Town of Hancock

DEC Reminds Homeowners and Landlords to Prioritize Home Heating Safety This Fall and Winter Property Owners Advised to Put Safety First and Utilize Assistance Program Opportunities The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today advised homeowners and landlords to put safety first when preparing for home heating needs this fall and winter. DEC reminded property owners to avoid connecting occupied buildings to wells producing natural gas because doing so can be dangerous and potentially deadly. DEC also encouraged property owners who use oil for heat to inspect fuel storage tanks for potential leaks or spills before receiving shipments of fuel oil for the upcoming heating season. In addition, with the expectation of rising supply and delivery costs, DEC urged residents to take steps now to utilize programs designed to save consumers energy and money. "New Yorkers are encouraged to plan ahead and prepare to ensure a safe and warm home this winter season," DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "Property owners using oil for heat should inspect fuel storage tanks for leaks and spills before receiving shipments for the heating season and be extra cautious if connecting to a home-use well. Annual inspections and simple precautions can help prevent leaks and spills and protect people, property, and the environment." Natural Gas Safety Natural gas produced by a gas or oil well is odorless and difficult or impossible for a person to detect. While the primary component of natural gas is methane, gases like propane and butane may also be present in addition to water, because the gas is raw and untreated. This may result in improper and erratic combustion in appliances. The risk of an explosion due to natural gas build-up in a home is substantially greater if that gas is not provided by a utility. If a home-use well is connected to a house or other structure: Contact a plumber licensed to work on gas lines and have the fuel source switched to utility natural gas or consider another fuel or heating appliance; Natural gas directly from a well is odorless and colorless, meaning it may build up to explosive levels without detection. Install methane detection alarms in any closed space where methane may accumulate; Commercial gas suppliers always add the odorant mercaptan to natural gas before it is delivered for use. Consider adding mercaptan to natural gas from a home use well so that it can be more easily detected; and Contact DEC if the well is not registered in DEC's database. Owning and operating an oil or gas well comes with regulatory responsibilities aimed at protecting the environment. New York is actively plugging oil and gas wells throughout the state for which there is no registered operator. For questions and additional information about "home-use wells," contact DEC at (518) 402-8056 or oilgas@dec.ny.gov. Also, visit DEC's website for photos and additional details.

