Ritchie

Last year, New York State maple producers broke a 74-year record by producing more than 806,000 gallons of maple syrup – that is 50 percent more than just five years ago. In fact, New York is currently the second largest maple syrup producer in the nation, second only to Vermont.

As winter continues, the decision of whether to keep the heat on or pay for necessities like medications, gas or food is unfortunately one that far too many people have to make. However, there is good news regarding New York State’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

Recently, in announcing amendments to his Executive Budget proposal, Governor Andrew Cuomo revealed his plan to close up to three New York State prisons by September 1. If the proposal were approved as part of the new state budget, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision would review operations at facilities statewide and select up to three for closure.

Across our region and beyond people are continuing to offer thoughts and prayers for a father and his four daughters who recently lost their lives in a city of Watertown house fire. The brave firefighters and other emergency responders who were at the scene on the morning of the fire say it was one of the most tragic they had ever seen.

A new report on preventable deaths from the National Safety Council says that Americans are now more likely to die from an opioid overdose than a vehicle crash.

February is American Heart Month. It is the time when organizations place a special emphasis on raising awareness of heart disease, which is responsible for one in every four deaths, and what people can do to make their heart healthier.

This time of year, as temperatures drop well below freezing, you cannot drive by a body of frozen water without a seeing anglers set up on the ice, trying to reel in their next big catch. One of the most popular places in our region for doing just that is Perch Lake, located just more than 10 miles north of Watertown.

Throughout Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence counties there are countless historic buildings that tell the story of our region’s past. While many investments have been made into improving and preserving these structures, many others are just too costly or difficult to maintain. The good news is that help is available.

Every year, countless people take to our state’s more than 10,000 miles of snowmobile trails to enjoy this winter pastime. Not only is it a lot of fun, it helps support our economy too, as the sport is responsible for an economic impact of $868 million annually.