When a church employee entered the basement she found nearly 8 to 10 inches of water flooding the floors, according to Mother Nancy Betz, Director at the Christ Episcopal Church.

Damages are estimated at over $50,000. That figure does not include the cost of repairs to the building.

The water could not be managed by the sump-pump in the basement when the sewer backed up into the pipes due to the heavy rain.

The flood was not found for approximately a week, causing black mold to rot cabinets in the basement, and other property of the church. Other damages include the carpets within the upper floors of the church that were damaged by humidity causing mold.

Carpets will have to be replaced as well as the floors underneath. Services will be discontinued at the church until all repairs have been made.

“We are a small parish and don’t have many assets. It’s going to be difficult to say the least,” said Mother Betz in regards to the cost of clean up and repair.

The 11:00 a.m. service on Sunday at the Christ Episcopal Church has been canceled, and a joint service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Cape Vincent at 9:00 a.m.

Anyone within the community wishing to help the Church with clean-up or to contribute services is encouraged to contact Mother Betz at 315-686-3703.

The scam involves an automated message that is left on the potential victim's phone pretending to be from a financial institution. The automated messages are requesting personal information.

People are reminded by Investigator Darin C. Chartrand of the State Police office in Massena that, “This is a scam and to contact their bank if they need further verification.”

Most institutions will not request personal information over the phone.

This arrest stems from an incident on August 28 at about 8:30 p.m. at the Adams Fire Department. 

Mr. Stevens contacted police to report a burglary to the fire hall which after an investigation showed to be false. Mr. Stevens also admitted to stealing a tray of food from the fire hall on an unknown date.   

After an interview with Mr. Stevens it was determined he was involved in three Arson’s in the Town of Ellisburg in August. He and another juvenile set fire to an abandoned building on State Route 289 on August 8 at approximately 11 p.m.

According to a State Police case Mr. Stevens and 3 other juveniles were involved with another arson at the abandoned Pine Restaurant on State Route 11 in Mannsville on August 15 (Jefferson County Sheriffs Office case), and an arson with 3 juveniles at a hay barn located on County Route121 in the Town of Ellisburg that occurred on August 23 at 11:15 p.m. 

Stevens was additionally charged with 3 counts of Arson 3^rd a Class C Felony, Reckless Endangerment 2^nd, and 4 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Class A Misdemeanors. 

Stevens was arraigned in the Village of Adams Court and remanded to the Jefferson County Public Safety Building in lieu of $5000 bail pending Grand Jury action.

The juveniles aged 15,15,14  were processed and released to their parents pending Family Court proceedings.

City Council and the North Country Arts Council held a ceremony turning on the fountain's water and honoring artist Jeff Rule.

Mayor Jeff Graham presented Rule with a citizenship award and a City of Watertown Coin for his work and time spent transforming the blue fountain into a work of art.

Mr. Rule, owner of Inkwell Graphix, has worked diligently for the past several weeks to complete the chosen design for the fountain located at the intersection of Arsenal and Court Street.

13 other artists from the North Country submitted designs for the repainting of the Lachenauer Plaza Fountain in a design competition held by the North Country Arts Council.

Watertown police, at approximately 1:40 a.m. Wednesday, responded to 111 E. Lynde Street, in regards to a male subject that had been stabbed.

Guilfoyle Ambulance attendants transported Timothy C. Rolland, 21, to Samaritan Medical Emergency Room where he was pronounced dead at 2:02 a.m. Wednesday.

Krista M. Goley, 25, is charged with manslaughter in the second degree after stabbing Rolland with a knife in the left chest during a domestic dispute. Ms. Goley, a soldier from Fort Drum, was living with Rolland and mother of a 5-year-old boy. She was charged shortly after 4 p.m.

Bail has been set at $50,000 and she is being held in the Metro-Jefferson Public Safety Building.

The investigation is continuing.

Mr. Lebron is alleged to have caused severe bruising to a 3 year old child's buttock and a small bruise on each of her cheeks while disciplining her at his residence on August 29 at about 8:00 p.m.  

The child is the daughter of Mr. Lebron's fiance', Zoraida Garcia, and both reside with him at 118A Joseph Lonsway Dr., Clayton.

