Hamilton County Express

Hamilton County Express Hamilton County Express - newspaper of Hamilton County Region and your complete source of news and information. The ONLY media reaching the entire county.

About the week of October 8, 1977…In Long Lake:On Wednesday, September 28, 1977, the Adirondack Museum was alive with so...
10/12/2025

About the week of October 8, 1977…

In Long Lake:

On Wednesday, September 28, 1977, the Adirondack Museum was alive with sounds of the blacksmith’s hammer, the woodsman’s ax and children’s voices.

The smell of charcoal from a small forge permeated the air as visitors toured the various demonstrations. Over 800 school children and adults saw such crafts as wood carving by Rick Butz of Blue Mountain Lake, quilting by Edith Mitchell of Blue Mountain Lake and snowshoe making by June Havlick of Gloversville. Many students made rubbings of gravestones with the help of Indian Lake high School students and Museum staff. Many students also took chips from the hewn beam for souvenirs of their day.

Hamilton County students came from Indian Lake, Inlet, and Raquette Lake schools. Other schools represented were Old Forge, Tupper Lake, Lake George and Peru. The students got to see demonstrations of blacksmithing, woodcarving, basketweaving, gravestone rubbing, snowshoe making, quilting, boatbuilding and lumbering.

Pictured in photos published in the Hamilton County News in October 1977 of students from multiple schools visiting the Adirondack Museum: Raquette Lake students try out the shingle shaving bench; Blacksmith Paul McMahon explains his craft as he forges a tool for Lake Pleasant and Long Lake students. — File photos

Read more from The Way Things Were by Aaron Weaver:
https://wp.me/peJPvR-3R5

Wells Central School PreK and Kindergarten students recently enjoyed a field trip to Sand Flats Orchard.— Photo submitte...
10/11/2025

Wells Central School PreK and Kindergarten students recently enjoyed a field trip to Sand Flats Orchard.— Photo submitted

The Lions Club of Long Lake collaborated with Northern Needles to provide 30 flannel blankets for cancer patients at the...
10/09/2025

The Lions Club of Long Lake collaborated with Northern Needles to provide 30 flannel blankets for cancer patients at the C.R. Wood Cancer Center in Glens Falls.

The Lions club provided $600 to purchase four full bolts of high-quality flannel; two of which had a brightly colored dinosaur pattern for children. Tiger Lily Quilt Shop in Utica special ordered the fabric at a substantial discount. Then the ladies of Northern Needles went to work transforming the flannel into cozy, lap-sized blankets.

Two of the goals of Lions are humanitarian needs and childhood cancer, and every other year Northern Needles members complete a service project, so this was a perfect collaboration to benefit our friends and neighbors. The C.R. Wood Cancer Center staff gratefully received them and noted that there was a continual need for blankets.

Pictured are Northern Needles members, from left to right: Martha Gordon, Deb Traynor, Betty Scott, Elaine Widay, Trudi Winter, Carol Clas, Roberta Poneman, Maryann Huhn-Werner, Sue Kunzmann and Patty Farrell. — Photo submitted

— By Kate Cronn, For the Express
Kate Cronn is a Lions Club member and Northern Needles secretary.

10/08/2025

Statewide burn ban in effect through October 15 —

Drought warning remains in effect for Adirondacks

Governor Kathy Hochul, with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, has announced a statewide burn ban on October 2 due to increased fire risk and continued dry conditions. The ban will be in effect until Oct. 15 and will be revaluated prior to expiration.

New Yorkers can help prevent fires in communities and in the backcountry by complying with the prohibition on most outdoor fires and protect water supplies by continuing to conserve water whenever possible.

“The ongoing nice weather is great for watching fall foliage or gathering with friends, but it also presents a higher risk for fires that put homes, businesses and our brave first responders at risk,” Governor Hochul said. “Many regions are already in a drought watch or warning due to the dry conditions, and with the fire risk rising in some parts of the state, it is important to keep everyone safe by implementing this temporary burn ban.”

The statewide burn ban now in effect prohibits the starting of outdoor fires for purposes of brush and debris disposal, as well as all uncontained fires, including campfires, and open fires used for cooking. Backyard fire pits and contained campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width or diameter are allowed, as are small, contained cooking fires. Burning garbage or leaves is already prohibited year-round in New York State and several municipalities have burn bans currently in effect.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “New York State is fortunate to have some of the most qualified wildland firefighters in the country protecting our forests and communities. New Yorkers can help keep them and our resources safe by working to prevent fires in the first place. We fully support Governor Hochul’s decision to ban outdoor fires until conditions return to safer levels and continue to encourage New Yorkers to help conserve water so that we have an abundant supply for firefighting and other essential uses.”

