Gouverneur CSD Board of Education approves personnel changes

by Rachel Hunter

At its December 8 meeting at the Gouverneur Elementary School cafeteria, the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jacquelyn L. Kelly, approved a series of personnel changes under a consent agenda.

The Board accepted the retirements of Kelly Spencer Ayen, an elementary kindergarten teacher (effective January 9, 2026), and Robert J. Dunkelberg, a social studies teacher (effective June 30, 2026). Resignations were also approved for Ashley Davis, an eight-hour cleaner (effective November 3, 2025); Krystle Cardinell, a six-hour food service helper (effective November 28, 2025); and Kimberly A. Cummings, a 2.75-hour food service helper (effective January 9, 2026).

In appointments, several winter coaches were named, including Hailey Cook as a cheerleading volunteer, Dylan J. Morrison for girls wrestling, Randy Morrison as varsity assistant/JV wrestling coach, Chloe M. Smith and Laney Smith as girls basketball volunteers, and Samuel E. Sochia and Benjamin Hoffman as volunteer assistants for girls wrestling, along with Dillon Stowell as a wrestling assistant volunteer.

Instructional appointments included Maggie E. Murphy as an elementary kindergarten teacher in the PreK–6 tenure area, beginning January 5, 2026, for a four-year probationary term.

Non-instructional appointments included cleaners Shawn Byrne, Hana Smith, Michael Crawn, and Morgan House, all anticipated to start December 9, 2025. Julieanne Koerick was approved as an instructional/support substitute.

Emma McDougall, a SUNY Plattsburgh student, was appointed as a school psychologist intern for the 2026–27 school year under the supervision of Dale R. Munn Jr.

Additionally, the Board approved a leave of absence for Carrie Chartrand from her position as a six-hour food service helper and appointed her as a long-term substitute cook from September 24 to October 7, 2025.

In other news: The Board adopted a resolution granting a partial property tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers.

The Board adopted a resolution approving an easement for utility purposes.

The Board also reviewed and approved the 2025 Tax Collector’s Report, dated December 2, 2025, which detailed a tax levy of $7,208,765 for the 2025–26 school year, with $847,139.75 of the levy remaining unpaid. The Board further approved the 2025 Return of Unpaid Taxes in the amounts of $835,142.53 and $11,997.22, plus any penalties, to be collected by St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties.

The Board authorized several overnight trip requests for the Gouverneur CSD Wildcat varsity wrestling program, including the Windsor Holiday Tournament at Windsor High School on December 29–30, the Bradshaw Invitational at Canandaigua Academy on January 16–17, the Second Annual Windsor Lady Black Knights Invitational at Windsor High School on January 18–19, the King and Queen Bison Invitational at Shaker High School in Latham on January 24–25, and the Lady Legacy Tournament in Homer on January 30–31.

The next regular meeting of the Gouverneur CSD Board of Education will be held on Jan. 12 in the GHS auditorium. For more information, visit www.gcsk12.org.

GHS Drama Club to Present Comedy “The Play That Goes Wrong”

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur High School Drama Club is preparing to deliver an evening of laughter, surprises, and theatrical mayhem with its upcoming production of The Play That Goes Wrong: High School Edition. This hilarious comedy will be staged at the Gouverneur High School Auditorium on Friday, December 12, and Saturday, December 13, with curtain times at 7 p.m.

Tickets will be available at the door, priced at $8 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens, making the show an affordable opportunity for families and community members to enjoy live theatre together.

Originally written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields, The Play That Goes Wrong has delighted audiences on Broadway and in London’s West End with its clever blend of slapstick humor and theatrical chaos. The story follows a drama troupe attempting to stage a classic murder mystery, only to encounter one disaster after another—missed cues, collapsing sets, misplaced props, and actors who struggle to keep the show afloat. The high school edition adapts this award-winning farce for student performers, offering them the chance to showcase both comedic timing and resilience in the face of “everything going wrong.”

This year’s production also introduces something new: a special understudy performance scheduled for Saturday, December 13, at 2 p.m. This matinee will highlight the depth of talent within the Drama Club, giving additional students the opportunity to shine on stage.

The production is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. Guests attending the performances are asked to enter the high school auditorium through Entrance 10, located at the rear of the building.

