Press-Republican

05/14/2026

BREAKING: Reber FD gets 1-year extension

The Willsboro-Reber Board of Fire District Commissioners voted on Monday to allow the Reber Fire Department to continue operating, provided it has at least six certified volunteers by June 1, 2027.

At the March 9 board meeting, the WRFD voted to close the Reber Fire Station as of June 1, 2026. According to what was presented, it was a combination of Reber residents being unaware of the situation and a lack of communication by the WRFD. Residents claimed they first became aware of the situation March 31.

On April 13, about 50 residents filled the Willsboro Volunteer Firehouse, voicing their disapproval for the proposed closing of Willsboro Station 2, also known as the Reber Volunteer Fire Company, which has been in existence for 72 years.

At that time, the WRFD Board indicated they would take the information provided and would make a decision to be rendered at its May meeting.

Read the full story online.

WILLSBORO — The Willsboro-Reber Board of Fire District Commissioners voted on Monday to allow the Reber Fire Department to continue operating, provided it has at least six certified volunteers by

05/12/2026

BREAKING: Plattsburgh man arrested for child s*x abuse materials

The New York State Police Troop B Computer Crime Unit and Homeland Security Investigations arrested George B. Shimell, 29, of Plattsburgh, in connection with an investigation into the possession of child s*xual abuse material.

Shimell was remanded to Clinton County Jail to be arraigned in the Northern District Court of New York.

The investigation remains ongoing and is being conducted jointly by state police and HSI.

If anyone has information regarding this investigation, or who may be a victim of s*xual abuse, contact state police at 518-873-2750.

Read the full story online.

PLATTSBURGH — A Plattsburgh man was arrested for child s*xual abuse materials.

05/11/2026

BREAKING: Malone man convicted of s*xual assault against a child, other charges

After a five-day jury trial that concluded today, a Franklin County jury found Justin P. Lamica, 39, of Malone, guilty of multiple charges regarding the s*xual abuse of a child.

Lamica was convicted of predatory s*xual assault of a child, a Class A felony, as well as r**e in the first degree, course of s*xual conduct against a child in the first degree and s*xual abuse in the first degree, among other charges.

Lamica, a Level 2 registered s*x offender from a previous conviction, faces a minimum sentence of 10 years to life and a maximum of 25 to life on top of the charge of predatory s*xual assault of a child less than 11 years old at the time.

Read the full story online.

MALONE — After a five-day jury trial that concluded today, a Franklin County jury found Justin P. Lamica, 39, of Malone, guilty of multiple charges regarding the s*xual abuse of

05/11/2026

UPDATE: The missing child has been located in good health and returned to her family. The story at www.pressrepublican.com will be updated.

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BREAKING: State police are still searching for a 16-year-old girl who went missing in Morrisonville.

Police said Koltynne H. Wood was seen leaving her home on Shingle Street at approximately 9 p.m. Saturday.

She was later seen again around 2:45 a.m. Sunday on surveillance footage near State Route 22B in Morrisonville.

Police believe she may be in the wooded areas or near roadways in the surrounding area.

Wood is described as 5-foot, 3-inches tall; approximately 100 pounds; short, brown hair; and blue eyes.

Police said Wood was last seen wearing dark-colored pants, a light-colored top and carrying a flashlight.

Residents in the area are asked to check security cameras, sheds, garages, wooded property and any other areas where she may have sought shelter.

An emergency alert sent to phones across Clinton County Monday morning said residents should check buildings in the area on Shingle Street as the "subject may be hiding."

Anyone with information or possible sightings is asked to contact the New York State Police at 518-563-3761 immediately.

05/08/2026

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05/05/2026

BREAKING: Stec's bills addressing prison safety blocked

Two bills sponsored and advanced by State Senator Dan Stec to address the ongoing safety crisis inside correctional facilities were blocked by Senate Democrats today.

Senate bill S.2656, authorizing a repeal of the HALT Act, and S.8492 to establish a digital legal mail program were struck down and prevented from being voted on by the entire Senate in a party-line vote by Democrats on the Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections Committee.

Stec (R,C-Queensbury) has long been an outspoken advocate on behalf of correction officers and civilian staff, authoring these two bills after repeated visits at all the correctional facilities inside the 45th Senate District and meetings with officers, prison superintendents and Department of Corrections and Community Supervision representatives.

Read the full story online.

ALBANY — Two bills sponsored and advanced by State Sen. Dan Stec to address the ongoing safety crisis inside correctional facilities were blocked by Senate Democrats today.

05/05/2026

Have an event going on in Clinton, Ess*x or Franklin counties that you'd like to have promoted for free in the Press-Republican? Don't forget about Sights & Sounds and Community Calendar!

Sights & Sounds deadline: 5 p.m. Friday the week before Thursday publication.

Community Calendar deadline: 5 p.m. the Tuesday before Friday publication.

All submissions can be emailed to [email protected], faxed to 518-561-3362 or mailed to Press-Republican Calendars, 170 Margaret St., Plattsburgh, NY, 12901. For questions, call 518-565-4148.

05/04/2026

ICYMI: The Ticonderoga Little League turned 75 last weekend.

“We're celebrating 75 years of Little League in Ticonderoga, and that's a milestone,” Bob Dedrick Sr., a longtime supporter of the Little League, said. “And I really want to thank those individuals that actually thought to start this program way back in 1952.

"They wanted to give something back to the community, and they wanted to help kids. And we've kept that, you know, we've kept that mission alive for all these years and even expanded on it. So I'm just thrilled that we have a great Little League program, and people are still continuing, being successful in donating their time and effort and money to keep this thing going … It’s been rewarding to see development of all the programs over time.”

Read the full story online.

TICONDEROGA — Two’s a company and three’s a crowd, but it takes a village to make something special.

05/03/2026

https://www.facebook.com/1130062099/posts/10240406146427802/?app=fbl

05/01/2026

The New York State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Jessica L. Lord, 39, whose last known residence was in Plattsburgh.

Lord is described as a white female, approximately 5-feet, 6-inches tall, weighing approximately 140 pounds, with brown hair, blue eyes and a fair complexion. Her clothing description and last known area are unknown at this time.

Lord was last physically seen Nov. 6, 2025, in the presence of the New York Police Department and Port Authority. Her last known communication was Jan. 2 via social media.

She is known to have ties to West Virginia, New York City and New Jersey.

State police are actively investigating and searching for Lord.

Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts should contact the New York State Police at 518-563-3761.

Read the full story at

PLATTSBURGH — The New York State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Jessica L. Lord, 39, whose last known residence was in Plattsburgh.