested at 4:22 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31 as a result of mental health pick up order. He was transported to Claxton Hepburn Medical Center for a mental health evaluation.
Friends for Jake benefit had outstanding support
This trio of caring individuals (from left), Robert (RJ) Kulp, Trey D’Agostino and John-Michael Leader served with style and grace as they made way through diners at the Friends For Jake benefit held on Sunday, January, 29 at Mullin’s Restaurant. (Wyman photo)
by Sandy Wyman
It never ceases to amaze one what a community that we have in the Gouverneur area when it comes to showing the best of helping hands and hearts.
That was the case on Sunday, January 29 as an overwhelming crowd showed support for the “Friends for Jake” benefit held at Mullin’s Restaurant that came about through the friendship shown for Jake Ferrick by Trey D’Agostino, Robert (RJ) Kulp and John-Michael Leader.
At their tender ages, this trio well understands that friend Jake, age 8, is fighting a valiant battle against the foe of a rare type of cancer named Stage Four High Risk Neuroblastoma.
Jake has not been able to be at home due to the nature of his treatments and misses most of all after family and home, his school (St. James) and his pals.
With that in mind, Trey, RJ and John-Michael came up with the idea to sponsor a spaghetti dinner to help Jake’s family with expenses incurred while they stay near Jake to provide a sense of home complete with love and comfort during his ongoing treatments.
The eatery on Route 11 south was filled to the brim with diners of all ages plus the takeout part of the delicious dinner, a standby old favorite, was one whirlwind of activity.
The aroma wafted indoors creating an appetite for a laden plate of spaghetti and meatballs, a bowl of tossed salad and rolls served by the dynamic trio afore mentioned.
The pace was well scheduled as meal after meal found its way to satisfy the diners as tables were cleared efficiently in order to welcome more to the dinner tables.
And if the meal was not enough, there was a raffle present plus an awesome bake sale hosted by more friends of Jake from St. James School, who at the time of my visit were Ava Bartholomew and Kenslee Petrie, both stating that business was brisk and steady.
After this reporter made my way throughout the kitchen area, it is most heartwarming to see more than a couple dozen of volunteers behind the scene giving all of their energy and expertise to make this special fundraiser a real tribute, once again, to the helping hands and hearts of a caring community beyond description!
As of deadline time, it was reported that upwards of 400 dinners had been served and came as no surprise as giving to a great cause is one of the most important virtues that anyone can possess.
GTA stands up for the Day of Action
by Brooke Santamont
Members of the Gouverneur Teacher’s Association (GTA) showed solidarity in taking action on Jan. 19 to show their support for public schools.
Co-Presidents Pam Mahay and Brooke Santamont visited each school to support fellow GTA members in showing unity by standing up for recent public education concerns.
The GTA members held up shields to reclaim our schools and to show what they stand up for daily for all students, teachers, and within our community. Many shields addressed slowing down the Common Core, to stop over-testing, addressing the needs of poverty, under funding concerns, and to show the teacher union's apprehension for Betsy DeVos, who is President Donald Trump’s choice for education secretary.
The GTA members wear red every Tuesday to show their support for our public schools!
Here are some examples of the shields that the GTA members created showing what they stand up for daily for local public schools and students! (photo provided)
East Side Elementary GTA members support Take Action Day by wearing red! (photo provided)
West Side Elementary GTA members support Public Education and took action to reclaim focus on our public schools. (photo provided)
The High School and Middle School GTA members came together to support Take Action Day! (photo provided)
Gouverneur Police Chief applauds department for efforts in 2016
by Rachel Hunter
For the calendar year of 2016, the Gouverneur Police Department responded 4,910 calls for service, and made 705 arrests.
The arrests were for offenses in penal law, vehicle and traffic law, mental hygiene law, correction law, ag and markets law, public health law and bench warrants issued pursuant to criminal procedure law, executive law, and the Family Court Act along with miscellaneous offenses.
“In my opinion, our agency should be applauded for our efforts considering we are not fully staffed and given that a police officer is not on duty for approximately 1,560 hours due to that manpower shortage,” Chief Laurina Greenhill said at the Jan. 17 meeting of the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees.
Chief Greenhill also reported the following notable items of the Gouverneur Police Department since the last village board meeting:
The Gouverneur Police Department answered 361 calls for service, wrote eight traffic tickets, and arrested 30 people with a total of 53 charges.