For more information, visit gcsk12.org.

Village of Gouverneur To Hold Annual, Special Board Meetings on Dec. 1

by Rachel Hunter

The Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees has released its schedule of meetings for December 2025, following decisions made at the Nov. 18 board meeting.

The Board will convene its Annual Meeting on Monday, December 1, at 6 p.m. in the municipal courtroom at 33 Clinton Street, Gouverneur. This yearly session serves as an important organizational meeting for the village, where trustees review appointments, policies, and other matters that set the tone for the year ahead.

Immediately following the Annual Meeting, the Board has called a special meeting to address additional business requiring timely action before the end of the calendar year.

In a change to the regular calendar, the monthly board meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, December 16, has been canceled. Residents should note this adjustment as no further regular sessions are planned until January.

Community members seeking more information about the meetings or village business may visit the official website at www.villageofgouverneur.org or contact the Village Office directly at 315‑287‑1720.

Grace Food Pantry Brings Hope and Plenty to Local Tables This Thanksgiving

by Rachel Hunter

Across the North Country, rising food insecurity has left many families struggling to put meals on the table. In Gouverneur, that need is met with compassion and consistency at Grace Food Pantry, where volunteers open their doors each week to ensure no neighbor goes hungry. For countless households, the pantry has become more than a source of food—it is a lifeline of dignity, hope, and community.

That mission takes on even greater meaning as the holidays approach, when the promise of abundance contrasts sharply with the reality many families face. Thanksgiving is often imagined as a season of plenty, with tables overflowing and families gathered in gratitude. Yet for many in the North Country, the holiday can be a reminder of scarcity. Rising costs of groceries, heating, and medicine force difficult choices, and the warmth of tradition risks being overshadowed by worry.

It is in this moment that Grace Food Pantry steps forward with renewed purpose. Every Wednesday, volunteers arrive with open hearts, filling boxes with nourishing food so that no neighbor is left out of the holiday’s promise of plenty. Fresh vegetables, proteins, and pantry staples are carefully packed, transforming what might otherwise be an empty plate into a meal shared in dignity and hope.

For the families who walk through its doors, the pantry offers more than sustenance—it offers belonging. Each box represents the generosity of a community determined to care for its own. Each smile from a volunteer reminds recipients that they are not alone.

In Gouverneur, true Thanksgiving is not measured by how much we have, but by how deeply we care for one another. Grace Food Pantry embodies that truth, ensuring the season’s spirit of abundance is felt at every family table.

Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that the Grace Food Pantry, 52 Church St., Gouverneur, operates weekly on Wednesday mornings, 9-11:30 a.m., in the basement of the Christian Life Fellowship Church. For Pastor Bob LaVeck, who has shepherded the food pantry for over three decades, the mission is not just to distribute food, but offer hope. The Grace Food Pantry isn’t just feeding people. It’s feeding hope, compassion, and the belief that in Gouverneur, no one is forgotten.

As you walk into the Grace Food Pantry, you are welcomed by friendly volunteers who greet each visitor with warmth and respect. Their role is not only to guide families through the process but to make sure every person feels seen and valued. The boxes they prepare are filled with care and intention: proteins to nourish, vegetables to sustain, cereal to brighten mornings, and gleaned items like bread and yogurt that add a touch of comfort. Each selection reflects the pantry’s mission to provide more than food—it offers dignity. For many households, these boxes ease the burden of choosing between groceries and other necessities like heat or medicine. In Gouverneur, the Grace Food Pantry stands as a reminder that compassion can transform scarcity into hope, ensuring neighbors gather at tables not with worry, but with gratitude and the assurance that their community cares.

Donations are the heartbeat of the Grace Food Pantry. Without them, shelves would grow bare and boxes would shrink. Each gift helps bridge the gap for families struggling to put meals on the table. Throughout the year, thanks to the generosity of the community, the pantry has received frozen proteins, farm‑fresh vegetables, dairy products, and other nourishing staples. Every contribution—whether large or small—becomes part of a collective effort to ensure neighbors are fed with dignity and care. It is this spirit of giving that keeps the pantry’s mission alive, transforming compassion into sustenance and reminding Gouverneur that when the community comes together, no table is left empty.

