Vn a 0099 1112 by Sun Community News and Printing

ECRWSS PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID DENTON PUBLICATIONS/ NEW MARKET PRESS PO Box 338 Elizabethtown NY 12932 Postal Patron

Saturday,ÊNo vemberÊ12,Ê2016

www.SunCommunityNews.com

In News | pg. 6

2016 Election Coverage Visit www.suncommunitynews.com

In opinion | pg. 6

What a wild ride

Let’s hope this never happens again

In News | pg. 9

Land use law debated

E-town Planning Board finalizing plan

Supervisors cast doubts on OFA merger Essex County Board of Supervisors float options following well-attended public hearing By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

ELIZABETHTOWN — County lawmakers are considering walking back efforts to merge the aging department into public health. The merger, long in the works, was subject to a public hearing last week. About a dozen stakeholders spoke out against the proposal that is now awaiting state approval.

Climate

County officials were also presented with 500 signatures of senior citizens who are said to be against the merger. On Monday, Mike Marnell (R-Schroon) asked if he could offer a resolution to “abolish” the measure. “If so, I would make that resolution,” Marnell said. James Monty (R-Lewis) said he agreed. “I’d like to push it, but this isn’t the time,” Monty told Marnell. Joe Giordano (I-Ticonderoga) said he met with members of the Office for the Aging Advisory Council last week to discuss their concerns on transparency. The council said they were largely frozen out of the process. Previously, the group raised questions about projected cost sav-

Native speakers, youth and science focus on cooperation, accord at Adirondack Climate Coalition gathering

>> See CLIMATE CHANGE | pg. 18

>> See OFFICE FOR THE AGING | pg. 19

Input sought for county EMS strategic plan

change fight SARANAC LAKE — Young voices, American Indian voices, science and silent words drawn across protest signs delivered messages of concern and hope at the Adirondack Climate Coalition march here last week. A row of seven small posters leaned against the stage at Riverside Park: Kim Dedam “Make our world a better place,” one Writer said. Another simply asked for “A kind world.” These came from Keene Central School students, said Nicky Frechette, an event coordinator with Mothers Out Front. Her daughter Lily worked with school friends to create the messages. Theirs weren’t the only very small voices. Young people who train with the New York Ski Educational Foundation marked their support, declaring “I am pro-snow” with their signs, a reference to climate change impact on winter sports.

ings and concerns that services would be reduced. Critics also believe combining the departments would lead to a loss of independence at a time when services need to be enhanced to address a rapidly aging population. Randy Preston (I-Wilmington), who has spoken in favor of the consolidation, agreed there may have been a lapse in communication. “I’m concerned seniors were led to believe something bad was happening,” he said. County lawmakers are resolute that services to county seniors will not be diminished during the shift.

Public encouraged to submit comments as county moves forward on addressing EMS crisis By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

Lake Placid High School Senior Birk Albert, 17, is a United Nations Tribal Earth Ambassador. He spoke at the climate awareness gathering in Saranac Lake last week about ongoing water protection action on Standing Rock Sioux lands in North and South Dakota. Photo by Kim Dedam

ELIZABETHTOWN — What are your expectations when you call 911? It may seem like a no-brainer, but the county’s emergency services coordinator wants to hear from you. For much of the past year, EMS Coordinator Patty Bashaw has been surveying emergency service squads across the county, discerning their concerns and needs as the municipality explores solutions to addressing the declining rate of volunteers. One of the final steps in the data collection process is collecting input from county residents. A new website has been launched, and the public is encouraged to share their insights. >> See EMS CRISES | pg. 12

2 | November 12, 2016 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

www.suncommunitynews.com

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

County approves outside vendor for title searches Move will expedite tax auctions, said lawmakers, who have long complained over glacial search process By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

ELIZABETHTOWN — County lawmakers have approved using outside vendors to aid the county clerk’s office in the title search process for tax delinquent properties. Four companies have been offered $110 per search at 25 searches per week.

“The fee of $110 is the lowest we’ve seen in this area,” said County Attorney Dan Manning. Manning estimated 800 to 1,000 searches are required for the county to get caught up on 2013, 2014 and 2015 properties, leading to a minimum expenditure of $88,000. At 25 searches per week that will catch the county up on 1,000 searches in 40 weeks. The county clerk’s office ordinarily conducts the searches in-house, a labor-intensive process that searches delinquent properties in chronological order based on year. But the process has slowed to a crawl for years, and lawmakers have repeatedly expressed frustration over the lack of regular tax auctions designed to place the properties back on the tax rolls. “This had nothing to do with the county clerk’s office,” said Randy Preston (I-Wilmington). “A whole batch got dumped into their lap that they couldn’t do. “Let’s move forward.” $8 MILLION OWED Lawmakers approved the expenditure on Monday. Stephen McNally (D-Minerva) said he was initially against the measure, citing the cost, but signed off after County Clerk Joe Provoncha said his office would not be able to handle searches for 2014 and 2015. “Now I’m in favor,” McNally said. “I think once we get caught up, we’ll be fine.” County supervisors have long said they aim to hold two tax auctions each year. The county is owed $8 million in back taxes, reported Shaun Gillilland (R-Willsboro), citing a discussion with the county treasurer. “When you’re talking about $8 million of money that is a phantom on our fund balance, personally I think we do what we can to get it back,” Gillilland said. Compared to Essex County, neighboring Clinton County has just 30 or 40 tax delinquent properties up per year, Gillilland said. County Manager Dan Palmer said he was in favor of the measure. “It’s a self-perpetuating problem that doesn’t get resolved until we take steps to resolve it,” Palmer told lawmakers last week. “This is

the step that takes care of it.” WILL RECOUP FEES The title search process is required before the county can foreclosure on tax delinquent properties. But the infrequency leads to continued deterioration of abandoned properties and lost revenue, lawmakers argue. Once the search process is completed, the county attorney and treasurer send letters to delinquent property owners. The county will recoup the cost for the search fee, which will be calculated into the amount of money owed for taxes once the property is sold. The vote was unanimous, with Bill Ferebee (R-Keene), Michael “Ike” Tyler (R-Westport) and Wes Miga (R-Newcomb) excused.

