Top Stories from NCPR
1,050 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 12 ratingsNCPR provides locally-produced news stories from around the Adirondack and North Country regions of New York State, as well as Western Vermont, and Ontario and Quebec in Canada. 010329
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State legislature seeks to clean up voting mess before November election
July 23, 2020 04:00 - 55 seconds - 441 KB(Jul 23, 2020) Governor Cuomo is giving the green light to enact more election reforms after problems with the June primary.
St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties log 9 new COVID-19 cases
July 23, 2020 04:00 - 57 seconds - 457 KB(Jul 23, 2020) New coronavirus cases continue to show up across the North Country. Jefferson County reported five new COVID-19 cases yesterday. It’s unclear if those were connected to an outbreak stemming from parties in the Thousand Islands July 4th weekend. St. Lawrence County reported four new cases yesterday. Lewis County logged one new case.
2020 state legislative session winding down
July 23, 2020 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.83 MB(Jul 23, 2020)
North Country prisons emptying as New York's inmate population plummets
July 23, 2020 04:00 - 6 minutes - 9.38 MB(Jul 23, 2020) Since January, New York's prison population has plummeted by more than 6,000 people, a 13% reduction just this year. That’s a big deal in the North Country, where correctional facilities employ thousands of workers. “This is one of the largest businesses in the North Country, one of the largest employers in the North Country,” said Sen. Betty Little in 2013. But this year’s decline in inmate population is part of a decades-long trend, putting the future of North Country priso...
Former Glens Falls mayor Ed Bartholomew dies
July 23, 2020 04:00 - 45 seconds - 361 KB(Jul 23, 2020) Former Glens Falls mayor and longtime area booster Ed Bartholomew had died. He was 70 years old.
In the July skies: Comet NEOWISE
July 22, 2020 04:00 - 8 minutes - 3.99 MB(Jul 22, 2020) The big news in the skies of July is Comet NEOWISE, first detected in March and now reaching its best visibility. Look beneath the Big Dipper over the next few days after 10 pm. Binoculars or a small telescope will give the best view.
String Fever COVID Diaries: Melanie Wilson, booking agent
July 22, 2020 04:00 - 6 minutes - 14.1 MB(Jul 22, 2020)
Racist graffiti found on Plattsburgh playground
July 22, 2020 04:00 - 56 seconds - 442 KB(Jul 22, 2020) Plattsburgh officials are condemning racist graffiti discovered on playground equipment over the weekend.
An essential worker struggles to find child care in Tupper Lake
July 22, 2020 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.78 MB(Jul 22, 2020) Raising triplets is hard. So is working as a nurse. Lisa Colbert, a 42-year-old from Tupper Lake, is doing both of those things in the midst of a global pandemic.
New York seeks bids for large-scale renewable energy projects
July 22, 2020 04:00 - 45 seconds - 359 KB(Jul 22, 2020) Gov. Andrew Cuomo is soliciting bids for large-scale renewable energy projects as part of his administration’s aggressive plan to combat climate change.
St. Lawrence Health System expands coronavirus testing hours as new cases tick upward
July 22, 2020 04:00 - 35 seconds - 282 KB(Jul 22, 2020) St. Lawrence Health System is expanding hours at its COVID-19 testing sites after an uptick in cases in the county. In the last week alone, there have been 13 new cases, with eight currently active.
Village of Potsdam orders removal of infamous toilets
July 22, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 570 KB(Jul 22, 2020)
Investigators allege assault, malnourishment contributed to Gouverneur teen's death
July 21, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 586 KB(Jul 21, 2020)
Cuomo says he'll shut down bars and restaurants if they continue to break safety rules
July 21, 2020 04:00 - 2 minutes - 1.29 MB(Jul 21, 2020)
UPDATE: Teen safely located who had been missing from Mountain Lake Academy
July 21, 2020 04:00 - 18 seconds - 149 KB(Jul 21, 2020)
Waddington mayor raises COVID-19 concerns after "Back the Blue" parade
July 20, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 501 KB(Jul 20, 2020) Hundreds of people, including several North Country Republican politicians, gathered in Waddington Saturday afternoon to watch officers drive through town for a parade to support law enforcement and emergency responders.
'Tax the rich' advocates step up pressure on NYS legislature
July 20, 2020 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.79 MB(Jul 20, 2020)
Potsdam bar and Warren County lacrosse team subjects of COVID-19 concerns
July 20, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 528 KB(Jul 20, 2020) Health officials across the North Country are following several coronavirus cases for potential outbreaks.
St. Lawrence County sheriff investigates suspicious packages
July 20, 2020 04:00 - 30 seconds - 242 KB(Jul 20, 2020) The St. Lawrence County Sheriff is investigating what it calls four “targeted attacks” against law enforcement. According to a press release, four separate packages were left at law enforcement buildings in Canton, Potsdam, Norwood, and Norfolk Sunday morning.
