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January 16, 2010
High tech
Conservative
Election
Ti Middle School technology students recently toured Hacker Craft. See Page 2
Crown Point’s highway superintendent deals with ever-rising costs and taxpayer needs. See Page 14
Port Henry voters will decided on trustees and the fate of their village. See Page 15
Essex County
Sentinels roll to hoop victory Ticonderoga routed Northern Adirondack, 5414, in Champlain Valley Athletic Conference girls basketball play Jan. 6. See sports.
American Legion to host dinner American Legion Post 224, Ticonderoga, will have a roast turkey dinner Thursday Jan. 28, 1- 7 p.m. at the legion post. The menu will be roast turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots, roll with butter, and dessert. Cost is $8 a dinner and all proceeds go to benefit of Sons of the American Legion Post 224. Call 585-6220 for more information or to place take-out orders.
Crown Point board to meet The Crown Point Central School board of education will meet Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 7 p.m. in the district library.
THIS WEEK Ticonderoga...................2-10 Opinions ......................6-7 Crown Point ..................14 Moriah ..........................15 Schroon Lake ................17 Sports ..........................18-19 Calendar ......................20 Obituaries ....................21 Classifieds....................22-25 Auto Zone ....................26-28
Schroon artist published
Nepotism charged in hiring
By Fred Herbst fred@denpubs.com
By Jon Alexander denpubs@denpubs.com ELIZABETHTOWN — Inquiring minds want to know whether a last name helps or hinders a person’s chance of getting a job in Essex County government. Following intense scrutiny from a handful of residents, Essex County supervisors are considering the creation of an ethics committee, and they may begin requiring more disclosure of personal and family relationships between county leadership and candidates for county employment. Over the last few months, the hiring of several close relatives of County Manager Dan Palmer and his wife, Board of Supervisors Clerk Deborah Doyle-Palmer, have some residents wondering if nepotism is running rampant in Essex County. But county supervisors and department heads refuted the rumors and allegations of unfair hiring practices, calling the claims unfounded. At an organizational meeting of the county Board of Supervisors Jan. 4, Essex resident Sandy Lewis addressed the group and urged greater disclosure of the county's hiring process, particularly when family members of current employees are involved. Essex County Board of Supervisors Chairman Randy Douglas said he doesn’t believe any bias now taints hiring decisions, but said it may be
Jessica Bowen, a Schroon Lake photographer/artist has released her first book, Things I Can Not Recall. The book is a collection of photos by Bowen, a 2006 graduate of Schroon Lake Central School.
SCHROON LAKE — Jessica Bowen wants to share her obsession with everyone. The Schroon Lake photographer/artist has just released her first book, Things I Can Not Recall. The book is a collection of photos by Bowen, a 2006 graduate of Schroon Lake Central School. “I’ve always loved the arts,” Bowen explained. “I’m OK at drawing and painting, but nothing special. I wanted a career in art and my uncle suggested photography. He thought I had an eye for it.” Apparently so. After graduating from Schroon Lake, Bowen attended Word of Life Bible Institute, took several college art classes and then enrolled at Adirondack Community College. She earned her associates degree in commercial and media arts in December. While at ACC her work was selected for several students shows, including a national exhibit at Montclair State University in New Jersey. Bowen plans on taking a semester off to work at a children’s camp and orphanage in Panama before seeking her bachelor ’s degree. She plans to study commercial, advertising and fashion photography. “I want to play around with all of them,”
See COUNTY, page 9
See SCHROON, page 17
Financial relief sought for commuters Proposal would aid motorists affected by bridge closure By Fred Herbst fred@denpubs.com CROWN POINT — Help may be coming for New York commuters affected by the Lake Champlain Bridge closure. Local and state officials are investigating ways to provide financial relief to those who face the added
expense of a longer drive to and from work. Moriah Supervisor Tom Scozzafava has suggested the money used to operate the Ticonderoga ferry — $17,000 a day — be used to mitigate the financial stress of the bridge closure. The Ti ferry closed Jan. 3 for the season. “Whether it’s a possibility, I don’t know,” Scozzafava said. “But it’s worth exploring. I don’t want to build up people’s hopes.” New York State is already providing financial assistance to businesses impacted by the situation. “I think it’s fine that there is relief
for businesses,” Scozzafava said, “but a lot of individuals are suffering, too. Some are spending an extra $200-$300 a week in extra gasoline and day care. They need help. “For hundreds of people this is a daily nightmare,” he added. Scozzafava’s proposal has the support of the Essex County Board of Supervisors. “I am a proponent of this idea and hope that this a viable plan,” Crown Point Supervisor Bethany Kosmider said. “Nancy Dougal of the Essex County Transportation Department is looking into reimbursement for
See AID, page 15
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