Local Veterans Day Observance to be held Monday

by Rachel Hunter

The local Veterans Day observance will be held this Monday, November 11, 11 a.m., at the Memorial Arch, in the Gouverneur Village Park. The Gouverneur community is invited to join in paying tribute to the military veterans of this great country. A luncheon will follow at the James Maloy American Legion Post No. 65 at about noon.

Unofficial election results released

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Community Center served as Gouverneur’s polling place during the 2019 General Election. For the first time, voters used a stylus to sign their name on an electronic pollbook before casting their ballots. Pictured, voter waits to recei…

The Gouverneur Community Center served as Gouverneur’s polling place during the 2019 General Election. For the first time, voters used a stylus to sign their name on an electronic pollbook before casting their ballots. Pictured, voter waits to receive a ballot. (Curran Wade photo)

The unofficial election results came in after the polls closed at 9 p.m., and were released as follows by the St. Lawrence County Board of Elections:

In the contest for Village of Gouverneur Mayor, incumbent Ronald P. McDougall pulled away with the lead, receiving a total of 266 votes (125 Democratic, 141 Republican) over People’s Choice Candidate George Harder, who received 215 votes.

Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall (right) stands with Village of Gouverneur Trustees (from left) Rick Wood and Shelly Simons-Washburn at the campaign watch party, held at the Casablanca Restaurant in Gouverneur on Tuesday, November 5. All so…

Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall (right) stands with Village of Gouverneur Trustees (from left) Rick Wood and Shelly Simons-Washburn at the campaign watch party, held at the Casablanca Restaurant in Gouverneur on Tuesday, November 5. All sought re-election to their current elected seats. (photo provided)

The contested race for two trustees to fill seats on the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees, the top vote-getter was incumbent Shelly Simons-Washburn with 375 votes (168 Democratic, 207 Republican), followed by incumbent Richard J. “Rick” Wood with 360 votes (157 Democratic, 203 Republican), and People’s Choice Candidate Scott Hudson with 165 votes. There were two write-in votes.

In the Town of Gouverneur, voters re-elected David L. Spilman, Jr. as Town of Gouverneur Supervisor. As the sole candidate, he received 625 votes (231 Democratic, 394 Republican). Voters also re-elected Stanley H. Young, Jr. as Town Justice with 629 votes (224 Democratic, 405 Republican). In the contested election for two councilpersons to fill seats on the Gouverneur Town Council, the top vote-getter was Jay L. Bowhall with 596 votes (225 Democratic, 371 Republican votes), followed by incumbent Jaimee McQuade with 485 votes (194 Democratic, 291 Republican), and Steven Jackson with 171 votes. There was one write-in vote cast.

Town of Gouverneur Supervisor David Spilman, Jr. stands with Town of Gouverneur Councilwoman Jaimee McQuade at the campaign watch party on Tuesday, November 5 at the Casablanca Restaurant in Gouverneur. Both sought re-election to their current elect…

Town of Gouverneur Supervisor David Spilman, Jr. stands with Town of Gouverneur Councilwoman Jaimee McQuade at the campaign watch party on Tuesday, November 5 at the Casablanca Restaurant in Gouverneur. Both sought re-election to their current elected seats in the 2019 General Election. (photo provided)

In the Town of Fowler, voters elected Ricky W. Newvine as the new Town of Fowler Supervisor. The sole candidate, he received 314 votes (96 Democratic, 218 Republican). In the contested election for Fowler Town Clerk, Tami L. Gale (currently appointed to the position) received the most votes (283) over Democratic challenger Melissa M. Tuttle (64 votes).

Randy Durham was re-elected to the position of the Town of Fowler Highway Superintendent with 290 votes (89 Democratic, 188 Republican, 13 Conservative). There also were two write-in votes cast. Voters also elected Phyllis M. Shaw (151 votes) and Kathleen M. Besaw (269 votes) to the two open assessor positions. As well, voters elected Jeffery A. Andrews (280 votes) and Karen M. Simmons (275 votes) to the open Town of Fowler Council seats.

In the Town of DeKalb, voters re-elected John M. Frary as Town of DeKalb Supervisor with 314 votes (135 Democratic, 179 Republican), and Barbara Creazzo as Town of DeKalb Clerk with 264 votes. Town of DeKalb voters elected Wayne Holland as the new Town of DeKalb Highway Superintendent with 285 votes (255 Democratic, 30 DIR). In the contested election to fill two seats on the Town of DeKalb Council, the top vote-getter was political newcomer Andrew Fenton with 246 votes (210 Democratic, 36 NEW), followed by Constance J. Elen with 194 votes (160 Republican, 22 Conservative, 12 Independent), and incumbent Rae Ann Davis with 165 votes on the Democratic line.

In the Town of Clifton, voters elected John G. Dragun as Clifton Town Justice with 112 votes (56 Republican, 56 Democratic). There were two write-in votes. In the uncontested race for the two seats on the Town of Clifton Council, John Russell received the most votes (100), followed by Julia Lanphear (94 votes). There were also four write-in votes.

