May 23, 2013 — On Tuesday, Governor Cuomo and the chiefs of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe announced a surprise deal in Albany. It grants the Mohawks' exclusive gaming rights in the North Country. In return, the tribe will resume sharing millions of dollars in casino revenue with New York State and St. Lawrence and Franklin counties. That after a three-year dispute.

Yesterday, the chiefs were back in Akwesasne, holding a press conference at their brand new hotel and casino expansion.

They called Cuomo "sincere". They said it was the promise of resolving the Mohawks' 31-year old land claim that made the gaming pact possible.
David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

May 22, 2013 — Mohawk tribal chiefs joined Governor Cuomo in Albany yesterday to announce a new deal on casino exclusivity.

They signed off on settling a long-running dispute over revenues from the Mohawks' Akwesasne Casino near Massena. In return, the Mohawks will get exclusive gaming rights in the 8-county North Country region.

David Sommerstein joined Martha Foley to sort out what the deal means for the North Country and the Mohawk land claim.  Go to full article

Massena, NY, May 21, 2013 — The federal trust in charge of finding a new life for the General Motors property in Massena say the process is more marathon than sprint. But as David Sommerstein reports, they're hopeful a lift from a railroad giant will help.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, May 21, 2013 — Fresh off a deal with the Oneida Nation, Governor Cuomo stood with chiefs of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe this afternoon to announced a deal to resolve gaming issues that affect the North Country.  Go to full article

May 17, 2013 — We've reported for months - years even - that the Great Lakes, from Superior to Ontario, are at historically low water levels.

So we were surprised to get the news this week that regulators are lowering the gates at the Iroquois Dam near Ogdensburg because the St. Lawrence River is too high.

It's quite a puzzle.  Go to full article

May 03, 2013 — An audit by state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says St. Lawrence County is "walking a financial tightrope". The audit found the county's fund balance decreased 68 percent from 2007 to 2011. Legislators used surplus funds to close budget gaps and keep property tax increases last year to an already-high 14 percent.  Go to full article

May 03, 2013 — Today is the last day tobacco use is permitted on St. Lawrence County property. A ban takes effect Saturday that outlaws smoking, chewing, and other tobacco uses on property owned or leased by the county.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Mar 08, 2013 — Bluesman Rick Bates (aka Tas Cru) and singer/songwriter Mary Ann Casale are hosting a series of concerts this spring that will benefit St. Lawrence County food pantries. The "RE-stock" series kicks off tonight with a house concert at Robin McCellan's home in Sandfordville.

Mary Ann and Rick joined us in the studio this morning, during The Eight O'clock Hour, to share their unique blend of folk/blues Americana born out of their shared experiences as young musicians when they met in Potsdam nearly 30 years ago.  Go to full article

Brasher Falls-Winthrop, NY, Mar 07, 2013 — The spring musical season kicks off this weekend at a number of high schools in the North Country. It's a busy time back stage and on stage with final rehearsals amid wet paint.

In one school district the students are having -- literally -- a sweet time. The musical, Willy Wonka, opens Friday night at St. Lawrence Central High School in Brasher Falls. Special effects include airborne actors and chocolate-scented fog. Even though most schools are struggling with being able to afford extracurricular activities, like music and theater, that hasn't dampened the enthusiasm among students, staff and parents. Todd Moe stopped by the final dress rehearsal for Willy Wonka Wednesday afternoon in Brasher Falls and found lots of school spirit.  Go to full article

Potsdam, NY, Feb 26, 2013 — Many 16-year-olds might dream about starting their own business. But it takes a special kind of teenager to turn an operation launched in his parents' basement into a six-figure profit earner in just four years. After succeeding wildly with his web development and design company, North Shore Solutions, Clarkson University junior Matthew Turcotte, now age 20, is embarking on his second venture: commercial real estate.  Go to full article