Cornwall, ON, Jan 07, 2013 — Akwesasne Mohawks sent the Canadian government a message of native unity on Saturday. Hundreds of people marched across the two bridges from Massena, NY, to Cornwall, Ontario. Several tribal chiefs were among the marchers.

The demonstration was part of a movement called "Idle No More" that's swept across Canada. It protests legislation that many First Nation people say threatens their land and water.

The protest closed the border crossing for several hours. Despite a history of clashes with border officials, the march was a peaceful, family affair, full of drumming and singing.  Go to full article

Cornwall, ON, Jan 04, 2013 — A group of Mohawks is planning to march on the bridge to Canada near Massena, NY, and shut down traffic Saturday. The demonstration is a part of an indigenous rights movement that's spread across Canada.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Dec 20, 2012 — Freezing temperatures late last week didn't deter avid angler Mike Seymour from heading out for muskies on the St. Lawrence River. Seymour has been a licensed fishing guide in the North Country for over 25 years, and is a prolific outdoor writer.

He's sharing some of his knowledge in a new book. The Smart Guide to Freshwater Fishing covers everything from fishing terms, to trolling to the best fishing times. Todd Moe spoke with Captain Mike about his new book, and love of fishing.  Go to full article

Massena, NY, Nov 30, 2012 — The biggest cleanup in the country of former General Motors property is underway in Massena. Crews are removing more than 100,000 tons of concrete and soil contaminated by toxic PCB oils.

The cleanup won't be finished for another three years. But the federally appointed trust that owns the property is already bullish on selling it.  Go to full article

Hogansburg, NY, Nov 27, 2012 — The U.S. Attorney General's office is defending the St. Regis Mohawks' land claim in its entirety. That's after a judge recommended throwing out most of it last fall.

In a brief filed earlier in November, Assistant Attorney General Ignacia Moreno made two important points about the decades old Mohawk claim to 12,000 acres in St. Lawrence and Franklin counties.  Go to full article

Oct 30, 2012 — One potential consequence of Sandy that emergency personnel haven't been worried about is widespread flooding from the region's largest bodies of water. That's because Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River are all at low levels already.  Go to full article

Gananoque, ON, Oct 16, 2012 — "Tempting Providence" tells the story of a remarkable nurse, Myra Bennett. She spent her life caring for the population of the bleak Newfoundland coast. By the time she died in 1990 she had received medals of honor from both the Queen and the Canadian government. The production runs through October 27 at the 1000 Islands Playhouse in Gananoque.  Go to full article

Clayton, NY, Oct 12, 2012 — A company that wants to erect 48 wind turbines in the town of Clayton recently announced it would seek permitting through the state's Article X, not the town council. Another company did the same thing in nearby Cape Vincent earlier this year.

Article X is a law passed last year. It gives a state board the authority to green light new power plants, including wind farms, possibly over local objections.  Go to full article

Massena, NY, Oct 04, 2012 — The St. Regis Mohawks say the federal government's plan to clean up toxic chemicals from the Grasse River has improved, but it's still not good enough. The Alcoa aluminum plant in Massena dumped cancer-causing PCBs into the river before they were banned in the 1970s.  Go to full article

WELLESLEY ISLAND, NY, Sep 27, 2012 — It's harvest season, and nearly two dozen farmers and farm businesses in Jefferson County are opening their doors to the public this weekend. Livestock, vegetable farms, wineries and retailers specializing in locally produced goods are participating in the 2012 Harvest Tour Weekend on Saturday and Sunday.

Dani Baker, co-owner of Cross Island Farms on Wellesley Island, is one of the co-organizers of the Tour and her farm is open to visitors, too. She said it should be a great opportunity to make connections with area farmers.  Go to full article