ECRWSS PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID DENTON PUBLICATIONS/ NEW MARKET PRESS PO Box 338 Elizabethtown NY 12932 Postal Patron
Editorial» Protect the Adirondacks responds to board editorial
PAGE 4
YOUR NUMBER ONE SOURCE OF COMMUNITY NEWS, SERVING THE LAKE CHAMPLAIN REGION
www.valleynewsadk.com
A Denton Publication
FREE
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Historic landmark to close Jan. 17
This Week CRIME
By Pete DeMola pete@denpubs.com
Suspect still at large in Port Henry robbery PAGE 2 LAKE PLACID
Elizabethtown Lewis Central School fifth graders pose with Julie and George Huttig from Adirondack Chevrolet Buick, sponsors of the Healthy Bodies Program, on Dec. 15. Puppets in Education specialize in presentations that give students tips and tools to support healthy decisions and to build self esteem. Adirondack Chevrolet Buick also gifted 10 puppets to the school that will allow students to continue their creative education and roleplay pro-social and problem solving scenarios. Photo provided
SPORTS
Keene earns title in Adirondack Shootout PAGE 13
By Pete DeMola pete@denpubs.com ELIZABETHTOWN Ñ Lawmakers granted Essex County Board of Supervisors Chairman Randy Douglas and Vice Chair Bill Ferebee another year at the helm on Monday, Jan. 5. Finance Chair Tom Scozzafava, who nominated Douglas for an unprecedented sixth term, hailed the Jay leader. Ò He has not only served this body well, but also put his constituents first,” said Scozzafava. The longtime Moriah leader said Douglas has steered the county through some its most vexing terrain in memory, including the possible closure of Moriah Shock, the sale of the county-run nursing home, the installation of a new radio project, IreneÕ s aftermath and the numerous infrastructure challenges facing one of the remote counties in the state. Ò HeÕ s a hard worker, I donÕ t know where he gets the energy. HeÕ s always trying to do something for his town and the CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
Online
Remember to keep clicking valleynewsadk.com all day every day for the latest local news, featured stories and extras
www.valleynewsadk.com
Essex County Board of Supervisors Chairman Randy Douglas was sworn in for a sixth term on Monday, Jan. 5 at the Government Center in Elizabethtown. Photo by Pete DeMola
SIGN UP TODAY!
Each week, we’ll send you the printed edition straight to your email’s inbox for FREE. Cancel any time. To sign up, simply go to
www.valleynewsadk.com/alerts/manage/
PAGE 3
Douglas, Cutting sworn in as county kicks off 216th session
Champlain National opens newest branch
ELIZABETHTOWN Ñ The prospects for an economic resurgence in the county seat grew significantly dimmer on Tuesday with the news that the DeerÕ s Head Inn Restaurant, a popular local landmark, will close on Jan. 17. Co-owner Dr. Robert DeMuro declined to give an exact reason for the closure. Ò As owners we have struggled with the decision to close for over six months, but have decided it is the best thing to do at this time,” he told the Valley News in an email. DeMuro said he has enjoyed bringing the building back to its current state. Ò It is in much better shape compared to eight years ago when we bought it,” he said. “We hope to find somebody else to carry on the legacy of the Deer’s Head.” A broker for the historic structure has not been decided. DeMuro said the owners hope to continue to support the thrift store, which is located on the second floor, and work with them to secure long-term rental space. Elizabethtown Supervisor Noel Merrihew called the news a Ò tremendous disappointment.” Ò What an unfortunate loss it is for the town,” he said. “It’s right in the center of the community.” Merrihew said the venerable old facility, which originally opened in 1808, generates traffic and adds a sense of life to the town. Ò It will be noticeably absent once they no longer exist,” he said. Ò ItÕ s such a historic facility that people connect to the town of Elizabethtown.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
Facebook & Twitter
Become a “fan” on Facebook. Simply search keyword “Valley News” or follow our Tweets at
www.twitter.com/valleynewsadk