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Travel Advisory Lifted in Lewis & Jefferson Counties; Wind Chill Warning in Effect

A winter weather advisory for Jefferson County this weekend has been upgraded to a winter storm warning. 

New IDs To Fly Could Mean Longer DMV Lines

Starting in October 2020, you'll need a REAL ID, enhanced license or passport to not only fly within the country but also to enter military bases and certain federal buildings.

Sunday Sports: Watertown's Police And Fire Departments In The Ring

The Watertown Boxing Club held it's first ever Guns and Hoses Boxing event Saturday night at Savory Downtown.

Members of the police and fire departments along with corrections officers got into the ring at the packed house as people came out to watch Watertown's public servants perform in the ring.

Watertown Man Charged With Forcible Touching

A Watertown man is accused of forcibly touching a 17 year old girl. State Police arrested Wesley Cowart, 32, and charged him with forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child.

Lewis County: Prepared And Taking Advantage Of Snowfall

Lewis County got well over a foot of snow over the weekend, but it's nothing new for the Tug Hill region. People were taking advantage of the fresh snow, and many are always prepared for it.

Benefit For Copenhagen Woman Weathers The Storm

Though many events in the north country were canceled or postponed over the weekend due to the storm, a group in Copenhagen said nothing was going to stop them from helping a friend who was in a car wreck.

People In Watertown Join In On National Women's March

Cities across the country Saturday joined in on the National Women's March, but this year, the event is surrounded in controversy.

Four People Affected by Fire in Watertown

Four people are being helped by the American Red Cross after a fire at a Watertown home Saturday. 

Saturday Sports: Carthage Basketball Beats Massena In Rare Meet-Up

The bad weather wiped out several events on the local sports schedule Saturday, but some teams and schools braved the weather and played.

Dining With Princesses And Superheroes At Snowtown U.S.A.

A chance to dine with princesses and superheroes. Saturday morning was Snowtown U.S.A.'s Character Breakfast at the Italian American Club in Watertown.

Friday Sports: Lyme Basketball Beats Copenhagen

A boys' Frontier League D Division battle in Chaumont Friday, as Lyme hosted Copenhagen.

Clayton Man Makes Sure Community Has Ice Skating

For more than 15 years a Clayton man has taken it upon himself to make sure kids in his neighborhood have a place to play outside in the winter. 

Blast From The Past: 1987 Snow Sculpting

This week on Blast From The Past, we go back to 1987 to revisit the snow sculpting competition at the 3rd annual Snowtown USA event with then reporter Jeff Paston. 

Lowville Mayor Won't Seek Re-election

After eight years, the mayor of Lowville, Donna Smith says she will not be seeking reelection. We spoke with her about her decision as well as a village trustee who is vying for the job.

Local Municipalities Get Unpleasant Surprise In Cuomo's Budget Plan

Governor Cuomo's budget contained a surprise for north county villages and it wasn't a pleasant one. 

Tow Truck Owners, Event Planners Keep Eye On Snow Storm

The projected snow storm has tow companies gearing up and event committees changing plans.

State Highway Reopens After Colton Water Main Break

A water main break has closed a section of a major highway in Colton. 

Woman Faces Felony Charges In Lisbon Burglary Case

A 41 year old Natural Bridge woman faces felony charges for allegedly burglarizing a home and damaging property. 

Fire Heavily Damages Ellisburg Home

Firefighters were able to quickly douse the flames at a home in the town of Ellisburg Friday. 

Watertown Man Going To Prison For Drugs

A 35 year old Watertown man who was the focus of a drug investigation is going to prison.

Croghan Man Accused Of Raping Teen

A 21 year old Croghan man is behind bars after being charged with rape and sexual abuse.

Clayton Project Delayed Until At Least Labor Day

The reconstruction of Clayton's main street is pushed back until at least Labor Day. 

Re-enacting 'The Shot'

On Monday night, Syracuse Orange basketball player Elijah Hughes stunned everyone when he made a three-quarter court shot. Mel Busler decided to recreate the shot with 7 News anchors Jeff Cole and John Moore. 

Stefanik Will Still Fight For East Coast Missile Defense Site

North country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R. - 21st District) says she's still fighting for a missile defense site on the East Coast. 

