Pair of golf pros gearing for the green

by Rich Rosentreter
The Tupper Lake Golf Course is set to begin anotherseason as the weather in the region recently hit a warming trend, and its two new golf pros are warmed up and ready to go as well.
Chris Clark and Evan LaBarge are sharing the duties of golf pro at the local golf course and each brings a love of the game, a golf-based education and on-the-job experience to their position. It's the first time in recent history the facility stands to benefit greatly by having two pros directing things. When the Free Press stopped by the pro shop at the country club, both were eager to discuss their connection to the game of golf and the upcoming golf season.
“The course is in good shape. There’s nice weather right now,” Clark said, adding that he and his co-pro make a nice team. “Evan and I get along very well and work together well too, and that makes both of our jobs easier.”
Clark is a 2009 graduate of Tupper Lake High School and was on the golf team for three years. His uncle Tim Clark also has worked as a golf pro at the Tupper Lake Country Club, and is currently the golf course’s general manager, overseeing maintenance and other aspects of the operation. Chris said his love for the game was aided by his uncle.
“My whole family is golf-oriented,” Chris said. “I’ve always followed him and my father. Those are the two big golfers in the family. They put a club in my hand and I’ve loved it ever since.”
This marks the fifth year Chris has worked at the Tupper Lake club, but prior to getting a job locally, he went to study golf. Clark went to the Golf Academy of America in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and earned a degree in golf course management and operations.
“I became certified in club fitting and club repair while down there. It’s a normal college but it’s strictly for golf,” he said. “In 2012, I came back home for break and went directly here to the Tupper Lake course.”
Chris was eventually offered a job and has been here ever since. He now runs the pro shop and gives golf lessons, and his golf education has been valuable.
“I had a teaching class and gave golf instructions. It has helped me a lot here,” he said, adding that he now has a variety of duties. “People come in and ask advice or about the products were offer. Pretty much the job entails making sure the golf course is running well.”
But of all his responsibilities, Chris said he enjoys teaching the most.
“I like the challenge of trying to fix a golf swing because everybody is different. I don’t know how I have the patience to do it, but I really enjoy teaching. No golf swing is the same, and that makes it more interesting,” he said, adding that prices at the Tupper Lake golf course are reasonable. “We are pretty good when it comes to prices. Some places will charge you $100 for an hour just to learn how to hit a golf ball. Here, for half an hour it costs $30. We will go to the range. We do a video, slow motion analysis.”
“I teach all ages, from kids all the way to seniors. It was part of my classes in college,” Chris said, adding that in college he also had added pressure because he was being graded as well. “The instructors would watch as I would teach kids, and that was a little nerve wracking, but that was mainly due to having to worry about getting a grade for it.”
Evan LaBarge
Just like Chris, Evan LaBarge’s golf roots can be traced back to getting into the sport at a young age. And just like his counterpart, he too went to school to learn more about a career in golf before coming to work at the country club in 2014.
“My dad played and I learned from the ground up from him. Then from there, I just kind of picked it up by myself and ran with it,” Even said.
 Before coming to Tupper Lake, Evan graduated from a school in Orlando, Florida and then found his way to the Syracuse area where he landed a job at the Timber Banks Country Club, which has a Nicklaus-designed golf course. He worked there for four years as an assistant professional. From there, Evan eventually moved to Tupper Lake where he was a friend with Clarence Bell,  the golf pro here at the time.
But golf wasn’t the sport Evan first got involved with.
“I started out going for hockey, but you can only ice your knees for so many times before realizing you might have to do something else. So I went to college for golf,” he said. “That’s when I found my way down to Florida and attended a professional golfer’s career college there. After I graduated was when I came up to New York.”
Evan then explained his choice of golf as a career.
“I just like the atmosphere the camaraderie, the dealing with the people,” he said. “I feel it’s a talent I am good at. I like teaching. I like the youth programs here, the junior program. I enjoy trying to please everybody and seeing the outcome turn out pretty well.”
When asked about the key differences between working at a bigger club in Syracuse compared to a smaller one here, Evan said it’s all in the people.
“Things are a lot different here than they were in Syracuse,” he said. “You might get less people than you get at the bigger places, but you don’t get that family-feel that you get at Tupper. Here you get to get close. You get to know your members, you get to know the public, and that’s how you can cater to people and really bring them back.”
“They make you feel welcome. They respect what you say and they listen. They make me feel part of Tupper Lake. Even though I am not from here, it didn’t take long to feel like I was,” Evan said. “It’s great meeting the new people. Being here is great. It doesn’t feel like a job, it feels like that I’m supposed to do. You see the kids here every day. The high school program is here. That’s mainly our goal, to get the juniors coming back out to the course.”
And just like Chris, Evan finds the teaching aspect of his job rewarding.
“You get guys who come in here for pointers every day. They’re always asking for my opinion, which is nice,” Evan said, adding that the course is ready for action. “It’s in great shape. I held the winter very well.”
Evan also invites those who have never golfed.
“We are trying to reach out to people who never golfed. We want to find people who want to try it but never took that step. We’re trying to bring people up here. You don’t need to be good you just have to understand the game and enjoy yourself. And that’s what Chris and I are trying to do here,” he said. “It all starts with pointing them in the right direction. Just start from the ground up,”
“We have clubs that we can provide for people to take out on the golf course. We have the driving range and the practice green and if anyone has any questions, we just want people to feel welcome here and just come in and ask. Whatever they need,” Evan added.
Then Chris gave a final message to the community: “Come out and play some golf!”

Village leaders working with brewery to try to extend Balsam Ave. to lot behind for brewery expansion

by Dan McClelland
Village leaders seem intent on helping the owners of Raquette River Brewery access a lot behind their facility to eventually develop a large, production brewery.
Joe Hockey, who co-owns the popular brewery on Balsam Ave. craft beer-making business with Mark Jessie, in recent months asked the village board to extend the unopened village street past their place to provide access to a lot they would like to buy from the Sarazen family.  The difficult, however, is that a road extension would have to pass across a wetland area.  Under Adirondack Park Agency law, typically the only way to fill in a wetland parcel is to create another twice as big in size.
Joe was back at Wednesday's postponed regular monthly meeting to report that he had recently “walked” another unopened village street (Poplar) adjacent to the village's wastewater treatment plant at the foot of Water Street with an APA biologist, Mark Rooks,  and found there was enough acreage to “mitigate” the wetland filling proposed for Balsam.
“There's easy access near the drying beds,” he told the village leaders of the excavation that would occur there.  The area is already low-lying.
Mr. Hockey also learned from the biologist that the mitigation formula was 1:1.5 not 1:2, as he and others here had thought.
“We talked about the process and the village application (to fill Balsam and dig out Poplar) would require a scope of work and site plan.  It may need to be engineered.”
He said once the village applies for a permit, the agency would have 15 days to respond.  If more information was needed, the village would have another 15 days to provide it and then once all the material the agency wanted was submitted, it has, by law, 90 days to rule on a permit.
Mayor Paul Maroun asked Department of Public Works Superintendent Bob DeGrace about the project to reach the Sarazen lot and Mr. DeGrace admitted “it will involve some work” for his crew.  He said that maintaining the creek there would require the installation of “an over-sized culvert.”
He said he couldn't determine an exact cost for the village without some research first.
Trustee Ron LaScala said he andTrustee Clint Hollingsworth and Code Enforcement Office Pete Edwards walked the unopened section of Balsam Ave. and admitted “it will be an undertaking.”  He added, however, he thought it could be done.
Mr. LaScala recommended the village retain a civil engineer to study the project and give a realistic estimate of all costs.
Mr. Hollingsworth agreed, saying the village needs to know exactly what must be taken out of Poplar and put in at Balsam to open the new road for the production brewery proposed.
He wondered if the county had an engineer it could loan to the village to study the project.
Mr. Hollingsworth said for the relatively small cost of opening the road, “the village will gain a lot in the long run” in new jobs and tax base growth.
He pointed to the success and rapid growth the brewery has already enjoyed in recent years, noting that the partners' ten-year plan is to employ ten or more employees.
Mr. LaScala said he routinely looks at the license plates in the brewery's parking lot- and many of the vehicles are from out of state.
“The future economic impact far outweighs the initial cost to the village,” Mr. Hockey told the board.
He said the production brewery they intend to build will cost over $400,000.
If the village agrees to extend the street, Raquette River Brewing will again return to the Tupper Lake Planning Board for a permit, likely with conditions such as the type of lighting, etc., Mr. Hockey noted.
Mayor Maroun said it was nice to learn that the village owns enough property next to the treatment plant to mitigate for the new street.
“We want to try and help you,” Mr. LaScala told Mr. Hockey.
Village Electric Department Superintendent Marc Staves said there currently exists a three-phase buried primary line there “which would need to be looked at so no damage was done to it.”
He said the village policy is to provide up to 500 feet of primary transmission line to any new customer.
“What's your timeline...two years?” Mr. Hollingsworth asked Mr. Hockey.
“Our whole expansion plan depend on what the village board decides,” the brewery owner told him. “Without the Balsam Ave. extension, there's no project!”
“If the street gets extended, it's 100% you'll do your project?” the trustee asked him and was told “yes” by Mr. Hockey.
Mr. DeGrace wondered if the deal was dependent on the road being blacktopped and Mr. Hockey said it wasn't.  “We just want access to the property so we can” build there.
“We'll start the process and engage an engineer,” the mayor told Mr. Hockey.  He said he would also instruct Village Attorney Nathan Race to consult with the APA legal staff.
Asked if the street could be opened this year if the permits arrived, Mr. DeGrace told the board members his department has a big construction agenda this summer.  “It would be fall at best,” if at all this year, he noted.
“Is there someone I can follow up with?” Mr. Hockey asked the board and was told he should stay in contact with Village Clerk Mary Casagrain and her brother, Pete Edwards, code enforcement officer.
Mr. Edwards said he had recently spoken with Mr. Rooks and learned from him that St. Lawrence County has an engineer on its employ and officials there may be able to help the village with his services.
Mrs. Casagrain said there are several engineering firms the village regularly contracts with and she would contact one of them if the board wishes her too.

