The Lodge, Morristown

I had the pleasure of dinning at the Lodge Restaurant this weekend.  It has been many years and my last experience was less than desirable.  NOT the case this time.  The menu was large with many selections and the prices were very reasonable. The atmosphere was nice, comfortable, and good for conversation.  They had a limited wine list but the food was great. 

I encourage everyone to take a short trip along the St. Lawrence River to The Lodge Restaurant.  

Journal:Legislators Grill Blankenbush On Issues Tax Cap, Prison Closures, Mandate Relief All Discusses At Madrid Ag Forum

Mr. Blankenbush was under the gun in Madrid.  He like every legislator is being kept in the dark.  Many decisions about the budget will be decided after the budget is passed. Which prisons will be closed, how much Educational Aide will be decreased, and will Medicaid reimbursements be cut to providers or will services be cut to clients.

Organizations like the DEC, DOH, and other public entities should not be able to pass any law that requires a fee without legislature approval.  This way the legislators are responsible to the voter and cannot hide behind these organizations.  Time to hold our legislator's feet to the fire. 

Journal Article

Journal:No New Leads In Lawton Murder

Unsolved in Ogdensburg

Did we ever have a lead in the murder of Ralph E. "Gene" Lawton?  These are the kind of crime drug dealers commit after they have been through Judicial Diversion Programs multiple times.  I do believe that drugs are the root of their evil but no one should be victimized or robbed as a result of someone's drug habit.  Mr. Bartlett, roommate of Mr. Lawton claims, he has no idea who the murders are. Usually drug dealers have their usual customers and they continue to frequent their door step.

This is one of three murders that continues to be unsolved in Ogdensburg.  Mr. Oxley trial will begin in the spring, number 3, and another $200,000 from the county coffers.

Journal Article

WDT:Budget requires new approaches

School consolidation had been on the horizon for years.  Federal deficits combined with State deficits are finally forcing small school districts to consider consolidation or sharing services.  Ogdensburg School district has passed a budget that includes expanding Kennedy School and closing two obsolete and underutilized school buildings.  Staff will be move to one building and the school district will move towards economies of scale. 

St. Lawrence County has lost population for years, Ogdensburg population continues to drop as does the number of students that graduate. Morristown has resisted merging, but the financial reality may be the deciding factor.  Morristown did very well on their standardized testing, most grades were above he national average...Ogdensburg did not fair very well.  School pride, and loyalty to the school and staff make it hard to give up your identity when schools merge.

Morristown and other small school districts will be facing the same problem.  Morristown's and Heuvelton's proximity to OFA could result in a merger.  Every school district has been loosing studens for years!


WDT Article  

WDT:Journalist appointed recreation director

Mr. Curatolo, Rec. Director

It appears the City of Ogdensuburg had found their Recreation Director, Matt Curatolo.  Mr. Curatolo, will bring a lot of energy to the position and has great writing skills.  The salary is $42,900.00/year is a nice salary for NNY.  I wonder how many interviewed for the position? 


Well the best man got the job, good luck Matt!

WDT Article

WDT:Democrats hope to fill county clerk post

MaryLou Rupp

It is the same old same old, let's not put the best qualified person in the job, let's just roll the political dice.  The Democrats on the county board are willing to lose thousands of dollars generated by the County Clerk's Office by appointing someone with no experience as a county clerk.  Someone that does not know the internal workings of a multifaceted office...an office that supervises the Motor Vehicle Offices, County Records, Pistol Permits, and recording all Legal Records.  I do not know Gavin M. Regan, but he is the possible democratic candidate according to party officials.  The ground work has been set by Senator Ritchie and her First Deputy Clerk, MaryLou Rupp, so why throw a winning hand in. 

Down a County Clerk and a DMV line employee the County Legislators voted to table the DMV clerk fill, while filling multiple other county positions.  Why???? They will continue to play politics, which will lead to losing the dealerships registrations.  They require a 24 hour turn around on new car registrations which amounts to about $10,000/month in revenue for the county.  It is time to keep the County Clerk's Office running and time for the political games to end. 

