NCPR News Staff: Chris Knight, Reporter

The attorney for disgraced former State Assemblyman Chris Ortloff says his client is remorseful and wants to get on with his life after admitting that he used the Internet to try to lure minors into having sex. Meanwhile, Ortloff will reportedly be able to receive his state pension, even while he’s in prison. Chris Knight reports.

A series of controversial rule changes on shoreline development in the Adirondack Park will take effect in less than three weeks. Adirondack Park Agency staff yesterday outlined how they plan to handle applications and permits received since the new regulations were adopted, but before they take effect. The park agency also clarified an exception that will allow minor expansion of shoreline structures without a variance. Chris Knight reports.

North Country Congressman John McHugh is among three Republicans aiming to take the top GOP spot on the prestigious House Armed Services Committee. McHugh will make his case to the House Republican Steering Committee today. Chris Knight reports.

The ongoing financial crisis is being blamed for a reduction in the workforce of one of the largest employers in the Saranac Lake area. American Management Association, which provides management training, seminars and publications, says the financial crisis has affected companies that make up the vast majority of their customer base. As Chris Knight reports, local officials are concerned that the loss of jobs will hit local families at a time when they’re already hurting.

Forest rangers and volunteers are expected to continue their search today for 71-year-old man missing for more than a week in the Central Adirondacks. Frederick Gillingham of California, who has a camp in Indian Lake, has been missing since Sunday, October 12. As Chris Knight reports, the Department of Environmental Conservation is now looking for information from anyone who may have been hiking in the Indian Lake area last week.

School officials in a small town in the Adirondacks are pushing for a change in federal law that could help to stem the tide of declining student enrollment. The Newcomb Central School district, with an enrollment of about 70 students, wants to bring in international students for longer periods of time than the current one year allowed under federal law. The district is asking the New York State School Boards Association to support a change in federal law that would give public schools the same right to international students as private schools. As Chris Knight reports, several school districts in the North Country are backing the proposal.

Former State Assemblyman Chris Ortloff appeared in federal court yesterday to answer charges that he used the Internet to solicit sex with minors. The 61-year-old, who has been serving a six-year term on the State Parole Board, was arrested in a state police sting at a motel in suburban Albany. More details of the police operation and the arrest emerged yesterday. And reaction spread across the North Country. Chris Knight has more

Congressional candidate Sandy Treadwell picked up the endorsement of Republican supervisors in his home county on Monday. The former Secretary of State and former chairman of New York's Republican Party is trying to unseat Democratic Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand. Chris Knight reports.

Another North Country school is closing its doors for good. At the end of the current school year, students at Lake Clear Elementary — part of the Saranac Lake Central School District — will be sent to other buildings. The move follows a unanimous decision by the local school board last night. Chris Knight has details.

It looks like another North Country school may close because of declining enrollment. A committee of Saranac Lake School Board members, district officials, parents and residents is recommending the district close Lake Clear Elementary School. They delivered their report to school board members Wednesday night. Chris Knight reports.