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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Episodes
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.
Counties, and Cuomo, urge people to be “diligent” with COVID-19 protections
July 09, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 606 KB(Jul 9, 2020) Counties across the North Country are urging people to keep social distancing and wearing masks as new COVID-19 cases pop up across the region. Clinton County public health director John Kanoza urged residents “not to let their guard down” in a press release yesterday.
Elderly inmate tests COVID-positive at Adirondack Correctional
July 09, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 530 KB(Jul 9, 2020) We reported yesterday on the recent transfer of nearly 100 elderly inmates to Adirondack state prison in Ray Brook. One of those inmates has now tested positive for COVID-19.
State decision on reopening schools by first week of August
July 09, 2020 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.42 MB(Jul 9, 2020) Governor Andrew Cuomo laid out a timeline for reopening New York's 700 public school districts at his coronavirus briefing Wednesday. "We will open the schools if it's safe," Cuomo said.
Mosaics and chimera: Mix and match DNA
July 09, 2020 04:00 - 5 minutes - 2.42 MB(Jul 9, 2020) In most cases, we get half our genes from one parent, half from the other. But it doesn't always happen that way. Parts of the genetic inheritance can be turned on or off, and genes from other familial sources can play a role in shaping the individual body. Martha Foley and Curt Stager explore what happens when there are ripples in the gene pool.
Get ready to sweat - more. Hotter weather on the way
July 09, 2020 04:00 - 2 minutes - 952 KB(Jul 9, 2020) Hazy, hot and humid conditions are moving into our region for the next couple of days. Right, it's already hot. Scorching temperatures will rise into the 90s in the Champlain and St. Lawrence Valleys this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory through Friday night.
Racist graffiti prompts move by diversity advocate from Saranac Lake
July 09, 2020 04:00 - 47 seconds - 372 KB(Jul 9, 2020) Governor Cuomo is condemning racist graffiti spray painted in Saranac Lake a week and a half ago. In a statement Wednesday Cuomo said there is zero tolerance for bigotry and hate in New York. Cuomo is directing the State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to help the Saranac Lake Police investigate the incident.
Cuomo opens malls Friday; decision on schools due early in August
July 09, 2020 04:00 - 24 seconds - 192 KB(Jul 9, 2020) Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday that shopping malls will be allowed to open in New York beginning Friday if they meet certain conditions.
Cuomo adds Kansas, Delaware and Oklahoma to travel advisory list
July 08, 2020 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.65 MB(Jul 8, 2020)
Advocates call for early release of all inmates at 'prison nursing home' in the Adirondacks
July 08, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 1.89 MB(Jul 8, 2020) A state prison in the North Country is now home to nearly 100 inmates all over the age of 55. Officials say they transferred inmates to Adirondack Correctional because of the low coronavirus infection rate in the North Country. Advocates gathered near the prison earlier this week and called on Governor Cuomo to grant clemency to the inmates, who they say are at a high risk of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19.
Ogdensburg Council selects interim city manager amid staff shake-up
July 08, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 675 KB(Jul 8, 2020)
Post-Star editor Ken Tingley is retiring
July 08, 2020 04:00 - 47 seconds - 372 KB(Jul 8, 2020) Another major figure in North Country journalism is leaving the business. Ken Tingley has been at the Glens Falls Post-Star for more than 30 years, 21 years as the paper’s editor.
Smithers selected for St. Lawrence County Legislature seat
July 08, 2020 04:00 - 35 seconds - 280 KB(Jul 8, 2020) The St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators swore in its newest member on Monday night.
String Fever COVID Diaries: April Verch, fiddler and step dancer
July 08, 2020 04:00 - 7 minutes - 17.8 MB(Jul 8, 2020)
St. Lawrence County extends burn ban
July 08, 2020 04:00 - 21 seconds - 172 KB(Jul 8, 2020) St. Lawrence County is extending its burn ban through this weekend.
Cuomo's emergency powers questioned
July 08, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 1.84 MB(Jul 8, 2020) A coalition of government reform groups say the New York State Legislature should consider limiting some of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s emergency powers gained during the pandemic and return, at least remotely, to meeting in session to set policy for the state.
State health department study: Asymptomatic staff likely brought virus into nursing homes
July 07, 2020 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.38 MB(Jul 7, 2020) New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker issued a report Monday on the likely cause of deaths from COVID-19 in New York’s nursing homes that he said shows the virus came in through infected staff, not through hospital readmissions.
'We can't let our guard down': North Country counties see spike in coronavirus cases
July 07, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 2.05 MB(Jul 7, 2020) There's been a significant uptick in new coronavirus cases here in the North Country. Over the last few days St. Lawrence County is reporting eight active cases, Herkimer County is reporting four new cases, while there are three new cases in Essex, Clinton, and Jefferson Counties. Since last week, eight people in Warren County have tested positive for COVID-19. Emily Russell spoke with Warren County's director of Public Affairs Don Lehman about the uptick in cases.
