May 08, 2013 — ELIZABETHTOWN, N.Y. (AP) Lawmakers in the northern New York county that's home to Lake Placid have approved a measure requiring bars to close an hour earlier.

The Press-Republican of Plattsburgh reports that the Essex County Board of Supervisors voted Monday to change the legal closing time from 4 a.m. to 3 a.m. The measure now goes to the State Liquor Authority for final approval.  Go to full article

Apr 08, 2013 — In the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, crossing the border with Canada has become a much more difficult experience. Congressman Bill Owens hosted a group of security officials and business leaders at Clarkson University on Friday, April 5, to talk about how to move people and goods over the border securely, and create jobs.  Go to full article

Malone, NY, Mar 15, 2013 — With cold and snow back in the forecast, skiers and snowboarders will have a little more time to carve their last turns of the season.

It's been a comeback winter for a North Country ski area that had long gone neglected. Titus Mountain, outside Malone, has new local owners, a new lodge, new trails, and a burst of energy.

Titus is one of a shrinking number of ski areas that play an important role in teaching people to ski.  Go to full article

Ottawa, ON, Jan 18, 2013 — This month's 'January thaw' was followed by colder temperatures. Enough, apparently, to put the final freeze on Ottawa's famous Rideau Canal Skateway.

Organizers said a 2.2 kilometer section would be open to the public as of 7 a.m.  Go to full article

Saranac Lake, NY, Jan 08, 2013 — Over the last several years, we here at North Country Public Radio have been asking questions about the way our region is marketed to tourists.

We've interviewed some of the top tourism entrepreneurs and marketing experts, from places like the Thousand Islands, the Tug Hill and the Adirondacks.

We've poked at the question of whether northern New York's incredible natural beauty is being marketed as effectively as other tourist destinations.  Go to full article

Old Forge, NY, Dec 12, 2012 — A group that wants to tear up an old railroad track in the Adirondack Park and replace it with a multi-use trail says it has gathered more than 10,000 signatures supporting the idea.

Adirondack Recreational Trail Advocates, known as ARTA, formed last year, reviving the debate over what should be done with the historic rail corridor that stretches from Old Forge to Lake Placid.  Go to full article

North Creek, NY, Nov 27, 2012 — A rafting guide from North Creek has pleaded guilty to criminal negligent homicide following the death of a client on a tributary of the Hudson River this fall.

Rory Fay of North Creek is expected to serve roughly a year behind bars after guiding a party while intoxicated.  Go to full article

Lake George, NY, Oct 24, 2012 — Lake George is a battleground once again as the fight against invasive Asian clams broadens. And that fight has implications for the rest of the Adirondack Park. Lake George is known for its crystal clear water, and the invasive clams can cause algae blooms and lower water quality significantly.

$1.5 million has been spent over the last two years to eradicate the fast-breeding mollusks. But Asian clams have now been found in eight different areas on the 32-mile-long lake. A broad coalition is seeking more money, and more help.

Lake George officials are now considering a bold step to prevent further infestations - making the lake the first water body in the state where boat inspections and decontamination are mandatory.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Sep 18, 2012 — The North Country's Regional Economic Development Council is throwing its weight behind the tourist train that runs through the heart of the Adirondacks.
In its latest planning document, submitted to Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday, the council says one of its key strategies is to "preserve and rehabilitate all surviving rail infrastructure" in the Park. According to the group, that includes "the Adirondack Railroad from Remsen to Lake Placid."

Just last week, the town board in North Elba urged state officials to tear up the portion of the tracks between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid, so that the corridor could be used as a multi-purpose recreation trail.

Critics of the train say ridership hasn't provided a significant economic boost to the region. But the tourist train still has strong support from many local officials and business leaders in the North Country.  Go to full article

Sep 10, 2012 — The elaborate castle built on the St. Lawrence River by sewing machine magnate Frederick Bourne is a relative newcomer to the Thousand Islands tourism scene. Singer Castle on Dark Island was only opened to the public ten years ago, and is accessible only by water from the United States. A Canadian lawmaker is pushing the U.S. to open a port of entry there to increase visitor traffic.  Go to full article