Keene Veterans Day honors slated KEENE — The American Legion Marcy Post 1312 will conduct a traditional Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 11 at the Veterans Monument Park on Norton Cemetery Lane in Keene. There will be an honor guard, rifle squad, music and “some appropriate words to honor all who served in the armed forces of the United States of America,” organizers say.

Library to sell Osprey photos to benefit renovation efforts WILLSBORO — On display at the Paine Memorial Free Library in Willsboro are seven matted photographs of an Osprey family. They have been donated to the library and are for sale, with the entire proceeds to benefit renovation projects the library will be undertaking. These photographs are the work of Peter Benoit, a landscape and nature photographer who lives in Queensbury, NY. The exhibit will be on display until Dec. 1 at the Paine Memorial Free Library. For more information call 963-4478.

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

www.suncommunitynews.com

(CV)

The Valley News Sun • November 12, 2016 | 3

Keene search is on for interim supervisor Town Council tasked with filling one year unexpired term; deputy super says he’s uninterested in long-term position By Kim Dedam

kim@suncommunitynews.com

KEENE — The leadership seat in the Town of Keene is open for letters of interest from residents who might fill a one-year term ahead of next year’s local election. Supervisor Bill Ferebee tendered his resignation here to accept a state-appointed position and a title that won’t be announced until the end of November. “I will not be moving. It is a state appointed job from the governor,” said Ferebee, who declined to offer additional details. But, like the county shuffle, the supervisor’s seat here will need a new leader to fill the unexpired term. Ferebee has served as supervisor since 2005. “I will be leaving office at the end of November, on Nov. 28, and will take one day off and start my new job on Nov. 30,” Ferebee told the Sun. Keene’s Deputy Supervisor Paul Martin is

not taking the position for the long term and the Town Council discussed the matter during an executive session which was reported at the open meeting on Oct. 11. “The Town Board has been accepting letters of interest for about three weeks,” Ferebee said. “We anticipated taking those letters until close of the day on Nov. 16, and then the board will interview, review and make an appointment. The goal is to make a decision by the first regular Town Board meeting in December with an appointment to take effect in January.” The regular board meets on Dec. 13. Martin will fill in as deputy for the month of December, Ferebee explained. Ferebee’s 10-year tenure steered Keene through an extensive rebuilding process after Tropical Storm Irene hit in 2011, five years ago. And beyond navigating stacks of state and federal funding paperwork, the town has collectively rebuilt flood walls, bridges, roads, one of its two fire stations and made preparation for mitigating damage from future flooding. The historic Walton Bridge footbridge reopened about this time last year, drawing an exuberant crowd as the popular footpath through the Hamlet of Keene was made

whole. Leaving the supervisor’s post is difficult, Ferebee said. ”It’s really a bittersweet thing. The town has been very good to me. We’ve accomplished a lot as a community, a lot of small things. I’m still going to be a resident, I’m still going to be a taxpayer. I want to wish the board and my successor the very best.” Ferebee said he will remain available to help the new supervisor should any questions that come up. He did say he will continue to work on North Country interests at his new job, reserving further comment for an official announcement expected later this month. “I will be available to the limits that the Ethics Committee from New York State would allow,” Ferebee said. He can offer no recommendation or appointment for a successor. “This is solely a Town Board appointment. The town supervisor has no input,” Ferebee said. Last fall, voters approved a referendum extending the supervisor term from two to four years. Ferebee is the second Essex County Board of Supervisors chair to resign in as many years.

Keene Supervisor Bill Ferebee is stepping down Nov. 28 to take a yet-unspecified state job. File photo

Last June, Randy Douglas, who represented Jay, stepped down to take a job with the state Unemployment Insurance Review Board. Letters of interest for residents interested in serving as interim supervisor can be mailed to the attention of the Town Council, P.O. Box 89, Keene NY 12942.

4 | November 12, 2016 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

www.suncommunitynews.com

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

Westport Federated expanding gas card program By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

WESTPORT — A local church is expanding a program to assist residents with travel costs to regional medical facilities.

Westport Federated is renewing their call for residents to apply for a program that issues gas cards to help patients and their families get to and from medical appointments in Burlington and Plattsburgh. The need for an additional lifeline is now greater than ever due to shifts in insurance policies, including larger deductibles, said Pastor Tom Smith. “We want to get the word out and make people fully aware of this,” Smith said. Since the program’s launch earlier this summer, between 10-12 people have applied. The program is open to any Willsboro, Westport and Essex resident with a “chronic travel need,” Smith said. The Medical Assistance Program is just one branch of the congregation’s Community Cares program, a ministry born from Smith’s treatment for tonsil cancer this past winter. Tom and his wife, Lisa, said they were overwhelmed by the support they received from the community, and the illness helped the church zero in on their communityminded ministry model. The pastor was diagnosed one year ago last week, and has since been cleared. “God took me through

the process, and that restoration,” Tom said. Other fundraising efforts include a concert series, breakfasts and food bank drives. The application for the Westport Federated community outreach procard is simple, Agram is offering Westport, Essex and Willsboro and does not residents assistance with transportation costs to require appli- medical appointments. cants to disFile photo close invasive medical information. Once submitted, a church panel will vet the info before making a decision. The program has two phases: Accepted applicants will receive a $50 gas card from Stewart’s Shops the first and second month, with a reevaluation in the third. “We’re very excited about it,” Tom said. “We’re optimists, and hope people will apply and use those funds as intended.” The program has already made a big impact. The gratitude of a local cancer patient led Lisa to tears, she recalled. “He was overwhelmed with gratitude and so thankful for the community coming together and putting together a program,” Lisa said. “It’s not the whole answer, but we offer a little support that he’s not alone. “They have not been forgotten.” For more information on the program, call 962-9283. Application requests can be sent to Westport Federated, PO 386, Westport, NY 12993.

