What, if anything, are you most excited about this spring in St. Lawrence County? (Choose as many that apply)

Natural burial is now an option in St. Lawrence County and local cemeteries and funeral homes are gearing up as interest grows. Bayside Cemetery in Potsdam was approved last September by the New York State Division of Cemeteries to offer a natural burial option. Natural burial reduces one’s environmental footprint compared to conventional interment or cremation. Bayside is one of few cemeteries in the North Country that has set aside sections dedicated to natural burial. Would you consider a natural burial in St. Lawrence County?

Did you watch the total solar eclipse on April 8 in St. Lawrence County?

Gas prices in St. Lawrence County continue to be significantly higher than neighboring counties and legislators are seeking answers as to why that is the case. Do you prefer a certain chain or store when purchasing gas in St. Lawrence County

Pharmaceutical manufacturer Perrigo has confirmed that the first U.S. sale of Opill® took place Monday, March 18, at 10:41 a.m. at the Potsdam Kinney Drugs, 48 Maple St. Opill is the first FDA-approved over-the-counter daily oral contraceptive (birth control) available in the United States. Do you support over-the-counter birth control being sold in St. Lawrence County?

New York ranks second in the nation in maple syrup production, only behind Vermont. In 2023, Vermont produced over two million gallons of maple syrup, with New York being the second leading producer, producing about 750 thousand gallons. Several local sugar houses will celebrate the annual New York State Maple Weekend March 16, 17, 23 and 24 with open houses, pancake breakfasts and tours. How often do you purchase maple syrup made in St. Lawrence County?

The Netflix documentary ‘The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnappings’ details years of abuse and culture of the Academy at Ivy Ridge in Ogdensburg. The program was directed by Katherine Kubler, who was a ‘student’ at the academy for 15 months. Have you watched the Netflix documentary ‘The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnappings’ about the Academy at Ivy Ridge in Ogdensburg?

Have you donated blood in the last year? 

Telehealth visits are becoming more normal during medical exams, and now St. Lawrence Health has expanded virtual appointments to its urgent care centers. As with an in-person visit, patients will be seen by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner during urgent care telehealth visits. Urgent care is ideal for such conditions as allergies, bug bites, colds, congestion, ear infections, fevers, pink eye, rashes, sinus pain, and stomach aches. Would you consider a Telehealth visit at a St. Lawrence Health urgent care facility?

A new law requires menstrual products to be offered for free in non-public schools. ‘From simply updating the way certain products are referred to, to expanding access to vital resources for those who may need them most, as time progresses, so should our laws,’ Gov. Kathy Hochul said. This legislation adds non-public schools to the requirement that elementary and secondary public schools serving grades 6-12 shall provide menstrual products in restrooms of their school building free of charge. Do you support menstrual products being offered free of charge in St. Lawrence County schools?

This year’s Super Bowl was the most watched Super Bowl broadcast in history, with an average of 123.4 million viewers. This year the Kansas City Chiefs took on the San Francisco 49ers with the Chiefs coming out on top.The game became the second most watched program in history, only to the Apollo Moon landing. Did you watch the Super Bowl this year?

Income tax season is underway and many St. Lawrence County residents are planning to file their taxes for the 2023 year. Free income tax preparation and electronic filing is offered in St. Lawrence County. How do you prepare your income taxes?

As Donald Trump nears a presidential Republican nomination for 2024, he has yet to name who his running mate will be. One name strongly being considered for Trump’s vice presidential choice is North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. Stefanik, who is the highest-ranking woman in the Republican conference in the House of Representatives, has been campaigning with Trump. She was also one of the first members of Congress to endorse Trump. Would you like to see Elise Stefanik named Donald Trump’s vice presidential pick for 2024?

The village of Potsdam is trying to determine how best to handle street and in-lot parking. Many current paid parking meters need updating. Police officers handle tickets for any infractions. Furthermore, a recent study by a Clarkson University civil engineering group revealed the village doesn’t have much of a problem with lack of parking turnover. The village board is still planning and has a few options on the table. Digital parking kiosks (with a high upfront cost) located at various points throughout the village’s downtown, more meters, a smart-phone app system, a parking permit system, or a two-hour limited parking policy with signage are all being suggested. What type of parking payment system would you prefer in Potsdam?

Last week’s storm knocked out power to more than 10,000 homes in St. Lawrence County after the area was pounded with wind, snow and rain. What inconveniences did you and your family experience during the wind storm?

A number of local elections will now be moving to even-numbered years after Governor Hochul signed legislation in hopes of boosting participation in those elections. The new law, which was signed around the Christmas holiday, moves the majority of town and county elections that were previously held during odd-numbered years to even-numbered years. In doing so, those elections will fall at the same time as state and federal elections that historically have a significantly higher voter turnout. According to state officials, voter turnout in New York State was around 64% in 2020, the most recent presidential election. That figure declined significantly in 2021, when local elections were held, to just 25%. Do you support moving a number of local elections to even-numbered years?

Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation that largely outlaws some hunting and fishing competitions in an effort to curb 'the wasteful taking of certain wildlife.'  In a press release issued by the governor’s office, Hochul said the legislation targets contests, competitions, derbies and tournaments held for prize money or entertainment.  The new regulations will go into effect in November 2024. Do you support a new law banning some hunting and fishing competitions in New York State?

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