Writer and video producer. Previously with @WDTnews. Army brat. Go Hokies!
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Articles by Gordon Block
Monuments dedicated in Sackets Harbor to honor Crown Forces killed in War of 1812 (VIDEO)
SACKETS HARBOR The names of 42 Canadian and British soldiers who died in the Second Battle of Sackets Harbor and are buried here will have a permanent place of veneration in the village, as a pair of monuments to them were dedicated Saturday. Col. Howard G. Coombs, commander of the 33 Canadian Brigade Group, said the monuments are a way to honor the memory of the fallen. This is a sacred trust, one we cannot fail, he said.
The 50 Best Super Bowl Commercials Ever
The Super Bowl may be the biggest game of the NFL year, but it's also one of the biggest times of the year for advertisers and marketers. One of the most watched events on TV all year, commercial spots during the game are both tough to get and very expensive. However, companies willing to fork up the big dough find themselves with an unmatched platform to get the word out about their products. When done right, the memory of these ads can live for a lot longer than their 30-second run time.
Residents hopeful Lake Ontario water levels remain below last year’s record highs (VIDEO)
ALEXANDRIA BAY — Residents and businesses near Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River are hoping to avoid another year of high water levels that resulted in extensive damage around the north country and the state. “I’m cautiously optimistic,” said Ronald G. Thomson, who owns Uncle Sam Boat Tours and other businesses in the village.
Seeing price tag, Clayton Town Council backs off plan to move town office to arena
CLAYTON — The Clayton Town Council pulled back on plans to move the town’s office to the Cerow Recreation Park Arena, as the cost of creating space for such a move increased the overall project beyond $5 million. “We’re still wrestling with the rest of the details, but we know we can eliminate that feature,” said Supervisor David M.
‘Spring Fling’ conference to providing training, remarks from ‘Emergency!’ television star
ALEXANDRIA BAY — Hundreds of area first-responders have a chance to train and network at the “Spring Fling” EMS conference taking place this weekend. The conference, which runs through Sunday, includes lectures and training on a wide range of medical topics, and other skills such as leadership and preparing to testify in court about incidents they respond to. “It’s a great networking opportunity for them to learn from each other,” said Ann M. Smith, North Country Regional EMS program director.
Residents hopeful Lake Ontario water levels remain below last year’s record highs (VIDEO)
ALEXANDRIA BAY — Residents and businesses near Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River are hoping to avoid another year of high water levels that resulted in extensive damage around the north country and the state. “I’m cautiously optimistic,” said Ronald G. Thomson, who owns Uncle Sam Boat Tours and other businesses in the village.
Damage from high Lake Ontario waters recorded in New York Sea Grant study
Officials with the New York Sea Grant said a survey of waterfront residents affected by last year’s record high water levels on Lake Ontario could help communities prepare for future flooding. “The results from the survey may validate where types of flooding may happen in the future under similar water levels,” said Mary Austerman, New York Sea Grant coastal community development specialist.
Hearing planned to discuss potential alternate locations for Brownville bridge
BROWNVILLE — State transportation officials said they have identified potential alternative locations of the bridge over the Black River, as they continue to evaluate its future. The update comes as the Watertown Jefferson County Area Transportation Council announced another hearing about the project will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on May 10 at the General Brown Junior-Senior High School, Cemetery Road.
Officials remind residents of brush ban through May 14
Officials with the state Department of Environmental Conservation are reminding residents that the state’s brush burn ban remains in effect through May 14. “While many people associate wildfires with the western United States, the start of spring weather and the potential for dry conditions increases the risk for wildfires in New York,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a news release.
Officials remind residents of brush ban through May 14
Officials with the state Department of Environmental Conservation are reminding residents that the state’s brush burn ban remains in effect through May 14. “While many people associate wildfires with the western United States, the start of spring weather and the potential for dry conditions increases the risk for wildfires in New York,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos, in a news release.
North country land trusts receive state funding
Several land trusts throughout the region were recipients of money for their conservation efforts. Among the local recipients of Conservation Partnership Grants were the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust and the Indian River Lakes Conservancy, which each received $100,000 in professional development grants. Other local groups receiving new grants are the Thousand Islands Land Trust, which received $80,000, and the Ontario Bays Initiative, which received $15,000.
Johnson Newspaper Corp. staffers win several New York Press Association awards
Several staff members of the Johnson Newspaper Corp. won awards for work in news, photography and advertising in the New York Press Association’s annual Better Newspaper Contest. The awards were announced during the association’s annual spring convention and trade show on April 13 and 14 in Albany. “While we produce our news products for our readers and advertisers, it is nice to receive the acknowledgement of our peers,” said Perry White, managing editor of Northern New York Newspapers.