The Grace Food Pantry not only distributes food but also extends its care by providing donated medical equipment (such as walkers, wheelchairs, and crutches) to individuals in need, helping ease the burden for families facing health challenges. In times of crisis, the pantry also supplies donated small appliances, responding quickly and compassionately to urgent situations. These vital efforts reflect the pantry’s commitment to offering practical help and emotional support, ensuring that neighbors in distress receive both sustenance and the resources to restore comfort and dignity in their lives.

As we look toward Giving Tuesday, the Grace Food Pantry reminds us that generosity is more than a single act—it is a movement that sustains families, strengthens communities, and turns compassion into nourishment. Each donation, whether food, funds, or time, becomes part of a larger story of hope, ensuring that no neighbor is left behind. In Gouverneur and across the North Country, the pantry stands as proof that when we give together, we create abundance where there was need, and we embody the true spirit of the season. To learn how you can get involved in supporting the mission, call Pastor LaVeck at (315) 287-7656.

Town of Gouverneur Honors Veterans with Solemn Silence

by Rachel Hunter

At the November 11 Town Council meeting, the Town of Gouverneur paused for a solemn moment of silence to honor the veterans whose service and sacrifice continue to shape the soul of the community. The gesture, brief but deeply felt, echoed across generations and conflicts, anchoring the town’s civic life in reverence and remembrance.

The observance coincided with Veterans Day 2025, a national holiday that marked the 107th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. Signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the armistice brought an end to one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. In the years that followed, Americans sought a way to honor the peace hard-won and the lives forever changed.

Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday was first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 as a day of reflection and gratitude. It became a legal federal holiday in 1938, and after World War II and the Korean War, Congress—urged by veterans’ organizations—renamed it Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all who had served in the U.S. Armed Forces, not just those who fought in World War I.

Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died in service, Veterans Day celebrates all veterans, living and deceased, who served during wartime or peacetime. It is a day to recognize, as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs describes, “patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”

Town Supervisor Dave Spilman Jr. called for the moment of silence to honor the veterans who gave their lives in service to the nation. It was observed by all those in attendance, including the following: Town Deputy Supervisor Jay Bowhall, Town Councilpersons Curran Wade, Lory Whitton and William Infield, Town Clerk Marion Bowhall, Gouverneur Code Enforcement Officer Rick Wood, Town Highway Superintendent Michael Wainwright, Town Bookkeeper Diane Kelley, and Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall.

“Thank you, everyone,” Supervisor Spilman said.

All attendees stood to deliver the Pledge of Allegiance, marking the occasion with a moment of collective patriotism. Following the tribute, the Gouverneur Town Council transitioned to its scheduled agenda, addressing routine business and community updates with steady focus.

In other news: The Town of Gouverneur has applied for funding through the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) to assist eligible single-family homes located in the Town of Gouverneur. The program is intended to provide assistance to income-eligible homeowners to perform rehabilitation activities that are necessary to help alleviate substandard conditions in their homes. The grants, administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s Office of Community Renewal, are awarded to help preserve affordable housing, support veterans and older New Yorkers, increase access to homeownership, and strengthen local economies. The Town of Gouverneur's Housing Rehabilitation Program has received funding in the past through HUD Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars, administered through the NYS Office of Community Renewal to provide assistance to homeowners for rehabilitation activities necessary to help alleviate substandard conditions in their homes. Only properties that are determined to be substandard are eligible to be assisted under this program. “I hope we get awarded another $400,000 and we can keep helping the people in the Town and the Village,” Supervisor Spilman said. The Town of Gouverneur hopes to hear of an award announcement in December 2025. For more info, visit townofgouverneur.gov.

Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. also provided an update on the building project adjacent to the Town of Gouverneur Offices Building. Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that the building was recently moved from its former location on Gouverneur CSD property to 1227 US-11, Gouverneur. It was noted that concrete walls are in place. Utility connections are pending, with follow-up needed with Wolfe House & Building Movers to expedite scheduling. Further construction is on hold until the structure is set on its foundation. There was a lengthy discussion, but no action was taken.

