We received dozens of emails from folks who are furious that a black bear, which wandered into Lowville last week, was killed. Officials with the Department of Environmental Conservation said they had to destroy the animal due to time and safety issues.   

Here are some of your emails:

Isn't part of their name CONSERVATION? Aren't they supposed to CONSERVE our wildlife and environment?

Marie Lance

This occurrence is a horrible example for our children of how wild animals should be treated.

Josh Fitzgerald

A bear in a tree, particularly in a populated area, is not a candidate for a tranquilizer. Nobody from DEC takes lightly having to kill an otherwise healthy bear.

James Thomas

The bear probably came into town looking for food and once it found a source...it would return. It had the potential for future problems.

Jesse Slabchuck

The poverty level is on the rise in St. Lawrence County and so are the numbers of people seeking help to get by.

This is what some of you had to say:

The government doesn't allow enough money for people to survive. Everything keeps going up, but the benefits aren't rising.

Amy Hendrick

St. Lawrence County ranks 39th in the nation for high property taxes and now we also learn that St. Lawrence county ranks among the top 5 counties in poverty levels.  Do you think just maybe the two are related?

Tim Donahue

President Obama is floating an idea to extend the class day and school year for students.

Here's a sampling of emails:
 

Longer school days are going to cut sports programs, arts programs, clubs and community participation, and what little family time is already afforded to these kids.

Stephanie Talcott

The kids of today need more time in school due to the changes in technology. I also feel it would keep many kids out of trouble.

Joe Steria