In the Town of DePeyster, Brian Hicks was the top vote-getter for Town of DePeyster Justice. There were 39 write-in votes cast. In the uncontested election to fill two seats on the Town of DePeyster Council, Daniel Chamber was the top vote-getter with 103 votes (22 Democratic, 81 Republican), followed by Leslie Hargrave with 86 votes on the Republican line. There were seven write-in votes cast.

In the Town of Edwards, Frederick J. Finley was re-elected as Town of Edwards Justice with 96 votes (77 Democratic, 19 Open Government). Michele D. Robillard (102 votes) and Jeffery D. Shippee (87 votes) were re-elected to their seats on the Town of Edwards Council.

In the Town of Fine, voters cast their ballots to fill two empty seats on the Town of Fine Council. The top vote-getter was Carlton Cheyenne Kerr (149 votes), followed by Jeremy E. Thompson (133 votes). There were also eight write-in votes cast.

In the Town of Hammond, voters cast their ballots for Theodore P. Elk (138 votes) and James C. Pitcher (161 votes) to fill two seats on the Town of Hammond Council.

In the Town of Hermon, Michael J. Perry, Sr. was elected Town of Hermon Supervisor with 201 votes on the Democratic line. In the contested race for Town of Hermon Clerk, Karen A. Wayering received the most votes (186; 181 Republican, 5 GRA) over Democratic challenger Jessica M. Love with 94 votes (90 Democratic, 4 SUN). The contested election for Town of Hermon Highway Superintendent, there was a tie. Robert E. Reed (DEM, FUL) and Brian Brunet (REP, CON) both received 145 votes. In the contested race for Hermon Town Justice, the top vote-getter was Heather Robinson Boyce with 139 votes on the Democratic line over Chris Valez with 136 votes on the Republican line. In the uncontested race to fill the two seats on the Town of Hermon Council, voters cast their ballots for Bernard F. Reed, Jr. (178 votes) and John Reed (177 votes).

In the Town of Macomb, voters elected Steve Burke as the Town of Macomb Supervisor with 153 votes (106 Democratic, 47 Independent). There was one write-in vote cast. In the uncontested race for Town of Macomb Clerk, incumbent Jessyca Cardinell was re-elected to the position with 190 votes on the Republican line. There were three write-in votes cast. In the contested race for Town of Macomb Highway Superintendent, the top vote-getter was Bill Law with 137 votes (132 Republican, 5 BET), followed by John Simmons with 59 votes (50 Democratic, 9 Independent), Donald L. Bayne, Jr. (29 votes), and Aaron Cardinell (12 votes). There also were four write-in votes cast. In the contested race for the two open Town of Macomb Council seats, the top vote-getter was Richard L. Youngs (153 votes), followed by Bret Martin (134 votes), and Shawn Clark (109 votes).

In the Town of Morristown, James T. Phillips, Jr. pulled ahead in the contested election for Morristown Town Justice with 227 votes (174 Republican, 28 Conservative, 25 Independent) over Arik G. Turner who received 221 votes. There was also one write-in vote. In the race to fill two seats on the Town of Morristown Council, the top vote-getters were Republican candidates David VanArnam (324 votes) and Gary B. Turner (279 votes), over Conservative candidate Ethyn Moquin (210 votes).

In the Town of Pitcairn, the top vote-getter in the Supervisor race was Clyde W. Sam Frank, Jr. with 106 votes on the Republican line over Democratic challenger Nancy J. McIntosh’s 69 votes. In the uncontested race for Town of Pitcairn Clerk, Rebecca J. Moore received 156 votes on the Republican line. In the contested race for Town of Pitcairn Highway Superintendent, the top vote-getter was Jerry McIntosh with 99 votes on the Democratic line, followed by Rod Moore with 66 votes. Lawrence Evans (98 votes) and Ann M. Hall (103 votes) were elected to fill the two Town of Pitcairn Council seats. In the uncontested race for Pitcairn Town Justice, the sole candidate Rick Bearor received 153 votes on the Republican line.

In the Town of Rossie, Harry E. Turnbull was re-elected as Town of Rossie Supervisor with 68 votes on the Republican line. Lynn A. DeCondo was re-elected as Town of Rossie Clerk with 68 votes on the Republican line. Voters cast their ballots for Alwin H. Fleming for Town of Rossie Superintendent of Highways. There was one write-in vote cast. In the uncontested race for the two open Town of Rossie Council seats, voters cast their ballots for Michael Moroz (42 votes) and James T. Mandigo (44 votes). There were two write-in votes cast.

In the Town of Russell, voters cast their ballots to decide who would become Town of Russell Supervisor. The top vote-getter was Timothy White with 276 votes (234 Republican, 26 Conservative, 16 Independent), followed by Michael Perry with 211 votes (199 Democratic, 12 PRO). Voters re-elected Tess Eells as Town of Russell Clerk with 454 votes (175 Democratic, 279 Republican). In the contested race for Town of Russell Highway Superintendent, Larry White pulled ahead with 279 votes (266 Democratic, 13 PRO), followed by Franklin H. Mackin III with 219 votes (210 Republican, 9 ROA). In the uncontested race to fill two seats for Town of Russell Council, the top vote-getter was Charles Kerr with 373 votes (180 Democratic, 193 Republican), followed by Tomorrah Nezezon Averill with 283 votes (263 Democratic, 20 PRO). There was one write-in vote cast.

