Sunday’s Northern New York Daily Brief covers a larger benefit for volunteer first responders, the coming HEAP application opening, Watertown’s Halloween house voting, Gouverneur’s football title and a Plattsburgh soccer fundraiser.
New York raises tax credit for volunteer first responders
Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers across the North Country will be eligible for a larger state income-tax credit after Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation on Saturday, October 17. The measure raises the individual benefit from $200 to $800. Eligible spouses filing jointly can receive $1,600 when both individually qualify, up from $400. The expanded credit begins with tax year 2027, so qualifying volunteers can claim it when filing in 2028. Eligible volunteers may choose either the increased state income-tax credit or a qualifying local property-tax exemption. The signing brings a larger financial acknowledgment of unpaid emergency service as departments work to recruit and retain volunteers. It does not create an immediate payment to every first responder.
HEAP opens November 2 with higher delivered-fuel benefits
North Country households preparing for heating bills have a November 2 opening date for New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program. The new season brings higher base benefits for eligible households whose fuel is delivered: $990 for oil, kerosene or propane, an increase of $90, and $700 for wood, pellets or coal, up $65. Actual assistance depends on factors including income, household size, heating source and qualifying household members. Many households enrolled in other assistance programs receive HEAP automatically; eligible households outside that process can apply when the program opens. Applications can be submitted online, by mail or in person through local social services offices. The North Country recorded 40,339 households receiving HEAP benefits last heating season.
Watertown opens daily voting in Halloween house contest
Voting is underway in Watertown’s third annual Halloween House Decorating Contest, giving residents a chance to choose their favorite seasonal display. Balloting opened Saturday, October 17, and residents may vote once each day through November 6. The house collecting the most votes will win a basket of Halloween goodies. The daily voting format means the contest will continue beyond Halloween itself, with the final result determined after the November deadline. A participating-house list and a voting submission form have been made available for the competition. For residents following the contest, the immediate step is choosing a favorite among the entered homes while keeping the once-a-day voting limit in mind.
Gouverneur shuts out Potsdam to clinch regular-season football title
Gouverneur clinched the Northern Athletic Conference regular-season football title with a 14-0 victory over Potsdam on Friday, October 16, keeping the Wildcats unbeaten at 7-0 overall. The game remained scoreless until the second quarter, when Cyler Baer broke through the middle for the opening touchdown. Hayden Stowell then intercepted a Potsdam pass and returned the ball to midfield. Five plays later, Stowell connected with Baer on a 24-yard touchdown pass. James Fishel converted both extra-point kicks, providing the game’s final margin. Potsdam collected two interceptions after halftime, but Gouverneur protected its lead and completed the shutout. The result secured the regular-season championship; it was not a sectional championship game.
Plattsburgh soccer fundraiser brings 40 teams together for cancer center
Forty youth soccer teams from across Clinton County took part in the fourth annual Goals for Hope tournament at Plattsburgh High School on Saturday, October 17. The three-on-three competition was organized by members of the school’s boys’ and girls’ soccer teams, with proceeds benefiting the CVPH Fitzpatrick Cancer Center in Plattsburgh. Organizers set a $6,000 fundraising goal for this year’s event after collecting more than $13,000 across the previous three editions. The $6,000 figure remains a target, rather than a confirmed final total. A check is to be presented to the cancer center after all proceeds are collected. The tournament combines support for a local health-care institution with a morning of youth soccer.
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