New Yorkers’ interest in deleting Facebook accounts doubled in March
New research suggests New Yorkers are more interested than ever in deleting their Facebook accounts, after a series of scandals involving the distribution of users’ personal information to malicious third parties. In New York, there were 72,630 web searches for “Delete Facebook Account” in March, more than double the typical monthly rate of 29,978 searches, according to British cybersecurity company Top10VPN.
Riders push past snow during 15th Snirt Run event (VIDEO)
LOWVILLE — A sizeable amount of snow on the ground was not enough to stop riders from breaking out their all-terrain vehicles during Saturday’s Snirt Run. The ride was something they were looking forward to all year, even if the temperature at the start of the day was below freezing. “You just bundle up,” said Diane M. Stark, an Oneonta resident who has come to the annual event with her family for about 10 years.
Fort Drum recognizes top supporter, volunteers
FORT DRUM — Officials from Fort Drum honored its top volunteers and supporter, recognizing their contributions to the post community. Guadalupe Moreno, who serves as treasurer for the family readiness group of C Company, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, was named Fort Drum’s Volunteer of the Year. Samaritan Medical Center CEO Thomas Carman was named Man of the Mountain. The honors were presented during the Volunteer of the Year ceremony on April 19.
Riders push past snow during 15th Snirt Run event (VIDEO)
LOWVILLE — A sizeable amount of snow on the ground was not enough to stop riders from breaking out their all-terrain vehicles during Saturday’s Snirt Run. The ride was something they were looking forward to all year, even if the temperature at the start of the day was below freezing. “You just bundle up,” said Diane M. Stark, an Oneonta resident who has come to the annual event with her family for about 10 years.
Death of soldier facing sentencing for child sex crime under investigation; victim's family expresses outrage
FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Tribune News Service) — The death of a soldier the day before his sentencing for child sex crimes is under investigation by the Army, and has left the victim’s family frustrated about what they see as a lack of justice. Pvt. Rashad Roybal-McIntosh had been found guilty in an Army court martial of rape of a child and indecent exposure, according to the victim’s father, but was found dead on March 26.
Fort Drum aviation officials recap Falcon's Peak exercise
The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade conduct a troop air insertion as part of the Falcon's Peak aviation training exercise on April 17, 2018 at Sexton Field on Fort Drum. FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Tribune News Service) — Aviation officials on post said soldiers were on their toes as they worked through unpredictable challenges across the Adirondacks and Vermont during the recently concluded Falcon’s Peak exercise.
Fort Drum aviation officials recap Falcon’s Peak exercise
FORT DRUM — Aviation officials on post said soldiers were on their toes as they worked through unpredictable challenges across the Adirondacks and Vermont during the recently concluded Falcon’s Peak exercise. “(It’s) driving on unknown roads, flying on unknown terrain, not knowing what’s coming next in the scenario and allowing our planners, our pilots, our soldiers, our drivers, every soldier, officer and NCO in the formation to react to the unknown,” said Maj.
Death of soldier facing sentencing for child sex crime under investigation; victim’s family expresses outrage
FORT DRUM — The death of a soldier the day before his sentencing for child sex crimes is under investigation by the Army, and has left the victim’s family frustrated about what they see as a lack of justice. Pvt. Rashad Roybal-McIntosh had been found guilty in an Army court martial of rape of a child and indecent exposure, according to the victim’s father, but was found dead on March 26. Since the private had not yet been sentenced, the charges against him will be withdrawn.
State asks for comment on invasive species management plan
The public’s comments are being sought on a new plan to fight against the spread of invasive species in the state. The plan from the state Departments of Environmental Conservation and Agriculture and Markets introduces eight objectives to limit the negative impacts of the species. “This proposed plan will help our state and local partners more effectively prevent, detect, and respond to invasive species,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos, in a prepared statement.
First group from brigade returns Thursday
FORT DRUM After a year in harms way, several soldiers from the 10th Mountain Divisions 3rd Brigade Combat Team returned to base Thursday night. The 100 soldiers forming the brigades torch party, or first returning soldiers. were greeted with a standing ovation from the approximately 400 family and friends in attendance as they marched into Magrath Sports Complex.
Restaurant owners express frustration with proposed wage increase, elimination of tipped wage credit
WATERTOWN — Local restaurant owners said a move to pay their waitstaff the full minimum wage would devastate their businesses, staff and the local economy. “This is going to have an adverse effect on everyone if they pass this,” said Steven P. Sboro, owner of Art’s Jug and Sboro’s Restaurant in Watertown.
