Reporter Richard Moody reports that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced that the state will be launching a new advertising campaign to promote tourism in the Adirondacks and North Country.  Advertisements for this campaign will appear throughout the state, in all New England states, as well as Toronto and Montreal.

A staff report notes  that the Association of Towns has announced the passing of recently retired Executive Director G. Jeffrey Haber. 

A staff report notes that State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens will be the keynote speaker at the annual meeting of The Nature Conservancy’s Adirondack Chapter and the Adirondack Land Trust.

Reporter Richard Moody reports that the Lake George Park Commission has unveiled a new plan to prevent the introduction of more invasive species to the park. Lake George will be the first large lake in the Adirondacks to mandate boat inspections.

Reporter Ryan Delaney reports that Senator Kirsten Gillibrand wants to raise the funding cap to allow remediation projects to win multiple grants. 

A staff report notes interviews with Cristyne Nicholas, Margaret Markey, Betty Little and Jimmy Van Bramer on hospitality and tourism in New York state.

Reporter Jon Campbell reports that a coalition of environmental organizations has sued the state Department of Environmental Conservation, claiming the state’s effort to roll back dairy farm regulations violates both New York and federal law. 

Reporter Jessica Collier reports that members of the Adirondack Recreational Trail Advocates said they’re done attacking the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. 

Reporter Chris Knight reports that the if the decision to convert the Lake Placid emergency room to part time is approved by the state Health Department, the ER would be open a minimum of 12 hours per day and that during evening hours ambulances would be used to take people to Saranac Lake.

Reporter Brian Mann reports that Adirondack Health has announced that it will begin to transition Lake Placid’s emergency room to part-time. 

Reporter Shawn Ryan reports that Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office has launched a new television advertisement prominently featuring the Adirondack region as a destination for outdoor tourist activities. 
 

Reporter Chris Knight reports that local residents have reacted with surprise, support and a little skepticism at the announcement of a proposed five-story hotel to be built on the shore of Lake Flower.

Reporter Brian Mann reports that the Adirondack Health Board of Directors met last night to discuss the future of the ER.  The organization has declined to say if any vote had been taken or what the outcome of the meeting was.

Reporter Brian Mann reports that a developer from Malone plans to build a new luxury resort in the village of Saranac Lake on the shore of Lake Flower.  The project would require a series of variances from the village due to its height and location as well as approval by the APA as it will exceed the Park’s 40-foot height restriction. 

A staff report notes that the State Department of Environmental Conservation is asking owners of outdoor swimming pools to watch for invasive Asian Longhorned beetles. 

Reporter Brian Mann reports that nearly 4,000 acres long owned by the Newton Falls Paper Mill in southern St. Lawrence County will be auctioned off Thursday.

Reporter David Cederstrom reports that now that the Village of Lake George has raised its building height limit, Dave Kenny and his sister Kathleen Dittrich expect to submit plans in the next few months for a six-story, 120-room, year-round Marriot Hotel and conference center at 365 Canada Street.

Reporter Brian Mann reports that the fate of Lake Placid’s emergency room will be decided at a board meeting tonight in Saranac Lake.  

Writer Dan Crane writes his recommendation for classifying the former Finch lands as Wilderness Plan 1B, which would call for the largest Wilderness area among all seven proposed alternatives. 

Reporter Rick Karlin reports that the Lake George Park Commission voted this week to make boat inspections mandatory in their effort to fight invasive species entering the lake.

Reporter David Cederstrom reports that the Lake George Park Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to pursue its "Preferred Alternative" of mandatory inspection and decontamination of trailered motor boats to prevent the introduction of invasive species into the lake.

Reporter Chris Knight reports that the Adirondack Health Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet Thursday night to consider a controversial plan to convert the around-the-clock emergency room at its Lake Placid hospital to a part-time urgent care clinic.
 

Reporter Jessica Collier reports that although the presence of milfoil in Lake Placid has declined, efforts to fight the spread of the invasive species need to continue. 

Reporter Jimmy Vielkind reports that the New York State Conference of Mayors has labeled Detroit’s decision to file for bankruptcy last week a cautionary tale for New York’s municipalities, which face similar fiscal stress as populations decline, industry erodes and legacy costs mount. 

A staff report notes that the Lake George Park Commission voted Tuesday to create at program to combat invasive species. 

Reporter Jon Alexander reports that the Lake George Park Commission unanimously voted Tuesday to create a mandatory boat washing and inspection program aimed at stopping the spread of invasive species. 

Reporter Rachelle Kredentser reports that the village of Lake George  board of trustees has approved zoning changes that will permit four-story buildings on some sections of Canada Street and six-story buildings in other locations along the street. 

Reporter Shaun Kittle reports that the village of Tupper Lake plans to drill more wells as it seeks a new source of drinking water.