The Town of Gouverneur Council reviewed a $15,000 verbal offer from the Town of Leyden, NY for a 2010 snow plow and sander truck—an aging vehicle that, despite its wear, drew interest for its dual-function capability. Town of Gouverneur Highway Superintendent Michael Wainwright noted that the vehicle—though being retired locally—would become the newest in Leyden’s fleet, replacing a 1992 model. “The one we’re getting rid of is the newest one they would own,” he said, highlighting the value of the transfer for the receiving municipality. Supt. Wainwright described the vehicle’s condition as deteriorating, citing problems with the chassis, frame, and a severely rotted box. While the sander remains operational, the plows are bent and the wings are in rough shape. “It’s one good tailgate slam from having the tailgate just fall off it,” he said. Still, the truck runs well and retains strong power. The prospective buyers were enthusiastic. “We can plow and sand at the same time!” one person remarked after look at the truck condition, impressed by its dual capabilities despite its wear. There was a lengthy discussion, and the Town of Gouverneur Council voted to submit a counteroffer to the Town of Leyden.

In other highway news, the Town Highway Department assisted the Village DPW with milling work on streets slated for paving. Crews also addressed plugged sewers, with the Village providing support via vacuum truck. Repairs were made to the box on Truck No. 58. Potholes were patched throughout the town, and Nov. 10 marked the department’s first sanding run of the season. Crews continue to stay busy in the shop, preparing equipment for the demands of winter.

Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. then reported the following: “The Supervisors have negotiated and have come to a settlement with the County. We plow 12.94 miles of the road for the County. In 2025-26, we got $76,346. Starting next year, for 2026-27, we’re going to get $79,581, so we are going up about $3,000. And it’s about the same all the way up through. The only thing they have eliminated in the contract is the variable on fuel. They always had a thing in there that if the fuel goes up, they’d give us an X-number of a percent. If it goes down, they take away X-number of a percent. They eliminated that. It’s a three-year contract.” Supt. Wainwright said: “It covers the sand and salt for the whole township.” Supervisor Spilman said, “Right. In 2026-27, it gives us $6,150 per lane mile. So yes, basically, this pays for all our salt and sand for the year for all of our roads… It’s pretty good and this is the easiest they have settled us in a long time. I think last time they negotiated it, it went almost a year before it was settled.”

Gouverneur Code Enforcement Officer Rick Wood reported that 11 new permits were issued in October 2025—all within the Village. As of Oct. 31, a total of 88 permits had been issued for the year, including 68 in the Village and 20 in the Town. Wood continues to conduct building inspections across both jurisdictions. He also noted five new complaints and two new violations; two complaints have been resolved, while the remaining cases are still under review. Looking ahead, Wood plans to establish biannual meetings for the Town and Village Planning and Zoning Boards to address recurring issues and improve coordination.

Town of Gouverneur Highway Superintendent Michael Wainwright reported that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) recently inspected the department’s fuel storage infrastructure. The used oil holding tank passed without issue, but the 1,000 gallon diesel fuel tank—documented in service for over 30 years—showed signs of surface rust requiring touch-up. Wainwright emphasized the inspector’s recommendation that the Town begin planning for a replacement, noting, “At 30 years, they rust from the inside out.” The report highlighted the growing urgency of addressing aging infrastructure to maintain environmental compliance and ensure long-term operational reliability. There was a lengthy discussion, but no action was taken by the Town Council on the matter.

As part of its annual fiscal process, the Town of Gouverneur has forwarded unpaid sewer and water bills to St. Lawrence County for relevy, allowing outstanding balances to be added to the 2026 property tax roll for collection. The Town authorized the county’s Real Property Tax Services to levy a 2025 sewer district special assessment totaling $1,215, along with $12,024.10 in past-due sewer rents. Additionally, the Town approved the relevy of $42,667.23 in overdue water rents—$18,742.43 from the East Side Water District and $23,924.90 from the West Side Water District. Town Councilperson Lory Whitton asked: “How long does it take to get to this point?” Supervisor Spilman noted that any portion of sewer and water bills remaining unpaid by November is automatically relevied—ensuring those balances are added to the following year’s property tax roll for collection.