Bassmaster Tournament to proceed on St. Lawrence River despite COVID-19 concerns
July 07, 2020 04:00 - 2 minutes - 1.14 MB(Jul 7, 2020)
North Country at Work: David Lee Belding and Dani Baker build their small farm dream
July 07, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 2.17 MB(Jul 7, 2020) Sometimes achieving a dream can take a long time. That was true for David Lee Belding.
Disabled services groups cope with state budget cuts
July 06, 2020 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.69 MB(Jul 6, 2020)
Introducing Jenn White, hosting important conversations on "1A" starting tonight
July 06, 2020 04:00 - 8 minutes - 3.91 MB(Jul 6, 2020) Tonight at 8 pm, 1A makes its debut on North Country Public Radio. Produced by NPR and WAMU in Washington, 1A explores important issues such as policy, politics, technology, and what connects us across the fissures that divide the country. But new host Jenn White says it's not all serious - they'll make room for some fun, too.
No overnight camps, so some summer camps pivot to "family camp" sessions
July 06, 2020 04:00 - 2 minutes - 1.37 MB(Jul 6, 2020) While many residential summer camps have closed for this summer - they include Massawepie Scout Camp in Tupper Lake, and Camp Overlook in Malone - some are still opening as family lodging.
Pandemic food stamp increase expires, will there be more?
July 06, 2020 04:00 - 2 minutes - 1.14 MB(Jul 6, 2020) People who receive food stamps have seen a big boost during the pandemic. In the last stimulus bill, Congress increased benefits by $15 billion. But those increased benefits ran out in June. Now, Congress is weighing whether to increase money for food stamps in the next stimulus package, expected this month.
This weekend in the Adirondacks, 7/3/20
July 04, 2020 04:00 - 2 minutes - 960 KB(Jul 4, 2020) The weather is looking nice after some scattered showers this evening, though be aware that we could see afternoon thunderstorms Saturday and Sunday as well.
Audio Postcard: Paddling an Adirondack stretch of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail
July 03, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 1.91 MB(Jul 3, 2020) There are more than 3000 lakes, rivers, and streams in the Adirondacks. If you’re ambitious you can paddle from one end of the park to the other on a section of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, a long-distance paddling route that connects the North Country to the entire Northeast. Emily Russell paddled a tiny fraction of the trail near Tupper Lake and sent this audio postcard.
Burn ban in St. Lawrence County after wildfires burned across the North Country
July 03, 2020 04:00 - 30 seconds - 244 KB(Jul 3, 2020) New York issued a statewide fire danger warning this week. Officials say dry weather throughout June increased the fire risk across much of the state.
Warren County still tracking COVID-19 cases linked to Florida travelers
July 03, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 716 KB(Jul 3, 2020) Warren County continues to track three people who returned on flights from Florida last week who later tested positive for COVID-19. Officials are working with Allegiant Airlines, the Albany airport, and state and federal health experts.
"We don't want a spike": Lake George businesses pledge safety for July 4 weekend
July 03, 2020 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.41 MB(Jul 3, 2020) As communities gear up for the 4th of July weekend, let’s check in with Lake George, a major tourist destination that would normally see huge crowds and celebrations this weekend. This year, the community is tempering its excitement about those tourists showing up with a concern about the spread of the coronavirus. Gina Mintzer heads up the Lake George Chamber of Commerce, and spoke with Natasha Haverty about what they’re doing to keep people safe, including the “health and s...
Rally for Treyanna Summerville points to flawed response by county's social services
July 02, 2020 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.82 MB(Jul 2, 2020) Community members continue to demand answers in the case of Treyanna Summerville, the Gouverneur teen who was killed last week in her home. Family members have said domestic violence was an issue, and community members have been asking why more wasn’t done. A rally for Summerville was held outside of the St. Lawrence County social services offices on Wednesday.
Rosenquest defeats Plattsburgh mayor in Democratic primary
July 02, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 898 KB(Jul 2, 2020) The City of Plattsburgh's mayor Colin Read was defeated in the Democratic primary by Chris Rosenquest, a businessowner and Clinton County legislator.
Cuomo says compliance with COVID safety measures is slipping, indoor dining in NYC postponed
July 02, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 878 KB(Jul 2, 2020) Governor Andrew Cuomo says the rate of the COVID-19 virus continues to be low in New York, with 11 deaths on June 30, but he says he worries that compliance with safety rules is slipping. Because of that, the governor says he’s postponing permission to allow indoor dining in New York City.
Why are coral reefs so rich in life compared to an Adirondack lake?
July 02, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 2.22 MB(Jul 2, 2020) The first time Martha Foley went snorkeling on a coral reef, she was staggered by the abundance and diversity of marine life. Doing the same in an Adirondack lake one might see a lot of mud and a snail. She asks Dr. Curt Stager of Paul Smith's College what the difference might be.