On Dec. 28 and 29, Officer Whitton and a member of the New York State Police shared a transport detail to Ohio to take into custody Joshua Daniels who had been taken into custody by Ohio authorities after fleeing New York. Police investigation determined that Daniels was involved in the connection of several burglaries that plagued the Gouverneur area in recent months. He was charged with five counts of burglary in the third degree, four counts of mischief in varying degrees, five counts petit larceny, and one count grand larceny in the third. A co-defendant, Thomas M. Barbarito, was charged earlier in the month in connection with the burglaries.
On Jan. 9, as a member on the Board of Directors, Chief Greenhill attended the opening of the new session of the David Sullivan St. Lawrence County Law Enforcement Academy. The county chiefs and the county sheriffs spoke briefly to new cadets.
On Jan. 13, Chief Greenhill attended the Child Advocacy Center Multidisciplinary Team Meeting to go over more protocols, and began keys review as part of the ongoing development of a child advocacy center in St. Lawrence County.
Gouverneur Tribune Press adopts 10-digit phone number policy
by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur Tribune Press will begin publishing 10-digit phone numbers in the newspaper, effective February 3, 2017, to help aid in the dialing transition.
New York State regulators announced that 315 had been projected to become "exhausted" in the third quarter of 2010. The New York State Public Service Commission at the time weighed two options: an overlay area code, or a split into two codes. A split would have included a north-south arrangement, splitting Oswego County and the north from 315, or an east-west split, with Oswego and Onondaga forming the boundary. Regulators met to discuss a second code in the 315 region; because of economic conditions, assignable numbers did not run out in the third quarter of 2010 as predicted.
In March 2017, telephone companies will start giving out phone numbers in area code 680, which will cover the same 18-county region as 315.
For most of us, that means one big change:
Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Feb. 11, 2017, we will have to dial an area code for every phone call we make, even local calls within area code 315. Even calls to your spouse or your next-door neighbor. If you don't dial the full 10-digit number, including area code, you'll get a recording telling you to hang up and try again.
For now, you can get away with dialing either seven digits or 10 for local calls. But it's time to start thinking about what you have to do to prepare.
Yes, it's for real this time.
Plans for a second area code have been debated, and vigorously opposed, for 18 years. State senators and other public officials lobbied hard to prevent a second area code, arguing that it would be a big hassle. But the state Public Service Commission finally pulled the trigger on a new area code last year, concluding that it can't be put off again. Area code 680 is definitely coming.
Here are the key dates to remember:
Feb. 11, 2017: Mandatory 10-digit dialing begins. All local calls must be dialed with 10 digits (area code plus seven-digit number) as of this date. If you dial a local call with just seven digits, you will not get through.
March 11, 2017: This is the earliest date for phone numbers in area code 680 to go into service. The new area code will be assigned to new phone numbers. Nobody with an existing 315 number will have to switch area codes.
You can still call 911. You'll still dial just 911 to reach emergency responders. The same goes for other N11 services such as 411, 211, 511 and 811.
Calling rates won't change. Nothing about your phone bill should change as a result of the additional area code. You will continue to pay the same rates for the same kinds of calls.
Some calls will require 11 digits. Most mobile phones and digital landline phones will complete calls if you dial just 10 digits. But on traditional landline phones, you will have to dial 1 plus the 10-digit number to call outside of your own area code.
Start updating your contact list now. Chances are, you have a contact list in your phone that allows you to simply tap a name rather than dial that person's number. If you entered your Central New York contacts without the area code, you'll have to add 315 to the numbers. Once 10-digit dialing kicks in, your calls won't go through without the area code.
Reprogram any automatic dialing equipment you may have. Do you have a home alarm system that automatically dials a local call center when it trips? Do you have dial-up internet service that connects your modem to a local phone exchange? Make sure equipment such as this is reprogrammed to dial the 10-digit number including area code.
Ordering new business stationery? Now is the time to start updating your business cards, stationery, personal checks or other printed materials to add your area code.
Help your children get ready. Teach children and anyone else who needs help how to dial 10 digits.
Friends For Jake benefit to be held on Jan. 29
by Rachel Hunter
A “Friends For Jake” benefit will be held on Sunday, January 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mullin's Restaurant, located at 1180A US Highway 11 in Gouverneur.
The event will be hosted by friends of Jake Ferrick, 8, the son of Jason and Angela Ferrick of Gouverneur – who is fighting against cancer after being diagnosed with Stage Four High Risk Neuroblastoma.
The following update was taken from Team Jake's GoFundMe page, posted November 30, 2016:
“Jake underwent 16 months of cancer treatment at Golisano Children's Hospital in Syracuse. He had extensive chemotherapy for months, radiation treatment, two stem cell transplants, and immunotherapy. He lost a considerable amount of weight. He lost his ability to walk, and he was unable to attend school during his entire first grade year.