Saranac Lake valedictorian shares memories of racism she endured
July 20, 2020 04:00 - 6 minutes - 2.96 MB(Jul 20, 2020) Saranac Lake’s Class of 2020 valedictorian’s speech about anti-Asian racism she endured from pre-school through her senior year came as a surprise to many, including her parents.
'The picture is dire for child care centers': inside why centers can barely stay afloat
July 20, 2020 04:00 - 5 minutes - 2.62 MB(Jul 20, 2020) Child care is a double-edged sword, says Lindsay Turner from the Adirondack B to 3 Alliance. Both families and providers struggle to afford it: “child care providers don’t get paid a high living wage, and parents find it expensive.”
Four teens arrested for spraying racist graffiti in Bloomingdale
July 20, 2020 04:00 - 38 seconds - 309 KB(Jul 20, 2020) Police have arrested four teenagers for spray-painting the N-word and two swastikas under a bridge in Bloomingdale in Essex County.
Potsdam's 'game of thrones': Public hearing is latest skirmish in long-running battle over toilet gardens
July 17, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 829 KB(Jul 17, 2020)
This weekend in the Adirondacks, 7/17/20
July 17, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 857 KB(Jul 17, 2020) There could be some valley fog tonight and tomorrow morning. It’s going to warm up this weekend and continue our streak of excellent summer weather, although it has been quite dry. Be sure to stay hydrated, and pace yourself in the heat. Hot weather is a good time to leave dogs at home. Either way, be careful of heat exhaustion this weekend.
Cuomo imposes new restrictions, penalties on bars and restaurants to curb COVID- 19
July 17, 2020 04:00 - 2 minutes - 1.32 MB(Jul 17, 2020) Governor Andrew Cuomo is imposing new rules on bars and restaurants across the state and limiting the sale of alcohol in some cases, as a way to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Coronavirus cases surge in Jefferson County
July 17, 2020 04:00 - 47 seconds - 372 KB(Jul 17, 2020) There’s been a significant spike in coronavirus cases in Jefferson County this week, with health officials reporting 26 new cases since Monday. This week's new cases bring Jefferson County's total COVID-19 case count to 137 since the start of the pandemic.
Canada extends border closure into August
July 17, 2020 04:00 - 57 seconds - 450 KB(Jul 17, 2020) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau yesterday confirmed the U.S. and Canada will again extend the ban on non-essential travel between the two countries.
Native Adirondack trout? No such animal, technically
July 16, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 2.15 MB(Jul 16, 2020) Four species of trout can be found in Adirondacks waters. Of the mix, two were introduced from the outside, one from Europe and one from the western United States. The two species which are native to the area are technically not trout at all, but relatives of the arctic char. Martha Foley and Curt Stager get into the genetic weeds with Adirondack sport fish.
New charges in the death of 18-year-old Treyanna Summerville
July 16, 2020 04:00 - 2 minutes - 1.27 MB(Jul 16, 2020) The mother of 18-year-old Treyanna Summerville is being charged with second-degree manslaughter in the death of her daughter. St. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary Pasqua announced in a press conference Wednesday that Lashanna Charlton is in custody.
Peru Central School to retire Indians mascot
July 16, 2020 04:00 - 27 seconds - 217 KB(Jul 16, 2020) Peru Central School in Clinton County will no longer have an Indian as its mascot. The school board voted on the change the mascot earlier this week.
'We knew our clients were going to be in danger': Domestic abuse continues to surge in the North Country
July 16, 2020 04:00 - 5 minutes - 2.3 MB(Jul 16, 2020) The coronavirus pandemic is causing lots of stress for people and families. And that, coupled with more time at home, has driven up domestic violence rates. Here in the North Country, one domestic violence hotline is getting more than triple the number of calls it usually gets.
Saranac Lake reckons with racist graffiti, activists push village to do more
July 15, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 2.08 MB(Jul 15, 2020) The North Country’s mostly white communities are struggling with how to think about their role in the national conversation about race and social justice. Saranac Lake has raised banners that say 'Racism is a public health issue,' but the village has also seen racist graffiti and a divisive debate on social media. Emily Russell checked in with Peter Crowley from the Adirondack Daily Enterprise to talk about where this conversation goes next.
New funding allows expansion of Adirondack farm to table emergency food program
July 15, 2020 04:00 - 35 seconds - 279 KB(Jul 15, 2020) A project that delivers local food to people in need is doubling its efforts in the North Country. AdkAction, a non-profit based in Keeseville, announced this week it received a $225,000 grant to expand its Emergency Food Packages project.
Despite blow to economy, most Canadians aren't ready to open U.S. border
July 15, 2020 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.79 MB(Jul 15, 2020) It’s been almost four months since the U.S.-Canada border closed to non-essential travel. The latest border closure extension is set to expire July 21. Reuters reported Tuesday that the two countries have agreed to another 30 days. But, as coronavirus case numbers rise in the many U.S. states most Canadians don’t want to see the border closure lifted anytime soon.