Road Crews Prepping For Weekend Storm

A major winter storm is barreling its way across the country and north country road crews are getting ready for when it hits. 

Highlights & Scores: A Freshman's 1,000th Point

A South Jefferson basketball player hit a milestone Thursday -- and she's just a freshman.

Trump Releases Missile Defense Review, Fort Drum Not Mentioned

President Trump releases a long awaited review on the country's missile defense program. But it does not make any decision on a potential East Coast missile defense site - a post Fort Drum is in the running for. 

Some Federal Ag Employees Return To Work Despite Shutdown

Despite the government shutdown some Department of Agriculture employees were back on the job.

Walmart Patron Finds More Than He Was Shopping For

A Watertown Walmart shopper was surprised to return to the parking lot to find his pickup truck on fire. 

Horrocks Indicted On Arson, Burglary & Larceny Charges

The man accused of setting fire to Canton's Dairy Queen last August now faces an arson charge. 

App Designed To Prevent School Violence To Be Used In Potsdam

Can a phone app help prevent school violence? They're about to find out at Potsdam schools. 

Community Pulls Together To Help Gouverneur Medic

A crew member from the Gouverneur Rescue Squad faced his own emergency a few weeks back. His colleagues and the community are pulling together as he embarks on what could be a difficult journey.

State Agencies Directed To Help Federal Workers Affected By Shutdown

State agencies have been directed to to provide support for federal workers affected by the partial federal government shutdown. 

Radon Testing Kits Being Given Away

Jefferson County Public Health wants people to test their homes for a harmful natural gas. 

100 Year Old Redwood Woman Still Drives And Bakes Pies

She drives, gambles and bakes pies. We speak with a 100 Redwood woman who has more energy that some people half her age. 

Gorman To Resign From United Way

The United Way of Northern New York will soon launch a search for a new executive director. Robert Gorman, the CEO of the United Way since 2013, has announced he is resigning July 1.

Seaway Has Best Shipping Year Since 2007

It was a good year for shipping on the St. Lawrence Seaway, the best in more than a decade. 

No Church At Former Restaurant, Zoning Board Rules

The former Club restaurant in Canton can't be used as a church. 

Highlights & Scores: 400th Win For Carthage Coach

A local volleyball coach reached a milestone Wednesday night.

IHC's Delaney Named To State Hall Of Fame

Longtime Immaculate Heart coach and athletic director Mike Delaney is headed to the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame.

Fire Destroys Lisbon Home

Fire destroyed a home in Lisbon Wednesday morning.

2 Anglers Rescued After Ice Breaks, Floats Away

It was a harrowing morning Wednesday for two ice fishermen on the St. Lawrence River near Ogdensburg. 

Jefferson County Sees Big Jump In Sales Tax Revenue

2018 was a good year for sales tax revenue in Jefferson County.

Airline Explains What Happened During In-flight Emergency

American Airlines is talking about what went wrong with its plane that had an in-flight emergency Tuesday afternoon - forcing it to return to Watertown International Airport. 

Surveillance Photos Released From Pharmacy Burglary

The public is being asked to help identify the people who burglarized an Ogdensburg pharmacy on Christmas Eve. 

Banks Lend Helping Hand During Government Shutdown

If you miss a house or car payment, you're in trouble with the bank. But, it's different if you miss payments because you're affected by the partial government shutdown. 

Local Reaction Mixed To Cuomo's Marijuana Plan

Governor Cuomo is hoping to pass the legalization of recreational marijuana - a plan he made official during his State of the State address. But, if pot becomes legal, there are some interesting caveats that may make the sale of marijuana complicated.

Slippery Roads Blamed For Watertown Crash

Slippery roads are getting the blame for a crash in Watertown late Wednesday morning. 

Despite Shutdown, Farm Offices To Reopen

Despite the now-record shutdown of part of the federal government, local Farm Service Agency offices will reopen Thursday, Friday and Tuesday, January 22.  

JCC To Train Construction Workers

Demand for construction workers is on the rise, but those in the know in north country say the workforce to fill those jobs isn't there. But, a new program at Jefferson Community College looks to address that shortage.

