Northern Physical Therapy Robbed

Northern Physical Therapy is the next victim of the many break ins that occur in Ogdensburg.   Along with running the business, Tim now has to deal with a broken window and the theft of property, cash, and checks.  If the taxes do not get you maybe the dope heads that need a fix will knock on your window until it breaks.

Many crimes go unreported if it is only a few dollars worth of changed or something missing from your garage or a few CDs from your car...if it is not nailed down, there is good chance it may turn up missing.  In early October my neighbor had their lawn furniture stolen from their backyard.  Truck pulled up in the middle of the night...made 3 trips to get all the furniture then sold it 4 blocks away. They put signs out and actually found their own furniture at that point they notified the police. 

Police Blotter

New Construction In City Up Building Permits Show $9 Million In 2010, $2 Million Over 2009

This is some good news for the tax payers in Ogdensburg.  With nine million in new construction I wonder how that will effect next year's tax rate.  Business usually get some kind of tax breaks, which may be misleading on how much the tax base in Ogdensburg will increase.  NYS has created an anti-business environment, directly relating to high tax rates, fees, and restrictive regulations, which have force new business to relocate in other states. 

It is disappointing that only 4 new houses were constructed in Ogdensburg.  This is another sign that are young continue to flee from their hometown.  There are a few new jobs at the Tractor Supply Store but not the kind of jobs our young college graduates are looking for. 

Journal Article

Journal:District Attorney's Error Leads To Dropped Case

If they go to court they get a slap on the hand.  This DA has proven over the years that she has not the will nor resources necessary to prosecute a crime.  Most crimes get plea bargained down to nothing.  The burglary of over $200,000 in Ogdensburg lead to charges dropped and intermittent probation. 

Spending over $200,000 on the Oxley Trial must have put a big bite in the DA's budget..we can look forward to round 3 in April, I wonder if Manning is up for the next round?

Journal Article

Many Contributed to Christmas Joy

A donation in the Salvation Army's Red Kettle, Toys for Tots, Festival of Trees, PJs for Xmas, Angle Trees, and Christmas Dinners offered by various organizations are just a few of contributors that touched families in Ogdensburg.  Economic times are tough for all and St. Lawrence County is rank #1 in unemployment North of NYC.  Every person that had the ability and did stepped up to help our fellow Americans deserves a Thank You!

Dr. P. Yitta, helping by volunteering at the Amvets annual Christmas Dinner...CHMC Festival of Trees volunteers and special thanks to Agnes Lightfoot and Diane Dailey...Toys for Tots had many valuable volunteers, a job only for the many, and at the helm Ray Cutway...PJs for Xmas, only 11 & 14 Abigail and Camille Marshall donate 1205 PJs for Xmas, plus they received the 2010 St. Lawrence Hero of the Year Award...Knights of Columbus every years provides meals on major holidays and came through again during the Christmas season...those that volunteered time to the Salvation army...Churches...cub scouts volunteered to help fill donation bags. 

There are plenty others not mentioned but they did not do what they did for recognition, they did it because they CARE.  Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas

Journal:DEC Passes Wood Boiler Regulations

It appears this regulation will prevent individuals from burning toxic materials in OWB (Outdoor Wood Boilers), extend the length of smokestack, and establish 100' setbacks.  What I do not understand how this has any significant impact on farmers.  Mr. Blankenbush attended the last meeting with the DEC Board.  He believes that this law will have a negative impact on farmers and plans on addressing this issue when sworn into the Assembly. 

Mr. Blankenbush is becoming active in his new position, a must to ensure his re-election.  With two year terms in both the Assembly and Senate, freshman legislators are still vulnerable.  Two years makes it difficult to establish a record and we have two freshman legislators with their work cut out for them. 

Journal Article

Cold Season

Upper Canada Village

I need a few day to recuperate from this year's flu.  It is going around, everyone has had it in my family and I thought I avoided it.  I guess not. 

May everyone have a Merry Christmas.  Do not forget to check the Lights out on the River, at Lisbon Beach. 

One other jewel of information was dropped on me today.  Check out Upper Canada Village they have A Light at Night Festival.  They have a sleigh ride and all the building are decorated with festive lights.  I was also told they had a wine tasting area at the end.  Things to look forward to during the Holiday Season.

Be Merry!

Upper Canada Village

Journal:Lisbon's Lights On River Draws Crowd

Lights on the River, Lisbon Beach

It is a spectacular assortment of Christmas lights, lighted villages, Nativity scenes, Snowman and much much more.  The price is right, just a donation for the Lisbon Food Pantry.  I encourage everyone to take the time to bring their children to the Lights on the River, Lisbon Beach. 