Reporter Jimmy Vielkind reports that state officials have unveiled a new television advertisement designed to promote tourism in the Adirondacks. 

A staff report notes that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has released a new I love NY TV ad that pushes tourism in the North Country.

A staff report notes that the number of board feet of logs produced in the statewide timber harvest has been rapidly declining since 1999.

Reporter Arthur Cleveland reports that the New York State Canal Corp. plans to take measures aimed at curbing flood problems the canal has faced in recent years.

Reporter Martha Ellen reports that a portion of the former Jones & Laughlin Steel Co. site may be on a fast track to reuse under a pending agreement between St. Lawrence County and state agencies. 

Reporter Thom Randall reports that the Lake George Village Board has unanimously approved changes to local zoning laws that will allow buildings along particular stretches of Canada Street to be as tall as 70 feet high. 

Reporter Jeff Meyers reports that U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is promoting a plan to fight the spread of invasive species. 

The Post-Star editorial board writes their disappointment that the APA has drawn out their dispute with an elderly Loon Lake couple for so many years without reaching a reasonable compromise.

Reporter Jon Alexander reports that in a 10-6 vote, the Washington County Board of Supervisors has approved the ban on the transport and introduction of aquatic invasive species into any of the county’s waterways. 

Reporter Chris Knight reports that Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s team won the Adirondack Challenge on Sunday.  The event was part of a three-day festival that wraps up Monday with a face-off on the river between the Governor and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. 

Reporter Jamie Munks reports that a public hearing on the village zoning changes will be held on Monday, July 22 to discuss a proposal to allow for taller buildings in the heart of the village’s commercial district.

Reporter Julie Grant reports that a new USDA-certified mobile poultry processing unit has been unveiled, giving the North Country local food movement a big boost. 

Reporter Chris Knight reports that local business owners in Indian Lake are looking forward to the economic boost that the Adirondack Challenge will bring to them as they expect close to 3,000 people to visit the area for the event this weekend.

Reporter Martha Ellen reports that the nations only USDA approved mobile chicken slaughterhouse was unveiled Thursday at Sugar Hill Farm in the town of Canton. 

Reporter Brian Mann reports that the Adirondack Common Ground Council has made significant strides in the last ten years and has produced some tangible victories.

Reporter Anthony Hall reports that the Adirondack Council has announced its endorsement of a proposal to mandate the decontamination of every boat trailered to Lake George. 

Reporter Brian Mann reports that The Adirondack Nature Conservancy says it will provide $500,000 in grant funds to help businesses and communities developing new projects around the former Finch timberlands. 

A staff report notes that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has responded to critics of the upcoming Adirondack Challenge, slated for this weekend in Indian Lake, who claim that the event has been designed to boost his profile by stating that that the event is indeed a PR event, but solely for the Adirondack Park and the tourism industry of upstate New York. 

Reporter Thomas Kaplan reports that Gov. Andrew Cuomo is using campaign cash for TV ads that tout his efforts to clean up the scandal-plagued state Capitol.

Reporter Brian Mann reports that this is the final week for the public to offer input and opinions about how to manage tens of thousands of acres of new public lands in the Adirondack Park.
 

Reporter Kenneth Lovett reports that Gov. Andrew Cuomo continues to take advantage of fundraising loopholes even as he fights to close them and tighten other campaign financing laws. 

Writer Dave Gibson details the history of the former Finch timberlands recently acquired by the state noting that the land had once been forest preserve land, but due to a competing land claim in the 20th century it had fallen out of the state’s hands until now.

Reporter Thomas Kaplan reports that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has a formidable war chest as he heads for a re-election campaign next year, with nearly $28 million in the bank from deep-pocketed donors.

Reporter David Cederstrom reports that the Adirondack Park Agency has approved the Village of Lake George’s proposed zoning changes including a controversial increase in allowed building height in parts of the commercial zone. 

Reporter David Cederstrom reports that the final public hearing on the classification and management of the former Finch lands was held on July 2 at the Warren County Municipal Center.

A staff report notes that a mobile chicken processor that could help north country farmers expand their poultry production is expected to be in operation soon. 

Reporter Dan Ladd reports that the last of eight public hearings to discuss the classification of the former Finch lands has been held and notes that the deadline for written public comments is July 19. 

Reporter Kenneth Aaron reports that the Friends of Thayer Lake and the Brandreth Park Association plan to appeal a state judge’s decision to open up access to Mud Pond, Mud Pond Outlet as well as a privately owned stretch of Shingle Shanty Brook under the common-law right of navigation.

Reporter Chris Knight reports that Leroy Douglas has sold the Silver Lake property that is the subject of a still-pending, multi-million-dollar federal lawsuit he filed three years ago against the state Adirondack Park Agency and the Adirondack Council.
 

