Jan 15, 2003 — The real estate market in parts of the North Country saw significant growth in 2002. Prices for single family homes also rose. David Sommerstein reports low interest rates and the stagnant stock market have been enticing people to buy new homes.  Go to full article

Jan 13, 2003 — Stream International is hiring its first 175 customer support agents for its new call center in Watertown. David Sommerstein reports the first wave of employment comes three months later than expected due to the slow business climate.  Go to full article

Jan 08, 2003 — State officials continue to talk with insurance companies about protecting landowners and snowmobile clubs from liability for accidents on private trails. Clubs closed thousands of miles of trails across the state last week due to inadequate insurance. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Dec 12, 2002 — Jefferson County's head Republican will step down at the end of the month. Jim Leana cites personal reasons for his decision, not defeats in last month's elections. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Dec 03, 2002 — High-tech support company Stream International is delaying the opening of its call center in Watertown until it can find new clients. David Sommerstein reports the company is meanwhile completing renovations in its downtown office.  Go to full article

Nov 27, 2002 — Three Fort Drum soldiers are in Jefferson County jail and two are released on bail after they were arrested Monday for the statutory rape of a 16-year-old girl. David Sommerstein has more.  Go to full article

Nov 25, 2002 — County lawmakers across the North Country are approving steep property tax hikes in next year's budgets, in some places by 10 to 20 percent. They say they need the money to pay for soaring Medicaid costs. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Nov 13, 2002 — The light infantry of the 10th Mountain Division based at Fort Drum near Watertown played a combat role in Afghanistan last year. Many soldiers only returned from Central Asia six months ago. Now the community at Fort Drum is living through another period of anxiety as deployments to Iraq loom. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Oct 22, 2002 — David Sommerstein visits the historic Benton House in the town of Oxbow in Jefferson County, the former home of Joseph Bonaparte's extramarital daughter. In the 1800s, the basement was used as a temporary jail and a secret tunnel may have been a part of the Underground Railroad.  Go to full article

Oct 17, 2002 — With under three weeks to Election Day, the 118th Assembly, or "river," district race looks to be among the closest in the North Country. Democrat Darryl Aubertine, a dairy farmer and former Jefferson County legislator, faces Republican St. Lawrence County Clerk Patricia Ritchie. If he wins, Aubertine will be the first North Country Democrat in Albany in almost 30 years. Meanwhile, a third candidate is trying to widen the debate beyond the two major parties. David Sommerstein reports on Tuesday night's candidate forum in Watertown.  Go to full article