Aug 16, 2005 — Following the 3 million-gallon liquid manure spill in the Black River last week, we wanted to know why farmers use liquid manure in the first place. So David Sommerstein called Brent Buchanan of the Cornell Cooperatve Extension of St. Lawrence County. He says in the old days on dairy farms, each milking cow had its own stall with its own bedding.  Go to full article

Aug 15, 2005 — A massive spill of liquid manure in the Black River flowed slower than expected this weekend. Three million gallons of cow waste entered the river last week when a wall in a holding lagoon burst on Marks dairy farms south of Lowville. Hundreds of thousands of fish were killed. The Hudson River/Black River Regulating District released extra water from Stillwater Reservoir on Friday to help move the manure into Lake Ontario. According to News 10 Now, kayaking, rafting, and fishing outfitters along the river had to cancel hundreds of reservations. Steve Litwiler is a spokesperson for the Department of Environmental Conservation, which is handling the spill. He spoke with Todd Moe.  Go to full article

Apr 22, 2005 — A senior official with the Hudson River Black River Regulating District has quit and is leveling criticism at the agency's management. The resignation is the latest turmoil for the agency that manages dams and reservoirs across the north country. Brian Mann has details.  Go to full article

Apr 13, 2005 — The Hudson River Black River Regulating District may be forced to close its Albany office and cut staff. Regulating District officials say their office in Watertown will remain open. The state authority that controls north country dams and reservoirs faces a growing budget shortfall. Brian Mann reports.  Go to full article

Apr 12, 2005 — The greater Watertown area is experiencing a period of tremendous growth. Once known as an industrial city powered by the Black River, Watertown's economy today is driven by the nearby Fort Drum Army base. Almost 6,000 new soldiers and their families are moving to the region as a part of a military reshuffling - almost a 20% population increase. The growth is fueling new home construction and new businesses. And the city is reshaping its downtown and its waterfront. Local leaders have invited renowned economic development expert Michael Kinsley to help them harness growth in the region. Kinsley will speak at a community forum at Jefferson Community College tonight at 7. David Sommerstein spoke with 3 community leaders about the challenges and opportunities they face. Mary Corriveau is the city of Watertown's manager. Don Alexander is with the Jefferson County Job Development Corporation. And Denise Young directs JCC's Center for Community Studies. Young says she wants to preserve Watertown's small-town feel as the community expands.  Go to full article

Mar 30, 2005 — The governor and legislature have approved $30 million dollars to clean-up and redevelop abandoned industrial areas known as brownfields. Several North Country communities will use the money to test potentially contaminated waterfronts.  Go to full article

Sep 10, 2004 — The Black River in Watertown is on a roll. After decades of neglect, a national freestyle kayaking competition was held there last month. And now the National Park Service has announced a $125,000 matching grant to improve parks along the waterway. Congressman John McHugh says the money will help revive the area.  Go to full article

Aug 27, 2004 — Long-awaited sun and high waters have greeted competitors in a national freestyle kayaking competition on the Black River in Watertown. As David Sommerstein reports, the tournament was delayed due to the summer's heavy rainfall.  Go to full article

Black River, NY, Oct 21, 2003 — Fred V. Higby plays the harmonica. He figured out how to play when he was 10, played it all over Europe during World War II, and he still plays as often as he has the opportunity. It isn't simply playing the harmonica that he loves, it's performing. It's getting people excited about the music he plays, about making them feel happy. Music will do that. Just ask Fred. Lamar Bliss has this story.  Go to full article

Jun 18, 2003 — Police have recovered the body of a nine-year-old boy who drowned after falling into the Black River Monday night. Jody Tosti reports.  Go to full article