LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Charles W. Kelly for his dedicated
service to the Empire State as a newspaper reporter, editor, publisher
and community leader in St. Lawrence County and upstate New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
residents of New York State who have played an important role in New
York State's history through their efforts to make a difference in the
lives of its communities and citizens; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Charles W. Kelly for his dedicated service to the Empire State as a
newspaper reporter, editor, publisher and community leader in St.
Lawrence County and upstate New York; and
WHEREAS, Charles W. Kelly attended St. Mary's Academy in Ogdensburg,
New York; upon graduating, he began his distinguished career in journal-
ism as a sportswriter with THE OGDENSBURG JOURNAL and THE ADVANCE NEWS;
and
WHEREAS, He left to serve his country as a member of the United States
Army in both France and Germany; when he returned to his hometown of
Ogdensburg, Charles W. Kelly rejoined the staff of THE OGDENSBURG JOUR-
NAL and THE ADVANCE NEWS; and
WHEREAS, He soon became the editor of THE ADVANCE NEWS and, for more
than half a century, has written "Kelly's Comments" where he has cham-
pioned the interests of Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence County and Northern New
York, providing a voice for those who had nowhere else to turn, and
provoking debate and discussion on the issues of the day for government
leaders at both the State and the local level; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his illustrious career, he was promoted to
general manager and then to publisher, where he oversaw the business
affairs and editorial content of three daily newspapers, THE JOURNAL OF
OGDENSBURG, THE COURIER-OBSERVER OF MASSENA AND POTSDAM and THE TELEGRAM
OF MALONE; two weeklies - THE RURAL NEWS and THE ST. LAWRENCE PLAINDEAL-
ER of Canton as well as the regional Sunday newspaper - THE ADVANCE
NEWS; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his more than half a century of service to his
readers and subscribers, Charles W. Kelly often described himself as St.
Lawrence County's "largest paperboy," routinely delivering papers to
insure that no one would be deprived of the opportunity to read his
beloved "Kelly's Comments"; and
WHEREAS, During his 57 years, Charles W. Kelly always saw himself as a
reporter first, routinely showing up at car accidents, anniversaries,
city and town halls, courtrooms and even the state capitol with a note-
book in his pocket and a camera in his hand; and
WHEREAS, As the author of "Kelly's Comments", Charles W. Kelly used
his position to force public officials of all political persuasions to
discuss the issues facing the communities of Northern New York, prompt-
ing all to read him every week, whether they agreed or disagreed with
him; and
WHEREAS, Even his toughest critics acknowledge that Chuck W. Kelly
always gave equal opportunity to offer their side of the story in the
pages and columns of his newspapers; and
WHEREAS, When he was not raising a ruckus in the pages of his newspa-
pers, he was working behind the scenes to improve the lives of the
people of Northern New York, recruiting new businesses, fighting for
economic development projects, raising funds for charities, serving as a
Lions Club member, helping to found the Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club,
promoting the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad and the North Country's

volunteer fire and emergency service, and helping to build Ogdensburg's
recreation programs in the early years; and
WHEREAS, A true family man, Chuck W. Kelly has always acknowledged
that he was lucky to have a wife like Therese and three children, Bridg-
et, Maureen and Timothy, who, like his wife, always helped him keep a
sense of perspective while supporting his efforts to improve the lives
of those around him; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his life and career, Chuck Kelly has always remem-
bered his responsibility to speak out when others have stayed silent and
to stand up for those who have no one else to serve as their champion,
even if he must sometimes stand alone; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Charles W. Kelly, legendary reporter, editor and publisher, after
57 years of distinguished service, and to wish him continued success in
all his future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Charles W. Kelly.