Reporter Bill Quinlivan reports that Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Gov. Andrew Cuomo are expected to compete with six-member teams in a whitewater race on Monday, July 22 during the Adirondack Challenge in Indian Lake. 

Reporter Phil Brown reports that the New York State Conservation Council has written a letter to the Adirondack Park Agency calling for the designation of a Wild Forest Area for the former Finch lands. 

Reporter Chris Knight reports that the Village of Saranac Lake wants the state Department of Environmental Conservation to allow glade skiing in the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest, but DEC officials say cutting or maintaining glades there may be illegal. 

A staff report notes that the New York State DEC has announced proposed changes to the current freshwater fishing regulations and is seeking public feedback. 

A staff report notes that groups throughout the Adirondack region are sponsoring fun and educational activities this week for the 8th annual Adirondack Invasive Species Awareness Week. 

Reporter Phil Brown reports that Rick Hoffman, a former APA board member, has recommended classifying the former Finch lands as a Canoe Area, arguing that this classification would be as protective of the natural resources as a Wilderness classification and would stimulate paddling tourism. 

Reporter Chris Knight reports that a plan to move Saranac Lake’s swimming beach back to a location near the center of the village got a boost this week when the Board of Trustees agreed Monday to commission a feasibility study on moving the village beach from its current site on Lake Colby to Lake Flower. 

Reporter Mike Lynch reports that the Upper Saranac Lake Foundation has been battling the spread of milfoil in the lake since 2004 and is now only relying on divers to hand-harvest the plants as they have reached a point where milfoil is considered a rare plant on the lake.

A staff report notes that the state Department of Environmental Conservation has announced its proposed fishing regulation changes for next year.
 

The Fulton County Planning Department is proposing a $1.1 million capital project for 2014 to complete the Rail Trail project begun in the 1990s. 

Reporter Jon Alexander reports that the interconnected nature of regional watersheds makes the spread of invasive species not only a regional issue but an international one, noting that localized attempts to control or limit the introduction of invasive species may potentially slow the spread, but will ultimately fail without a more global policy. 

Reporter Kenneth Lovett reports that Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Michael Bloomberg will face off on July 22 in a whitewater rafting race on Indian Lake in upstate Hamilton County as part of the governor’s push to boost tourism in the Adirondack Mountains. 

A staff report notes that nonprofit leaders from across the Adirondacks are applauding the recent passage of the Nonprofit Revitalization Act, which represents the first major overhaul of New York state’s charities laws in more than four decades. 

Reporter Todd Moe reports that Long Lake birding expert Joan Collins has noted a decline in population for the Bicknell’s Thrush, a rare species that nests on top of mountains in the Adirondacks, New England and Canada.  

Reporter Thom Randall reports that the state will be undertaking $3 million of improvements at Million Dollar Beach on Lake George, which will include repaving the parking lot and moving an existing boat launch to a new site east of the beach.  The launch facility would be constructed to allow room for a portable boat-washing station.
 

Reporter Thomas Kaplan reports that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has impaneled a commission — whose members are empowered as deputy attorneys general — to review public corruption in Albany.  

Reporter Pete Klein reports that a temporary access plan has made some of the former Finch lands available to the public for the summer and fall prior to the classification of the lands by the Adirondack Park Agency. 

Reporter Krystle Morey reports that lake stewards on Lake George are inspecting boats and educating boaters about the preventative measures they can take to stop the spread of invasive species. 

Reporter Shaun Kittle reports that the Empire State Development Board recently approved a grant to extend 27 miles of new Internet service cable and related equipment between Tupper Lake and Long Lake. 

A staff report notes that Adirondack Architectural Heritage is seeking nominations for its 2013 Historic Preservation awards. 

Reporter David Sommerstein reports that controversy about the Obama Administration’s use of drones has ties to the area as the drones, often piloted by people sitting in Syracuse, train by flying the drones high over the North Country and the Adirondacks which has raised some local privacy concerns.  

Reporter Don Lehman reports that two local district attorneys have been named to a state commission created to investigate corruption in state government that has been created by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. 

Reporter Brian Mann reports that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has unveiled his clean-government “Commission to Investigate Public Corruption” panel, which will include the board chair of ORDA, as well as three district attorneys from Essex, Franklin and Warren Counties..

Writer Scott Thompson, member of the Adirondack Recreational Trail Advocates Board of Directors, writes that there is no benefit to having the Adirondack Scenic Railroad continue past Old Forge, and urges readers to consider the benefits of a snowmobile or bike trail that would stretch from Old Forge to Lake Placid.

Reporter James Odato reports that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has implemented a new email retention policy that requires agencies to delete email after 90 days.