WDT Article

Journal:Fishing To Help 'Wounded Warriors' Chamber Director: Event Set For June To Coincide With Moving Wall

Vietnam Memorial, Washington DC

Bring the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall to Ogdensburg in June has been a lot of work.  Coupling this with a 'Wounded Warriors' program could generate an economic burst for Ogdensburg.  The mission of the Wounded Warrior program is To honor and empower wounded warriors while fostering the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded warriors in the nation's history.  The WWP provides many services such as advocacy, peer monitoring, family support, retreats, benefits counseling and many others.  It is a great program, picking up some of the pieces dropped by the federal government. 

The Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall has traveled across the United States and will stop in Ogdensburg in June.  Was constructed to honor Vietnam veterans and the preamble:

"IN HONOR OF THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES WHO SERVED IN THE VIETNAM WAR. THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES AND OF THOSE WHO REMAIN MISSING ARE INSCRIBED IN THE ORDER THEY WERE TAKEN FROM US."

We should all take some time to visit the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall. I took the picture that is on my blog last spring, just leaving the WWII Memorial, of the Washington Monument with President Obama's helicopter flying past.  If anyone gets a chance they should check out all the monuments in Washington DC.  They are amazing!

NJ:Senator Ritchie Hires Graham Wise as Chief of Staff

GRAHAM WISE, CHIEF OF STAFF FOR RITCHIE
Graham Wise, Senator Wright's Chief of Staff and now Senator Ritchie's Chief of Staff.  Is there not many qualified individuals to choose from or none that have the experience. This should be an interesting selection and time will tell if he can slide back into the saddle. Some call him an insider but those are the people that know the system.

Newzjunky Article

WDT:St. Lawrence coroner faces DWI charge



DO NOT TAKE THE CHANCE!!!!

 STOP DWI, no one is exempt but some get breaks and others get multiple breaks.  Every time you get behind the wheel you take a chance on ruining your life and possibly some innocent bystander's life and/or family.  These are needless odds and it appears Mr. Lawrence failed multiple field sobriety tests and refused to take a alcohol breath test.  How will he do his job without a driver's license? 

This will be a case to watch, maybe he could go to drug court!!!

WDT Article

Journal:County Giving $ To I-98



Is The Time Right for Interstate 98

 Interstate 98 and $20,000 to promote it? Promotional and Educational material, which is to educate the public, the legislators, the governor, or all the above?  If it follows route 11 it would bypass Ogdensburg. 

The economy has been in the gutter, combined with a Federal Government deficit of over 13 trillion dollar,  and NYS with a 13 billion dollar deficit it is hard to believe I-98 is in the near future.  Major construction projects will NOT be used to create new areas of economic growth but to enhance areas already established.  Investing in I-98 would not generate the returns necessary to justify the cost.  These are the kind of projects that are funded in sound economic times. 

I support the project, but believe it is not the right time to spend $20,000 on education and promotion.  This money will be needed when the Federal Government cuts every State's budget and aide to the county.   

Journal Article

Journal:EPA Working To Avoid Milk As Oil Legislation



Major Milk Spill in Local Home

 This is just what the farmers need is another expense.  This will be another policy mandated by the EPA. These regulation cost money to implement and a milk clean-up could be as devastating as the Gulf Oil spill.  What would we do if 1000 gallons of butter fat milk was running wild on a farm.  We did have milk bi-products spread on the Lee Road that contaminated some wells.

I make light of this but how many tragic milk spills have we had in NYS.   We are the 3rd largest dairy state in the country, we have close to 1 million acres in farm land, and close to the 100,000 milking cows, sounds like a formula for disaster. 

We do have Senator Ritchie, Ag. Chairperson but this would be a federal issue which is hard for me to understand the correlation between a oil spill in the Gulf and a milk spill on a farm.  Federal Regulations running amuck!

