Northern New York Daily Brief: October 4, 2026

Colesante’s reopens, Save A Lot plans its closing, Alexandria Bay weighs a study, Ogdensburg launches education support, and Stewart’s issues a recall.

Watertown Post October 4, 2026 2 minutes read

The Watertown Post

Good morning, Northern New York. Here are five developments to know for Sunday, October 4, 2026, from a Watertown reopening and a coming grocery-store closure to local-government discussions, education funding and a product recall.

Colesante’s reopens in Watertown under new ownership

Colesante’s reopened Saturday, October 3, after six months of work under new owner Dan Fraser. The Watertown bar dates to 1933, and Fraser says its familiar name and legacy will continue. The original owner’s son, George Colesante, ordered the first drink at the reopening, according to WWNY’s October 3 report.

Watertown Save A Lot scheduled to close October 10

The Save A Lot in Northland Plaza off State Street is scheduled to close Saturday, October 10. An employee told WWNY that eight full- and part-time workers would lose their jobs; the station was still seeking a corporate explanation when its report was published. Independently operated stores in Canton, Gouverneur and Ogdensburg remain open, according to WWNY’s October 2 coverage.

Alexandria Bay considers studying village dissolution

Alexandria Bay trustees are exploring a study of whether the village should dissolve into the town of Alexandria. Officials are considering grant assistance and seeking more information from the Development Authority of the North Country. A joint meeting with the town is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, according to WWNY’s October 2 report. The discussion is preliminary; it does not mean dissolution has been approved.

Ogdensburg Promise launches college and career-training support

The Ogdensburg Promise, announced October 2, will combine financial help with individual coaching for eligible Ogdensburg Free Academy graduates, beginning with the Class of 2027. The program helps cover eligible education costs remaining after other aid, with city-residency and additional requirements. SUNY Potsdam says nearly $4 million has been secured toward an initial $6 million goal. An information meeting is set for Monday, October 5, at 6 p.m. in the OFA auditorium, WWNY reports.

Stewart’s recalls two half-gallon ice-cream varieties

Stewart’s announced an October 2 recall for possible metal contamination involving Heavenly Medley half-gallons marked best by February 10, 2027, and Vanilla-Chocolate-Strawberry half-gallons marked February 11, 2027. The affected products were sold July 17 through October 2 at Stewart’s shops in New York, Vermont and New Hampshire. The company says not to eat them and to return them for a full refund. No related injuries or illnesses had been reported when the FDA-posted company notice was issued.