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• EDITION •
County taxes slightly higher Health care negotiations hold down expenses By Tim Rowland STAFF WRITER
ELIZABETHTOWN | Essex County will use surplus funds and successful health insurance negotiations to keep taxes relatively flat in its 2020 spending plan, according to a budget memo provided to town supervisors. Taxpayers will pay an extra $3 annually on a home assessed at $100,000 under the 2020 budget, which is expected to receive final approval in December. The budget includes a 2.5% raise for county employees and pays for various new policies mandated by the state, most notably the result of a criminal justice reform bill passed in April that adds to prosecutors’ workload. The reform bill has raised concerns in local governments, particularly as it applies to bail reform, which they believe could render judges powerless to lock up dangerous criminals after their arrest. It also requires DAs to supply defendants with the evidence they plan to use against them within 15 days of their arraignment, which means the county will need to add an assistant prosecutor. Palmer said the county will watch other aspects of the bill to see if there are any more associated costs. The $108 million budget is up 2.61% over last year’s, according to the budget message from County Manager Dan Palmer. Revenues are expected to increase as well by 2.24%. Revenues are projected to be $82 million, leaving a $25.6 million difference to be paid for by taxes. The projected tax levy for 2020 will raise $23.5 million, 2.17% more than this year. The county will use $2.1 from its fund balances to bridge the gap and keep the budget under the tax cap.
Moriah’s Cody Petro was named the defensive player of the game in Moriah’s 46-12 win over Tuckahoe in the NYSPHSAA Class D semifinals Nov. 22, while Maddox Blaise was named the offensive player of the game. Photo by Keith Lobdell
Blaise’s record-setting night has Moriah ‘Domeward’ bound
See COUNTY TAXES » pg. 8
See MORIAH FOOTBALL » pg. 12
Insects have ADK surrounded Public urged to be on the lookout for signs of damaging invasives By Tim Rowland STAFF WRITER
Julie Fogden gives a seminar on pests that are threatening traditional Adirondack forests. Photo by Tim Rowland
WILLSBORO | The Adirondack forest — its hemlock, beech, maple, ash, pine and oak — is perhaps as iconic as the mountains themselves. Apple trees and, increasingly, grape vines and hops are a staple of the North Country economy. But it is all at risk from insects arriving from half a world away, which seemingly have the Adirondack park hemmed in on all sides and are ready to pounce in a way that could vastly change the way the forest looks in future decades. “If the hemlock is ravaged, you can imagine how would the park change as an ecosystem,” said Julie Fogden, an Invasive Species Management Steward at The Nature Conservancy during a presentation at Noblewood Park in Willsboro. Those in attendance were urged to learn the signs of infestation and report and suspicious activity to the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program.
The invaders can be reported on APIPP’s contact page at adkinvasives.com. Fogden said there is also user friendly, free app called iMapInvasives, where reports can be made via cellphone app, or online on their website. Any DEC regional office as well as Essex County Soil and Water Conservation District can also direct reports. For many of these insects though, their arrival “is not a matter of if, it’s when,” Fogden said. A cautionary tale is told by the beech, which was once a “storybook tree” of stately beauty and flawlessly smooth silver bark, but today is considered junk by foresters because it’s attacked by a one-two punch of insects and disease that leaves its trunks riddled with ugly wounds and often kill the tree before it reaches full maturity. Also about to go are Adirondack ash trees, which will fall to the emerald ash borer, probably sooner rather than later. As with many insects, it’s the larvae that do the damage, Fogden said, as they burrow under the bark and intercept nutrients that are on their way to the canopy. Ash trees represent about 5% of the Adirondack forest and the properties of the wood have made it a popular choice of boat builders. See BUGS » pg. 8
Small Business Saturday in Schroon Twenty businesses to participate in Chamber event By Tim Rowland STAFF WRITER
SCHROON LAKE | Twenty businesses in and around Schroon Lake will join other communities this week celebrating Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30, according to Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Susan Palisano. Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in 2010, to shine a spotlight on the impact small businesses have on communities across the country.
This year’s celebration is the 10th Annual Small Business Saturday, marking a decade of support from American Express for local business owners. Since it started in 2010, consumers have reported spending an estimated $103 billion across all Small Business Saturdays combined. That’s $103 billion toward helping communities thrive, spent over just nine days alone. Businesses that will be participating in Schroon Lake’s Small Business Saturday include: Adirondack Buffalo Company, Alpine Pizza, Adirondack General Store, Adirondack Jellystone Park, Local Artisans and Crafters Expo, DeCesare’s Pizzeria, Flanagan’s Pub and Grill, Lazy Moose Market, Paradox Brewery, Pine Cone Mercantile and Provisions, Rocky Acres Sewing & Alterations, Rowe’s Adirondack Cabins, Schroon Lake Chamber, Schroon Lake Massage and Wellness, Schroon Lake Pharmacy, Schroon Lake Wine and Liquor, Sticks and Stones Restaurant, Stirring
Creations, Trail Break Restaurant and Towne Store. Palisano said the event is beneficial both to merchants and shoppers — and to the community at large. According to American Express, two-thirds of every dollar spent at a small business in the U.S. stays in that local community. “That means shopping small could help bring things like better schools, smoother roads, and new jobs to neighborhoods across the country,” American Express said in a release. Merchants and consumers can learn more about Small Business Saturday and how to get involved by visiting ShopSmall.com ■
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