“We were so hopeful for the ending scans to show us that all this horrible treatment had taken away this nightmare. Unfortunately, our hopes disappeared when we found out that he still had extensive cancer left in his hip. Jake's doctors told us that they had done all that they could do for him, and he would have to be referred to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, one of the best Neuroblastoma Research hospitals in the country.
“Two weeks later, Jake and his parents were on the way to Philadelphia. While there he underwent a new treatment called MIBG therapy where radioactive medication was infused through his body to hopefully begin a new regimen of cancer therapy. He also had a genetic study of his cancer by taking a small sample of tissue from inside his hip bone.
“Apparently, Jake suffers from a mutated ALK gene which continues to produce cancer cells. The doctors in Philadelphia are putting Jake into a clinical study where he can receive a medication that may be able to turn off this mutated gene. But before he could qualify for the clinical trial, he had to be built up nutritionally. Since he has been unable to eat much during this year and a half of treatment, he has become very thin and weak, so he has just been given a nasogastric tube which will infuse nutrition into his body hourly.
“We are hoping and praying that this clinical trial will be the answer to our prayers and bring our little Jake back to us cancer free and healthy, but it is going to be a long drawn out uphill battle with many trips to Philadelphia starting again on December 4th.
“We have been so blessed to have received both financial and emotional support from our awesome family, friends, and community. The outpouring of love and support has been heartwarming over this year and a half. But, we are afraid that all these trips to Philadelphia will be a huge financial burden to our family in the long run.”
Jake's friends – Trey D'Agostino, Robert (RJ) Kulp, and John-Michael Leader – wanted to help to lessen that burden, and so they decided to organize this dinner with the help of Tina Mullin of Mullin's Restaurant who said she believes God gave them the restaurant so that they can help others.
The “Friends For Jake” benefit will be held on Sunday, January 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mullin's Restaurant, located at 1180A US Highway 11 in Gouverneur. It will feature a $10 spaghetti dinner, and the three youngsters will be the servers. Mrs. Mullin said meals can be split for children in attendance. There also will be take-outs available.
The event will also feature a bake sale (hosted by friends of Jake from St. James).
Everyone interested in attending are encouraged to wear yellow and maroon, Jake's favorite colors.
Those who are interested in donating toward the cause are encouraged to donate gas cards to help alleviate that cost for the Ferrick family.
Pre-sale tickets are available at the St. James office or by calling Mullin's at 287-0063.
Robert (RJ) Kulp.
John-Michael Leader.
Trey D'Agostino.
Congresswoman Stefanik sworn in for second term
On Jan. 3, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) was sworn in to her second term representing New York’s 21st District in the United States Congress. She issued the following statement:
“I am honored to have the opportunity to continue fighting on behalf of our great district,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Over the next two years, I look forward to working in Congress on bipartisan solutions that will help families across the North Country. This new Congress and Administration brings important new opportunities to get our economy growing, rebuild our national defense, and grow opportunities for all Americans. I look forward to working hard on your behalf and I thank you for the opportunity to serve.”
Gouverneur, DeKalb, Edwards proclaim National School Choice Week
by Rachel Hunter
National School Choice Week (January 22-28, 2017) has been recognized and proclaimed by municipalities in the North Country, including Gouverneur, DeKalb, and Edwards.
School choice means giving parents the opportunity to select the best K-12 education environments for their individual kids. These options include traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, online learning, private schools, and homeschooling.
During National School Choice Week, millions of Americans will celebrate these effective education options for children.
National School Choice Week 2017 will eclipse the 16,745 events last year with nearly 4,000 more rallies, open houses, roundtable discussions and other planned events centered on highlighting the virtues of a wide variety of school choice options, from homeschooling to private schools, to online academies and charter schools.
National School Choice Week 2017 will run from January 22-28, just days after New York businessman Donald Trump is slated to be sworn into office on January 20.
President-Elect Trump in November announced he intends to appoint Michigan philanthropist and longtime school choice advocate Betsy DeVos as his education secretary.
“Betsy DeVos is a brilliant and passionate education advocate,” Trump said. “Under her leadership, we will reform the U.S. education system and break the bureaucracy that is holding our children back so that we can deliver a world-class education and school choice to all families.”
DeVos is chairman of the American Federation for Children and board member of other school choice organizations that have supported National School Choice Week.
“The status quo in education is not acceptable,” DeVos said in November. “Together, we can work to make transformational change that ensures every student in America has the opportunity to fulfill his or her highest potential.”
DeVos has a long history of championing private school vouchers and other educational options in Michigan and other states, and helped to found the charter high school West Michigan Aviation Academy in Grand Rapids.
