Albany, NY, Nov 18, 2011 — Last week, the Adirondack Daily Enterprise reported that Betsy Lowe is stepping down as Region 5 Director of the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Lowe has been one of the most influential figures in the Adirondacks over the last decade, first helping to found the Wild Center in Tupper Lake and then taking the helm in the DEC district that covers much of the Park.

Her tenure included work on some landmark projects, including the Finch Pruyn conservation deal, and some big crises, including the environmental aftermath of tropical storm Irene.

Lowe sat down this week to talk with Brian Mann about her reasons for leaving, and the future of the DEC following deep budget and staff cuts.  Go to full article

Saranac Lake, NY, Oct 04, 2010 — Across the North Country, economic development leaders say broadband internet access is one key to building more jobs and new prosperity.

But the infrastructure for broadband is expensive, often requiring miles of expensive fiber-optic cable.

Groups across the region have been asking for help from the Federal government to help offset the cost.

As Brian Mann reports, they met with mixed success - with some areas still struggling to find funding.  Go to full article

Nov 23, 2007 — The Federal Communications Commission will spend $7.6 million helping to build a telemedicine network in the North Country. The grant will serve a dozen hospitals, clinics, and community colleges in the region. Brian Mann spoke with Howard Lowe, head of the Technical Assistance Center at SUNY Plattsburgh. Lowe's group has led an effort to develop new high-speed broadband services in the region. He says installation of new fiber-optic cables could begin as early as next year.  Go to full article

May 10, 2007 — The Spitzer administration has named a new director to lead the Department of Environmental Conservation in Region 5 -- which includes the central and eastern Adirondacks as well as the Champlain Valley. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article