2020: A North Country Retrospective

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2020

Press-Republican

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2020: A NORTH COUNTRY RETROSPECTIVE

A NORTH COUNTRY RETROSPECTIVE

Thursday, December 31, 2020

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2020: A NORTH COUNTRY RETROSPECTIVE

Thursday, December 31, 2020

JOEY LAFRANCA/STAFF PHOTO

The Macdonough Monument towers over protesters at the Black Lives Matter, No Justice, No Peace protest in the City of Plattsburgh held on June 6. The rally was just one example of the major national medical, social and financial upheavals of 2020 having echoes even in the North Country. While 2020 was certainly filled with its challenges, hopefully we all learned something from it. And, hopefully we all will have a better understanding of each other and realize that we are most assuredly all in this together.

A word from the editor...

W

hile 2020 was certainly filled with its challenges, hopefully we all learned something from it.

The year, of course, was dominated by the COVID-19 coronavirus as we tried to figure out ways to deal with this unprecedented pandemic in our time.

The coronavirus hit us early in the year, and by the end of March, we were in full battle with this dreadful virus.

We saw our hospitals and health departments act bravely and swiftly to help those stricken, and our community rallied once again.

The pandemic took its toll for sure. We saw businesses close, sports and entertainment come to a halt, and government operate virtually in a way we’ve never seen before.

There were moments of relief as the spring turned to summer and the case numbers in the North Country went down to levels that would allow

Joe LoTemplio

Editor-in-Chief some businesses, namely bars and restaurants and hair salons, to reopen.

But as summer drew down and the cooler weather of fall and winter arrived, we saw the number of positive cases shoot back up. Way up.

Thanksgiving proved to be a problem as cases rose even higher as many seemed to ignore the advice of health experts and held gatherings for the holiday.

Christmas likely will have the same effect.

While many in our region

adhered to COVID-19 guidelines this year, unfortunately there were some who did not, steadfastly refusing to believe in the danger and demanding they be afforded their rights.

Health officials have, and continue to stress the mantra we’ve heard all year: wear a mask, social distance, avoid large gatherings, stay home if sick and wash hands.

Hopefully, the science will prevail. The arrival of vaccines gives us all hope that soon this nightmare will be over.

And while all of this COVID-19 drama was unfolding, we were watching more drama play out in Washington, D.C. as President Donald Trump refused to acknowledge the win of Joe Biden in the presidential election.

The election divided most of the nation, including our region to a degree as well.

Between the pandemic and the election and politics, we were certainly not at a loss for discussion topics whether in person or on social media.

Press-Republican

Hopefully some of those discussions were fruitful and people actually walked away with a new perspective they hadn’t considered, or a bit of knowledge they did not know.

And, hopefully we all will have a better understanding of each other and realize that we are most assuredly all in this together.

Most of us will not be sorry to say goodbye to 2020, and we wait in hope that 2021 will be better, and that it will truly bring us peace and more to be thankful for.

In this special edition of the Press-Republican, we offer a snapshot of some of the moments that defined this year: both the painful and difficult, as well as some of the brighter moments that stood out.

Again, we hope these stories offer a chance to reflect on the lessons that we might take away from this year and appreciate the challenges we’ve overcome as we leave the year behind.

As we’ve said many times this year: Stay safe, North Country.

Thursday, December 31, 2020

2020: A NORTH COUNTRY RETROSPECTIVE

THE YEAR IN RE(AR)VIEW Yes, that did happen this year.

In a time where news seemed to spring up by the minute, it can be easy to forget truly how much happened in 2020.

Here’s a timeline of some of the major events that shaped the North Country and the world this year.

JULY

JANUARY Jan. 2: Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani killed in U.S. airstrike Jan. 22: Rep. Stefanik named to Trump impeachment defense Jan. 26: Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna die in helicopter crash

July 1: USMCA trade deal goes into effect July 12: Dozens attend Back the Blue rally in Plattsburgh July 14: Peru Central School board votes to retire Indians team mascot July 17: Civil Rights icon John Lewis dies

Jan. 21: Washington state man becomes first confirmed US COVID-19 case

FEBRUARY

AUGUST Aug. 12: Joe Biden names Kamala Harris as VP choice Aug. 18: Essex County reports first COVID-19 death Aug. 18: Democrats nominate Joe Biden for president Aug. 27: GOP nominates Donald Trump for president

Feb. 2: Kansas City Chiefs defeat San Francisco 49ers to win Super Bowl LIV Feb. 5: Senate votes to acquit Trump of impeachment charges Feb. 22: Lake Placid marks 40th anniversary of ‘Miracle on Ice’

MARCH March 1: New York state plastic bag ban goes into effect March 1: NYC woman becomes New York’s first confirmed COVID-19 case March 12: SUNY Plattsburgh shifts to online classes over virus concerns March 12: NCAA cancels spring sports season March 14: Clinton, North Country community colleges shift to online classes March 16: Clinton County confirms first COVID-19 infection

SEPTEMBER

March 16: Area BOCES close school districts over COVID-19 March 17: Essex County confirms first COVID-19 infection March 18: US, Canada restrict border travel March 21: New York state orders all non-essential business to close March 25: Franklin County confirms first COVID-19 infection