Town Of Potsdam Road Closed Due To Tractor Trailer Rollover

A portion of Route 59 in the town of Potsdam closed to traffic Wednesday afternoon due to an overturned tractor trailer. 

Fort Drum Celebrates MLK Day Early

Fort Drum celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day early. 

Kay Jewelers Parent Company Settles With State For $11M

A company that operates jewelry stores in the north country has settled with the state over a claim it signed customers up for credit without their knowledge.

Milk Spilled As Tanker Truck Crashes Into Home

Milk was spilled when a tanker rolled over because of slick roads Tuesday night. 

Learning To Communicate - In Silence

It was a pretty quiet night at the Tarot Cafe in Watertown Tuesday. The patrons focused less on coffee and more on signing.

Gillibrand Announces Bid For President

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has taken a major step toward announcing a presidential bid, saying she is launching an exploratory committee for a White House run. 

Highlights & Scores: NAC Basketball

Massena and Edwards-Knox teams managed to down separate Norwood-Norfolk teams in Northern Athletic Conference basketball action Tuesday. 

Jet Lands Safely At Watertown Airport After In-flight Emergency

No injuries were reported as an American Eagle jet safely returned to the Watertown International Airport due to an "in-flight emergency." 

Charges Dropped Against Man Accused Of Water Theft

All charges have been dropped against a retired water superintendent accused of stealing water from the town of Hounsfield. 

Trying To Keep St. Mary's School From Closing

St. Mary's Catholic School in Canton could close. There's an idea to keep it open. But not everyone agrees with it. 

Cuomo Talks Economy, Marijuana & Abortion In State Of State Address

Governor Cuomo has big plans for 2019. Cuomo laid out his priorities, which include legalizing marijuana, in his annual State of the State message Tuesday.

NY Sending Out February SNAP Benefits Early Due To Shutdown

With the government shutdown on day 25, New York state will be sending out February SNAP benefits early. 

Church Closes On Purchase Of The Club Property

The Christian Fellowship Center has closed on its purchase of the former The Club restaurant in Canton.  

Local Officials React To State Voting Reform

In its first week in session, the state Legislature has passed a number of voting reform bills. Local board of election commissioners say it's the biggest reform they've ever seen. 

Watertown Welcomes 4 New Firefighters

It's the first group of firefighters to graduate from a Watertown City Fire Department training program since 2008.

Schumer Meets With Defense Secretary About Fort Drum Railhead

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is urging the Department of Defense to prioritize the construction of a new railhead project at Fort Drum. 

Just Face It: Ice Circles?

This week on Just Face It: think lily pads in a pond during the summer - what's something similar in the winter? 

Cuomo To Push For Limo Safety Reforms In State Budget

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he'll include safety reforms for limousines in his state budget proposal in response to the October crash of a stretch limo that killed 20 people, including two from Watertown. 

State Legislature Approves Early Voting

Lawmakers in New York have voted to join most other states in allowing citizens to cast a ballot before Election Day. 

Ogdensburg Council Leans Toward Approving Controversial Concert

There's no deal yet, but Ogdensburg lawmakers say they're in favor of a music festival in the city that's drawn objections from nearby residents. 

Watertown Considers Skating Deal For Military Families

Watertown arena1 Caption

Watertown officials plan to give military families who don't live in the city a cheaper rate when skating at the municipal arena.  

Highlights & Scores: Swimming, Hockey & Hoops

Watertown nearly doubled up on South Jefferson in a boys' swim meet Monday.

Voters Approve Copenhagen School Project

Voters in the Copenhagen school district have approved a $5.9 million repair and renovation project. 

Police Investigate Possible Meth Lab In Fire That Burned Man

An Ogdensburg man was hospitalized following a fire Sunday night. 

Canton's Dairy Queen Fire Ruled An Arson

Last August's fire that destroyed Canton's Dairy Queen restaurant has been officially ruled an arson. 

Poll Shows Support For Cuomo's Initiatives

There's some good news for Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is going to give his State of the State address Tuesday. According to the latest Siena College Poll, many of his initiatives are very popular with voters of both parties. 

How The Tyler Johnson Murder Case Was Prosecuted

The Tyler Johnson murder case wrapped up after a year and a half, putting 5 people behind bars for at least 15 years. we spoke with the Jefferson County district attorney about the case.

