At least 12,300 homes and businesses across the North Country will benefit from the latest round of state broadband grants. About 4,000 homes in Willsboro, Essex, Jay, Wilmington, Keene and Westport have been included in last week’s funding package, according to the state Broadband Program Office. Ten service providers are tapped to receive grants as part of the $31.5 million package, the second round of funding as part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s push to fully wire the state by the end of … [Read more...]
Local lawmakers, residents eager for solution to broadband woes (THE SUN)
For the past five years, Robin Gucker has been fighting an uphill battle: securing a steady internet connection. “They are knowingly having us a pay for a service they know is inadequate, or is actually no service at all,” Gucker said. “Tech support is incompetent, but our local technicians are rock stars,” she said. Welcome to the North Country. The lack of reliable internet service across large swaths of the North Country has presented one of New York’s most vexing issues, one … [Read more...]
Batteries and Airport Update
Greetings everyone! A client recently contacted me with an odd situation. They wrote: Computer has recently been “getting locked up”, that is, when I am working with documents, the cursor arrow (operated by the mouse) turns into a rainbow colored whirlly-gig -gig. That is, all functions freeze. Thus far, eventually, the whirly-gig solves itself, and I can progress. But, it seems to be happening more, and taking longer to figure itself out. It turns out that this was not an issue with … [Read more...]
Is your technology up-to-date?
Greetings everyone! For those of you who do not know me, my name is Ken Hughes. I live in Essex year round and for the past 4 years I have provided in-home IT services to residents of Essex as well as the greater Champlain Valley. From time to time, I share with my clients tips and tricks on how to improve their digital lives. Beginning with this post to the Essex on Lake Champlain blog, I will be sharing those same tips and tricks with all of you, too! Please feel free to contact me (details … [Read more...]
Willsboro Wastewater Crisis Looming
According to Valley News reporter Pete DeMola the Willsboro wastewater system faces an impending crisis. An in-depth article, "Willsboro's sewer system is facing a crisis — several of them", posted this morning, examined the complex, multi prong dilemma facing Willsboro Town Supervisor Shaun Gillilland. Funding a $1.5 Million Upgrade A DEC noncompliance consent order necessitates a $1.5 million upgrade to the Willsboro wastewater treatment plant, but funding foibles are challenging … [Read more...]
Mobile Overtakes PCs for Local Search
For the first time, mobile devices are being used more often than PCs to find information on local products and services... The data shows that 60% of US adults now typically choose smartphones or tablets over PCs to find information before buying products and services offline. (Local Search Association) Good morning, neighbors. For those of you who follow our hyperlocal media thread, you'll find this news interesting but unsurprising. Unsurprising despite our remote location, often spotty (or … [Read more...]
Hovercraft Ferry Service for Lake Champlain
Would you consider using a Lake Champlain hovercraft ferry service? It's been almost two weeks since the Essex-Charlotte ferry service was discontinued due to heavy ice accumulation on Lake Champlain. Twelve days as of today, to be exact. And for many Essex area ferry commuters the closure has prompted reflection, debate and brainstorming. Vital Interstate Infrastructure Virtually all affirm the critical importance of convenient, local, reliable, year-round transportation across Lake … [Read more...]