In the Village of Rensselaer Falls, voters re-elected Michael Hammond as mayor with 33 votes on the Democratic line. The two seats on the Village of Rensselaer Falls Board of Trustees will be filled by Jolene LaSiege (31 votes) and James Blackburn (29 votes).

St. Lawrence County voters also cast their ballots for a new county clerk. The top vote-getter was Sandy Santamoor, current Deputy County Clerk, with 10,282 votes (8,355 Republican, 1,227 Conservative, 700 Independent) over her Democratic opponent Janet Otto Cassada who received 6,472 votes (5,928 Democratic, 544 WOR).

The sole candidate for St. Lawrence County Sheriff was Brooks J. Bigwarfe, who received 14,014 votes (10,304 Republican, 1,809 Conservative, and 1,901 Independent). He will replace current St. Lawrence County Sheriff Kevin Wells of Gouverneur who is set to retire at the year’s end. There were 47 write-in ballots cast.

St. Lawrence County voters also cast their ballots for four State Supreme Court Justice (4th Judicial District) candidates. The top vote-getter was James E. Walsh with 10,156 votes, followed by Dianne N. Freestone with 9,159 votes, Rebecca A. Slezak with 9,020 votes, Michael R. Cuevas with 8,957 votes, Julie A. Garcia with 7,202 votes, and Michael Violando with 5,787 votes.

These election results are unofficial, and do not include absentee ballots. To see complete results, visit stlawco.org.

Second Annual Gouverneur Trunk or Treat to be held Oct. 25

by Rachel Hunter

The Second Annual Gouverneur Trunk or Treat, sponsored by the Community Health Center of the North Country and Seaway Valley Prevention Council, in partnership with the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association and Gouverneur Central School District, will be held on Friday, October 25, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds.

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

This is a free community event, and all are invited to attend.

Seaway Valley Prevention Council and the Community Health Center of the North Country hope that the Gouverneur Trunk or Treat will be a fun, family-friendly way to get the word out about what services are available for people dealing with substance use issues.

The idea originated with the Seaway Valley Prevention Council who in partnership with the Massena Drug-Free Community Coalition held a successful Trunk or Treat at Massena High School in 2017, drawing in hundreds of costumed children. Piggybacking on this rousing success while seeking a fun, engaging way to spread the word in the local community about the services available to those with substance use issues, SVPC and CHCNC thought the best way would be to bring a Trunk or Treat event to Gouverneur in 2018. The inaugural event was a rousing success with hundreds of costumed youth participating.

Recalling the fun, Gouverneur-area families are already anticipating this year's event. The Second Annual Gouverneur Trunk or Treat has been announced at the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees meetings and the Town of Gouverneur Council meetings the past couple months. Town of Gouverneur Supervisor David Spilman, Jr. said he gave out over 1,500 pieces of candy last year, and is hoping to distribute double that number this year. All are encouraged to check out all of the decorated trunks while at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds.

The Second Annual Gouverneur Trunk or Treat is still looking for individuals, community organizations, and businesses to decorate a trunk and hand out treats on Friday, October 25. Organizers also encourage wellness-focused agencies to join, distributing healthy alternatives to candy and other items of interest to the costume youngsters in attendance. As of press time on Tuesday, there were 41 trunks registered. For more info or to register a trunk, call Ray Babowicz of the Community Health Center of the North Country at 315-386-1156 ext. 8311, or call SVPC at (315) 713-4861 or email jbrock@svpc.net.

The Second Annual Gouverneur Trunk or Treat will be handicap accessible, allowing it to be a safe, secure alternative to trick or treating in the local community for people of all abilities. Make plans to join the free, family-friendly fun on October 25, 5:30 to 7:30 at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds.

Town of Gouverneur keeps tax rate hike under tax cap

by Rachel Hunter

Town of Gouverneur taxpayers will see a slight increase in the tax rate in 2020, according to the tentative town budget. The tax rate will be $3.80 per $1,000 assessed value for property owners in the Town of Gouverneur and $3.10 per $1,000 assessed value for property owners in the Village of Gouverneur. Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. said that this increase is under the two percent tax cap.

The following tentative budget was released at the Oct. 8 town board meeting.

The $2,216,616 budget calls for $715,079 to be raised by tax. This includes $441,964 (general fund), $212,345 (town highway fund), and $60,770.

