Latest news with #PlattsburghInternationalAirport
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Plattsburgh International Airport to conduct full-scale emergency exercise
PLATTSBURGH — Plattsburgh International Airport will be conducting a full-scale emergency simulation from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 31. The exercise is designed to enhance emergency preparedness and ensure coordinated response efforts in the event of an aircraft emergency. During the exercise, local fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies will be actively participating, with their presence visible in and around the airport and Arizona Avenue. The simulation will involve realistic emergency scenarios to test response protocols, interagency coordination and airport emergency operations. Community members should be aware that emergency personnel and vehicles will be present in the area throughout the exercise. This is only a drill, and there is no cause for public concern. The simulation helps Plattsburgh International Airport remain committed to maintaining the highest safety standards and working closely with emergency response teams to ensure swift and effective action in critical situations.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
North Country Honor Flight season ready to take off
PLATTSBURGH — A new season of North Country Honor Flight begins at 7 am., Saturday, May 17, with the first of four trips to Washington, D.C. 'It is a big day for us and we certainly are hoping for a great day weather wise, but it will be great no matter what,' North Country Honor Flight Executive Director Barrie Finnegan said. 'We are hoping for another great crowd.' North Country Honor Flight, since 2013, has taken more than 900 area veterans on 59 flights to Washington to visit the war memorials of each conflict the nation has been involved in over the years. Flights 60 and 61 will depart Saturday from Plattsburgh International Airport after the send-off ceremony at Veterans Park at the U.S. Oval at 7 a.m. The ceremony will feature the standard songs by the Morrisonville Elementary School students and Larry Ebere. Local musical sensation Taylor LaValley will perform the U.S. and Canadian national anthems. Finnegan said LaValley learned the Canadian anthem in anticipation of a Canadian World War II soldier that was planning on participating in the trip, but had to cancel due to a last-minute illness. 'She learned the song and she has such a beautiful voice, and Canada is so important to our region so why not sing it anyway as an honor to them,' Finnegan said. The ceremony will also be highlighted by the usual Thunder in the Burgh, which features more than 200 motorcycles roaring through North Country streets to form up as a powerful escort for the two buses that will ferry the veterans from the Oval to the airport. 'People will hear it once again and they are going to make some noise,' Finnegan said. Each ceremony features short biographies of each veteran on the trip. For several years, former Director of Operations Janet Duprey would read the bios, but she has since stepped down from her position. Finnegan said Executive Officer Jerika Manning and new Director of Operations Gina Bond will take over the reading of the bios. Mountain Lake PBS Television's Thom Hallock will once again serve as the master of ceremonies. 'Some people have said that the program is always the same, but for the veterans going on the flights, they have never been here before and they have never seen it,' Finnegan said. 'It's all for these vets.' Many veterans who have taken a flight have come back to attend subsequent flights, Finnegan said. 'A lot of them come back because they know how important it is and they don't want to miss any of them, and they bring their families,' he said. Finnegan said support from local residents has been super over the years in terms of fundraising and attendance at send-offs. 'We are lucky to live where we live because people are so supportive,' he said. In addition to the usual send-off events, the Beekmantown Central School seventh-graders are hosting a 5k fun run and other events to support the program. More information is available on the North Country Honor Flight Run Facebook page. The day will end when the flights return to the airport around 8:15 p.m. and crowds are encouraged to greet the veterans back at the Oval park. Future flights are scheduled for June 28, Sept. 6 and Oct. 4. 'It's that time of year again and we are looking forward to this and we are going to have another great season, and our veterans deserve this,' Finnegan said.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
REAL ID goes into effect today
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways PLATTSBURGH — Starting today May 7, a REAL ID-compliant license or another accepted form of identification, such as a passport, will be required for all domestic flights in the United States. 'The bottom line with REAL ID is if people are going to be flying, they're going to need to get it,' Plattsburgh International Airport Director Chris Kreig said Tuesday. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 but the deadline for implementation kept getting pushed back. This time, though, the May 7th deadline is set in stone and those flying within the United States will need it before boarding a flight. Kreig said he's unaware if there will be a grace period for people to adjust to the REAL ID requirement. However, he said everyone should prepare like there won't be one. 'If I was somebody that's traveling, that does any kind of traveling whatsoever, get the REAL ID,' he said. LOOK FOR STAR/FLAG According to the New York state DMV's website, the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses, permits and ID cards. 'The Act also prohibits federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), from accepting cards for official purposes from states that do not meet these standards.' New Yorkers can tell if their license is REAL ID compliant if it has a star or a flag on it. If it does not, then it is not compliant. More information on REAL ID and what documents are needed to get it can be found here: KNOWN IN ADVANCE Kreig said he is not worried the new requirement will cause too many issues. He said PBG has had posters up for three years to let the public know this was coming. 'There's going to be a change. Any change is going to have its share of turbulence, if you will. I expect no different with this. There are going to be those individuals that are going to show up, and are going to potentially have problems, and they are going to potentially be denied boarding,' he said. 'We've had posters up in the airport now for, going on, three years. and every time the dates change, we've changed the date on them.'
