Eight O'Clock Hour from NCPR

The 8 O'Clock Hour 6/19/13

jonathan@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

(Jun 19, 2013) Legislation proposed in Albany would let Adirondack Health run a part-time emergency room in Lake Placid. 21 people have been arrested as progressives push for action in Albany. Two farms with two very different views on sustainability. How the $#%@# does a bill become a law in NYS? Governor Andrew Cuomo has moved to fill expired seats on the Adirondack Park Agency board.Dianne Shugrue has been named new president and CEO of Glens Falls Hospital. Four school districts across the North Country saw their budgets approved by voters yesterday and Juno Award-winner Kellylee Evans is set to take the stage at the Norwood Village Green Concert Series this summer. [full story]

The 8 O'Clock Hour 6/18/13

jonathan@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

(Jun 18, 2013) State conservation Commissioner Joe Martens is at the center of big Adirondack debates. Governor Cuomo's agenda is in danger as the legislative session draws to a close. Montreal mayor Michael Applebaum was arrested on multiple corruption charges early yesterday morning.Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki was in Syracuse last week, to mark the 60th anniversary of the city's VA Medical Center and Todd Moe talks to author Jennie Iverson about her new book Ski Town Soups [full story]

The 8 O'Clock Hour 6/17/13

jonathan@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

(Jun 17, 2013) What do undocumented dairy workers think of immigration reform? How would legal immigration reshape the North Country? Opposition to the NY-SAFE Act sparks a rally in Lewis County. With only four days left in the legislative session, no agreements have been reached. Tomorrow is voting day for four school districts across the North Country that saw their budgets rejected by voters last month.The Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki celebrates the 60th anniversary of Syracuse's VA Medical Center. Former Governor Mario Cuomo's portrait is being hung in New York's Capitol. And Connie Meng reviews "Dirty Blonde" at Pendragon Theater. [full story]

The 8 O'Clock Hour 6/14/13

jonathan@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

(Jun 14, 2013) Franklin County officials are also still operating under a state of emergency today as they watch river levels. Hearings are underway for Adirondack Park's newly acquired Finch Pruyn lands. The dispute in Raquette Lake has shifted to the state Assembly. Home rule legislation that allows St. Lawrence County to raise its sales tax by one percent passed in the New York State Assembly Thursday. People along the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario will get a chance to weigh in on a new water levels plan.Black and Hispanic caucus members are making a last minute push for the decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana and our book reviewer, Betsy Kepes, speaks with Lynn McElfresh about her new book titled Strong Deaf [full story]

The 8 O'Clock Hour 6/13/13

jonathan@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

(Jun 13, 2013) Governor Andrew Cuomo has released legislation outlining his plan for tax-free zones. It's getting down to the wire for major pieces of legislation still pending in Albany. Franklin County has declared a state of emergency because of flooding along the Salmon River.Lawmakers in Albany have a dwindling number of hours to push through a huge backlog of bills. State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli says Watertown is in good fiscal health. Find out why Nitrogen is such an important component of all life forms from Dr. Curt Stager in this weeks Natural Selections [full story]

The 8 O'Clock Hour 6/12/13

jonathan@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

(Jun 12, 2013) A man faces felony aggravated harassment charges after allegedly burning a cross on his lawn and shouting racial slurs at the guest of a neighbor. A new boat that collects sewage from boaters' tanks was christened yesterday in Burlington.Owens has problems with the recently passed farm bill and is seeking a compromise. Are too many domestic violence victims going to prison? Governor Cuomo has released a bill to extend public financing of political campaigns to statewide races. [full story]

The 8 O'Clock Hour 6/11/13

jonathan@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

(Jun 11, 2013) Women's groups are putting pressure on the New York Senate over abortion rights. Gillibrand looks to balance privacy and security in the wake of the NSA scandal. 93 year old James Murphy of Massena reflects on his time in the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s with Todd Moe. [full story]

