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Your Turn: Your Feedback On Food Stamps, Severance Photo & Carthage School Budget
May 12, 2008
More people in the north country are using food stamps to get by than ever before.
It’s all because of high food prices and changes in the food stamp program:
“There is another side of the story that must be looked at. As the price of food has gone up dramatically, the amount of food stamps recipients get has not changed. There will definitely be an increase in traffic into food banks as many will not be able to buy enough food with the allowances now being given.”
Virginia Blakely
After 98 years of doing business in downtown Watertown, Severance Photo closed its doors over the weekend.
We received numerous emails about the closure:
“As a very small boy I can remember going to Severance many times. Then through the years I went there by myself. It’s sad to see another Watertown landmark close.”
Jim Whitbeck
Sicamous, BC, Canada
“I was very happy with the products, prices and especially the attentive service there!”
Vinton Tarrant
“It is very sad to see what is happening to downtown Watertown. I honestly feel for every small business owner that is still trying to make it in the day of big box stores.”
Susan Gamble
“Thanks for everything that you have done for me and my family over the years. Your staff and your services will be greatly missed. No one in the local area will ever come close to your customer service or your photo print quality.”
Jacqueline Madera
There will be no special education job cuts in the Carthage Central School District budget. The school board also lowered the tax levy increase to 6.8 percent.
Here’s a sampling of your messages:
“Common sense prevails at last! Cutting necessary student services and teaching positions is not the way I want the CCS budget reduced. Keep the good teachers, pay them more and reduce the administrator count, please.”
Deb Pierce
“We need another tax cut of at least 4 percent. We cannot continue to pay such high taxes. The cost of living has gone up so high that most of us taxpayers are struggling to keep our homes.”
See Diane Rutherford’s report:
Helena Pate
Your Turn: Your Feedback On Fuel Spill, Area Code & Fuel Costs
May 5, 2008
We asked for your feedback on Jeff Cole’s special report ‘Gone’ about the undetected leak of hundreds of thousands of gallons of jet fuel at Fort Drum.
Here are a couple of your messages:
“Another excellent report. The $40 million clean-up cost seems reasonable, depending on how closely the contractors are monitored. I find it difficult to believe that a leak of this magnitude could go unnoticed by everyone.”
John Hartmann
“Instead of closing all our ATV roads, maybe the DEC should look at the mess Fort Drum has made with putting 345,000 gallons of jet fuel in the ground.”
R. Roach
The state is holding public hearings about the future of the 315 area code. The region is running out of phone numbers and a new area code is needed.
Here’s what some of you had to say:
“The 315 area code should be left as is because of the expense of all the changing, and all the inconvenience to all involved.”
Barb Conto
“If there is a shortage of new numbers, maybe the new customers should receive a new area code! Why make a simple thing complicated?”
C. Gilson
“This is a NO BRAINER for you final decision makers. We who have it, keep it, and the new people get a new area code.”
S. Russell
Volunteer firefighters are worried about rising gas prices because they have to pay for their own fuel when they respond to emergencies.
Here are some of your thoughts:
“It was taken by many people in the town that it is Hammond feeling the crunch. We are not feeling the crunch yet, but in the next few years we may if gas prices stay on the rise. Hammond Fire & Rescue is still staying strong and answers calls like we always have. My point for the story was that if gas prices keep rising, it’s going to take a toll on ALL volunteer organizations, not just fire departments.”
Scott Kron
“It is very disturbing that one of our volunteer firemen feels as he does. Every taxpayer has a right to vent their frustrations about rising gas prices. However, he had no right bringing our community and fire department into the picture. He holds no office in the fire department or as a village official. As everyone is feeling the effects of rising gas prices, we want to respond to our community and reassure them of our commitment to run calls in an urgent manner. Regardless of gas prices we will continue to support our fire district in all aspects. Be assured we will take care of the needs of our community. We would like to believe that there will never come a time that individuals should have to pay for our volunteer services. We are extremely lucky to have a very supportive community.”
