ECRWSS PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID DENTON PUBLICATIONS/ NEW MARKET PRESS PO Box 338 Elizabethtown NY 12932 Postal Patron
Saturday,ÊM archÊ5,Ê2016
>>
www.SunCommunityNews.com
In SPORTS | pg. 14-16
Cougars shoot way to victory
NCCS triumphs over Beekmantown 53-46
>>
In NEWS | pg. 2
>>
In NEWS | pg. 4
Support the Rulfs Orchard’s Dannemora library big expansion Board seeking votes to increase funding
Peru farm stand tripling in size, offering more
Taking down hep-c one test at a time Veterans come together for first testing clinic by American Legion Post 1619 By Teah Dowling
teah@suncommunitynews.com
MORRISONVILLE — Veterans from all around the North Country gathered for free hep-c testing Feb. 26 at the American Legion Post 1619. The veterans present, most of which from the Vietnam era, were subjected to a jet gun: a pneumatic device using compressed air rather than needles to inject 18 vaccinations in each arm. With each injection came a suction effect that tore skin, left a welt and spilled blood.
FishingÊon Ê
Since the guns were not sterilized between injections, not only were soldiers receiving vaccinations, but someone else’s blood — one of the ways to become infected with hepatitis C. Peru Dog Control Officer Dave Drollette was one of the first to get shots with the device in 1961 when he was in boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois. “I had no idea what it was used for,” he said. “All I know is that it hurt.” Essex County Sheriff Richard Cutting remembered lining up with his fellow marines in Paris Island, South Carolina to receive his first shot during induction. “You had a number on your chest that they would track and one by one you would get a shot,” he said. “We weren’t entitled to know what we were getting; we just followed orders.”
Officials chat about minimum wage concerns in the North Country
Local fisherman share stories of life out on the boat
>> See Bass fishing | pg. 11
Photo by Teah Dowling
>> See Hep-c testing | pg. 9
LakeÊ ChamplainÊ PLATTSBURGH — Professional bass fishing is not only a tremendous economic shot in the arm for the region, it is also a North Country tradition passed on from one generation to the next. For local anglers Rob LaMoy and Ryan Teah Latinville, it is a way of life. Dowling Writer “It’s the ultimate sport,” said LaMoy, who’s been fishing professionally for more than 20 years. The 42-year-old Chazy resident started fishing at a young age with his father and uncles. Growing up poor with turrets syndrome, he said fishing was his escape from people who judged him. “The fish don’t care about your race, age or gender,” he said. “All they care about is you putting the right bait on the hook.” Now, the correction officer and fishing guide takes part in as many competitions as he can. LaMoy’s dedication and training earned him 15th place in the All-American Bass Fishing League in 2009, as well as high ranking in multiple Costa FLW Series and other bass fishing leagues throughout the country.
A few veterans get tested during the first hep-c testing clinic Feb. 26 at the American Legion Post 1619.
By Teah Dowling
teah@suncommunitynews.com
PLATTSBURGH — Minimum wage was a hot ticket item at the breakfast table this morning. This morning, Feb. 26, North Country state legislators met over coffee and muffins to discuss issues facing the North Country: one being boosting the state minimum wage from $9 to $15. The North Country Chamber of Commerce released its annual issue survey showing 93 percent of the area’s business community believe a $15 state minimum wage would eliminate jobs and harm the local economy. “I would like to think that if people get more money, they’ll spend more money,” state Sen. Betty Little said. “But there might not be jobs available at that point.” MOVING ON UP Chazy resident Robert LaMoy has been fishing professionally for 26 years. Photo provided
According to the chamber’s survey, 60 percent of businesses are expecting growth this year, while 32 percent believe >> See Legislative breakfast | pg. 3