The 8 O'Clock Hour 6/10/13

jonathan@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

(Jun 10, 2013) The 2013 Farm Bill is expected to get a final vote in the US Senate this evening. Governor Cuomo faces perhaps his biggest challenge at the end of session. Find out how one Olympic Games started a lifetime career for Nancy Battaglia. Join Connie Meng for a theater review of "Like Wolves" at the Great Canadian Theatre Company in Ottawa. In this weeks Heard Up North, join operations specialist Brian Wood in the control room of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Also, find out how to get the best of weeds in this weeks Gardening Conversation. [full story]

The 8 O'Clock Hour 6/7/13

jonathan@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

(Jun 7, 2013) New York farmers are closely watching the fate of a bill in Albany that would cap assessments of their land at a two percent increase per year. New York's bass fishing season kicks off on June 15, and North Country tourism and business leaders are banking on it being the biggest ever.State officials say they'll hold a public review of the Adirondack rail plan. The Colton Museum will remember World War II history tonight with an evening of music and stories from the 1940's.On this weeks Heard Up North find out what it's like to win $2,000,000 dollars and catch what is going on this weekend in the Adirondacks with John Warren. [full story]

The 8 O'Clock Hour 6/6/13

jonathan@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

(Jun 6, 2013) With half a dozen bomb hoaxes at schools in the last month, school leaders seek answers. One of the state's top environmental officials is now director of the Adirondack Council this spring. Cuomo says he wants just three destination gambling centers for now and on this weeks Natural Selections learn how cliff swallows living in a high traffic area have adapted to survive the conditions. [full story]

The 8 O'Clock Hour 6/5/13

jonathan@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

(Jun 5, 2013) Lucy Martin discusses a 10-year book project with Donnna Naughton on a Barnes Island nature walk in late May. Are Tupper Lake schools "educationally insolvent"? Agriculture advocates welcome progress on a bill that would slow rising property taxes for farmers.Governor Cuomo has released legislation for his 10 point women's agenda. Unionized workers at the State University of New York have agreed to a mostly flat labor deal. The SUNY colleges in Canton and Potsdam have hired a joint chief information officer and the state Senate approved a bill to encourage construction of green homes in the state. [full story]

The 8 O'Clock Hour 6/04/13

jonathan@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

(Jun 4, 2013) With only three weeks to go, find out what is still ahead for the New York State legislature. Mark Kotzin, the spokesperson for the CSEA, represents about 200 employees at the hospital and tells why we need to keep MMH public. Anbaric Transmission of Massachusetts hopes to build an underwater transmission line from Plattsburgh to Burlington. ReEnergy Holdings has retrofitted the plant on Fort Drum to burn biomass instead of coal, creating dozens of new jobs in the north countrySno Kone Joe was accused of stalking and harassing rival Mr. Ding-A-Ling and has been denied a permit in Groverville, NY. In this weeks Adirondack Attic, Andy Flynn takes a closer look at some of the artifacts from Arto Monaco, creator of the Land of Makebelieve in Upper Jay [full story]

The 8 O'Clock Hour 6/03/13

jonathan@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

(Jun 3, 2013) The Air Force has a released a new environmental impact statement indicating a noise increase in Burlington if the F-35 plane is based there. The CEO of CVPH and executive vice president for Fletcher Allen Partners sits down with Brian Mann to talk about North Country healthcare.Anti cancer groups are seeking to ban the sale of candy-flavored cigars. Governor Andrew Cuomo says that he is confident talks with the Mohawk community will reach an accord over land issues. Cooperative Extension horticulturist Amy Ivy tells Martha Foley there's still time to grow from seed in this weeks Gardening Conversation. [full story]

The 8 O'Clock Hour 5/31/13

jonathan@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Fri, 31 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

(May 31, 2013) Governor Andrew Cuomo attempts to build political support for a new network of tax-free zones around many of the state's colleges and universities. New ads spin the pros and cons of Cuomo's tax-free plan. Adirondack Health's Board of Trustees has postponed the Lake Placid ER conversation. Hundreds of people packed the Burlington Unitarian Universalist Church last night to protest against the F-35. A Thousand Islands based green group is using a 1950s era technology to protest a water levels plan from the same decade. Repair work on an Adirondack road that was postponed earlier this month will begin next week. Join a chestnut tree flowering party in this week's Heard Up North and catch what is going on this week in the Adirondacks with John Warren. [full story]