The following preliminary 2020 Town of Gouverneur salary schedule was released as well: Supervisor ($10,506), Deputy Supervisor ($550), Bookkeeper ($25,300), Town Councilmen ($13,028 total/$3,257 per councilman), Town Clerk ($32,000), Deputy Town Clerk ($11,700/975 hours at $12 per hour), Town Justices ($40,126 total/$20,063 per town justice), Court Clerk(2) ($58,240/$29,120/ 40-hour week at $14 per hour), Assessor ($15,000), Data Clerk ($4,000), Attorney ($5,000), Cleaning Service ($3,120), Highway Superintendent ($55,725), Historian ($500), Highway Employees ($21.69 per hour), Code Enforcement ($12,190), Code Enforcement – Shared Services ($12,000), Planning/Zoning Secretary ($600), Clerical – Board of Review ($600), Board of Review (5) ($50 per meeting attended), and Dog Control ($9,850 ($5,000 DCO/$4,850 Pound).

The Town of Gouverneur also held a public hearing on Local Law No. 2 of 2019, allowing for an override of the tax cap. The local law was later adopted by the town board during regular session.

The public hearing for the 2020 budget will be held on Thursday, November 7, 6 p.m., in the town offices building.

St. James School welcomes family support coordinator

Family Support Coordinator Karley Wake (photo by Jessyca Cardinell)

Family Support Coordinator Karley Wake (photo by Jessyca Cardinell)

by Jessyca Cardinell

St. James Catholic School recently welcomed a new position into its staff, as it recently added a family support coordinator.

Karley Wake began her position at St. James along with St. Mary’s in Canton. She is alternating between the two schools, offering a great new opportunity for families to have extra support.

Mrs. Wake, who is originally from Harrisville and recently moved back to the area, has two children including a daughter who is in second grade at St. James.

“My hope is to help strengthen families and offer support for families and help them navigate the different systems. This includes the St. James Parish as well as the greater Gouverneur community. School is a huge part of a child’s social life and it’s important for families to be involved in what their children are doing,” said Mrs. Wake, who recently sent a survey home for families to fill in out in hopes of being able to help their specific needs and get to know them each individually a little better.

Mrs. Wake will be working on family-focused events to bring families out and together. The preschoolers will be able to sign books out in the month of October, as they have previously not been able to do so. For Thanksgiving Mrs. Wake is working on organizing a dinner for the families of the school to enjoy together. There will be a Family Book Club which the community as a whole will be able to be involved in.

“In October we will have a Parent’s Night Out event, which is an opportunity for parents to have child care provided so they can enjoy a date night together. For single parents this could mean a self care night,” said Mrs. Wake, excited for the opportunity this will provide parents.

Mrs. Wake has extensive experience and educational background, as she received her bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University and her Master’s Degree from The University of Kentucky.

She previously worked as a vocational counselor at Credo in Watertown and prior to that as Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation in Ohio.

“I saw an ad listed on Indeed for this position and I was on the fence about applying for it because I wasn’t sure I was ready to go to work with a small child at home. I put in my application just before the deadline and got the phone call,” said Mrs. Wake, about how this job opportunity presented itself to her.

Congratulations to Mrs. Wake on this fantastic position and opportunity to work so closely with these Catholic schools and the communities in which they are located.

GCSD Board of Education addresses recent incidents on district school buses

by Jessyca Cardinell

Within a span of a week, there have been two reported incidences of violence among students on Gouverneur Central School buses.

As reported in last week’s edition of the Gouverneur Tribune Press, two Gouverneur Middle School students – white girls, ages 10 and 11, have been charged after allegedly assaulting a 10-year-old black schoolmate inside a Gouverneur Central School bus.

On Tuesday, September 10, the Village of Gouverneur Police Department received a complaint from a concerned parent who reported that her 10-year-old daughter had been physically assaulted and at the same time, subjected to racially motivated language on the school bus. During the physical assault, the victim suffered a blackened right eye caused by being punched in the eye, the loss of hair after getting her hair pulled, and a bruise to her right knee after falling backward into the school bus seat as a result of the victim’s hair being pulled.

The Gouverneur Police Department also identified an adult, Tiffany N. Spicer, 28, of 183 River Rd., Edwards, who is employed by First Student as a bus monitor, and in part, responsible for the safety of the students who ride the bus in which Spicer is assigned, who was witness to the assault carried out upon the victim, but did not make an effort to stop and/or prevent said behavior. Spicer was charged with three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child on September 23, 2019 and released in appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Gouverneur Court at a later date.

The juveniles have been charged each with one count of Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree. The 11-year-old juvenile has also been charged with and additional count of Assault in the Third Degree- Hate Crime. The juveniles and their parents have been referred to St. Lawrence County Probation for further action.

Upon hearing of this incident, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sept. 25 directed the State Division of Human Rights to investigate the alleged hate crime.

"I am appalled by the reports of the horrendous, 20-minute racist assault on a 10-year-old African American girl in the town of Gouverneur,” the statement reads. “That this was allegedly perpetrated by her own classmates, on a school bus with an adult monitor present, makes this incident even more shocking and troubling. When we put our children on the bus to school, we are entrusting others with our most precious resource and this was an egregious and inexcusable violation of that trust.

