A staff report notes  that State Labor Department figures show Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties all have lower unemployment rates in October than they did in October 2012.

A staff report notes that the Adirondack Park Agency was created because local governments were averse to taking the steps that were necessary to protect the character of the Park, but today, a better park may eventually come about because of, and not in spite of, local governments.

Reporter Brian Mann reports that the Adirondack Scenic Railroad operates a  world-class attraction in the North Country, having hoped to expand and build an excursion train, development has been slow and now critics and supporters are in a bitter debate regarding the plans and future of the Adirondack Scenic Railroad.

Staff writer Shaun Kittle writes that it has been seven years since Tupper Lake’s snowmobile map has been updated, but thanks to the chamber of commerce, Chamber Events Coordinator and part-time cartographer Michelle Clement, a new color map has been designed and is available on the chamber’s website.

The Lake George Mirror editorial board writes that the state media served state residents poorly by not subjecting the Adirondack Land Swap ballot proposal to the same scrutiny that it gives to political candidates.

Reporter Jamie Munks reports that in Lake George, a consortium of lakeside municipalities and environmental groups will fund off-hours staffing at boat wash stations next year, plugging what has been seen as a loophole in the proposed mandatory boat-washing and inspection program.

Reporter Brian Mann reports that many not-for-profits companies and organizations are serving  an important role in the North Country’s economy as job providers, but even as the non-profit sector gains respect and clout, there are big questions about sustainablity.  

A staff report notes that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has announced that the department has recently used rotonone to eradicate non-native fish from Lower Sargent Pond in the Sargent Ponds Wild Forest in Hamilton County. The pond is expected to be stocked with fish next year in an effort to reestablish native brook that had existed before its population was depleted due to the presence of the non-native fish.

Reporter Erica Orden reports that a Wall Street Journal poll found out that Gov. Andrew Cuomo would defeat most potential GOP challengers by a wide margin in the next gubernatorial election. 

Writer Dave Gibson writes that Gov. Andrew Cuomo just made the Whiteface Memorial Highway safer with the state’s commitment to expend $12 million to rehabilitiate the road and the summit facilities while maintaining environmentalists visions of the importance to properly interpret the natural history of the mountain from the base of the road to the moutain’s summit.  

Writer Jason Richards writes that the New York Department of Environmental Conservation has a program that allows individuals to apply for a permit to establish a temporary hunting camp on state land, which is a great opportunity for those who don’t own a large parcel of land, and a good way to avoid paying for a hunting lease. 

Reporter Don Lehman reports that the Lake George Asian Clam Rapid Response Task Force has decided to treat one clam site this fall to researche alternative ways to manage them and stop spreading. 

Reporter Chris Knight reports that Gov. Andrew Cuomo threw his support behind a pair of big hotel projects, the renovation of Hotel Saranac and a development on Lake Flower on Wednesday.

Editor of the Adirondack Almanack Phil Brown writes that State officials are considering a variety of possible recreational uses, both motorized and non-motorized, for the former Finch lands. 

Reporter Kim Smith Dedam reports that Gov. Andrew Cuomo was in Lake Placid on Wednesday to deliver funds for restoration of a tribute highway and money for a scientific partnership that will boost jobs. Of note: The Adirondack Almanack and North Country Public radio ran a verison of this story. 

Reporter Chris Knight reports that Gov. Andew Cuomo announced Wednesday that Trudeau Institute and Clarkson University will team up to create a "world-class" biotechnology research and development enterprise that will stabilize and save jobs at the Saranac Lake-based nonprofit research center.

Reporter Dan Heath reports that Empire State Development approved $2.4 million in funding for two projects that cover the seven-county North Country Regional Economic Development Council territory.

Writer Peter Bauer writes that the current Forest Preserve classification process underway at the Adirondack Park Agency for the new lands around the Essex Chain Lakes and the Hudson River is likely to go down as the worst administered process in the 40-year history of the APA. 

Reporter Phil Brown reports that Adirondack Park Agency commissioner, Dick Booth, has written a legal analysis that concludes that the Essex Chain Lakes cannot be classified Wild Forest under the State Land Master Plan.

A staff report notes that Gov. Andrew Cuomo will be making two very important announcements related to economic development in the North County today.

A staff report notes that the Clarkson University research team of Associate Professor for Economics and Financial Studies Martin Heintzelman and Civil & Environmental Engineering Professor Thomas Holsen will investigate if pollution-related water quality issues in the north country and Finger Lakes are having an impact on nearby property values.

Reporter Thom Randall reports that as the state DEC officials explained their pending project of reconstructing the Million Dollar Beach parking lot at a public meeting Nov. 14, local residents who live near where the beach’s boat launch is to be relocated voiced angry criticisms of the move.