FALL FUNDRAISER: Fall for Wreaths by Kaybird's & Nightshade on Elm is today October 21 - 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM at 9 Park Pl, Hancock, NY 13783. A seasonal benefit for Wreaths Across America. Preregistration at Kaybirds is recommended but not required. The event cost is $20 and will be taking place at Nightshade on Elm at the Corner of "Park Place" aka "Elm Street" & West Front Street. Directly across the street from Kaybirds. Crafts Cost Include: Decorated woven raffia pumpkin and fall board. *Coffee & baked good combos are just $5, portions of the food and beverage proceeds will go towards this fundraising event.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation DEC Delivers - Information to keep you connected and informed from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation View in browser The Fishing Line - October 13th Issue Freshwater Fishing, Fisheries Management, and Fishing Access News In This Issue: Fishing Regulation Reminder - Trout Harvest Season (on Inland Trout Streams) Closes October 15 Salmon River Restoration Project Fish Passage Improvements on the Saranac River New Video Release - Lake Sturgeon - Saving a Great Lake Dinosaur DEC Fisheries Staff Spotlight - Riley Delpriore, Chautauqua Fish Hatchery Fishing Regulation Reminder - Trout Harvest Season (on Inland Trout Streams) Closes October 15 Woman holding a small brown trout. Catch and Release Season on Inland Trout Streams Opens October 16 When one season closes, another one opens! While the harvest season on inland trout streams closes on October 15, the following day marks the opening of the catch and release season, which runs through March 31. During this time, only artificial lures are permitted. Planning your next trout fishing trip is easy thanks to an interactive trout stream fishing map available on DECinfo Locator. Also check out the Tackle Box feature in DEC’s HuntFishNY app for fishing regulations, boating access (including driving directions), stocking information, and more. Download the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store today. Statewide Fishing Regulations Salmon River Restoration Project Salmon River Trestle Pool site This past summer, the DEC and US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), through funding from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), started a habitat improvement project at the Trestle Pool site on the Salmon River. This effort is designed to remove a “pinch point” in the river created by the existing railroad bridge abutments and center pier. Under high-flow conditions, the river was slowed down above the trestle, causing an accumulation of bedload (sediment) in the river channel. The accumulation caused the river to over widen and created the excessive bank erosion and the channel braiding. By removing these structures and constructing a floodplain on the south side of the river, the bedload will be properly transported by allowing high flow events to spill out into the floodplain. Additional project features are planned for next year to get the river back closer to its natural state. Fish Passage Improvements on the Saranac River Fredenburgh Falls Dam Fish in the Saranac River are about to experience some new-found freedom. Deconstruction to remove the remnants of the Indian Rapids Dam and Frendenburgh Falls Dam in Plattsburgh is just about complete, which means fish will now be able to move more freely on that stretch of river. The projects are a combined effort of NYS Electric & Gas (NYSEG), US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), and Trout Unlimited to improve fish passage before a fish ladder is installed at Imperial Mills Dam. The fish ladder combined with the removal of the two dams will allow fish to access upper sections of the Saranac River for the first time in over 120 years! For more detailed information on this project, visit the USFWS website. New Video Release - Lake Sturgeon - Saving a Great Lakes Dinosaur Screenshot of lake sturgeon video. Teamwork makes the dream work. DEC partners with many entities in our overall lake sturgeon recovery program. In this video, get up close and personal with staff from DEC and US Fish and Wildlife Service during the annual egg collection on the St. Lawrence River and learn firsthand what it takes to produce the thousands of lake sturgeon stocked each fall. Watch the video about Lake Sturgeon - Saving a Great Lakes Dinosaur. More on Lake Sturgeon: Lake Sturgeon Management in NY Video about the Lake Sturgeon Restoration Effort in NY DEC Fisheries Staff Spotlight - Riley Delpriore, Chautauqua Fish Hatchery Riley Delpriore, Fish Culturist, holding up a large muskellunge, I'm currently a Fish Culturist Trainee 1 at the Chautauqua Fish Hatchery. I graduated from SUNY Cobleskill in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management. Although, I took as many fish classes as possible that would count in my degree (fish students always had more fun anyways). Fresh out of college, I started my career with DEC in the Region 9 wildlife office in hunter education, then transferred to the fisheries office as a creel technician for Chautauqua Lake. Being local to the area, it was my dream job to work hands-on in the field for DEC and so close to home. At a young age, I used to feed the fish at Randolph Fish Hatchery and volunteer with goose roundups. As my dad once said, “you know these people get paid to do this kind of work” and now here I am! At the Chautauqua Fish Hatchery, we raise mainly warmwater fish species including muskellunge, walleye, and sauger, but also brown trout. The muskie are by far the coolest fish to raise. We harvest eggs from adult fish caught in trap nets on Chautauqua Lake and stock eight-inch fish in a matter of six months. With the longnose gar being my favorite, it is truly amazing to see all the different fish species and their sizes that live in the lake. My favorite and most challenging part about my job is interacting with the public. I love seeing the surprised faces of people looking at thousands of fish all in one tank or learning about their local fisheries. On the other hand, it is also difficult to share so much knowledge to a variety of crowds and in a short time frame. However, I find it especially rewarding to teach young kids in hopes to inspire them the same way I was. Outside of work, you’ll find me fishing and hunting with my dad. I also spend a good chunk of time outside playing chase with my black lab puppy, Levi. A fun fact about myself is that I find four-leaf clovers all the time without having to look for them. What can I say, I’m one lucky gal!

