Town of Gouverneur Council hears building relocation plans

by Rachel Hunter

The Town of Gouverneur Council met on June 30 to hear plans for relocating its 4,200 sq. ft. building to the town’s property at 1227 US-11, Gouverneur.

Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that the building will be set on a foundation at 1227 US-11 in Gouverneur, adjacent to the current town offices building. The new building will allow for increased office and storage space, and for a municipal courtroom on town property. The building was moved from the Gouverneur Central School District Property on Wilson St. toward 1227 US-11 on Thursday June 19 (Juneteenth) by Wolfe House & Building Movers after months of preparation by the Town of Gouverneur. Wolfe plans to return to Gouverneur for the final placement.

At the meeting on June 30, Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. gave the floor to Karl Bender, owner of AOK Engineering, PLLC in Gouverneur, to talk about the project. “The house movers lift the house, transport it over to here. Then we create a ramp for them down into where we want the foundation to be. I am trying to design it so that the final elevation of the finished floor is about four inches higher than the current grade, so that we have no handicap accessibility issues and we will be able to have a sidewalk at four inches and have it sloping away. We’ll end up what we have right here (at the town offices building). That is the depth of it.

“To get the building off from their steel, they have to have a concrete slab. So we first pour a concrete slab. They drive it in, and they crib up their steel and take their dollies away. Once it is there on site, and it is cribbed about eight feet above the concrete slab, we’ll then go in and build concrete masonry units (CMUs) cinderblock piers all the way around it – to match what was over at the school. Then once they are built, the house movers come back, lower the building down and set it onto the foundation. When they do that, they don’t want any of the walls up. They just want the piers, so that they can access all of their beams. Their beams are perpendicular to each other, so they run both the 70’ length and the 60’ length. They need to have full access on at least two of the sides.

“We now have the building down onto the CMU piers. They’ll take out all of their steel, and then we will go in and we’ll infill between each one of the piers on the exterior walls so that we have a full basement all the way around the building. Once that is done, we are then going to go after waterproofing and insulation. The way I am designing it is it is going to have pressure-treated plywood. Then we are going to put a waterproofing membrane on that, and then we are putting rigid insulation after that. We will have the insulation that is required by code, and waterproofing around the whole building.

“I haven’t seen it, but there is a discussion of an artesian well that is capped and underground. In the springtime, there is always a wet spot at that one corner of the parking lot… and we’ll be right near that. So I want to make sure that we have a drainage system. I am going to have roof leaders if we are going to have rain gutters on the new building and we’ll bring all that into a catchbasin and then pump it if we have to, because we don’t have a lot of slope around. Now the building will be done. One of the parts would be thermal and moisture control is that there is a steel frame underneath the existing building. When it was put over at the school, they did the same thing where they kind of buried the steel, and all they had was a piece of plywood between the steel and soil. So, I am wanting it to have it all pressure-blasted, cleaned, primed and painted back so that we know that the steel will survive another 30 or 40 years for us. Then I am trying to have a thermal break so that the steel doesn’t get cold from being in contact with the soil, so that it doesn't get condensation. One of the things with steel is if it is the coldest thing in the room and the room is warm and has humidity, it will condensate on the steel. Yes, you will get mold. But it would have more chance at rust. And it would be cold unless we put thermal breaks to have it so it should now get to the temperature of the crawl space.”

“So the current steel is in good condition?” asked Town Board Member Lory Whitton.

“To the best of my knowledge,” Mr. Bender said. “I have only looked at some of it, but the way that it was in the foundation, there might be a spot or two that needs a little love, but overall it looked pretty good.

“And then we would have the 4,200 sq. ft. building sitting there. I have placed it 15 feet away from the existing building. And I placed it so it aligns with the side door. You would go out that door, out on a sidewalk and right into the front entrance of the relocated building… The next phase would be to renovate the inside to meet the needs. If we run off the current doors, we may be in a situation where they don’t line up for what we want for the inside.”

“I am going to check with Code to see how many doors we need for the capacity of the building,” Supervisor Spilman said. “That building will require two,” Mr. Bender said. “Whenever you have more than 30 people in a building, you have to have two doors. That’s where the assumption would be that we would need two doors…” There was lengthy discussion on the matter.

“How tall is the crawl space going to be underneath?” Supervisor Spilman asked.

“The crawl space is going to be 5’ 4” from the top of the slab to the bottom of the steel,” Mr. Bender said. “The house movers require a five-foot space between the bottom of the steel and the concrete slab as a minimum, and 5’4” runs on an eight-inch block.”

“That gives the guys more room to work in there, and do a better job of putting the heating back in, the plumbing and everything else that has got to be put back into place,” Supervisor Spilman said.

“So the driveway is going to be over here?” asked Board Member Whitton. “Along the fenceline,” Supervisor Spilman said. There was a lengthy discussion on the orientation of the building.

Mr. Bender continued his report saying the following: “I see it going as three separate contracts. The first one would be for the sitework for the excavation and backfilling. The second one would be the concrete and the masonry. The third one would be for the thermal and moisture control. I am breaking those up because of the phases that we have to do. There’s going to be long periods of time between each one potentially. There’s not going to be a steady flow, because the ramp is going to get excavated and everything. The concrete slab is going to be poured. Then the building comes. Then the piers come. Then they lower the building. Then the final walls come in. I was looking to do that, and also so that if we’re under $100,000 per each contract, then we don’t need to do bonding… and bonding would add between 1.5-6 percent to the project.

“Breaking it up requires us to have three contracts, but it will save us at least one percent and might save us as much as six percent. It will also open up the number of people that can bid. Bonding requires a significant financial investment for a company to have bonding capabilities… so we would not have some of our smaller, local people able to bid the job. One of the things we are trying to do is stay local. I live in Gouverneur, and I appreciate the opportunity to be working on my town’s work as opposed to somebody who might be in another town. So I really appreciate the opportunity, but at the same time, we have really great contractors. Gouverneur is blessed with knowledgeable, skillful general contractors. And having that, I think we should be tapping into it. So that is why the three contracts will be done that way.”