Shutdown Takes Toll On Local Customs & Border Protection Workers

As the partial government shutdown continues, we're hearing from more people affected in the north country. 

New Vision Rehabilitation Center Opening Soon

A non-profit organization in Watertown is getting ready to open its doors for those who are legally blind and visually impaired. 

Your Turn: Feedback On Cuomo's Gun & Abortion Proposals

Governor Andrew Cuomo says he wants to extend the background check waiting period for firearm purchase from three days to 10 days. You shared your thoughts on that and other stories in the news.

Copenhagen School Voters Decide On $5.9 Million Project

Voters in the Copenhagen school district are deciding on up to $5.9 million in repair and renovation work. The vote is taking place today (Monday, January 14) until 8 PM in the gym foyer. 

John Parker, Longtime Lewis County Judge, Dies

A longtime Lewis County judge passed away over the weekend. 

Woman Allegedly Tries To Smuggle Drugs Into Prison

A Syracuse woman is accused of trying to sneak drugs into an Ogdensburg prison on Saturday.

Firefighters Respond To Pyrites Garage Fire

Fire was quickly knocked down after a two-car garage caught fire near Pyrites over the weekend.

New Yorkers Like Lawmakers Better Than Cuomo, Poll Shows

Gov. Andrew Cuomo starts his third term year with decent a decent favorability rating, but it's not as good as his colleagues in the state Legislature. 

Port Leyden IRA Worker Accused Of Abusing Disabled Resident

A woman who works with disabled people in Lewis County is accused of abusing a resident. 

Man Faces Assault Charge In Alleged Beer Bottle Attack

St Lawrence County sheriff handcuffs arrest Caption

A Potsdam man is accused of hitting someone in the face with a beer bottle. 

Burst Pipe Damages Jefferson County SPCA

When Jefferson County SPCA staff showed up for work Sunday morning, they were surprised by what they saw. A pipe burst in the bathroom and a few inches of water flooded much of the newly renovated building. 

Snow Back on the Trails, So Are Riders

Riders rejoice. The recent warm ups took a break this week, allowing snow to fall and stick and most trails in the Tug Hill to open back up.

Sunday: No Winner in Lowville Queen of Hearts Drawing

Another queen of hearts drawing without a winner.

Plastic Bags, Early Voting on Agenda in Albany

 Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to see single-use plastic bags banned in New York state and is proposing a prohibition on them as part of his upcoming executive budget.

Canton Man Held on $250K Bail After Stabbing Incident

A Canton man is charged with assault after a stabbing incident in the town of Norfolk.

Saturday Sports: Rare Meeting As Thousand Islands Basketball Hosts Gouverneur

A busy day on the hardwood Saturday with a full slate of games on the high school and college level. We begin on the high school hardwood with a boys' matchup in Cape Vincent.

'Serious Financial And Enrollment Challenges' For St. Mary's School in Canton

A message of tough financial times for a catholic elementary school in Canton. 

Gov. Cuomo Wants To Raise Age To Buy Tobacco, E-cigarettes

NEW YORK (AP) — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to raise the state's minimum age to buy tobacco and electronic cigarette products from 18 to 21 — to curb their use by younger people. 

Protesters In Watertown Rally Against Government Shutdown

With the partial government shutdown entering day 22, protesters gathered in Watertown's Public Square. Protesters stood outside in the cold to show their support for federal workers who are not being paid.

An Update on Watertown's Anti-Poverty Initiative

Representatives from several grant funded programs designed to end poverty in the area met Thursday in Watertown's City Council Chambers to give an update on their progress. 

Hoping For Big Bite At 6th Annual Black Lake Challenge

It was bitter cold outside Saturday, but this group was toughing it out for the big bite. About 140 people were ice fishing at the 6th Annual Black Lake Challenge Saturday.

Cold Temperatures Perfect For Picking Grapes For Ice Wine

You've probably heard the saying "make hay when the sun shines", but what about "pick grapes when it's freezing outside"? For one type of grape at Coyote Moon Vineyards, there's not a sweeter time to pick.

Schools Not Letting Indian River Teacher 'Fight Cancer Alone'

Two different schools took the court Friday at Indian River High School, but most people in the gym were wearing green to cheer on the same person - first grade teacher Amanda Burnard. 