The 8 O'Clock Hour 5/30/13

jonathan@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Thu, 30 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

(May 30, 2013) Village Mayor Steve Yurgartis is cautious about adding more tax free properties in Potsdam. Lyon Mountain struggles to find a future, but the community recalls how the iron mining era shaped memories and local mythology.Hundreds gathered at the State Capitol to rally for the stalled campaign finance bill and Martha Foley, along with naturalist Curt Stager discuss a unique "static" example of "flower power." [full story]

The 8 O'Clock Hour 5/29/13

jonathan@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Wed, 29 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

(May 29, 2013) An historic documentation of bird migrations at an historic North Country site has come to a close for the season. A powerful state-run organization opposes plans to shut down the hospital emergency room in Lake Placid.Scandal in the New York State legislature has led many to wonder whether lawmakers can focus on passing any major bills by the end of the session.New York-based Greek yogurt maker Chobani responds to criticisms that its process creates large amounts of toxic waste. On this weeks Heard Up North, find out what it sounds like to catch and band a chickadee.An Ottawa artist paints a series of works celebrating the Cats of Parliament Hill and we explore how "local", local beef really is. [full story]

The 8 O'Clock Hour 5/28/13

jonathan@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Tue, 28 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

(May 28, 2013) Memorial Day services were held across the North Country yesterday, with parades and prayers and wreath-laying. Fort Ticonderoga comes alive with reenactments and music. One of the Adirondacks' most luxurious retreats finds itself in foreclosure. Northern New York beekeepers remain frustrated since the 2006 bee decline, but they are still rebuilding hives. Gioia Timpanelli tells fables from India and the Middle East and a theater review of "Suds" at the 1000 Islands playhouse. [full story]

The Eight O'clock Hour, 5/27/13

jonathan@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Mon, 27 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

(May 27, 2013) It's Memorial Day. NCPR intern Josh Cameron talks with Shannon Bartlett, an Indian River student who raised more than $9000 to create a memorial for fallen soldiers in Alexandria Bay. Brian Mann talks the school superintendent in Newcomb about the failed budget vote there, and the survival of small rural schools. Gov. Cuomo took his plan for tax-free zones around SUNY campuses on the road over the weekend.Sarah Harris reports on ways to get upstate produce to urban markets. One Vermont mans plans to sail it down Lake Champlain. Horticulturist Amy Ivy talks with Todd Moe about how to cope with a soaked spring garden. [full story]

The 8 O'Clock Hour 5/24/13

jonathan@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

(May 24, 2013) A big redevelopment project is getting underway in the Thousand Islands village of Clayton. State officials announced that public hearings will take place in June to decide how the former Finch Pruyn timberlands will be managed.The Seneca Nation has not yet finalized a deal in their casino talks with Governor Cuomo. United States Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's farewell tour swung through Massena yesterday. Lucy Martin takes in a rehearsal to learn more about musical programs in Ottawa.The Innovation Trail team reports on some of the current challenges and opportunities facing upstate farmers and be sure to get your look at outdoor recreation conditions around the Adirondacks for this Memorial Day weekend. [full story]

The 8 O'Clock Hour 5/23/13

jonathan@ncpr.org (North Country Public Radio) — Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

(May 23, 2013) Mohawk Chiefs are hopeful that the new Casino pact established with Governor Andrew Cuomo will lead to more land. Beekeepers, farm workers, and researchers are worried about the collapse of honey bee colonies. Governor Cuomo seems less likely to include Hydrolic Fracking in his his economic plans for the future.Governor Cuomo and his cabinet are on the road to push their plan for tax free zones for businesses in New York. Find out why a changing global climate is to blame for the severe weather as of late. Newcomb kicks off the summer with its rubber loon race and Martha Foley sits down with Dr. Curt Stager to talk about flowers, bees, and caffeine on this weeks edition of Natural Selections [full story]