Sept. 18: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies Sept. 26: Amy Coney Barrett nominated for Supreme Court seat Sept. 23: US surpasses 200,000 COVID-19 deaths Sept. 29: Joe Biden and Donald Trump hold chaotic first debate

OCTOBER Oct. 2: In tweet, Donald Trump announces COVID-19 diagnosis Oct. 2: Trump admitted to Walter Reed Military Hospital Oct. 5: Trump leaves Walter Reed

APRIL April 1: City of Plattsburgh enacts emergency curfew April 9: Russell Barnard apartments locked down April 10: First Clinton County COVID-19 death reported April 15: Cuomo enacts statewide mask mandate

NOVEMBER April 16: Lakeview Towers put under quarantine April 17: City of Plattsburgh votes to restructure jobs over virus impact

Nov. 3: Election Day 2020 Nov. 7: Joe Biden crosses 270 Electoral College vote threshold, securing presidential victory Nov. 9: Absentee votes give Rosenquest victory in city mayor race Nov. 9: Franklin County reports first COVID-19 death

MAY May 1: NYSPHSAA cancels spring sports season May 13: North Country gets approval to begin Phase 1 reopening from state shutdown May 20: New York churches get OK to open with limited capacity

May 22: New York bans e-cigarette flavorings May 25: George Floyd killed by Minneapolis police officer May 28: US surpasses 100,000 COVID-19 deaths May 29: North Country gets OK for Phase 2 reopening

JUNE June 4: Plattsburgh Citizens Coalition files suit against Durkee St. development June 7: Hundreds attend ‘Black Lives Matter No Justice No Peace’ protest in Plattsburgh June 11: North Country gets OK for Phase 3 reopening

June 18: Hundreds join racial justice march in Lake Placid June 24: North Country gets OK for Phase 4 reopening June 28: Boquet Valley School district holds first graduation

DECEMBER Dec. 10: Rep. Stefanik signs on to Supreme Court case challenging election results Dec. 11: FDA approves Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine Dec. 14: First Americans begin receiving COVID-19 vaccine Dec. 15: CVPH nurse Karen O’Connor is first North Country resident to receive COVID-19 vaccine Dec. 14: US surpasses 300,000 COVID-19 deaths

Dec. 21: Cuomo announces closure of Clinton Correctional Facility Annex Dec. 22: City of Plattsburgh ZBA gives OK to Durkee Street renovations

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2020: A NORTH COUNTRY RETROSPECTIVE

THE YEAR OF COVID

Thursday, December 31, 2020

From shopping to schooling, a pandemic turned daily life upside down

ALVIN REINER/P-R PHOTO

With masks across their faces — and Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains of Vermont as a backdrop — Boquet Valley Central School seniors await the commencement procession to the Ballard Park stage in Westport in June. From virtual learning to drive-by graduations, the COVID-19 pandemic tested the North Country educational system as few years had before.

BY BEN WATSON Press-Republican

PLATTSBURGH — As restrictions and closures started to pile up from mid-March on, the COVID-19 pandemic quickly changed how we lived our lives in 2020.

MARCH 16 On Tuesday, March 16, at 8 p.m., an announcement from New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, made in conjunction with the governors of Connecticut and New Jersey, would alter most industries Americans took part in on a daily basis.

Aside from essential retailers like grocery stores, most businesses saw massive shifts to how they could be open.

Restaurants in the state were only permitted to serve take out food until outdoor dining was eventually allowed in the North Country on June 4, as the region had already reached Phase 2 of the state’s “New York Forward” re-opening plan.

Half-capacity indoor dining with COVID-19 precautions and social distancing in place

came a short time later on June 13.

Other businesses in the North Country like bowling alleys and movie theaters were considerably less lucky, not returning to some form of business until Aug. 24 and Oct. 17, respectively.

Even the grocery stores that stayed open the entire pandemic were far from “normal,” with directional signs keeping the customer flow going through the aisles in one direction while sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer and toilet paper flew off the shelves.

STAYING SOCIAL As people were sent indoors, they had to find a way to stay social in their work and personal lives.

To do so, most turned to technology.

Over 300 million people participated in conferences hosted on the Zoom videoconferencing app, just on April 21 alone, according to an April article from Business Insider.

Zoom and video chat software like it became a major cog in Americans’ daily lives in 2020, for work, school and

play.

As restrictions on church gatherings grew, local churches like Plattsburgh United Methodist Church and Peru Community Church were making use of virtual means to spread the gospel before later taking advantage of outdoor and limited capacity indoor services as restrictions loosened.

GRADUATIONS The usual packed, cap-andgown celebrations for high school and college graduates went out the window in 2020.

Many local schools like Saranac Lake made use of drive-thru graduations to keep students and families safe before socially-distanced ceremonies of up to 150 people — students and all other participants included — were allowed starting June 26.

Most recently, SUNY Plattsburgh took advantage of the virtual option, broadcasting a ceremony for its Winter 2020 graduates online, including student speakers, college leaders, a congratulatory video to graduates and the reading and display of each name.

