Reporter Matthew Turner reports that Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul "feels really good" about the North Country’s chance of winning $500 million in state economic funding.

Reporter Zach Hirsch reports that the Adirondack Council has applauded Governor Cuomo for stating he intends to boost the state’s Environmental Protection Fund, and for his "pro-Adirondack proposals" in his 2015 budget plan. 

A news story notes that the Lake George Land Conservancy is announcing its new executve director, Jamie Brown. It is noted that he officially began in the position on January 5.

*Note: While the story is dated 1/21/15, it first appeared online today.

A letter from David Safrany of Half Moon Bay, CA, notes his concern over developments in the Adirondacks.

Reporter Pete Klein reports that Slic Network Solution, a provider of high-speed Internet, phone, and television services, is expanding into Long Lake.

A press release from the Adirondack Council notes the pro-Adirondack proposals addressed by Governor Cuomo in his State of the State address.

A press release states that conservation advocates, including The Nature Conservancy, the Natural Resources Defense Council, American Farmland Trust, The Adirondack Council and the Adirondack Mountain Club, applaud Governor Cuomo’s proposal to increase the state’s Environmental Protection Fund.

Reporter Amanda Metzger reports that about 60 lake associations throughout the Adirondack Park have joined to reinvigorate the Adirondack Lake Alliance and held their first regional meeting in December.

Reporter Willie Janeway notes important environmental and community development goals for the Adirondack Park to look for in the Governor’s State of the State message.

A letter written by Joseph D. Dumoulin of Jay, NY, notes that he refuses to join Protect the Adirondacks because of their radical stance against the housing development near Tupper Lake.

A commentary by Dave Gibson notes recent APA’s decisions in new land subdivisions, and what he feels are issues they are failing to address.

The newspaper reports that the New York State Department of Labor released the North Country Region’s Top Five Trending Jobs for 2015.

Writer Phil Brown discusses the views of many with the plans to revise the State Land Master Plan in regards to both economic development and the protection of natural resources. Quoted is Fred Monroe, executive director of the Local Government Review Board asking, "Whatever happened to the balance that the governor wanted and the legislature wanted?"

Reporter Kim Smith Dedam reports that with $5 million in grants from the Regional Economic Development Council up for grabs, Saranac Lake Local Development Corp. is prompting local business owners to think ahead about possibilities.

Reporter Kim Smith Dedam reports that Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to make a $500 million broadband investment to ensure that every person in the state has high-speed internet by the end of 2018.

Reporter Dan Heath reports that if Governor Cuomo’s Upstate Revitalization Program is approved by the State Legislature, it would put seven of the Regional Economic Development Regions, including the North Country, in competition for three $500 million awards.

A press release notes that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced New York State will be making it easier for municipalities with fewer than 300,000 people to obtain interest-free financing for up to 30 years to improve wastewater collection and treatment systems.

Writer Phil Brown writes that the Adirondack Park Agency board has voted unanimously to approve a controversial development at a former Boy Scouts camp in the southern Adirondacks.

Reporter Tom Salitsky reports that after nearly two months without a manager, Franklin County’s Board of Legislators has appointed Donna Kissane of Malone to the position. 

Writer Kenneth Aaron writes that a state appeals court has narrowly upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit filed against Adirondack Explorer Editor Phil Brown after he paddled through private land in 2009.

A staff report notes that Gov. Andrew Cuomo is pitching a competition that would pit seven upstate regions against each other for a chance to win $1.5 billion in economic development money.
 

Reporter Wilson Ring reports that Vermont has been awarded a $16 million federal grant to help farmers pay for conservation projects designed to keep runoff and other pollution from reaching Lake Champlain. 

Writer Mike Lynch writes that National Grid has set aside five acres in Queensbury as a conservation easement for the rare Karner blue and frosted elfin butterflies.

Writer Mike Lynch writes that the state Department of Conservation has announced that it is taking comments on a plan to modify the Imperial Dam, which is located a few miles upstream of Lake Champlain. 

A staff report notes that  the FUND for Lake George has released a two-volume publication focusing on the threats that face Lake George, including invasive species, rising salt levels, and declining water quality and clarity.

The Post-Star editorial board extends their appreciation for the various Lake George groups and environmental leaders that are working together to fight the introduction and spread of invasive species in Lake George and across the Adirondack Park. 

A staff report notes that Arrow Financial executives have announced the appointment of former U.S. Rep. Bill Owens to Arrow Financial Corporation’s Board of Directors.

Reporter Amanda Metzger reports that a new alliance is forming to wage war against the spread of invasive aquatic species throughout the Adirondack Park. 

Writer Phil Brown writes that NYCO Minerals has begun cutting trees and drilling for wollastonite in the Jay Mountain Wilderness, actions that could render moot legal efforts to thwart the company’s plans. 

A staff report notes that the Adirondack Park Agency Board of Commissioners will consider a major subdivision project and a new "emergency project status" rule at its meeting Thursday. 

Reporter Daniel Flatley reports that former Rep. William L. Owens has taken a job with a law firm in Washington, D.C. that specializes in international law. 

An Adirondack Council press release notes that five conservation organizations have sent a joint letter urging the Adirondack Park Agency’s board of commissioners to hold a special public hearing to decide the fate of a permit request to subdivide and develop a former Boy Scouts camp in northern Fulton County.
 

Reporter Gordon Woodworth reports that Fred Monroe, Supervisor of the Town of Chester, may not seek re-election in November after 23 years in office.

Reporter Sarah Harris reports that New York’s North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik was sworn in to office on Tuesday by House Speaker John Boehner. 

Writer Charles Clusen, Chair of the Board of Directors for Protect the Adirondacks, writes his response to an editorial published by Denton Publications on December 24 which criticized both Protect the Adirondacks and their executive director, Peter Bauer. 

A staff report notes that the Department of Environmental Conservation is revising its list of Species of Greatest Conservation Need, which includes species that are at risk in New York and they are seeking comments on the final draft.

Reporters Brian Mann and Martha Foley discuss the potential of the Adirondack Park Agency making modifications to the State Land Master Plan for the first time in decades.

Reporter Maury Thompson reports that U.S. Rep.-elect Elise Stefanik will take office this week and the Women Under 40 Political Action Committee is planning to assist her in establishing a lasting presence and respected voice in her district and in Congress.

Reporter Amanda Metzger reports that six separate projects along the First Wilderness Heritage Corridor have been awarded $410,450 in grant funding. 

The Associated Press reports that researchers have said that invasive Asian clams recently discovered in Lake George are likely to be spread from site to site by boat anchors.

The Post-Star editorial board extends their appreciation for the initiative taken by the Adirondack Park Agency to update its State Land Master Plan.