Newsroom

Devastation is ‘numbing,’ says Ag Committee Chair

The animal disease experts at Cornell University are issuing a warning about recent heavy rains and flooding from Hurricane Irene that can lead to further outbreaks of the EEE virus. Please consider taking steps to keep your farm animals and your family safe.

 Over Two Dozen Residents Take Advantage of Government in their Backyard

Infected St. Lawrence Co. Horse is Latest Incident of Disease That Claimed Child

State Senator Patty Ritchie is again calling on state officials for answers after a St. Lawrence County horse reportedly died from the same mosquito-borne illness that had claimed the life of a four-year-old Oswego County girl.

11th Hour Changes Wreak Havoc on School, Family Calendars

Senator Patty Ritchie is calling on the state’s Education Commissioner and Board of Regents to reverse an 11th hour change to school testing dates that’s wreaking havoc on school and family calendars.

In a letter to state Education Commissioner John King and Regents Chancellor Merryl Tisch, Senator Ritchie admits she was flabbergasted that the state would change the test schedules so close to the start of the school year, when districts had already set—and in many cases, mailed—their school year calendars to parents and teachers.

The new schedule places a key test smack in the middle of spring breaks scheduled by a majority of Central and Northern New York schools.

Sept. 14 At Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds In Watertown

State Senator Patty Ritchie along with the Jefferson County Office for the Aging invites the community to her 2011 Senior Health and Wellness Expo on Sept. 14 at the Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds on Coffeen Street in Watertown.

“The Senior Health and Wellness Expo will provide a one stop experience for people who want to meet and talk to health care professionals,” Senator Ritchie said. “Whether you want to check your blood pressure, get tips on how to keep fit, or get free health screenings, this event will help you preserve your health.”

At Senator’s Request, State Will Also Look at Boosting Sales of Other NY-Grown Foods

State Senator Patty Ritchie announced that the state has agreed to put New York milk back in its employee lunchrooms, which serve tens of thousands of state workers and visitors every day, and also look to boost the sales of other New York-grown products.

Senator Ritchie, who made the announcement as she prepared to embark on a tour of a Madrid dairy farm Friday, said the move will open a broad new market for New York farmers, and also help showcase quality dairy and other farm products that are produced by New York farmers.