Recent dry conditions are resulting in a “High” fire danger for several areas including the Adirondack, High Peaks and Upper Hudson Champlain Fire Danger Rating Areas. A high fire danger means all fine, dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes, including unattended brush and campfires. The rest of the state remains in “Moderate” fire danger, which means fires can start from most accidental causes.

The current fire danger map is available on the DEC website.

The high fire danger is due in part to gusty winds and lower relative humidities forecasted during an existing prolonged dry spell. Any notable rainfall from last week was not areawide and while wind gusts are expected to calm down, dry conditions are expected to continue for at least another week.

Since the beginning of August, Forest Rangers have responded to 64 wildland fires across the state. Fires may become serious and controlling them difficult unless attacked successfully while still small.

The dry weather also factors into the drought warning in effect for 12 counties in the Adirondack and Southern Tier regions. A drought watch remains in effect for the rest of the state except for New York City and Westchester County. View a map of New York State Drought Conditions by visiting DEC’s website.

New York State is encouraging all residents, including those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks.

There are four levels of State drought advisories: watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. There are no mandatory State restrictions under a drought watch or warning. A warning declaration is a notice of impending and imminent severe drought conditions and includes increasing public awareness and voluntary water conservation.

Public water supply purveyors and industries are urged to continue to implement local drought contingency plans.

About the week of October 1, 1977…In Indian Lake —It was reported in the Hamilton County News of October 1977, that Indi...
10/06/2025

About the week of October 1, 1977…

In Indian Lake —
It was reported in the Hamilton County News of October 1977, that Indian Lake’s new fire hall, that was erected at the same spot as the one before, was planned to reach completion in four to five weeks, or by November of 1977.

The Indian Lake Volunteer Fire Department was to pay for the building. Building contractor Agari-Pole , of Clayville N.Y., finished shell construction around the end of September 1977. It was planned that the firemen were to finish construction on the interior.

According to fireman Michael Arsenault, the building measures 56×76 feet and was planned to contain several rooms including a 10×10 office, 16×23 meeting room, 22×27 kitchen, 9×15 storage room, 9×7 generator room and two restrooms. The building was being constructed in memory of Terry Parker, according to an Indian Lake Central School student, Joe Carroll, who reported this event.

Pictured is a photo published in the Hamilton County News in October 1977 showing Indian Lake’s new firehall under construction. — File photo

The Lake Pleasant Central School Fourth Grade, along with their teacher Mrs. Crouse, came to harvest their plots in the ...
10/05/2025

The Lake Pleasant Central School Fourth Grade, along with their teacher Mrs. Crouse, came to harvest their plots in the Community Garden. After a productive growing season, students picked popcorn, green beans, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, beets, carrots, peppers and sugar pumpkins. They did an awesome job cleaning up their garden plots. Garden Coordinator June Bergholtz explained that popcorn must dry, and demonstrated how a moisture meter works. Mrs. Crouse talked about many of the different things students would be making with their produce, as well as taking some of it home. Pictured along with the students are Bergholtz, Mina Swanson, and Betsy Bain, Lake Pleasant Town Supervisor.— Photo submitted

Long Lake to host Harvest Craft Fair and annual Octo-Bear-Fest on Oct. 11 —The Town of Long Lake Parks and Recreation De...
10/04/2025

Long Lake to host Harvest Craft Fair and annual Octo-Bear-Fest on Oct. 11 —

The Town of Long Lake Parks and Recreation Department announced the return of two beloved community traditions on Saturday, October 11.

— Harvest Craft Fair —

Held at the Long Lake Town Hall, 1204 Main Street, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Browse a wide variety of handmade goods including wooden bowls, Christmas décor, candles, textiles, jams, cards and bookmarks, jewelry, books, hand-knit hats, mittens, socks, alpaca textiles, photo prints, birdhouses, and more — all crafted in the USA.

— 11th Annual Octo-Bear-Fest —

Taking place at The Park, 1133 Deerland Road, this all-day fundraiser in honor of Lorrie Hosley features vendors, local art and photography, a silent auction, food, and live music.