"In the face of the recent rise in hate crimes and discriminatory acts, this summer I signed legislation that expanded the authority of the New York State Division of Human Rights to investigate incidents of discrimination in public schools, including on school buses. I am directing DHR to open an investigation into this heinous act immediately, and, if applicable, to take legal action to the fullest extent of the law against the perpetrators. I am also directing the State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to provide local authorities with any resources needed to assist in their investigation.

"In New York, violence of any kind towards others based on their race or religion is not only offensive and repugnant to our values, it is illegal. We will never allow hate to win - we will defeat it and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to help ensure all our children are safe from hate."

A few days later, on Sept. 27, WWNY-TV received a report from Southwest Career and Technical Education Center Principal Lori Sheffield that New York State police were investigating an incident on a Gouverneur Central School District bus which involved two scholars being shocked by an electric shock device. The incident allegedly occurred on Sept. 26 during the 11:30 a.m. bus run from Gouverneur High School to the BOCES center in Fowler. It was reported that one student had an electronic shock device and that two students willingly participated in being shocked by the device. Sheffield told WWNY-TV that all students involved were dealt with according to the school’s discipline code, as the devices are not allowed on school property.

These incidents on Gouverneur Central School buses have raised many concerns in the community, and the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education made a public statement at their regular meeting held Monday, September 30.

GCSD Board of Education President David Fenlong began the meeting addressing these concerns as follows: “The recent incidences have come as a shock to the community. I too have boys in this school district. As a parent and school board member, I’m left feeling a number of emotions just like yourselves.

“Neither hate nor violence has any place around us, not in our district, not in our school and not in our community. It is true, Gouverneur was written on the side of those buses, but what happened on those buses was not Gouverneur. It never has been and never will be. Hateful acts are dangerous and disturbing and are very disruptive, so keep this in mind, this incident does not define our school. It will test our culture and our climate but our response will be our true measure of our character. We take all instances like this in this nature very seriously, as well as the safety of every scholar and every staff is our first concern.

“We also take very seriously both student misconduct and privacy. We are following all legal guidelines to do this correctly. It is a complicated balance and our administration does a fantastic job of balancing both needs. Our children including my own get on those buses every single day and we trust they will get to school and home safely. We realize this trust is in question, we are very sorry for what happened.

“We will do everything we can to restore your faith and our ability. We have standards and a policy and a commitment to our scholars, families and communities we serve. Our expectations are firm, high and are very clear. One of the reasons we exist is to intervene in those situations where people cannot defend themselves and need help from someone who can make a difference. We will take every opportunity to remind ourselves who we are, why we are here and what it means to be a Wildcat,” said Mr. Fenlong as to what the school district is doing to handle the situations and the expectations that are in place.

“As the Board President I am committed to the belief that our district is recognized, not only for celebrating diversity of all kinds but for encouraging and welcoming it. We will continue to strive for this standard because accepting anything less than 100% in this area will be deemed unacceptable. Our hope is to collectively wrap our arms around these incidences and issues to stop them from ever happening again,” said Mr. Fenlong.

Mr. Fenlong stated that a strong partnership between administration, staff, families and community members is important in these instances from happening, as one person alone cannot handle its enormous impact.

“I do regret having to make this statement and I want to emphasize the actions from a small group should not damage the reputation we’ve all worked so hard to build. The landscape for events like this to happen is busying. Stay vigilant, watch for signs, words, phrases, behaviors and actions. If you see something, please say something,” said Mr. Fenlong on how to take action on such matters.

“We believe in our scholars, we believe in their limitless potential, we believe in their hopes, dreams and aspirations. We are committed doing everything we can to make them a reality for every single one that wants to graduate as a Gouverneur Wildcat. We stand for equity and excellence for a greater path opportunity and limitless power of public education. We applaud the reason our employees come to work every single morning. We believe in the potential of all scholars. As a district and community, we will continue to pursue conversations about what we can do to seek better understanding, compassion and sensitivity for each other. We look forward to ongoing conversations and action, as we continue to use these conversations as another opportunity to learn and create a culture of unwavering inclusion because that is the right path moving forward. We will push ourselves and the result will be worth it. Thank you,” said Mr. Fenlong in conclusion.

Mr. Fenlong went on to open up the first public comment period of the board meeting.

Cheryl Hay, a community member, stood before the school board with a thought-provoking question.

“My understanding was that there was a young man who was on the school bus that aided in helping the young girl get off the bus without any further punishment or whatever you would like to call it. I wondered if this young man was going to be recognized for that?” asked Mrs. Hay, who stated that upon reading that she felt compelled it showed there are a lot of good kids out there. She expressed how impressed she was with this young man’s actions.

Superintendent of School Lauren French was able to answer Mrs. Hay’s concern.

“Mrs. Hay, he has been recognized privately by several different individuals. I do not know if the parent wanted it to be public or not,” Mrs. French said. “But he has been recognized privately.”

There were no other comments made concerning the incident. There is a video also available of President Fenlong’s statement created on www.wevideo.com for anyone interested in viewing. It was shared on the GCSD Wildcats Facebook page. As of press time on Tuesday, the video had already received over 1,500 views.

Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival a smash hit

by Rachel Hunter

The 2019 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival was a smash hit this past weekend at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds. This was the eighth annual event, presented by the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association and the Gouverneur Area Chamber of Commerce.

It was also sponsored by RSI Roofing Co., Gouverneur Garden Club, Aubuchon Hardware, Community Health Center of the North Country, and Peace of Mind Home Inspection Services.

The giant pumpkin weigh-off contest was won by the sole entry, a 435-pounder grown by Lyle Hotis of Gouverneur. Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair directors used a crane scale to determine an accurate weight. Festival-goers saw the giant pumpkin drop from a tremendous height during the Second Giant Pumpkin Drop on Sunday, September 29. Mr. Hotis also grew at 285-pounder that was used for the First Giant Pumpkin Drop on Saturday, September 28.

The crowd watched in amazement as the giant pumpkins were lifted by a RSI Roofing Co. crane, operated by Barry Turner of Gouverneur (who has volunteered his time since the inaugural Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival to make the event a success).

On both Saturday and Sunday, a giant pumpkin was released by the pull of ropes handled by various fair directors. In mere moments, the eyes of all the people in attendance went wide as the giant pumpkin smashed into smithereens on the landing below. Pumpkin, water, and numbered golf balls then flew all over the grounds.

Over 700 tickets were sold this weekend for the Giant Pumpkin Drops. Each entrant took a number, corresponding to a numbered golf ball that was put into the giant pumpkin before the drop. The top three golf balls that travelled the furthest were then determined, and the winners announced. Big cash payouts were promised, and the local winners were not disappointed.

The winners of the First Giant Pumpkin Drop were as follows: The top prize ($300) went to Wesley Besaw of Gouverneur, whose ball travelled 85 feet, 3 inches. The second prize ($200) went to Claudia Moulton whose ball travelled 62 feet, 1 inch. The third prize ($100) went to Courtney Hays, whose ball travelled 57 feet, 6 inches.

The results of Second Giant Pumpkin Drop will be released once they are made available to the Gouverneur Tribune Press.

The winner of the 2019 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival’s Guess The Pumpkin’s Weight Contest was Art Mason of Brier Hill. He guessed 437 pounds on Mr. Hotis’ pumpkin, which weighed in at 435 pounds.

William Stamper of Russell won the drawing for the Gouverneur Area Chamber of Commerce’s basket raffle.

The winner of the 50/50 raffle drawing was Manny Laso of Canton, who won $61.

The 2019 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival was complete with a wealth of fun activities and events for both the young and young-at-heart.

On both Saturday and Sunday, vendor displays and a craft show was held outside on the Gouverneur Fairgrounds and inside in the 4-H youth building. Many people commented that they were impressed by the number of vendors participating this year.

On Saturday, the auxiliary to Silas Wainwright Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6338 held its Second VFW Auxiliary Annual Freedom Festival. Members were there to provide information about the various programs that they do throughout the year to support veterans, auxiliary members and local youth. All were invited to stop by and learn about scholarship programs the Auxiliary supports and sponsors locally, the VFW National Home for Children, this year' special project (America's VetDogs), and to find out eligibility requirement to join the VFW Auxiliary.

There was entertainment offered both days inside the FFA Building with appearances by the Matune Creek Band and Steelin’ Country. Many toe-tapping country and bluegrass hits were performed for the audience’s enjoyment.

Children were also invited to “ride the Cow Train,” a free ride that was created with the help of students at Southwest Career and Technical Education Center in Fowler. It had its first Pumpkin Festival appearance in 2018.

The Gouverneur Recreation Center also brought a variety of children’s activities for all to enjoy, including the following: crafts, a scavenger hunt, carnival games, Pumpkin Plinko, and much more.

Local children also enjoyed playing on the bounce house, obstacle course and huge slide that was on site during the entire 2019 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival.

Many also enjoyed the wagon rides around the Gouverneur Fairgrounds, made possible by Bango Valley Percherons in Richville.

Food vendors – Mullins, Cotton Candy N More, and Nibble’s Snackery – were on site both days.

On Saturday, the Gouverneur Garden Club held its annual mum and bake sale to the great enjoyment of the various festival-goers. More plants and baked goods were available for sale on Sunday. The booth also featured a raffle for a framed painting by local artist, Nancy Holdstock of Gouverneur. The results of this drawing will be announced once they are made available to the Gouverneur Tribune Press.

The Fourth Annual Ripathon Fitness Event was held on Sunday morning at the Giant Pumpkin Drop Area. A worship service, conducted by the First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur, drew dozens of local residents to the Gouverneur Fairgrounds, and it was held in the new cattle barn.

About 200 chicken barbecue dinners were sold at noon on Sunday. The chef-in-charge was Fair Director Dave Bishop of DeKalb, who was assisted by many other fair directors throughout the morning hours.

A Pumpkin Cruise-In Classic Car Show drew many car enthusiasts to the Gouverneur Fairgrounds on Sunday, September 29. See related story inside this edition.