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

www.suncommunitynews.com

(CV)

The Valley News Sun • November 12, 2016 | 5

Spending stays under levy cap in Wilmington By Kim Dedam

ning for next year. The total amount to be raised by taxes is $1,020,905, according to Wilmington Supervisor Randy Preston. WILMINGTON — The Town of Wilmington has stayed The tax levy formula includes a carryover of savings from under the 0.67 percent tax levy cap allowance in budget plan- last year, and exhibits a total 0.85 percent increase, Preston said. “We just held the budget hearing, and we approved it. The actual increase is 0.85 of 1 percent. But we had a carryover, so it allowed for Crowfoot Pond trail opens Nov. 20 the 0.85 and that’s where we NORTH HUDSON — Champlain Area Trails are.” (CATS) will lead a free hike on Sunday, Nov. 20 to The total 2017 budget is celebrate the new bridge on the recently reopened set at $1,630,733, an increase Crowfoot Pond Trail. from current year spending “Hurricane Irene washed out the bridge people of less than 1 percent, Preswalked across to hike NYDEC’s Crowfoot Pond Trail ton said. and since that time people have been unable to get to “It has an increase of a tothe trail,” said CATS executive director Chris Maron. tal $8,671.” Maron explained that after receiving a call from That means the current nearby residents, Sandy and David Kerr, he drove tax rate at $4.82 per thoudown to take a look at the situation, and then enlisted sand dollars of real property the help of CATS volunteers Ed Wojcik and Kim and value will likely see a slight Nancy Gilbertson. decrease per thousand. Wojcik, who also volunteers for the Adirondack Mountain Club, worked to keep the trail “The only cost that was from growing over by wading across the brook to cut back brush and the Gilberstons kept increased was health insurin touch with the DEC about replacing the bridge. Their efforts and the commitment of the ance, which is up 8.4 perDEC to reopen the trail led to the construction of the new footbridge that once again allows cent. And we included a access to this popular trail. two percent raise for town Evan George, CATS board chair said: “Crowfoot Pond Trail is an easy trail through nice employees,” Preston said as woods to a beautiful lake. With the High Peaks trails getting so many visitors that there is a weeks worth of budget planpush to promote other hiking opportunities, it’s important to ensure those places are open ning wrapped up. so people can visit other parts of the Adirondacks. That ties in with CATS’ goal of having trails promote economic vitality in the Champlain Valley.” The public is invited to attend the 5-mile round trip hike to Crowfoot Pond and back. The group will meet at the trailhead on Tracy Road. It is about 6 miles west of Witherbee. Coming from the other direction, it is 1.6 miles east of NYS Route 9 and Exit 30 of the Northway. kim@suncommunitynews.com

CATS hike to showcase new bridge

There are no major purchases planned in Wilmington for 2017. “We have a vehicle replacement plan that we set up years ago and that allowed for two vehicles to be purchased this year.” As far as using fund balance is concerned, Preston said Wilmington doesn’t do it. Over the past several years, Wilmington has ended the practice, holding off in case of an emergency. “That’s a really dangerous way to balance your budget.” Despite flat spending and a tax cap below 1 percent, the budget planning went well. “We started in September and we are all pretty firm believers in staying at or under the cap. We were able to do it and we are able to function.” A more difficult challenge is coming though, as Wilmington gets engineering work underway for repairs to the Lake Everest Dam. “Next year or the year after, we do have work that has to be done on our dam. We have a wall that must be repaired and we need to add a gate to the structure to be able to consistently control the water level at Lake Everest,” Preston said. A $100,000 grant through state Senator Betty Little’s (RQueensbury) office put engineers on the ground. “The grant came through Senator Little from the state Dormitory Authority to get the engineering done, and we’ve got the process underway. “We are probably going to exceed a million dollars on that repair,” Preston said. “The year that that happens we are going to likely exceed the tax cap.”

6 | November 12, 2016 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

OPINIONS

Behind the Pressline

OurÊ goalÊ atÊ SunÊ CommunityÊ NewsÊ isÊ toÊ publishÊ accurate,Ê usefulÊ andÊ timelyÊ informationÊ inÊ ourÊ newspapers,Ê newsÊ products,Ê shoppingÊ guides,Ê vacationÊ guides,Ê andÊ otherÊ specialtyÊ publicationsÊ forÊ theÊ benefit of our readers and advertisers. WeÊ valueÊ yourÊ commentsÊ andÊ suggestionsÊ concerningÊ allÊ aspectsÊ of Ê thisÊ publication.

Dan Alexander

Publisher/CEO

OPINION

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

www.suncommunitynews.com/editorials

A time for redemption

’m writing this column Sunday evening, as I do every week. We have one more day of a campaign that has been far too long and far too nasty. As you read this I assume we all know the election results, provided it wasn’t so close that the results are being challenged and the wait continues for a new administration. One question that arises frequently during every election is why The SUN doesn’t endorse candidates, as so many other newspapers do? We take stands on issues in need of solutions but when it comes to voting on candidates we believe no one but you should make that decision. Swaying your opinion based on our opinion is one of the biggest problems our nation faces. Your vote is highly personal and it’s based on many factors that may only exist for you and your set of circumstances. We see our role as an honest broker of information and we hope you feel we provide both sides equal opportunity. We wish more media companies respected their role in the process by letting you know up front that their coverage will lean left or right so you know you’re only getting one side’s view and not a balanced perspective. It is my belief that this election will have an even greater outcome than just electing or re-electing our government officials. I think this election may have an affect on many of our institutions as an outcome of what was a painful and at many times an ugly commentary on the state of our nation’s electoral process. Many of our institutions will need to redeem themselves in the eyes of the American public starting at the top. Regardless of who becomes the president, she or he will need to prove that vicious attacks presented during the campaign were either fact or fiction. Either will have ample chance to redeem their reputation or confirm the attacks to have been accurate. I could see both political parties, congress and perhaps even the media changing the way they operate and passing new laws to insure the public never has to choose between two flawed candidates, nor have so much money and media influence affecting the process. As citizens we need to learn from what we’ve been through and demand better from those who have such a great affect on our daily lives and progress we make as a nation. It’s in everyone’s best interest to make America great and stronger if we work together. The alternative is more divisiveness, grid lock, investigations and frustration all around. Dan Alexander may be reached at dan@suncommunitynews.com.