Reporter Chris Knight reports that Leroy Douglas of Silver Lake has agreed to settle the remaining claims in a multi-million dollar federal lawsuit he brought against the state Adirondack Park Agency and the Adirondack Council. 

A staff report notes that a Clarkson University research team will investigate if pollution-related water quality issues in New York’s North Country and Finger Lakes regions are having an impact on property values.

A staff report notes that the Empire State Development’s Board of Directors approved $40,142,296 in funding for economic development projects, including North Country loan funds for tourism infrastructure from hotels to shops to arts centers and digital movie conversion.

A staff report notes that this summer marked the sixth and most extensive boat launch coverage on Lake George to combate invasive species by the Lake Steward Program.

Reporter Chris Knight reports that the state may foot the bill to restore and maintain the St. Regis and Hurricane Mountain fire towers unless groups that have pushed for their preservation can raise the money.

 Writer Phil Brown writes that NYCO Minerals now needs to perform test bores to determine if Lot 8 is worthwhile to mine, and once the testing is done, the company will then need to prepare a mining plan and submit it to the state DEC and APA for approval. 

Reporter Brian Mann reports that the two towers on Hurricane Mountain near Keene and St. Regis Mountain north of Saranac Lake will be rebuilt and opened to the public to serve as attractions for hikers.

Reporter Jessica Collier reports that the Olympic Regional Development Agency board appointed Bloomberg Media Group CEO Andy Lack, and Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism CEO Jim McKenna to replace longtime board members Ed Weilbrecht and Serge Lussi Tuesday night.

Reporter Brian Mann reports that at yesterday’s APA meeting, commissioner Dick Booth announced his support of the NYCO land swap deal approved last week by voters statewide. 

Reporter Mike Lynch reports that the combination of cold weather and recent snowfall has allowed the state to open Whitface and Gore Mountain ski centers this weekend, making it the earliest opening day ever for Whiteface. 

Reporter Katherine Clark reports that a forum was held at the Wild Center in Tupper Lake to address community concerns and educate participants about how to bring successful broadband connections to rural communities in the hopes it will provide jobs for locals and allow new people to come to live and work at home in the Adirondack Park. 

Reporter Brian Nearing reports that Environmental Advocates of New York report that too much money from the state brownfield tax credit program is going to too few projects, especially in poor neighborhood with a legacy of industrial pollution. 

A staff report notes that the community foundation known as Adirondack Community Trust  has a new name the Adirondack Foundation.

A staff report notes that the State Department of Environmental Conservation officials say they recently completed work to eradicate non-native fish from Lower Sargent Pond near Raquette Lake. 

The Daily Enterprise editorial board notes that the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway has not had any major work on it since the 1960s and encourages the Cuomo administration to update and repair the well traveled scenic road. 

A staff report notes that the State Department of Environmental Conservation plans to host a public informational meeting on the proposed road and parking lot modification projects for Lake George.

Writer Phil Brown writes that the Adirondack Powder Skier Association wishes to maintain ski glades in the Forest Preserve.  

Writer Fred LeBrun writes that the debate is continuing to rage over how much motorized access should be allowed on former Finch property sold to the state, but regardless of the decision, the age of private hunting and fishing clubs on those lands is quietly drawing to a close.

Letter writer Daniel De Federicis, executive director of the PBA of New York State Law Enforcement, writes that self-reporting environmental infractions will not happen, no matter what the state Department of Environmental Conservation says to the public.

Reporter Brian Mann blogs that he finds the argument over Proposition 5 revealed a fascinating ideological tension at play, one that transcends the specific merits and demerits of this deal.

Reporter Brian Mann reports that a bitter divide has erupted between Adirondack advocacy organizations following the vote last week to approve Proposition 5, the Adirondack Land Swap. 

Reporter Will Doolittle writes that the victory of Proposition 5, the Adirondack Land Swap, shows the way to move forward in the Adirondacks. 

Reporter Lohr McKinstry reports that the Essex County lawmakers tentatively agreed to support a possible takeover of Hamilton County tourism by the Lake Placid-based Office of Sustainable Tourism, commonly called ROOST.

Reporter Cristine Meixner reports that Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s ‘Nano Utica’ plan is expected to make the Mohawk Valley the state’s next major hub of nanotech research.

Reporter Brian Nearing reports that the campaign to pass Proposition 5, the Adirondack Land Swap, turned into a showdown between Adirondack conservation groups, with major organizations like the Adirondack Council, Adirondack Mountain Club, and New York League of Conservation Voters lining up against Adirondack Wild and Protect the Adirondacks. 

Reporter Andy Flynn reports that the Essex Chain Lakes classification is weighing heavily on business owners.

A press release from Gov. Andrew Cuomo praised the passage of Propositions 4 and 5, saying "These amendments provide for the needs of the Park’s residents and its economy and tourism industry, with our responsibility to protect the integrity of the State Forest Preserve."