Face painting and temporary tattoos were available to all the children in attendance, due to the generous sponsorship received from the Community Health Center of the North Country.

All proceeds from the 2019 Gouverneur Pumpkin Fest were directed towards the building maintenance fund for the fairgrounds.

First Presbyterian Church Pastor Richard Mayforth retires

Pastor Richard Mayforth and wife Fran all smiles as they are celebrated by their church family and close friends at the Casablanca in Gouverneur. (photo by Jessyca Cardinell)

Pastor Richard Mayforth and wife Fran all smiles as they are celebrated by their church family and close friends at the Casablanca in Gouverneur. (photo by Jessyca Cardinell)

by Jessyca Cardinell

The Rev. Dr. Richard Mayforth made the decision to retire from his position as the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Gouverneur after 10 years of service.

Church members, family and friends gathered at the Casablanca Restaurant in Gouverneur on the afternoon of Sunday, September 22 to honor and celebrate the pastor who has given so much to his church and community.

There was delicious food and great conversation, as many were able to share stories and experiences with the pastor over the last decade.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the great people of this church,” said Pastor Mayforth of his time with the church.

Although Pastor Mayforth was with the First Presbyterian Church for 10 years, he began his pastoral services in the year 1960. A 1957 graduate of Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois, he continued his degree work graduating from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1960 with a Bachelor of Divinity degree. He received his Doctorate of Ministry in 1989.

“I felt the clear call of God on my life to become a pastor,” said the Rev. Mayforth on becoming a pastor, which he has enjoyed for so many years.

As he retires, the pastor is keeping his plans simple and enjoyable.

“I plan to spend time with my family and friends, as well as with nature. That is something I really enjoy and don’t get to do enough,” Pastor Mayforth said.

Many expressions of best wishes were extended to the Rev. Dr. Richard Mayforth on the occasion of his retirement.

The gorgeous cake that was devoured by the guests of the luncheon celebrating Pastor Richard Mayforth's 10 years of pastoral services at the First Presbyterian Church in Gouverneur. (photo by Jessyca Cardinell)

The gorgeous cake that was devoured by the guests of the luncheon celebrating Pastor Richard Mayforth's 10 years of pastoral services at the First Presbyterian Church in Gouverneur. (photo by Jessyca Cardinell)

Legislator tells town board about sales tax discussion

by Rachel Hunter

St. Lawrence County District 5 Legislator Henry Leader (R-Gouverneur) talked to the Town of Gouverneur Council at its Sept. 10 board meeting on the issue of the potential renegotiation of sales tax apportionment to municipalities. The matter was discussed at the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators’ full board meeting on Sept. 9.

“There is a lot of discussion about the sales tax,” Legislator Leader said. “The background is: Counties were enabled by New York State to collect sales tax because Medicaid expenses became a shared expense between the counties and the state. And so in 1965, effective 1966, because of that they said, “Okay counties, you can collect sales tax.” In and around 1965, the then-county board of supervisors agreed to let the municipalities share the sales tax. And so local governments could get about 50 percent of its sales tax. That would have included the City of Ogdensburg. And then there was an additional 1 percent sales tax in 2012, and as you know, they agreed to split that 1 percent with the county and with the towns and with the City of Ogdensburg.

“So, everything seems pretty good, but what happens was this year, New York State decided to end its responsibility for aid to municipalities payments, the AIM funding. So, out of the 44 towns and villages, I think 36 were affected and it is going to add another $1 million to the county. This whole background is important because all of sudden why is anybody saying, “Let’s renegotiate. Let’s share the sales tax revenue.” And so there’s members in the Republican party, particularly in the leadership, that want to do different sharings with the sales tax.

“And why do they want to do that? So, last night, we hashed it out pretty heavily and I think the purpose for that is that, even though the county is in good fiscal shape right now, the anticipated costs are coming. The anticipated work for bridges and for roads and other costs that are coming down the line are going to be a burden on the county, and they are concerned that they will be in bad fiscal position within a few years and that they will have to raise the county taxes. And the county does not want to do that. So hence the thought of renegotiating the sharing of the sales tax.

“They know where I stand on this, and I am very loyal to my local municipalities. But I keep an open ear and I listen. So, it may come up, it may not come up, but it is going to be contingent upon Ogdensburg. Out of all of the municipalities, the City is the only real player in this that has the ability to do any type of negotiating or any discussion with how the proceeds are going to be shared.

“And they know that is not going to be real popular with a lot of municipalities that are affected. So it may be a dead issue. I will keep you apprised on everything that happens. There may be a bipartisan push to say that the county would take off the missing money from the AIM, and then just split it like it always did. If that were happening, it would be a little bit of a loss, but it would be miniscule compared to some of the other proposals, and there’s about eight different proposals for sharing that are going to be battled out. That’s a thing to keep aware of.”

Legislator Leader reported that there was to be a meeting Sept. 11 between St. Lawrence County and the City of Ogdensburg. “We’ll see where the City of Ogdensburg is on the whole issue,” he said.