www.suncommunitynews.com

Publisher ............................................................................................Daniel E. Alexander Associate Publisher ............................................................................................ Ed Coats Operations Manager ............................................................................... William Coats General Manager Central...................................................Daniel E. Alexander, Jr. Managing Editor ...........................................................................................John Gereau General Manager North ................................................................. Ashley Alexander General Manager South .................................................................Scarlette Merfeld

Visit us online at www.suncommunitynews.com or www.suncommunityprinting.com ADVERTISING POLICIES: Denton Publications, Inc. disclaims all legal responsibility for errors or omissions or typographic errors. All reasonable care is taken to prevent such errors. We will gladly correct any errors if notification is received within 48 hours of any such error. We are not responsible for photos, which will only be returned if you enclose a self-addressed envelope. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Local Zone $29.00 annual subscription mailed to zip codes beginning in 128 or 129. Annual Standard Mail delivery $47 annual mailed outside the 128 or 129 Local Zone. First Class Mail Subscription (sent in sealed envelope) $50 for 3 months/$85 for 6 months/$150 for an annual. $47 Annual, First Class Mail (sent in sealed envelope) $50 for 3 months / $85 for 6 months / $150 for an annual. ADDRESS CORRECTIONS: Send address changes in care of this paper to P.O. Box 338, Elizabethtown, New York 12932. EDITORIAL AND OPINION PAGE POLICY: Letters, editorials and photo submissions are welcomed. Factual accuracy cannot be guaranteed in Letters to the Editor or Guest Editorials. Editor reserves the right to reject or edit any editorial matter. All views expressed in Letters or Guest Editorials are not necessarily the views of the paper, its staff or the company. ©COPYRIGHT PROTECTION: This publication and its entire contents are copyrighted, 2015, Denton Publications, Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written consent. All Rights Reserved. Association Members of; FCPNY • NYPA • IFPA • AFCP • PaperChain

EDITORIAL

What a wild ride W

ell, that was fun. The election is over and we all have a collective political hangover. Like the rest of America, it’s going to take us awhile to process what the nastiest presidential race in modern history means. But here are some of our immediate takeaways. We’re all losers here. The race was a prolonged exercise in unprecedented hostility. No taboo issue was left untouched this cycle, from petty name-calling to allegations of fraud and deep-rooted corruption. The most base attacks on race, gender and ethnicity became an accepted part of the national vernacular, and are now rooted in the modern political playbook. What did we learn from this? Ugliness sells, and we’re all less civilized as a result. How do we combat the dark art of divisiveness? It remains a dangling question mark. The road less traveled. The two major party candidates were the most reviled in modern history. But on the flipside, people still tend to short-circuit when that binary choice is confronted, and they’re faced with a third choice. Voters ultimately chose to tread down the path of familiarity. Perhaps the third-party candidates were imperfect, but without sending that strong message, this repeat will undoubtedly happen again. This can’t be repeated. We’re going out on a limb here — this issue went to print on Tuesday morning — but it looks like Hillary Clinton is on track to notch a historic victory. Donald J. Trump reactivated a chunk of the American population who have long felt left behind. They’re right to feel that way, and we don’t blame them for lashing out against a political system that has fed them bromides for generations. But it is Clinton’s responsibility now to reach out and make substantiate inroads to bridge those redhot divisions — including forging policy that the GOP will find palatable. And the other side can’t fall into a echo chamber of the alt-media media, a feverish swamp of conspiracy theories and obstructionism at all costs. The Republican Party must rebuild, and not ignore the lessons learned in this election — that hate and rancor is the fast lane to the gutter, and will not win them national elections. People really hate the press. The media has long been a punching bag, and we’re used to battle-tested politicians bashing us, but also relying on us to convey their message. It’s a symbiotic relationship, and we’re generally okay with that. But these attacks have escalated into threats of violence on reporters during this election. This is not okay — it’s never okay. But the national media does need to reevaluate their policies once the smoke clears. The cable news

formula of 24-7 blanket coverage paired with a revolving lineup of partisan talking heads spewing platitudes has probably played a role to get us where we are today, a nation pitted against itself. We simply cannot let them further sow these artificial decisions. Run for office. While there are national issues that have massive effects — like the Affordable Care Act, for instance, or climate change — there are many issues that are equally important at the local level. One of the biggest discrepancies we’ve observed during this election cycle is how passionate some people can be for national politics, but have little appetite for state and local issues. While mundane issues like budgets, tax caps, emergency services and land use policy are less-sexy, they are a big deal, and leadership is sorely needed on those topics. The most accountable and best government is at the local level. We encourage anyone who feels passionately about politics at any level to throw their hats into the ring. The Sun Community News Editorial Board is comprised of Dan Alexander, John Gereau and Pete DeMola. We want to hear from you. Drop us a line on our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter, to share your thoughts.