NEW: Spike in coronavirus cases in Warren and Washington Counties
July 02, 2020 04:00 - 49 seconds - 391 KB(Jul 2, 2020) Warren and Washington Counties both saw a spike in new coronavirus cases this week. County health officials say three people in Warren County who recently returned from Florida contracted COVID-19. Meanwhile, seven people in Washington County who work at a slate quarry in Vermont tested positive for the virus.
North Country control room plans to crack down on businesses to force facemask compliance
July 02, 2020 04:00 - 9 minutes - 4.56 MB(Jul 2, 2020)
St. Lawrence County still fielding reopening complaints about people, businesses not following mask mandate
July 01, 2020 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.38 MB(Jul 1, 2020)
New poll shows Trump's popularity declining in Upstate NY
July 01, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 487 KB(Jul 1, 2020)
State board greenlights Deer River Wind project
July 01, 2020 04:00 - 40 seconds - 317 KB(Jul 1, 2020)
What emergency child care looks like during COVID-19
July 01, 2020 04:00 - 5 minutes - 2.45 MB(Jul 1, 2020) While many childcare centers closed back in March, some stayed open, and new programs were even created. The Plattsburgh and Malone YMCA pivoted to open a childcare program for essential workers, and managed to safely run it for three months. There are a lot of lessons to be learned from their experience.
New York adds eight more states to coronavirus hotspot list
July 01, 2020 04:00 - 2 minutes - 1.1 MB(Jul 1, 2020) Governor Andrew Cuomo says New York is adding eight more states to a travel advisory list for places with high levels of the coronavirus. Visitors from California, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada and Tennessee, will now be required to self-quarantine for two weeks.
Chef Curtiss: a recipe for when you grow tired of grilling burgers
July 01, 2020 04:00 - 6 minutes - 2.85 MB(Jul 1, 2020) When it's hot and sticky outside, it's too hot and sticky to cook inside. So, head outdoors to the grill! Tired of the same old burger? Consider one of Chef Curtiss Hemm's favorite grilling season recipes - lamb kefta.
Victims file 20 new child abuse suits against North Country priests
July 01, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 622 KB(Jul 1, 2020) Victims of child sexual abuse have filed 20 more claims against Catholic priests in the Diocese of Ogdensburg, which covers the North Country. The suits were filed under New York’s Child Victims Act by two law firms on behalf of “numerous” people.
How Plattsburgh and Malone YMCA opened emergency childcare during COVID-19
July 01, 2020 04:00 - 5 minutes - 2.45 MB(Jul 1, 2020) While many childcare centers closed back in March, some stayed open, and new programs were even created. The Plattsburgh and Malone YMCA pivoted to open a childcare program for essential workers, and managed to safely run it for three months. There are a lot of lessons to be learned from their experience.
Move of older prisoners to Adirondack Correctional ignites fear, outrage among their families
June 30, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 1.85 MB(Jun 30, 2020) New York's Department of Corrections and Community Supervision outlined what it calls its "reopening" plans for the state prison system at the end of May. In four pages, it goes into the process for phasing staff in, and how visits are still suspended. But one little bullet point in those four pages has become a flashpoint: the announcement that it would transfer around one hundred elderly inmates out of other prisons and up to a prison in the Adirondacks.
Cuomo: Trump should order face mask wearing for all Americans
June 30, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 579 KB(Jun 30, 2020) As coronavirus cases spike in more than two dozen states around the country, Governor Andrew Cuomo said the federal government “is in denial” about the pandemic. He called on President Donald Trump to sign an executive order requiring all Americans to wear a mask in public.
COVID-19 cluster at slate quarry near Washington County
June 30, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 549 KB(Jun 30, 2020) Officials are responding to a cluster of 12 coronavirus cases linked to workers at Vermont Slate quarry, just across the Vermont border from Washington County.
Westport's Depot Theatre reaffirms commitment to youth and diversity
June 30, 2020 04:00 - 7 minutes - 3.34 MB(Jun 30, 2020) Many arts organizations are coping with COVID-19 by canceling live performances, in-person workshops and exhibits this summer. And some are moving outdoors. The Depot Theatre, in Westport, is partnering with the Whallonsburg Grange Hall to provide a safe, outdoor space for in-person learning. The summer program for youth will include dance, drama and voice training.
Asylum seekers on front lines of Canada's pandemic may be allowed to stay
June 30, 2020 04:00 - 5 minutes - 2.56 MB(Jun 30, 2020)
State GOP calls for revoking Cuomo’s executive powers
June 30, 2020 04:00 - 1 minute - 559 KB(Jun 30, 2020) Some state legislators have accused New York Governor Andrew Cuomo of abusing his power during the pandemic.