She’s also earned high praises from a variety of influential political leaders, including Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.
“Betsy’s appointment will mean great things for Michigan and for children around the nation as she takes her no-nonsense commitment to empowering parents to the highest levels in Washington,” Gov. Snyder said.
Empowering parents with options for their children’s education is the whole goal of National School Choice Week.
“Every January, National School Choice Week spotlights the millions of students, parents, teachers, and civic leaders who make education options a reality in their own communities and states,” NSCW president Andrew Campanella said.
“With 2017 poised to be a pivotal year for school choice, National School Choice Week will provide an unprecedented chance to celebrate school choice where it exists, and demand it where it doesn’t.”
For more information, visit SchoolChoiceWeek.com.
Northern New York Community Foundation Youth Philanthropy Grant applications due Feb. 1
The deadline for Youth Philanthropy Grant applications is Feb. 1.
The council will evaluate all proposals and have up to $20,000 to award in grant funding this June.
The Youth Philanthropy Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation is accepting grant requests from non-profit organizations for programs, projects or initiatives positively impacting the quality of life in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.
Agencies providing services anywhere within the tri-county area are encouraged to apply.
The deadline to submit a proposal for consideration is Feb. 1.
The Youth Philanthropy Council consists of 14 representatives from three local school districts: Watertown High School, Immaculate Heart Central School, and Sackets Harbor Central School. Over the program’s history, the council has issued more than $90,000 in grant funding and supported more than 50 non-profit organizations located in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.
The Youth Philanthropy Council program is made possible through the generosity of Watertown Savings Bank, Renzi Foodservice, RBC Wealth Management, and annual gifts made to Friends of the Community Foundation Community Betterment Fund.
Non-profit organizations interested in applying for grant funding through the Youth Philanthropy Council may contact council advisors Max DelSignore (max@nnycf.org) or April Fallon (april@nnycf.org) to obtain the program’s grant guidelines.
Proposals should include a general description of the organization and request, the grant amount requested, how the funding will be utilized and the expected impact of the program or project.
Local JCC alumni urged to get free membership
Being a member of the Jefferson Community College (JCC) Alumni Association has never been easier. There is no cost to join or renew an existing membership! Memberships stay active one calendar year, January through December, and must be renewed annually.
Joining the JCC Alumni Association is a great way for alumni to show pride in their alma mater, stay engaged with the college and help create opportunities for other students to realize their dream of earning an education. Plus, there’s an additional perk! Through the Membership Benefits Program, Alumni Association members receive discounts at local businesses. A list of participating businesses is available online.
Jefferson Community College has more than 21,000 alumni working and residing around the world. For more information about renewing a membership, or joining the JCC Alumni Association, call 315-786-2327 or email alumni@sunyjefferson.edu.
Using Environmental DNA to detect invasive species
Along the east coast of Lake Ontario researchers are using a unique tool to detect invasive fish species long before they cause environmental harm.
Known as environmental DNA or (eDNA) this technique uses a process of extracting microscopic DNA cells from water samples, amplifying them and comparing them to known DNA of invasive fish from other parts of the world. This process can detect as little as (one cell) from the target species and the earlier an invasive species can be detected, the more prepared conservationists and stakeholders can be to address them.
According to Rob Williams of the SLELO PRISM “using DNA from aquatic environments constitutes early detection at the molecular level – its gives us a strategic advantage in dealing with an invasive species before the damage occurs”.
Researchers from the SLELO PRISM (St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management) and Cornell University recently collected numerous water samples from Eastern Lake Ontario tributaries and analyzed them for DNA of select invasive species including two native species.
Of the six invasive species researched only one, the Round Goby, was present in all samples tested. Native species were also found in most samples which included Rock Bass and Cisco with the latter still being analyzed.
Williams also stated “invasive species cause damage to our ecosystems very rapidly, early detection is key and eDNA is an excellent tool to help us protect our Great Lakes and inland waterways”.
New York State Police to send recertification letters to pistol permit holders
New York State Police will soon send recertification letters to pistol permit holders.
Any pistol permit issued before January 15, 2013 must be re-certified to the Division of State Police on or before January 31, 2018. The State Police are required to notify these permit holders by January 31, 2017.
Pistol permits issued on or after January 15, 2013 must re-certify within five years from the date of issuance.
The procedure requires the permit holder to affirm that he or she is not prohibited from possessing firearms under state and federal law, and to confirm certain information relating to his or her pistol permit, such as name, current address, and date of birth as well as information about the firearms owned.
There is no fee associated with the process. According to the statute, failure to re-certify shall act as a revocation of the permit.
