Hello North Country! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Grid savings from a major upgrade, Touch a Truck, and Summer carnival + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Grid upgrade delivers savings: NYPA and National Grid completed the 100-mile Smart Path Connect, adding one gigawatt and easing congestion, expected to save customers $438 million annually by moving North Country power statewide -- see the grid upgrade gains.
Bridging the digital divide: FDRHPO and the North Country Digital Inclusion Coalition partnered under New York’s ConnectALL grant on NC2T to expand internet access, devices, tech support, and digital skills for North Country residents -- explore the digital inclusion push.
Recognizing campus excellence: SUNY Potsdam honored 16 faculty and staff with 2026 Chancellor's and President's Awards, including Dr. Deborah Conrad, Lisa Stewart, and Dr. Charles Guy, recognizing dedicated service to the campus -- see the award winners.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
You've traveled abroad without being able to speak the local language. You can change that in just 10 minutes a day. Most people are holding real conversations within three weeks. In fact, 92% of users improved their proficiency in just two months, with 25 million subscriptions sold -- take 55% off.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Brighten someone’s week: Skip the grocery-store bouquets and let Allen's Florist & Pottery Shop work their magic with fresh arrangements, houseplants, and giftable pottery, artwork, and jewelry that actually earn a spot on the shelf. Perfect for birthdays, porch pick-me-ups, or that oops-I-forgot moment you swear won’t happen again.
Neighborhood reset button: When the week’s getting weird, Full Circle Bar and Grill is the no-fuss, knows-your-order kind of spot for pub-grub cravings and cold drinks with actual neighbors. Slide in for low-key catchups or a victory lap after errands, and let someone else do the sizzling.
Beat rainy-day blahs: Fun on the Run is your no-fuss answer to cabin fever, with bright buttons, bleepy sounds, and plenty of chances to chase bragging rights. Quick pit stop between errands or a full-on high score hunt, it’s the low-stakes fun your week quietly needs.
|
04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Makeup for skin that's changed, now up to 65% off: Laura Geller has built its following on formulas made for mature skin, led by the baked foundations women over 40 keep coming back to. Right now, new email subscribers get up to 65% off plus an extra 22%. Enter your email on the page and the discount activates. *See the VIP pricing →
Need cash but can't take on another monthly payment? This gets you a lump sum from your home's equity with no monthly bill and no interest, because it isn't a loan. Use the funds for anything, whether that's home improvements, paying off debt, or a large purchase, and pay it back by the end of your 30-year term. Checking your offer is easy, fully online, and won't affect your credit score. *See your cash offer →
Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
Wish you had someone to talk to right now? The quiet hours are the hardest, especially when you just want someone to talk to. That's exactly what this is built for: real conversations, real matches, real people. Not endless swiping, but actual chats with singles who want to connect as much as you do. Someone to talk to could be a message away. *Join now and start chatting → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
|
05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🏊 An Afternoon with the Watertown Rapids @ Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library | Wednesday (6/24) at 12:00 PM – The Watertown Rapids are popping into the library's Main Floor during Farmers Market for a meet and greet, photos, and a free snack, because errands pair well with baseball. Bring a cap or ball to sign, all ages and abilities welcome, players roaming the stalls.
🎉 Summer Bash @ Garner Park (Potsdam) | Friday (6/26) at 12:00 PM – NCCM is celebrating the last day of school with its annual outdoor ice cream bash at Garner Park by the river near the museum. Expect sweet treats, kid energy, and the kind of low-stakes chaos that pairs nicely with a shady bench.
🏳 Plattsburgh Pride Fest 2026 @ Strand Center for the Arts | Friday (6/26) at 4:00 PM – This Pride Fest lands on the Strand Center’s front lawn, cohosted by PPNCNY and the Plattsburgh Pride Committee, a colorful, come-as-you-are hangout right in our backyard. Big smiles, neighborly cheer, and your chance to wave at half your neighbors. Yes, lawn chairs count as formalwear.
🚗 2nd Annual Car Cruise'n @ Second Place Beer Co. (Lowville) | Friday (6/26) at 5:00 PM – Take a victory lap to Second Place Beer Co. for the 2nd Annual Car Cruise'n, where the cars shine, the beers win. Cast your People's Choice vote, try the 50/50, then linger over good food, good vibes, and that just right idle.
🚚 Touch a Truck @ Hawkins Point Visitor Center (Massena) | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Touch a Truck is parking at Hawkins Point with the full fleet, think police cruisers, fire engines, construction rigs, and other first responder rides you usually only see in your rearview. Bring the kids to clamber and honk, stay for the nap and fewer sirens.
🫖 Mom(my) & Me - Tea Party @ Assorted Artistries (Plattsburgh) | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Whether you’re celebrating mom, or the saint who raised you, this tea party brings proper china, zero glitter crafts. Live music by Treanna Von Elbe, sweets from In the Mix Bake Shop, $25 minis with Kelcie Janelle, sketch portraits, and kids under 2 free.
🎪 Summer Carnival @ Sunrise Stables (Potsdam) | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – If you need an excuse to eat a corn dog, the third annual Summer Carnival delivers. Expect classic games, friendly animals, concession grub, and raffles, the kind where your kid wins a fish and you win bragging rights. Low-key, high fun, local.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The North Country report Weather forecastToday — High: 76°F — Low: 58°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 76. West wind 1 to 12 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. Southwest wind 3 to 9 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 77°F — Low: 59°F — Precip: 64%
A slight chance of rain showers between 8am and 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. South wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. This house is wildThis beautifully maintained West End Colonial pairs classic charm with everyday ease. A covered front porch, manicured landscaping, and handsome curb appeal set the tone, while inside, a bright eat-in kitchen, cozy fireplace family room, and French doors add warmth and character. The primary suite offers double closets, and the hedged backyard brings privacy and room to relax.
Take a peek inside → |
| |