The Town of Gouverneur Council has formally adopted the 2025–26 budget, approving a modest 1.9% increase that remains well within the limits of the state-mandated tax cap. The total amount to be raised by tax is $825,705, supporting appropriations of $3,134,015. Tax rates per $100 of assessed value will rise slightly, with the Town rate set at $0.40 for 2026 (up from $0.38 in 2025) and the Village rate at $0.33 for 2026 (up from $0.32 in 2025). Assessed valuations climbed modestly year over year, from $225,474,318 in 2025 to $227,378,568 in 2026, reflecting steady growth in the local tax base. The salary schedule has been established as follows: Supervisor ($13,098), Deputy Supervisor ($2,053), Bookkeeper ($42,870), Council Members ($4,137.50 each), Town Clerk ($39,655), Deputy Town Clerk ($19 per hour), Town Justice ($22,145 each), Court Clerk ($$42,848 each), Court Security ($5,356), Assessor ($11,144), Data Clerk ($11,144), Highway Superintendent ($72,290), Historian ($500), Highway Employees ($26.78 per hour), Code Enforcement ($15,450), Code Enforcement – Shared Services ($15,000), Planning and Zoning Secretary ($600), Clerical – Board of Review ($600), Board of Review Members ($75 per meeting attended), and Dog Control ($13,500 - $6,500 DCO and $7,000 Pound). The budget hearing was held on Nov. 5, and the budget was adopted at the Nov. 11 town board meeting. No public comments were received. The 2026 Budget is available to the public at the Town Clerk’s Office.

The Town of Gouverneur Council also approved a motion authorizing board members to purchase health insurance through the Town’s municipal plan. Under the new policy, council members may opt into coverage at their own expense, aligning with practices in other municipalities that offer benefits to elected officials. The move reflects ongoing efforts to support public service while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

In response to the end of support for Windows 10, the Town of Gouverneur Council discussed a technology upgrade that includes the purchase of three new desktop computers at $1,140 each and the installation of Windows 11 on nine existing units at a cost of $125 per machine. The total cost is anticipated at $4,545. The investment ensures continued security, compatibility, and operational efficiency across municipal departments. There was a lengthy discussion on the matter, and action was tabled to a future meeting.

As part of its employee manual updates, the Town of Gouverneur identified a critical gap in its personnel policies: there was no existing provision addressing compensation for employees summoned to jury duty. The absence of a formal policy prompted a review to ensure that civic obligations like jury service are acknowledged and fairly supported within the Town’s employment framework. The update aims to establish clear guidelines for pay and leave procedures, reinforcing the Town’s commitment to both public service and employee rights. It was noted that New York State has established formal guidelines on this matter, which may be incorporated directly into the Town of Gouverneur’s employee manual as written—ensuring consistency with state standards and simplifying policy adoption. The motion was carried with full support of the town board.

The Gouverneur Town Council also heard monthly reports on the Gouverneur Recreation Department and the Gouverneur Community Center. They also discussed the Gouverneur Fire Department, Gouverneur Rescue Squad, shared services with the Gouverneur Central School District, St. Lawrence County’s Emergency Communications Project.

At the end of the agenda, Supervisor Spilman invited Mayor Ron McDougall to deliver the Village report. Mayor McDougall commended the success of the Gouverneur Veterans Day Observance, offering special recognition to guest speaker Jason Carvel, commander of the James Maloy American Legion Post 65 in Gouverneur.

Mayor Ron McDougall turned briefly to political matters, underscoring the enduring value of congressional representation grounded in the North Country. He emphasized how proximity and local understanding have historically shaped responsiveness to regional needs. McDougall also extended heartfelt congratulations to the Town of Gouverneur officials re-elected in the 2025 General Election, thanking them for their continued service and commitment to the community.

Turning to fiscal matters, Mayor McDougall noted the Town’s recent budget adoption at a 1.9% increase, calling it “a fair increase.” He added, “We plan to stay in that range, although one board member keeps pushing for a 10–12% increase. With the rest of the board, I think that’s a nonstarter.”

Mayor Ron McDougall highlighted a slate of upcoming community events: The First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur’s Friday Senior Lunch Program will hold a free Community Wide Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 27 (take-out only). Reservations are required by calling 315-287-2440 by Tuesday, November 25. The James Maloy American Legion will be having a free complimentary Thanksgiving Dinner on November 27 from 4-7 p.m. Open to the public. It was also noted that the Annual Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade and Festivities will be held on Saturday, December 6 in the Village Park. Christmas. The festivities will start at 3 p.m. The parade will be at 5 p.m. Parade line-up will begin at 4 p.m. For more information, visit gouverneurchamber.net. Much gratitude was extended to Mayor McDougall for his report.