KAYLA BREEN/P-R PHOTO A few rolls of paper towels sit alone on bare shelves that are normally stocked with Kleenex, toilet paper, napkins and paper towels at Yando’s Big M in Plattsburgh. These items were hard to keep on the shelves at local stores during the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak.

THOSE WE LOST

Novel coronavirus infects hundreds, kills dozens in North Country

BY CARA CHAPMAN Press-Republican

ELIZABETHTOWN — The worst COVID-19 outbreak in the tri-county area occurred at Essex Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Elizabethtown.

A total of more than 100 cases were reported among residents, staff and contacts of staff over the summer and fall. Sixteen were residents who tragically succumbed to the virus.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has

come under heavy fire for his administration’s policy in the spring essentially requiring nursing homes to accept COVID-19-positive patients. But it is believed staff introduced the coronavirus into Essex Center.

‘SHE DESERVED MORE’ Positive results for three employees that were by then weeks old came back came back Monday, Aug. 17, the same day Judy Frennier-Ryan, a former social worker, became the first

resident to die of COVID-19.

“She deserved more than that,” her son Kyle Ryan told The Press-Republican at the time.

In order to eliminate the delay between when swabs were taken and results came back, Centers Health Care, the Bronx-based company that owns Essex Center, made the move in September to bring most of its testing in-house and only outsource to labs that could guarantee a 48-hour turnaround.

Centers Health Care spokesperson Jeffrey Jacomowitz told The Press-Republican this week that the organization is still analyzing results in-house. Staff and

residents are tested on a weekly basis.

No cases have been reported at Essex Center since the end of October, and as of this week the facility is COVIDfree.

Administration of the Pfizer/ BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine through Walgreens began Monday. Jacomowitz said no adverse reactions had been reported and 34 residents had received the vaccine.

At the time of publication, Clinton County reported 8 COVID-19 deaths and 192 active cases; Essex County reported 16 deaths and 84 active cases; Franklin County reported 8 deaths and 117 active cases.

LOHR MCKINSTRY/P-R PHOTO A total of 109 cases were reported among residents, staff and contacts of staff at the Essex Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Elizabethtown between August and the beginning of October. Sixteen were residents who tragically succumbed to the virus.

Border restrictions last most of 2020, into 2021

ECONOMY: Lack of

cross-border travel strains local businesses, local government revenues

BY MCKENZIE DELISLE Press-Republican

PLATTSBURGH — A bi-national decision in March had closed the northern

border to nonessential travel as an attempt to curb any cross-country spread of the novel coronavirus.

Restrictions lasted 9 of the year’s 12 months and would continue into at least the start of 2021.

Essential travel across the land border had continued, however, allowing imports and exports to pass through, as well as essential workers.

North Country Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Garry Douglas had said commercial truck crossings at the Champlain crossing were up 3 percent in August when compared to 2019.

30-DAY EXTENSIONS Since going into effect, U.S. and Canada leaders have, month after month, extended travel restrictions in 30-day

increments. The latest had pushed the border’s reopening date to Jan. 21, 2021, though many have thought an official reopening awaited more widespread COVID vaccinations.

Area officials long advocated for a border reopening plan and many North Country businesses bemoaned the loss of Canadian shoppers this year, urging the community shop local to lessen any losses.

A bi-national task force, known as the Wilson Task Force on Public Health and the U.S.-Canadian Border, was formed towards the end of 2020, leaving many optimistic for an end to the border ban.

The group of Can-Am representatives were expected to develop recommendations for the eventual lifting of travel restrictions and present those in March.

Thursday, December 31, 2020

2020: A NORTH COUNTRY RETROSPECTIVE

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A MAJOR TIME OUT Pandemic brings North Country sports to hard stop; community cooperation slowly brings games back to life

JOEY LAFRANCA/STAFF PHOTO Northeastern Clinton’s Lucas Deuso (left) gets air as he tries to work his way around Beekmantown’s Dalton Kane during a Northern Soccer League Fall Tournament Lake Region semifinal in Champlain on Nov. 10.

As the pandemic brought national sports leagues to a halt, North Country high school and college sports were also stopped abruptly in the spring of 2020.

BY JOE LOTEMPLIO Editor-in-Chief

PLATTSBURGH - The coronavirus ravaged most aspects of our lives in 2020, and the world of sports was no exception.

While many were concerned about the pandemic in the early days of March, it seemed as if it did not really become a serious matter until sports was canceled.

The NBA, NHL and Major League baseball all postponed their seasons due to the pandemic, and the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments know as “March Madness” were called off.

The drastic action opened eyes wide.

LOCAL CANCELLATIONS Locally, high school and college sports were also stopped abruptly.

The end of the winter seasons, which included playoffs and championships, were canceled, and eventually spring sports were also called off.

Girls high school hockey was fortunate enough to finish their season in early February, but all others were abbreviated.

For high school athletes, especially seniors, not being able to finish their winter seasons and compete in their

final spring season, was heartbreaking.

Same for college athletes.

SUMMER RETURN In the summer, the North Country saw some action as the number of positive COVID-19 cases dropped.

Summer soccer and baseball leagues were able to play.

There were a few interruptions, but for the most part, seasons were completed.