“And one contractor may get all three,” Supervisor Spilman said.

“Correct,” Mr. Bender said. “But we’ll have three separate contracts…”

“Do you think that each of those job is potentially less than $100,000 each?” Board Member Whitton asked. “I am hoping,” Mr. Bender said. Discussion continued for several moments on the topic.

In talking about the project, Supervisor Spilman said. “It’s a good investment.”

“The current pricing for a building that size would be around $300 per square foot, so you would be looking at something north of $1.2 million, if you were going to build it,” Mr. Bender said. “And a significant amount of time, probably 8-9 months. And I don’t know if you would end up with as good of a building at the end of it because we wouldn’t be able to afford the building on the higher end. Whereas, here you are going to be able to have the foundation, everything there. Now if you want to do something a little different to the inside, you are going to have monies available. Plus, it is not easy for people to figure out how big a room is without being in the room. So now you can take them over and say: “This is your office.” It should help with all of those kinds of challenges that don’t get answered until after you’ve built it.”

“Are there any other questions?” Mr. Bender asked. “No, we just have to keep moving forward,” Supervisor Spilman said. “I think if we get it out, you are going to see some really good local guys jump right on it.” The Town of Gouverneur will seek bids for the project, and approved advertising for the work needed. There was a lengthy discussion on insurance, specifications, and more before the meeting concluded.

“Moving forward, is there anything we should be concerned about?” Board Member Whitton asked. “Not to my knowledge,” Mr. Bender said. “I didn’t see anything wrong with the building when we were in it before it was moved. I haven’t looked at it since it was moved. But the guys that move it, they move them all the time. And I watched them doing their thing underneath the building, so I don’t think we have any issues. We might get some minor cracks here or there from the movement. But that might be a wall that we are going to cut out anyways. I wouldn’t get too excited about it once it is set, as long as everything is true and level. And when we go after the inside, we’ll do our best to make all those things go away. But I think you are getting a good building for half price, if not less. But again, it is really hard to predict.”

In conclusion, Mr. Bender said the following: “I do appreciate the opportunity to working in my town, so thank you.”

Supervisor Spilman said: “You’re welcome. We are hoping to keep every phase of it (except for the moving) local.”

Much gratitude was extended to Mr. Bender for his report. The next regular monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 6 p.m., in the Town of Gouverneur Offices Building, 1227 US-11, Gouverneur. For more information, call 315-287-2340.

GFD Fireworks Spectacular is July 3

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Department is celebrating 147 years of service to Gouverneur and the surrounding areas by hosting the largest, most spectacular, and longest fireworks held in the North Country on Thursday, July 3 at dusk. The gates will open at 5 p.m. at the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fairgrounds. Admission is a donation to the Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Department.

All North Country residents and visitors are urged to support the local vendors on site, selling items such as pulled pork, Italian sausage, poutine, hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ, pizza, fried perch, fried dough, fresh cut fries, cotton candy, candy apples, cheesecake on a stick, glow sticks, and much more. Also be on the lookout for firefighters selling 50-50 raffle tickets for a Lottery Tree with $200 in tickets and a $50 bill inside. Tickets will also be sold at the GFD tent, and chances are available now at the Casablanca Restaurant in Gouverneur.

This show is only possible due to the generous contributions from local sponsors, including: Four Seasons Storage, Superior Plus Energy Services, Conklin Insurance, Casablanca Restaurant, GS&L, G&R Auto, Northland Veterinary Hospital, KT Contracting, ENI Mechanical, RSI Roofing, Blevins Ford, Cives Steel, MRSLC, Newvine’s Napa, Fun Unlimited, Hill Top Energy, Empire State Mines, Gouverneur PTO, NTC, and Don Peck Auctioneer.

The Gouverneur Fire Department said: “We wish everyone a safe Holiday and Enjoy the Show.”

New GFD Chief reports to town, village boards

by Rachel Hunter

Gouverneur Fire Department Chief Engineer Thomas Haynes gave his first reports to the Town of Gouverneur Council and the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees this month.

Thomas Haynes, a Village of Gouverneur resident, is employed with the Development Authority of the North Country (DANC) as Director of Engineering. He has 10 years of experience in the Gouverneur Fire Department, serving in several officer roles before being elected Chief Engineer in April 2025. Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that Thomas Conklin of Gouverneur served as Chief Engineer for 11 years before stepping down in 2025.

GFD Chief Haynes reported the call stats. For 2025 year-to-date, the department has responded to 172 alarms, 79 (66 percent) were in the Village. At the same time last year, the department responded to 170 alarms, but only 67 (40 percent) were in the Village. “There’s been a little bit of an uptick for the balance of calls,” GFD Chief Haynes said during the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees meeting last Tuesday.

The Gouverneur Fire Department has three new members. Two members are returning after handling family obligations. “It’s great to see,” Chief Haynes said. “They already have all the training. We are showing them the things that have changed since they left, now that they have stepped right back in.”

GFD Chief Haynes also reported: “Pool water season has begun. I want to thank (Department of Public Works Superintendent TJ Simmons). The fill-up standpipe that we use downstairs along with Richville was failing. And the DPW got that replaced just in time for the busy season. So, thank you.”

The Gouverneur Fire Department has also participated in several community events: Memorial Day Parade, Flag Day Parade, St. James School event, Gouverneur Elementary PTO Fun Day.

GFD Chief Haynes also promoted the 2025 Gouverneur Fire Department Fireworks Spectacular, scheduled for July 3, dusk. The Gouverneur Fairgrounds will open at 5 p.m. Donations will be taken at the gates in support of the Gouverneur Fire Department. More details will be reported as they are made available to the Gouverneur Tribune Press. “We hope to see everybody there,” GFD Chief Haynes said.

