Northern Light

Village Mayor Steve Yurgartis is cautious about adding more tax free properties in Potsdam. Lyon Mountain struggles to find a future, but the community recalls how the iron mining era shaped memories and local mythology.Hundreds gathered at the State Capitol to rally for the stalled campaign finance bill and Martha Foley, along with naturalist Curt Stager discuss a unique "static" example of "flower power."

An historic documentation of bird migrations at an historic North Country site has come to a close for the season. A powerful state-run organization opposes plans to shut down the hospital emergency room in Lake Placid.Scandal in the New York State legislature has led many to wonder whether lawmakers can focus on passing any major bills by the end of the session.New York-based Greek yogurt maker Chobani responds to criticisms that its process creates large amounts of toxic waste. On this weeks Heard Up North, find out what it sounds like to catch and band a chickadee.An Ottawa artist paints a series of works celebrating the Cats of Parliament Hill and we explore how "local", local beef really is.

Memorial Day services were held across the North Country yesterday, with parades and prayers and wreath-laying. Fort Ticonderoga comes alive with reenactments and music. One of the Adirondacks' most luxurious retreats finds itself in foreclosure. Northern New York beekeepers remain frustrated since the 2006 bee decline, but they are still rebuilding hives. Gioia Timpanelli tells fables from India and the Middle East and a theater review of "Suds" at the 1000 Islands playhouse.

It's Memorial Day. NCPR intern Josh Cameron talks with Shannon Bartlett, an Indian River student who raised more than $9000 to create a memorial for fallen soldiers in Alexandria Bay. Brian Mann talks the school superintendent in Newcomb about the failed budget vote there, and the survival of small rural schools. Gov. Cuomo took his plan for tax-free zones around SUNY campuses on the road over the weekend.Sarah Harris reports on ways to get upstate produce to urban markets. One Vermont mans plans to sail it down Lake Champlain. Horticulturist Amy Ivy talks with Todd Moe about how to cope with a soaked spring garden.

A big redevelopment project is getting underway in the Thousand Islands village of Clayton. State officials announced that public hearings will take place in June to decide how the former Finch Pruyn timberlands will be managed.The Seneca Nation has not yet finalized a deal in their casino talks with Governor Cuomo. United States Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's farewell tour swung through Massena yesterday. Lucy Martin takes in a rehearsal to learn more about musical programs in Ottawa.The Innovation Trail team reports on some of the current challenges and opportunities facing upstate farmers and be sure to get your look at outdoor recreation conditions around the Adirondacks for this Memorial Day weekend.

Mohawk Chiefs are hopeful that the new Casino pact established with Governor Andrew Cuomo will lead to more land. Beekeepers, farm workers, and researchers are worried about the collapse of honey bee colonies. Governor Cuomo seems less likely to include Hydrolic Fracking in his his economic plans for the future.Governor Cuomo and his cabinet are on the road to push their plan for tax free zones for businesses in New York. Find out why a changing global climate is to blame for the severe weather as of late. Newcomb kicks off the summer with its rubber loon race and Martha Foley sits down with Dr. Curt Stager to talk about flowers, bees, and caffeine on this weeks edition of Natural Selections

Mohawk Tribal Chiefs settled the long-time dispute over the casino revenue with Governor Cuomo. Districts who tried to exceed the state property tax caps were denied. One day after Silver's failures in handling sex allegations in the Vito Lopez case, the Albany establishment seems to be moving on. The Innovation Trail team reports on some of the current challenges and opportunities facing upstate farmers. Learn how a canoe sparked a trek and a book with today's reviewer Betsy Kepes.

The town of Massena is hopeful that CSX will grease the rails for a new plant. Farmers in New York State hope to find enough workers to fully staff their operations while lawmakers debate immigration reform. The North Country's health care industry faces an unprecedented level of uncertainty and risk at a time of new innovation, experimentation, and reform.New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is being urged to step down for his mistreatment of sexual harassment claims involving Vito Lopez, who resigned on Monday.Hear from Paula Youmell about her new book "Hands on Health" along with a new song titled "Hope" sung by Vice President of Paul Smiths college Raymond Agnew.

The Vermont aid-in-dying bill will become a law. Undocumented farm workers in New York weigh the benefits against the risks. Voters will go to the polls tomorrow to decide the fate of their local school districts.A man remains in critical condition in Upstate Medical Center after being struck by a train in Potsdam. United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is proposing new legislation to ease the burden for students when it comes to loans. This weeks gardening conversation reviews what to look for when you shop for transplants and what to do when planting. A theater review of "Miss Caledonia" in the NAC studio.

Job losses are a big concern if the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center in Ogdensburg closes. Voters are expected to pass most school budgets. A company may be looking to develop a large resort around Loon Lake, in Franklin County. Why low Lake Ontario levels mean high water levels on the St. Lawrence River. New York state allows Gouverneur's EJ Noble Hospital to expand lab services. The Oneida Indian Nation enters into an agreement to share some of its gambling revenues with New York state. Environmental activists will gather at a park in Massena tomorrow to protest the ongoing presence of toxic PCBs in the area.Do you have what it takes to be a Saranac Lake 6er? Big sounds from Jack Kelley's little band, and weekend Adirondack conditions.