Fall sports at area colleges were called off and local high schools sports put together a delayed and abbreviated season.

The first soccer action did not take place until October, a time when most seasons are heading into their playoffs.

But Section VII to their credit, pulled off successful campaigns for boys and girls soccer and cross country and girls gymnastics and swimming.

Unfortunately, high school football was a victim to the coronavirus.

Plans are in the works to begin some kind of winter sports season at some point, but as we’ve seen throughout this pandemic, things change rapidly.

Hopefully, now with a vaccine available, the tide will turn and the case numbers will go down to the point where local athletes can play ball again.

COVID shakes up local businesses ECONOMY: Establishments

faced hardship, closure from pressure over COVID-19 restrictions

BY MCKENZIE DELISLE Press-Republican

PLATTSBURGH — The COVID-19 pandemic and the state mandates that followed had rattled the North Country biz community, but growth could be spotted, too, as new businesses popped up across the region this year.

Back in March, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo ordered the closure of nonessential businesses and issued on-again, off-again protocols and curfews for bars and restaurants, some of which had, for a time, mandated takeout orders only, earlier-than-usual closing times and spacing guidelines for indoor service.

PHASED REOPENINGS Nonessential industries were phased back into service via the state’s New York

Forward reopening plan, and some, like movie theaters and bowling alleys, had waited months for a chance to turn the lights back on.

Numerous local officials had advocated for reopenings and had stressed the importance of federal and state aid to businesses regionwide.

U.S. Congress OK’d two federal aid bills this year to ease the brunt of the pandemic.

The first, a $2 trillion economic relief package, was passed in the spring and was known as the largest federal aid bill in the nation’s history. It had offered a loan forgiveness program to help struggling businesses front their employees’ salaries.

BUSINESSES OPEN, CLOSE Hundreds of North Country businesses had taken advantage then and hundreds more were expected to apply in the next round, which was included in the second aid package passed at the tail end of the year, but still awaited the sig-

KAYLA BREEN/STAFF PHOTO Guma’s Restaurant owners and operators Jerry Deno, his wife, Lisa, and his mom, Guma, on the front porch of Guma’s Restaurant in West Chazy. Early on in the COVID-19 pandemic, Jerry and Lisa had been trying to figure out ways to keep the business going, but with concerns for staff, they said closure was the best option. nature of President Donald Trump.

The aid came too little too late for some area businesses, like Guma’s Restaurant in West Chazy, which said goodbye in mid-April after a quarter century of service. Chains,

like Victoria’s Secret in Champlain Centre, closed this year and others, like Hollister Co., were slated for closure.

Many other businesses opened doors this year, too, including eateries, like Buster’s Sports Bar and Grill in

the City of Plattsburgh, ice cream parlor The Big Scoop in Champlain Centre, Little Caesar’s on Smithfield Boulevard in the Town of Plattsburgh and bakery Plattsburgh Sourdough Company on U.S. Avenue.

Others welcomed by the community, included tire shop Town Fair Tire, discount retail store Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, consignment shop Old Soul, the Link Arts Center and the Saranac Lake Waterfront Lodge boutique hotel.

COVID-19 vaccinations begin in North Country ROLLOUT: Health care

workers, senior housing residents get priority in receiving vaccine

BY CARA CHAPMAN

Press-Republican

PLATTSBURGH — On Dec. 15, Karen O’Connor, 72, of Chazy became the first person to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in the tri-county area in a non-trial setting.

She has worked as a nurse at University of Vermont Health Network, Champlain

Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburgh for 50 years and is currently assigned to the Intensive Care Unit.

“I was hoping I’d be first in line,” she told reporters during a virtual news conference held moments after receiving the vaccine.

O’Connor and fellow employees received the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Dec. 11. Exactly one week later, Moderna’s candidate was also approved.

NEED TWO DOSES Both require two doses to reach full strength. Pfizer/ BioNTech’s two shots are spaced 21 days apart, and Moderna’s have 28 days in between.

North Country health care workers like O’Connor and long-term care facility residents were among the first to get vaccinated locally.

Dr. Yamilee Jacques, a provider at Hudson Headwaters Health Network’s Plattsburgh Family Health clinic, received her first Moderna jab Dec. 23.

“It’s one step towards hopefully bringing an end to this horrible, horrible pandemic that’s just claimed too many lives,” she told reporters.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Dec. 28 that priority populations for getting vaccinated would expand to include urgent care employees, those administering COVID-19 vaccines and residents of Office of Addiction Services and Supports facilities.

Vaccination of high-risk hospital workers, EMS personnel and others was set to continue.

PHOTO PROVIDED Nursing Director Carly Haag (right) administers the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to Karen O’Connor, 72, of Chazy, a nurse in the University of Vermont Health Network, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Intensive Care Unit, at the Plattsburgh hospital on Dec. 15.