Mr. Lebron was issued an appearance ticket returnable in the Town of Clayton on September 14.

“This was not an easy year for reasons we are all well aware of, but the State Legislature did tend to the business of the volunteer responder as evidenced by the heart of our Associations legislative agenda being enacted into law,” said FASNY President Jacobowitz.

Motor vehicle accidents, either at the scene of an emergency, or responding to or from an alarm, have traditionally been the number two killer of volunteer firefighters in the United States, second only to heart attacks.

The Blue Light Law, which will increase safety for volunteer firefighters responding to emergencies, is designed to allow for the use of high-visibility blue lights on the rear of fire and EMS response vehicles and was introduced by NYS Senator Darrel Aubertine (D-Cape Vincent) and sponsored by Assemblyman Tim Gordon (I-Bethlehem).

This legislation allows fire departments, including the state’s almost 2,000 volunteer fire departments or fire companies, to install additional blue emergency lights in the rear of all of their fire and emergency response vehicles.

"Highway safety for responders and residents is critically important. Studies have proven the blue light to be visually superior to other colors and this new law will help make our highways a safer place to be for residents and emergency responders alike,” said Senator Aubertine. “I am proud to have sponsored this legislation and thankful to all of our volunteers for all that they do for us."

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) believes this crucial new law will significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries when firefighters are responding to an emergency and operating on the scene. 

"As an Assemblyman, I am particularly pleased with the passage and enactment of legislation I have sponsored,” said Assemblyman Gordon. “As an active Volunteer Firefighter, I am even more pleased to know that I can make a contribution to the safety and welfare of New York's residents and to my fellow firefighters.”

In addition, the new law continues exclusive use of the blue light by volunteers on personal vehicles to be projected in 360 degree fashion, and amends vehicle and traffic law to add the blue light notifying drivers to reduce their speed when approaching emergency vehicles displaying red, white and blue lights.

Karen M. Goetz, now Executive Director, hopes to fill the position with someone that is motivated and energetic about promoting the Clayton and 1000 Islands Region.

She explained that the candidate must have good social, communication and written skills. The job salary will be in the 30k range and will include benefit options.

The board of directors hopes to have the position filled by mid-October so the new executive director can have time with Goetz to learn the responsabilities that the Directors position entails.

Resumes will be examined by a search committee, using the criteria set by the Chamber.

All resumes and cover letters must be received on or before Wednesday, September 8, at 5p.m.

Goetz has been with the chamber for 13 years, ending those years with retirement on  December 3^rd. She explained that she plans on spending more time with her children and grandchildren in Texas, but will continue to be a residence of Clayton because of her love for the river and community.

Resumes and cover letters should be sent to the Executive Director Search Committee, 517 Riverside Drive, Clayton N.Y. 13624 or via e-mail at director@1000islands-clayton.com.

Jefferson Community College kicked off the 2010-2011 school year with over 3,000 students enrolled in classes.

Faculty and staff began Monday and Tuesday morning at the Jules Center welcoming back students in a sponsored event from the new student services department of the Learning and Success Center.

Jumpstart with Java allowed for students to grab a cup of coffee and talk with faculty and staff about questions they might have on their first day.

Many of the students faced their first day of college, but were familiar with campus already after visiting for orientation and other summer programs.

“We were involved with the Summer Bridge Program, so it wasn’t that difficult to start on the first day,” said freshman Taylore Kelsey. “I choose here because it was cheaper to come here than rather go to a four year school to start with.”

Jefferson Community College grows each year. Enrollment is up by 9.3% since fall of 2009, with a record enrollment of full-time students totaling 2,220.

One class seeing continued enrollment and development is the Nursing A.A.S. Degree program with a returning senior class of 47 students- the highest class retention rate, according to a recent release from JCC.

Nicole Francis, a transferring student from Missouri, explains she came to JCC when her husband was relocated to Fort Drum, and because of JCC campus location it was perfect for her to continue her education.

“I am hoping to get my RN in psych and move on to be a neonatal nurse and gain a good career to bring up my baby,” said Francis.

