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Thom Randall

Stories by Thom

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Warren County hailed on its 200th anniversary

Warren County — known for tourism, its natural resources and its prominent role in American history — was honored this week on the 200th anniversary of its founding.

Musical ‘Grease’ this weekend at Warrensburg High

Year after year Warrensburg High School presents musicals that provide top-quality entertainment — because Director Jim Corriveau Jim Corriveau has developed an exceptional drama program that has enriched the lives of students from pre-teen years through high school.

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In upset victory, Lake George captures first basketball state championship.

Lake George basketball team makes history as they overpowering a far taller team and top of an outstanding season by winning the New York State Class C. Boys Basketball championship.

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Llama farm among Thurman Maple Days’ attractions

Thurman Maple Days isn't just about all things maple — it also features visits to the Peru Llama Farm, where children can enjoy an old-fashioned hay barn experience as well as an encounter with a llama or two.

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New administrator named for Warren County's nursing home

With Warren County's nursing home on the block, it was no surprise that the facility's CEO decided to leave her position — and on March 15, Warren County leaders appointed her replacement.

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Krystal Chrysler rewards woman who returns $11,000 in cash

An armored Brink's truck spewed $11,000 like a rolling ATM along a desolate rural roadway. Patty Wesner, following in her vintage SUV, couldn't believe her eyes. She pulled over, gathered the money and called the police, an act which a responding state Trooper called "unbelievable" honesty. To reward the good deed, Krystal Chrysler of Warrensburg fixed her car and filled her gas tank.

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With EMS squads in jeopardy, Warren Co. mulls Advanced Life Support ‘fly cars’

With volunteerism on the decline and ambulance squads short of ALS-trained manpower, a new idea has surfaced concerning meeting emergency medical needs in rural areas.

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Deep tax breaks sought for Price Chopper plaza near Warrensburg

Warrensburg residents have been waiting with keen anticipation for the new Price Chopper supermarket to be built near I-87 Northway Exit 23. But their enthusiasm cooled this week when the project developers requested a hefty tax break that represents a windfall for developers but a substantial loss of potential tax revenue for the school district and town — at a time they are facing extreme financial stress.

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‘Sham-Rock the Block' fest returns to Lake George

Lake George has always been known to provide a good time for revelers. But right out of the gate, the 'Sham Rock the Block event, a St. Patrick's Day party, has proven with its popularity that it's far more, providing a memorable time for children as well as the older partyers.

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Lake George merchants to meet on business improvement district proposal

After years of balking on the concept, Lake George merchants are now expressing nearly unanimous support for the proposal of forming a business improvement district in the village.

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Crowd savors food and fun at Thurman’s Jack Wax Party

Since the mid-1930s, Thurman residents have demonstrated their community spirit and charitable character through their involvement in the annual Jack Wax Party — a hometown fest that features maple syrup drizzled over shaved ice or snow.

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Public to hear proposals to privatize Westmount nursing home

After receiving proposals from private firms detailing potential privatization of the taxpayer-owned Westmount nursing home, Warren County officials have decided to have each bidder explain their offers to the public before negotiations begin.

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Rachael Ray show in Lake George — tickets on sale this Saturday

Every year. celebrity chef Rachael Ray — Lake George High School's most famous alumnus — returns to her alma mater to meet and greet her hometown fans, and tickets for her 2013 appearance are going on sale this Saturday.

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Town of Lake George poised to repurchase stake in Charles Wood Park

The town of Lake George is preparing an offer to reclaim ownership in Charles Wood Park. Although the previous town administration sold their share of ownership, claiming the park was likely to be a money pit, present town Supervisor Dennis Dickinson said this week his town would likely reap considerable revenue from adjacent parking — a key element of the pending ownership negotiation with Warren County.

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Village officials seek prosperity through stricter standards, taller buildings

Lake George officials are seeking to allow development of buildings of up to six stories tall, as well as strengthen their architectural standards — in an effort to boost prosperity.

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Bands & Beans fest will ‘rock the house’ Sunday in Lake George

Wall-to-wall people intent on partying, gourmet hearty food, bands on two stages — It's northern New York's "mother of all parties" — the Bands 'N Beans benefit for the Lake George Arts Project!