New president starts today at Paul Smith's College
July 15, 2020 04:00 - 26 seconds - 208 KB(Jul 15, 2020) Paul Smith's College has a new president: Dr. Jon Calvert Strauss, who’s headed up three other colleges around the country, starts the job today.
The state of child care in the North Country: 'there are six children per every one available slot'
July 15, 2020 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.76 MB(Jul 15, 2020) The coronavirus pandemic is making child care a real headache for parents across the North Country. There are few summer camps. Many child care providers are still closed or operating at limited capacity due to social distancing. And school in the fall is a huge question mark. Meanwhile, parents are having to go back to work. But child care experts say the situation was already dire before the pandemic.
Governor, Regents issue school reopening guidance
July 14, 2020 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.75 MB(Jul 14, 2020) The New York State Board of Regents issued preliminary guidelines for schools to reopen, as Governor Andrew Cuomo says the final decision on reopening will be data-driven, and based on the rate of infection in September, and at any time during the upcoming school year.
Cuomo cracks down on violators of out-of-state traveler quarantine
July 14, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 518 KB(Jul 14, 2020) New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is tightening quarantine orders for of out-of-state travelers with high rates of COVID-19.
North Country at Work: Gary Fairchild tells it like it is in Glens Falls kitchens
July 14, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 2.12 MB(Jul 14, 2020) Growing up in Eastern Kentucky, no one expected Gary Fairchild to become a chef working at prestigious restaurants around the country. He said that when he was young, he had two career choices: work on a small farm, or in a coal mine.
From swim lessons to 4-H fairs, loss of summer youth programs puts North Country parents in a pinch
July 14, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 2.07 MB(Jul 14, 2020) Youth programs hosted by small towns or organizations like 4-H fill a critical role for parents during the summer months. These free or low-cost alternatives to full-time child care not only help working parents, but give kids educational and social outlets when they’re not in school.
NY Taxes due Wednesday: 'Never has it been more important to meet your civic obligation'
July 14, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 572 KB(Jul 14, 2020) Wednesday is the deadline to file your taxes in New York. The state extended the deadline by three months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Will Salisbury: a Thousand Islands sculptor with a passion and compassion for life
July 13, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 2.24 MB(Jul 13, 2020) The Thousand Islands Arts Center in Clayton is celebrating the works of a local artist who began his career more than 50 years ago.
Law enforcement groups, GOP lawmakers seek pause on criminal justice reform
July 13, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 1.85 MB(Jul 13, 2020) Law enforcement leaders and some Republicans in the New York State Legislature are pushing back against recent criminal justice reforms approved by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the Democratic-led Legislature. They say a recent uptick in violent crimes might mean the new laws went too far, and they would like to see the policies reversed.
"It's stressful all the way around": What you told us about managing child care during the pandemic
July 13, 2020 04:00 - 6 minutes - 2.89 MB(Jul 13, 2020)
NY to allow limited visitation at nursing homes
July 13, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 808 KB(Jul 13, 2020) New York state will now allow limited and regulated visitation at nursing homes that have been free of COVID-19 for at least 28 days, the state Department of Health said Friday.
Bassmasters cancel Finger Lakes tournament, hope St. Lawrence River still on
July 10, 2020 04:00 - 50 seconds - 397 KB(Jul 10, 2020) Bassmaster officials say they’re canceling next week’s scheduled Elite Series tournament on Cayuga Lake due to coronavirus regulations.
Health insurers ask for average 11.5% premium increase amid COVID-19 uncertainty
July 10, 2020 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.72 MB(Jul 10, 2020) Health insurance companies regulated by the state are waiting to hear back about their requests for 2021 rate changes for premium holders. The companies, like nearly every other industry, face many uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and their requests vary widely.
Unemployed folks on Section 8 got rent relief during COVID. Now, expanded federal benefits are expiring.
July 10, 2020 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.64 MB(Jul 10, 2020)
A 13-year-old in custody for Treyanna Summerville homicide raises questions in legal community
July 10, 2020 04:00 - 6 minutes - 3.01 MB(Jul 10, 2020) We’re going to check in now on the case of Treyanna Summerville, the 18-year-old who was found dead in her home in Gouverneur a few weeks ago. The St. Lawrence district attorney says the investigation is ongoing. They’ve released very few details of what happened, in part because a minor, a 13-year-old, currently faces charges of second degree homicide. Monica Sandreczki spoke with reporter Natasha Haverty about the implications there. A full transcript is below.
Plattsburgh area man arrested for racist attack
July 10, 2020 04:00 - 41 seconds - 325 KB(Jul 10, 2020) State police have arrested a Plattsburgh-area man for yelling racist slurs and punching the hood of car with two people inside. 35-year-old Derrick Kennedy of Altona has been charged with a hate crime.