UpstateNY

https://www.newyorkupstate.com/business/2025/02/reduced-reused-remitted-ny-bottle-bill-back-at-capitol.html

Looks like the redemption system is in need of updating. Having experienced the redemption system in Maine, the one in New York is definitely lacking in comparison - at least from a consumer standpoint.

The article highlights that redemption centers have not been able to adjust their handling fees, and that the types of bottles acceptable for redemption have not changed despite consumer demand shifting towards beverages in those "not redeemable" categories.

My own, personal opinion is that I agree that the system needs updating. Taking a walk down my rural road, there are quite a few bottles that end up as just trash/recyclables. Especially weird is that liquor bottles are currently not redeemable, as those make a casual walk a profitable venture in other states, and the incentive helps keep things clean.

In some areas, people actually rely on picking up bottles and cans to get by, so adjusting current laws to include more redeemable items seems like it will only serve to be beneficial across the board.

Tried my best to slim down the headline without sensationalizing it. For those of you following the story, Robert Brooks, an inmate at Marcy Correctional Facility was beaten to death while in custody. Bodycam video released of the incident shows several correctional officers bringing Brooks into a room and within seconds, the correctional officers start physically assaulting Brooks with no apparent provocation.

The above is a brief summary of the event, and I attempted to use ambiguous language so as not to convey my own opinion on the topic.

https://www.uticaod.com/story/news/2025/02/06/hochul-calls-for-arrests-after-robert-brooks-death-ruled-homicide/78287283007/

According to the above article:

"“The murder of Robert Brooks was horrific, shocking all New Yorkers to our very core,” Hochul said in a statement. “Now that the Onondaga County Medical Examiner has ruled Mr. Brooks’ death was a homicide, I believe the legal process must quickly move forward with criminal charges being filed and arrests being made.”"

I think that blurb/quote from Kathy Hochul sums it up.

Finally, an official we can all stand behind.

https://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/local-news/meet-enzo-the-official-dog-of-clinton-community-college/

Figured something a little more light-hearted was in order for this fine Friday afternoon. I love going into places that support pets, and think the idea of having a big friendly goof like Enzo be representative of a community is a nice idea.

While Enzo is a little outside my stomping grounds, the Ace Hardware in Lake Placid has a big fluffy shop cat, which is neat.

In brief, a look is being taken at how the process of discovery is done in criminal trials. A proposed reform would give leeway in cases to prevent cases from being dropped on "technicalities".

https://www.wwnytv.com/2025/02/06/north-country-das-support-reform-so-criminals-dont-get-off-technicalities/

My personal thought is that in extreme cases, it would be a major injustice for a defendant to get off on a minor technicality if/when the majority of evidence supports their guilt.

However, I feel it's important for both prosecution and defense to practice due diligence to ensure that no such technicalities exist, as ultimately, these decisions impact people's lives. I'm not sure if granting leeway is a good idea, as my reactive thought is that the system will be taken advantage of, and people will not get the fair trials the rights granted to them by the Constitution guarantee.

https://www.newyorkupstate.com/outdoors/2025/02/avian-flu-likely-killed-dozens-of-dead-geese-found-in-otisco-lake-and-seneca-river.html

Dozens of sick and/or dying geese out on the lake certainly brings the topic of "Bird Flu" a little closer to home. Spring is around the corner, and for many of us that means flocks of geese flying overhead.

While the Canada Goose isn't exactly the friendliest of wild birds, I genuinely hope that we can prevent things from getting much worse.

As is, there have been a few cases of transmission of the virus to humans, with the majority of cases stemming from industrial agriculture such as poultry farms. That being said, there are at least a handful of cases that are not related to industrial agriculture, so the concern is real.

While it is only a rumor of a suggestion that I heard in passing, the idea of "Don't put out bird feed, reduce attractants for wild birds near humans" seems like a good precaution.

Posting this one to drive home (ha...) the point that everyone really ought to be more cautious when road conditions are anything but clear and dry.

As someone with a bit of a lead foot myself, I know it's annoying to drive slower and give vehicles more room to maneuver and stop, but would you rather be slightly annoyed, or in the hospital?

Also, wear your damned seatbelts people. Takes almost zero effort, and prevents a lot of unnecessary injury.

https://www.newyorkupstate.com/northern-ny/2025/02/woman-thrown-from-car-that-went-off-road-in-jefferson-county-3-taken-to-hospital.html

Oh man, here's one for any of us up this way that have been following this story.

Dr. Wilfredo Perez, owner of the Java Veterinary Clinic out on Route 56 just on the outskirts of Massena lost the clinic to a fire back in 2022.