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Sunday’s ‘Wing-Off' in Warrensburg to fund youth mission

Teens look forward to brigntening others' lives

A group of Warrensburg teens are embarking on a mission to help make a difference in others' lives, and they're holding a fundraiser to help pay for the trip's expenses.

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Thurman EMS in limbo, agency to reorganize

Although Thurman residents overwhelmingly support local emergency medical services, the residents of the town have yet to figure out how best to pay for the operations of their ambulance squad.

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Savvy young drivers outwit adults piloting wacky sleds downhill

Wacky homemade sleds, created and piloted by both adults and children, evoked laughs, cheers and occasional trepidation in the annual Krazy Downhill Derby held Feb. 23 in Chestertown.

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For 2013, crowds returned to Lake George Winter Carnival

Participatory activities are increasingly popular, organizers of the Lake George Winter Carnival discovered during the 2013 edition of the region's premier off-season event.

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Warrensburg advances to Sectional semi-finals

Combining a strategic game plan with aggressive play, the Burghers' Girls Varsity Basketball team defeated one of the top squads in the region Feb. 22 and moved forward into the Section II semifinals.

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Family fun featured at concluding Carnival weekend

For decades, the Lake George Winter Carnival has been curing "cabin fever" during weekends in February — by offering a prescription of family activities. The final weekend of the Winter Carnival for 2013 — set for Saturday Feb. 23 and Sunday Feb. 24 — includes a bonfire and entertainment, snowmobile rides, demonstrations, a petting zoo, outdoor games and fireworks at dusk.

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‘Krazy Downhill Derby’ sled race set for Saturday

Winter sports enthusiasts in Northern Warren County annually express their humor and ingenuity in fashioning weird and wacky cleds for Chestertown's Krazy Downhill Derby,

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Retail sales break records in Warren Co., gov't. credit rating boosted

By trimming jobs and cutting expenses, Warren County government survived the recession — and had their credit rating boosted this week. Meanwhile, sales tax revenue is breaking records, indicating that retails sales are robust.

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Warren County leaders hail Warrensburg’s 200th

The 200th anniversary of Warrensburg's existence was commemorated Feb. 15 as Warren County Supervisors held a ceremony honoring the town's bicentennial.

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Activist to county leaders: ‘No gambling casino study’

Proponents of siting a casino in Lake George have talked about the jobs and economic expansion that would accompany the development and operation of a $1 billion gambling resort here. Opponents of the concept have warned of the negative consequences of a gambling casino on family life, area crime, traffic, social services and infrastructure. Citizen activist Joanne Gavin said this week studying the issue was a waste of money.

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Galloway awarded for decades of community service

For decades, a former Lake George Town Board member has been reaching out and helping others. This week, he was recognized for his deeds, as the town board presented him with the first annual Lake George Community Stewardship Award.

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Crowd demands Thurman EMS support through taxation

Thurman board opts for merger

The most people in history attended a Thurman town board meeting — the crowd demanded government support of emergency medical services, while the board rejected the idea of boosting taxes and argued for voluntary support — or merger with a neighboring ambulance squad.

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With gusto, Warrensburg citizens ring in their town’s third century

Warrensburg citizens observe the exact day of their town's bicentennial and share memories of the town's past

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Citizens to hail Warrensburg on its 200th birthday today

Warrensburg, historically considered the gateway to the Adirdonacks, is celebrating the 200th year of its founding throughout 2013 — with a special tribute to occur Tuesday Feb. 12 — the exact day of it was established as a town in 1813.

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First-ever Brant Lake Winter Carnival set for Saturday

Outhouse race to be featured

An outhouse race, a snowshoe softball game, ice skating, broomball, cross-country skiing, children's games, ice bowling, a lakeside bonfire, stellar entertainment, ice bowling and more are planned for the debut edition of the Brant Lake Winter Carnival — to be held beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday Feb. 9 at Jimbo's Club off state Rte. 8 in Horicon. The free family-friendly event is sponsored by the Tri-Lakes Business Alliance and Jimbo's Club.

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Hickory Ski Center's slopes may open Saturday

With heavy snowfall predicted Friday Feb. 8, the ski center renowned for its vintage skiing experience, natural snow and incredibly scenic vistas may have its slopes, trails and glades open Saturday. Regardless of the snowfall, the lodge and cafe will be open.