Village set to adopt new budget with tiny tax increase

by Dan McClelland
The village board members are expected to adopt the budget presented to them in recent weeks by Treasurer Mary Casagrain without major changes when the board meets next Wednesday for their regular monthly meeting.
The draft budget for 2017-18 fashioned by the treasurer, with input from village department heads, totals $2.83 million which will produce after a $75,000 in fund balance carried over from this year and $936,843 in anticipated revenues in the new budget which begins June 1 a tax levy of $1.893 million.
The village's allowable state tax cap levy limit in the new fiscal year is $1.928 million.
The levy in the proposed budget is only up by five-one hundredths of one percent and falls $35,348 below the tax cap for the next fiscal year.
The spending increase in the new budget is 1.9% but the tax rate will only increase by one-third of one percent or five-thousandths of a cent per $1,000 of assessed valuation on village property.
Pointing to the minuscule tax rate in prospect, Mayor Maroun figured no other municipality could match that mark in their budget preparations this year.
Following three relatively shortdepartment budget reviews last Wednesday after a public hearing on the plan was called at 5p.m. the four members of the board came close to adopting the plan as is, however, Mayor Paul Maroun asked his colleagues to set the financial document aside untilthefull board meeting on Wednesday, April 26 when Trustee Ron LaScala would be back from vacation.
Yesterday the mayor rescheduled tonight's regular session until next Wednesday to await the trustee's return so the full board could review the budget for a final time.
The following are the highlights in spending in the police, department of public works and fire departments reviewed by the board Wednesday.
Salaries for Chief Eric Proulx, his eight officers and two part-time officers ($39,000) will total $525,000 in the new budget.  There is $14,000 allocated for police equipment which includes one new taser, with officer training, for $3,850, a new body camera at $1,000 to replace one that was damaged and the installation of a repeater on the village water tank to improve local communications among the department and its officers at a price of $5,000.
Other department expenses include insurance, $22,000; clothing allowances, $6,350; car repairs, $8,000; dispatchers, $8,000; radio maintenance, $1,000; in-service training, $3,000; fuel for vehicles, $10,000; $2,000 in funding for the annual bike rodeo (up to now it has been 100% donations); office supplies, $10,000; ammunition, $2,000 and $3,500 for 50 new stop signsand pedestrian markers.
Chief Eric Proulx walked the board members through his department's budget.
Nick Rolley, the new first assistant chief with the Tupper Lake Fire Department, reviewed his department's proposed budget with the village leaders.
The department is jointly funded by the town and village governments.
Some of the expenses faced by the department in the fiscalyear that starts in June to render its life-saving services are the following: relief driver pay and custodial services- $7,730; safety supplies (cases of foam)- $750; safety gear (five new sets of turn-out gear at $2,200 each and five new traffic safety vests)- $11,175; two new Scott air packs and three new tanks, air sample test kits, alarm batteries- $19,400; 20 new sets of gloves and hoods, five new sets of boots and five new helmets- $5,050;  tools including flood lights and Halligan tools- $1,171; hoses and nozzles- $5,740; the replacement of three portable radios and radio repairs, $4,850; fuel- $3,500; truck repairs- $20,000, training (fire prevention supplies for school programs and mileage reimbursements for volunteers) $4,000; tests for air packs- $4,000 and relief driver uniforms- $200.
DPW Superintendent Bob Degrace next led the village leaders on a review of his department.
Major expenses in the village DPW forecast for 2017-18 are: salaries of Mr. DeGrace and his four employees- $217,920; overtime for summer construction projects- $12,000; miscellaneous pieces of small equipment including a post driver to redo many village signs this summer, $2,500; insurance- $9,000; fuel for DPW vehicles- $35,000; clothing allowances- $6,125; gravel- $20,000 (partially paid for by water and sewer department for its projects);  and street work- $100,000 ($82,334 of which comes in revenue from the state's Consolidated Highway Improvement Program.
Street work, according to Mr. Degrace, is planned this summer for Vachereau St. (binder and tops coats), top coats forArden Street, Front Street, McFarland Ave. and Oak Street and a three-inch binder coat for Amell Lane.
He also reported that new sidewalks will be constructed this coming season on Vachereau, Chaney, Cedar, Park, Arden, McFarland and Oak.
A figure of $22,000 was budgeted for the equipment repair costs the DPW is expect to incurr.
Sander parts and a rebuild of one of the department's large machine adds another $10,000 to the budget in the snow equipment code, $6,000 for the purchase of 90 tons of salt and $5,000 for snowplow repairs.
Total street light costs in the village next year is expected to be $52,000- $40,000 of which is born by the electric department.
Other general fund expenses in the draft budget include: publicity- $14,500 (beautification with flowers and barrels $2,000 and the villages contract with ROOST $12,500), programs for the aging through the Adirondack Adult Center- $7,000; parks- $38,000 (two days of one full-time employee and two part-time summer workersand the services of the community development coordinator ($90,000) which is funded in total by grant funds the village has received and will receive and playground equipment and repairs-  $10,000.
Refuse collection in the village is something of a wash.  The personnel (two days or $16,440 per year), expenses including fuel and vehicle repairs ($7,000), tipping fees at the county transfer station- $21,400 and recycling permit printing- $500 are balanced off against the sale of garbage bag stickers for the most part.
The remaining piece of the general fund budget is related to the expenses of the village offices.  Some of those include trustee salaries, $4,800 each for four,  contractual expenses related to the operation of the police and fire and DPW,  $6,000; the operation of village court, $29,000; justice department contractual expenses, $7,500; mayor's salary, $9,200;  audit expenses, $5,000; treasurer, $9,270; attorney's services- $4,400; contractual legal expenses including litigation and an update of zoning code, $20,000; engineering services, $20,000.

Video highlighting Wild Walk goes viral

An interesting little video has brought a lot of attention to The Wild Center over the past four days, via Thrillist, according to Stanzi McGlynn, The Wild Center’s Digital Content Fellow.
Thrillist is on-line media brand company covering food, drink and entertainment.
The video, highlighting Wild Walk, was published last Thursday afternoon and since then, has been viewed over 10 millions times. Thrillist has since pinned the post to the top of its Facebook page, which is giving it extra visibility and it’s been shared over 172,000 times.
The Wild Center has seen some significant increases in its website traffic because of this - even breaking its highest one-day number of website sessions three consecutive days in a row - as well as direct inquiries from users via its Facebook page and website. As the Wild Center has never been featured in a piece of social content that has gone this viral, officials there are looking forward to seeing what kind of positive impacts it will have on visitation at The Wild Center this summer, as well as throughout the region.

Trailer flips on Main Street corner, spilling lift it was carrying

Trailer flips on Main Street corner, spilling lift it was carrying
by Dan McClelland
It was a very unusual accident early Monday morning in Tupper Lake, as manywere headed to school or work. Traffic came to a stop in the Junction near the railroad tracks when a trailer pulled by a small dump truck and carrying a commercial fork lift flipped over on its top, tossing its cargo free.
Daniel Cole of Antwerp, 54,  was headed west in front of the Main Street Restaurant when the trailer flipped. The weight of the lift device apparently pulled the trailer over on the sharp corner, tearing the hitch off the truck pulling it. The truck, trailer and lift machine were owned by Rob Reddick's Con Tech Building Systems of Gouverneur, a large commercial contractor in the North Country.
Mr. Cole was ticketed by village police for failure to keep right, but not for speeding.
There were apparently several violations in the condition of the trailer pointed up by troopers but no tickets were issued.
The accident happened shortly after 6a.m., blocking the state highway in large part for nearly two hours.  There were times when vehicles were rerouted slowly through the adjacent parking lot of the former gas station, now a wooden furniture and tiny house constructionbusiness.
There were both village and state police on the scene and the Tupper Lake firefighters where also there to direct traffic away from the clogged artery.  With Tupper Lake's street alignment and only one railroad crossing there was no way to by-pass the accident.  Traffic was backed up a half mile or so about 7:30a.m. to the east atthe Aaron Maddox Center and to the west a mile, beyond LeRoy's Auto Sales.
In the line-up waiting to move were several Tupper Lake school buses and a couple of pieces of heavy equipment headed for points around town.
Traffic began to move about 7:45a.m. through the parking lot- one lane at a time- and the both lanes of the highway were reopened shortly after 8a.m., according to village police.
Village, state and town road crews were also on the scene cleaning debris and glass.  Mark and Joel Counter of Counters' Garage were there with their wrecker to right and separate the trailer and lift device.  When they arrived the lift too was almost on its top, propped up by its large boom, Joel Counter said yesterday.
The trailer washauled to the headquarters of Paul Mitchell Logging down Main Street for some repairs to make it roadworthy again. It was still there yesterday.

Six local businesses to share $175,000 from town’s new microenterprise grant

Town Supervisor Patricia Littlefield at last month's regular town board meeting announced the winning businesses in the town’s $200,000 microenterprise grant program.
The Housing and Urban Development grant provides grants of up to $35,000 for successful commercial applicants to expand and improve their business.  The new grant program is administered by the Saranac Lake-based Adirondack Economic Development Corp., which also guided a similar village microenterprise grant program three years ago.
A requirement of the program is that successful applicants must invest 10% of the award amount and agree to hire at least one new employee.  The money can be used for advertising, investment in the business and its inventory but not building purchases or renovations.  Successful applicants were required to take a course developed by the AEDC in business management.
The winners in this grant were the Red Top Motel at Moody. Another grant recipient this time is the Hub owned by Cherie and Daniel Whitten which is currently situated in the former CJ’s Tavern building.  That company has plans to relocate to the former Park Restaurant building at 320 Park Street.  Those two businesses will each receive $30,000 through the program.
A winner of $25,000 was Neil and Linda Pickering’s Pickering’s Holdings which owns Mt. Market and Redemption Center on the western edge of the village.
Mark Jessie and Joe Hockey, co-owners of the Raquette River Brewing on Balsam add won $30,000 to be used towards their company’s recently announced expansion.
The final two $30,000 grant recipients were Well Dressed Foodto permit it to purchase a new van for catering events and occasions outside their Park Street headquarters and Corey and Lilian Rohrbach (KKR LLC), who operate Amatos Bistro and Deli at the corner of Cliff Ave. and Lake Street and who are investing in new equipment and refrigerated display cases.
The applications for the grants were weighed by a town committee of local business people created by the town board.
“The town board didn’t make the awards,” the supervisor reported at the March 9 meeting.  The selections were made by the committee and the AEDC advisors, based on a scoring system, she explained.  The scoring system used was “economically development-based,” including how many new jobs would be created in the respective businesses, the supervisor added.
She estimated the grant would create eight new full-time and six new part-time jobs in Tupper Lake.
The first draw-downs on the grant awards are expected this month.
The supervisor noted there were about a dozen applicants for the grant program this round.
The balance of the grant money- $25,000- will be paid to AEDC for its administration of the grant program for the town.