Celebrating Service of Retiring North Country Judges

Celebrating over 125 years of combined service Friday night at Watertown's Hilton Garden Inn.

Blast From The Past: Kris Marsala

We lost one of Watertown's better known citizens this past year - Kris D. Marsala died in November at the age of 63. We remember Kris with this week's "Blast From The Past," as we go back to January 1997, when Kris was sworn in as a member of the Watertown city council. 

A Look At The Future For Former Climax Plant in Lowville

Going on three years since Climax Manufacturing in Lowville closed and with it took more than 150 jobs. However - with 170,000 square feet of industrial space and offices, the Lewis County Industrial Development Agency feels the former plant can be an economic driver once again.

Shutdown Effect: Buying A House In NNY

Assuming the partial government shutdown lasts one more day - as seems entirely likely - it will be the longest shutdown in U.S. history. We are starting to see effects in northern New York. 

Cuomo Proposes Extending Gun Purchase Waiting Period

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he wants to extend the background check waiting period for firearm purchase from three days to 10 days.

Friday: Layoffs At Massena Bitcoin Miner

Layoffs have come to Massena's largest Bitcoin miner. 15 people were laid off at Coinmint's operations at the former Alcoa East plant, but the company says it's not directly tied to the plummeting price of Bitcoin. 

WWNY, WNYF Remain Off DirecTV

WWNY, the CBS station serving northern New York, and WNYF, the local Fox affiliate, remained off DirecTV Friday afternoon, heading into a busy sports weekend. NFL division playoff games are scheduled for Fox Saturday night and for CBS and Fox Sunday afternoon. Station officials urge viewers to make alternate arrangements to view the games.

Last Tyler Johnson Suspect Sentenced To 18 Years

"I just want to say I'm sorry," Devin Davis told the family of Tyler Johnson. 

State Lawmakers Consider Early Voting & Easier Registration

Lawmakers in New York are poised to overhaul the state's antiquated election laws in an effort to raise low voter turnout rates.

Water Main Break Slows Massena-Cornwall Border Crossings

Travel was slow-going Friday for people trying to get to Cornwall, Ontario by crossing the Seaway International Bridge near Massena. 

Man Jailed After Allegedly Firing Rifle Inside Home

A Fort Covington man is in Franklin County jail after he allegedly fired a rifle inside his home. 

Man Allegedly Steals Vehicle He Drives Into Embankment

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A Canton man is accused stealing a vehicle and driving it into an embankment. 

Highlights $ Scores: A Busy Night On The Hardwood

High school and college basketball dominated the local sports scene Thursday.

7 News Wins Awards For Newscasts, Reporting

7 News was honored Saturday night as "best newscast" during the New York State Associated Press Association's annual awards dinner. 

Sports: Frontier League Swimming and Wrestling

The Frontier League crowned champions in both swimming and wrestling Saturday.

A Little Snow Friday, A Bunch More This Weekend

We could get an inch or two of snow Friday, but the big event will be over the weekend. 

Calm, Cold Thursday, Storm Watches For The Weekend

Temperature in the single digits below zero Thursday morning would feel more like negative double digits.

Mixed Precipitation Early, Falling Temperatures Later

Driving was tricky overnight and Wednesday morning. A mix of snow and freezing drizzle made roadways and other surfaces slick. 

Cuomo Set To Unveil 2019-2020 Budget

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is set to release his annual state budget proposal to a New York Legislature that's controlled by Democrats for the first time in a decade.

Warmer With A Bit Of Snow

We could see a few flurries Tuesday morning and some snow showers in the afternoon.

Copenhagen District Voters Deciding On $5.9M Project

Residents in the Copenhagen school district go to the polls Monday to vote on a $5.9 million capital improvement project. plumbing.

Week Ahead: Cold, Some Snow, More Cold

A very cold weekend is rolling into a very cold start to the workweek. 

Woman Critical, Man In Custody After Assault

A woman was critically injured in a stabbing Friday morning, according to St. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary Pasqua. 

Cold, Cold, & More Cold

The bright sunshine of the next few days might get you outside to enjoy winter activities, but make sure you bundle up.