Journal:State, Union battle over staffing levels at state prisons

Staffing Levels in State Correctional Facilities in Question 

They are consolidating many jobs in the State Prison System. NYS Parole has been absorbed by the now called DOCCS Department of Corrections and Community Services. Facility Parole Officers and Correction Counselors are now called Offender Rehabilitation Coordinators. They are currently learning both job duties, the transitions has been planned but moving slowly.

Correctional Officer shortages has been held at bay with the consolidation of dorms across the state. The next few years should bring us to the major expansion that occurred 25 years ago. Many officers could retire with 25 years of service. This maybe a problem for the department.

Journal Staffing

Journal:Chinese officials coming to Ogdensburg

Mr. Ma is going to make it happen!  ESL for Chinese students and some locals can attend if they want to learn the Chinese language.

Journal:Ogdensburg housing administrator shelves rehabilitation grant applications

Now it is a breach of contract.  What does the City want from these guys, IN or OUT!

Journal:Festival starts this weekend

52nd Seway Festival

The 52nd Seaway Festival starts this weekend. This is always a big week in Ogdensburg, many family reunions and old friends getting together. The following link is for a schedule of events. Do not miss it, it is always a good time.  

Schedule: http://www.ogdensburgseawayfestival.org/2.html
Journal Seway Festival

Journal:Ogdensburg considering smoking ban in municipal parks

Smoking BAN in Parks?

I have to agree with Mr. Ashley and R. Storm Cilley, why legislate something that is not enforceable. Where was everyone when they wanted to keep sex offenders from the park. I wonder how much they are enforcing that law. That law was only a distance of 500' which let them live a 1/2 a block away. They should of made it 2000' and we could of eliminated many of our sex offenders.

This is political posturing and we need to move on.

Journal Smoking Ban 

Journal:Ogdensburg housing administrator accused of breaking federal regulation

C. W. Augustine - Quid Pro Quo?

C. W. Augustine of DeKalb Junction believe if they write the grant they should be guarantee the rights to administer the program. A little quid pro quo here, but it appears to violate federal procurement regulations.

I have a hard time believing they are going back to the same company after the last debacle. I thought the City considered administering the grant this time. The City of Ogdensburg has zero grant money this year due to the problems with the last grant money.  As the City turns!

Journal Federal Regulations

Journal:Developer upset with city, shuts down projects

Developer Problems on W. River Street

Let's see where this one goes! We have codes for a reason but killing the project is not the means to the end when it comes to development in Ogdensburg. This will be a test for the City on working through problems with developers.

Journal Developer Upset

WDT:Ogdensburg Councilman charged with DWI

Councilman Skamperle Learns a Hard Lesson

Hard times fall on Councilman Skamperle again. Pulled over for crossing hazardous road markings while in Lisbon Dan was charged with DWI. This after his connection with the Oxley trial does raise questions on his integrity.

I have known Dan for a long time and a DWI can and will happen to anyone that chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol. Public officials are held to a higher standard and many times it can impact on the voters and character confidence.

A DWI can run from $2K - $5K. I wonder what his BAC was at the time of the DWI?

WDT Skamperle DWI

Journal:Ogdensburg man charged with assault after being released from the hospital

Family Dispute with a Shotgun
Mark & Scott Palmer

Something is weird about this story, Scott the son shot at the feet of his father, Mark.  Now Mark, the father is getting arrested because he smashed the gun against the ground and shot himself. I guess you had to be there...I'm glad I was not there!

Some family dispute, what happened to bare knuckles.

Journal Mark Palmer

E Mail Gone Bad, Back Online

I had a tough time with my blog these last few months. Personal issues and losing my email associated with my blog set me back.

Hopefully issues have been cleared and we can continue to post our opinions and ideas.

Journal:North country plans Fourth of July events

Morristown - July 3 & 4

Morristown has their big event July 3^rd and 4^th. Many of us migrate to this annual events. The fireworks display will be July 3 at dark. On the 4th of July we have the parade at 10, the field day starts at 11:30, followed by a tractor pull, games, and the famous chicken barbecue.

This will be our first chance to see our elected officials. Time for some hand shaking and bonding with the voters. Should be a great day for all, hope to see you there!

Journal Morristown

Journal:Pesky Ogdensburg brush shows limits of shrinking city budget

Oswegatchie River Bank Clean-Up

The budget is getting smaller and there is still work to be done along the Oswegatchie River. The foot bridge is coming along well and the stone facade sets off the river front. The next issue will be cleaning up along Crescent Street. It must be 10 houses that have a view of the river that are complaining. If you want to look at the river take a walk down the path.

Journal Oswegatchie River Clean-up