LETTERS

GetÊ aÊ thickerÊ skin To the Editor: In response to a recent letter from Paula Hubert! I was amazed, reading your story concerning your time as deputy town clerk. The town clerk must have thought very highly of you and your abilities, to ask you to be her deputy. Before I could or would comment on the events leading up to your removal from the position of deputy town clerk, I would first talk to every one involved. At which point I would be able to offer a comment. But as a resident of the Town of Thurman, before I started investigating I would say ‘this is none of my concern.’ I would only hope that the town supervisor and the town board would ensure that nothing was done improper. Did you make a complaint at the time? Now since, you have found it necessary to speak for me. You could have called me, or talked to me at a board meeting. You did not. The reason I have

After we went to print...

t’s over! After what seemed like a never ending campaign season, voters headed to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 8 to cast their votes for a number of federal and local offices. With Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump leading the ticket, North

written these letters started, because the town supervisor Ms. Wood refused to let me speak. I guess you missed that! I started to see, some could speak others could not. This should bother everyone not just me! You say the reason I have written these letters seems to be in revenge. Again you are wrong, A few letters does not represent revenge. I have not written about any town highway position, perhaps in a future letter. Now a few thoughts about my letters, you wouldn’t believe how many people tell me “nice letter” or “great job” or “boy you really tell it like it is” and “keep up the good work!” Now if my letters have upset the folks on the other side of the aisle, I say to bad, what are you so worried about another one of my letters. They need a thicker skin. Thank you. Keith L. Parent Sr., Thurman

Country voters also selected a number of down ballot candidates, including candidates for U.S. Senate, New York’s 21st District, state Assembly and the Fourth Judicial District. For comprehensive Election Day coverage, including results, data analysis and interviews with the winners, visit us online at www.suncommunitynews.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

www.suncommunitynews.com

(CV)

The Valley News Sun • November 12, 2016 | 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Please donate to Willsboro fire victims To the Editor: In the caring spirit of the North Country, many friends are offering to help and aid fire victims Debbie and Don Alterie, whose home in Willsboro suffered major damage due to fire last week. ReNew, a local ministry which is devoted to helping families in crisis, will be accepting financial donations on behalf of the family. Please send checks made payable to Renew with “Alterie Family” on the memo line to: St. John’s Episcopal Church, PO Box 262, Essex, NY 12936. All contributions are tax deductible. Thank you for your generosity. Carole Harsh Essex

DentalÊ hygieneÊ important To the Editor: I am remiss in not getting this message in the paper during October, National Dental Hygiene month! I composed a message a while back regarding my success with my teeth after being away for so long from a dentist’s office. After seeing all the candy that these Halloween trick or treaters had in their pails, it makes me wonder just how many kids will end up with nasty teeth and gum disease? It is so important to take care of your teeth at an early age. We sometimes think that there is no need to really worry about it – they will lose their first teeth anyway and new ones will come in! I had, and am still having great success with Adirondack Dental Health Associates. Bring your kids to the office for routine check-ups. Teach them at an early age not to be afraid of the dentist office! They will thank you later on in life that they can sit down and eat a t-bone steak or a crisp apple just fallen from the tree! This doesn’t work so well when you have to wear dentures or partials! There is nothing like having your own teeth! Please consider taking both your kids and yourselves to see Dr. Dean Cook and his staff at Adirondack Dental Health Associates. It is a painless procedure and they will do their best to make visiting the dentist a trip not to be feared! Won’t you call today and make your appointment – you will be so thankful you did – I certainly am! Beverly Hudak Ticonderoga

WorkÊ of Ê AmericanÊ LegionÊ lauded To the Editor: Men and women of American Legion 1619: As Director of the US Department of Veterans Affairs National Viral Hepatitis Program, I want to let you know how grateful I and my fellow clinicians in VA are for your tremendous accomplishments in organ-izing and executing not one but two events this year to test your fellow Veterans for hepatitis C (HCV). Your groundbreaking work has deservedly received national attention because of its potential to help save the lives of Veterans across the Nation affected by this life-threatening illness. As we all know, HCV afflicts Veterans far more than the general population. For many years, the available treatments for HCV were less likely to work than a flip of a coin and had serious side effects that were life threatening in their own right. Until a couple of years ago, less than a quarter of all Veterans with HCV receiving care in VA had been treated and less than half of those had been cured. The availability of new, more effective, and much less toxic HCV treatments has changed all that. Be-tween January 2014 and September 2016, 71,000 Veterans with HCV in VA care – almost twice as many as were treated in all previous years combined – have received these new drugs, with cure rates of over 92 percent. These Veterans are much less likely to develop liver failure or liver cancer, and as a result will live longer, healthier lives.

The fight against this disease is by no means over. Nationally, there are tens of thousands of Veterans receiving care from the VA and hundreds of thousands outside the VA system who harbor HCV but don’t know it. We can cure them – but only if we can find them. That’s where your efforts are critical. Led by your commander, Mike Rock, and your Medical Informa-tion Officer, Danny Kaifetz, your post has pioneered a brilliant tactic for bringing Veterans in to provide HCV testing and offer information about diagnosis, treatment, and cure. Working together with the American Legion, the VA, regional medical centers such as Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital and the University of Vermont Medical Center, and state and local health departments such as the New York State Department of Health can link Veterans and others screening positive for HCV to high-quality care. It is no exaggeration to say that Post 1619 is providing overwatch for your fellow Veterans. Your work has been highlighted in briefings to VA leaders and to Congress, and I strongly believe that it can be developed into a national model that will help eradicate HCV among Veterans. Thank you for all you are doing, and for the honor of helping support your efforts. David B. Ross, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.I. Director, HIV, Hepatitis, and Public Health Pathogens Programs Office of Patient Care Services Staff Physician, Infectious Diseases Section Washington, DC Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences OBITUARIES