For those that remember, the fire itself was somewhat controversial, as it had reignited after the first fire response, and that second ignition is what ultimately destroyed the entire facility, with many local residents losing pets in the blaze.

What has made this story interesting is Dr. Perez' response to the blaze, with this recent article being part of the saga in which Dr. Perez is trying to place blame on the town and local fire departments for the blaze, with his believing the fire departments did not act quickly enough.

https://northcountrynow.com/stories/louisville-veterinarian-who-lost-clinic-in-2022-fire-now-suing-village-of-massena-as-well,282899

Now, here's a tidbit that I have heard from people that know Dr. Perez at a personal level: He did not have insurance coverage for the facility, nor it's contents, and also kept a large sum of cash with which he used to operate the business in a safe on-site which was also lost in the blaze.

First hand knowledge is that while Dr. Perez is a generally nice person, he did not take criticism very well, which has resulted in strained relations with the community as well as some of his current and past employees.

Local rumor is that the fire was set intentionally, though the lack of insurance tends to make one question that.

Man, you'd think places like the Rockies, or Alaska would take the title for "Snowiest Place in the US" but it seems this year that title belongs to the little village of Copenhagen (in the town of Denmark - insert poor taste Greenland joke here).

257 inches of snow this season, and we're not done yet!

https://www.newyorkupstate.com/weather/2025/02/the-snowiest-place-in-us-now-is-a-tiny-village-in-upstate-ny-heres-what-it-looks-like.html

https://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/local-news/new-york/new-york-state-parks-saw-record-breaking-attendance-in-2024/

88.3 Million visits to our beautiful parks throughout New York State, with over 325,000 visits in just the short period of the eclipse this past April. It goes without saying that the state and national park system is quite the state and national treasure. I heartily encourage everyone to get out there and take advantage. There's literally something for everyone and every ability out there.

Let's get to 100 million in 2025?

https://www.rochesterfirst.com/crime/15-more-cars-broken-into-on-university-ave-rpd-increases-patrols/

Just a head's up for those in the Rochester area, seems there's been an uptick in car break-ins along University Ave. So just a reminder:

Don't leave anything in your vehicle. Make sure to LOCK your vehicle. If you see suspicious activity (like people lurking near vehicles, peering into multiple vehicles, that sort of thing...), report it to the local authorities.

If you're the one doing it, remember that your actions are impacting people that are probably mostly in the same boat as you: Folks just trying to make a living.

https://www.wrvo.org/2025-01-31/syracuse-remains-sanctuary-city-following-executive-orders-regarding-immigration

Sharing this one as it brings home something in the national spotlight. While I don't have strong opinion on the topic one way or the other, I operate from a position of "The US was founded by those coming wanting a better life" and acknowledge that without broad immigration, many aspects of the US as we know it simply would not exist.

That being said, it's also important to acknowledge that regardless of how we feel about the topic of immigration, it's important to acknowledge the impact it has on the community - the positives and the negatives, and I encourage those of you with strong opinion on the topic to keep that in mind.

I will throw out there that I agree with Syracuse's mayor in that the term "sanctuary city" is a bit of a loaded term given the dynamics between the city, and local as well as federal law enforcement agencies.

Haha. Fish pun. Catch. Get it?!

https://www.wrvo.org/2025-01-30/food-bank-of-cny-netted-a-huge-haul-of-13-000-fresh-salmon-the-catch-the-fish-were-still-alive

So awesome to see a business care for the community. And even though volunteers had to scramble, things worked out so now folks in Central NY and beyond will get to enjoy some fresh salmon.

Not much to say on this one, but I will take the opportunity to encourage those with the means to find opportunity to donate towards those in need. Build each other up, rather than tear each other down.

https://www.wwnytv.com/2025/01/30/watertown-fielding-complaints-about-unshoveled-sidewalks/

Gist of it is that this winter, people are failing to clear their sidewalks, and it's impacting the community. Some areas are clearly the responsibility of the city, while others are the responsibility of the property owner.

Long story short, uncleared sidewalks can be treacherous for those that travel on foot and people/businesses need to step up and do better.

My question is: What is our general consensus on the topic? Do you (those that have city sidewalks) clear your section, or wait for the town to do it, and why? Are businesses held to the same standard (asking as footage from the above seemed to show quite a few stretches that'd be in commercial areas) and should that standard change (such as increased standards as businesses in theory should have more funds to do such)?

I know I could do better at keeping my walkway/driveway cleared for the sake of potential guests/deliveries, but part of me likes that a somewhat messy driveway makes unexpected visitors less likely.