Several other degree programs have seen an enrollment growth rate greater than 25% including: Early Childhood A.A.S., Human Services A.S., Liberal Arts and Sciences- Mathematics and Sciences, A.S., Office Technologies A.A.S., and Individual Studies A.A., A.S., and A.A.S.

SUNY Empire State College President Alan R. Davis and Jefferson Community College President Carl McCoy signed a memorandum of understanding, marking the College's fifth official partner in education.

The partnership will bring access to a bachelor’s degree in childhood studies and other bachelor’s and master’s programs that are offered by Empire State College.

The signing of the memorandum wasn’t the only new change at JCC. Empire State College offices are moving from downtown Watertown to new offices in the Extended Learning Center at JCC, making access to information and resources easier for students.

 “SUNY Empire State College is pleased to join Jefferson Community College’s Higher Education Center,” said Davis. “Together we are opening opportunities for more adult learners to pursue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree. I compliment President McCoy and the Board of JCC for their vision and leadership in establishing Jefferson Community College’s Higher Education Center.”

The Extended Learning Center is the home to Jefferson’s Higher Education Center. The Higher Education Center provides improved access to bachelors, masters and professional certifications for students in the North Country wishing to continue their growing education.

“Empire State College has long served the needs of adult learners in New York  with a unique blend of independent studies, online courses, residencies and courses offered at locations across New York State,” said Carole A. McCoy, D.P.A., president of Jefferson Community College.  “We are thrilled Empire is joining Jefferson’s Higher Education Center initiative, which will provide direct access to bachelor’s degrees for current Jefferson students as well as all North Country residents.”

Other educational institutions that have partnered with JCC include: Paul Smith's College, SUNY Potsdam, SUNY Upstate Medical University and SUNY Colleges of the North Country.  

Wednesday's ceremony will signal a shift toward a greater U.S. diplomatic role as the military mission dwindles seven years after the American invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

Underscoring the shift, officials said Biden will make a new appeal to Iraqi leaders, including Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, to end the political deadlock and seat a new government. March 7 parliamentary elections left Iraq without a clear winner, and insurgents have exploited the uncertainty to hammer Iraqi security forces in near-daily attacks.

Biden and al-Maliki will meet Tuesday morning "to discuss the political situation and withdrawal, and Iraqis taking over responsibility for security," the prime minister's adviser, Yasin Majeed, told The Associated Press.

It was the vice president's sixth trip to Iraq since he was elected and, officially, he came to preside over a military change-of-command ceremony. On Wednesday, Gen. Ray Odierno ends more than five years in Iraq and hands over the reins as commander of U.S. forces here to Lt. Gen. Lloyd Austin. Austin also has served extensively in Iraq, most recently as commander of troop operations in 2008-09.

But the Sept. 1 ceremony also marks the start of the so-called "Operation New Dawn" — symbolizing the beginning of the end of the American military's mission in Iraq since invading in March 2003.

Just under 50,000 U.S. troops remain in Iraq — down from a peak of nearly 170,000 at the height of the 2007 military surge that is credited with turning the tide in Iraq as it teetered on the brink of civil war. Additionally, U.S. troops no longer will be allowed to go on combat missions unless requested and accompanied by Iraqi forces.

Stay tuned to MyABC50.com's Fort Drum Corner for all your Fort Drum news.

Thousand Islands High School is ready to open their doors to students on September 7, beginning the first day of class for the 2010-2011 school year.

Superintendent Joseph Menard is confident that the new school year is going to be good for teachers and students alike.

“Staff is working extremely hard. I can tell you I see staff in everyday preparing their rooms, custodial staff is really working hard in having everything ready,” said Menard.

“I hope students look forward to coming in and learning, working hard and to have fun.”

Senior English teacher Irene Brooks says she is excited to see students again in the classrooms and eager to begin preparing them for their upcoming college experiences.

“What I look forward to the most is just seeing my kids. I miss them over the summertime,” said Brooks.

Brooks teaches not only 12^th grade English classes, but also college level courses from Syracuse University.

