Congratulations John Welch: Citizen of the Year 2019

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John Welch (center) Groomer of The Year at the 2019 NYSSA Conference and Educational Forum

John Welch (center) Groomer of The Year at the 2019 NYSSA Conference and Educational Forum

The Schroon Lake Area Chamber of Commerce has bestowed this honor John Welch, a much-valued member of the community.

Among his many achievements, John is probably best known for his tireless efforts at the Schroon North Hudson Snowmobile Club.

During the sled season John is at work while most of us are sleeping keeping our area trails in tip top shape. Off season he leads efforts to keep the trails clear along with a dedicated group of volunteers

Recently John  was named Groomer of The Year at the 2019 NYSSA Conference and Educational Forum in Niagara, New York

And many locals and out-of-towners can attest that John’s day job, as the “J” at J and L Automotive, has saved their bacon by diagnosing car and truck troubles — and getting them them back on the road.

The Chamber is planning a reception to honor John, details to come.

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It’s Sled & Ice Fishin’ Season in Schroon

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Photo: Courtesy Witherbee's Carriage House

Photo: Courtesy Witherbee's Carriage House

As Schroon Lakers know  -- our fair hamlet and its economy relies on several seasons --  which attracts visitors to our slice of paradise. And right now we are smack is in the middle of two seasons, which will bring a few more dollars into our community.

Both the Ice Fishing  and Snowmobile seasons are in full swing.

This past weekend we ran into sledders at Stewarts  (filling up their  gas containers) at the Fish and Game Club Bar and at Witherbee’s Carriage House, where we enjoyed a kick ass burger!
Witherbee’s, which is right on a snowmobile trail, has new earlier opening hours for the sledding crews.

And one ingenious invention that owner Bill Christian has come up with -- what we are calling the “Helmut Hutch” – is a place where sledders can place their helmets while they refuel.

We love it! Got Snowmobile or Ice Fishing news to share?  Let us know in our comments section or send us photos at schroonlaker@me.com

Hoffman Notch Fishing: Access For All

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Don Sage, the President of the Schroon Lake Fish and Game Club, is making a passionate plea to reopen to off road vehicles the old trials leading to the ponds of Bailey, Marion, Big and North.

In a letter to the Adirondack Daily Enterprise, published on February 23, Sage says that opening the old roads in the Hoffman Notch area will not only allow sportsmen to have easier access, but will also make the NY DEC compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Hoffman Notch should be more accessible

To The editor:

Re: Hoffman unit access:

As the state Adirondack Park Agency and Department of Environmental Conservation look to expand the use of the Hoffman area, we, the sportsmen, request designated routes to the fishing ponds be opened for off-road vehicles. Roads already exist to these ponds: Bailey, Marion, Big and North. DEC policy of denying boats left at these ponds, forcing anglers to carry in and carry out each day, greatly reduces their time to fish. Early morning and late afternoon fishing will not be allowed as time must be spent lugging prams, rowboats, etc., back and forth, in and out daily. The establishing of a designated corridor following the old town roads for off-road vehicles will allow the anglers to spend more time enjoying their sport.

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