Schroon Lake Airport Gets Federally Funded Make-Over

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Schroon Lake’s airport, which according to locals only gets used by “a handful of pilots”, will get $657,000 for the application of new asphalt and striping on the runway.

The funds will come from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration and is based on efforts by U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.

The announcement was made last Friday. Massena International-Richards Field Airport will receive $39,273 in federal funding to make security enhancements.

The upgrades will help maintain the runway structure and minimize the risk of foreign debris, a news release said.

From the official press release:  

“With this funding, the Schroon Lake and Massena International-Richards Field airports will be able to make the structural and security upgrades these airports need to ensure passenger safety and the smooth operation of their facilities,” Schumer said in a statement.

“Airport safety should always be a top priority,” said Gillibrand said. “These federal dollars will help support infrastructure upgrades to improve these North Country airports, ensuring better, safer service for the thousands of New Yorkers they serve per year.”

In a release from Rep. Bill Owens, Schroon Lake Town Supervisor Michael Marnell said that airports are expensive to maintain. “Without federal funding, we never could keep it up, but it’s a great asset for the community to have when people want it, whether for business and recreation.”

The money is part of the Airport Improvement Program and is administered by DOT’s Federal Aviation Administration.

On Yer Bikes

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The late Lance Gregson had many passions: The Adirondacks, Schroon Lake and cycling. He also had a vision and a motto he lived by: More Bikes, Less Cars.

Tragically, Lance was taken from this life way too soon, but his memory – and mission – are kept alive each year with the annual 1-Eye Classic. Lance’s wife Annie Gregson organizes the event with a small army of volunteers, which keep the cogs turning.

It’s a combo bike ride for riders of any ability, a great potluck picnic after in the Town Park, with an afternoon filled with music, giveaways, raffles and good times. You can bring a dish to share, or if you prefer, pay to eat the goodies with a cash donation.

And this Sunday,  (September 14) ‘The 1-Eye” happens for the 7th time, with riders from all over, jumping on their bikes and enjoying the spectacular early fall riding conditions, close to  -- and a little farther out -- from Schroon Lake.

Rides start at three miles up to 60 – so there is something for everyone.

Don’t worry if you haven’t signed up yet – the event is a very casual affair – after all, it’s a ride, not a race, and we are most certain, Lane would much rather you enjoy the scenery, than pretend that your are riding the Tour de France – not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Sign up begins 8am at the Towne Park. You can learn more about Lance and his life, here and more about the event, here.

Rum Running In The North Country

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Photo Courtesy: TriLakeAlliance

Photo Courtesy: TriLakeAlliance

Travelers on Route 9 this weekend beware: you may witness some rum runners in action  -- hauling their booty from the Black Bear Pub and Restaurant to Chestertown.

There will be no need to call the cops – it’s all part of the annual Rum Runners Weekend.

For history and /or rum enthusiasts – Route 9 played an important role in the illicit rum trade between the Canada and the US during prohibition, which you can read about here.

The event, organized by the Tri-Lakes Business Alliance, kicks off tonight with a Car Hop at the Luck E. Star in Warrensburg, from 5pm – 8pm. There’s a 1920s themed Scavenger hunt and party at the Panther Mountain Pun in Chestertown.

On Saturday the Rum Runners Parade leaves the Black Bear in Pottersville around 10am and travel over Landon Hill meeting up with the Tweeds at Route 8/9 intersection at around 10.30am.

There are barrels full of fun times, which you can read about here.