“Given the fact that I teach seniors it is very exciting because when they come back in September they’re really thinking about college and are excited. They want letters of recommendation, help with applications, their mindset is really different than it was when they left in June,” said Brooks.

Personally, I hate the word ‘estate’.   We have been brought up associating the word with wealth and luxury so the tendency is to believe that estate planning is a worry for only the elite social class in which we don’t belong. 

Let’s make this simple.  Your estate is everything you own and your liabilities at the time of your death.  Estate planning is the preparation of a plan to dispose of your estate and to have an organized structure to protect your family.  Minimizing tax is merely a component of estate planning.  The definitions in no way imply that wealth is a criterion.

Unless Congress takes action, next year an estate with assets valued at more than $1 million dollars will be subject to federal estate tax which combined with NYS tax could reach a top rate of over 70%!!!  Okay, so a million bucks still seems out of your league… start adding up the value of your home, the death benefit from your life insurance policy, the balance in your retirement plan, your cars and other items you own.  You may be surprised to find that you are, indeed, a millionaire.

NO EXCUSES!  If you are looking for the perfect way to say “I love you” to your special someone then skip the call to the FTD florist and put at least some basic planning into place.   At minimum, some term life insurance and a will. 

Term life insurance, depending on age and health, can cost as much as a two topping pizza per month.  The main goal of term insurance is to replace income or value.  How will your family survive without your income or value?  Do not ignore the value of a stay at home parent for instance. You might want to check out how much that live in nanny or daycare will cost as a replacement.  As a general rule of thumb, you should have at least ten times your annual income or the value of your annual services to allow for your family to readjust.

And, for a few hundred dollars you should be able to secure a basic will to spell out how you would like your property distributed and outline your desires and intentions. Without a will it could take years to determine how your estate will be divided and handled.   A will has advantages and disadvantages but it is the most common method of estate planning.  

This may all sound boring, with which I may agree, but it seriously could be the most loving thing you could do for those you care about.  OR you can continue to do nothing because rest assured that if you don’t, the courts will….and you may not like the result…but hey, no worries, you’ll be gone and it’s just your family right? 

Oh, I’m sorry.  Did I just guilt trip you into getting some insurance and a will?  Hope so!

The state's former chief judge, acting as a special counsel, called Paterson's testimony "inaccurate and misleading" and has asked a district attorney to consider a perjury investigation.

That doesn't necessarily mean that Paterson, who rose to office in 2008 when Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned amid a prostitution scandal, will ever be charged, though. Former prosecutors say perjury is a notoriously difficult charge to prove, if it's pursued at all.

"If everyone in that Capitol who lies is going to be charged with perjury, the district attorney better hire a lot more prosecutors," said David Grandeau, former head of the state's lobbying commission and a widely respected investigator of misconduct in a capital that's earned a national reputation for it.

In a report Thursday, former state Chief Judge Judith Kaye noted four of five of Paterson's tickets to the World Series opening game between the Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies were paid for shortly afterward, following a press inquiry from the New York Post newspaper.

Kaye said there's a question whether the Democratic governor gave "intentionally false testimony" to the state Commission on Public Integrity about having written an $850 check in advance for two tickets.

However, Kaye said the perjury issue was "clouded" by the way Paterson's testimony was given, with the entries read aloud to the legally blind governor. If Paterson had personally examined the check used to pay for two tickets, which was not in his handwriting, that "would have been obvious to the governor," she said.

Paterson's private attorney, Theodore Wells Jr., said Paterson didn't lie, and he noted Kaye's report doesn't recommend bringing charges or conclude Paterson intended to give false testimony.

"We are therefore hopeful that (Albany County District Attorney David) Soares will ultimately conclude that no criminal charges are warranted," he said.

He was found in the water close to his boat in French Creek early Thursday morning by the Jefferson County S.T.A.R divers.

Senior Investigator Ladue joined the State Police in January 1974 and retired in April 2007 . He was last assigned to the Watertown barracks in charge of the BCI unit.

He is survived by wife Jacqueline, two sons Richard Jr. and Chad B., and daughter Amy.

Along with the STAR team, Clayton Police Department and Clayton Fire Department assisted at the scene.

Stay tuned to MyABC50.com for updates on the investigation.