Used mainly during the summer months this just adds another dimension to the park.  It was a group effort between the community and businesses to pull this together.  They say there is a "touch of magic" in your ride
through the park. Take the family for a short ride to Lisbon Beach and experience the Magic.

Journal Article

Lights on the River

WDT:St. Lawrence County questions law on counting prisoners in redistricting

Counting inmates in a State Correctional Facility for local redistricting can skew representation...we would also lose state money and decrease representation; ultimately hurting the county. 

This legislation was pushed by the Democratic controlled Assembly and Senate.  The Senate was floundering in criminal activity and ethics violations and this was their last chance to gain more legislative power during redistricting.  The NYC democrats along with our own Senator Aubertine voted to give NYC more representation in the future. With the Senate so close moving tens of thousands of inmates back to the New York City area could gain them another Senator...currently 25 of the 32 Senators in control of the Senate are from NYC...this could have a major impact on NNY. 

The Federal Census counts them where they are located at the time of the count.  Some of these inmates are doing 20 to life and will never return to NYC. If your child is in college at SUNY Buffalo they are to be counted there not at home...so why should this be different for inmates?  Why, More Power for NYC! 

On the county level we must consider the amount of representation gained by Ogdensburg and Gouverneur and compare it to the amount of State Aide lost if we do not count them. If it is an insignificant amount of aide they should not be counted and the district lines adjusted appropriately.   

WDT Article

Journal:Oxley's Third Trial Slated For April 25

Here we go again!  There should be no monetary limit set in finding or convicting criminals, all resources should be used...St. Lawrence County DA Nicole Duve appears to be doing that.  Hopefully this is based on facts and not pride, prejudice or an election next year.  There are still outstanding bills from the last trial but the DA is moving forward with a 3rd trial.

Close to 100 people testified in the last trial.  Jury selection, subpoenas for witnesses, and expert witnesses will be lined up prior to the start date. Some of the individuals are already in prison.  They have been transported to State Correctional Facilities in the county so they could testify. 

I hope this trial comes with a unanimous decision.


Journal Article

WDT:Ogdensburg Journal editor will join Ritchie's new staff

Jim Reagen PR

One of our local residents has been added to the staff of Senator Ritchie.  Jim Reagen, Managing Editor of the Journal has joined Mrs. Ritchie's Senate team as her public relations coordinator.  Jim is a good man, he writes well but that is only one facet of  this job.  How will he manage electronic media, Facebook, twitter, blogs, and handle questions when put on the spot?

Mr. Reagen has continually supported the Republican candidates. He will be challenged in his new position and only time will tell if he is up for this assignment. Good luck in your new endeavor.   

WDT Article

Journal:Montroys Charged In Alleged Crack Ring

Perfect timing for a Crack Bust in Belmont Courts.  The community has been clamoring over the number of drug dealers and criminals running the streets.  This is a start, and this arrest should lead to other arrests.  When one of the dealers get busted the rats run for cover and start looking for another dealer...most likely right around the corner.

The Montroys were also charged with child endangerment, a misdemeanor, which I believe should be a felony.  Living in Belmont one can assumed the Montroys, a man and wife drug dealer team, are on some kind of public assistance.  If this is the case they should also be prosecuted for welfare fraud.  Using taxpayer money to buy, sell, and use drugs does not settle well with me.   

This should be a priority of city council.  It is great to have a nice water front with a new community building but the streets are full of dope heads.  Many residents leave due to the lack of jobs but if this continues they will be leaving for safety reason...if things do not change they may be putting a fence around Ogdensburg.

Journal Article

Journal:Judge Declares Mistrial Jury Fails To Reach Verdict In Oxley's Second Murder Trial



Journal Picture

 Is this the end, can the county afford another $200,000 trial?  Mr. Duve is looking to incarcerate or increase bail from the current $75,000.   Will it be possible for Mr. Oxley move on with his life...hopefully Duve will not let this drag out and a decision will be made soon. 

Judge Jerry did apologized to Mr. Manning for his outburst in court.  Mr. Manning is burnt out, he will not continue if they decide to prosecute again.

Journal Article

Journal:Pink Glove Dance Hits YouTube



Pink Rubber Glove Dance

 Here we have some dedicated people that are committed to a cause.  This is a great choreographed musical sending a message that breast cancer survivors are not alone.  This kind of awareness brings to the forefront the seriousness of breast cancer, something people have a hard time talking about. 