Journal Article

Journal:Arrested Illegals Were Here For Snow Removal

Illegal immigration, a Federal Issue that the current president and legislators have ignored, as with prior administrations.  Why would the paper not print the name of the company that hired cheap labor to work on the roofs of various businesses?  Businesses should be fined for hiring illegal immigrants to work in the country.  President Bush stated, illegals do jobs that Americans refuse to do!  If this is the case, they should modify the immigration process, they should register, get the proper paper work, pay taxes, instead of illegally crossing the border to take jobs from US citizens.  I have to believe there are local citizens that would work removing snow from the roofs of various businesses.  The problem, they would not work for 3 - 4 dollars/hr. 

St. Lawrence County strapped with double digit unemployment and with illegals continually blending into the countryside and farming communities,  it makes it more difficult to find employment. North Country residents continue to live on their unemployment or try to live after their unemployment has run out.  What if an illegal fell off the roof or was hurt on the job?  They would be treated in our emergency room free of charge, at the taxpayers cost.  This has to STOP!  Employers need to be held responsible for hiring illegal immigrants.

I still continue to wonder why they do not check the status of illegals on all the farms across the North Country.  The St. Lawrence River is considered to be the most unsecure board.  I am not sure, but Border Patrol Agents have the right to search properties within 100 miles of the board.  This is an ongoing problem forcing Arizona to deal with their illegal immigration issues.


Journal Article

Journal:City Man To Be Considered For Drug Court

Here we go again, 2 years of the Liberal Democrats controlling the Senate and they passed legislation that gutted the judicial system.  They claimed the Rockefeller Laws were too strict but they were modified years ago.  Now every criminal is given a "Get Out of Jail Free" card, they call it Judicial Diversion Program.  In NYC they have organization like the Oasis Treatment Centers, that sit in courtrooms and petition the judge to release drug dealers into their care. 

Problem with Mr. Kennedy is he was not arrested on CPCS (Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance) or CSCS (Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance), he was arrested for two counts of felony fourth degree criminal possession of stolen property and one count of misdemeanor fifth degree criminal possession of stolen property.  Something is wrong here! The public defender would not even comment if drugs were used or part of the crime...if I was arrested for robbery I would blame it on my drug problem, just so I could go to a judicial diversion program (GET OUT OF JAIL FREE).  Mr. Kennedy, must be connected to the system somehow. 

Journal Article

Home from Vacation Time to Catch Up

The weather was good the first part of the week, clouded up at the end with a little rain.  Golf is always good, and time to get back to some blogging!

Journal:20 Events Featured At River Shiver

Ogdensburg River Shiiiiiiiiiver

February 12, - 21

River Shiiiiiiiiver is February 12th - 21st!  Well someone put some thought into this year's event and lets all get out and enjoy the winter.  There are a couple of dances scheduled, my favorite the fishing derby, Battle of Ogdensburg at Lighthouse Point with Forsyth's Rifles and let's not forget the Polar Bear Plunge and Chili cook off.
It is hard to plan events in the winter, because it takes a special person who wants to get out in the cold and snow.   Hopefully my blood has not thinned out while on vacation and yes Super Bowl 45 cost me one more day in Fl.

HAVE FUN IN THE SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!


City Of Ogdensburg Special Events Calendar
Journal Article

Journal:OVRS Responded To 2,353 Total Calls In 2010

Here is a duplication of services!  Every time I see the rescue squad pull up to a call, the Ogdensburg Fire Department is usually there.  This has been a political bouncing ball for years, should the City Fire Department compete with the OVRS?  The firemen have all been trained as first responders and are wasting man power, gas, and heavy equipment to respond to 911 calls, just to let the OVRS takeover.

