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Saturday,ÊM ayÊ14,Ê2016
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www.SunCommunityNews.com
In FEATURES | pg. 10
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Beatific buzzing in Westport
Resident takes all-natural approach to beekeeping
In BUSINESS| pg. 7
H&H Music
is growing in Plattsburgh
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In ARTS | pg. 9
Punk showcase on tap at ROTA Several bands to be featured this weekend
Child abuse up in Clinton County “We can’t teach kids to keep themselves safe,” says Clinton County District Attorney’s Child Advocacy Center By Teah Dowling
teah@suncommunitynews.com
PLATTSBURGH — Over 160 child abuse cases have been reported this year across the region, according to the Clinton County District Attorney’s Child Advocacy Center. That’s up from 140 total cases in 2010. Executive Director Richelle Gregory announced the escalating stats at last week’s Clinton County Board of Legislators finance committee meeting.
So far this year, Clinton County had 83 cases, while Franklin County had 48 and Essex County had 14. The center opened in 2009 to serve Clinton County and started serving Essex and Franklin counties, along with the St. Regis-Mohawk Tribe, in 2015. Gregory said since opening and expanding services, the number of cases have increased steadily not due to substancerelated circumstances, as Essex County officials have reported, but “a better job of collaborating and coordinating.” The results of the first quarter showed child abuse occurred mostly within the age group of 7 to 12, second highest being 13 to 18. Gregory said a majority of the perpetrators are in a parent role.
Saranac adopts budget with small tax hike
together
Proposed spending plan contains over $2 million allocated toward maintenance
CCRS alumni raise funds for former classmate Jessica Bertrand after rare diagnosis
>>See Jessica Bertrand | pg. 11
Photo by Teah Dowling
>> SeeChild Abuse | pg. 18
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CHAZY — Jessica Bertrand was the maternal figure of the Chazy Rural Central School class of 2013. She used to do hair and makeup for plays and dances and had a zany sense of humor Teah Now her classmates are coming toDowling Writer gether to aid her in her fight against a rare disease. Bertrand was diagnosed with Linear IgA Bullous Dermatosis — a very rare blistering eruption of the skin in adults — in late August 2013, shortly after graduation. Her friends said she took care of them since kindergarten. Now, they’re taking care of her. “In the beginning, we didn’t realize how serious it was,” said classmate Stephanie Gonyo. “It’s scary.” Bertrand takes prednisone to help treat the blisters. A certain cream is applied to help cope with the pain of her skin blistering and “shedding off,” said Michaela Cahoon.
Clinton County District Attorney’s Child Advocacy Center Executive Director Richelle Gregory announced the escalating stats at last week’s Clinton County Board of Legislators finance committee meeting.
Pictured above: (L-R) Classmates of Jessica Bertrand Sarah McNally, Caitlin Kozak Stephanie Gonyo, Michaela Cahoon and Justin Brothers all are helping with the Pancake Party on May 22 to help raise funds for medical and travel expenses. Pictured below: Jessica Bertrand
Photo by Teah Dowling
By Teah Dowling
teah@suncommunitynews.com
SARANAC — Saranac Central’s $32,163,541 spending plan comes with an increase of 1.55 percent over last year. Taxpayers will see a 0.21 percent tax increase. For homeowners, that amounts to an estimated $5 increase per $100,000 in assessed value, a tax bill of $2,054 for the 2016-17 school year. By using $1.1 million of its fund balance, the district managed to stay below the tax cap by 0.78 percent. Superintendent Jonathan Parks said he’s pleased with the budget after facing about $12 to $13 million in cuts due to the Gap Elimination Adjustment, which the state legislature voted to eliminate this year. Over $600,000 has been restored this year. “It’s long overdue,” Parks said. “We’re happy to get that revenue back.” The district, he said, won’t be facing any cuts this year. >> See Saranac Budget | pg. 18