DEC Announces Survey to Assess Hunter Views and Activities on Harvesting Antlerless Deer The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) manages deer populations through actions that encourage or limit harvest of female deer. This is accomplished by adjusting hunting seasons and/or the number of deer management permits (DMPs) available to hunters in each wildlife management unit (WMU). However, in some areas, hunters are not harvesting enough female deer to manage deer populations effectively. To identify potential mechanisms to increase harvest of female deer, DEC is working with Cornell University’s Center for Conservation Social Sciences to understand the factors that influence hunters’ willingness and ability to harvest antlerless deer. Focus group discussions with several hunter stakeholder groups earlier this year helped inform the topics and strategies that DEC is now exploring through a broader survey of hunters. The survey will be sent to 4,050 randomly selected NY deer hunters over the age of 18 beginning October 11th, 2023. Selected hunters will either receive a hard copy of the survey in the mail or an electronic version of the survey via email. A prenotification postcard from Cornell was sent to half of selected hunters on October 4th, encouraging them to keep an eye out for the survey in their incoming mail/email. The success of the project depends on the generous participation of hunters, and DEC encourages all hunters who receive the survey to complete and return it even if you do not hunt antlerless deer. Survey responses will be analyzed after the 2023-24 deer hunting season, and a summary report of the project will be available on DEC’s website in 2024. DEC does not anticipate any potential changes to hunting regulations, if appropriate, to take effect until the fall of 2025. Hunters play a critical role in helping keep deer populations in balance with available habitat and at levels that are socially acceptable. Help steward New York’s deer herd by harvesting at least one antlerless deer this hunting season and reporting all of your deer harvests.

Tree Stand Awareness Month

Special thanks to all who attended this year's Harvest Festival and Tractor Parade. You all made it a smashing success. This evening's fundraising event Tractober-fest in the Town Square has been cancelled due to the heavy rain and music equipment issues. We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to seeing everyone again soon!

HARVEST FESTIVAL: Please join the HCEF for the 15th Annual Harvest Festival & Tractor Parade in the Hancock Town Square from 9AM-4PM today (Parade begins at 1PM). Shop local vendors, enjoy good food, and listen to live music. Immediately following the event there will be a Tractoberfest "beer fest" at 5-8PM in the Town Square with live music and also a Designer Handbag Bingo event at the VFW East Branch - October 7th - 5-8PM (Calling Starts at 6PM). Proceeds for Bingo to benefit Wreaths Across America, there will be limited seating so email vfwauxiliary@use.startmail.com or message them on Facebook. Admission is $30 Includes: 10 Games (3 Boards Per Game) - 1 Door Prize Ticket - Additional Games $5 Each (3 Boards Max). Raffles will take place including 50/50, and food & beverages will be available for purchase! *Prize donations accepted!

HANCOCK HARVEST FESTIVAL: Please join us today in the Hancock Town Square for our 15th Annual Harvest Festival & Tractor Parade on October 7th from 9AM-4PM! The event kicks off on Saturday morning at 9AM with numerous vendors in the Hancock Town Square vendors include: Awestruck Cider, Local Meats, Vegetables, Pumpkins, Homemade Crafts and Children’s Activities. Join us at 1PM for the Tractor Parade which will take place throughout the village, best place to gather is E Front Street & Town Square. Everyone is welcome to participate, lineup is at Firemans Field at noon. Then from 2-4PM we will have Live Music with local favorite Lucas Resti in the Town Square! #visithancockny

HANCOCK HARVEST FESTIVAL: Please join us today & Saturday in the Hancock Town Square for our 15th Annual Harvest Festival & Tractor Parade on October 6th and 7th from 9AM-4PM each day! The event kicks off at 9AM with Customer Appreciation events throughout the entire village on E Front and Main Street along with numerous vendors in the Hancock Town Square. As a special treat at 3PM there will be a Brooks BBQ at the town square for pre-orders and while supplies last beyond those pre-orders. The merriment continues on Saturday morning October 7th at 9AM at the Town Square with local Vendors including Awestruck Cider, Local Meats, Vegetables, Pumpkins, Homemade Crafts and Children’s Activities. Saturday at 1PM the Tractor Parade will take place through the village. Everyone is welcome to participate. Then on Sat from 2-4PM we will have Live Music with local favorite Lucas Resti! #visithancockny

HANCOCK HARVEST FESTIVAL: Please join us tomorrow & Saturday in the Hancock Town Square for our 15th Annual Harvest Festival & Tractor Parade on October 6th and 7th from 9AM-4PM each day! The event kicks off on Friday morning at 9AM with Customer Appreciation events throughout the entire village on E Front and Main Street along with numerous vendors in the Hancock Town Square. As a special treat at 3PM there will be a Brooks BBQ at the town square for pre-orders and while supplies last beyond those pre-orders. The merriment continues on Saturday morning October 7th at 9AM at the Town Square with local Vendors including Awestruck Cider, Local Meats, Vegetables, Pumpkins, Homemade Crafts and Children’s Activities. Saturday at 1PM the Tractor Parade will take place through the village. Everyone is welcome to participate. Then on Sat from 2-4PM we will have Live Music with local favorite Lucas Resti! #visithancockny

SAFETY TEST AT 2:20PM: FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide TEST of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) today October 4th at approximately 2:20PM today. Tests include, cellular phones, radio, television and some internet based streaming service systems. The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset or device. Please note that this is just a test, so please do not be alarmed, afraid, or concerned for school safety in Hancock during this test. There will be loud sounds and concerning noises. This system is designed to disrupt for public safety alerts, so please do not panic, simply read the messages, and let the tests unfold and then get back to your normal daily routine. We appreciate your time and attention.

