Jan 14, 2013 — One of the world's largest wind power company is walking away from a project to build wind towers in the St. Lawrence County town of Hammond. Iberdrola of Spain says it's slowing down investment worldwide.

The plan generated bitter disputes in Hammond and several lawsuits to stop it.  Go to full article

Cape Vincent, NY, Jan 11, 2012 — The prospect of wind energy development has divided north country communities from Cape Vincent to Clinton County. New York's new Article X law gives developers the option to seek state review of where to put their wind farms. But prior to Article X, accepting and siting the big turbines was up to each town. And companies can still choose local rather than state review.

More than once, the conflict over wind has spilled over into local politics. That has been the case in both Cape Vincent, on Lake Ontario, and Hammond, on a windy ridge overlooking the St. Lawrence River. In both towns, last fall's elections pitted incumbent supervisors who favor regulation of wind power against challengers who had already signed leases with energy companies to place wind turbines on their land. Joanna Richards reports on the likely impact of those elections.  Go to full article

Mar 16, 2011 — The Spanish-owned company that wants to build 75 wind turbines in the St. Lawrence County town of Hammond has put the project on hold. Iberdrola says it's waiting for Hammond to finalize its zoning laws for wind power. David Sommerstein has more.  Go to full article

Mar 09, 2010 — The Spanish energy company Iberdrola wants to erect 75 wind turbines in the St. Lawrence County town of Hammond. Many would be visible from the St. Lawrence River. As with many other communities across the North Country, wind power has deeply divided Hammond. At a meeting last night, the town board tried to get a fresh start on the issue. But as David Sommerstein reports, the initial results were not promising.  Go to full article

Feb 17, 2010 — This week, Iberdrola Renewables revealed plans to build 75 wind turbines in the St. Lawrence County town of Hammond. The windmills would be 66 feet taller than those on the Tug Hill Plateau. Many would be visible from the St. Lawrence River.

From Hammond upriver to Clayton, Cape Vincent, and around the shoreline of eastern Lake Ontario, developers want to build hundreds of windmills. One plan for a wind farm on Galloo Island already has approval of the Jefferson County legislature.

The New York Power Authority is in on the "wind rush," too. NYPA wants to install at least 120 megawatts of wind power in the waters of Lakes Ontario and Erie. Local residents refer to the eastern Lake Ontario region as "The Golden Crescent." Critics of the wind farm plans say windmills will scare away the tourists and anglers who drive the local economy. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Oct 31, 2008 — Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has developed a code of ethics for wind power projects in New York. The guidelines announced yesterday cover conflicts of interest between wind developers and local officials. They set fines of up to $100,000. Noble Environmental Power, which operates three wind farms in Clinton county, is one of two companies to sign on to the ethics code. But the agreement doesn't end probes into potential wrongdoing. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Dec 06, 2004 — Filmmaker, sculptor, and World War II veteran Carmen D'Avino died last week in Ogdensburg. He was 86 years old. He lived a life full of art and the creative process. D'Avino began his career as a painter in the 1930s. As a soldier, he filmed U.S. forces storming the beaches of Normandy and liberating Paris. In New York City, he became a pioneering animator and was nominated for Academy Awards for two short films. For the past 16 years he's lived in an old farmhouse in the St. Lawrence County town of Hammond. Last winter, David Sommerstein stopped by for a visit. Here's that story.  Go to full article

Jan 19, 2004 — Today we begin a series on art in the North Country with an artist profile. Carmen D'Avino began his career as a painter in the 1930s. He's been a World War II military filmmaker, a sculptor, and an avant-guarde animator in New York City. He was even nominated for an Academy Award. For the past 15 years he's lived in an old farmhouse in the St. Lawrence County town of Hammond. David Sommerstein stopped by for a visit and found a portrait of the creative process in action.  Go to full article

Sep 12, 2003 — Meet the Masters takes you to a small-town agricultural fair held in Hammond each September. There are chickens, sheep, cows, horses, geese, rabbits, kids and young farmers; an egg toss, a pie-eating contest, the chicken barbeque--all a part of celebrating the town's farming heritage. Lamar Bliss reports.  Go to full article

Aug 27, 2003 — Senator Hillary Clinton will make a swing through Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties Saturday. She'll unveil an initiative to promote locally made foods and crafts on the Internet. And she'll meet with Fort Drum's new commander. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article