The website to re-certify is: https://firearms.troopers.ny.gov/pprecert/.
Although the process does not involve the St. Lawrence County Clerk's Office, it was recently announced that computers will be available in the office for permit holders who do not have access to an online system. The office will also have forms available for those who prefer to re-certify by mailing in a hard copy.
If recertification is done online, you will get an email receipt. If pistol ownersrenew by mail and provide an email address, you will receive an email receipt or you can check your status online. For those who re-certify by mail, your next re-certify date will be five years from the date your form is stamped as received.
Those with questions can call 379-2237.
Congresswoman Stefanik votes in support of REINS Act
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) voted in support of H.R. 26, the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, which passed the House on Jan. 5.
“When I visit businesses across the North Country, one of the top concerns I hear about is the negative effects burdensome regulations from Washington have on their ability to grow and create jobs,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “The REINS Act pushes back against overregulation by federal bureaucrats and gives power back to the people by requiring that Congress vote on any major rule or regulation coming from the executive branch. This is a commonsense step for transparent and accountable government that will help grow our economy and create jobs for North Country families.”
H.R. 26 – Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act
The REINS Act would require that Congress vote on any major rule or regulation coming from the executive branch that is estimated by OMB to impact the economy by $100 million or more.
Federal government regulations pose enormous burdens and exert a drag on the economy – one study finds that federal regulations have reduced the annual growth rate of the US gross domestic product (GDP) by 0.8 percent. That means if regulation had been held constant at levels observed in 1980, the US economy would have been about 25 percent larger than it actually was as of 2012.
The pace and volume of federal regulations and rules is increasing – in 2016 alone, the Obama Administration broke all records in printing 97,110 pages, issuing 3,853 rules and regulations in the Federal Register.
Under the REINS Act, Congress would have 70 legislative days to approve a major rule with an economic impact over $100 million (as certified by OMB) and send it to the President for signature, otherwise the rule would not take effect (with process exceptions for national emergencies).
One important result of the REINS Act would be to increase Congress's accountability for the content of ederal legal requirements, fostering more deliberation before the federal government expands its reach into the lives of Americans through added regulation.
Gov. Cuomo announces actions to modernize New York's voting system
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Jan. 8 announced a series of actions to modernize New York’s voting system.
The Democracy Project would allow early voting, and adopt both automatic voter registration and same day voter registration. These new actions will streamline voter registration services, remove unnecessary barriers that prevent participation in elections and increase accuracy within the voting process.
“Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy. This past election shined a bright light on the deficiencies of New York's antiquated election laws and the artificial barriers they create that prevent and discourage voters from exercising this sacred right,” Governor Cuomo said. "These proposals will modernize and open up our election system, making it easier for more voters to participate in the process and helping to make a more fair, more just and more representative New York for all."
Early Voting
This proposal would require every county to offer residents access to at least one early voting poll site during the 12 days leading up to Election Day. Voters will have at least eight hours on weekdays and five hours on weekends to cast early ballots. Counties must have one early voting poll site for every 50,000 residents and the bipartisan county boards of elections will determine the specific location of early voting polling places, subject to standards of accessibility and convenience.
Research shows that work, school, and personal commitments are some of the main reasons voters choose not to participate in elections in the United States. Additionally, early voting leads to shorter lines on Election Day, early detection and correction of registration errors, and greater access to voting. Currently, New York is one of only thirteen states where early voting is not available and an excuse is required to request an absentee ballot. New Yorkers can vote via absentee ballot only if the voter meets certain qualifications such as being absent from his or her county on Election Day or being unable to get to the polls due to a disability.
Thirty-seven states and the District of Columbia already allow voters to cast ballots in person before Election Day. In 2016, the number of these voters who had cast their early ballots by the week before Election Day nearly doubled compared to the 2012 elections.
Automatic Voter Registration
To modernize the voter registration process, the Governor will propose adopting a system implementing automatic voter registration. The new system will streamline DMV services by automatically sending voters’ information used in a DMV application directly to the County Board of Elections. New Yorkers who do not wish to register to vote can simply check an "opt out" box.
Citizens can already register to vote at the DMV, but often face unnecessary, onerous regulations requiring a potential voter to include additional voting information in their application for a DMV service. Paper applications can introduce errors to voter rolls, and inaccurate registrations can lead to voters encountering difficulties at the polls. Automatic voter registration can lead to improved accuracy of voter registration lists, reduced costs, and a more convenient and efficient process for voters and election officials.
