Oct 19, 2012 — The candidates vying for the North Country's House seat traveled to the tiny St. Lawrence County village of Wanakena Thursday night for a forum at the Ranger School there.

The three, Democratic incumbent Bill Owens, Republican Matt Doheny, and Green Party contender Donald Hassig, traded views and answered questions on a range of issues.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Sep 12, 2012 — Congressman Bill Owens of Plattsburgh is calling on the Republican-led House of Representatives to take up the 2012 Farm Bill before the previous Farm Bill expires at the end of the month.

The bill already passed the Senate, and been approved by the bipartisan House Agriculture Committee. Owens, a Democrat, and Republican Chris Gibson of Columbia County, are both members of that committee.

Farmers and farm groups are rallying at the Capitol today to push Congress to act on the Bill. Meanwhile, Politico reports that divisions are surfacing among House Republicans over their leadership's decision to block action on the farm bill. Republican Matt Doheny, who is running against Owens in the 21st District, has also called for a vote on the bill.  Go to full article

Willsboro, NY, Sep 05, 2012 — One of the North Country's top Republican lawmakers says she's backing Democrat Bill Owens in the race for congress. Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward, who is stepping down at the end of this year, campaigned with Owens over the weekend.

The Democrat is facing a stiff challenge from Republican Matt Doheny, who lost narrowly to Owens two years ago. Sayward's endorsement comes as both candidates work to win over moderate voters and women who could decide the race.  Go to full article

Watertown, MA, Mar 08, 2012 — Watertown Republican Matt Doheny continues to rack up party endorsements in his bid to unseat Democratic Congressman Bill Owens from Plattsburgh.

Over the last week, he's drawn the backing of Republican leaders in Clinton and Fulton Counties. In Essex County, Doheny won the backing of both the Republican and Conservative Party committees.

In a statement, Clinton County Republican chair Don Lee said Doheny has the "political acumen and business acumen to be one heck of a good congressman."

Doheny faces Kellie Greene of Sackets Harbor in the June primary. Lake Placid accountant Doug Hoffman has also expressed interest in another run for the House seat.

But so far, Doheny has far outpaced his competition in fundraising and endorsements.  Go to full article

Watertown, MA, Feb 28, 2012 — A straw poll taken late last week by North Country tea party activists in Plattsburgh found that roughly two-thirds of participants support Republican congressional candidate Matt Doheny. The Watertown Republican hopes to challenge Congressman Bill Owens next November.  Go to full article

Saranac Lake, NY, Nov 23, 2011 — Congressman Bill Owens visited Saranac Lake's new community store Tuesday.

The first-community owned department store in the state offers basic goods - everything from underwear to bedsheets - things people in Saranac Lake had a hard time finding locally since the last chain department store closed nearly nine years ago.

Organizers had sold half a million dollars in shares to get the business off the ground. The store opened its doors last month. As Chris Knight reports, Owens visit brought just the latest in a string of accolades.  Go to full article

Rensselaer, NY, Sep 23, 2011 — Early this morning the U.S. House passed a new version of a stopgap spending bill that would provide disaster cleanup money, and prevent the government from shutting down in a week. The Republican-run House rejected a nearly identical version on Wednesday.

The bill provides $3.7 billion for victims of Hurricane Irene and other disasters. To make up for the spending, Republican leaders cut funding for a program to encourage fuel-efficient vehicles.

The North Country Congressional delegation split on the vote. And speaking yesterday at a farm ravaged by recent flooding, Gov. Andrew Cuomo called for an end to what he called the political games.  Go to full article

Upper Jay, NY, Aug 30, 2011 — Rep. Bill Owens is expected in Upper Jay and Ausable Forks this morning to survey the impact of flash flooding with Town Supervisor Randy Douglas.

The two communities are on the banks of the East Branch of the Ausable are used to spring flooding and high waters in heavy rains. But Brian Mann describes a scene in Upper Jay that shocked even old-timers. He spoke with Martha Foley this morning.  Go to full article

Jun 15, 2011 — A dozen post offices in the North Country may close by the end of the year. These closings are part of the post office's response to record losses and declining mail volume as more people communicate electronically. The post office says they plan to close 2000 locations by next year.

That plan aims to adjust and streamline postal service after losses of 8.5 billion dollars in fiscal 2010. But some say those losses could be negated with a change to the post office pension funds. Steve Knight has more.  Go to full article

Dec 01, 2010 — Organizers of the Patriot Hills at Saranac Lake project are looking at a resort on Lower Saranac Lake as a possible home for their proposed retreat and reintegration center for veterans, soldiers and their families.

Patriot Hills officials have met with the owners of the Ampersand Bay Resort and Boat Club and an adjacent, undeveloped property. But a deal seems unlikely soon, as the nascent organization is still working to raise funds -- and its profile. Chris Knight reports.  Go to full article