CarolÊ M.Ê SmithÊ

ROCHESTER — Carol M. Smith passed away peacefully on Oct. 29, 2016 in the company of her loving family. She was 86. Born in Rochester, NY to William Saucke and Mary Lydon Saucke. Married to Charles in 1950, they actively moved around the country following his job until settling in Parsippany, NJ in 1968. They also loved spending time at their summer residence on Lake Champlain and often wintered in Marco Island, FL. Carol was a loving wife and mother who always put her family first, assuring their comfort and success with her guidance and love. She kept the family close even as it grew and the children established homes of their own. She was a wonderful cook who enjoyed entertaining family and friends. In her leisure time she enjoyed swimming, boating, traveling, bridge, gardening and playing the organ. She was very proud of her children and the fact that they all achieved advanced degrees. She is survived by her husband of 66 years Charles D. Smith; three sons, Dr. Charles D. Smith, Jr. (wife Linda) of Parsippany, David Smith (wife Yolanda) of Rochester, NY and Richard Smith (wife Jenny) of Manalapan; one daughter, Jenny Barbor (husband Reid) of Buckhannon, WV; two brothers, Robert and Raymond Saucke, and two sisters Ella Schmidt and Marian Black. She is also survived by her 7 grandchildren Laura, Michael, Melissa, Kaitlyn and Trevor Smith, Carly Mriscin, Robert Barbor and 5 great grandchildren Julian, Bela, Anthony, Sophia, and Flora. She was predeceased by her siblings Dolores Thomas, Shirley Hills and William Saucke. Visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 4 from 12:30 - 2 p.m at the Bailey Funeral Home, 8 Hilltop Rd., Mendham. Funeral Service is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment at Hilltop Cemetery, Mendham. For those desiring, donations to the Alzheimer’s Assoc., or the American Cancer Society in her memory, would be appreciated. For more information, visit baileyfuneral.com.

Justin Bazil, Alexander Morland and Lambchop of North River had a perfect 7th week in the Sun Community News U-Pickem Football Contest. The trio are pictured here at the Tannery Pond Community Center collecting their winnings of $700 from Sun Publisher Dan Alexander and General Manager DJ Alexander. Each week $100 is added to the pool just waiting for some lucky reader to pick the winning teams for the week. It’s not too late to join the fun at upickem.suncommunitynews.com. Photo by Deborah Zack

COMMENTARY

Don’t encase your children in Bubble Wrap Michael Shannon

Columnist

doubt that I would see eye-toeye on any political topic with Leslie Kendall Dye, but we are muy simpatico when it comes to child-raising philosophy. Dye writes in the Washington Post that she’s tired of busybodies warning that her daughter is about to be maimed. Dye is more tactful and calls the free advice dispensaries “worried strangers” but we know what they are: Childhood killjoys, exuberance extinguishers and professional hall monitors. These are people who are experts on raising your child and not in the least reluctant to share their wisdom. Even though she knows letting her daughter enjoy childhood is the correct policy, Dye is still defensive: “She scales rocks and swings from gates. She leaps over six concrete steps to the pavement below. Sometimes I wish for a less active child but I remind myself that this trait - this athleticism - will serve not just her body but her mind as she develops.” That reasoned explanation never occurred to me. I just liked watching Karl sail through the air. I recall a family cruise where the dining room was located four or five decks below our room. Taking each stair individually slowed him down, so Karl would leap from landing to landing like Ricochet Rabbit. My job was to make sure the coast was clear and prevent collisions with elderly passengers who gave him astonished looks as he rocketed by. Even before he learned to fly Karl eschewed normal stair etiquette. When we moved into the house where Karl grew up he was still crawling. There were stairs into the basement and stairs leading up to the second floor where his bedroom was located. I should have done the responsible Dad thing and installed one of those mini-cellblock gates to keep him from tumbling down. But before I got around to it, he solved the problem. Karl would crawl to the edge of the stairs wearing his onesie - if it was winter he would wear two, Janet called it double-bagging - then make his body rigid and slide down feet first on his belly like a human surfboard. He could even negotiate the turn at the bottom without stopping. When Dye’s daughter was a toddler she “had to run her like a Labrador to burn through her extra energy.” I have an idea I came to parenting later than Dye did so I used a combination of technology and subterfuge to tire Karl. Again prior to walking, Karl got around the house pushing a FisherPrice plastic scooter. Evidently this form of locomotion so dangerous its manufacture was subsequently banned. To me the best feature of the scooter was a compartment with a flip-up blue lid. I filled the box with rolls of quarters, dimes and nickels then sealed the lid with duct tape. A few hours pushing that 20lb bale and he was ready for bed. Dye’s daughter is very fortunate. She has a mother who is strict when it comes to manners and permissive when it comes to play. Today it takes a strong, confident parent to raise a child like that. Dye’s next test will be when her daughter becomes a teenager. I’m hoping she hangs tough on manners. Michael Shannon is a commentator and public relations consultant. He can be reached at mandate.mmpr@gmail.com.

8 | November 12, 2016 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

www.suncommunitynews.com

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

NOV. FLY LIKE AN EAGLE FUN 19 Sat. RUN @ WESTPORT CENTRAL SCHOOL

Saturday: Registration 8:00 am - 8:45 pm Race at 9:00 am

5th Annual 5K / 1k Run & Walk Sponsored by WPTSO Adults $20, Students $10, Family max $45 All proceeds to benefit educational initiatives at Westport Central School. Details: http://www.wptso.com

91539

NOV. ANNUAL TURKEY RAFFLE 18 @ST. JOSEPH’S Fri. PARISH CENTER.