Same-Day Voter Registration New York does not currently allow voters to register on Election Day. This proposal would allow New Yorkers to register and vote on the same day so that onerous and counter-intuitive registration deadlines do not prevent New Yorkers from having the opportunity to participate in the electoral process. Thirteen other states and the District of Columbia allow same-day registration, which has greatly increased the accessibility of the democratic process to everyday citizens.Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued the following statement in response to Governor Cuomo’s voting rights proposal:
"As my Civil Rights Bureau detailed in an exhaustive report last month, New Yorkers face some of the highest barriers to voting of any state in the country. There is no good reason New York lags the country, lacking early voting, same day voter registration, and streamlined online voter registration. That's why last month I announced I will introduce the NY Votes Act, which will provide a comprehensive roadmap to fixing our state's broken voting system.
"On Primary Day last year, my office's voter hotline received ten times more voter complaints than anytime in history, with over 1,500 New Yorkers reporting cases of long lines, inaccurate voter rolls, and confusing and inconsistent policies at polling places across New York. That needs to change.
"In addition to the proposals announced by Governor Cuomo today, we must enact changes that support greater voter participation, such as finally consolidating New York's unnecessary three primary schedule to a single day, and making it easier for New Yorkers to vote in the party primary of their choice.
"I commend Governor Cuomo for proposing common sense reforms to our voting system. I look forward to working with Governor Cuomo, the legislature, and everyday New Yorkers across our state to address the systemic problems in New York's voting laws. New York must become a national leader in voting rights by expanding and protecting the rights of all New Yorkers to cast their vote.
"Our guiding principle on voting rights should be simple: any law that makes voting easier is a good law--any law that makes voting harder, is a bad one. I look forward to making that principle a reality this legislative session."
Preservation Grant applications now available
Applications are now available to eligible municipalities and not-for-profit organizations to compete for 2017 Preserve New York and Technical Assistance Grants (TAG), signature grant programs of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and Preservation League of New York State.
A total of $306,678 is available in 2017. This includes $256,678 in funding from NYSCA; $40,000 from The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation for Preserve New York projects in Nassau and Suffolk Counties; and $10,000 for the TAG program from the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor for projects in the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. This amount will be disbursed over two grant rounds, Preserve New York and TAG in the spring, and an additional TAG funding round in the fall.
The application deadline for Spring TAG and 2017 Preserve New York is Monday, March 27, 2017. Guidelines for grants are posted on the League's website. Prospective applicants must discuss proposed projects with Preservation League staff before receiving an application. Contact Erin Tobin, Director of Preservation, at 518-462-5658 x 12 for more information or to request an application.
Preserve New York
The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and Preservation League of New York State (PLNYS), with additional support from The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, are pleased to offer the 2017 Preserve New York (PNY) Grant Program. Preserve New York supports historic structure reports, building condition reports, cultural landscape reports, and cultural resource surveys.
Eligible projects may include but not be limited to: a historic structure report for a historic site; a building condition report for a local library; a cultural landscape report for an Olmsted-designed park; or a cultural resource survey of a downtown or residential neighborhood.
Thanks to the generous support and partnership with The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, Preserve New York has additional funding for not-for-profit applications in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Technical Assistance Grants (TAG)
The New York State Council on the Arts and Preservation League of New York State launched the Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) program in 2012 to support discrete projects that preserve New York State's cultural and historic resources.
Not-for-profit arts/cultural groups and municipalities managing arts/cultural facilities are encouraged to apply. The applicant group may apply for short-term, standalone projects that advance the preservation of historic sites, museums, opera houses and theaters, arts facilities and other culturally important institutions that are located in historic buildings and structures that are open to the public. These professional studies include: building conditions surveys, engineering/structural analyses, feasibility/reuse studies and specialized building conservation studies. Preparation of architectural plans and specifications are not eligible.
Grant amounts will not exceed $3,000 and the total cost of the applicant's project may not exceed $3,500. Each applicant must provide $500 toward the total project cost.
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor will again provide additional support for projects within the Corridor. The Fall 2015 TAG round was the first to benefit from this supplemental funding, and awarded $28,690 to ten projects in ten counties combing in $18,690 from NYSCA and $10,000 from the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
The Preservation League invests in people and projects that champion the essential role of preservation in community revitalization, sustainable economic growth, and the protection of our historic buildings and landscapes. It leads advocacy, economic development and education programs across New York State.
The Preserve New York Grant and Technical Assistance Grant programs are made possible through funding from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
For more information on the Preserve New York grant program, please call 518-462-5658 or visit the League's website at www.preservenys.org.
NYS Police issued more than 33,000 tickets during “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign
State police issued 33,153 tickets statewide during the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, including 40 DWI arrests by Troop B, which covers St. Lawrence County.
