Daily Archives: November 10, 2011

Leilani Ulrich named first woman to lead Park Agency

Former CAP-21 director advances from APA Commissioner to Chairperson

Chairwoman Leilani Ulrich

Leilani “Lani” Crafts Ulrich of Old Forge is scheduled to become the first Chairwoman of the Adirondack Park Agency (APA), according to Governor Andrew Cuomo, who announced her as his choice on Wednesday, November 9.

Cuomo also announced the nomination of Sherman Craig of Wanakena as an APA Commissioner.

“The Adirondack Park is one of this nation’s greatest natural resources, and I am confident that it will thrive under Lani and Sherman’s leadership,” Governor Cuomo said.

“Both Lani and Sherman have dedicated their lives to the preservation and development of the Park. They recognize the need to balance economic development within the Adirondacks with constant environmental protections. I look forward to working with them to further the development and preservation of this extraordinary park.”

Cuomo’s appointment of Ulrich follows the August 2011 resignation of Curt Stiles. Continue reading →

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Webb supervisor race still undecided with Riehle leading deCamp by 57; Herron & Brophy-Moore elected to council

Graham to become local judge, Russell to remain legislator

It was one of the most active campaign seasons in recent memory in the Town of Webb with four candidates vying for the position of Supervisor, four seeking two seats on the town board, and the incumbent Town Justice and Herkimer County Legislator facing challengers.

With the announcement of the unofficial results following the November 8 general election, clear winners have been determined in all races except for Supervisor.

With 185 absentee ballots untallied, it will be another week before voters know if their new supervisor will be Theodore C. Riehle, Jr. or H. Stuart deCamp.

Riehle, a Republican, received a total of 389 votes—333 in Webb District 1 and 56 in Webb District 2. deCamp, an Independent candidate, received a total of 332 votes—300 in Webb 1 and 32 in Webb 2. Continue reading →

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Webb: Committee to seek public input on Health Center

The Webb & Central Adirondack Communities Health Care Research Committee… long name, but amazing results are hoped for from this committee that was created this week by executive order of Webb Supervisor Robert Moore.

The committee will be tasked with gathering public input toward helping improve the local health care situation, particularly in relation to services available through the Town of Webb Professional Offices in Old Forge.

Moore created the committee at the Webb board’s regular meeting on Tuesday, November 8. He also appointed seven members. Continue reading →

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Countdown to completion underway for Otter Lake Firehouse

After ten years of planning, construction of the new Otter Lake Fire Department is almost complete.

Former Woodgate resident Kevin Jablonski of Beebe Construction Services installs the sign on the new Otter Lake Fire Department firehose on Route 28

“It’s been a great project that we’ve been working on for years, but it never seemed real—never like it was going to actually happen. When I saw the sign going up it finally sunk in that this building will be ours,” said Otter Lake Fire Department Secretary Tom Abrial.

In 2009, Otter Lake received funding from the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) from a Firefighters Station Construction Grant.

Of the 6,025 national applicants, Otter Lake Fire Department was one of only 121 departments to receive funding.

This was due to a joint effort between the fire department, CAP-21 and former CAP-21 grant writer, Julie Benzo. Continue reading →

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Board appoints two new patrolmen to Town of Webb Police Department

The Town of Webb Board passed a resolution to appoint two new officers to the Webb Police Department, at its Tuesday, November 8 monthly meeting.

The appointment of Aaron Silverman as a Police Officer in Training and Craig Burritt as a part-time Police Officer followed a series of interviews between the candidates and Town Board members, and a recommendation by Police Chief John Russell. Continue reading →

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Old Forge Ballet to present Nutcracker, November 19th

The Old Forge Ballet Company will present two performances of the Nutcracker at the Strand Theatre in Old Forge on Saturday, November 19.

Rehearsing for the Nutcracker, in foreground at left, is Lauris Waranis. Behind her from left is Lauren Beckingham, Betty Rannels, Melissa Murphy, Caitlin Russell, and Sarah Beck. Photo by Carol Hansen

A matinee with narration will take place at 2 p.m, and the evening performance will begin at 7 p.m. A reception at the Forge Motel Lobby will follow the final showing and all are welcome to attend.

The Nutcracker, which has become a local holiday tradition, will feature principal guest artists Jennifer Grapes and Darren McIntyre dancing the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

This will mark the fourth time the international pair will join 40 company dancers and community performers from Eagle Bay, Inlet, Indian Lake, Old Forge, Thendara, Woodgate, for Tchaikovsky’s two act ballet Casse-Noisette (Nutcracker) at The Strand.

Sue Ann Lorenz-Wallace, Artistic Director of the Ballet Company, has announced this year’s cast. Continue reading →

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Ad’k Current Politics and Other Musings by Colin Criss

Adirondackers been known to take luge-run around difficulties

A big issue in the lives of Central Adirondackers, along with everyone else, is the economy; and who among us doesn’t have an opinion about it, especially local business owners and wage-earners.

We all wonder where the economy’s headed next and what we can do to fix it.

However, there are times when we in the Adirondacks can feel disconnected from the turbulance around us.

This “financial isolation” happened in 1932.

While the rest of the country tried to figure a way out of the Great Depression, Adirondackers welcomed skiers and skaters to Lake Placid to enjoy its luxurious mountain setting and compete for chunks of gold. Continue reading →

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