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2020: A NORTH COUNTRY RETROSPECTIVE

Thursday, December 31, 2020

THE NORTH COUNTRY SAYS HIS NAME Floyd death sparks local Black Lives Matter rallies

JOEY LAFRANCA/STAFF PHOTO

Ruby Roach, one of the speakers at the Black Lives Matter, No Justice, No Peace protest, speaks before a crowd outside City Hall on June 6. An estimated 500 to 800 people marched from City Hall Place to the Plattsburgh City Police station on Pine Street, where they held a moment of silence lasting eight minutes and 46 seconds, the amount of time now ex-officer Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck as he died.

BY CARA CHAPMAN

Press-Republican

PLATTSBURGH — In the wake of the killing of Black Minneapolis man George Floyd at the hands of a white police officer, hundreds gathered for the Black Lives Matter No Justice, No Peace march in the City of Plattsburgh June 6.

An estimated 500 to 800 people marched from City Hall Place to the Plattsburgh City Police station on Pine Street, where they held a moment of silence lasting eight minutes and 46 seconds, the amount of time now ex-officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck as he died.

VIRAL VIDEO Viral video footage of Floyd’s death on May 25 sparked protests and outcry nationwide against police vio-

lence and in support of eradicating systemic racism.

Chauvin faces charges of second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The other three officers involved, who were also fired after Floyd’s death, are charged with aiding and abetting murder and manslaughter. Their trial is slated to begin in March.

LAW ENFORCEMENT REVIEWS On June 12, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order mandating that all municipalities who have police agencies conduct comprehensive reviews of their policies and develop plans for improvement that address each communities’ needs and any racial bias. The plans must be adopted by April 1, 2021.

The City of Plattsburgh

formed the Public Safety Citizens Review Panel, which has met consistently since June, completed a community survey and provided police and community focus groups.

Though originally slated to provide recommendations by Dec. 31, the Common Council granted the group an extension that allows for submission on or before Feb. 11, 2021.

The Clinton County Law Enforcement Review Committee has been tasked with reviewing the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office policies. As of this printing, the committee had held two public comment sessions.

Cuomo also signed several pieces of police reform legislation into law in June, including the repeal of 50-a, a provision in Civil Rights Law that had made police officers’ personnel records confidential unless they gave consent.

ALVIN REINER/P-R PHOTO Attendees of a Black Lives Matter rally in Westport stand on the sidewalk and hold a variety of signs as they voice their feelings for justice and equal rights. Similiar events were held in Glens Falls, Lake Placid, Tupper Lake, Keene Valley and other North Country communities.

Biden, Stefanik, Stec, Rosenquest win elections Absentee voting sees rise as pandemic precaution

BY MCKENZIE DELISLE AND CARA CHAPMAN Press-Republican

PLATTSBURGH — The new year will bring new Lake City leadership when Mayor-Elect Christopher Rosenquest takes the helm of City Hall come Jan. 1.

MAYORAL RACE

Plattsburgh City Mayor Colin Read’s four-year term was set to end with 2020 and the economist, in trying for re-election, had decided to run in a June Democratic Primary against challengers Rosenquest, a then Clinton County legislator, and Tenzin Dorjee, a downtown business owner.

Despite scoring the Plattsburgh City Democrats’ endorsement, Read fell short in the primary. Rosenquest, a former business consultant and current business owner, had scored more than 50 percent of votes and, in what was most likely a history-making move, had upset the incumbent.

He later went on to win the fall election, beating out Republican opponent Scott Beebie.

“It’s very satisfying to be given the honor to represent our community in this way,” Rosenquest had said following the election. “I look forward to it.”

Throughout his campaign, Rosenquest had often referred to the mayor’s job as that of a CEO. He discussed plans to building community and Common Council consensus, implement his 9-step Plan for Plattsburgh and mend broken relationships with

neighboring entities, like the Town of Plattsburgh and the Plattsburgh City School District.

His term will end December 2024.

NATIONAL RACES

In national elections, state and federal Republicans held strong throughout the North Country even as former Vice President Joe Biden unseated President Donald Trump.

Defeating Canton Democrat Tedra Cobb for a second Christopher Elise Stefanik Dan Stec Joe Biden time, U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville) handily Rosenquest won re-election to a fourth term. Her lead with in-person votes exceeded the number of absentee ballots requested throughout New York’s 21st Congressional District, leading to her declaration of victory and Cobb’s concession on election night.

State Assemblyman Dan Stec (R-Queensbury) triumphed over Clinton County Treasurer Kimberly Davis (D-Plattsburgh) to succeed Betty Little, who is retiring after 18 years representing the 45th State Senate District.

Taking Stec’s seat as representative of the 114th Scott Beebie Kimberly Davis Tedra Cobb Donald Trump Assembly District is Horicon Town Supervisor Matt Simpson, a Republican who, like Stefanik and Stec, even signed onto a lawsuit brought by Texas Attorney General soundly beat his opponents, Glens Falls 3rd Ward Supervi- Ken Paxton which sought to invalidate election results in Georsor Claudia Braymer, a Democrat, and former Thurman Town gia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. The U.S. Supreme Supervisor Evelyn Wood, who ran on the Save America Move- Court ultimately rejected the case for a lack of standing. ment (SAM) party line.

In the presidential race between Biden and Trump, Biden won State Assemblyman D. Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) ran Clinton County and flipped Essex County blue from the 2016 unopposed for a third term in the state legislature serving the presidential election results, while Trump held on to Franklin 115th Assembly District.