Shelly Youngs
Hammond Mayor
See Diane Rutherford’s report:
Your Turn: Your Feedback On Copenhagen Water Controversy & Gas Prices
April 28, 2008
A war over water is simmering in the Lewis County village of Copenhagen. The village needs to supply water for its 1,000 residents, but doesn’t have enough to go around. Property owners Kevin and Teresa Terrillion have wells that would meet the demand, but the couple turned down the village’s offers to buy the land. The village’s mayor says the the Terrillions are being greedy. Now the village plans to obtain the property it needs through eminent domain - something that doesn’t sit well with many people.
Here are some of your emails:
“Where would the village of Copenhagen be right now if we are such greedy people? They would be still looking for water.”
Teresa Terrillion
“Suck it up Copenhagen for not doing the reasonable thing - negotiate the price before you found the gold!!”
Dorene Bates
“Eminent domain is a terrible thing to resort to.”
Gary Woodruff
Prices at the pump have soared into record territory - more than three dollars 70 cents for a gallon of regular gasoline - yet another thing that doesn’t sit well with plenty of people.
Here are some of your messages:
“I am on a fixed income and if I have to drive I do, but it is getting harder and harder to go where we have to shop or get services.”
Janet Williams
“It is ridiculous. I can’t boycott the gas station; if I could I would.”
Barb Brown
“We should…not use any oil or gas for two weeks and see if the supply and demand theory works in reverse.”
George A. Burker
“The stimulus rebate check will only make up for the high gas prices we have been paying.”
Eva Waters
“We really need help with these gas prices. As a volunteer firefighter it’s getting tougher and tougher to run calls in our own communities let alone running for mutual aid calls. Volunteers don’t get paid for their own gas.”
Scott K
See Diane Rutherford’s report:
Your Turn: Your Feedback On ATV Access & SPCA Rally
April 21, 2008
The Department of Environmental Conservation has decided to close 40 roads in Jefferson, Lewis and
Here are some of your emails:
“The impact of closing 40 roads in the 3 counties will be a detrimental blow to an already declining economy. There are enthusiasts for ATV riding willing to spend money, no matter the cost, for hotel rooms, gas, meals, maps, etc. just to have a space to ride.”
Kim Linkovich
“They not only closed the areas to ride, they also put a number of businesses out of a good amount of income. No sense selling them if you can’t ride. No sense stopping in
Dave Brown
“The DEC…said it is a safety issue and ATVs can’t be on roads where autos are. If so, why are ATVs operated on town roads all over the state?”
Steve McAdam
The
Here’s a sampling of your emails:
“You ask, we come! Our area…pools together for show of support in any worthy cause. Good Luck SPCA.”
Barb Brown
“I would have liked to have been there, too. But I had to go to work. That’s great that so many others were able to come out!”
Melody Brenon
“The shelter should be highly considered for the…make-over because of our soldiers who provide homes for their pets and at the last minute having to have a place for their beloved pet when they are being called to duty.”
See Diane Rutherford’s report:
Your Turn: Your Feedback On ‘Cat House’, Dead Animals & Tax Levy Increase
April 14, 2008
A
“The real problem lies with the real owners who don’t bother to spay/neuter their cats and the resulting kittens.”
“Who is going to pay for the services of police and others needed to see this through? It shouldn’t be the tax payer. The SPCA is to its limits already.”
Name Withheld
“This is very sad and just shows why the shelter needs a makeover. There just isn’t enough room for all the sick, abused, and throw away animals here in
“The expansion of
Paula Bender
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the discovery of badly decomposed animal carcasses along
“I hope the person that is doing this gets caught. And I hope he heard it on the news and is realizing that it’s known he’s being watched now.”
Heather Scheer
The Carthage Central School Board is asking taxpayers to dig a little deeper into their wallets for the proposed budget. Residents will see a 9.8 percent increase in the tax levy if voters approve the spending plan.