Tupper’s talent takes center stage

By Rich Rosentreter
    The stage lights were shining just as bright as the talent it was focused on during last week’s Tupper Lake’s Got Talent event held in a jam-packed auditorium at the middle high school.
Indeed, this town’s talent was on full display, and the sign above the stage the read “Talent Show” in big, bold letters served as a stark reminder of the treat that all in attendance would witness. The show returned this year after a several year absence.
    Each show in recent years has produced memorable moments, and this year was no different. There were exceptional individual and group performances, and heroic drum solo and a jaw-dropping grand finale by someone who was on stage while the judges selected the night’s winners. Perhaps the most touching moment came with the joy felt by 10-year-old Ayden Rabideau, when the youngster, who has been blind sincebirth,  was honored with The Most Courageous Award for his performance on drums.
The evening’s top awards, which included a prize, went to Matthew Varden for best solo and Rhythm Jax for best group. The Judge’s Choice Awards went to Ben Jones for best solo and The Kool Kids for best group.
Although not every act to hit the stage won an award, each deserves plenty of recognition and praise for trying their best and being a part of a great community event.
    From the opening act to the final one of the evening, the audience was treated to a plethora of performances that had the audience cheering, clapping and entertained. Adding to the wonderful atmosphere were the pair entrusted with the job of Masters of Ceremonies – Kelly Wight, who was festively decked out with a blue wig and bright yellow dress, and Matt Southwick, whose fancy tuxedo appropriately made him appear to be the host of the Academy Awards. Thoughout the show, the pair kept the mood festive with funny one-liners and jokes.
The acts
    The first group to hit the stage was the Lumberjack Rockettes, who strut their stuff decked in cowboy hats and boots singing LoCash’s “I Love This Life.” The handsomely clad group trounced on the stage in song and dance that really got the audience going and set the mood for all the wonderful acts to follow.
    The mood shifted gears as Matthew Varden unleashed his musical and singing talent. He sat in front of the stage at the piano and as the spotlight beamed down, Varden hit the keyboards and all the challenging notes of the Sam Smith classic song. His effort earned him the Best Solo Award, which included a $100 Amazon gift card.
    It was certainly an award-winning effort, and one that was hard to follow, but the next act was pretty cool.
    The Kool Kids, Kendall Kenniston, Taylor Stoll, Karter Kenniston and Luke Robillard, took the stage to perform a mix of songs from the musical “Grease.” These youngsters captured the mood of the 1950s scene by wearing leather coats and slicked back hair, with a nice added touch of sideburns. The group sang and danced in such a lively manner they were honored with one of the judges’ choice awards.
    The next performer to hit the stage was Ayden Rabideau. It was just him and his drum set alone in the spotlight of the big stage, and the youngster performed a nice steady beat. The performance did not last very long, but it will last a long time in the memories of those who witnessed his courage. When Ayden was given his award later, he could not hide his joy for being recognized for his performance.
    Up next were Ravyn Sotomayor and Caterra Ratelle, who combined for a nice duet to sing “My Love/Sit Still Look Pretty.” They were accompanied by Karin Ryan on guitar and the girls shined in the lights as they harmonized together.
    One of the performers who hit the stage next had some previous experience in the local scene, as Seth McGowan once worked as a music teacher. He joined the stage with Karin Ryan to form The Seth and Karin Show as the duo strummed their acoustic guitars and sang “American Tune,” by Paul Simon.
    After a short intermission, the show continued with Kendall Davison and Mitch Jensen, who performed “The Flat’s a Mess.” This act meshed music with humorous lyrics as Jensen strummed on his ukulele and Davison added her unique style of humorous facial expressions, and this performance garnered some laughs as the two worked in excellent unison.
    Each of the following acts provided the audience with a nice representation of Tupper Lake’s young talents. Gwen Kulzer was up next and was joined by Lauren Lamere in a backup vocal role. Kulzer sang “I’m Not Clay” by Grace VanderWaal. Gracie Mitchell stood tall as she stood on stage alone and sang a nice rendition of “Hallelujah.”  She was accompanied by Liz Cordes who played the piano. Rylee LaBarge and Rebecca Becker used their saxophones to perform“Wooden Shoe Dance.”
Once again the mood shifted as Ben Jones used his electric guitar to jam “Hypnotize Guitar” in an award-winning effort that saw him creatively use the lighting to shift gears from slow to fast, going back and forth, with each riff demonstrating his talent on the instrument.
The finale for the night had an altogether different feel as Rhythm Jax used the stage to re-enact a scene from the musical Annie. The group performed “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” with Angel Schaeffer, Ava Lilley, Charlie Pickering, Elli Dukett, AnnieJade McCottery, Karen Bujold, Lauren LaMere, Liza Bujold, Lucy Edwards andHeather Schaeffer. When they were informed that they had won a prize, a pizza party at Little Italy worth $50, the entire group jumped with joy.
Each performer was presented with a Tupper Lake’s Got Talent T-shirt during a ceremony at the end of the show.
Closing act
When Southwick and Wight informed the audience that it was time to decide upon the winners, everyone thought the show for the night was over. Judges Tammie Salzman, Meaghan Sparks, Chris Savage, Kate Bennett and Mayor Paul Maroun had their hands full when they were charged with that task and they disappeared. As each of the talent show participants garnered loud applause and appreciation from the audience, an act was announced that would keep the crowd entertained while the judges were off deliberating.
    In the program, it was listed that Brock Gonyea “will perform while the judges deliberate.” It did not list how long he would perform, or his playlist. No one expected the poignant performance that was to follow or that he would garner the loudest applause or cheers. He started off simply enough by playing two songs.
    It was third and final song that would provide the shows lingering memory. It was his rendition of the Righteous Brothers tune “Unchained Melody,” a song that was featured in the movie “Ghost,” that truly stunned and wowed the audience.
    As Gonyea strummed his guitar and belted out the many high notes and emotions of the beloved melody, the audience sat back silently. It soon became obvious that they were mesmerized by this young man’s talent.  It was an extraordinary way to end the show.  
    After his rousing performance, members of the audience could be heard murmuring such praise as “Wow!” “Amazing” and “He’s so talented!”
    Sure, America’s Got Talent, but Tupper Lake is on the map as well.
    Tupper Lake’s Got Talent was organized by the Tupper Lake Central School District and the Tupper Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Six local businesses to share $175,000 from town’s new microenterprise grant

Town Supervisor Patricia Littlefield at this month's regular town board meeting announced the winning businesses in the town’s $200,000 microenterprise grant program.
The Housing and Urban Development grant provides grants of up to $35,000 for successful commercial applicants to expand and improve their business.  The new grant program is administered by the Saranac Lake-based Adirondack Economic Development Corp., which also guided a similar village microenterprise grant program three years ago.
A requirement of the program is that successful applicants must invest 10% of the award amount and agree to hire at least one new employee.  The money can be used for advertising, investment in the business and its inventory but not building purchases or renovations.  Successful applicants were required to take a course developed by the AEDC in business management.
The winners in this grant were the Red Top Motel at Moody. Another grant recipient this time is the Hub owned by Cherie and Daniel Whitten which is currently situated in the former CJ’s Tavern building.  That company has plans to relocate to the former Park Restaurant building at 320 Park Street.  Those two businesses will each receive $30,000 through the program.
A winner of $25,000 was Neil and Linda Pickering’s Pickering’s Holdings which owns Mt. Market and Redemption Center on the western edge of the village.
Mark Jessie and Joe Hockey, co-owners of the Raquette River Brewing on Balsam add won $30,000 to be used towards their company’s recently announced expansion.
The final two $30,000 grant recipients were Well Dressed Foodto permit it to purchase a new van for catering events and occasions outside their Park Street headquarters and Corey and Lilian Rohrbach (KKR LLC), who operate Amatos Bistro and Deli at the corner of Cliff Ave. and Lake Street and who are investing in new equipment and refrigerated display cases.
The applications for the grants were weighed by a town committee of local business people created by the town board.
“The town board didn’t make the awards,” the supervisor reported at the March 9 meeting.  The selections were made by the committee and the AEDC advisors, based on a scoring system, she explained.  The scoring system used was “economically development-based,” including how many new jobs would be created in the respective businesses, the supervisor added.
She estimated the grant would create eight new full-time and six new part-time jobs in Tupper Lake.
The first draw-downs on the grant awards are expected this month.
The supervisor noted there were about a dozen applicants for the grant program this round.
The balance of the grant money- $25,000- will be paid to AEDC for its administration of the grant program for the town.