County.

Though the results of these congressional and state races The Electoral College confirmed Biden as president-elect were delivered and accepted without a hitch, Trump’s camp Monday, Dec. 14, with 306 votes in his favor. As of this printing, has since the election tried unsuccessfully to prove widespread Trump had yet to concede and was continuing to peddle disputfraud that would overturn his loss. ed claims of voter fraud.

Stefanik and more than 100 Republican House colleagues

Senate acquits Trump of impeachment charges WASHINGTON: Rep. Stefanik

emerges as defender of president in hearings

BY CARA CHAPMAN Press-Republican

PLATTSBURGH — On Feb. 5, the U.S. Senate acquitted Pres-

ident Donald Trump of the counts of “abuse of power” and “obstruction of Congress.”

Following months of closeddoor and public testimony, the House of Representatives had impeached the president on Dec. 18, 2019.

Democrats had aimed to prove Trump wrongfully with-

held military aid to Ukraine in exchange for investigations into political rival former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Biden later secured the Democratic nomination and ultimately defeated Trump in the presidential election.

U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville) came out

as an ardent defender of the president during the impeachment proceedings and was named to his defense team for the Senate trial.

Upon the president’s acquittal, Stefanik said the “charade” had come to a close.

“I applaud the Senate’s diligence in their trial and just

acquittal of the president.

Now, let’s get back to work for the American people.”

Like the House, the Senate voted almost exclusively along party lines. Utah Sen. Mitt Romney was the lone Republican who voted “guilty” on the abuse of power article.

New York Senators Kirsten

Gillibrand and Charles Schumer, both Democrats, voted to convict Trump.

Gillibrand stated at the time she did so out of belief in U.S. democracy and the Constitution.

“No man or woman is above the law, especially the president.”

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2020: A NORTH COUNTRY RETROSPECTIVE

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OUT OF THIS WORLD

Outside Art Project adds spots of cheerful color in tough year

ROBIN CAUDELL/STAFF PHOTO Artist Brendon Palmer-Angell is puts the finishing touches on his “Reach for the Stars! The Michael Anderson Mural” for Outside Art: Plattsburgh Public Art Project on the Westelcom Building at 23 Durkee St. in Plattsburgh. The 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic did not put a stop to the project as works of art went up around town through the year.

COMMUNITY: Murals

celebrate local immigrants, honor Plattsburgh-born astronaut Anderson

BY ROBIN CAUDELL Press-Republican

PLATTSBURGH — The 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic did not put a stop to Outside Art: Plattsburgh Public Art Project.

Co-founders Julia Devine and Amy Guglielmo report with the support of individuals and local businesses, they "produced four amazing murals."

MIGRATIONS MURAL September saw the launch of the project's 11th mural for downtown Plattsburgh: “The Migrations Mural,” located at 17 Court St. Painted by local artists Gharan Burton and Outside Art’s Guglielmo along with

the “Plattsbirders” (a team of 40 community members and international students), the mural depicts a life-giving tree with birds from all over the world.

"Normally, these birds would not flock together, but on this mural, they do," the co-founders write.

"They all have a place. This mural is for the immigrants and visitors to our area.

"The piece signifies openness. People that come to our region should know that they are welcome here. The birds symbolize that. The mural turned out to be just what our community needed during this anxious time."

Plattsbirders Meredith Jacobs and KC Reiter left the flock to paint the 12th mural for Plattsburgh: “The Plucky Rooster Mural” at 10 Oak St. "I think this past year Plattsburgh learned that we are a community with pluck," the co-founders write.

"Cock-a-doodle-do, 2020!"

REACH FOR THE STARS The project's mural superstar Brendon Palmer-Angell made his way back to Plattsburgh via New Orleans in October to paint the “Reach for the Stars: The Michael Anderson Mural” at 23 Durkee St. "The mural commemorates Anderson, a United States Air Force officer and NASA astronaut, a member of the crew lost in the Columbia Shuttle disaster in 2003," they said.

"We look forward to celebrating his legacy with an event in spring 2021. Yes, astronauts are born in Plattsburgh!"

For the project's fourth mural, local artist James Golovach completed the “Smiling Sun” sculpture in November.

More details on the sun mural will be shared soon.

The co-founders are thrilled to announce their partnership with the Fesette Realty team

ROBIN CAUDELL/STAFF PHOTO Forty artists painted more than 50 birds from all around the world on the “Migrations Mural” located at 17 Court St. in the City of Plattsburgh. to create the "Murals of Plattsburgh Street Guide."

Printed mural maps will be available at local businesses in the coming weeks, and were

printed courtesy of Northeast Print Solutions.

"What can we learn from our 2020 murals?" they said.

"Plattsburgh welcomes all.

We are a plucky community.

You can reach for the stars no matter who you are. Let the sun shine in 2021! Best wishes for a colorful new year."

Strand reinvents digital footprint ARTS: Center holds

virtual shows during pandemic, looks forward to renovating 2nd floor

BY ROBIN CAUDELL Press-Republican

PLATTSBURGH — Strand Center for the Arts, like arts organizations nationwide, had to adjust to a new normal as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“As 2020 comes to a close we’d like to thank the community for their continued support,” the Board of Directors writes.

