Addie Russell brings Kate Wehrle on as Special Assistant for Community Relations

Assemblymember Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, is proud to announce the addition of Dexter-resident Kate Wehrle to her staff. Wehrle will work out of the Jefferson County office as the Assemblymember’s Special Assistant for Community Relations.

“I’m very pleased to have an opportunity to work with Addie,” Wehrle said. “This is an exciting time to be involved in government and I plan to hit the ground running.”

“Kate brings years of experience and intimate local knowledge to the table and I’m looking forward to having her on the team,” Russell said.

Russell visits Marine Corps Reserve Training Center

Russell looks on as combat gear is displayed by a member of the Army National Guard.

Assemblymember Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, visited the Marine Corps Reserve Training Center in Mattydale, NY, on Thursday to learn more about the daily operations of the Marine Corps, Army, and Air National Guard and the Navy Operational Support Center.

Each military organization supports the armed forces when mobilized by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Anglers can keep using three lines thanks to Assemblymember Russell

The North Country’s recreational fishing industry received a boost on Friday thanks to efforts by Assemblymember Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, that will make for an exciting fishing experience for local residents and visitors.

The law, signed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, will continue to allow anglers to use three lines while on freshwater bodies instead of two, giving them a greater probability of hooking a fish and returning to the area for another outing.

“We have been blessed with an abundance of world-class fishing destinations in the North Country,” Russell said. “This law ensures anglers who visit the region will come back by giving everyone the best shot possible to catch a big one!”

Visit the Thousand Islands with Addie Russell

Addie Russell loves the Thousand Islands and spends as much time on the St. Lawrence River as possible. Hear why she loves it and check out some of the beautiful locations along the nation's fourth coast!

Common Core results demonstrate the need for change according to Russell

Newly appointed Regent Beverly Ouderkirk and Assemblymember Addie Russell.

The release of this year’s Common Core test results demonstrates the need to drastically change New York’s approach to standardized testing, according to Assemblymember Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa.

Statewide 20 percent of students opted not to take the exams and in the North Country many students who did participate did not meet the state standards. Russell said she believes the “so-called state standards” are problematic. 

“Although I’m in favor of higher standards, the Common Core implementation was so rushed that using it as a measure of our students’ achievement or our teachers’ ability is inappropriate,” Russell said. “With such poorly crafted tests and high opt-out rates I’m not confident these results are giving us any reliable or usable data.” 

More than $230,000 in state aid heading to North Country libraries

Assemblymember Russell visited the Canton Free Library earlier this year.

Assemblymember Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, announced that several North Country libraries will receive a total of $235,746 in state aid through the New York State Public Library Construction Grant Program. The grant program is designed to help fund construction costs of public libraries with needs ranging from routine maintenance to full-scale renovations.

“Libraries form an integral part of our communities by bringing people together and creating an environment for collaboration and learning to take place,” Russell said. “This aid will go a long way to ensure our libraries are able to continue serving that role in the North Country for years to come.”

Assemblymember Russell honors Ogdensburg's Dr. Yitta for service to United Helpers

Dr. V. Prasad Yitta, who served as Medical Director for United Helpers' Mosaic Program for 25 years, was honored by Assemblymember Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, and United Helpers today. United Helpers named the staff and patient exercise and fitness center at their downtown Mosaic Complex in his honor. 

Crucial funding for accessibility upgrades at the Ogdensburg Public Library secured by Assemblymember Russell

Assemblymember Addie Russell recently secured a $125,000 grant for the Ogdensburg Public Library that will be used to make accessibility upgrades to the facility. Pictured from left to right are Library Trustee Mary Margaret Small, Russell, Trustee Cathy Piche and Lin Griffin, Ogdensburg City Councilor Jennifer Stevenson, and Executive Director Penny Kerfien. 

The Ogdensburg Public Library will once again be accessible to everyone thanks to a grant secured by Assemblymember Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa.

“Libraries bring communities together with new events, activities, and opportunities for learning,” Russell said. “It is important to me to support our local libraries and ensure they remain accessible to everyone.”

Russell joins Assembly colleagues urging the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to protect upstate airports

Watertown - Today, Assemblymember Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, joined Assembly Majority Leader Joseph D. Morelle, D-Irondequoit, and 17 Upstate Assembly Majority colleagues in sending a letter calling for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to not move forward with the lifting of LaGuardia International Airport’s 1,500 mile perimeter rule.

Russell meets with Sen. Gillibrand to talk economic development

Assemblymember Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, spent Monday morning in Watertown meeting with New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Donald Alexander, CEO of the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency, to discuss sustainable economic growth and job creation in the North Country. Acting Regional Director of the U.S. Economic Development Administration's Northeast Region Tonia Williams was also in attendance, along with other regional leaders.

Russell visits with children at Knickerbocker Elementary

Assemblymember Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, stopped in to read to kids at the YMCA's School Age Child Care Program at Knickerbocker Elementary School in Watertown this morning.