TLHS presented an inspired Godspell performance

By Rich Rosentreter
    There was dancing, singing, joy, sorrow, tears and then tears of joy. Indeed, there were emotions galore running the entire spectrum over the weekend during the Tupper Lake Middle High School’s Red & Black Players performance of Godspell.
    The musical concluded on Sunday with a matinee performance that also marked the final appearance of several seniors on the cast, and the Free Press was on hand for the riveting show put on by the local talent.
    Godspell was originally composed by Stephen Schwartz with the words by John-Michael Tebelak, and first opened off Broadway in 1971. It has become a classic ever since, and the Red & Black players, under the stage direction of George Cordes, musical direction of Liz Cordes and choreography of Emily Brown, were able to successful meet the challenge of producing the show.
The structure of the musical was composed of a series of parables from the Bible and featured a variety of modern music set primarily to lyrics from traditional hymns, with the scene of Christ’s crucifixion performed, making the challenge for the local performers a great one. But the audience certainly enjoyed the show as demonstrated by its loud applause.
Liz Cordes praised the cast after the show.
“What can we say about the overall performance!” she said. “The cast and crew fully embraced the spirit of this show and we couldn't be prouder of their performances!”
    One might think by the name and nature of the musical, it would be strictly a religious-type of production, but it was far more. The play involved plenty of song, with solos so each cast member had his or her moment to shine. And shine they did.
    Godspell got under way with a clever entrance by Noah Cordes as John the Baptist who walked down the main aisle past the audience singing the introductory song “Prepare Ye.”
    The next key arrival was the entry of Dorran Boucher as Jesus who performed “Save the People” as he went one-by-one to greet each character in the cast, all of whom remained on the stage through the entire show. This song would set the tone for many of the songs as one character had an opportunity to show off their talent with a solo, but then the cast would join in to add to the overall excellence of each song.  
    The musical marker of Godspell was the next song as Sophia Martin (Robin) sung the familiar “Day by Day,” which in 1972 had reached #13 on the Billboard top 100 song list.
    As the show continued, Casey O’Connor (Gilmer) sang “Learn Your Lessons Well,” and Kirsten Denis (JoAnne) “O, Bless My Soul. Both of these ladies performed their scores with energy and let their outstanding voices capture the audience’s attention.
    Showmanship was the course of the next key score that featured a duo by Boucher and Cordes that at first generated laughs when Jesus proclaimed to be a reader of shoes. This was a perfect entrance to the tap dance performance that was a high-energy display of the talents of both of these young performers. Done to the tune of “All for the Best,” this duo provided a nice upbeat tempo that captivated the audience.
    As the show reached its halfway point, the next up was a tune called “All Good Gifts” featuring a solo by Mitch Jensen (Lamar). He would make a re-entry for the second portion of the show with a reprise of “Learn Your Lessons Well.” Jensen demonstrated his versatility by singing and also playing an instrument during his moment in the spotlight.
    The next solo featured the breath-taking performance by Kendall Davison (Sonia), who entered the auditorium through the main doors and worked her way to the stage as she sang “Turn Back O Man.” With the spotlight beaming down, she shined bright and once again let her wonderful vocals mesmerize the audience.
    The show continued with another chance for Boucher to strut his talent as he strummed a guitar while singing “Alas for You.”
    It was then time for Stephanie Fortune (Peggy) to shine starting the song “By My Side,” and she successfully put the audience in a trance-like state. She was then joined by Casey O”Connor to perform a very touching duet.
    Matthew Varden (Jeffrey) then took front and center with an entertaining song and dance piece, singing to the tune of “We Beseech Thee.” He performed this portion of the show with the variety of skillful tactics that encapsulated what the show was designed to be – a medley of song, dance and laughs.  
    But following this fun portion, the show’s mood began to shift as the betrayal of Jesus by Judas neared. Dorran Boucher dipped into his bag of musical talents as he strummed an acoustic guitar and sung the solo “Beautiful.” He was followed by Noah Cordes, who was also cast as Judas, as he performed “On the Willows,” that set the stage for the Last Supper and crucifixion scenes.
    But Godspell was so much more than song and dance. In between each musical performance were theatrical versions of parables, neatly performed and included the serious message of biblical lessons but communicated with humor and the skill of the cast. Some of the parables used song and one-liners that had the audience laughing and giggling.
    The play’s grand finale came with the crucifixion scene as Jesus was “tied” to the cross. Setting the somber mood for the audience was an impressive kaleidoscope rainbow that was projected onto the ceiling along with a darkened stage. The cast lined the cross scene and wailed in sorrow as Jesus would take his last breaths.
This scene was profoundly effective as all the theatrical elements conveyed to sadness and sorrow of the moment. From the lighting to the powerful performances, this amounted to a perfect storm on stage and had the audience mesmerized and silent.
    As the crucifixion scene unfolded, one could hear a pin drop and the only sounds were that of sniffles and sobbing. It was truly an emotional ride for the audience as they had gone from joyful song to somberness and tears.
    Following the death of Jesus, his body was placed onto the shoulders of all the male characters as the rest of the cast followed and the final song is performed right in the aisle. Then the lights went out.
    But in a clear representation of the resurrection, the lights went back on as the entire cast ran back to the stage and all became bright again. The audience was reminded as to the magic of the show when the cast once again broke into song with an encore of “Day by Day” which led to a rousing round of applause and a nice, well-deserved standing ovation.
    The performance of Godspell would not have been so successful if it didn’t have good music to accompany it. This was provided by Liz Cordes on keyboard, Lucky Cerruti on guitar, Wayne Davison on bass and Jeff LaFebvre on drums. The lighting was ably handled by Dave Naone, with Bryce Davison and Lowden Pratt the spot operators and Kasandra Sipler as the lighting assistant, who all helped created the wonderful atmosphere for the play.
Meeting the challenge
    The performance of Godspell was a great challenge for the young cast, but each member, most of whom have become veterans of the Tupper Lake High School stage, were able to hit the top of their abilities.
    Dorran Boucher, who has had a lead role in many previous school productions, used his distinct variety of skills to effectively play the role of Jesus. His character was obviously the central figure in the play, and he was able to be the shining star. Whether his scene required serious dialogue, jokes, songs or playing an instrument, he certainly stood out, and was especially effective in the challenging crucifixion scene.
    Noah Cordes was cast in the dual role of John the Baptist and Judas, and had many difficult scenes, from a tap dance sequence to a solo. He also mastered several key scenes. He was able to demonstrate his many talents.
    Matthew Varden, Casey O’Connor, Mitch Jensen, Andrew Trudeau, Kendall Davison and Delanie Clark were all on the Tupper Lake stage for the last time as they are members of the Class of 2017. It appeared that these student actors had that realization and were at the top of their performing games.
    Kirsten Denis, Stephanie Fortune and Sophia Martin also stood out, and proved they will be the rising stars for future productions of the Red & Black Players.
    Not to be forgotten were members of the ensemble, who despite not having a prominent role, were a powerful presence just being on the stage. This group consisted of Emily Burns, Benjamin Lanthier, Alyssah Martinez, Jessica Mitchell, Charlotte Price, Lily St. Onge and Kyler teRiele. These young performers just might have a key role in next year’s school productions. And perhaps, there are young aspiring performers who will take the spot light and vie for the chance to be on stage.
Senior credit
    Since Sunday’s show was the final one of the year, it also brought recognition to several seniors. Musical Director Liz Cordes, who has witnessed these students flourish through their academic time at in the Tupper Lake school system, had the honor of calling each one over to receive a rose.
    The following is what she said about each senior in the order they were called:
“Andrew (Trudeau) is our honorary senior. He will be finishing up his senior year at Clarkson University next year, making this his last show. Andrew has grown so much in his time on stage – from a side kick in Back to the 80s to Herb in Godspell – you are ending your time here with a bang.  Thank you for all your hard work, we will miss you!”
“Delanie (Clark), although technically a senior, is another one leaving the nest early.  Anyone who knows Delanie knows what a hard worker she is. Helpful to her cast mates both on and off stage – she is someone I could always depend on to help with hair, makeup, mic wires, rehearsal videos, you name it!   We will miss your attention to detail, but we know you’re going to do amazing things in college!”
“Matthew (Varden), has become such a fearless performer and I am so proud of what he’s brought to the stage this year.  He really blossomed in this role, adding his own twist to the music and the acting.  Thank you for your hard work and your willingness to step out of your comfort zone with this show.  This is a great jumping off point for you as you move into college next year!  Lots of luck!”
“Mitch (Jensen),  – you put a lot of trust and faith in Mr. Cordes and I when we cast you in this role.  We knew you could do it and you didn’t disappoint!  We are so proud of how much your confidence grew as a performer – vocally and in acting.  Thank you for being one of the people who kept everyone updated, on time, and in the right place.  We all will miss you and your organization!”
“Casey (O’Connor), is one of our busiest performers – varsity basketball and a job, and a lead in the musical.  Not sure how she did it all, but I am so proud of the work she has done and the leadership she brought to the Red & Black Players this year.  Thank you for always being willing to run out and pick people up, or sell some ads, or gather some sticks.  I know you’ll do amazing things in college, but we’ll miss you here!”
“Kendall (Davison),  What to say? You have grown so much as a performer in your time on this stage and you put a lot of trust in us this year when you were cast as Sonia.  You have made her your own and killed it.  It has been such a luxury to have you as dance captain, helping everyone feel confident in their moves.  Who will fill your shoes?  You’re going to kill it in college, I have no doubt.”

ACR representatives expected at March planning board meeting

ACR representatives expected at March planning board meeting
by Dan McClelland
At last week's village and town planning board meeting Planner Paul O'Leary reported that he had recently received an e-mail from Robert Sweeney, attorney with the Adirondack Club and Resort project.
Under the guidelines of the planning board's five year old conditional approval of the first phase of the project as part of the planned development district on Mt. Morris and adjoining lands, the ACR leaders were asked by the planners this past year to give monthly reports on the progress of the development.
Sometimes Mr. Sweeney appears in person and sometimes it is Developer Tom Lawson who briefs the board on the unfolding project.  Some months an e-mail suffices, if there isn't much to report.
Mr. Lawson appeared before the planners at the January meeting, armed with volumes of scientific and engineering material prepared by their surveying and engineering contractors on work needed for the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for permission to upgrade an existing logging road at the east end of Lake Simond that will access over a dozen great camp parcels that are ready to be sold.
Mr. Lawson has said in past months there are contracts for sale in place for a half dozen or so of the large forest lots.
The plan for therevenue from the sale of those large lots where some mansion-size camps will eventually be built is for the developers to paythe Oval Wood Dish Corp. for the thousands of acres the resort will occupy and to begin the construction of the infrastructure of the neighborhoods on Mt. Morris where many of the approximately 700houses will be built.
This month, according to the e-mail, neither representative was able to appear in person.
Mr. Sweeney's e-mail said they expect to be at the planners' March 22 meeting at which time they intend to ask the planners for final approval of the planned development district so the project can move ahead, Mr. O'Leary reported last week.