State awards town of Lyme $215,000 for Lake Ontario flood relief
CHAUMONT — The town of Lyme received $215,468 in state funding to help repair damage from flooding on Lake Ontario last year, and to make future repairs to its infrastructure. The funding, part of $2.9 million announced Monday afternoon for multiple municipalities, is one element of the state’s $95 million dedicated for relief efforts. The funding for Lyme was celebrated by a number of regional elected officials.
State asks for comment on invasive species management plan
The public’s comments are being sought on a new plan to fight against the spread of invasive species in the state. The plan from the state Departments of Environmental Conservation and Agriculture and Markets introduces eight objectives to limit the negative impacts of the species. “This proposed plan will help our state and local partners more effectively prevent, detect, and respond to invasive species,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos, in a prepared statement.
Restaurant owners express frustration with wage increase proposal, tipped wage credit
WATERTOWN — Local restaurant owners said a move to pay their waitstaff the full minimum wage would devastate their businesses, staff and the local economy. “This is going to have an adverse affect on everyone if they pass this,” said Steven P. Sboro, owner of Art’s Jug and Sboro’s Restaurant in Watertown.
State awards town of Lyme $215,000 for Lake Ontario flood relief
CHAUMONT — The town of Lyme received $215,468 in state funding to help repair damage from flooding on Lake Ontario last year, and to make future repairs to their infrastructure. The funding, part of $2.9 million announced Monday afternoon for multiple municipalities, is one element of the state’s $95 million dedicated for relief efforts. The funding for Lyme was celebrated by a number of regional elected officials.
Fort Drum to offer industrial history tour to public
FORT DRUM — Members of the public will get a chance to see a slice of the region’s industrial history during a tour of the post. The free Industrial History Tour, taking place at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 2, will make stops at former saw mills, grist mills, sugar bushes, and taverns. The tour will also stop at Buck’s Creek Park, which was turned over to the Army in the early 1930s.
New Thompson Park Zoo executive director describes zoo as ‘a gem’
WATERTOWN — When the New York State Zoo at Thompson Park has needed help, it has been able to get it from Lawrence J. Sorel. In 1998, Mr. Sorel was in touch with leaders trying to figure out how to handle heavy ice storms that winter. Since then, the veteran zoo official has mentored different members of zoo leadership and helped the zoo pursue accreditation with the American Zoological Association. On Monday, Mr. Sorel was introduced as the Thompson Park Zoo’s executive director.
Report: Fort Drum to be among the first to train with autonomous robotic support vehicle
Soldiers with the 10th Mountain Division will be among the first to train with a new autonomous robotic support vehicle. The Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport is able to carry up to 1,000 pounds of gear over 60 miles in 72 hours, potentially reducing the load for soldiers carrying food, water and other key supplies.
Report: Fort Drum to be among the first to train with autonomous robotic support vehicle
FORT DRUM — Soldiers with the 10th Mountain Division will be among the first to train with a new autonomous robotic support vehicle. The Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport is able to carry up to 1,000 pounds of gear over 60 miles in 72 hours, potentially reducing the load for soldiers carrying food, water and other key supplies.
Thompson Park Zoo announces new executive director
WATERTOWN — The Thompson Park Zoo announced today that Lawrence Sorel will be its new director. Mr. Sorel, who has spent 21 years as the Director of the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, will begin his new position in May. “I am very excited to lead the New York State Zoo at Thompson Park into the future,” Mr. Sorel said. “I have always thought the Zoo was a gem.
First phase of Fort Drum housing development opens
FORT DRUM — The first phase of a new multi-million-dollar housing development on post has opened, developers said. Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes, a partnership between developer Lend Lease and the Department of the Army, said about 35 of about 155 three- and four-bedroom homes for company-grade officers have been completed. The rest of the homes are set to be finished at the end of this year.
First phase of Fort Drum housing development opens
FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Tribune News Service) — The first phase of a new, multimillion-dollar housing development on post has opened, developers said. Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes, a partnership between developer Lend Lease and the Department of the Army, said about 35 of about 155 three- and four-bedroom homes for company-grade officers have been completed. The rest of the homes are set to be finished at the end of this year.
State English tests resume after computer glitch impacts hundreds of students
CARTHAGE — North country students appeared to be able to take the state English test Thursday, a day after a computer glitch sent several school districts across the state scrambling. “I’m going to be optimistic that whatever the issue was, they fixed it,” said Peter J. Turner, Carthage Central School District superintendent. “A lot of districts had problems yesterday.
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