Friday: 7:00 pm

Benefits the Men’s Club. Details: 518-493-4521

Lots of prizes (including a 42” smart TV). Five chances to win per game. Free Buffet Dinner. No admission charge. 91537

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

www.suncommunitynews.com

(CV)

The Valley News Sun • November 12, 2016 | 9

Elizabethtown weighs codes update By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

ELIZABETHTOWN — The Elizabethtown Planning Board is in the final stages of updating the hamlet’s land use local law. Planning board members say the upgrade is long overdue, and adds clarity to a set of statutes that hasn’t been updated in 30 years. For instance, the size of electronic signs has been regulated. Regulations have been determined for technology that didn’t exist before — like solar panels, for instance. New statutes will make it easier to acquire permits for the rebuilding of nonconforming structures. The law will govern how many junked cars a property owner can store in their yard. (The answer is two.) And the proposed regulations are clearer; more enforceable, and in better compliance with state law. “It’s less restrictive and more inclusive,” said Evelyn Hatch, a planning board member. TWO-YEAR PROCESS The upgrades, which only include the hamlet (the Adirondack Park Agency has jurisdiction elsewhere in the town), are based on the town’s comprehensive plan. Passed in September 2014, the document, drafted based on community input, acts as an inventory that identifies the town’s assets and sketches out a blueprint for the future, or essentially, what the community wants to be. The proposed land use upgrades follow that outline. The document is also critical in locking in the increasingly competitive state grants that have become necessary to fund large-scale projects — including the town’s long-stalled wastewater treatment plant, the delay of which local officials and business leaders say has crippled the community’s economic development. “If we want to get any more grants, especially for things like the wastewater treatment plant, we have to have an updated set of land use local laws in place,” said Planning Board member Elena Borstein. The first draft was crafted by Nan Stolzenburg, the consultant who helped the town create the comprehensive plan.

Since then, the planning board has shaped the proposed legislation over a two-year period, incorporating input from local business leaders, property owners, the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals and local officials, among others. Based on their input, the board has refined and tweaked the proposed legislation, briefing the town board throughout the process. The proposed legislation is now in its fourth draft. A public hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Elizabethtown Town Hall. “The process was transparent and the committee was varied and flexible,” said Borstein. “We had a remarkable variety of participants and experts from the community in many fields, from building codes to highway department issues.” Borstein said the board spent months debating viewpoints like individual rights versus those of a neighbor. Discussion was so intense, the planning board even debated the difference between the legal language governing housing chickens compared to roosters, for instance. All these issues were referred back to the comprehensive plan, Borstein said, which expressed the community’s desire to live in a “beautiful, friendly, rural setting that is encouraging to new business and protective of individual and community rights.” The sweeping away of ambiguity and vagueness helps add to a more business-friendly environment, Borstein said. “Part of the comprehensive plan is that people really wanted to be encouraging for new businesses and development to come to town,” Borstein said. “That was a key factor, and it’s always very business-friendly to have things be very clear when businesses come to town.” It’s a living document, she noted, and balance is important. And once passed by the town board, the document can be amended. RESIDENT OPPOSES Ken Fenimore, an outspoken former town councilman, said he is concerned that the law is more expansive than it appears; that it places too much authority in the hands of three “non-elected” citizens, and creates an “extremely onerous permitting process.” He also criticized the planning board for what he perceived as a lack of transparency and for not responding to his con-

cerns. But documents obtained by the Sun show that those concerns were raised and addressed by the planning board— like statutes governing aesthetic standards, for instance. Other concerns, for instance, like site planning review, are state-mandated, and the planning board cannot unilaterally choose to omit those things. Fenimore encouraged the town board to reject the proposed legislation. “The planning board opposes a second public hearing and encouraged the town board to not allow questions if a hearing is held for fear that property owners would vent and shred the plan,” Fenimore wrote in a letter to the editor in the Nov. 5 edition of the Sun. LOCAL CONTROL The planning board is required by state law to follow certain legally-binding procedures. The document, if enforced and implemented properly, will ensure checks and balances with the town, and specifically outlines administration roles, said planning board members at their meeting last month. Typically, the planning board — which numbers five regulars and two alternates — has no enforcement responsibilities. Those instead fall under the purview of the codes officer, which is appointed by the town board. Any decision by the planning board can be appealed by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Planning Board Chair Bruce Pushee said the board understands the strong feelings of ensuring local autonomy, and the legislation actually protects home rule. “Our own zoning,” Pushee said. “That is home rule.” To view the proposing zoning law, visit etownny.com/. For details on the public hearing, call the town hall at 873-6555.

10 | November 12, 2016 â&#x20AC;¢ The Valley News Sun (CV)

www.suncommunitynews.com

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

www.suncommunitynews.com

(CV)

The Valley News Sun â&#x20AC;¢ November 12, 2016 | 11

12 | November 12, 2016 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

EMS Crises From page 1

‘CRISIS’ The county’s EMS concerns are well-documented: Squads are facing reduced volunteer rates. As such, officials are worried about a drop-off in service, leading to coverage gaps. That, paired with a perfect storm of additional factors, have led officials to describe the situation as a pending crisis. Additional factors include an uptick in state-mandated training that disincentivizes new recruits; there are demographic changes that see less young people raising families here, as well as a shift in how people view civic engagement in general. All of this means what was once unthinkable is now within the realm of possibility: What happens if you call 911, and no one comes? “We are very, very lean with the number of people we have, and the people we have are getting older,” Bashaw said. “We have to have the volunteers, otherwise it’s not going to be sustainable, funding-wise.”

www.suncommunitynews.com

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

On a fiscal level, town budgets are now rising as municipalities struggle to maintain the services for an aging population in an era of permanent austerity. And at least one squad, Crown Point, has been shuttered in recent years due to the lack of volunteers. STRATEGIC PLAN The county is taking a proactive approach. Alongside meetings with state officials, the county is in the process of drafting a strategic plan. Using state grant funds, the county hired Rochester-based firm Centers for Government Research for the countywide study. Alongside interviews with local squads and a constellation of other agencies, Bashaw has also interviewed her counterparts in Livingston, Albany and Columbia counties, who are also facing similar issues, and have created some form of a countywide system. “It’s very clear this is not specific to Essex County,” Bashaw said. Once the data is crunched, the county will create a strategic plan with lawmaker input. Bashaw said it’s too early to say what a possible solution

may look like, whether it be a countywide system or another arrangement. She stressed the county does not want to take over agencies, but rather ensure a patient is getting an ambulance in a timely fashion. Keeping stakeholders in the loop is crucial, she said. “We’re trying to be as transparent as possible,” Bashaw said. To take the survey, visit cgr. org/essex-ems/. Click on “Get Involved,” then select “submit comments or questions.”