Ladyjacks fall in semifinal playoff round

by Rich Rosentreter
The Tupper Lake Ladyjacks girls varsity basketball team had a nice run, but finally fell in the playoffs on February 21 with a 44-21 loss to the Madrid-Waddington Yellowjackets in the Section X Class C Championship game.
The Ladyjacks, who had the number four seed, had advanced to the championship round following a big playoff win over the Potsdam Sandstoners and then had to face the top-seeded Yellowjackets. The local girls pounced all over Potsdam but were not able to top Madrid, which went on to two more playoff victories.
In the championship game against the Yellowjackets, Tupper Lake managed to hang tough in the first quarter and trailed by a 8-4 score. But Madrid’s defense stifled the Ladyjacks in the second quarter as they outscored the locals by a 12-2 margin and opened up a 20-6 cushion at halftime.
In the second quarter, Madrid maintained the defensive edge and held the Ladyjacks to just three points in the third quarter and put the game out of reach by netting 14 points of their own. The Yellowjackets held a commanding 34-9 lead going into the final quarter.
But the Ladyjacks did not give up despite the large deficit as they played their best basketball of the game in the fourth quarter. Tupper Lake outscored the number one team 12-10 in the final stanza, but their effort was not enough as the Yellowjackets held on for the victory. Madrid would eventually lose the overall championship game 45-37 in overtime against Heuvelton.
Katie Zurek led the Ladyjacks in their playoff effort with a team-high 16 points. Casey O’Connor contributed three points and Mya Landry netted two points in the game.
The Ladyjacks closed out the season at with a 6-15 overall record, and Head Coach Travis Dupuis said he was proud of the way the girls played against a tough Madrid-Waddington team.
“The girls played well especially in the beginning of the game but Madrid was able to take advantage of some turnovers at the end of the half and during the third quarter that made it hard for us to get back into the game.” He told the Free Press. “Also during the game Madrid played a very aggressive defense that led to us having a hard time scoring.”

Billy Jones greets local residents at town hall Tuesday

Meeting and talking with Billy
Assemblyman Billy Jones (third from left) is flanked at last Tuesday's meeting at the town hall   by ROOST's Michelle Clement and Piercefield Supervisor Neil Pickering (at left) and at right by Tupper Lake Supervisor Patricia Littlefield, Councilman Mike Dechene and Superintendent of Schools Seth McGowan.  They were joined by by about 15 others that morning to put questions to the newly elected state official.  (McClelland photo)

by Dan McClelland
Nearly 20 local leaders and community residents joined new Assemblyman Billy Jones Tuesday during a coffee stop at the town hall as part of his district-wide swing.
Refreshments were provided by Supervisor Patricia Littlefield.
Introducing the new state representative, the supervisor said she wascalled and invited to lunch by Mr. Jones, who was then chairman of the Franklin County Legislature, shortly after she was elected supervisor. Mrs. Littlefield, whose father John Sparks was also a one-time chairman of the county board, said she was very impressed that Billy reached out to her, and the gesture “boded well for better north county-south county relations.”
Since then Mrs. Littlefield said they've both accompanied the Governor on several of his “adventures” in the North Country.
Mr. Jones said his visit that day was part of his district tour, where he had meetings scheduled last week with residents of most towns in his district.
He said too often newly elected state representatives “get rushed to Albany” to begin the matters of the state.  “But I feel there is important work to do in this district, too!”
He called the listening tour his “homework,”  where his assistant Molly takes copious notes of concerns people have for him to study later.
He told the group of 20 local residents or so that he grew up in Chateaugay on a family dairy farm where he worked after high school before joining the state Department of Corrections where he worked for 20 years.
Mr. Jones said before he was elected as a county legislator, he also served for a time as mayor of the “metropolis of Chateaugay.”
He said he was taught by political mentors that if a person wants to understand local government they need to serve as a mayor, or as supervisor, or trustee orcouncilman. “That way you find out what's going on in your community!”
“It's where the rubber meets the road, where you find out about water and sewer districts, about the conditions of roads and bridges, about your neighbors dogs and cats.”
He called his village service a “valuable resource” to bring to state governance.
The new assemblyman said when he returns to Albany after this current recess, he expects March to be a very busy time, state budget-wise.
He said it'll be the state legislature's job next month to “amend the Governor's budget” so it is fair and palatable to state taxpayers. “I'm selfish with what I want to see in the budget...things that will make things better for our district- the 115th Assembly District.  -And for that I will always be selfish!”
He called the Governor's budget proposal“a massive $152 million document” that lawmakers must go through and amend.  Over 25% of a typical state budget is for education, he noted.
He said one of his “top priorities” is seeing that the state provides “a good solid education for every child” in New York State.
The state's basic education aid, called Foundation aid, “has increased some but not enough!” he said of the Governor's January proposal.
“One of our push backs to the Governor's budget is more Foundation aid.”
Mr. Jones said the formula for Foundation aid, which dates back to a lawsuit against the state in 2006, is very outdated and new data is needed.
He noted there is still approximately $4.5 billion that is still owed to school districts in the state as a result of that legal action over ten years ago.
“I'm going to work on more Foundation aid in the new budget,” he assured the crowd.
Of the Governor's proposal to spend $162 million to permit families where the total income is $125,000 per year to send their children to state colleges and not pay tuition, he said it is the “start” of an important discussion.  He said he has received criticism of the plan by a number of private colleges in the North Country and called it one of the top educational issues people call his office about.
Superintendent of Schools Seth McGowan, who is a big critic of the state's educational aid formula, said much of what comes out of Albany education aid-wise each year is controlled by state lawmakers in New York City's five boroughs.  He said he has been told by regional state representatives over the years that their power is “so overwhelming” that it is difficult to enact meaningful change.
Mr. Jones said he understood the downstate power and noted that he didn't see that changing “in our life times,” but he added the current Albany leaders arenow more open to the issues of the North Country than the leaders, “who left office unceremoniously” two years ago.
He was asked if he thought being a Democrat- one of the first to represent this district in decades- would help him given the long time Democrat Party control of the Assembly.
“It doesn't hurt me,” he answered, noting, however, that during his time in politics he has always “worked in a bipartisan way.”
Supervisor Littlefield asked him: “You don't think there are more partisan politics in Albany than in the North Country?”
He said there were, and that's why it's important for North Country leaders to work together, regardless of politics.
Town councilman and former school board president Mike Dechene said that “Tupper Lake is on life support” at the current time, “yet people here are very resilient.  He also noted that in recent years Tupper Lake Central School District has been particularly hard hit when it comes to state aid.  “I would just hope you think of Tupper Lake” when you are working in Albany, adding: “I know you will!”
“I willfight for Tupper Lakeand our other communities here for all we want to make our region better!” the state official told him.
He said he sees the same problems in all the region's communities.  
Jim Frenette, who has held many volunteer posts in the community and the region over his lifetime, told him that to fully understand what the area and its people need, “you have to listen.”
“That's why I'm here today...I'm not going to be a Superman...but I will work hard for you! Mr. Jones told him.
He promised to be “the most accessible state legislator you've ever had,” saying people can call him or his office any time.
Mr. Frenette said Senator Betty Little and Assemblywoman Janet Duprey set a very high bar in that area, and the new assemblyman agreed with him.
He said some of Mrs. Duprey's staff are now part of his very able staff.
Supervisor Littlefield also praised his staff, in response to four calls she made there in recent months.
The assemblyman said he currently serves on four state committees: tourism, economic development, aging and small business.  Mrs. Littlefield felt service on those committees were all important to this area of the state.
Mr. Jones said he needs the North Country needs to build an economy that “will keep our young people here and attract others.”
To that comment, businesswoman Hope Frenette said she felt new technology coming to our area “is not moving fast enough.”
Mr. Jones told her that high-speed broadband access “for all” ispriority he shares with Governor Cuomo.
He said the Governor has “promised broadband for all by 2018.” He called it an ambitious but achievable goal.
Mrs. Frenette said high speed internet service is critical to the development of small industries and academic institutions in our area.
The assemblyman agreed. “Having good internet service is not a luxury...schools here are at a disadvantage without it.”
He said a recent poll showed a frightening statistic: that only 14 of every 20 students in this region have access to the internet after school.
Supervisor Littlefield said that there is already a fiber optics trunk line through Tupper Lake, but it's still “dark” and people are upset about it.
Superintendent McGowan told him the school district has a state of the art technology system- and while the state Smart Schools Bond Act was a disaster- the district's connection isbroadband internet service.
He said the difficulty districts face connecting to nearby colleges for course offering is the cost to the districts.  He said colleges want districts to pay for distance learning costs and state aid at the current time doesn't allow for that.
“It's not technology...our kids have Smart pads and great technologies.  “The big thing is getting out of the district and developing new relationships with colleges, but that costs big money.”
He said the school district needs money “to light up” high speed internet channels for everyone in town.
Mrs. Littlefield said many local businesses suffer financially because they cannot access high-speed internet services through broadband. “Officials at Tupper Lake Hardwood are beating their heads against the wall” for good internet to run their operations.
“So how do we grow?” Mike Dechene asked him.  He said there are summer residents who would like to become year round residents and work here from their homes “if there was good connectivity.”
Mr. Jones admitted it was a major problem for this region and said he would help the Governor reach his 2018 goal of broadband service throughout the North Country.
Mr. Dechene said another factor that hinders business in this area is good cell service.  He said the Governor has control of the Adirondack Park Agency which limits the number and height of towers that can exist in this park.
He said he was recently in Lowden, N.H., where large “Frankentrees” beam cell signals across the region there.
Mr. Jones agreed with him “that it is absolutely ridiculous” that this area can't enjoy reliable cell service like most places in the country.  He said part of the answer is the permission to erect “one good cell tower,” than ten little ones.
He promised to press the APA to permit more and better towers to serve area residents.
Trustee Clint Hollingsworth said one of his recent campaign promises was to work hard to try to return jobs to his community. “High technology can bring those jobs!” he told Mr. Jones.
He said the distance from markets has made it impossible for industries to produce here and said he felt modern means of communications and the best technology here can reverse that harmful trend. Mr. Jones agreed with him.
With new business, also must come new trained workers, the trustee added.
Mr. Jones felt that “new amenities” arriving in Tupper Lake would bring more visitors each year.  “And some of those people will stay and do business...if they could be connected better!”
“Connectivity is the key, I believe!”
Jim Frenette said the absence of Big Tupper has hurt Tupper Lake and its economy.  Patty Littlefield agreed, calling it “a big hit to Tupper Lake.”
Mr. Dechene noted that Tupper needs more attractions like good trails, more motel rooms, more tourist amenities to keep people here longer each year.
Regional Office Of Sustained Tourism (ROOST) representative Michelle Clement said the community needs more incentives, more ways to expand the tourist season from two months to 12.
Mr. Jones noted that the shortage of motel rooms in Tupper Lake is a disadvantage.  Many people who come here end up staying somewhere else, he explained.
“I'm not knocking any of the accommodations here...we just need more of them!”
Michelle Clement said the recent Northern Challenge was a prime example of the problem.  Some of the anglers were staying 75 miles away.  “The derby's growth potential is limited by the number of nearby motels!”
“We need to help our local motels grow and encourage more,” she suggested.
Hope Frenette said that when Big Tupper was operating she had two two-bedroom apartment thatwere “rented out every weekend.”
“How about the state taking over Big Tupper?” Mrs. Littlefield told Mr. Jones.
“For a fraction of the $20 plus millionthe state is spending this year on improvements at Gore and Whiteface ski centers, it could have had Big Tupper- and promote all three together,” Mr. Dechene suggested.
Village Treasurer Mary Casagrain suggested to Mr. Jones the state come up with incentives for this region to bring business here.
Jim Frenette remembered when the state almost purchased Big Tupper in the 1980s when former ORDA Chief Ned Harkness “was salivating to buy it.”
He said it was “a done deal” that unfortunately unravelled in the politics of Albany.
Seth McGowan noted that many rural communities in this region have had great proposed projects that somehow “died on the vine” because of state and federal regulations.  He asked Mr. Jonesto work to reduce government bureaucracies in Albany “and break the log jams.”
Hope Frenette asked him for his help to win grants to help Tupper Lake improve its housing stock to help people improve their houses and to permit young first-time homeowners to afford to buy them.
She felt many young people move out of the area because they cannot afford “to buy a nice house.”
“Many houses here are rotting away...making our community look like crap,” she asserted.
She suggested perhaps grants to help builders fix up existing houses- since banks aren'tlending much money these days.
The way things currently are prospective homebuyers can't afford to buy ahouse at existing prices and then pay to fix up the place. “It's a big roadblock for many people!”
Supervisor Littlefield said grants are also needed to help elderly people renovate their homes in such a way as they can continue to stay there.
“The public wants to see their parents age in their homes...that's something you can start, Billy,” she told him.
Mr. Jones promised to come back to Tupper Lake regularly, to help whenever and wherever he can.