GFD Chief Haynes also reported on several challenges that the department is seeing. “Number one is the increased cost of equipment, and lead times to get the equipment. Number two, there’s an OSHA regulation that is up for review. They always add some new training requirements or stricter regulations. The State did come out with some funding. When firefighters join, they go and take the initial class. They do receive a stipend from the State. We’ve had a few members receive that. It is a step in the right direction. It will definitely be something to watch for the future.

“And then, the other thing we are seeing… Last year we had 486 calls. Our numbers continue just to tick up. There’s a lot of what we call service calls. If something occurs and they don’t know how to address it, they just call 9-1-1 if something smells weird or if a smoke alarm goes off… We’ll say: “It needs to be replaced.” And they say: “Are you going to do that?” And I say, “Sorry, no, you need to go down to the store and get a new one.” It is a lot of those types of calls. People don’t know what to do, so they call 9-1-1. We show up, make sure it’s safe, but then we turn it back over to them.

“Another kind of hindrance… because most of them are false alarms… but there have been a few incidents, is crash detections on phones. People drop them, and that will set it off. Or just the other day, I found one that had fallen out of a car and was in a roadway. There are a bunch of them that we go to and search the area, and then there’s nothing to find. It just takes time away from people. We have found some of them where it did go off, and we could locate the vehicle. So yeah, we take every one of them serious.”

Words of congratulations were extended to Chief Haynes on his election.

Village Trustee Troy Besaw requested that Chief Haynes provide a quarterly report to the municipal boards.

Village Trustee Floyd McAdam asked about the fire department’s membership. “I believe we have 35 members on the rolls,” Chief Haynes said. “Max capacity is 60. We are always looking for members. If you are looking to give back, we’ll give you as much as you are willing to give.” It was also noted the Gouverneur Fire Department has an Explorer Program for teens interested in getting involved in the firefighting services. Contact the Fire Department at its non-emergency number for more information, 315-287-1537.

Gouverneur CSD awards contracts for capital improvement project

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education at its June 2 meeting awarded contracts for Phase One of the Athletic Facility capital improvement project at the Gouverneur Middle School.

The Gouverneur CSD received, accepted and opened bids for the project on May 20, 2025. The lowest responsible bidders on the contracts are as follows: General Construction (Con-Tech Building Systems, Gouverneur, NY), Mechanical Construction (ENI Mechanical, Gouverneur, NY), Plumbing Construction (Hyde-Stone Mechanical Contractors, Watertown, NY), Electrical Construction (ENI Mechanical Inc., Gouverneur, NY), Sitework Construction (J.E. Sheehan Contracting Corp., Potsdam, NY), Synthetic Turf Field Construction (Chenango Contracting Inc., Johnson City, NY), Resilient Track Surfacing Construction (Astro Turf Corporation, Dalton, GA), Bleachers and Press Box Construction (E&D Specialty Stands, Inc., North Collins, NY), and a Purchase Order for Building Automation Temp Controls Materials and Programming (Day Automation, Victor, NY). The recommendation for the aforementioned awards was made by the Construction Manager, BCA Architects & Engineers.

The Gouverneur CSD Board of Education on June 2 voted to award the contracts as listed. They also resolved that the school district administration, architect, and legal counsel are directed to draft and execute necessary documents to commence construction on the project.

“Very exciting stuff,” Gouverneur CSD Board of Education President David Fenlong said. “We’re looking forward to it. It’s great to see all those local contractors.”

“It is,” Gouverneur CSD Superintendent of Schools Jackie Kelly said. “We are excited,”

There was no further discussion on the agenda item.

In other news:

The Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education held a public hearing at its June 2 meeting to discuss revisions to the district's Code of Conduct. A draft copy containing all suggested revisions to the current Code of Conduct has been posted online for public review since May 13. The purpose of the public hearing is to afford the Board of Education the opportunity to hear opinions from the public regarding the Code of Conduct on school property. There was one comment entered regarding concerns about the interpretation and implementation of the Code of Conduct as written. The revised District Code of Conduct will be recommended to the Board for adoption at its June 16 meeting. Any comments received will be reviewed before that meeting.

The Board, upon presentation and recommendation of Gouverneur CSD Jackie Kelly, adopted the Gouverneur CSD Reserve Plan as presented.

The Board, upon presentation and recommendation of Gouverneur CSD Jackie Kelly, approved a series of personnel items. The Board ratified the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the District and the Gouverneur Administrators Association (July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2029), and authorized the funding of the monies necessary to implement the provisions of the 2025-2029 Collectively Negotiated Agreement.

The Board accepted the Separation Agreement between the District and a non-instructional employee as discussed in a previous executive session.

The Board accepted the request for retirement from Laura M. Streeter (Custodian), effective July 30, 2025.

The Board accepted the request for resignation from Stacie G. Hale (Elementary RN) effective June 27, 2025.

The Board accepted the request for resignation from Sarah E. Stedman (Music Teacher) effective August 31, 2025.

The Board appointed Evan Shampine to the position of Mathematics Teacher in the Math 7-12 academic tenure area for a four-year probationary term, commencing on September 2, 2025.

The Board appointed Bridget Capito to the position of Music Teacher for a three-year probationary period commencing on September 2, 2025. Ms. Capito was previously tenured in another district.

The Board appointed Ethan Bast to the position of Music Teacher for a four-year probationary period commending on September 2, 2025.

The Board appointed Autumn Baker to the position of Elementary Teacher in the Elementary PreK-6 tenure area, for a four-year probationary period commencing on September 2, 2025.

The Board appointed Ashley Morehouse to the position of Elementary Guidance Counselor for a four-year probationary period, commencing on September 2, 2025.