Octo-Bear-Fest is a benefit for Randy’s Patient Assistance Fund at the C.R. Wood Cancer Center. All proceeds support patients by covering treatment copays, medications, gas cards, and transportation costs. The fund is fully sustained by community donations, with 100% of contributions going directly back to patients in need.

Plan ahead —

Fall weather can be unpredictable — come prepared for both crisp autumn chill and unexpected warmth.

For more information, visit www.mylonglake.com or call the Long Lake Parks and Recreation Department at 518-624-3077. – Photo courtesy of Town of Long Lake

Indian Lake Librarian Susan Rollings was recently recognized as one of New York State Assemblyman Robert Smullen’s Women...
10/03/2025

Indian Lake Librarian Susan Rollings was recently recognized as one of New York State Assemblyman Robert Smullen’s Women of Distinction. Each year, Assemblyman Smullen recognizes women who make an impactful difference in their community.

“Miss Susan,” as local students know her, goes above and beyond to make reading fun for every age. Susan not only collaborates with the school, but local daycares as well to bring reading and crafts to them. She hosts numerous events year-round at the library to engage the youth. These include read-aloud book parties, a summer reading program, holiday craft parties, and much more. There is never a missed opportunity when it comes to Susan and the fantastic ideas she comes up with.

Susan has created and hosted numerous events for adults as well. She started a craft workshop for teens and adults to encourage involvement with the library. The library also hosts events for senior citizens including smartphone/tablet lessons, health information sessions and more.

The past two years, Susan and her staff at the library participated in our townwide Pollinator & Monarch Festival. They raised butterflies and awarded prizes to individuals who completed this year’s challenge. Susan also attended our Town one-day festival complete with crafts and learning materials, which was a big hit for the children who know and adore “Miss Susan.”

Susan was recognized for her dedication to the community in Johnstown on September 11. Joining her were her partner, Harold, and Town of Indian Lake Supervisor Brian Wells.

For more information on the Indian Lake Library, please visit their website at indianlake.sals.edu/ or call 518-648-5444. They are open every day, except Sunday. Please visit their website for their current hours.

Pictured are, from left, Town of Indian Lake Supervisor Brian Wells, Assemblyman Smullen, Rollings, and her partner, Harold. — Photo courtesy of Town of Indian Lake

—By Kylie Cannan, For the Express

The Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts (ALCA) will present an evening of music with world-renowned Indian classical mu...
10/02/2025

The Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts (ALCA) will present an evening of music with world-renowned Indian classical musician Ustad Shafaat Khan (pictured)on Saturday, October 4 at 7:30 p.m. Maestro Khan will be joined by Farhaj Aziz on keyboards and feature a special guest appearance by Sufian Khan on sitar.

An expert of sitar, surbahar, and tabla, Ustad Shafaat Khan has captivated audiences across the globe with his dynamic blend of Indian classical, folk, and fusion music. Son of Ustad Imrat Khan and nephew of Ustad Vilayat Khan, he has performed at prestigious venues and festivals worldwide, including Bonnaroo with Stevie Wonder, a televised concert with Ray Charles in Germany, and numerous recordings produced by Dr. Deepak Chopra. His performances weave together sitar, tabla, vocals, and Western instruments to create a deeply immersive experience, often incorporating the poetry of Rumi.

In addition to the concert, Maestro Khan will lead a free community workshop titled Introduction to Classical Music of India on Sunday, October 5th, from 2:00–5:00 PM. Open to all ages, the interactive session will explore the history, culture, and improvisational art of Indian music, while introducing participants to the basics of melody (raag) and rhythm (taal). Attendees are encouraged to bring their own instruments and to try their hand at Indian musical forms.

Tickets for the concert are available online at adirondackarts.org or at the door. Admission to the Sunday workshop is free and open to the public.

For more information on Ustad Shafaat Khan, visit his official website at www.musicalbeats.net.

Founded in 1967, ALCA)is dedicated to bringing vibrant artistic, educational, and cultural programming to the Adirondack region. ALCA’s programming, including concerts, theatre performances, gallery exhibits, workshops and lectures, is made possible by funding from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature along with the Glenn & Carol Pearsall Foundation and our generous business and individual sponsors. For more information visit adirondackarts.org. — Photo courtesy of ALCA

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2942 State Route 28
Amsterdam, NY
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