Jun 07, 2013 — New York's bass fishing season kicks off on June 15, and North Country tourism and business leaders are banking on it being the biggest ever.

They've lured one of the ten Bassmaster Elite tournaments this year. They're the premiere professional bass fishing events in the country, televised nationally on ESPN.

The tournament is August 8 through 11 on the St. Lawrence River in Waddington.

Angler Don Meissner helped land the event as a part of St. Lawrence County's FISHCAP project. At a press conference broadcast on WQTK earlier this week, he said to expect the scale of a NASCAR race, except with fish and boats. He called it the St. Lawrence River's chance to have a "showcase for the world."

"I was down in Texas and I saw what this is about," said Meissner. "There were 34,000 people that came cheering and yelling and raving for their favorite anglers. This is a lot more than just fishing. This is our way to show the country and the world what we're really about here."

The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce is offering local businesses advice on how they can capitalize on the expected influx of tourists.

Some 50 North Country anglers are getting a head start on the season in Vermont waters, where bass season opens this weekend. The Northern New York Bassmasters chapter will hold its first tournament of the summer Saturday on Lake Champlain.

A few summers ago, one Bassmaster made the mistake of inviting David Sommerstein to be his partner in a tournament on the St. Lawrence River. Here's that story:  Go to full article

Waddington, NY, Aug 20, 2012 — The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce is working hard to market the St. Lawrence River as the world's fishing capital, an initiative it calls "FISH CAP." One part of that project is to hook the next generation of anglers with the 10th annual International Junior Carp Tournament. It was held over the weekend.

Massena's Bryaunna Murphy took first place, the first girl to win top honors in the tournament. She took home the $1500 grand prize.

David Sommerstein stopped by just as Jessica Payne, an eighth grader from Lisbon Central, was reeling in a 14 pound, 6 ounce carp.  Go to full article

Waddington, NY, Nov 17, 2011 — The Acoustic Brothers are a quartet from Waddington, NY. They recently partnered with the St. Lawrence County Tobacco Program to record an anti-moking song.  Go to full article

Potsdam, NY, Sep 13, 2011 — Village of Potsdam residents and others gathered last night for one of their last chances to publicly discuss potential village dissolution.

About 75 people met in Clarkson's Snell auditorium.  Go to full article

Waddington, NY, Jun 02, 2011 — An online contest to win the distinction of "Ultimate Fishing Town USA" created quite a buzz along the St. Lawrence River. The St. Lawrence County town of Waddington was running neck and neck with Roscoe, NY (the self-proclaimed birthplace of dry fly fishing) for weeks. But in the last day of voting yesterday, Waddington fell just short.

The World Fishing Network ran the contest and promises a $25,000 check to the winner to support local fishing. The Network says the votes are considered "unofficial" until they're reviewed for authenticity.

Waddington Chamber of Commerce president Alicia Murphy spoke with David Sommerstein this morning.  Go to full article

Waddington, NY, May 04, 2011 — Waddington, population 736, is only one of several north country villages to consider dissolution. Massena, Potsdam and others have thought about it too--But Waddington's farther along in the process than some.  Go to full article

Waddington, NY, Apr 19, 2011 — The little village of Waddington along the St. Lawrence River is vying for a big distinction. The World Fishing Network is holding a competition to determine which community is America's "ultimate fishing town". The prize is a $25,000 check and a spot on TV.
So far, Waddington leads the pack with more than 2,000 votes, even though neighboring Ogdensburg is pulling away a couple hundred votes in a bid of its own.
Waddington Chamber of Commerce director Alicia Murphy is urging people to vote early and often. She spoke with David Sommerstein.  Go to full article

Waddington, NY, Oct 12, 2010 — Republicans are banking on big wins on Election Day. In New York, the GOP is trying to retake the State Senate after 2 years of Democratic control.

One of the races that could make the difference is Democrat Darrel Aubertine's 48th Senate district in Oswego, Jefferson, and the western half of St. Lawrence counties.

Republicans are united behind St. Lawrence county clerk Patty Ritchie. Ritchie is calling for change in Albany. And she's leaning heavily on her successes in the county's department of motor vehicles office. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Waddington, NY, Dec 22, 2009 — When Sara Snider volunteered for the Peace Corps she had one request: an assignment in a small town. She grew up in Waddington, along the St. Lawrence River, and studied economics at Notre Dame University. But a college diploma wasn't enough. Snider is in the midst of a two-year stint in western Africa where she's helping women with literacy, marketing skills and health care. Todd Moe spoke with her from Mali about life in the Peace Corps.  Go to full article

Waddington, NY, Dec 14, 2009 — Senator Darrel Aubertine is holding informal meetings statewide to gather input for New York's agricultural policy. Aubertine chairs the Senate's agriculture committee. Aubertine says he's heard about oysters on Long Island, turf grass in the Hudson Valley, and cabbage and lettuce in western New York. At the latest meeting, Friday in Waddington, dairy topped the agenda. From labor to imports to environmental rules, dairy farmers feel they're under siege. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article