Patty Ritchie

Col. Terrence Roche, the ex-Garrison Commander who oversaw the dramatic growth of Fort Drum from a small training facility into a premier Army post—and the region’s largest local employer—was inducted into the New York State Senate “Veterans Hall of Fame” at a special ceremony held Tuesday at the Capitol.

Col. Roche was selected from among 29 nominees from Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties as Senator Patty Ritchie’s inductee. To read more about Col. Roche and this year's other inductees, click here.

State Senator Patty Ritchie joined with members of her Agricultural Advisory Council in Watertown this week to explore energy savings that would benefit the farming community.

Featured at the Thursday meeting was a presentation by National Grid, where a representative from the utility outlined ways farmers can save on energy bills.

“Electricity costs for farmers—especially dairy farmers—are very high,” said Senator Ritchie.

“That’s why it’s so important to find ways to cut energy bills so our hardworking farmers can boost their bottom lines, run successful operations, and create jobs.”

MG Stephen Townsend, Troops to Attend Second Annual Event

State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced that on Monday, May 20th, “10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day” will be celebrated at the State Capitol.

The second annual event, organized by Senator Ritchie, will celebrate the commanders and soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division for their ongoing role in our nation’s defense, as well as the post itself for the key role it plays in the region’s economy.

“It’s surprising that many people across New York State just aren’t aware of the role Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division play in our nation’s defense, nor do they know what a tremendous impact the post has on our North Country economy,” said Senator Ritchie.

“I am thrilled to once again host 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day at the Capitol, and take the opportunity to expose our entire state to this very important installation, as well as the brave men and women who fight for our freedom and call Fort Drum ‘home’ ” said Senator Ritchie.

Ritchie to Deliver Signatures, Statements of Support

to State Officials at Wednesday Listening Session

***Click Here to Sign the Petition***

State Senator Patty Ritchie will deliver more than 2,000 signatures and statements in support of St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center to Albany officials at Wednesday’s listening session to be held at the facility.

The signatures and stories were collected via www.savethecenter.org, a website Senator Ritchie created to allow people to sign her petition as well as share news and updates on the center.

Col. (Ret.) Terrence Roche Selected as

2013 NY State Senate “Veterans Hall of Fame” Inductee

State Senator Patty Ritchie honored 29 veterans from across Central and Northern New York at a special ceremony held Friday at Fort Drum’s USO.

The veterans were nominated for induction into the New York State Senate “Veterans Hall of Fame” by family, friends, co-workers and comrades-in-arms for their military service to our nation, and their continuing work and involvement in causes that benefit and improve our local communities.

Suggestion by Senator Ritchie Included in Governor’s

New Plan to Boost Tourism

State Senator Patty Ritchie is applauding Governor Cuomo’s announcement of a number of new initiatives aimed at drawing Canadian tourists to New York State and boosting cross-border commerce.

The efforts were unveiled Wednesday at the Capitol during the Governor’s first-ever New York State Tourism Summit.  As a roundtable participant at the event,  Senator Ritchie spoke about opportunities for expanding and better showcasing tourism in Central and Northern New York.

Specifically, Senator Ritchie —who is a member of the Senate's Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation Committee—spoke about identifying ways to target Canadian consumers, and suggested improving signage to highlight destinations in Central and Northern New York. 

Senator Ritchie’s Weekly Column

Click here to cast your vote for the top libraries in Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties

“What in the world would we do without our libraries?” This question, posed by Hollywood legend—and library lover—Katherine Hepburn, is one I often ask myself.  From books and videos to community events and computer access, today’s libraries offer so much in the way of entertainment and education.

Here in Central and Northern New York, we’re fortunate to have one of the largest concentrations of public libraries in the state.  Of the 7,000 public libraries in New York State, more than 50 are right here in our backyard.

State Senator Patty Ritchie recognized nearly 200 Central Square Middle School students recently for their participation in the New York State Senate’s “Thanksgiving Day Creative Celebration.”

In Senator Ritchie’s district more than 350 students—more than any other senate district—took part in the statewide program and shared their poems, essays and artwork based on what they are thankful for.