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Saturday,ÊJ anuaryÊ7,Ê2017
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www.SunCommunityNews.com
In SPORTS | pg. 12
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Burgher’s hoops making strides
In opinion | pg. 4
Cuomo veto disappointing
Boy’s team scores win over King’s
Rejects indigent defense bill
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In LAKE GEorGE | pg. 9
Polar Plungers brave the lake Annual event held
REDC endorses plan for maximum Boreas access Alternative 1 will act as a much-needed gateway for four-season economy By Pete DeMola
pete@suncommunitynews.com
PLATTSBURGH — The North Country Regional Economic Development Council has endorsed the proposed plan for Boreas Ponds that would allow for the maximum amount of recreation on the newly acquired parcel. The collection of business leaders, academics and nonprofits rolled out the endorsement on Dec. 28, two days before the state’s public
comment deadline. The NCREDC cited the importance of tourism to the local economy as a leading reason to support the Adirondack Park Agency’s Alternative 1, and said the parcel played a critical plank in their agenda for tourism growth in the 11-county region. “For long-term stewardship of our unique landscape that blends caring for the environment and commerce for our communities, we need to attract both recreation and wildlife enthusiasts alike,” wrote NCREDC CoChairs Tony Collins and Garry Douglas in a letter to the agency. The group said the mix of Wilderness and Wild Forest will allow for the creation of a four-season economy, and cited the opportunity for snowmobiling and cycling oppor-
VolunteersÊ hailedÊ asÊ DynamiteÊ HillÊ upgradesÊ celebrated By Thom Randall
thom@suncommunitynews.com
CHESTERTOWN — Town of Chester citizens who helped upgrade the popular local ski venue known as Dynamite Hill Recreation area were commended Dec. 31 as a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the improvements. The upgrades include a new ski tow with handles, LED lighting fixtures to enhance night skiing, higher-capacity electrical service to boost snowmaking capabilities, and a new ski-lift base station. Several dozen area citizens turned out for the ceremony which featured an appearance by Brant Lake teenager Abe Studler, a nationally-ranked moguls skier who is a member of the U.S. Ski Team. Located on Route 8 just outside of the Chestertown hamlet, the hill features a drop of about 65 feet. The popular recreation area accommodates sledders and snowboarders as well as skiers — and it features a skating rink and a lodge as well as the skiing hill. The upgrades were accomplished in a joint effort involving the town government, the Chestertown Rotary Club and >> See DYNAMITE | pg. 3
tunities. Collins, who serves as president of Clarkson University, also took a shot at a study released by a professor last year at his institution that determined property values increase in proximity to Wilderness. “It is widely understood in the economic development industry that average home values — particularly when values are disproportionately influenced by the sale of seasonal vacation homes — have limited influence in demonstrating a community’s overall economic health and its potential for growth,” said Collins, who also serves as Clarkson’s president, in the joint letter. True drivers of the economy will rather be revenues generated by sales and occupancy tax growth alongside year-round employ-
ment opportunities, he said. BeWildNY, a coalition of environmental groups which has endorsed the study, has used the survey as a chief plank in their economic argument for the area surrounding the tract, arguing under their proposal, the region will flourish into a thriving economic zone similar to Keene. Formed in 2011, the state’s regional economic development council program is designed to give the state’s 10 regions a localized approach to shape economic policy by singling out development projects and targeting areas for growth through long-term strategic planning. The state purchased the 20,758-acre Boreas >> BOREAS | pg. 14
NewcombÊ WinterfestÊ onÊ tap Family-friendly event slated for Jan. 14 NEWCOMB — The WinterFest celebration in Newcomb is set for Saturday, Jan 14, with a jam-packed 12-hour schedule of fun, food and outdoor festivities. Events at the Adirondack Interpretive Center, located at 5922 Route 28N, get started at 10 a.m. Peter O’Shea, a guest naturalist, will offer a guided snowshoe walk on the AIC trails. O’Shea will help guests identify animal tracks and speak to the natural history of the region. This event starts at 1 p.m. and runs for about two hours. At AIC, guests will also find open trails and snowshoes available for hiking, along with an art show featuring local artists. Also on deck is the Camp Santanoni Winter Weekend AARCH Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event includes an open house, tours, snowshoe and cross country sking at the preserve. There will be no shortage of food throughout the day, nor hot beverages, as three stations for hot chocolate will be set up around the town. Food and drink will be available at the Newcomb House all day. Chili, beer and hot dogs will be at the fire hall from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. For dinner, attendees are encouraged to swing back to the fire hall from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. where the Methodist Women’s Spaghetti Dinner will be held. Donations are appreciated. Athletic events are also on tap, including downhill skiing at the ski slope, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, free
short snowmobile rides, tours and an open house at Santanoni tours and an all-day bonfire by Lake Harris. Additional events include ice skating, ice fishing demos, a fat bike demonstration, and new this year, Hot Skis from CloudSplitter Outfitters is also planned and hopeful to be conducted depending on the ice formation. When it comes to entertainment, break out your dancing shoes — or in this case, your dancing socks — for Ed Lowman and Quickstop Square Dancing at Newcomb Central. Live music by the Lightning Rods and a caller will entertain the crowds. Those who don’t wish to dance in your socks are encouraged to bring appropriate shoes, as winter boots will not be allowed on the gym floor. The dance runs from 7 to 10 p.m. with chocolate goodies. The event is free, with a suggested donation of $5. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit discovernewcomb.com.