Legislator Leader then continued as follows: “The other significant thing is this is good till 2020, but it is a 10-year agreement, so that could significantly impact things for 10 years. To give credit to some of the county legislators who brought this forward, they are trying to think ahead, they are trying to anticipate what is going to happen. They don’t want to raise taxes. But the other side of it is going to hurt municipalities, and it is going to be a big debt. So really the state is shifting it to the counties, and the counties are trying to shift it to the towns. I would definitely get further input before I made any definitive vote, if it goes that far… and it may not.”

Town of Gouverneur Deputy Supervisor Eldon Conklin then made the following comments: “If Ogdensburg doesn’t, it won’t happen anyway. Ogdensburg is not, in the financial position they are in right now, I don’t think… Besides that, the amount of chargebacks the county keeps shoving on the townships. I have a real problem with the fact that we fund the planning board, but everything we send over there, there is a price tag attached to it. The board of elections, totally funded by the townships… And there’s just so many things that get charged back to the townships already, and now they are talking about taking money away from us. And I don’t know what all these new bypasses or whatever they call them, who is paying for those. I got a feeling…”

“We’ll see it next year in chargebacks,” Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. said.

“They fail to look at this,” Deputy Supervisor Conklin said. “Plus we are in a position that we can’t raise taxes something 1.8 percent, amounting to $6,000 or $7,000... I don’t know how the rest of the board feels, but I am going to fight. I will tell you that.”

“If it comes to that,” Legislator Leader said. “And it may be dead on the vine. I don’t know. But the other important thing is the reasoning behind it. Why are we even distributing it at all? That’s where I inquire to find out what’s going on.”

“The thing they want to think about, these townships have got snowplow contracts with them,” Deputy Supervisor Conklin said. “They might have to all of sudden buy 10 or 12 trucks.

“They are getting some space in Gouverneur very cheaply, for nothing, which is good,” Legislator Leader said. “We have a lot of goodwill with them. And Gouverneur is often praised publicly for everything. But we are pretty good partners to them. So hopefully they will return the favors.”

Supervisor Spilman then said the following: “Well, we’ve had a good relationship with them so far. County Administrator Ruth Doyle is wonderful. She is straightforward. But yeah, this will take a little conversation…”

Legislator Leader then informed all those gathered that he would report any new developments at the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, September 17, 7 p.m., in the municipal courtroom.

During his time for comments, Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall said the following on the matter: “We had a St. Lawrence County Mayors Association meeting on Thursday in Canton… We’ll see how it goes. I think it is too early to brag that we think this is all resolved because it is never resolved until it is all resolved. Of course, it doesn’t take effect until January 1, 2021. Working hard on that and teaming up with the Association of Towns, and that’s a reach out there. I have already had two or three other supervisors reach out to me. Of course, the supervisor of the Town of DeKalb (John Frary) is the chair of the St. Lawrence County Town Supervisors Association.”

No other comments were made on the matter. The next monthly meeting of the Town of Gouverneur Council is to be held on Tuesday, October 8, 6 p.m., in the town offices building.


Bonnie Porter Retires From Gouverneur Hospital

From left: Human Resources Leader Lori-Anne McCormick, Corporate Communications Coordinator Bonnie Porter, and Chief Executive Officer Eric Burch. (photo provided)

From left: Human Resources Leader Lori-Anne McCormick, Corporate Communications Coordinator Bonnie Porter, and Chief Executive Officer Eric Burch. (photo provided)

Corporate Communications Coordinator Bonnie Porter has retired from St. Lawrence Health System’s Gouverneur Hospital after 36 years of service. Along with her current title, Mrs. Porter also served as Community Relations/Practice Manager, Community Events Coordinator, Administrative Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer, Administration Secretary, and Executive Secretary.

Over the past three decades, Bonnie championed the establishment of Gouverneur Hospital, through St. Lawrence Health System, and its $2.5M emergency department renovation and expansion. She supported the implementation of the Pyxis Automated Medication Dispensing System, Telestroke Technology, CPR Chest Compression System, Definition AS64eco CT equipment, 3D Mammography, and mobile on-site PET services. She was essential in helping with accommodations for the Hospital’s new outpatient Substance Use Disorder service line, the addition of detox services, a hospitalist program, and most recently, launching the Hospital’s Planetree initiative of providing person-centered care at all locations of care.

She facilitated monthly Lunch and Learn programs to ensure continuous education was available to the public. She helped organize the Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary’s Annual Golf Tournament, which raised over $11,000 this year. She further helped the Auxiliary by coordinating and overseeing blood drives, and has participated in countless events across the community.

“Bonnie has been instrumental in the Hospital’s growth. Her role in community relations was critical to ensuring the public was aware of new providers and services that were not previously offered in our community,” said Hospital CEO Eric Burch. “She has been an unwavering liaison between the Hospital and our community members and has earned great respect from those with whom she worked.”

Colleagues joined Mrs. Porter for a reception at the Hospital where she was presented with an engraved clock and numerous gift certificates in recognition of her dedication to service within the Gouverneur community.