Watertown, NY, Jan 03, 2013 — Nearly all of Fort Drum's soldiers are at the post right now, not on deployments - and that's a first for the region since the installation's expansion in 2001. That has tightened the region's housing market, for soldiers, who have fewer choices, and for civilians, who don't receive housing assistance like soldiers do and are looking for affordable housing.  Go to full article

Fort Drum, NY, Dec 14, 2012 — Fort Drum's 2nd Brigade Combat Team is getting ready for for a January deployment to eastern Afghanistan. The deployment marks a shift for troops, from combat to advising and assisting the Afghan security forces.  Go to full article

Watertown, NY, Dec 12, 2012 — A new center to help veterans through mental health problems opened Friday in Watertown at 247 State Street. The center hopes to be a gateway for vets in the area, where volunteer veterans will help their peers get the services they need.  Go to full article

Fort Drum, NY, Dec 06, 2012 — The new road connecting Interstate 81 with Fort Drum's north gate on Route 11 opens today. It's designed to take traffic off the growing commercial areas outside the Army base.  Go to full article

Fort Drum, NY, Nov 21, 2012 — With the outbreak of World War Two, the Army installation then known as Pine Camp expanded, to become Camp Drum and eventually Fort Drum today. In the process, it swallowed up several villages, including their cemeteries.

Fort Drum researchers have created a database and new maps that will help family members of those buried at the cemeteries to find and visit their loved ones' gravesites, both in person and online.  Go to full article

Watertown, NY, Nov 19, 2012 — Marital fidelity is a sensitive subject for many in the military. Relationships are stressed by distance, frequent moves and the dangers of war. Gen. David Petraeus's admission that he had an extramarital affair has led some Fort Drum families to reflect on the difficulties of keeping their personal relationships whole - and their image among a public that often doesn't understand their culture.  Go to full article

Paul Smiths, NY, Nov 12, 2012 — Sunday, across the North Country, small towns held parades and ceremonies honoring the region's veterans. But as the wars wind down in Afghanistan and Iraq, experts say more and more young men and women who fought overseas are struggling.

Some are grappling with the after-effects of post-traumatic stress and injury. Others are finding it difficult to make the transition to the civilian economy, facing unemployment, poverty and homelessness.  Go to full article

Watertown, NY, Oct 26, 2012 — The two major party candidates met for the last debate in the North Country's Congressional race Thursday night in Watertown. Green Party candidate Don Hassig wasn't invited to the event hosted by YNN TV.

Incumbent Democrat Bill Owens and Republican Matt Doheny sparred on well-trodden ground, like tax cuts, the deficit, and Medicare.

They also differed, sharply at times, on a range of other issues, including the military.  Go to full article

Watertown, NY, Oct 26, 2012 — While military issues were a big part of Thursday night's debate between congressional candidates Matt Doheny (R) and incumbent Bill Owens (D), the economy and unemployment were on most voters' minds. Joanna Richards took a sampling of public opinion right after the debate.  Go to full article

Fort Drum, NY, Oct 11, 2012 — For the first time since Fort Drum's expansion after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, all of its three brigade combat teams are back home at the post.

After revolving deployments in two wars, the need for mental health services in the 10th Mountain Division is unprecedented, and complicated.  Go to full article