Colton, NY, Jul 17, 2012 — A locally written musical gets a 20th anniversary remake on Colton-Pierrepont Central School's stage this week. Sunday Rock - the Folk Musical was written by Colton resident Evelyn Riehl, who wanted to pay tribute to the town's history and people. Named for the glacial boulder - Sunday Rock - that sits along Route 56 in South Colton, the show is the story of the people who lived in the rough-and-tumble wilderness and townsfolk a hundred years ago. It opens Wednesday night.

Todd Moe spoke with writer/composer Evelyn Riehl and her son, Bill, about the musical, the town and the big rock that many locals say still separates the woods from the world.  Go to full article

Colton, CA, Dec 30, 2011 — Town leaders in Colton say the north country is putting too much emphasis on a so-called Rooftop Highway, and not enough on short term economic development projects. The highway idea, which some have dubbed I-98, is to build a four lane interstate from Watertown around to Plattsburgh.

Colton Town Supervisor Lawrence Patzwald says there are many ways to boost the region's economy.  Go to full article

Colton, NY, Dec 30, 2011 — Earlier this month, Todd Moe gave a presentation on radio and NCPR for a group of Cub Scouts, their den leaders and parents in Colton. Some of the boys are working on their Communication badges, which requires them to learn more about local media outlets.

After the meeting, Todd asked the Scouts - tigers, wolves, bears and Webelos -- to recite their motto and talk about Scouting for today's Heard Up North.  Go to full article

Colton, NY, Jun 16, 2011 — Just last week, the Federal Government declared 21 New York Counties federal disaster areas, after this spring's flooding. But St. Lawrence county was NOT one of those counties.

Turns out St. Lawrence County wasn't passed over--it hasn't yet applied for aid. County officials aren't confident there's been $336,000 in public infrastructure damage--that's the amount required to qualify for the aid.

Colton has been the most heavily affected community in the county, but most of that damage--about $800,000 in all--was to private homes. Nora Flaherty spoke with Colton Town Supervisor Lawrence Patzwald about where things stand now:  Go to full article

Colton, NY, May 17, 2011 — The last couple of days of heavy rain have pushed lake and river levels back up. At Rouses Point, Lake Champlain is expected to continue rising at least through Thursday, approaching three feet above flood stage.

According to the National Weather Service, that means "widespread severe flooding" will continue, affecting shoreline homes and businesses as well as some local highways. Officials are also warning boaters that the floodwaters have pushed a large amount of floating debris into the lake.

As much as four inches of rain have fallen on parts of the region since Saturday. More rain, though not as heavy, is expected over the next two days.

In Colton and Potsdam, the Raquette River has been flooding since the last week of April, and the damage is estimated at over a million dollars so far. As Nora Flaherty reports, continuing rain is cause for worry.  Go to full article

Colton, NY, May 09, 2011 — A mostly rain-free weekend has brought much needed relief to the flood-stricken North Country. But for people whose basements are inundated or whose houses are surrounded by water, the danger isn't over. And the recovery is just beginning.

Lake Champlain has receded slightly to 102.9 feet at Rouses Point. Flood stage is 100 feet. In the town of Champlain, crews were bringing sandbags and supplies over the weekend to families isolated by flooding. Highway superintendent Allen Racine told the Plattsburgh Press-Republican "it's like a war zone."

The Raquette River drew down below 10 feet over the weekend. But some homes in Colton, Potsdam, and Norwood are still under water. David Sommerstein spoke with St. Lawrence County Emergency Services director Marty Hassett this morning.  Go to full article

Colton, NY, May 04, 2011 — Brookfield Renewable Power says it's steadily releasing water down the Raquette River to make room for the latest rainfall. In a press release, the company says it'll be several days before an "appreciable decline" in water levels is seen. In the town of Colton, the river's receded several inches over the last few days. But that's likely to change due to last night and today's heavy rain. Meanwhile, some residents are pointing fingers at the company that operates the Raquette's many dams. David Sommerstein was in Colton yesterday and has this report.  Go to full article

New York, NY, May 02, 2011 — The company that manages the hydroelectric dams downstream from Tupper Lake along the Raquette River says it's starting to see water levels go down. But with more rain in the forecast, it's not clear if that trend will hold. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Colton, NY, Apr 29, 2011 — Brookfield Renewable Power, which operates the dams along the Raquette River, had to release water several times Wednesday and Thursday, yielding rising water levels in Colton, Potsdam, and Norwood. The worst flooding was in Colton. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Mar 20, 2008 — It's spring and there is no shortage of rituals and traditions surrounding the arrival of the season of renewal. Many early peoples celebrated for the basic reason that their food supplies would soon be restored. Longer days and more sunlight are a big deal here in the North Country, as well as parts of Canada, Alaska and northern Europe. Colton artist Irja Boden grew up in Sweden where longer days begin as a speck on the late-winter horizon.  Go to full article