The OVRS has had problems in the past keeping the squad manned during the day.  The OFD has trained all firefighters in basic first aid and CPR but have no vehicle to transport patients.  At one time they contemplated in buying a transport vehicle and the OVRS rallied to keep OFD out.  The City backed down and we continue to send vehicle to squad calls at the tax payers expense. 

Most people do not understand that the OVRS bills many of their customers that have insurance.  This leads to thousands of dollars and those that do not have insurance get a free ride.  My concern is there are very few fires in Ogdensburg, we have trained firefighters who would need some more training, no more building inspections, and this may be a revenue generator to offset the cost of the OFD. 

Every option must be considered in tough economic times.  Taking over the OVRS is not putting anyone out of work!

Journal Article

Journal:Ogdensburg man admits to burglaries

  Roger D. Keith II, Pleas to Robbery Charges

Plea bargain, to be expected but maybe this is his first burglary, and probation may be appropriate.  Were they buildings or houses and why did he break into these buildings?  Was it because he has a drug habit and if so, it needs to be addressed.  If not, he will continue to commit criminal acts to support his habit. 

I was wondering, what ever happened to our last murder that evolved drugs?  Did they catch the masked men?  Three murders in Ogdensburg and nothing has come from any of them. 


WDT:Article

SUPER BOWL 45, Packers vrs Steelers





This is the big day, the day everyone has been waiting for.  We all watch the game for are own reasons, is it for half time, football, commercials, the food and friends or all the above.  Myself, it is all the above!  Today we have the full menu pizza, chips and dip, wings (3 flavors), salsa, chicken wing dip, bean dip, cheese dip and many others dips including myself and my friends. 

It has been said that the more people call in to work the Monday after Super Bowl than any other day of the year. If things go well I will be heading North, Monday.  I have learned to use moderation and to pace myself, some may not make it to half time. 

Looks like the Packers are favored by 3 points, everything indicates a close game.  Be safe and have a good time.

Marty Snye:Blacksmith Extraordinaire

A friend of mine emailed my blog a couple pictures about attending a demonstration of blacksmithing by Marty Snye. His son is part of Cub Scouts Den 2 and Mr. & Mrs. Snye put on a wonderful demonstration on the fundamentals of blacksmithing.  This was hands on and the kids participated in the process...bending metal, handling tools, some even got a few samples. 

Mr. Snye had many items made in the shop on display.  Tomahawks, axes, tools, and even a key and lock made by hand in the shop.  This is a must see and if anyone has a group interested I am sure Marty and Micky would be glad to accommodate. 

Hot chocolate and brownies were served after.  The scouts went from the blacksmith shop to sledding at the golf course. 

WDT:Cuomo to close prisons; Tug Hill agency gets ax

Governor Cuomo

If you listened to the budget speech by Governor Cuomo he appears to be cutting across the board.  School aide, Medicaid, consolidating the number of state agencies, and eliminating some of the authorities are just a few of the areas that will feel the hit.  He has passed much of the responsibility on to the legislature.  The Governor's Task Forces has set  guidelines and it is up to the legislatures to make the tough decisions.  What Correctional Facilities will they cut?  How will they cut Medicaid? How will education cuts effect different districts?  These are the question that will not be answered by the Governor, which will make him a hard target to hit by special interest groups.

Medicaid and Education have built-in budget increases which has created a major burden on tax payers over the years.  Times have changed, and education is pricing its self out of existence.  The top paid School Administrator makes over $380K...Governor Cuomo said he tried to be a School Administrator but failed so he run for Governor, which was a big pay cut.

Mayor Nelson did cut his projected (AIM) money by 10%, anticipating the Governor Cuomo cutting aid to cities.   Well that was only a 2% cut by the Governor...that means there will be a little breathing room in Ogdensburg's Budget.

WDT Article

Jouirnal:OCF Steward: Gov. A Man Of His Word

The problem is Governor Cuomo will not be making these decisions.  Hopefully the legislature will do their homework and pick appropriate prisons, but we all know that is not the case.