COVID-19 has left a bad mark on the words masks and mandates. Those two words will forever serve as a reminder of a dark, unpredictable time in our state. Last week, the commissioner of the Department of Health (DOH) declared the flu to be prevalent in...

I always look forward to the end of November; it means there will be more time to spend home with my wife, Sheila, and I also get to see more of my amazing grandchildren. Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays that brings families around the table to...

We are approaching the end of October, which means the Halloween festivities will begin to pick up. As we dress up and admire the carved pumpkins and spooky decorations, I hope this column will be useful and serve as a reminder of potential hazards on...

One month has passed since the ammunition background check law was enacted, and my office is still receiving calls from worried residents across the district. Visiting gun shops in light of these recent legal changes was an eye-opening experience. As...

In the heart of Upstate New York lies a hidden gem, a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife and vibrant communities. This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Tug Hill Commission, an organization that has played...

After months of unpredictable storms and burning temperatures, we’ve made it to fall. This week, those in the Adirondacks and Thousand Islands-Seaway regions will begin to notice color changes in their landscape. The I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report recorded...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) today announced support for the 2023 “EMS Direct Pay” bill (A.250-A). The current system allows insurance companies to pay ambulance service charges directly to the patient unless the ambulance company...

Children are replacing blowing bubbles with puffing out smoke. More than 2.5 million middle and high-school students are vape users and unfortunately, this smoke is unlike any other inhalants. It's light and doesn't linger, making it undetectable for...

As you may have heard, there was an explosion at a solar farm in Jefferson County earlier this month. This incident left the village of Chaumont air plagued with residue of lithium battery chemicals for 24 hours. The infected air lingered for over five...

Gas prices are edging closer to the $4 mark in New York, and it is not a sudden phenomenon. This price surge has been building up over the past months as the cost of living continues its relentless climb. The soaring gas prices are not just accidental;...

On Monday, Aug. 7, the National Weather Service issued four warnings for Lewis and Jefferson counties after a tornado hit the area in the evening. The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado’s classification as EF-3 tornado, the third most severe...

The Biden Administration has continuously let themselves into your homes and has restricted or taken things that you have relied on for years. After attacking gas stoves and washing machines, it has a new target now: incandescent light bulbs. As of Tuesday,...

Earlier this week, the Governor made headlines by announcing a new initiative to finance $1 million in taxpayer dollars toward free health care for “sex workers.” This means an industry that is built on the backs of the abused and trafficked is given...

This year, we have experienced a slew of complex and unprecedented national defense challenges, from high-altitude Chinese balloons entering U.S. airspace to an immigration crisis at a level never before seen in New York. Some of our greatest adversaries,...

National Pet Fire Safety Day is coming up on July 15. With the hot weather that’s been sweeping in this week, it’s crucial to be aware of the hazards that may arise with dry weather. Be sure to adhere to established safety protocols and conduct regular...

As a lifelong resident of Black River and the representative for the North Country, I understand the hardships that come with living in a rural community. Rural suicide rates continue to be a pressing concern, highlighting the need for increased awareness,...

This week, the budget process in Albany continued as both the state Senate and Assembly released their ‘One-House’ proposals. Think of these proposals as counter offers to the governor’s budget proposal that she rolled out last month. Now that the...

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is full speed ahead on the ‘Advanced Clean Car II’ regulations that would require all passenger cars and trucks sold in the state to be zero-emission by 2035. I have expressed serious concerns with...

“I was proud to once again join my colleagues and highway superintendents from around the state to call for increased funding for our local roads, bridges and culverts. Our North Country and Mohawk Valley roadways take a beating from the harsh winter...

With under a month to go before the final state budget is due, it is important to remind the governor and my colleagues in the Majority about the importance of funding our local roads. Since the governor rolled out her budget proposal a little over a...