The Board appointed Ellen Lambert to the position of 2.75-hour Food Service Helper, commencing on June 3.

The Board appointed Lindsey Shattuck as a cafeteria substitute for the 2024-2025 school year, pending completion of requirements.

The Board appointed Elementary Summer School Staff as presented.

The Board appointed summer-related service appointments: ESY Speech and Language Therapy (Pam Ault, Megan Johnson) and ESY Occupational Therapy (Megan Morrow, Taylor Marcellus).

The Board appointed Leah Card as Library for the High School Summer School Program.

The Board appointed employees for the Summer Feeding Program: Cook Michelle Blair (Elementary), Cook Nola Scott (High School), Food Service Helpers Laurie Castor (Elementary), Darlene Palmer (Middle School), and Sherry Shattuck (Middle School). Julie Richards was appointed as a substitute for all buildings.

The Board appointed the following Summer Guidance Support: Grace Mashaw (Elementary School), Hunter Hitchman (Middle School), Monica Scott (Middle School), Marcy Tyler (High School), and Jamie DeRuso (High School).

The Board appointed the following Summer Clerical Support: Kelly Harmer (Elementary School), Nicole Cudhea (Elementary School), Cheryl Klimowicz (Elementary School), Katrina Cook (Elementary School), Alicia Porter (Middle School), Bonnie Bates (Middle School), Chelsi Griffith (Middle School), and Amy Barr (High School).

The Board appointed the following Summer Nursing Support: Christine Sitts (RN), Brittaney Fairbanks (LPN) and Natalie Wood (LPN).

The Board appointed Stephanie Plaisted as Summer Instructional Technology Coach Support.

The Board appointed Jessica Cappellino as Summer Instructional Math Coach Support.

The Board approved the appointment of students as substitutes in the Buildings and Grounds department for summer 2025, pending completion of all requirements. They are: Tucker Mussaw, Raine Rumble, Me Cummings, and Isabella Simmons.

Gouverneur CSD Board of Education President David Fenlong extended gratitude to Mrs. Streeter for her 27 years to the District, and noted the loss of Sarah Stedman to the Gouverneur CSD Music Department. He also congratulated all the appointees. “We are thrilled to have all these folks join the Wildcat Team,” President Fenlong said. “We want to thank all of them for choosing Gouverneur.” President Fenlong also recognized the summer program staff for the Gouverneur CSD. “Educators, service providers, librarian, food service, guidance, clerical, nursing, and building and grounds… we couldn’t do any of it without those folks,” he said. “We appreciate all of them and all that they are going to do for our students over the summer months. It is a wonderful opportunity, and we thank all of them for taking part in it.”

Gouverneur CSD Board of Education President David Fenlong then gave the floor to Supt. Kelly to talk about the Summer Feeding Program. “In addition to providing meals at our Summer School Program, the Gouverneur CSD will be providing free breakfast and lunch to all students who are 18 years and under. The meals do have to be eaten at school, and cannot be taken home. But I just want to say that we have very high numbers for our elementary and middle summer school this year. I am hopeful that we are going to see the same kind of numbers for our high school. If students want to come just for breakfast or lunch, it will be served at the elementary and middle school on Tuesdays through Thursdays, July 8 to 14. Breakfast will be from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. Lunch will be from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. At the High School, breakfast and lunch will be served on Mondays through Thursdays, July 8 through August 18. Breakfast will be served from 7:45 to 8:15 a.m. Lunch will be served from 11:15 to 12:15 p.m. We are doing a summer feeding program this year – not only for the kids who are attending, but for the entire community, any children who are 18 and under.”

The Board approved an athletic merger request for Clifton-Fine CSD students to participate on the Gouverneur Girls Track Team at all levels during the 2025-26 school year.

The Board approved an athletic merger request with Ogdensburg City School District to allow their students to participate on the Gouverneur Girls Wrestling team at the varsity level during the 2025-26 school year.

The Board declared a series of items as surplus. This includes a flail mower, air compressor, work table, gym equipment, and a walk-in cooler. It was noted that these are of no value to the District. The recommendation is to dispose by auction or sale.

The Board approved the disposal of a series of obsolete textbooks that were no longer useful or necessary for school district purposes.

The Board approved the recommendation to increase the cost of all a la carte ice cream products in the cafeterias to $1.25, effective immediately. The District said it would make District families aware of the change. Gouverneur CSD Board of Education Member Dr. William Cartwright asked the reason for the change. Gouverneur CSD Business Manager Dale Munn noted that the District is in the middle of a cafeteria audit. “This is the second consecutive time that they have slapped our hand related to this particular item, and not charging enough, such that the particular doesn’t comply,” he said. “Before the end of the fiscal year, we would like to be able to tell them that we accepted their recommendation.” After some discussion, Gouverneur CSD Board of Education President David Fenlong said: “We are not raising the price to make money. We’re doing it to break even. We are losing money on every sale right now.”

The Board had a Policy Review. The first reading included recommendations to revise Policy 1220 (Board Members: Nomination and Election), Policy 3210 (Visitors To The School), Policy 5661 (Wellness), and to delete Policy 1221 (Student Serving as an Ex-Officio Member of the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education). New policies are: Policy 3311 (Notification of Disclosure of Employee Disciplinary Records), Policy 5688 (Maximum Temperature for School Buildings and Indoor Facilities), and Policy 5840 (Artificial Intelligence). The Board will have its second reading and look for its adoption at the June 16 meeting.

The Board will hold the Annual Organizational Meeting on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the Gouverneur High School Auditorium.

The Board approved the contracts for outside service providers: AMN Healthcare (Hayley Murray, Psychologist, July 1, 2025 to August 31, 2025), AMN Healthcare (Hayley Murray, Psychologist, September 2, 2025 to June 26, 2026), and AMN Healthcare (Amy Williams, Psychologist, September 2, 2025 to June 26, 2026). It was noted that the services would be provided virtually.

