(Dec 22, 2009) When Sara Snider volunteered for the Peace Corps she had one request: an assignment in a small town. She grew up in Waddington, along the St. Lawrence River, and studied economics at Notre Dame University. But a college diploma wasn't enough. Snider is in the midst of a two-year stint in western Africa where she's helping women with literacy, marketing skills and health care. Todd Moe spoke with her from Mali about life in the Peace Corps. [full story]

(Dec 14, 2009) Senator Darrel Aubertine is holding informal meetings statewide to gather input for New York’s agricultural policy. Aubertine chairs the Senate’s agriculture committee. Aubertine says he’s heard about oysters on Long Island, turf grass in the Hudson Valley, and cabbage and lettuce in western New York. At the latest meeting, Friday in Waddington, dairy topped the agenda. From labor to imports to environmental rules, dairy farmers feel they’re under siege. David Sommerstein reports. [full story]

(Jul 9, 2008) High prices are squeezing nearly every aspect of the North Country economy. That includes the stretch of the St. Lawrence River that’s breeding tourism based on carp fishing. The 3rd Annual Specialist Tackle Carp Challenge kicks off this morning in Waddington, but with half the number of angler teams from last year. Peter Henwood is the CEO of Specialist Tackle and owns the Riverview Motel on Route 37. Carp fishing is much more popular in Europe than here in the U.S. He says high airfares and gas prices are keeping anglers away this year. Henwood told David Sommerstein tourism in general has been quieter on his stretch of the river. [full story]

(Apr 6, 2006) Spring musicals continue this weekend at high schools across the region. A favorite Off-Broadway show and hit movie, Little Shop of Horrors, opens tonight (8 pm) in the auditorium at Madrid-Waddington Central School. The story is based on a campy, sci-fi/horror movie from the early 60's: a skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Todd Moe spoke with some of the students in the cast. [full story]

(Sep 26, 2005) Two years ago, the New York Power Authority got a new 50-year license to operate the hydropower dam on the St. Lawrence River. One condition of the license renewal was that NYPA return 1,500 acres of once-private land to local hands. Much of it will go to the villages and towns in St. Lawrence County affected by the power project. But some was to be transferred to property owners who live along the river. The state Attorney General recently ruled that's unconstitutional, and that the land should be sold at fair market value. As David Sommerstein reports, many local residents feared something like this would happen. [full story]