LJ
ECRWSS PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID DENTON PUBLICATIONS PO Box 338 Elizabethtown NY 12932 Postal Patron
203979
Turn to page 14 to see how you can support community journalism. Published By Denton Publications Inc.
DIRECTLY MAILED TO OVER
71,354
MYCAPTURE PHOTO GALLERIES
See photos from all the game action last weekend.
HOMES EVERY WEEK! December 14, 2019
Burgh/North Countryman
suncommunitynews.com
• EDITION •
Betty Little announces retirement Longtime state senator opts out of re-election By Sarah Elizabeth Morris STAFF WRITER
Last term: Senator Betty Little speaks at a press conference in Plattsburgh. There, she announced that she was not running for re-election in 2020, and will spend her last term working hard for the people of the 45th district. Photo by Sarah Elizabeth Morris
NEW YORK | New York state Republican Sen. Betty Little has announced that she will not be running for re-election in 2020, choosing not to run against five-year-long Clinton County treasurer and Democratic Senate runner Kimberly Davis. Little, an upstate New York native, started serving the 45th district in 2003 and has been serving in the senate for almost 20 years. “Representing a vast district comprising six counties, two cities, 83 towns, 20 villages and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe at Akwesasne, I have had a very unique perspective to learn a lot about this region and gotten to know many good people working hard to make better lives for themselves, their families and their communities,” Little said in an official statement. “As a state representative, I’ve always felt the best I can do is to complement those efforts. Whether it has been through legislation, or funding for so many different
and important initiatives and projects, being in a position to help has been so rewarding.” Little’s news came shortly before her visit to the City of Plattsburgh on Dec. 5. She held a press conference at the Clinton County Government Center that afternoon to go into more depth on her decision. She thanked everyone she met throughout her career as a public figure and says the choice to retire was not an easy one; however, she feels what she set out to do no longer needs her. “I can’t say enough what an honor and a real privilege it has been for me to be able to do this,” Little said at the press conference in Plattsburgh. “As difficult as this day is, it’s time … I will not run for re-election in November [2020].” During her last term in office, Little wants to focus on working to make sure the North Country has broader WiFi coverage and cellphone service, especially along I-87, where service is spotty. The need for cell service, according to Little, is safety, and she’ll continue to push for the North Country to become more modern. Other politicians who heard of Little’s retirement voiced their responses and well wishes to the senator. See BETTY LITTLE » pg. 3
Farmers Market building receives funding Green Street site to be renovated By Sarah Elizabeth Morris STAFF WRITER
PLATTSBURGH | The City of Plattsburgh’s Farmers and Crafters Market will have a new home on Green Street. The building, which has been set on for a while now, recently passed its environmental review following asbestos removal. To move forward, $250,000, taken from the Downtown Grant Program the city received, will be used specifically to fund the renovation of the new farmer’s market location. There was concern from some members of the anti-DRI group who said they
smelled the sewage plant nearby while down there. As a result, Manager of the Farmers and Craft s Market Julie Baughn, as well as the other vendors and people associated with the market, went down to the new location to take a look. She spoke up about the area and tour she received at a council meeting in early November. “We took a survey after - we wanted to know if yes, you were for it or no you weren’t,” Baughn said. “Twenty two were for it, two were against it and four were on the fence … the smell? There is nothing.” The market is down a road with less everyday traffic, located in an area with waterfront. Green Street was pointed out by a member of the public of being too dangerous, especially for those with disabilities. According to the council, this is due to the NYSEG trucks, as they use the road for transportation.
Onto new heights: The former Plattsburgh Farmers Market was located at the Durkee Street lot in the corner of downtown. The vendors are preparing for a new market location by the water next summer. Photo by Sarah Elizabeth Morris
See FARMERS MARKET » pg. 7
Village of Champlain enacts curfew Minors not allowed out past 10 p.m. By Sarah Elizabeth Morris STAFF WRITER
Peru High School teacher Pete McCormick points out the various prices a student can pay for cars during “Mad City Money.” Photo by D.J. Alexander
PERU STUDENTS RECEIVE CRASH COURSE ON ‘ADULTING’ Program helps build financial literacy By Brian Happel STAFF WRITER
PERU | Some people say money makes the world go round. Students at Peru High School got a brief taste of that Wednesday thanks to an event aimed
carl,ar,tt Womens Blaine
Flannel Lined!
34.99
$
MSRP $54.99 102729-982
Denwood Vest
39.99
$
MSRP $69.99 102254-654
at preparing them for life after graduation. Although the concept of the event, called “Mad City Money”, is relatively simple, the potential impact can be enormous. “This is so huge, so important for kids to start off on the right foot,” said Meg McGee-Pelkey of UFirst, who helped organize the program. “To understand what it’s like to have a bank account, saving money, saving for college, saving for your first car. Sometimes, those things aren’t taught at home or in school.” See PERU MAD CITY MONEY » pg. 5
Best Service, Best Selection, Locally Owned. Earn Lenny’s Loot while you shop. Loot ranges from $5 to $20. Lenny’s Gift Cards make great gifts! Buy in store or online at LennyShoe.com
CHAMPL AIN | The Village of Champlain issued an official curfew for those under the age of 18. The idea of a curfew came after Clinton County Sheriff ’s Department reported numerous acts of vandalism or petty crime after the sun went down. This, along with wanting to protect children from unsafe acts, prompted officials on the village board to approve the curfew law. “Many village residents contacted us regarding groups of teens that were waking them up at night throwing things at houses and cars,” the Champlain Mayor Janet McFetridge said. “Several elderly residents stated that they were afraid to be in their homes and felt very vulnerable. Clinton County Sheriff David Favro suggested that we look into establishing a curfew to help with these problems.” Anyone in public, who looks to be under age, can now be stopped, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., by police if not with a guardian or parent. If stopped, they have to give their name and age. If the person alone stopped is under the age of 18, they will be given a warning. A
second time they are caught out past curfew can result in a fine of $100, and a third fi ne of $250. After the third time being caught alone past curfew, legal actions can result. “Unless such person is accompanied by a parent, guardian or other person having legal custody of such minor person, or is in the performance of an errand or duty directed by such parent having the care or custody of such minor person,” the law reads. “This exception shall not apply when the person under age shall be playing or unnecessarily loitering in or upon any such street, alley or public place.” Those under 18 are not allowed to loiter or pettle on public property to avoid danger or falling into the wrong crowd, as the summer saw crimes such as vandalism. Kids were also found to be swimming after dark, a dangerous activity. “The goal here is public safety - to keep our youth safe, to keep our families safe and to preserve the integrity of our community,” Sheriff Favro said at the news conference. “This allows us an opportunity. As law enforcement, this gives us a tool to be able to stop and ask youth questions.” An electric version of the law can be found on the Village of Champlain website at vchamplain.com. Previous minutes from meetings where the curfew law was discussed is also located on the website. ■
Fallon Vest
34.99
$
MSRP $59.99 103302-307
Force Extremes
39.99
$
MSRP $59.99 102314-412
285 Tom Miller Road Plattsburgh LennyShoe.com 235209