The next regular meeting of the Gouverneur CSD Board of Education will be held on June 16, 5:30 p.m., in the Gouverneur High School Auditorium. For more info about the Gouverneur CSD, visit www.gcsk12.org.

Heroes of Healing: Community Wellness Fair is Saturday

by Rachel Hunter

Rochester Regional Health’s St. Lawrence Region Behavioral Health will host the Heroes of Healing: Community Wellness Fair on Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Canton Pavilion, 90 Lincoln St., Canton. There is no admission cost to attend the event.

The event is being held in recognition of National Mental Health Awareness Month (May 2025). This is the third year that the Rochester Regional Health’s St. Lawrence Region Behavioral Health team has organized wellness fair events. At the inception in 2023, there were events in Gouverneur, Potsdam and Massena. In 2024, events were held in Gouverneur and in Potsdam. This year, 2025, the team will host a single event in Canton. The event offers an opportunity to discover resources, services, and support systems that can empower individuals and their loved ones on their journey to healing, resilience, and well-being.  Engaging activities will be in abundance, including a bounce house, face painting, and food truck. Education will be available on behavioral health, case management, family support, Narcan training, physical therapy, yoga, natural foods, chiropractic care, substance use disorders, and much more.

“The goal has always been for the community to know how many resources are available to them,” said Heather Rich, the Director of Behavioral Health Services and Associate Chief Operating Officer for Gouverneur Hospital. “We want people to know how many resources are available to them. This is a great place for them to come and learn about that. I think too that it is a great place for anyone who wants to get into the field of wellness to come check out who is available… there will be a great array of people to talk to, and see if that is something that you are interested in. And mostly, come have some fun with us. We’ve got some great things for people to do.”

Vendors include: Citizen Advocates, Community Health Center of the North Country, Jefferson County VAC/CAC, MILC, MIT Team, North Country Perinatal Prenatal Council, Healthy Families Program, NRCIL, Office of the Aging, Planned Parenthood, Rural Health Research, NAHEC, Legal Aid, Massena PAL Program, Alzheimer's Association, Private Practitioner - Chiropractic Medicine, Seaway Valley Prevention Council, Statewide Action Council, St. Lawrence County Suicide Coalition, THRIVE, PIVOT, Carthage Hospital Peer Program, North Country Martial Arts, RRH - SLR: Behavioral Health, SUD services, PT services, and more.

The event will also feature a series of attractions, including crafts, face painting, bounce house, and more. A food truck, Street Meats, will also have items available for purchase. The wellness fair has a “hero” theme, and all attendees are welcome to arrive in their superhero costumes. For more information, contact Director of Behavioral Health Services Heather Rich at (315) 261-5639 or heather.rich@rochesterregional.org.

Director of Behavioral Health Services Heather Rich also provided the Gouverneur Tribune Press with the following update on Behavioral Health at Gouverneur Hospital: “Currently at Gouverneur Hospital, I am so excited to announce that we have a new therapist starting on May 27. That will put us up to five therapists, and we’re hoping soon to be able to add a sixth. We are really expanding those services. We continue to have our Substance Use services as well, and our Maternal Wrap-Around program, working with pregnant moms. All those services are in full swing.

“Our peer services continue to be huge. They bridge the gap. Our peers are individuals with lived experience who can go out into the community. They can meet someone at their home. They can accompany them to a doctors appointment or a court appointment. Or they can just meet them at McDonalds for a cup of coffee… They really do just bridge the gap.”

At Gouverneur Hospital, the Behavioral Health clinic sees nearly 400 patients. The Substance Use clinic sees over 150 patients. In the Maternal Wrap-Around program, there are about 38 patients receiving services.

Rich added, “As for Behavioral Health as a whole for the St. Lawrence Region, we continue to expand. We are hiring in Potsdam under our outpatient psych clinics. I think we have hired two more therapists there. Every time we are getting a grant, that is what we are looking at, is to increase those services, because we know that they are so needed throughout the county. We have hired a new medications provider in the Potsdam area. That will be a great thing to further support the community.”

When asked about the future of the Behavioral Health, Rich said the following: “What we are really hoping for the future is to continue to not only advocate for our peer program, but to expand the peer program. We have just really seen the benefit that those peers provide to our program, which then directly impacts the patient population that we serve.”

For more information, visit www.rochesterregional.org/services/behavioral-health.

The North Country community is encouraged to attend the Rochester Regional Health - St. Lawrence Region Behavioral Health’s Heroes of Healing: Community Wellness Fair on Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Canton Pavilion, 90 Lincoln St., Canton. For more information, contact Director of Behavioral Health Services Heather Rich at (315) 261-5639 or heather.rich@rochesterregional.org. The event is free, and the public is welcome to attend.

Memorial Day Observance in Gouverneur is May 26

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Memorial Day Observance will be held on Monday, May 26, 2025. The observance is jointly organized by the James Maloy American Legion Post 65 and the Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338.

Memorial Day originated after the Civil War as a time to honor fallen soldiers. First known as Decoration Day, it began in 1868 when General John A. Logan called for Americans to decorate the graves of those who died in battle. Many communities held similar observances, but it wasn’t until after World War I that the day evolved to commemorate all American military personnel who perished in service. In 1971, Congress officially declared Memorial Day a federal holiday, observed on the last Monday of May. Today, it’s marked with ceremonies, parades, and tributes, reminding Americans of the cost of freedom.

The Gouverneur Memorial Day Observance will be held this Monday, May 26. The parade will form on Rock Island Street (by the Main Street intersection) at about 9:15 a.m. The parade will start at 10 a.m., its path winding through the village’s downtown area passing the James Maloy American Legion Post 65, the Gouverneur Village Park, crossing the Main Street bridge, passing the Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338, before turning left onto Hailesboro Street in Gouverneur on its way to the Riverside Cemetery on Williams Street in Gouverneur. It is estimated that the Memorial Day ceremony will start at about 11 a.m.