Reporter Brian Mann reports that New York voters approved both Proposition 4, the Township 40 settlement, and Proposition 5, the Adirondack Land Swap.  The Adirondack Council’s leader Willie Janeway issued a statement late last night calling this a "victory for the park" that will "foster vibrant communities and sustainable jobs."

Reporter Karen DeWitt reports that the success of proposition number one, the ballot amendment to expand casino gambling, and the failure of the last amendment, to allow judges to serve until age 80, are both wins for Governor Andrew Cuomo.

A straff report notes that New York state is promoting sustainable travel with a new online guide to include bookable itineraries.

Reporter Michael Gormley reports that before polls closed Tuesday night developers were making plans to announce hotels and gambling palaces they hoped to build. 

Reporter Kim Smith Dedam reports voters approved a land swap for NYCO Minerals and approval to clear land titles to more than 200 parcels in Hamilton County.

Reporter Brian Mann reports that New York voters approved both Proposition 4, the Township 40 settlement, and Proposition 5, the Adirondack Land Swap.  The Adirondack Council’s leader Willie Janeway issued a statement late last night calling this a "victory for the park" that will "foster vibrant communities and sustainable jobs."

A staff report notes that the New York voters approved both Adirondack propositions Tuesday.

Reporters Casey Seiler and Jordan Carleo-Evangelist report that New Yorkers voted to approve Proposition 1, the casino gambling amendment. They report Albany, Schenectady, Warren and Saratoga counties rejected the amendment. 

A staff report notes that New York voters approved both Adirondack propositions Tuesday, a relief for Raquette Lake land owners and an Essex County mining company. State Sen. Betty Little and the Adirondack Council’s Willie Janeway say they are pleased at the outcomes. 

The Associated Press reports that the state Department of Environmental Conservation is planning to add more information to its website on about 2,000 remedial sites following multiple requests from state residents. 

The Times Union reviews its endorsements for the 2013 elections, including its support for Proposition 4 (the Township 40 settlement) and opposition to Proposition 5 (the Adirondack Land Swap). 

The Newsday editorial board writes that voters should vote yes on Proposition 4, the Township 40 settlement.

Columnist Fred LeBrun writes that Proposition 5, the Adirondack Land Swap, and Proposition 4, the Township 40 settlement, are well-thought-out solutions to difficult problems that will prove to be a huge gain for the forest preserve and, in the case of Proposition 5, will save 100 jobs. Voters should approve Propositon 4 and Proposition 5. 

Reporter Thom Randall reports that the Warren County Tourism Office and the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce are increasing their efforts to draw Canadian visitors to Lake George and Warren County.

Reporter Mike Lynch reports that it is rare for an issue in the Adirondacks to have unanimous support of environmental groups, local governments and state lawmakers in Albany, but that is the case with Proposition 4.

Reporter Matt Miller reports that the Nature Conservancy is working with the New York State Department of Transportation and local highway departments to provide better fish access through culverts.

The Press-Republican editorial board endorses Proposition 5, the Adirondack Land Swap, and encourages voters to approve it because no one loses with this land swap.

Reporter Karen DeWitt reports that Proposition 5 has divided New York’s environmental community, with Protect the Adirondacks and Adirondack Wild on the "no" side and the Adirondack Mountain Club, the Adirondack Council and state DEC Commissioner Joe Martens on the "yes" side.

 Writer Dave Gibson writes that he is in support of Proposition 4 and urges voters to vote yes. 

Reporter Pat Bradley reports that the statewide discussion about Proposition 5, the Adirondack Land Swap, is heating up as Election Day looms. 

Reporter Brian Nearing reports that starting next week, specially equipped boats and aircraft will start building a detailed survey that will cover the 32-mile long Lake George from its bottom to the tops of its surrounding Adirondack mountains to create a network of computer sensors that will provide an instantaneous flow of data on the lake’s environmental health providing a much better understanding of how the lake is being contaminated and impacted by storm runoff, nutrients, road salts, and invasives."

Reporter Scott Waldman reports that Proposition 4, which is on Tuesday’s ballots statewide, will end a dispute that has endured for generations between the state and private landowners over ownership of Adirondacks property. The ballot referendum has been approved by two separate legislatures and is now up to voters. Proposition 4 will transfer the questioned land to the landowners and in turn, they’ll have to pay some fees in to a fund that will be used to purchase nearby land that will become part of a forest preserve.

Writer Mary Blanchard of Raquette Lake writes that she encourages everyone to vote yes on Proposition 4 which will resolve property title issues that have existed since the mid 1800s.

Writer, Clark J. Seaman, Long Lake Town Supervisor, writes propositions 4 and 5 are critically important to the Adirondacks and encourages every voter to be informed of the details pertaining to these amendments and then vote yes for both.