The special traffic enforcement period from Dec. 16 through Jan. 1, which also included local law enforcement agencies, was designed to reduce deaths and injuries caused by drunk or impaired driving.
The results for Troop B are as follows:
• DWI arrests: 40
• Speeding: 474
• Distracted driving: 38
• Child restraint/seat belt: 44
• Move over: 9
• Total tickets (includes other violations): 2,192
"Impaired driving is reckless, dangerous and illegal, and we have zero tolerance for it on New York's roadways," Governor Cuomo said. "I applaud the State Police and local law enforcement for their continued commitment to holding impaired drivers accountable to make our streets and our communities safer.”
State troopers arrested 571 people for DWI and investigated 644 personal-injury accidents, which resulted in 898 people injured. Fifteen people were killed in fourteen separate fatal motor vehicle accidents over the course of the campaign.
Troopers watched for distracted drivers, vehicle occupants who were not properly buckled up, and drivers who violated the “Move Over Law,” which requires motorists to exercise extreme caution when passing emergency vehicles that are stopped in or on the side of the road.
Statewide, troopers handed out 11,319 speeding tickets, 1,107 distracted driving tickets, 819 seat belt tickets and 421 move over law tickets. Speeding 11,319.
NYS Department of State adopts new regulations
The Department of State on Jan. 6 announced the adoption of new regulations requiring political consultants to disclose the names of their clients and the public officials who they also work for.
The new rules state that individuals who provide political consulting services to elected officials or persons seeking office, and have clients that do business with New York State government, are required to file disclosure statements twice a year with the Department.
“These new regulations will increase transparency and provide clarity to New Yorkers so they can make more informed decisions on issues that may affect them,” said New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado. “In this era of open government, the public has a right to know what individuals and matters consultants are speaking on behalf of and representing,”
The regulations will go into effect on January 18, 2017.
The new disclosure regulations increase public awareness and transparency by requiring political consultants to identify their clients and describe the services provided.
The final regulations adopted by the Department and related documents can be found https://www.dos.ny.gov/regulations.html.
Publicly available filings will be posted on data.ny.gov
Family Farm Relief Act of 2017 introduced in Congress
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) and Congressman Chris Collins (R-NY-27) have introduced the Family Farm Relief Act of 2017, legislation to move the H-2A Agricultural Visa program from the Department of Labor to the Department of Agriculture to better meet the unique labor needs of farmers and agricultural businesses.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our North Country economy and I am pleased to introduce this important bill to address the labor shortages facing our farmers,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “When I travel the district speaking with our farmers, I often hear about how unnecessary delays in worker visas lead to difficulty meeting production goals. This commonsense legislation simply puts the H-2A agricultural visa program in the hands of those who best understand the specific needs of our farms.”
“The last thing our farmers need is for the federal government to make it harder for them to make ends meet,” said Congressman Chris Collins. “Access to a willing and available labor force is absolutely critical for Western New York’s agriculture community, particularly our dairy farmers. I am proud to join my colleague Congresswoman Stefanik in introducing this common-sense legislation to streamline and improve the H-2A visa program.”
"Immigration reform that allows for both seasonal and year round farm labor has been a longtime priority for New York Farm Bureau. For too long, the federal H2A guest visa program has been cumbersome, prone to delays and too rigid to fit the needs of both farmers and their employees. We thank Congresswoman Stefanik for taking the lead on the The Family Farm Relief Act that will provide real reform and address a critical issue in New York's diverse agricultural community," said David Fisher, New York Farm Bureau President.
The Family Farm Relief Act of 2017 takes practical measures such as allowing visa applicants to fill out H-2A applications on paper or online, requiring a user-friendly online system, and ending burdensome requirements on advertising and prevailing practice surveys.
This legislation also allows farm cooperatives and other agricultural associations to apply for workers for their members, makes the program more workable for dairy and other livestock operations, and requires reporting to Congress if delays occur in the H-2A Visa application process.
Farmer-Driven research evaluates water quality factors and fiber digestion in dairy cows
Water quality is critical to maintain healthy, productive dairy cows. Eighteen farms in the Northern New York region participated in research funded by the farmer-driven Northern New York Agricultural Development Program evaluating the impact of water quality on fiber digestion in dairy cows.
Researchers with the W.H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute in Chazy, N.Y., sampled and analyzed water from participating farms for such factors as minerals, pH, hardness, sulfates, nitrates, and bacteria.
To evaluate how water quality, specifically levels of mineral, nitrate or bacteria, affects dairy cow fiber digestion, the water samples were used to conduct fiber digestion analyses of a variety of forages, including corn silages, alfalfa hay, grass silage, and wheat straw,” says Miner Institute Forage Lab Director Kurt Cotanch.