“While closures related to the ongoing pandemic continue to impact so many parts of our community, and our organization, it’s also allowed us

time to reflect on our mission: to Enrich, Energize and Engage our community through the arts. We’ve succeeded in new endeavors that will continue for years to come.”

In 2020, the Strand reinvented its digital footprint and launched: • Artist Store online, safely present in-person summer camps for kids • Artisan Market that featured 40+ vendors over three weeks • Re-open the Main Gallery under strict guidelines including a half dozen pop-up exhibits • Create a Clay Club that sells out each time it is offered.

• Present over a half dozen concerts in our Strand-ed at Home Concert Series that have been viewed tens of thousands of times.

“All of which is made possible by the dedication, hard work and creativity of our Staff and Board,” the board said.

“In the coming weeks, you’ll see evidence of another milestone for The Strand Center for the Arts as we begin construction supported by our Downtown Revitalization Initiative Grant. This will finish incomplete aspects of the theater and turn the second

floor of the Arts Center at 23 Brinkerhoff St. into a newly renovated multi-use space to further our collaborative, education based mission.”

From the beginning of the pandemic, the community’s health has been of paramount concern to the organization.

“And we are proud of what we were able to accomplish in 2020 despite the challenges,” the board said.

“We must thank the many wonderful volunteers who helped make this year as successful as it has been, including the collaboration with students from Plattsburgh State who helped keep a downtown tradition alive: the annual Tree Lighting. We hope that the beautifully lit tree has helped make the end of 2020 a little brighter.”

to online learning, massive student virus testing campaign

BY ROBIN CAUDELL Press-Republican

Dr. Alexander Enyedi arrived as the newly appointed 11th president of SUNY Plattsburgh in January 2020.

TRIAL BY COVID His pilot training served

him well as he, like many administrators, was flying blind with the emergence of COVID-19 less than two months later forcing a rapid shift to remote learning.

Alexander “Our facEnyedi ulty adapted quickly to ensure students could complete the spring

No.Co. native returns to ‘Survivor’ reality show

BY MCKENZIE DELISLE

New SUNY Plattsburgh president tested by pandemic LEADER: Oversees shift

PHOTO PROVIDED Willsboro native Sophie Clarke made her second appearance as a contestant on CBS reality show “Survivor” in 2020.

semester despite the disruption,” Enyedi writes.

“We were unable to host in-person graduation, but staff and the college worked hard to recognize 1,100 spring graduates.”

DEEPEST APPRECIATION He was profoundly grateful to students, faculty and staff for all they did to make the most challenging fall semester a success.

“Each of them has my deepest appreciation,” he said.

“I have been truly inspired

Press-Republican

by the resiliency, spirit, and support our Cardinal Community has shown for one another. As I reflect on the semester, my thoughts run the gamut, from months of pre-planning to countless hours of following through and adjusting those plans as needed.”

WILLSBORO — Sophie Clarke made her second appearance as a contestant on CBS reality show “Survivor,” in 2020.

The Willsboro native and Willsboro Central School alumna won the show back in 2011 during Season 23: South Pacific, taking home $1 million and the title of Sole Survivor.

CAMPUS TESTING

SURVIVED 35 OF 39 DAYS

The Student Health and Counseling Center conducted 12,139 pooled surveillance tests this semester on 18 total days of testing this semester See ENYEDI, Page 8

To celebrate the TV show’s 20th anniversary, “Survivor” had welcomed back 20 past winners for Season 40: Winners at War, which aired Wednesday nights in February through May of 2020.

Clarke was one of them, surviving a total 35 of 39 days and finishing in 10th place.

She went home with a hidden immunity idol in her pocket, which, if played at the right time, would have canceled the votes cast against her.

Tony Vlachos won the first, and only, all-winners season, taking home $2 million, which was the largest prize in reality show history.

“I’ve never been blindsided before,” Clarke had said after her tribemates voted her out of the game. “I think it’s a traumatic experience.

“I probably came into this game thinking I was a bottom-tier winner. It’s been fun realizing I could hold my own.”

8

2020: A NORTH COUNTRY RETROSPECTIVE

Thursday, December 31, 2020

THE DURKEE DIVIDE Downtown renovation sees progress despite legal challenge

BEN WATSON/STAFF PHOTO The mixed-use development project pegged for the Durkee Street parking area in Downtown Plattsburgh underwent various site plan changes, was subject to board reviews and was heavily scrutinized by the public in 2020. After months of back and forth between developer Prime Plattsburgh LLC and the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals, members of that independent board approved the project at its last meeting of the year.

The city’s Planning Board looked over the project, too, but did not vote before the year’s end, choosing instead to revisit the plans in 2021.

BY MCKENZIE DELISLE Press-Republican

PLATTSBURGH — Plattsburgh City’s state-funded Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) made progress in 2020 as new banners went up, a legal challenge was dismissed, Betty Little Arts Park construction kicked off and the city’s ZBA cleared the long-disputed Durkee Street project for its next stage of the development process.