The next regular meeting of the Town of Gouverneur Council will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 6 p.m., at the Town of Gouverneur Offices Building, 1227 US-11, Gouverneur. For more information, call 315-287-2340 or visit www.townofgouverneur.gov.

Wildcat Wrestlers Could Gain New Training Ground Pending Gouverneur CSD Approval

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Wrestling Club Inc. attended the Nov. 3 Board of Education meeting to advocate for the Gouverneur Wildcat modified, JV and varsity wrestlers’ use of the new facility at 269 Rock Island Street, Gouverneur.

Jim Minckler of Gouverneur said the following: “I am a Gouverneur alum, a former Gouverneur wrestler, a parent of two Gouverneur wrestlers, and I am one of the Board members of the Gouverneur Wrestling Club. We are here tonight requesting your consideration that our school-based wrestling programs be able to utilize our newly constructed facility that is on the verge of completion for their practices.

“Over the last 25 years, our wrestling program’s practice facility has been shifted around. They started at the high school, moved to the elementary school, and then back to high school above the pool. For the past few years, they have been sharing the auxiliary gym and are now moving back to the elementary school for the upcoming season. Despite the movement, our wrestling program continues to excel. The vision to build this facility was a way to honor our wrestlers of the past, present and future. It’s a place where the entire program can call home and showcase the rich traditions and history of one of the best programs in the State.

“We believe that we have an alternative solution for practices that could benefit both the District and the wrestling program. There are currently 27 wrestlers signed up at Boys JV and Varsity levels. There are 8 for the Girls. By using the news space’s facility, coaches could house multiple teams during one practice time. The space at the elementary school is small for 27 wrestlers, and they won’t be able to start practice until after 4 p.m. when the elementary students are released and parking clears out. This also means the second team coming in for practice wouldn’t begin until after 6 p.m.

“Our school district currently utilizes other facility in the community for different athletic programs. And we are hoping to do the same. Our community has been extremely generous in donating money, resources, time and labor to construct the building.

“We appreciate and look forward to dedicated wrestling space that is part of the plans in the capital project, but until that space is completed, we are requesting our wrestling program be able to practice at the new building. The wrestlers themselves have helped with different projects at the facility, and would be very excited to have a chance to practice there.

“We are hopeful that we can work together to provide the best opportunities for our athletes at Gouverneur – opportunities that will allow help us train our current and future athletes, and more importantly help them become great young adults. This would also open time and space at the elementary school for other programs and could possibly be an added benefit to the district and community. Thank you for your time and consideration of our request. We think this is a viable option for both the school district and the wrestling program. We would love to invite all of you to come over and tour the new facility. We look forward to working with the school to hopefully make this happen. Thank you!”

Gouverneur CSD Board of Education President David Fenlong expressed appreciation for the public comment. “We look forward to working with you as well,” he said. There was no other discussion on the topic at the Gouverneur CSD Board of Education meeting last Monday at the Gouverneur Middle School.

The next regular meeting of the Gouverneur CSD Board of Education will be held on Monday, December 8, 5:30 p.m., at the Gouverneur Elementary School cafeteria. For more information, visit www.gcsk12.org.

From Ashes to Action: November 16 Benefit Supports DeKalb Family After Fire

by Rachel Hunter

In the wake of a devastating house fire, a DeKalb family—Brandon and Melanie (Wright) MacDonald and their three children, Noah, Molly, and Colt—returned to find their home reduced to ashes. Though they were not home when the fire broke out and were thankfully unharmed, the flames claimed nearly everything else: furniture, clothing, sports equipment, treasured keepsakes, and heartbreakingly, their beloved pets. The rhythms of daily life were shattered in an instant. Yet in true North Country spirit, neighbors, friends, local businesses, and community organizations are rising with compassion and resolve, determined to help the MacDonald family rebuild not just their home, but their hope.

A benefit spaghetti dinner and auction fundraiser will be held on Sunday, November 16, beginning at 2 p.m. and continuing until gone, at the Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035, 1419 US-11, Gouverneur. The meal includes spaghetti, salad, and a roll for $15 per person, with options to eat in or take out. A bake sale will offer sweet treats for dessert.