I give a hand to Claxton Hepuburn Medical Center and everyone that helped with the production. 

Remember get a breast examination yearly.
 

Journal Article
Utube CHMC

Journal:Salvation Army Donations Down Captain Concerned That People In Need May Be Turned Away

Tis the holiday season and many budgets are tight. St Lawrence has the highest unemployment rate in the State, excluding some burrows in NYC.  The Salvation Army is now paying bell ringers for the red kettles for the lack of volunteers.  It is hard to believe, with the unemployment rate so high that people would refuse jobs due to the weather...all are located at the front door of a store.   

We need to remember that the Salvation Army does a lot of good for our community.  They are first to the aide families that have been devistated by home fires, they are first to respond to disasters, and they should be the first in your heart during the holiday season. They contribute to the local communittee and I encourge everyone to make a donation and if times are tight donate some time as a bell ringer.  There is a bell ringer at every door and I find it tough not to give something everytime I enter a store. 

Journal Article

WDT:Governor muses on Aubertine's future

December 31, 2010 Senator Aubertine's last day of service to district 48.  The 48th district encompasses parts of St. Lawrence, Jefferson, and Oswego Counties.  Senator Aubertine a person with North County values but his team consisted of many Democratic representatives from New York City.  Darrel held fast on gun control which was a major issue in Northern New York but he had no choice but to conform to NYC leadership and voting on many issues that did not favor New York's taxpayers.     

Since the unexpected departure of Senator Wright this district has been heavily contested.  The Democrats and Republicans have spent millions of dollars to maintain control of this district. With 32 - 30 lead the Democrats needed win every seat to maintain control. The voters spoke and it looks like the Republicans will gain control with a 32 - 30 margin. 

The last two years the Senate Democrats have been riddled with gang like activities, criminal acts, and unethical moves by the leaders of the conference.  Taking illegal funding and filtering the money into many democratic races had a tendency to taint the candidates that received this dirty money. Compound that with two years of turmoil the Democratic conference did not create an environment conducive to Senator Aubertine's re-election.  

What is the future for Senator Aubertine?  Will he be offered a job by the controlling Democrats, will he just fade of into retirement,  will his wind farm materialize, or will he be back in 2 years? 

WDT Article  

Journal:Jurors Tell Judge They Can't Decide

Jury Deliberating

It looks like the end is near.  Judge Richards sent the jurors back to keep deliberating.  If the jurors do not come to a decision in this case, what would the next step be?  Could this be a mistrial and would the county have to pay for another trial.  With various police officers changing their stories, I would believe that is "reasonable doubt".  If we cannot trust the police to get their stories straight then who do you trust. 
With a hung jury in the Tricky Murder, and the unexplained Shannon Death the City and the families would have no closure.  These would become to unsolved murders in the River City. 

Journal Article

Journal:Jury Deliberating For 4th Day In Oxley Murder Trial

Is it a hung jury or not? The jury is having testimony re-read given by Detective Kennedy, T. Howe, and M. Keith.  It appears the jury is considering all evidence and hopefully will come to an informed decision on the future of Mr. Oxley.

The jury is back in session today, will they come to a decision?

Journal Article

Journal:Ritchie Hires Three Staff For Her Three Offices

Senator Ritchie Starts Staffing Process

Senator Ritchie has started the process to build an office of employees that will be receptive to the voters and most of all loyal to Senator Ritchie.  Mr. Peck, Director of Operations Watertown, Holly Carpenter, Office Manager Oswego, and Patricia McMurray will be Senator Ritchie's Personal Assistant are the first staffers on line.  Will St. Lawrence be represented or will the voters of the Big County and the River City be driving to Watertown?



Mr. Peck, Director of Operations

 This is a transition period for Senator Ritchie and hopefully Mr. Aubertine and his staff will meet to make a true transition.  Senator Ritchie will have some difficult decisions to make...the transition with Mr. Aubertine will be crucial in keeping continuity in the support of North Country issues.  With an estimated 10 billion dollar deficit next year some serious cut will have to be make.  With 5 correctional facilities in Senator Ritchie's district a balance should be maintained between balancing the budget and losing jobs. 

Correctional Facilities appear to be on the chopping block in next year's budget.  With over 7000 empty medium beds, closures seem imminent.  Closure are sure to come but hopefully they target all facilities not just those located North of the Thruway.  Senator Aubertine was instrumental in saving OCF, but he supported releasing violent felons and drug dealers back to the community, and supported the closure of dorms only in NNY.  That would have been an easier pill to swallow if they closed down dorms at every medium facility across the State of New York.   