FOUR YEARS RUNNING Its been over four years since the Lake City was award-

ed $10 million, split across 10 projects, to rejuvenate its downtown.

Six projects — Durkee Street Site, Dock Street Waterfront District, the Downtown Grant Program, Riverfront Access, Downtown Streetscape Improvements, and Marketing, Branding and Signage Strategy — were to be executed with guidance of city leadership.

The mixed-use development project pegged for the Durkee parking area underwent various site plan changes, was subject to board reviews and was heavily scru-

tinized by the public.

BACK AND FORTH It was also the focus of a legal challenge, filed by opposition group the Plattsburgh Citizens Coalition. The suit was determined premature and was dismissed by the court.

After months of back and forth between developer Prime Plattsburgh LLC and the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals, members of that independent board approved the project, with conditions, at its last meeting of 2020. The city’s Planning Board looked over the project, too, but did not vote before the year’s

end, choosing instead to revisit the plans in 2021.

The results of a community survey sparked a vintage upgrade in the city’s downtown, including more than 130 new banners featuring historic elements, as well 100 black and white street signs.

Early work also started at the Betty Little Arts Park, to be located on a small plot of cityown land situated between Margaret and Durkee streets.

The public park, expected to be completed fall 2021, was named after longtime Senator Betty Little, who retired at the end of December.

ROBIN CAUDELL/STAFF PHOTO Signs for and against the Prime Plattsburgh LLC redevelopment of the Durkee Street parking area are seen near the lot.

Paper or plastic? State Plattsburgh marks 25 years since Air Base closure military bag ban solves question personnelFormer stationed at HISTORY:

base recall fond memories of people, community

LAW: Requires grocery

store customers to bring reusable bag or pay five cents for paper bag

BY ROBIN CAUDELL Press-Republican

BY BEN WATSON

Press-Republican

PLATTSBURGH — New Yorkers had to say goodbye to the single-use plastic bag in 2020, as the state banned the items effective March 1.

The new law banned the use and distribution of “plastic carry-out bags,” except in specific circumstances, according to the State Department of Environmental Conservation’s website, with exempt bags including bags used to wrap uncooked foods, bags used for foods prepared to order and bags provided by pharmacies to carry prescription drugs.

BRING REUSABLE The change would require customers to use a reusable grocery bag that they bring to stores or retailers, or pay five cents at a location for each paper bag used.

Due to a lawsuit brought by

ENYEDI...

Continued from Page 7 over 13 weeks.

“Pooled testing was a key component in identifying positive cases among asymptomatic students, with isolation and quarantine limiting the spread,” he writes.

“The health center has also performed 364 rapid tests and 123 PCR tests this semester.

Our Isolation and Quarantine team managed student safety and the 241 rooms we had available on-campus for isolation and quarantine.”

PHOTO PROVIDED A new state law this year banned the use and distribution of “plastic carry-out bags.”

Poly-Pak Industries, Inc., et al., in New York State Supreme Court, the DEC website said, the environmental agency could not actually enforce the ban until Oct. 19, following the court’s Aug. 20 decision upholding the law and most of the Part 351 regulations.

Stores still using plastic bags can be reported to the state online at www.dec. ny.gov/chemical/121551.html.

SPRING 2021 Looking forward to Spring 2021, the college’s plan to start remotely, have no spring break and end a week earlier is consistent with the guidance provided later by SUNY system.

“We are planning many details now,” Enyedi writes.

“Students, for example, will be required to present evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days prior to return or participate in on-campus COVID-19 testing as soon as possible but no later than five days of returning to campus.”

PLATTSBURGH — Sept. 30, 1995.

Plattsburgh Air Force Base was officially shuttered 25 years ago, and it was an emotional day for locals, businesses, civic leaders and especially Air Force personnel who came to Plattsburgh and never left.

“Forever Plattsburgh” was the tongue-in-cheek axiom, until it wasn't.

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Malandrino flew the last FB-111-A out on July 10, 1991.

He was the last Wing Commander of the 380th Bombardment Wing.

“I loved the people,” Malandrino, Airport Manager/Vice President of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, said in anniversary interview.

“I loved the Wing. I loved the area. I liked civilian friends – Bill McBride, Clyde Lewis, and all the others. Being the Wing Commander was just a phenomenal experience."

When the FB-111s departed, U.S. Air Staff Sgt. Peter Garnot was an avionics technician in the 380th Avionics Maintenance Squadron.

PRESS-REPUBLICAN ARCHIVES Residents from throughout the North Country gathered Sept. 29, 1995, to pay their last respects to Plattsburgh Air Force Base during a closing ceremony. PAFB had served as a Strategic Air Command base for the Air Force from the mid-1950s to its official closure that year.

Garnot separated from the Air Force in November 1995, but the Chazy resident was soon hired as Wing Historian.

Rumblings of Base Realignment and Closure (BRACC)

became an unsettling reality in 1991.

“The first BRACC, we went up against Loring AFB in Maine,” Garnot said in an anniversary interview.

“Boring Loring. We went up against them, and that was the first BRACC and we won.

They got closed. Then two years later, the next BRACC we lost to (McGuire AFB)."