The event will also feature a benefit auction by local auctioneer Dave Bush, with donated items from businesses and community members across the region. Community members are encouraged to contribute to help the family begin the long journey of recovery. All proceeds will go directly to the MacDonald family. This fundraiser reaches beyond replacing possessions—it’s a call to restore hope, rebuild what was lost, and surround the MacDonald family with the unwavering presence of a community that cares.

Donations can be made by contacting Mike Countryman (315-286-3143), Kelly Countryman (315-268-3144), or the Gouverneur Elks Lodge (315-287-1630). Rebuilding begins when a community shows up, stands strong, and refuses to let one of its own face hardship alone.

12th Annual FFA Auction is Nov. 7

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur CSD Ag Advisory Board will host the 12th Annual FFA Auction on Friday, November 7 at 6 p.m. at the Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035, 1419 US Highway 11. All proceeds directly benefit the Gouverneur CSD agriculture program and the Gouverneur FFA Chapter, helping fund student field trips, leadership events, hands-on agricultural experiences, scholarships, and more.

Organizers say the auction will feature a wide range of items up for bid, including artisan-crafted goods, gift certificates, agricultural supplies, homemade baked treats, toys, tools, and more. Concessions will be available courtesy of the Gouverneur Elks Lodge, and auctioneering duties will be handled by longtime supporters Don Peck and Dave Bush.

The Gouverneur CSD Ag Advisory Board is still seeking donations and invites community members and local businesses to contribute. Board members include Chairman Don Peck (Edwards), Vice Chairman Allyn Tubbs (Gouverneur), Secretary Karen Rizza (Gouverneur), Treasurer Lyle Hotis (Gouverneur), and members Robert Andrews (Fowler), Doug Thompson (Gouverneur), and Stan Wujcik (Gouverneur). Donations can also be dropped off at Don Peck’s auction facility in Gouverneur.

Due to the unwavering support of the local community, this annual auction continues to empower youth and strengthen agricultural education in Gouverneur. Mark your calendar now for this year’s event—and save the date for the 2025 auction, returning next Friday, November 7. For more information about the FFA Auction, call Gouverneur CSD Ag Advisory Board Chairman Don Peck at 315-771-7690.

Gouverneur Trunk or Treat is Friday, October 24

by Rachel Hunter

The 8th 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 24, 6 p.m., at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds. All trunk-or-treaters are encouraged to wear their best costume, as the annual event once again is held via a walk-through format.

Motorists are asked to park in the Gouverneur Central lot on E. Barney St. Costumed children will then make their way through the fairgrounds entrance between the parking lot and the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair office. They will then walk down the Gouverneur Fair Midway, 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 once again 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 years ago, 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. The event has drawn thousands of North Country residents in recent years.

The Community Health Center of the North Country and the Seaway Valley Prevention Council have put a call-out for trunks at the 2025 Gouverneur Trunk or Treat. All businesses, organizations and individuals interested in decorating a trunk are encouraged to register their vehicle by emailing clebeau@svpc.net or filling out an online form. The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce informed the Gouverneur Tribune Press that they will be there with their decorated trunk, and encouraged the local business community to register. All those entering decorated trunks are encouraged to start the planning process, and pack candy (or other treats) for the trunk-or-treaters. Make sure to arrive early (by 4:30 p.m.) for set-up so that you can hand out candy and show off your decorations. There are trophies for first, second and third place for best decorated trunk.

Mark your calendars today for the 2025 Gouverneur Trunk or Treat event, sponsored by the Community Health Center of the North Country and the Seaway Valley Prevention Council, on Friday, October 24, 6-8 p.m., at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds.

Town Assessor Resigns

by Rachel Hunter

The Town of Gouverneur Council accepted with regret the resignation of its town assessor, Sherry Geer, effective October 31, 2025.

During discussion, Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. told the town council that he wouldn’t reveal the reasons for Assessor Geer’s resignation at the present time.

The motion to accept the resignation with regret was made by Town Councilwoman Lory Whitton, seconded by Deputy Supervisor Jay Bowhall. The motion carried with all votes cast in favor.

There was no further discussion on the topic before the meeting officially adjourned, and the tow board went into executive session to discuss personnel matters. Supervisor Spilman noted that no action would be taken.

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