The hose/valve/regulator (HVR) assembly does not work properly when the product is in the “low” temperature setting. The flame goes out and when the smoker is reignited the build-up of propane gas causes the smoker door to burst open. In five cases, the door has opened and hit the consumer, with injuries ranging from burns to cuts.

The vertical gas smokers were manufactured by a Chinese company, Ningbo Spring Communications. The smokers have been sold in Wal-Mart and other national retailers since March 2008 for approximately $140.

The gas smokers included in this recall have a model number of 07701413. This number can be found on a metal tag located on the right rear leg of the smoker.

The U.S. CPSC and Char-Broil urge consumers to stop use of the product and to contact Char-Broil for a free replacement HVR assembly and installation instructions.

For more information on this product recall, visit www.charbroil.com.

Check out MyABC50.com's Health Alert link for all your health advisories and healthy living tips.

The New York State Fair is introducing new aspects this year, making the fair a great place to grab a quality bite to eat, a good glass of locally produced wine, adventure through wild rides and learn what makes New York the best place to be.

Tuesday afternoon, venders and construction crews worked hard to get everything set for Thursday’s grand opening of the Great New York State Fair’s 12 day event.

This year, crews worked have designed attractive landscaped area next to the Pride of New York Marketplace on the Chevy Court. The patio area incorporates shaded areas for people to relax and plan their day’s activities or just sit and catch their breath.

The patio was designed by Green Shapes Inc. and includes a tranquil waterfall. This streaming waterfall is just one of the new “green” features that the New York State Fair has incorporated this year. The waterfall circulates and re-uses water.

Another great feature that the fair has developed is the patios permeable pavers. These new pavers keep the rain from running off into the Chevy Court’s storm sewer system.

Rain gardens also surround the Chevy Court as well as the roof of the patio’s rustic tool shed, including live plants to help soak up water.

“You have stone underneath so as it rains or the storm water comes off it'll be absorbed and filtered down into the sediment and then you have rain gardens so then you have the water flow into the rain gardens," he said.

Green aspects aren’t the only new additions to the Chevy Court area. This year the Fair has expanded seating and picnic areas to facilitate nearly 150 people. From these areas fairgoers will be able to view the Chevy Court Stage or its big video screen.

Many great performers will fill the air with free musical entertainment at the Chevy Court. Performers range from country music’s hot group Lady Antebellum, to classic rock icons like Styx and Blue Oyster Cult.

For those visiting the Fair for a little more excitement and adventure new attractions will be available. The Adventure Zone will feature rides that will have visitors walking on water, soaring through the air and even getting up close and personal with tigers, baboons and other wild animals.

Adults looking for a cold and refreshing beverage will have a wide variety to choose from this year. Local wineries and restaurants were gearing up for large crowds Tuesday afternoon.

The Uncork New York Wine Village will be on Restaurant Row this year, moving from it’s original location between the Coliseum and the Toyota Dairy Building, to approximately 20 feet away to it’s own tent located near several Fair food vendors.

Locally produced wines from all over New York will be serving glasses of wine showcasing one of the states most successful agricultural products.

“This is part of the Fair’s ongoing efforts to promote New York State products,” State Fair Director Dan O’Hara said. “New York is the second-largest wine producing state in the country and the third-largest producer of grapes. We want to help improve awareness and access to New York wine and are doing so by significantly increasing the number of outlets at which fairgoers can purchase New York wine.”

Agriculture has always been an integral aspect to the New York State Fair. A new interactive exhibit in the Witter Agricultural Museum is bringing New York agriculture to life.

“Today, everyone eats, but few know where their food comes from and how it is grown,” said Richard Church, President of the Friends of the Witter Agricultural Museum. “These exhibits encourage people to learn about New York agriculture, past and present, and to do so through exhibits that make the learning experience fun for all ages.”

A 350-year tour of farming and hands-on displays have been added to displays in the 82-year-old museum building. Panels with facts about Empire State farming and historical displays will walk visitors through the history of farming.

For a complete listing of events and attractions at the New York State Fair CLICK HERE, and stay tuned to MyABC50.com for updates!