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Snocross racing returns to Lake George this weekend

Fun in store at Lk. Geo. Winter Carnival

The second weekend of the Lake George Winter Carnival is to feature the thrill-a-minute action of East Coast Snocross — championship sanctioned snowmobile racing

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Area economic development chief is departing

Vicki Pratt Gerbino was less than two years on the job here

Vicki Pratt Gerbino, hired by Warren Co. Economic Development Corp as President less than two years ago, is leaving her post, catching county leaders off-guard. Gerbino was known as a dynamic advocate for job growth and was recognized for boosting collaboration between economic development agencies.

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Fund established to aid homeowner displaced by fire

A Warrensburg man's home that was in his family for generations was devastated by fire — and there was only limited insurance on the structure. Knowing the man's plight, a neighbor decided to help out and start a fund to help the man recover, and work towards obtaining a new place to live.

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Despite closure talk, Thurman EMS is still responding to calls

Squad to host meeting to hear ideas, gain support

Although payroll is now non-existent, Thurman EMS is continuing to operate with volunteers — while the ambulance squad seeks to line up financial support to avoid closure.

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WCS places third in Class 3 Sectional wrestling tourney

Warrensburg High School places near the top of area small schools at the regional wrestling tournament — due to every one of its competitors contributing to the score — including Lane Oehler, who captured a title with a stunning upset win.

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Thurman EMS on verge of dissolving

After months of financial struggles and contentious showdowns with the Thurman Town board over operating support, the Thurman ambulance squad officials vote to shut down the agency.

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Early voting slammed as costly and impractical

While believing in boosting voting turnout, Warren County election commissioners blast the Early Voting initiative now pending in the state Legislature, claiming it will prompt an administrative nightmare and cost taxpayers plenty. The elections officials have a substitute method of accommodating expanded voting opportunities which avoids the expense and logistical problems.

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Warrensburg Central’s CEO to retire

Tim Lawson, the top administrator of Warrensburg Central that's led the school district through challenging financial times, is retiring as of November.

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Warren Co. officials weigh prospects of casino gambling in Lake George

Whether casino gambling in Lake George would destroy the family atmosphere — or provide good jobs and revenue — is now in the limelight as Warren Co. announces its intention to sponsor a study on the impact of hosting such a development here.

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Memories of Walt Grishkot shared at L.G. Winter Carnival gala

Adirondack Balloon Festival founder Walt Grishkot — visionary, huckster, showman and promoter extraordinaire — was recalled Feb. 25 at the Lake George Winter Carnival Gala dinner-dance, which was dedicated to Grishkot and his beloved wife Joan for their decades of service to the carnival and other Warren County events.

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Area residents are saving pull-tabs to benefit charity

Savvy, thrifty local residents know they can help area charities by saving those convenient rings on the top of soda and beer cans and pet-food containers — pull tabs made of high-grade aluminum.

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Lake George’s Lena Chase, 95, is leading a colorful life

Friends and family talk about the attributes of Lena Chase, 95, on the occasion of her birthday — describing her determination, strong will, outspokenness and strong work ethic.

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Lake Geo. Village amending sign regulations to boost off-season commerce

In recent decades, Lake George citizens have envisioned their village recapturing its character of many decades ago -- a community with year-round commercial vitality. Now, village officials say they are going to amend sign regulations to help achieve that vision.

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Bolton’s Ron Conover advances in Warren County government

Town of Bolton Supervisor Ron Conover moves up the political ladder in Warren County.

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Warren County’s not finished with its cost-cutting

in the face of fiscal pressure, Warren County leaders are continuing to devise new ways of saving taxpayers' money.

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Wbg. High's Dance Marathon demonstrates spirit of giving

Dancing the night away for charity, the students of Warrensburg help others while having loads of fun.

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After two-year stalemate, WCS teachers and school district agree on work contract

In a new contract signed between the Warrensburg School District and its teachers, Warrensburg taxpayers are gaining a little protection from future health care costs but paying a little more toward salaries.

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Wbg. grad in marching band at Obama’s inauguration

A former Warrensburg High School student, noted for her musicianship, is now pursuing a military career with an eye on joining a touring U.S. military band. In the meantime, she's commanding a 300-cadet battalion at Norwich University, and performing with the college band at Obama's inauguration.

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