Lake Placid, NY, Feb 02, 2010 — This week we're previewing the Winter Games in Vancouver, where more than a dozen North Country athletes will compete.

The Olympics have evolved into a mammoth industry. The spectacle in Vancouver is likely to cost more than $1.5 billion, as athletes from more than 80 countries gather to compete. But there was a time when the Olympics were much simpler. On this thirtieth anniversary of the Lake Placid Winter Games, the small-town version of the Winter Olympics still hold an important place in sports mythology. NPR's host of All Things Considered, Melissa Block, has our story.  Go to full article

Jan 26, 2010 — The skis and snowboards are back on the rack for a few days, while we suffer through a January thaw. But it's been a pretty great season in the North Country so far, with good snow conditions on the slopes. While there's no shortage of eager skiers and snow-boarders this winter, a debate continues about the safety gear they wear. Helmets used to be rare, used mostly by downhill racers. But head protection is growing more popular. And some advocates say helmets should be mandatory at least for children. Brian Mann has our story.  Go to full article

Mar 10, 2009 — The FBI has subpoenaed information from Lake Placid's Olympic Regional Development Authority as part of an investigation that apparently targets former Congressman John Sweeney. The Albany Times-Union is reporting that Federal agents are probing Sweeney's taxpayer-funded trips that ended in 2006 when he lost a bid for re-election. Martha Foley has details.  Go to full article

Jan 19, 2009 — The cold snap that swept the North Country the last couple of weeks has caused a lot of grumbling. But for organizers of "Mountainfest" in Keene, the frosty temperatures and deep snow made for perfect conditions. Now in its thirteenth year, the gathering offered workshops and introductory classes over the weekend in mountaineering and backcountry skiing. Brian Mann sent this audio postcard.  Go to full article

Jan 18, 2008 — For a few short hours on Thursday, Essex County was the center of the baseball world. Icons of the sport traveled to St. Patrick's church in Port Henry to pay their respects to Johnny Podres. Podres was the son of an Adirondack ore miner who climbed to the pinnacle of major league baseball. He passed away on Sunday after a lengthy illness. As Brian Mann reports, Podres was remembered as a family man, an athlete and a coach.  Go to full article

Jul 19, 2007 — Last week, the Plattsburgh city council passed a resolution urging New York's legislature to allow local governments to ban pit bulls and other breeds of dogs. State law now prohibits local governments from targeting certain breeds of dogs with animal control regulations. Councilor Michael Drew told the Plattsburgh Press-Republican that each city or municipality should have the opportunity to consider a ban. This local debate comes as star NFL quarterback Michael Vick was being indicted for allegedly running a pit bull fighting ring from his estate in Virginia. Over the last several weeks, Brian Mann has been on special assignment for National Public Radio, looking at the national debate over pit bulls. He found that the animals and the illegal sport of dog fighting have grown far more popular in recent years.

A warning that this story includes language that may be disturbing to some listeners.  Go to full article

May 18, 2007 — The paddling season is officially underway in the North Country. In the coming weeks, paddlers will gather for more than a dozen races and boat exhibitions. One of the lead organizers is Brian McDonnell, a competitive paddler and outdoor guide based in Lake Clear. He told Brian Mann that the next big race starts Saturday in Saranac Lake.  Go to full article

May 29, 2006 — Ottawa's biggest race weekend of the year saw thousands of walkers, in-line skaters, joggers and world-class runners on the streets for various distances on Saturday and Sunday. The big event was the marathon, which was somewhat marred by a course mix up that changed the outcome for the front runners. Other races went off more smoothly, except perhaps for the heat. Lucy Martin decided to tackle Saturday's 10K event. She sent in this audio postcard.  Go to full article

Apr 13, 2006 — Republican Congressman John Sweeney is facing tough questions over his involvement in a weekend retreat last January in Lake Placid that included more than twenty of his staff, family-members, and supporters. The New York Power Authority paid for the event, which had a price tag of $25,000. It was hosted by the Olympic Regional Development Authority. The roster of guests included powerful Republicans, including the brother and sister of former White House chief of staff Andrew Card and a top GOP lawyer who has represented Tom DeLay. At least four Democrats also attended, including aides to Senator Hillary Rodham-Clinton and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid from Nevada. Organizers say the trip was a legitimate effort to build federal support for Olympic venues in Lake Placid. But as Brian Mann reports, critics say the gathering was a taxpayer-sponsored vacation for politicians and lobbyists.  Go to full article

Feb 15, 2006 — In Olympic action yesterday, biathlon racer Tim Burke from Paul Smiths finished the 10k sprint in 37th place. Lowell Bailey from Lake Placid ended the day in 48th position. The pair were the only Americans who ranked high enough to qualify for the men's pursuit race scheduled for Saturday. On the sled track, American luge racer Courtney Zablocki missed a bronze medal by less than a 10th of a second. Another slider, Erin Hamlin from Remsen, improved her time and finished the two-day competition in 12th place. Between heats, Brian Mann spoke with Erin's dad Ron, who was watching from trackside.  Go to full article