The special guest speaker is 1st Sgt. Joseph Beardsley of the 91st Military Police Battalion at Fort Drum. The public is welcomed to attend a Memorial Day luncheon at the James Maloy American Legion Post 65, 163 E. Main St., Gouverneur, following the ceremony at about noon.

James Maloy American Legion Post 65 Commander Jason Carvel confirmed to the Gouverneur Tribune Press this week that local community organizations, clubs, high school marching bands, and others are welcome to join the patriotic parade. The participation list is growing with many interested in joining the observance.

The Gouverneur Wildcat Marching Band, under the direction of Olivia Montagno, will be marching the Theresa Memorial Day Parade (May 25) and the Gouverneur Memorial Day Parade (May 26). The 2025 Gouverneur Wildcat Marching Band’s theme is “Viva la Wildcats” with a medley of songs including "Viva la Vida" arranged by Michael Brown, "HandClap" arranged by Paul Murtha, and "Shut Up and Dance" arranged by Doug Adams. Assistant Directors are Ryan Burt (percussion), Jenneca Cook (honor guard), and Hailey Cook (color guard). The Drum Majorette is Brooklyn Anderson. The Mascot is Sadie Jackson. The band includes the following student-musicians: Elisabeth Bason, Louis Beaver, Kelvin Bice III, Avian Burt, Nathaniel Celley, Julia Cole, Alexis Dake, Gavin Davis, Dallas Doxtater, Kylie Gallagher, Liam Gallagher, Joseph Hernandez, Robert Kulp, Laina Kurdziel, Tyler Markwick, Olivia McDougall, Cruz Pawananon, Lily Scott, Easton Smith, Mason Tribble, Evangeline Veal, and Hannah White. The Color Guard includes: Brooklyn Anderson (drum majorette), Keelee Bice, Rose Cox, Lillian Douglas, Gemma Gagnon, Karissa Hamilton, Courtney Hays, Bella Moran, Braelynn Parsons, Aryana Tarkowski, Kailey Williams, and London Wood. The Honor Guard includes: Kameran Bice, Walton Douglas, Matthew Duprey, Kendra Murdie, Mali Pawananon, Nolyn Tarkowski, Suttyn Tarkowski, and Sadie Jackson (mascot). The Gouverneur Wildcat Marching Band annually opens its season during Memorial Day Weekend. Other dates on the schedule include the following: Flag Day Parade in Gouverneur (June 14), Fourth of July Parade in Morristown (July 4), Jefferson County Fair Parade (July 8), Can-Am Parade in Sackets Harbor (July 19), Battle of the Bands at OFA (July 20) Seaway Festival Parade (July 26), and Carlton Peck Band Day at the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair (July 30).

The North Country community is invited to attend the 2025 Gouverneur Memorial Day Observance, and remember all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great nation. It will be a time to honor the courage and dedication of military personnel, while reflecting on the cost of freedom and the enduring spirit of patriotism.

Reminder: Household Hazardous Waste Collection Saturday in Gouverneur

The Development Authority of the North Country, in cooperation with St. Lawrence County and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, will be sponsoring a free household hazardous waste collection this Saturday, May 17 from 8 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fairgrounds in Gouverneur. This is a new location for this event. Please use the 217 Rock Island Road entrance to the Fairgrounds.

Items such as leftover solvents, pesticides, pool chemicals, oil-based paints, latex paints, and aerosol cans that still have product in them will be accepted, as well as fluorescent light tubes. Empty aerosol cans, motor oil, asbestos, tires, construction debris and explosives will not be accepted. Electronic waste (televisions, computers) will not be accepted, it can be recycled at most county transfer stations. Empty paint cans should be dried out and disposed of in the trash.

In addition, unwanted or unused prescription and over-the-counter medications from residential households only will be collected by law enforcement at the event.

The collection events are open to residential households only; waste will not be accepted from businesses, schools, farms or municipalities.

For a complete listing of what will and will not be accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days, please visit https://www.northcountryrecycles.org/HouseholdHazardousWaste. There you can also find tips on how to dispose of items that will not be accepted at the events.

If you don’t want to wait for the event, or wish to avoid lines, residents can now recycle their unwanted paint year-round through a non-profit organization called Paint Care. Through the Paint Care program, several paint retailers – although not all – in the tri-county area will accept leftover paint for recycling. Check www.paintcare.org for details and locations.

About the Development Authority: The Development Authority of the North Country is a leader in providing regional infrastructure and technical services to municipalities that strengthen communities in Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis counties. As a New York State Public Benefit Corporation chartered in 1985 and based in Watertown, NY, the Authority works with partners to meet the region’s infrastructure needs in water, wastewater, housing, telecommunications and solid waste management, owning and operating water and wastewater lines, over 2,000 miles of fiber network, and a tri-county solid waste management facility in Rodman, NY. Visit the Authority online at www.danc.org or www.northcountryrecycles.org.

Gouverneur CSD Board of Education hears Wildcat News

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education at its meeting on April 29 heard the following Wildcat News report from Gouverneur CSD Superintendent of Schools Jackie Kelly.

“It’s that time of year again, and we are gearing up for our summer school program,” Supt. Kelly said. “Once again this summer, we will be holding in-person elementary and middle school programs. This summer, kids leaving Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 3 will be attending the elementary summer school program at the Gouverneur Elementary School. Students leaving Grades 4-8 will be attending the Gouverneur Middle School. We did this last year, and it was a great opportunity for our fourth grade students to experience the middle school before the school year begins. The program will begin Tuesday, July 8 and end on Thursday, August 14, 2025. Students will be in session from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day, Tuesday through Thursday. Our summer learning program will provide engaging activities to support and strengthen reading, writing, and math skills. Students will also have the opportunity to visit the library and participate in hands-on learning activities throughout their time with us. Please watch for more details to be sent home and available soon.

