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In OUTDOORS | pg. 5
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Reeling in the big one
In OPINION | pg. 6
Adding to overtime
Minerva, Long Lake hosts contests
Are new rules govt. oversight?
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In NORTH CREEK | pg. 2
Legion Auxiliary says farewell Organization set to close
Newcomb graves continue to see benefit from Bissell gift Local businessman bequested $2 million for cemetery restoration By Christina Scanlon
christina@suncommunitynews.com
NEWCOMB — Funds will increase this year in what the town of Newcomb will see for cemetery restoration and historic preservation. The gift, which came from Marvin Bissell, who owned and operated Bissell’s Store in Newcomb before his death in 2013, was designed to continue his passion for local history. Bissell’s bequest included $2 million and six parcels of land arranged to be facilitated through the Adirondack Foundation. Because the annual amount given to the town is set to award five percent on a three year rolling average, the amount will vary.
It increased this year to $40,000 from $25,000 last year, as a previous gift prior to his death in a smaller amount was still calculated into that three-year average. Newcomb Supervisor Wes Miga said last year’s amount was used in full, and then some. “We give matching funds by way of in-kind services,” he said. He believed actual tallies would exceed the $25,000 mark last year. By law, townships are responsible for the care of non-private cemeteries. That typically includes mowing, brush removal and in some cases, tree removal or care. Bissell’s gift allows for locating missing >> See GRAVES | pg. 15
Pine Hill Cemetery in Newcomb has undergone a major facelift with clean up and restoration of grave markers. Photo by Christina Scanlon
Vet organizes armed services networking event at Adk. Museum
Honoring the flag
Veterans residing in the Adirondack Park will receive free admission to the museum on July 16 By Pete DeMola
pete@suncommunitynews.com
Johnsburg Central School Pre-Kindergarteners Abel Hitchcock, Huck Knickerbocker and Eli Harvey celebrate Flag Day at JCS. Many more waived flags and celebrated this weekend as communities throughout the North Country celebrated the Fourth of July. Photo provided
BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKE — Lanny Gagnier wanted to do something nice for local veterans — like helping to facilitate a free event, which he says appear increasingly rare nowadays. Stories about vets getting mistreated were also all too common for Gagnier, the first vice commander of St. Regis Falls American Legion, Post 322. These were the mechanisms underpinning his decision to call the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake and pitch the idea of a free admission day for vets. The museum got back to him three days later: How about July 16, they said. Free entry for any veteran living in the 12 counties constituting the Adirondack Park, plus a guest. Gagnier was overjoyed. Veterans need an outlet to socialize with their com>> See VETS | pg. 15