“The dilemma that has been put before many people is whether to buy food or medications. The response from the Carthage School Board makes the decision clearer. After you pay your school taxes, you won’t be able to afford either.”
Your Turn: Your Feedback On Cigarette Tax & Iraq Vigil
April 8, 2008
We asked for your thoughts on the increase in the state tax on cigarettes. Plenty of you had opinions.
Here’s what some of you had to say:
“Will the $1.25 tax really go to health care programs for smokers or will it go for bridges and roads like the cigarette company lawsuit dollars went for?”
“It is about time. Maybe with the prices of cigarettes going up people will quit. My mom smoked for a long time and quit last year because of the prices of them.”
Mark Hubbard
“I used to smoke for about a year, then saw my father die when I was 34, my sister die when I was 39, my brother die when I was 40 - all from cancer. Raise it to $10.00/pack. How much more can a person lose?”
Shelly Corbine
“I am sick and tired of being denied rights while the government extorts a gross percentage of my hard-earned money.”
Renee
“This tax is targeting a group of people, which is unfair. I think that alcohol should be taxed just as high. It kills people more than tobacco.”
Jenn Carver
“It is very sad that our government chooses to tax honest smokers, while it is afraid to collect the same tax from Indian sales to non-Indian smokers.”
“Why not tax those items that make the news about obesity? Try snack foods, soda, chips and other items that everybody buys instead of targeting smokers.”
Scott Smith
An all-day vigil was held last week in a Lowville church last week to remember the 4,011 military men and women who lost their lives during the war in
Here are some of your emails:
“It was a wonderful thing in
Mary Amyot
“As with
Roland Van Deusen
US Navy 1967-8
“We pray for the service members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. We pray for the wounded and the abandoned vets the military will not help or care for.”
Diane Lindsey
See Diane Rutherford’s report:
Your Turn: Your Feedback On Water Levels, Food Pantries & New Jobs
March 31, 2008
There’s plenty of criticism about the International Joint Commission. After several years and millions of dollars of study, the IJC plans to do little to change the water levels on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
Here are some of your emails:
“The results…were a terrible waste of taxpayer’s money. Nothing has changed. They should be ashamed of the results!”
Darrell Burton
“I’m very disgusted. The IJC needs to reconsider and look at the broader picture and future of our beautiful waterways before they disappear completely and…our children have nothing in the future.”
Claude
“I own property on the river in Cape Vincent. The water levels need to be higher on the river or all over.”
Mark VandeViver
“I am appalled at the lack of consideration for those of us who live along the banks of the St. Lawrence River. We have suffered for several years with low water levels & it seems as if the IJC really doesn’t care that we have become nothing but a trench between the lakes and the ocean.”
Lois Langtry
“Last year the levels were so low wells were dangerously low or dried up altogether. If it’s caused by weather, that’s one thing. To have the levels so altered by controls is inexcusable.”
John A. Bang
Local food pantries are seeing a growing demand for assistance and more working people asking for help.
Here’s one message about that:
“While many of us are struggling to buy food, our taxes are going up to help bail out private industries and people who make poor borrowing decisions.”
Dawn Grundhofer
Source Bio-Plastics Inc., which manufactures biodegradable plastics, will join forces with Michelex Plastics in Massena and create at least 175 new jobs over the next three years. The company expects to receive many job applications from General Motors workers who will lose their jobs when the Massena Powertrain plant closes this year.
Here’s what a couple of you had to say:
“This is good news.”
Jane Wilson
Potsdam
“Last I knew, Michelex Plastics paid minimum wage. I don’t see how 175 jobs at $7 an hour could possibly help 300 - 400 people who are used to making $30 plus an hour.”
Name Withheld
See Diane Rutherford’s report:
Your Turn: Your Feedback On Unsolved Murder, National Grid Bills & Spring
March 24, 2008
Nearly 18 years ago, Tina Hosmer Smith was shot and killed. Her family members want the murderer found and they offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.