Village board finally endorses rail/trail plan in split vote

by Dan McClelland
In a split vote last week the Tupper Lake Village Board adopted a resolution in support of the state Department of Transportation and the state Department of Environmental Conservation plan to support “Option 7” of the 1996 state Unit Management Plan (UMP) for the railroad corridor.  
The plan, endorsed by Governor Andrew Cuomo, would see the railroad tracks removed from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake and rail restoration from Big Moose to Tupper Lake so train service is returned here. It would make Tupper Lake a hub for a variety of travelers coming here.
The town board has endorsed what has been called “a great compromise” by many officials in recent months.
The resolution was introduced by new Trustee Clint Hollingsworth who said he believes the plan will be very valuable to this community,tourism-wide,  bringing many travelers here by foot, bike, snowmobile and train.
The measure was seconded by Trustee David “Haji” Maroun, who has spoken in support of the plan several times at past village meetings.
Mayor Paul Maroun repeated his longstanding position that he was not in favor of tearing up the tracks, noting that a rail and a trail on the same right of way is a better answer.
“You don't tear up tracks of a railroad that runs into the center of this park” from downstate centers, he told his board.
He said he believed the track removal plan, which supporters and state agency officials figure can begin once the snow goes, is illegal.
Deputy Mayor Leon LeBlanc joined the two trustees in the three to one vote.

Local state trooper has brush with death trying to rescue New Jersey snowmobiler

A Tupper Lake state trooper nearly lost his life Friday morning trying to rescue a snowmobiler who fell through the ice on Long Lake.
At approximately 8:50a.m. that day state troopers from the stations in Tupper Lake and Indian Lake responded to a call that a snowmobiler went through the ice into Long Lake.
According to state police, Trooper Michael S. Kohan of Tupper Lake responded to the area of Route 28 north and Van Hussen Drive and located the partially submerged snowmobiler in the lake.
Trooper Kohan was walking on the ice toward 61 year old Michael J. Michna of North Brunswick, N.J. when he fell through the ice about 150 yards from shore.  According to the state police report, he was unable to lift himself out of the water onto the ice surface.
Trooper Roger W. Lind and members of the Long Lake Fire Department and Long Lake Rescue Squad arrived at the scene and were able to pull Trooper Kohan from the water.  The rescue party also pulled Mr. Michna from the water.
There was apparently another snowmobiler nearby who alerted Trooper Kohan to Mr. Michna's exact location, according to one report this week..
The rescue squad volunteers transported the snowmobiler to Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake where he was treated and released.
Trooper Kohan, who was in the water about seven minutes, was treated at the scene for exposure to freezing water and a small laceration.
Also responding to the call were state Department of Environmental Conservation rangers and members of the Blue Mountain Volunteer Fire Department, according to reports this week.

Village board finally endorses rail/trail plan in split vote

by Dan McClelland
In a split vote last week the Tupper Lake Village Board adopted a resolution in support of the state Department of Transportation and the state Department of Environmental Conservation plan to support “Option 7” of the 1996 state Unit Management Plan (UMP) for the railroad corridor.  
The plan, endorsed by Governor Andrew Cuomo, would see the railroad tracks removed from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake and rail restoration from Big Moose to Tupper Lake so train service is returned here. It would make Tupper Lake a hub for a variety of travelers coming here.
The town board has endorsed what has been called “a great compromise” by many officials in recent months.
The resolution was introduced by new Trustee Clint Hollingsworth who said he believes the plan will be very valuable to this community,tourism-wide,  bringing many travelers here by foot, bike, snowmobile and train.
The measure was seconded by Trustee David “Haji” Maroun, who has spoken in support of the plan several times at past village meetings.
Mayor Paul Maroun repeated his longstanding position that he was not in favor of tearing up the tracks, noting that a rail and a trail on the same right of way is a better answer.
“You don't tear up tracks of a railroad that runs into the center of this park” from downstate centers, he told his board.
He said he believed the track removal plan, which supporters and state agency officials figure can begin once the snow goes, is illegal.
Deputy Mayor Leon LeBlanc joined the two trustees in the three to one vote.

Brew-ski, Fire & Ice Golf Tourney same afternoon, same place this month

Tupper Lake and area residents looking for a great afternoon in the outdoors need to pencil in Saturday, February 25 as the date of a new combined event this year.
That afternoon the Tupper Lake Chamber of Commerce will host its popular Brew-ski- an opportunity to strap on those cross-country skis or snowshoes and taste different kinds of craft beer along a scenic and well-groomed ski course at the Tupper Lake Golf Course.
Six brewers have signed up to share their specialty products at stations along the course: Raquette River Brewing and Big Tupper Brewing, both from Tupper Lake, Great Adirondack Brewing, Township 7 Brewing Company, Valcour Brewing and Adirondack Brewing.
The event will run from 1p.m. to 4p.m. and participants of all ages are welcome, chamber officials say.  Anyone who wishes to sample any of the beer products must be 21 years of age and possess an acceptable proof of age.  There will be a charge for sampling.
The chamber sponsors are also planning a three-person snowshoe relay race at 2:30p.m.
The popular Lions and Rotary Fire and Ice snow golf tournament has been moved from the park to the golf course this year, and the Lions are handling it alone for the first time.
The Lions Club members are promising a challenging course at the golf course that Saturday afternoon in the vicinity of the driving range along the No. 4 fairway.  John Gillis and his trail grooming team have offered their assistance to manicure the five-hole course.
Colorful tennis balls will again be the choice of ball for participants, as in the past five or six years the event has been run.
Sign-up of teams will be in the pro-shop building Saturday morning.
The event begins at noon and there will be an awards ceremony about 4p.m. at Lakeview Lanes, where the best snow golfers will have their time for bragging rights.
The Lions will also have two cook shacks on site where warm food will be served, in addition to 50-50 tickets.

Two brothers perish while sledding on Raquette Pond

Two brothers from the Village of Blasdell in Erie County died Sunday night after their snowmobiles broke through thin ice or met open water in the channel area of Raquette Pond.
Stephen Sattler, 67, and his brother Edward, 64, were operating their sleds across the frozen waterway, and encountered thin ice and open water” when the fatality occurred, State Police Troop Captain Robert LaFountain said in a media report this week.
State Police and State Department of Environmental Conservation police and forest rangers began searching for the men when a family member reported them missing about 6p.m.   The brothers had apparently not been heard from since Saturday evening.
On Monday morning spotters in a State Police helicopter had narrowed down the searcharea to the open water on Raquette Pond.
Capt. LaFountain said the body of one of the brothers was found in about five week of water and the other in water more than ten feet deep about 10:30a.m. Monday.
The staging area for the recovery area was initially set up at the state police barracksat Moody but was moved to the municipal park once the search focussed on Raquette Pond.
“Neither sled was recovered, due to the location within the pond and the treacherous conditions,” the state police official said.
Franklin County Coroner Shawn Stuart had the bodies taken to Adirondack Health in Saranac Lake for autopsies this week.
The brothers had been staying at a family camp in Piercefieldwith other family members, who assisted local and state police and DEC personnel with the search.
The volunteers of the Tupper Lake Fire Department provided support and logistical help to the searchers from the park that morning.  The department also provided hot drinks and hot food for the searchers, Fire Chief Carl Steffen reported this week.
The Free Press this week extends the sympathy of the community to the Sattler family at this time of terrible loss.