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

www.suncommunitynews.com

(CV)

The Valley News Sun â&#x20AC;¢ November 12, 2016 | 13

14 | November 12, 2016 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

www.suncommunitynews.com

SPORTS

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

www.suncommunitynews.com/sports

McCormickÊ earnsÊ twoÊ stateÊ bidsÊ inÊ homeÊ AVCSÊ pool By Keith Lobdell

The PHS team of Kelley, Abdallah, Miller and Kuhn won the 200 free relay, followed by Peru (Giulia Mulligan, Emily CLINTONVILLE — ReMcLane, Mya Hablin-Bowlby cords fell at the Section VII and Madeline Lemza), AuSgirl’s swimming championable Valley (Lillian Wilson, ships Nov. 5 at AuSable Valley Erin Butler, Megan LeClair and Central School as Plattsburgh Riley Stone) and Moriah (Lily High senior Brooke Kelley led Williams, Sarah Drake, Emma the Lady Hornets to another Collard and Sophie Garrison). title. Meghan Davey had a time Kelley was dominant in the of 1:04.70 to win the 100 back pool, setting a pool, PHS and over Peru’s Lemza, who was Section VII record in the 200 followed by AuSAble’s MadiIM with a time of 2:12.767, son Bedard for third. Emily about a half-second faster McLane of Peru and Annemathan her seeding time from the rie Geiger of PHS then folregular season. The time also lowed Kelley in the 100 breastmet the NYSPHSAA qualifystroke. ing time. In the finale, the team of KelWith her times, Kelley is ley, Biondolillo, Abdallah and ranked 16th in the breaststroke and 45th in the butterfly. AuSable Valley senior standout Emily McCormick scored wins in the 200 free and 500 free at the Section VII girl’s swimming meet in her home pool. Davey won the 400 free with a combined time of 3:57.75. The senior alo met the quali- The Patriots finished third in the team event, with Plattsburgh High School successfully defending their sectional championship run. They were followed by AVCS Photo by Keith Lobdell fying time in the 100 breast(Em. McCormick, Haylee Vanstroke at 1:06.62, again besting Avery Kuhn pulled in another win for the elo, Jaiden Varmette, Lily Williams and Sarah derpool, Al. McCormick and her regular season top time by about one-half Drake. Hornets with a time of 1:03.72 in the 100 Bedard), Peru (Mikaela Raymond, Morgan second. AuSable Valley’s Emily McCormick then fly, while AuSable’s Allison McCormick and Keable, Sara Szczypien and Kaytlin Durgan) In the 400 free relay, Kelley’s opening time won the 200 free in 2:04.60, beating PHS Peru’s Mikayla Fountain followed. Meghan and Moriah (Garrison, Brassard, VonDwingof 55.60 seconds set the AVCS pool record for swimmer Andie Abdallah and sister Allison Davey then earned another win for the Hor- elo and Varmette). a 100 yard time. McCormick of AVCS to top the podium. In nets with a time of 57.47 seconds in the 100 In all, Plattsburgh High was awarded 403 The team of Madeline Dame, Meghan Dav- the 200 IM< Kelley was followed by team- free, followed by Andie Abdallah for PHS and points, with Peru following with 320, AVCS teammate Barrett Miller. ey, Avery Kuhn and Barrett Miller opened the mates Avery Kuhn and Alison Silver. with 216 and Moriah with 90. meet for PHS with a win in the 200 medley In the distance event, Emily McCormick Madeline Lemza gave Peru a win inthe 50 Winners in each event will now take part relay with a time of 2:03.56. Alexis Hutchins, free, touching the wall in 25.57 seconds. Bar- set a school record with a time of 5:32.44 to in the NYSPHSAA swimming championEmily McLane, Mikayla Fountain and Mad- rett Miller of PHS was second, with Peru’s win the 500 free by 48 seconds over PHS’s ships, which will be held Nov. 18-19 at Ithaca eline Lemza finished second for Peru, while Madison McBride third. Madeline Dame. Mia Biondolillo of PHS fin- College. Moriah placed third with Lizzie VonDwingished third. keith@suncommunitynews.com

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

www.suncommunitynews.com

(CV)

The Valley News Sun • November 12, 2016 | 15

AVCSÊ trioÊ qualifyÊ forÊ NYSPHSAAÊ crossÊ countryÊ meet By Keith Lobdell

keith@suncommunitynews.com

ELIZABETHTOWN — For one, it was the culmination of a career in cross country that went from perennial best man to the to of the Section VII podium. For the other, it was the culmination of a single season where she went from an unknown to queen of the course. Two very different roads for Seton Catholic’s Caleb Moore and Saranac Lake’s Brittany Shumway. But both with the same results - Section VII individual titles. “Winning the sectionals was not really my goal because this was my first year running,” said Shumway, a senior on the Red Storm roster. “I really did not know coming in that I had a chance.” Shumway said it was about three races into the season she started to see her results were at the top of the league, putting her in position to take over the girl’s throne over from former Seton Catholic standout and graduate Margaret Champagne. “I started focusing on being strong throughout the race and being able to finish strong,” Shumway said. “That’s what I hope to do at states, as well.”

Class C boys Saranac Lake 31, AVCS 55, Saranac 68, PHS 81, NCCS 129 3