“At the high school level, I am happy to announce that we will be hosting our very own, in-person, in-house summer school. Session 1 will run from Tuesday, July 8 through Monday, July 28, Mondays through Thursdays. Courses that will be offered during Session 1 include: English, Global Studies, Fundamentals of Algebra, and Spanish. Session 3 will run from Tuesday, July 29 through Monday, August 18, Mondays through Thursdays. Courses offered during Session 2 will include: English, Global Studies, U.S. History and Government, Algebra I, and Geometry. Currently, we are still looking for a Biology and Earth and Space Science Teacher. This program will be offered to surrounding districts, and we will have more details to share with families soon.

“Finally, once again this summer, the District will offer free breakfast and lunch to all students in the community, 18 years old and under. The meals have to be eaten at school, and cannot be taken home. We have seen success with this program over the past couple of years… We are excited for Summer School.”

Gratitude was extended to Supt. Kelly for the report.

“I’m glad that we can continue those services for our students,” Board Member Laura Spicer said.

In other news: The Board approved several personnel items. This includes the following: The Board approved the retirement request from Gouverneur Middle School Special Education Teacher Gina A. Caldwell, effective June 30, 2025.

The Board approved the resignation request from Linda Soto, 2.75-hour Food Service Helper, effective at the end of day on April 28, 2025.

The Board appointed Trenton L. Sullivan to the position of Special Education Teacher for a four-year probationary period, commencing on September 2, 2025.

The Board approved the following substitutes for the 2024-25 school year, pending completion of all new hire paperwork and requirement: Jacqueline Koch (certified tutor), Alexys Becker, Whitney Bush, Drew Jenkins, and Chloe Smith.

The Board approved the appointment of the following current staff to work as institutional tutors for the 2024-25 school year: Robert Dunkelberg.

The Board approved the appointment of GHS Summer School staff, as presented. For Session 1 (July 8 - July 28: Mondays-Thursdays) English 9 - Michelle Fuller, English 10 - Michael Bason, English 12 - TBD (if needed), Global 9 - Colter Whitmore, Fundamentals of Algebra - Kim Reed, Spanish 1 - Emily Bason.

For Session 2 (July 29-August 18: Mondays-Thursdays) English 11 - Michael Bason, Global 10 - Robert Dunkelberg, US History & Government - Robert Dunkelberg, Algebra I - Samuel Sochia, Geometry - Deanna Hughes, Biology – TBD, Earth & Space Science – TBD.

For Sessions 1 & 2 (July 8-August 18: Mondays-Thursdays) Economics & Government - Brandon Griffin, Health – TBD, Special Education - Jill Davis, Teacher Assistant - Tracy Whitton, Teacher Assistant - Wendy Stowell. The Board also appointed Olivia Montango and Bobbie Holmes as substitutes. Also, Bobbie Holmes, Gina White, and Kristen Wallace were appointed for Regents Proctoring and/or Scoring (August 19-20).

In other news: The Gouverneur CSD Board of Education cast their ballot for the three open seats on the BOCES Board of Education – Roger Bennett, Cindy McLean, and Michael Davis.

The Gouverneur CSD Board of Education cast its vote for the adoption of the 2025-26 Administrative Budget for the Board of Education Services in the amount of $9,936,269.

The Board accepted the report of Board of Education Nominating Petitions received as of 5 p.m. on April 21, as presented. A drawing was held at 9 a.m. on April 22, 2025 for the placement on the ballot, witnessed by Tatia Kennedy and Dale Munn Jr. Candidates will appear on the ballot in the following order: Tina French, Lisa McGregor, William Cartwright, and Logan Buckmaster.

The Board declared the following items to be surplus property and of no value to the School District and authorize the Business Administrator to dispose of such items in accordance with Board Policy and in the best interests of the School District: Amco Electric Kiln (recommend to scrap), Max Stepper – Middle School (recommend to scrap), and 1964 Upright Piano (recommend to auction/sell).

The Board approved the request from the Gouverneur FFA Chapter to attend the following overnight trips: FFA State Convention (May 6-9 in Syracuse) and Camp Oswegatchie Summer Camp (June 29 to July 4).

The Board approved the athletic merger request with Canton CSD to allow Gouverneur CSD students to participate on the Canton CSD Varsity Boys and Girls Hockey teams during the 2025-26 school year, per the terms of the Section 10 Athletics Combined Teams Application.

The Board approved an athletic merger request with Canton CSD to allow Gouverneur CSD student to participate on the Canton CSD Boys Modified and Girls Modified and Varsity Lacrosse teams during the 2025-26 school year, per the terms of the Section 10 Athletics Combined Teams Application.

The Board set a public hearing to discuss the annual updates and revisions, if any, to the District’s Code of Conduct. The public hearing will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Gouverneur High School auditorium.

The Board, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools and after review of all information submitted, voted to terminate the probationary employment of a teacher, effective May 31, 2025. It was reported that the Superintendent would promptly notify the employee of the decision.

The Board called for a special board meeting on May 21, 5:30 p.m., in the GHS auditorium. Bid proposals for Phase I – MS Athletic Facility will be accepted until the bid opening on May 15. The Board of Education must approve the award of the successful bid with a tentative construction start date of June 2. The special board meeting has been scheduled to accommodate this timeline.

The next regular meeting of the Gouverneur CSD Board of Education will be held on Monday, May 12 in the GHS Auditorium. The Budget Hearing will be held at 5:30 p.m., followed by the regular board meeting. For more information, visit www.gcsk12.org.