Tom Lawson presents binders of documents to planners showing permit work done to date

by Dan McClelland
In his monthly update to the members of the Tupper Lake Planning Board Wednesday, Adirondack Club and Resort lead developer Tom Lawson brought along with him a cardboard box full of thick binders, carrying hundreds of pages of engineering, surveying and scientific documents he said his consultants and attorneys have submitted to the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the federal Army Corp of Engineers.
The developers need to secure permits from both agencies in order to upgrade and improve a woods road that will open access a dozen or so “great camp” lots of varying sizes beyond the eastern edge of Lake Simond.  Once the road is rebuilt, the contracts of sale the developers have finalized with a half dozen or so buyers of these farm-sized lots can be converted to sold properties.
At December's planning board meeting when Mr. Lawson requested another 90-day extension in the planning board's conditional permit for the first phase of the development, which includes lands to the east and south of Lake Simond, he predicted this would be his last extension request as the permits from the two agencies were due to arrive very soon.
He said the binders he brought with him that evening represented just some of the preparation work their engineers and attorneys have prepared for the two agencies.
“This represents over six months' worth of work!”
“I took the liberty of bringing just some of the paperwork to show you,” Mr. Lawson told the planners.  Holding up a smaller binder he said it contained 75 pages of legal documents prepared for the DEC permit.  The smaller binder sat among several much larger ones.
He said the preparation work done on the permit represents the work oftwo law firms and many consultants... “with no two pages the same.”
Mr. Lawson said he didn't believe he and his partners would need another 90-day extension after the one the planners approved for them last month.
The planning board's approval of the first phase of the ACR development over four years ago was conditional on the developers securing all the other necessary permits from the Adirondack Park Agency and other regulatory bodies.
Permits from the DEC and the army corp are the last two major permits the developers need.
“So the ball is now in their courts?” planning board volunteer Jim Merrihew asked Mr. Lawson that evening.
Mr. Lawson said it was.  He said their application materials are currently being reviewed by the respective agencies and he is awaiting the response from officials there.  “They've asked us for several things and we've responded!”
“So they have everything they need?” Mr. Merrihew asked and the developer told him he believes they do.
Acting Chairman Bob Collier asked him if they have received notices of completed applications from the two agencies and Mr. Lawson said they haven't yet.
Mr. Collier asked him if more permits would be needed after these two were issued.  “Will the state Department of Health be involved?”
The developer said the agency may have some involvement regarding the wells that have been drilled on each great camp lot, but he said he wasn't sure.
Asked about the septic tanks planned for each lot, Mr. Lawson said the percolation tests have all be performed and the septic systems installed.  Some of the new lot owners may wish to increase the size of the existing systems, he speculated.
“Right now we're good on the wells, good on the septic systems.”  He said the forthcoming permits will permit them to build the access road, which involves crossing several streams.
“We're doing everything we can to keep this moving forward,” the developer assured the planners.
Mr. Collier said he appreciated Mr. Lawson for appearing before the m that evening.
The developer suggested to the planners they may wish to stop by his office on Park Street to see copies of all the documents they have filed so far.
He promised to keep the planners briefed on the project's progress on a monthly basis.

Northern Challenge this weekend; hundreds of fishing enthusiasts expected

By Rich Rosentreter
The frozen landscape and ice shanties beginning to dot the area’s lakes means one thing – the annual Northern Challenge Ice Fishing Derby is coming to Tupper Lake and more than 1,000 fishermen are expected to compete for over $30,000 in prizes and cash in one of the region’s biggest fishing events.
The fishing derby will be held from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, February 4 at Lake Simond with registration starting at 4 a.m. So far this week, after weeks of unseasonably warm weather,  Mother Nature has been cooperating to provide ideal conditions for the competition.
“We were out on the ice last week and as of Monday last week there was 12-14 inches on the pond. It’s good and solid,” said organizer Dave McMahon of the Tupper Lake Rod and Gun Club, which is hosting the annual derby for the 18th year. “It looks like it’s going to be a pretty decent day for the derby.”
McMahon, who also serves as president of the Rod and Gun Club, has seen most of the fishing derbies as it is his 15th year as part of the Northern Challenge, and he said the recent years have been warmer than usual, a factor that threatened to thwart last year’s derby.
“Yesterday there was somebody on the lake who actually drove a truck out there. So far it looks like the weather is going to cooperate with us,” he said during an interviewa week ago.  Cold weather returned yesterday tightening everything up nicely.  “Last year, we had to wait to the day of the event to decide if we could hold the derby.”  That probably won't be the case this year, what with the cold temperatures predicted all this week.
According to McMahon, about 1,200 people are expected to attend the fishing derby, many traveling from across the country. The event, which is in a “catch and release” format, remains popular for fisherman and is not only a huge draw for the Rod and Gun Club, but also in the entire region, he added.
“It’s one of the biggest events for the Rod and Gun Club, and probably one of biggest (derbies) in Northern New York. We’ve got people coming in from seven different states right now,” McMahon said. “It’s not just Tupper Lake, it’s the surrounding area too. I’ve been looking for rooms for people, and we’re actually sending them as far away as Warrensburg, toward the Watertown area and the Malone area. Everything (hotels) in Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, Lake Placid and Long Lake is filled. It’s good for the entire region.”
Derby details
    One of the greatest draws of the Northern Challenge is the prizes being offered for the biggest fish caught and other giveaways. The $35 registration fee for the derby includes the chance to win any of the prizes being awarded, McMahon said, adding that he is currently stockpiling the items that will be given away.
“We’re picking up prizes right now.  Two weekends ago, I was in Plattsburgh, and I picked up $3,000 worth of stuff from Gander Mountain. We’ve ordered stuff from Red Top Inn. This week I’m heading over to Blue Line Sports Shop to pick up some more stuff,” he said. “We’ve got about three or four insulated ice shanties to give away, ice augers, a complete set of tip ups, chairs and rods, a two-burner portable gas unit to cook with, a $500 underwater camera system, a $680 charter on Lake Ontario for four people, two ATVs. We’ve got a little bit of everything.”
    One additional charge is that of a “Lunker Pool,” which McMahon said he encourages people to take a chance in. The cost is $10 and participants could win a substantial amount of cash.
“The money we bring in we split in half. Half goes to the club and half goes to the person who catches the biggest fish of the day and is in the Lunker Pool,” he explained.
Among the other prizes being offered will be a total of $800 being given away every hour for the largest fish, ($500 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place), more than $6,500 in miscellaneous door prizes and gift certificates and five 50/50 raffles offered by several local service organizations.
All prizes will be given away, but winners must be present to collect their prize, McMahon said. Cash prizes and machines will be awarded at 4 p.m. at the official truck and door prizes will be drawn at noon and must be claimed prior to 4pm. In the case of unsafe ice, all prizes will be given at noon by random drawings.
Food and beverages will also be available at the derby site adjacent to the Rod and Gun Club on Lake Simond Road. Food vendor Arthur’s BBQ will have its truck set up serving a variety of fare. McMahon said the vendor will also have a “very cute young lady” riding around on an all-terrain vehicle selling food on the ice-fishing area.
“We’re the only fishing derby that I know of that has a food delivery service out on the ice,” McMahon said.
A change
According to McMahon, there were not many changes made for this year’s fishing derby, except for perhaps one that took effect prior to last year’s event but could not be adapted in time to be added.
“Last year, the state changed the number of lines allowed in, it went from five to seven, but those changes were not used in that tournament as the fliers for the event were already printed and did not reflect the change,” McMahon said. “So now you’re allowed a total of seven lines. You can have six tip ups and a pole, any combination but you cannot have more than 15 hook points.”
He explained that there are mixed feelings on the change.
“Some people like the idea of having seven tip ups, some aren’t happy with it. But as long as that is what the law is and everybody is following the same rules that is all that matters,” McMahon said. “Those who do not like the change think that seven tip ups are too much for a small area such as the one where the Tupper Lake derby is being held. When you get on the big lakes, having seven tip ups is nothing. I’ve fished on some areas near the St. Lawrence, and you are allowed 15 (tip ups). If you’re fishing in a 10,000-acre lake, to one that’s got 1,500 acres, it makes a big difference.”
Fun for all
    The Northern Challenge will not attract only the fishermen, but their families as well. And there will be plenty for them to do, McMahon said.
 “A lot of people bring their kids up and the wives, if they don’t fish, they’ll head over to places like the Wild Center, they’ll go do the tourist thing in Lake Placid,” he said. “They’ll go over to Saranac Lake for the Winter Carnival.”
As for the kids, if they enjoy fishing, or have some interest, it could be a memorable time for them as well.
“The kids have just as much of a chance to win a $6,000 four-wheeler as the adults. They are entered into the same door prizes as the adults. Some kids can walk out of there with a $500 underwater camera system,” McMahon said, adding that he is always on the lookout to make sure the kids are having a good time. “I always have a bunch of stuff that I hand out to the kids whether they are fishing or not. During the day, if I see a kids walking by the prize trailer, I’ll call him or her over and ask what they like about fishing, and get them to speak on our p.a. system a little bit. Or give them a rod or a jig pole or something fishing-oriented. Number one, it encourages the kids to want to come back to our event. You give a kid something, and they are going to remember that. You are planning the seed not only to get out on the lake to do some fishing or some outdoor sports.”
After nearly 20 years of attracting hundreds of people to enjoy an Adirondack tradition, Tupper Lake’s own Northern Challenge will be an event not to be missed.
“It’s gotten to be a pretty good family affair type thing,” McMahon said. “I want everyone who comes here to know that the club appreciates their support. We do anything we can to make sure everyone has an enjoyable time and come back again next year. Everybody is here to have a good time.”
For more information on the ice-fishing derby, call Dave at 359-9715 or visit the Tupper Lake Rod and Gun Club website at www.tupperlakearchers.net.