Hey all,

Apologies for how slow a start this community has. News in the North Country is rather slow, which in my opinion is a nice change of pace from the "normal" news cycles. Anyways, here's a good one:

It's that time of year! The annual Chili Cookoff, which benefits the Volunteer Transportation Center, begins February 1st. If chili is your thing, it's a good opportunity to participate in your community, and help out an organization that so many people rely on, especially in our more rural areas where transportation is essential, but incredibly lacking.

https://www.wwnytv.com/2025/01/31/its-chili-cook-off-time/

For information, you can also visit the Volunteer Transportation Center's website: volunteertransportationcenter.org

If any of you all happen to participate, feel free to share your pics and if willing, recipes.

Figured a heads up about today's weather in the North Country is in order. We're expecting sustained 20-30 MPH winds, with gusts up to 50 so be wary while out and about. Watch for downed trees and power lines, and make sure to bring anything not tied down inside.

On top of that, there's also expectation of snow, with forecasts predicting about an inch.

Mostly just a head's up about the wind, as it can create some dangerous conditions.

Here's one I'm sharing more because of how ridiculous overall it seems to me. Brief summary is that some Watertown council members are being investigated after a complaint was made regarding the purchase of a golf course by the city. The complaint alleges that there was potential for bribery regarding the deal, and state police are now investigating.

Here's the article in full.

It's ridiculous to me because of how wasteful a golf course actually is. Doesn't seem like a good use of taxpayer money, and the scandal surrounding this deal makes it even worse. I'm of the opinion that it's a terrible purchase that'll serve only to hurt the city and make a couple of people wealthy at the cost of everyone else in the area.

For all you winter activity types, here's a pretty good run down of what to expect should you decide to come up to the Adirondacks to enjoy the winter. While NCPR's article focuses more on the southern and eastern side of the Adirondacks, I can tell you now that if snow is your thing, the trails and peaks in the north and west are good to go. The trail grooming crews were out the last couple weekends tending to the snowmobile trails, and there was quite the shin-dig out in Childwold over at the local watering hole, the Thristy Moose (anyone been?), to wrap up a larger effort to get the trails groomed.

Looks like we've also got good ice this year, so ice-fishing has been in full-swing since early January/late December in some spots, with increased activity out on the ice over the last couple weeks.

Also, just want to add that it's about time winter has felt like winter up here. Been a hot minute and the whole "80 degrees in December" thing was getting old.

How do we feel about the current education system? According to NorthCountryNow (Use reader mode in your browser to bypass the paywall) some thought is being put into addressing absenteeism in schools.

I thought this would be a good "first" post, as education is vital however how that education gets delivered is an area that we probably all have thoughts about.

On the one hand, absenteeism is clearly a problem. If children aren't getting the education they need, they'll struggle later in life which has effects that ripple through their lives, as well as effects that ripple through communities.

However, my own opinion is that our education system has fallen into a sort of disrepair. Between lack of reasonable wages for educators, increasing class sizes and the politicization of the curriculum itself, it feels as though us adults have collectively decided to set future generations up for failure. The "Fuck you, I got mine" mentality shown in other areas of society has seemingly, unfortunately, been made a part of the administration mechanisms that oversee education.

Unfortunately, while I can say that I recognize the problems, I struggle with offering any ideas/solutions. I'm not sure the efforts merely to increase attendance are the bandaids that will "fix" the system, but I feel that at least it's something to get the ball rolling and perhaps by opening up the discussion our political representatives can come up with something that'll be beneficial to all of us.

Hey all,

Just figured I'd get something going for one of the most beautiful regions the US has to offer. Obviously, I'm hopeful that this little community gains traction as it provides an alternative to other, more restrictive and less open communities.

My goal for this community is to have a place for all of us who live in the New York that gets overlooked to share news, stories, and information for each other and others that might want to visit or move to our neck of the woods.

As such, I'd like this community to be a little more broad than other, specific communities outside the fediverse. A sort of mashup of Upstate and anything Adirondacks if you will.

In order for that to work out, it'd be nice to connect with some of you all that may be scattered across the state as I'd very much like the moderation team for this community to have direct ties to the places they're posting about/moderating.

If folks are comfortable, at some point I'm even contemplating a small meet up or something similar, so we're not just faceless entities.

So with this brief outline of what I'm thinking in mind, if you feel like UpstateNY is a place you're knowledgable about, you've got a strong local connection, and an ability to set aside personal biases feel free to reach out regarding currently open moderator positions.

So with that, I'll see y'all at the Saranac Lake Ice Castle this winter. Looks like it'll be cold enough to last more than a day this time around.

~ADKSilence