Mar 05, 2004 — St. Lawrence County will be exhibit A in a forum at the U.S. Census Bureau today about how the census counts prisoners. An Ohio-based researcher says the county's decision to include prisoners in its legislative districts distorts democracy and may be unconstitutional. As David Sommerstein reports, the move was highly controversial when it was adopted.  Go to full article

Mar 02, 2004 — David Sommerstein talks with Senator Hillary Clinton about the challenges -- and promise -- of marketing New York farm products in New York City, as well as filling the vacuum to be left in the North Country when Kraft closes its cheese plant in Canton.  Go to full article

Feb 20, 2004 — Filming for the short movie Frozen River wraps up tonight and tomorrow along the St. Lawrence River on the Akwesasne Mohawk reservation. Written and directed by an award-winning New York City based filmmaker, Frozen River is about two women who are driven by poverty to smuggle aliens across the U.S.-Canada border in the dark of night. The subject matter has raised some eyebrows on the reservation. David Sommerstein visited the set and has this report.  Go to full article

Feb 19, 2004 — The St. Lawrence County legislature Tuesday night heard allegations of physical abuse regarding its military-style program for troubled youths. Two former employees and parents of a former participant say drill instructors used excessive force on their middle and high school students. As David Sommerstein reports, lawmakers are calling for an external investigation.  Go to full article

Feb 13, 2004 — In Canton and around St. Lawrence County, news that Kraft's cheese plant will close in June is sinking in. Some 60 people will lose their jobs. Several hundred more jobs could feel the ripple effects. But reaction to the shutdown has been subdued. And as David Sommerstein reports, the effects on the local economy may be more subtle than expected.  Go to full article

Feb 12, 2004 — A North Country owned discount retail store is finalizing a deal in Tupper Lake. Wise Buys has signed a tentative lease to open in the vacant Ames building. David Sommerstein has details.  Go to full article

Feb 10, 2004 — The hemorrhaging of farms and farmland in New York is slowing down, according to new data from the agriculture census. Large farms are growing, and a small, niche market farm is emerging as a strong force. Still, almost half of the state's farmers rely on other jobs to make ends meet. David Sommerstein has details.  Go to full article

Feb 09, 2004 — Some 2000 family members and friends filled Fort Drum's McGrath Gymnasium Saturday for an emotional farewell to 700 New York National Guardsmen. The soldiers, many from the North Country, are in the final preparations for a year-long mission in Iraq.
They will soon become the first New York National Guard infantry unit sent into combat since World War Two. They'll replace an active duty combat force serving in Iraq. The 108th's roots date back to 1898 when it was created as a voluntary infantry unit. Today, its members come from all across upstate New York and western Vermont. As David Sommerstein reports, families are bracing themselves for a difficult year ahead.  Go to full article

Feb 06, 2004 — David Sommerstein talks with Steve Yianoukos, associate athletic director at Clarkson University. He drove the zamboni at the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics, including the "Miracle on Ice" game between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.  Go to full article

Feb 05, 2004 — A popular federal program that pays farmers to restore wetlands on their property is under funded in President Bush's proposed budget released this week. As David Sommerstein reports, 1 in 4 farmers in St. Lawrence County participate in the program and more want to sign on.  Go to full article