Fire truck purchase presentation prompts heated board debate

by Dan McClelland
A presentation by a representative of a Queensbury-based fire equipment sales company at Wednesday night's village board meeting created some heated debate between village leaders.
Dan Olszanski, vice president of Adirondack Emergency Vehicles, a dealer for Ferrara Fire Equipment, was invited by Fire Chief Carl Steffen and the fire department's truck committee to address the village leaders as a last-minute addition to that night's agenda.
The Ferrara company is based in Holden, LA.
“A couple of months ago you asked us what we needed in a new fire truck without all the bells and whistles,” the fire chief reminded the board in his introduction of Mr. Olszanski.
He said the department's fire truck committee met and someone saw an advertisement from Mr. Olszanski's company so they invited him to come to Tupper Lake to talk to them.
“We talked about trucks with a commercial chassis, which doesn't seem the best option for the village.  We also looked at custom trucks, which were a compromise between custom and commercial and which have much lower prices.  But there's not a lot of changes you can make to them.”
The fire equipment salesman presented two proposals each with multiple financing options for the board to consider.  The first was for a single truck- a 2017 Ferrara Intruder II Custom Pumper with a 450 hp motor at a cost of $348,876.
Financed over 15 years at an interest rate of 3.19% interest for the first seven years, the annual payment would be $29,171 if the first payment came in July 2017, or $30,102 per year if the first payment wasn't made until 12 months later. If the truck was financed with a fixed rate for the entire 15 year loan period, the interest would be 3.46% and the payments would be slightly higher.
  The second proposal was for two trucks, which included the 2017 model plus the same one in a 2016 model, but powered by a 330 hp motor.  That truck they would sell for $329,793 plus a $8,000 discount for the two-truck deal.  The total was $670,669.
If the payments were fixed for the entire 15 years the interest rate would be 3.46% and the payments would be $57,099 per year if they began this year or $59,075 if they started in July 2018. If the interest rate was fixed for only the first seven years the rate would be lower at 3.19% and the payments would be $56,079 if the first payment was made this July or $57,868 if the first payment wasn't made until July, 2018.
Mr. Olszanski said that both pitches were based on 2016 pricing.
He said the Intruder II models were solid trucks which “because they are mass produced, that's how the costs have been driven down.”
The newest trucks owned by the Tupper Lake Fire Department are a 1994 and a 1995.
The third pumper the department owns, and which uses regularly, is a 1983.
He cited an industry standard which suggests that trucks 25 years of age and older should be retired from service.  Both of this department's first-line trucks are due to be replaced in the next few years, he calculated.
The salesman said if there was a fire here and someone died, any attorney suing the villageand its department for negligence would go to the age of the fire trucks as ammunition.
The vehicles carry full two-year warranties “bumper to bumper,” five year warranties on the engine, three on the transmission, five on the pump and a lifetime warranty on the truck chassis, according to his information.
He said the village could also use the 18 months between now and the first payment in 2018 to possibly find bond or other municipal financing below their 3.19% plan to reduce the payments further.  If the seven year fixed rate plan was selected, it would be up to the village to find financing for any truck at that point.
“What would be the timeline (of delivery) on the first truck?” Mayor Paul Maroun asked the company representative.
Mr. Olszanski said the 2017 is the last model his Queensbury business currently has in stock and the 2016 was a demo model.  “One truck is ready for delivery and the second one would be60 to 90 days.”
He apologized to the board “for throwing so much” information at them all at once.
Mayor Maroun said he would first want to confer with the joint village and town fire protection committee members, and particularly Supervisor Patricia Littlefield, who serves on that committee, before making any decision on a purchase.
Trustee David “Haji” Maroun, the village fire commissioner and an officer of the local department, said he recently spoke with Town Supervisor Patricia Littlefield and in his words, “she doesn't have a problem” buying a new truck.
Fire Chief Steffen said that at one time the village replaced a fire truck every seven years so that the first-run pumper was always relatively new.
Right now the first-line trucks are almost 25 years old and the reserve truck is 34 years old, he explained.
Of one of the trucks, he said the wheel wells are rusting through, the boxes are rusted and we're spending $20,000 or more each year on repairs.
The fire equipment salesman said Ferrara trucks are used by fire companies in many major cities, including New York City, Houston and San Francisco.
“New York City started ordered our trucks five or six years ago and they are still ordering them!”
“We're certainly going to look carefully at your proposals,” the mayor told the young salesman.  “Some of the trustees want to buy one!”
One of them was Trustee Maroun.  “I'd like to consider getting a truck” right now, he told his colleagues on the board.
Not everyone at the board table was happy about the presentation.  
“This is the first I'm hearing about” this proposal, asserted Trustee Ron LaScala.  He added the matter warrants more discussion before purchasing anything.
Mayor Maroun called the offers before them “good proposals.  ButI would like to look them over more carefully,” he told the salesman.
He wondered if Mr. Olszanski's company sold the last truck in stock, how long would it be before another could be delivered.
“Time is not the issue.  It's the price increase” you'll see if you wait, the salesman told him.
He noted that fire trucks have increased substantially in price over the years.  “Ten years ago fire trucks were selling for $350,000.  Now for a fully equipped truck you are looking at $500,000.  Plattsburgh just bought a new truck which cost nearly $1 million.”
Mr. Olszanski, pressing the board for an answer, wondered if they could call a special meeting.
The mayor said one could be called, but iterated he still wanted several days to consider the sales information.
Trustee Hollingsworth thought a special meeting to consider the proposals was a good idea.
Asked about state bidding, Mr. Olszanski said there is a new process many communities are using now to purchase equipment at discount prices without going out to competitive bidding.
Mr. Hollingsworth said he thoughtfully equipped fire trucks these days were selling for $500,000 typically.
Mr. Olszanski said many were.
Royce Cole, an officer in the fire department and a member of the department's truck search committee, said the members of the search group have talked to “all the dealers and reviewed many trucks.  We had a wish list (of equipment) and most that we wanted were $550,000 or higher.  Then we found Dan and we got 80% of what we wanted on the two new trucks for $670,000.  We went with what he had, what was necessary!”
Fireman and former mayor Mark Arsenault, who also sells fire trucks and fire equipment, said the committee should have looked farther.  “I represent the largest manufacturer of fire trucks in the world.”  He said his dealership also represents 30 different manufacturers of fire trucks.
He strongly recommended the village go out to bid to buy its next fire truck(s).  “Bidding is always good for the village and good for the taxpayer!” he stated.
He wondered, after all these years, why the village was in such a hurry to buy a new truck.
Mr. Arsenault reminded the board he has been telling them for years the fire department's fleet needed upgrading.
“So what's going on here?” Ron LaScala said directly to Royce Cole, who answered simply: “We need a new truck!”
Mr. LaScala said in the recent fire contract settled last fall, there should have been enough money set aside by both the village and town boards to buy a new truck soon.  
Both board pledged $15,000 each in a new truck replacement plan in the last two annual fire contracts.
Trustee LaScala figured the annual contributions were too small.
“There should have been adequate money in the fire contracts for buying a new truck.  That way as a community we can decide on the level of fire service we want and budget it out!  -And that's why we need enough money (for truck replacement) each year in the fire contract.
“Mark, you and I agree on this one!” the trustee told Mr. Arsenault.
He said he wasn't going to make a decision on any truck purchase that evening, adding that the presentation had been placed on the agenda less than 72 hours before the meeting.  “We should have been better notified!”
Mr. LaScala asserted at that point: “these games are getting old!”
Mr. Hollingsworth said he wasn't comfortable being rushed to a decision, based on the availability of the last remaining truck at the 2016 prices.
“Our first run truck is a 1995 and now we're being told fire trucks should be replaced at 25 years,” he told his colleagues.  “Our trucks are all old...they may be fine, but they are all old!”
Trustee Maroun argued the presentation “wasn't sprung on the board.  How long have we been looking for a new truck, Mark?” he asked Mr. Arsenault, who replied “since 2002.”
Trustee LaScala criticized Trustee Maroun for his negotiations for the village in the development of the last fire contract with the town. “Haji, you sat in the driver's seat and you didn't put enough money away (for vehicle replacement).  I told you not to do it...it wasn't the right thing for the village.
Mr. LaScala said the truck replacementcontributions from both boards each year should have been $30,000.
“You guys built a building and you didn't have enough money. for..remember that?” he told Trustee Maroun, referring the promise by Mayor Maroun and Consultant Sean Foran that theemergency services building wouldn't   be built without a million dollar government grant awarded to Tupper Lake first.
“Will taxes go up if we buy a truck?” Trustee Hollingsworth asked.
Village Treasurer Mary Casagrain told him: “if we buy two trucks right now, yes.”  She said, however, that to purchase one truck the village and town will have accumulated $90,000 from the three fire contracts before the first payment in July, 2018.  That money could be used for “a big down payment” to bring down the amount of future payments, she reasoned. “So one truck wouldn't increase taxes!”
“-And we're spending $20,000 a year on truck repairs,” said Trustee Maroun.
“More than $20,000 some times,” Fire Chief Steffen added, and the village treasurer agreed.
Trustee LaScala said he thought the issue in this matter of truck replacement is “what's in each year's fire contract.  We need to revisit the contract and get it right!”  He said that is the only way to develop the proper plan to get the fire department what it needs in the future.
Trustee Hollingsworth suggested what he called “a compromise or a solution.” If purchasing one truck won't cause taxes to rise and the department is in need of a new first-line pumper, that should be the immediate answer, he reasoned.
Chief Steffen said he would like to see the village develop a replacement strategy to buy new vehicles on a staggered basis, so it doesn't ever have to buy more than one truck at the same time.  “The decision was make in 1995 not to buy any more new trucks, and now we are left with three old ones!”
The fire chief speculated that the town's state property insurance rating may decrease soon causing insurance rates to rise if equipment isn't updated here.  He said he routinely gets calls from insurance companies asking him how the department will protect a particular property they are covering or plan to cover.
He said it was a good idea to look at the fire contract with respect to the vehicle replacement sums, but that shouldn't hold up a fire truck purchase decision.
“I agree,” said Trustee Hollingsworth.
Mayor Paul Maroun reminded his colleagues “we need to look at what we can afford.”  He said the problem began years ago when the village and town boards stopped setting aside money each year to buy new fire trucks.  “It messed up the whole process!”
He repeated that before he would make any decision he wanted to talk with the town supervisor.
“I think it should be put out to bid,” Trustee LaScala told him.
“Possibly,” responded the mayor.
Fireman Royce Cole said he was getting very tired of the frustrating process.  “I've been doing this for seven years.  We put a committee together and we present truck (suggestions) to the board” that fall on deaf ears.  “Yes, these games are getting old!”
“It's very frustrating,” he told the board. “We get guys to come up here to help us out (with good proposals) and then we hear from we have to wait!” he told the board.
Mr. Hollingsworth asked Mark Arsenault for his estimate of the going price for new fire trucks.
“It depends...between $325,000 and $380,000 you can get very complete rigs,” Mr. Arsenault told him.
“Bidding keeps everyone honest...bidding works!” he said, repeating an earlier assertion.
He told the board it would be “crazy” to buy two trucks right now.
He said there are 37 fire truck manufacturers all eager to sell their products.
Mr. Arsenault said he had nothing against Mr. Olszanski or his company.  “It's a good product...we sold them for years!  He added also the salesman's offers were “very competitive.
However, going through the bidding process and getting a low bid that meets all the specifications “will save taxpayers money!”
“We're going to call a special meeting.  We need a new truck and we're going to decide on the best way to buy it!” Mayor Maroun said in bringing the discussion of nearly one-half hour that evening to a close.
In response to a question from Trustee Hollingsworth how long would it take to get the bidding process going, Mayor Maroun estimated in about a month, adding: “60 days maximum.”
“The truck we're offering tonight probably won't be there, but we'll gladly submit a bid,” Mr. Olszanski told the village officials.
He did note that the problem with competitive bidding is that sometimes fire departments issue such specific bid specifications, keyed to a particular make and model of truck it is difficult for all manufacturers to bid.