Feb 28, 2005 — The Great Gray Owl usually lives deep in the boreal forests of Canada. It's the official bird of the province of Manitoba. But due to scarce food and severe weather, thousands of the raptors have drifted south this year. They've invaded Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, even southern Ontario and Quebec. But a Great Gray hadn't been spotted in New York State since 1996, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Until last Wednesday, that is, when ornithologist Gerry Smith spotted one in the farm fields between Clayton and Cape Vincent in Jefferson County. It so happened that David Sommerstein was there too and has the story.  Go to full article

Feb 28, 2005 — Great Gray Owl invasions, also called "irruptions", happen about once every ten years. But this one is the largest on record. Brian Sullivan is the project leader of the website, ebird.org, at the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology. Birders have posted Great Gray sightings from Minnesota to Montreal. Sullivan says it was only a matter of time until one was spotted in New York. Great Grays are one of the largest owls in North America, and they have a mysterious air about them. They're also known as the "Great Gray Ghost" and the "Phantom of the North". Sullivan told David Sommerstein despite those monikers, they're active during the day as well as night.  Go to full article

Jul 26, 2004 — The director of New York's state prisons says he'll move forward with a plan to cut the number of corrections officers. Commissioner Glenn Goord says nearly 150 jobs will be "down-sized" at three prisons in the north country. Brian Mann has details.  Go to full article

May 15, 2003 — As the budget showdown in Albany reaches its climax, millions of dollars in education aid for North Country schools hang in the balance. School districts are making tentative plans for what they'd do with the extra money. As David Sommerstein reports, in most cases it's a mix of restoring cuts and lowering taxes.  Go to full article

Mar 17, 2003 — Stone house owners in Jefferson county are collecting stories, histories and photos of the old buildings. Some say there may be more stone structures in Jefferson county than any other county in the U.S. Todd Moe toured an old stone house near Cape Vincent and chatted with owners Sandra and David Fralick, who are members of the Stone Building Appreciation Society. The group wants to update a listing of old stone buildings in the North Country. For more information about the Stone Building Appreciation Society call 315-782-1558.  Go to full article

Dec 09, 2002 — When the new state Assembly officially opens January 2nd, Assmeblyman-elect for the 118th district Darrel Aubertine will be the first North County Democrat in that body in almost 30 years. Aubertine is a 6th generation dairy farmer from Cape Vincent in Jefferson County. In November, he defeated Republican St. Lawrence County Clerk Patricia Ritchie in a close race. Martha Foley talks with Darrel Aubertine about his hopes for the coming term in Albany.  Go to full article

Dec 03, 2002 — The music of Cape Vincent composer Augusta Cecconi-Bates explores the textures and seasons of the North Country and the Tug Hill in particular. Todd Moe talks with Cecconi-Bates about her latest cd, Essences of the North Country.  Go to full article

Nov 29, 2002 — Assemblyman-elect Darrel Aubertine is reading resumes and scouting out office space as he prepares to be the first North Country Democrat in the state Assembly in almost 30 years. Aubertine will represent the new "river" district of St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Oct 21, 2002 — Six towns along the St. Lawrence River will receive $475,000 from the state for community projects. David Sommerstein reports the grants are designed to promote tourism for the region.  Go to full article

May 07, 2002 — David Sommerstein talks with Linda Gibbs, Natural Resources Coordinator for the New York State Tug Hill Commission, about last weekend's "North Coast" conference in Rochester. Agencies and citizens are looking for ways to clean the shoreline of Lake Ontario, from Cape Vincent and Sackets Harbor in the East to Niagara-on-the-Lake in the West. Much of the water from the Tug Hill drains into Lake Ontario.  Go to full article