Saturday Event Update: Movie Night in the Hancock Town Square has been cancelled due to other events going on in the village tonight that conflict. Instead please join the community after hours from 6-9PM at local shop "All Sorts" located at 169 E Front Street, for an amazing evening of poetry reading.

DESIGNER BAG BINGO EVENT: VFW East Branch - October 7th - 5-8PM (Calling Starts at 6PM). Proceeds to benefit Wreaths Across America, there will be limited seating so email vfwauxiliary@use.startmail.com or message them on Facebook. Admission is $30 Includes: 10 Games (3 Boards Per Game) - 1 Door Prize Ticket - Additional Games $5 Each (3 Boards Max). Raffles will take place including 50/50, and food & beverages will be available for purchase! *Prize donations accepted!

HARVEST FESTIVAL CONTEST: Don't forget to be part of the 2nd Annual Scarecrow Contest! The Hancock Community Education Foundation invites all businesses to build and showcase a "one-of-a-kind" scarecrow to help make our community festive. The event welcomes spooky, funny and scary entries, but please no political scarecrows. Just have your scarecrow on display by October 6th, so it can be viewed and judged during the annual Harvest Festival. Winners will be announced on the HCEF website and social media! #visithancockny

EVENT UPDATE: Tonight's Outdoor Karaoke event in the Hancock Town Square has been cancelled due to poor weather conditions. We apologize for the inconvenience and welcome you all back next Saturday from 10AM-2PM for the Saturday Street Fair & Farmer's Market with Live music from 12-2PM.

BRISKET & LOTTERY: Stop by at 12-4PM to support the Hancock Ambulance Corporation by purchasing a $15 Brisket luncheon and don't forget to say thank you to your local EMS volunteers and workers! You can also shop local vendors at the Street Fair in the Hancock Town Square and get your Farmer's Market fix, we will have live music today till 2PM featuring local artist Jaimie Lilly.#visithancockny

Summer Saturdays is Back: Come out and shop local vendors at the Street Fair in the Hancock Town Square and get your Farmer's Market fix. We will have live music today from 10-2PM featuring local artists Jaimie Lilly and Nick Hearmon. Stop by at noon to support the Hancock Ambulance Corporation by stopping by their Brisket luncheon from 12-4PM and don't forget to say thank you to your local EMS volunteers and workers! Weather permitting we will have Karaoke in the town Square from 5-7PM. #visithancockny

15th Annual Bob Ray Memorial Hancock Tractor Parade signups underway. If interested in participating for free please call (607)637-3591 - Donations welcome for Hancock Community Education Foundation.

Support the Town of Hancock Ambulance Corporation on September 23rd! They will be raffling off a lottery board with $100 of tickets and $50 cash at their Brisket Dinner on September 23 at the Town square. Lottery Board tickets are $1 each or 6 tickets for $5. Brisket Dinners are just $15 so buy one than one and share the love and brisket with friends and family for a good cause. Tickets for both can be purchased ahead of time. Message their Facebook events page for more details. https://facebook.com/events/s/brisket-dinner/835805277913601/

SUMMER SATURDAYS IS BACK: Start your day at the Street Fair in the Square from 10AM-2PM and shop local delights, or grab a coffee at Nightshade on Elm or All Sorts, and then venture over to the Perfectly Priced Shop & Treasure Chest for a look at antiques. Then come back to the Hancock Town Square from 2-4PM for our Grateful Dead Coverband "HALF PAST DEAD!" Due to a booking conflict the time for their band slot has been moved from 5pm to 2PM, so we didn't have to cancel the show! Please tell your friends the new time is 2-4PM Saturday ONE SHOW ONLY! #VISITHANCOCKNY