Here’s a sampling of your messages:
“This girl’s family needs closure. They are right in assuming someone must know something. I pray that people who do know will step up and turn the guilty party or parties in NOW.”
K. L. Doe
“I knew Tina. She is sadly missed. My prayers are with the family.”
Christy
The Public Service Commission told National Grid to lighten up on customers who haven’t paid their heat and electric bills. The PSC says the utility must stop requiring customers to pay what they owe or a thousand dollars before they can restart service. National Grid must now review each customer’s financial circumstances.
Here’s what some of you had to say:
“I have two girls and an electric bill of $1,700 and I sometimes have to choose between paying a little something on the bill or buying food.”
Irene
“I would caution everyone (excluding those with medical conditions or other extenuating circumstances) to look into themselves and make sure they are making smart budget choices before letting electric bills accumulate.”
Stacey
“National Grid is not fair to its customers. Their prices are out of this world. They know they have us as there is no one else to buy from.”
Linda
“Companies like National Grid have to receive money for services rendered, how long should they wait?”
DJ
Spring officially arrived last week, but you wouldn’t know it by the weather.
“Anyone who is from this area knows you never actually see spring until at least May. But look at the bright side-at least we are on the downside of this cold weather.”
Denise
See our report:
Your Turn: Your Feedback On Eliot Spitzer Scandal
March 17, 2008
Eliot Spitzer resigned as governor of New York last week after being implicated in a prostitution ring.
Here are some of your emails:
“I don’t think we should be worrying about who is sleeping with whom, but how the government is going to help the American people buy gas, groceries, fuel, etc.”
Name Withheld
“Shame on him for acting all prim and proper and then he is caught with his hands in the cookie jar.”
Lisa Bassett
“What do I tell my kids?”
Mike Ward
“If he does his job, what he does, or even the president does, in their personal life is their business. Everyone should stay out of personal lives.”
Patrick Burns
Hammond
“He certainly did a good job of keeping it a secret. It’s too bad he didn’t get caught before he was elected Governor of New York.”
Name Withheld
“This is very unfortunate. Governor Spitzer has done a lot of good things for the state.”
Greg Hendricks
“If this was an ordinary person, he would be prosecuted and sent to jail. Why do we make laws? They are only for the small guy, not the top guy.”
Name Withheld
Watch Diane Rutherford’s report:
Your Turn: Your Feedback On AWOL Soldier, Job Fair & Food Prices
March 10, 2008
An AWOL soldier turned himself in to the Army last week. He said he deserted after he was told he would be sent to Iraq despite a medical evaluation that made him unfit for deployment.
Here’s one viewer’s response:
“My husband, SPC Justin D. Weaver, 10th Mountain Division 2-22, is currently serving in Iraq with a P3 profile… that is a NON COMBAT profile. He should not even be in that country, yet he was shipped out because they needed the head count. Tell me where that is not putting a soldier at risk!! The Army is not taking care of our soldiers the way they need to be.”
Jessica Weaver
During a job fair last week, officials said employers in northern New York have found themselves in a unique predicament - there too many open jobs and not enough people to fill them.
Here’s what a couple of you had to say:
“While there were a lot of businesses represented, there were not a lot of jobs available that had enough pay and benefits to support what has become a very expensive area to live in.”
Penny Moore
Clayton
“There is also a shortage of higher paying jobs for skilled and white collar professionals.”
John A. Bang
Chaumont
If you’ve been to the grocery store, you’ve probably noticed you’re reaching deeper into your wallet to pay for it. Food prices are expected to rise between three and four percent this year as retailers continue to pass on their higher costs to consumers.
Here’s a sampling of emails on that subject:
“It’s rough when a person has to make a choice between food or fuel to stay warm or medicine for a sick family member. It’s not just food prices, it’s everything.”
Colleen K. Grooms
Cape Vincent
“I realize that grocery stores need to pass price costs on to the consumer, but how much more can we take? Gas is going up, heating costs are going up and now food prices are going up. The only thing that isn’t going up is our pay.”
Name Withheld
See our report:
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