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Slash to critical EAS funding for airports on the table
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways PLATTSBURGH — Critical funding for daily air service out of Plattsburgh International Airport, and four other North Country airports, is on the federal chopping block. 'Trump's half-baked plan to cut the vital Essential Air Service program will hit the North Country first and hardest,' U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said. 'All five of the North Country's airports rely on the federal EAS program, and without it many would lose these vital flights, hurting residents, businesses, universities and hampering tourism, as well.' Schumer was referring to the federal program that subsidizes mostly rural underserved areas and allows airlines to operate and provide daily regional service for travelers. LOCAL EAS FUNDING The airport in the Town of Plattsburgh has benefitted greatly from EAS funding since it opened on the flight line of the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base in 2007. Current funding allows for daily flights to Washington, D.C. where travelers can connect to points elsewhere. Previously, EAS funding helped provide service to Boston and Philadelphia. Schumer said that in President Donald Trump's budget proposal released last week, funding for the EAS program would be cut by, 'a whopping 50%,' which would devastate residents, universities and businesses who rely on air service. EAS also supports airports in Ogdensburg, Saranac Lake and Massena, all of which are in the 21st Congressional District of New York, which is represented by Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville). 'I've long fought to protect and boost the Essential Air Service program because I know how important it is for our rural communities like the North Country to get access to these flights to boost the local economy and connect area residents and businesses with national and international travel options,' Schumer said. 'Without this program, thousands of North Country residents would be left stranded having to travel hundreds of miles to get air service.' Schumer said New York House Republicans need to to stand up and be vocal in their opposition to the cuts in Trump's budget and protect the program for the North Country economy. 'That's why I'm calling on New York House Republicans, including Congresswomen Stefanik and (Claudia) Tenney, whose districts would be impacted more than nearly anywhere else in the country, to stand up against Trump's budget plan and beat back this very unwise cut,' Schumer said. 'We cannot let these callous cuts clear the runway and blow a crater in North Country airports' budgets.' LOCAL AIRPORTS Schumer explained that all five of the airports in New York that rely on EAS are in the North Country and help support flights critically important to the local economy, including: • Ogdensburg International Airport: round trip flights to Washington's Dulles International Airport • Massena International Airport: round trip flights to Boston-Logan International Airport • Plattsburgh International Airport: round trip flights to Philadelphia International Airport • Adirondack Regional Airport: round trip flights to Boston-Logan International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport • Watertown International Airport: round trip flights to Philadelphia International Airport In Trump's budget proposal, he calls to slash the EAS program by over $300 million next year, 50% of the program's budget, gutting support for airports in the North Country. OFFICIALS SPEAK OUT News of the proposed funding cuts drew concern among Clinton County leaders. 'The Essential Air Service program has long played an important role in supporting reliable air travel options for our region's residents and businesses. While we recognize the importance of fiscal responsibility, the proposed changes, as highlighted by the Senator, could significantly affect the accessibility and connectivity that are critical to the North Country's economic growth and quality of life,' a statement from Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry (R-Area 3, Chazy) said. 'We hope to work with our federal partners to find a balanced approach that continues to meet the critical transportation needs of our rural communities.' Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman said Essential Air Service is vital for keeping communities like Plattsburgh connected to jobs, healthcare, education, and tourism. 'Without them rural regions face the risk of isolation and economic decline,' Cashman said. 'Keeping EAS fully funded should have bipartisan support.'
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Local leaders hope Canadian election opens doors
PLATTSBURGH — North Country officials are hopeful that relations between the U.S. and Canada can improve in the wake of Monday's Canadian election. 'Now that the election is over, hopefully the two countries can get together and solve these issues and get back to business that will only benefit our areas,' Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry (R-Area 3, Chazy) said. 'Hopefully it will increase our economy and bring more visitors here and that benefits both countries.' The region has seen a drop in Canadian visitors since Donald Trump became president in January. Canadians have been upset by tariffs imposed and pledged by Trump, and his claims to seek Canada as the 51st U.S. state. Henry said there is a concern that the lack of Canadian visitors will have a negative impact on Plattsburgh International Airport, which is popular among Canadian travelers, restaurants, marinas and other businesses. 'There is a lot of Canadian business down here and losing them is a blow to our area,' he said. 'Hopefully we can get beyond the rhetoric and get down to business.' Henry said he is hopeful that the administration of Liberal Party Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has been at the helm in Canada since taking over for Justin Trudeau earlier this year, can help improve the situation. 'I can imagine there have been conversations going on behind the scenes,' Henry said. 'Hopefully they have been a bit calmer, but I can't imagine anyone would be in favor of the status quo... I have to think both sides have impetus to come to an agreement.' STRONG TIES Michael Cashman, supervisor of the Town of Plattsburgh, which is home to several Canadian manufacturing businesses, said the town deeply values the strong economic and cultural bonds it shares with Canada. 'We extend our congratulations to Prime Minister Carney and elected Members of Parliament. I am hopeful that our federal government will seize this moment to re-engage our trusted ally with respect and urgency working together on common-sense solutions, including ending this unnecessary trade war,' Cashman said. North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said the region has many friends in Canada on both sides. 'What's important to all of us is that Canada has a newly elected government and Prime Minister with a mandate to deal with Washington,' Douglas said. 'Prime Minister Carney has a long record in finance and banking, including periods as Governor of the Bank of Canada and as Governor of the Bank of England. We congratulate all of the newly elected MP's and wish the Prime Minister and his government well.' JONES State Assemblyman D. Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) who chairs the Assembly's Task Force on New York Canada Relations, said he hopes that with the election, 'talks will resume immediately with our federal administration so that we can come to a resolution regarding tariffs and reciprocal tariffs that will lead to furthering the long-standing great relationship we've had with our friends and neighbors to the North.' 'This partnership and friendship is vital to the North Country economy and if the tariffs are not repealed, it will continue to hurt local residents and business owners. I continue to work with officials on both sides of the border to find common ground so that we can return to free trade policies that have been mutually beneficial.' BENEFITS BOTH Henry said the North Country probably has a much sharper perspective on U.S.-Canada relations since the region is so closely tied to them. 'We've had such a long and fruitful history and a beneficial relationship with them for so many years, and hopefully based on this longstanding relationship and friendship, this will turn out good for both countries,' Henry said. 'It's a two way deal: We need them and they need us too.'