Previous research conducted in South Dakota has indicated that low water quality, defined as water having mineral, bacterial or other compound levels above a prescribe ‘normal’ range, could decrease fiber digestion.
Other research has shown that high concentrations of sulfur or iron can produce unpleasant taste or odor that may cause cows to decrease water intake and that may result in decreased milk production.
None of the water samples collected for the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program project were of poor quality, Cotanch says.
The results of the fiber digestion analyses in Northern New York indicated a slight positive correlation between sodium and nitrate levels and fiber digestion; a slight negative correlation was found with magnesium and potassium. For example, the digestibility of conventional corn silage was significantly reduced as magnesium levels in water samples increased, while an increase in sodium level showed a moderate increase in the fiber digestibility of some forages, including grass silage.
“Water quality deserves consideration for the nutrients the water can provide in dairy ration formulation, and for potential negative nutritional and palatability factors that could inhibit water consumption. How water quality affects fiber digestion is an area for further exploration,” Cotanch notes.
The report titled ‘Do High Mineral Concentrations in Water Affect Fiber Digestibility, Cow Health and Performance on Northern New York Dairy Farms’ is posted on the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program website at nnyagdev.org.
The farmer-driven Northern New York Agricultural Development Program provides research and technical assistance to farmers in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. Funding for the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program is supported by the New York State Senate and administered through the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Assemblywoman Jenne: New session an opportunity to keep fighting for what matters most for the North Country
Assemblywoman Addie A. E. Jenne, D-Theresa, says she is ready to get to work to continue to fight for economic growth for the North Country, fair education funding policies for local schools and continued access to health care for state residents.
“I look forward to continuing to work on issues that matter to North Country families so that we can make our region and our state stronger and full of more opportunity,” Assemblywoman Jenne, formerly known as Assemblywoman Russell, said following the opening day of the 240th session of the New York State Legislature.
Assemblywoman Jenne said she agreed with Assemblywoman Speaker Carl Heastie’s focus on working on policies to drive job creation, invest in infrastructure, and address income inequality that he shared with lawmakers during his opening remarks to the state Assembly.
She also noted her continued commitment to getting tax relief for working families, creating more good-paying local jobs and providing funding necessary for improvements to aging roads and bridges in a move that also benefits economic development efforts
Assemblywoman Jenne said she believes the challenges facing the state means now is not the time to let the so-called millionaire’s tax expire.
"It is now more important than ever to ensure that everyone pays their fair share. We need to close the gap between the top 1 percent of income earners and everyone else. It’s time we have a fair, progressive tax code that provides relief for those who need it the most, like hard-working North Country families," she said.
Assemblywoman Jenne said she wholeheartedly agreed with Speaker Heastie's call for this to be the year the state sets a timetable for fully funding foundation aid for the state's most economically challenged public schools.
"The state has a legal obligation to provide equity in its school funding policies. This will benefit North Country schools that serve communities with a high percentage of families facing personal economic challenges," she said.
"Our students' access to quality education can not and should not be tied to a community's wealth. Our fore fathers developed a system of public education designed to provide all students, regardless of their economic status, with equal access to a quality education. We have a moral obligation to follow their lead," Assemblywoman Jenne.
She also noted Speaker Heastie pointed out the governor's call for free tuition for SUNY and CUNY students is in line with legislation that has been championed in the state Assembly for years.
"I have long fought to make sure we continue to make sure college remains affordable for families in our state. Free tuition at state colleges is not a novel approach," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
"It is a recognition that we are hurting our state's economic growth by sending so many of our college students into the work world with heavy student debt that limits their spending options as adults," she added.
"It's also an acknowledgement the gap in incomes between those with and those without college degrees has continued to grow wider as we have lost manufacturing jobs in the North Country and around the state and nation," according to the assembly member.
She said two other points the speaker made in his remarks are also issues that she is deeply committed to seeing achieved during the current legislative session.
"It is critical we act quickly to address full state funding of indigent legal services. This unfunded mandate has placed a heavy burden on our counties. The measure was passed unanimously in the state senate and state assembly. We know this legislation was close to becoming law in recent days, and we need to work to make that happen in the near future," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
She said in light of potential changes on the horizon at the federal level it will be important for state lawmakers to pass legislation to ensure state residents have access to affordable health care and safeguard women’s reproductive rights.
“We need to ensure that everyone has the health care they need when they need it, and that they are empowered to make decisions based on what’s right for them and their families, not what a politician dictates,” Assemblywoman Jenne stressed.