This will be a difficult year for any freshman legislators.

Journal Article

Journal:DPW Cut, 5 Police Posts Filled

Cuts Made to Budget

City council made some last minute cuts to the budget.  Law enforcement was a priority and 5 positions were filled in the OPD.  Mr. Nelson stated "law enforcement is more needed than ever," hopefully these new police officers will help curve the growing crime spree in Ogdensburg.  There appears to be drug dealers in every neighborhood and houses are robbed daily.  I have to agree with Mr. Nelson, we need to step up community safety. I cannot imagine the amount of OT the officers have racked up being down 7 FTEs.  

The budget process is over.  Our taxes will increase by 3%...therefore if one is not happy with the current budget they should express themselves on election day.  On the contrary, those that support the budget should express themselves likewise.


Journal Article

Journal:Council Passes Budget On 4-3 Vote

Budget Passes

It was a close vote 4-3 and Mayor Nelson's budget passes. We did have a change from the Nelson, Cilley, Powers, Vaughn vote. Mr. Sholette voted for the budget and Mr. Powers voted against it.  I wonder why there is an increase to the water rates?  Maybe everyone one should be paying their fair share.

Maybe they should start enforcing the rules evenly across the board.   Chadwick Reality is still considered a residential building and they have been running a business out other for years.  They force every other business to have a water meter and tax them accordingly.  Stevenson's Auto Center was forced to get a water meter because they are a business and they have a 3 x 3 bathroom.  Neighbors are complaining about individuals running a wood carving business from their home; who in turn complains about Tyvek still on houses in the area.  I was driving down the 2nd or 3rd block of Knox Street and noticed a 6 foot fence running the length of the front yard.  I put my fence up and the code enforcement officers was at my front steps stating the front fence could only be 4 foot.   

Ogdensburg needs to stay the course and treat every resident the same.  Double standards is no way to treat tax payers that pay the salaries of these individuals.

Journal Article

Journal:City Budget At A Glance

State aide cut and a increase in spending will lead to a another tax increase.  The articles talks about a 300 and 350 dollar cut from various local clubs and organizations. Give me a break!  Why would anyone put such minimal cuts in the paper...maybe these are the major cuts to our $19 million budget.

It is time for someone to start thinking outside the box.  There was no snow last year, I wonder how much of that overtime, sand, and salt are left in the budget. Maybe they should change the shifts of employees that plow so roads are clear in the morning. 

The fire department was doing a good job with property inspections and that was taken away.  After spending the money to train and certify the firemen as code enforcement officers they sit in the station.  A major consolidation would be the police and fire department.  Training them to be Safety Officers would enable them to respond to both fire and police calls.         

Journal Article

Journal:Wayne Oxley's Defense Rests

The end is near, the defense rests...Mr. Manning, attorney for Oxley called his last witness today.  There will be a few rebuttal witnesses and it will be up to the jury.  What will this trial cost St. Lawrence County the second time around? 
Hopefully, the evidence was sufficient to determine if Mr. Oxley took part in the murder or was framed.  If there was enough evidence the jury should come to a decision soon.  Everyone is holding their breath and Mr. Oxley's life is hanging with the jury. 

Journal Article

WDT:Ritchie uncertain about staff spending

Well it looks like St. Lawrence County will be represented by Senator Ritchie.  It appears she will establish her main office in the largest county in the state.  Mrs. Ritchie has grown up in this county, and raised her family in this county and should represent the area well.  Mr. Aubertine's strong hold was in Watertown and had less to do with St. Lawrence County and Oswego counties.  Mrs. Ritchie will have to court Jefferson and Owego Counties.  These area amass the majority of the district voters and should not be ignored. 

Senator Ritchie is inheriting a budget that had never balanced, combined with faultering economy it should be a tough first 2 years.  With two Senate Districts undecided it will hard to decide money available for Senator Ritchie to establish her offices.  Facing a difficult budget years these Senators should be on the ground running come January 1, 2011. 

The last two years have been disastrous for NNY.  Senator Aubertine was embattled with his own party to preserve jobs and maintain our way of life. If he was not fighting gun control, dorm closures in NNY, prison closures, unfounded mandates on fire fighters North of NYC, he was supporting legislation that continually released inmates, raised taxes, raised fees, support legislation to increase NYC's representation, and supply a lot of members money just before election. 

WDT Article