Red Cross Blood Drive in Gouverneur

Gouverneur Hospital is sponsoring a Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Post 6338, 100 West Main Street, Gouverneur. Hours are 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Donors must be healthy, at least 16 years of age, and weigh at least 110 lbs.  Please consider a Double Red donation if you are O Neg, O Pos, A Neg, or B Neg.

Donors can pre-register using RapidPass (www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass). Pre-registration can only be completed the day of the drive prior to arrival. 

Registration can be made online at redcrossblood.org, or by contacting 1 (800) RED CROSS. First time donors and walk-ins are welcome.

Village of Gouverneur raises taxes, water and sewer rates

by Rachel Hunter

The Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees at its April 15 meeting adopted the 2025-26 budget for the fiscal year (June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026). The motion was made by Trustee Troy Besaw, and seconded by Trustee Shelly Simons-Washburn. The motion carried without discussion. All votes were cast in favor.

The Village of Gouverneur has set the tax rate at $12.47 per thousand. “The Village Board as previously discussed to the public has agreed it is necessary to raise taxes for the second time recently due to inflation expenses while still providing the same service to the community,” Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall said. “The rate increase is 1.9% and does not exceed the NYS property tax cap.

“Additionally the Board felt compelled based upon our experience and cost within the past budget year to increase both water and sewer rates by 3.45%.” The Water Rent is set at $90.00 per unit per quarter, and $159.78 per unit per quarter for outside water users. The Sewer Rent is set at $90.00 per unit per quarter, and $154.97 per unit per quarter for outside sewer users.

This year’s “Message from the Mayor” continues as follows: “Several significant factors have impacted this budget,” Mayor McDougall said. “They are inclusive of: The total assessed value for the Village is 116,104,965 representing an increase of 1,449,053.

“Utilities Gross Receipts Tax was increased by $5,000 and Franchise Fees for Spectrum were decreased by $1,000.

“Aim Related Payments revenue budgeted is $41,141.

“Mortgage tax revenue budgeted is $15,000 down $5,000 from last year.

“Anticipated street rehabilitation are scheduled to include Depot, Averell and Scotch Settlement Streets.

“The Town of Gouverneur will be contributing $13,000 towards the Recreation Center expenditures.

“The Town of Fowler will be contributing $1,200 towards the Recreation Center expenditures.

“The NYS Retirement bill for February 2025 was $164,423 for the Employee’s Pension and $140,753 for the Police Pension. This bill also has a savings of $1,182 in Employees’ Pension and $1,012 in Police Pension because it was paid before December 15th

“Workers Compensation budget amount was decreased by $1,000.

“Serial Bonds debt payments including principal and interest represent a total of $398,171.

“The Village is in our sixth year of not having any open Bond Anticipation Notes.

“Fund Balance will be used in all funds to balance the budget. The General Fund will use $100,000, the Water Fund will use $290,000 and the Sewer Fund will use $175,000.

“The Mayor will receive $14,103.00/year, the Deputy Mayor will receive $11,282.46/year and the Board of Trustees will receive $8,461.82/year.

“The general fund has contained monies for the Library, Museum, Senior Citizens Organization, the Gouverneur Cemetery Association, Gouverneur Riverview Park and the Fire Department. The amount of these contracts are as follows: $5,000.00 for the Library, $1,554.17 for the Museum, $746.08 for the Senior Citizens Organization, $3,514.97 for the Cemetery Association, $6,400 for Gouverneur Riverview Park, and $130,554.48 for the Fire Department.

“As in past years, the budget contains specific reserve funds. All reserve funds are necessary for the Village to purchase new equipment, make improvements or undertake repairs that may arise in the future. These funds help us maintain and improve our existing facilities and equipment.

“Sidewalk grant monies are available to homeowners, business owners and landlords. Please contact Rachel Scott in the Village Clerk’s Office for information.

“In this budget there are no planned layoffs. However we do plan on filling an open position in the Gouverneur Police Department in addition to adding a full time Patrolman.

“At this time I continue to serve as Chairperson of the St. Lawrence County Mayors Association. We continue to meet quarterly and discuss many aspects of local Village and City Governments. We also have a great deal of communication and cooperation between the St. Lawrence Mayors Association and the County Townships.

“In shared services we continue to partner with other governmental entities such as NYS, St. Lawrence County, Town of Gouverneur and our School District along with other governmental municipal agencies.

“In the public housing arena the rehabilitation of Phase 2 of Cambray Housing began in earnest at the beginning of last year. I am happy to say that I continue to serve as chair of the Cambray Housing Board. This project was completed in the fourth quarter of this past year.

“In the area of public safety we have established a neighborhood watch activity which is being coordinated by Deputy Mayor Charles Newvine. This past year we have had several meetings and as an outcome the Village has appropriated certain funds along with other pledged donations to install up to 10 security cameras at various Village locations.

“The NYS budget is late again this year. As of this writing (04/04/2025) they have a second budget extender that expires on Monday, April 7, 2025. As many aspects of the budget affects our village it is yet to be determined how much state aid there will be for our budget in general along with various road improvement programs. However, it would appear that there will be significant revenue support in these areas when the state budget is finalized.

“Our local Gouverneur Community Center which has been a successful Village and Town venture continues to be very busy and a great community success story. We continue to partner with the St Lawrence County Meals on Wheels program which serves the greater Gouverneur area and is a much needed program.

“In closing it should be noted that while we still face many challenges that we have seen a significant increase in project applications that are being addressed at the Planning and Zoning Board levels. We have received a number of infrastructure grants in the past year. Also of most significance was an award that was announced for a downtown revitalization project by Governor Hochul on March 14th of this year. It is a significant grant of 4.5 million dollars which will aid in significant rehabilitation of our downtown areas. As we move into this budget year I am still optimistic that better days lay ahead for the Village of Gouverneur. Godspeed and be well my friends.”

The next regular meeting of the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 6 p.m., in the municipal courtroom. For more information, call 315-287-1720.