cswirsky@adirondackdailyenterprise.com 518-891-2600 X 18
Contributors: Chris Gaige Aaron Marbone
Bangor: Charming from the outside, unforgettable on the inside. This storybook Victorian farmhouse offers beautiful curb appeal, but the true magic reveals itself once you step through the door. Authentic period craftsmanship, stained glass, rich woodwork, vintage details, and stunning living spaces create a home that simply must be experienced in person. $350,000
Plattsburgh: Easy one floor living with 2 BR, 1 Full BA, spacious kitchen, living room, new floating floors in LR and bedrooms, enclosed front porch, side porch, backyard with fencing, shed, apple trees, full unfinished basement with laundry room, workshop area, quiet dead end street near the footbridge to the High School. $130,000
Willsboro: 2 BR, 1 Full BA cottage with one floor living, fully renovated with upgraded systems, solid maple cabinetry, granite countertops, deck off the back with mountain views on .7 acres, private backyard, 5 minute drive to boat launch and Boquet River Nature Preserve. $229,000
Westport: This newly subdivided property provides an opportunity to own a waterfront lot on Lake Champlain with municipal water, electric, septic and fiber optic service already in place. It is a buildable lot per APA regulations, the site has 150 ft. of undeveloped waterfront, boasting spectacular panoramic views of VT. $425,000
Lake Placid: The Whiteface Lodge, currently there are multiple 1 & 2 BR units, varying intervals for sale. Each unit comes with amenities galore - Spa, Hair Salon, Theater, Fitness Room, Game Room, Bowling lanes, Indoor/Outdoor Pools, Hot Tubs, Lean-tos, Ice rink, Sandy Beach on Lake Placid lake. Prices range from $30,000 - $85,000
Crown Point: Two contiguous, waterfront parcels on Lake Champlain offering 103 ft of waterfront featuring a sandy beach, wide water views, and a removable dock system. Both are cleared with individual septic systems, a well, and electric service at the road. Previously 2 residences on quiet private road, year-round access. $235,000
Saranac Lake: Hawk Ridge is a 9.16 acre buildable lot in the village that offers privacy, convenience, walk to Dewey Mountain trails to hike, bike and ski. There is a drilled well already in place to help get you started building your dream home, a secluded vacation getaway or a base for your Adirondack adventures.
$185,000
Saranac Lake: Beautiful 5+ acre, sunny, level building lot, just minutes to Adirondack Regional Airport and short scenic drives to Saranac Lake and Lake Placid villages. Build your dream home. Walk to the Upper Saranac boat launch and the Saranac Inn Golf Course. Enjoy the area’s year round hiking, paddling and waterways. $125,000
Vermontville: Build your Adirondack retreat on this stunning 58+ acre parcel on Fletcher Farm Road. Selective clearing on the property offers panoramic views of Whiteface Mtn. APA permit is in place for a single-family residence, a completed soils analysis has approved the site for a wastewater treatment system. Site plan on file. $211,000
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BUILDING THE ICE PALACE Saranac Lake Winter Carnival
LEFT: Shawn Rohe sculpts a life-size Bart Simpson at the Winter Carnival Ice Palace.
photos — Aaron Marbone)
Brandon Phelps throws up snow as uses a homemade saw built by Harry Duso in 1939 to cut out ice blocks for the Ice Palace with the IPW 101.
Kyle Tisdale uses a chainsaw to cut out the first block for the Ice Palace with the IPW 101.
Marty Marks saws and grins as he cuts out ice blocks for the Ice Palace with the IPW 101.
RIGHT: John “Doc” Ward sculpts a Homer Simpson throne at the Winter Carnival Ice Palace.
ABOVE:
Darren Dalton scrapes down an ice block before it gets sent up to the top of an Ice Palace tower by the crane seen behind.
Cliff Bearistow, Chris Taylor and Tom Toole spud out some of the early blocks for the Ice Palace as the IPW 101.
754 anglers brave -25 wind chills at Northern Challenge
By CHRIS GAIGE, Staff Writer
TUPPER LAKE -- When Cayden Egelston plopped the 10.29-pound northern pike he caught down on the scale, Northern Challenge ice fishing derby organizer Scott LaLonde had a hunch that would be heavy enough to seal the deal.
It was early, before 10 a.m., and catches were accepted at the derby -- an annual event on Lake Simond on the first Saturday of February -- through 3 p.m. But, by the Northern Challenge's standard, this was a monster catch. Last year's largest northern pike weighed in at 7.79 pounds.
"After I saw that one, I said, 'oop, that's probably the lunker pool winner,'" LaLonde said.
Sure enough, Egelston's catch held down the podium by a comfortable margin. The day's secondheaviest pike was reeled in by Kevin Barrows between 10 and 11 a.m., weighing in at a still-impressive 7.83 pounds. Third place overall was an early catch, as Dan Keck reeled in a 7.37-pound northern pike between 7 and 8 a.m.
The lunker pool refers to the optional extra $10 registrants pay to make themselves eligible for the jackpot pool. It's a 50% payout to the day's biggest catch, who's entered in the pool, and the other half goes to tournament organizers.
Although this year's 754 registrants make the Northern Challenge one of the largest ice fishing tournaments in the state, the turnout was down from normal. LaLonde attributed that to the frigid weather. Temperatures never got above minus 7 during the event, according to Tupper Lake's New York state Mesonet weather station.
The wind chill ranged from -19.8 to -25.9 degrees at the weather station, which is near the Wild Center. Wind chill values were almost certainly lower on Lake Simond, where the frozen waterbody's large exposed area allows winds to blow more strongly.
"It's always weather-dependent," he said. "We always get about one-third (of our sign-ups ahead of time) online. The rest of them, they watch the weather. And when we get the good weather, we get the numbers."
LaLonde said 1,000 registrants is around average, and 1,400 is a banner year. The ebbs and the flows, though, come with the territory.
"But you can't control Mother Nature," he said.
One thing that LaLonde didn't have to worry about much this year was the ice quality and thickness. It had grown to a hefty 14 inches by mid-January, and with no signs of a thaw for late January and early
Tim Degrote, of Kerhonkson, is seen with his 4.65-pound catch, good for second place in the 11 a.m. to noon hour, at the Northern Challenge ice shing derby on Lake Simond in the town of Tupper Lake on Saturday. He and his father have been coming to the derby for eight years now.
David Edgell and Tara Zumpano smile on Lake Simond at the Northern Challenge ice shing derby, held on Saturday in the town of Tupper Lake. It was their ninth year attending and had a heated shing hut to best the frigid temperatures, which remained below zero throughout the day.
February, there was no waiting it out until the last minute to see if there'd be enough ice for Lake Simond to be safe.
On Saturday, the ice had grown to 20 inches, and while pickup trucks are never permitted on the ice at the event, LaLonde said the ice was thick enough that organizers were able to plow some access paths on the lake for participants in advance this year.
And for those hearty souls who braved the cold, not only did LaLonde say plenty of fun was had on the ice, but the odds of winning a prize were better. There was over $40,000 in cash and cash-value prizes dished out this year. That includes $6,800 for the three largest fish, and random "lucky fish" caught each hour, two brand-new four-wheelers that were raffled off and a large variety of other 50-50 raffles and door prizes.
The heaviest northern pike each hour won $500, $200 was awarded for second place, $100 for third and $50 for the lucky fish. Normally, if there are fewer than 800 participants, the hourly prizes are paid out at 80%, but LaLonde said it was close enough -- and anglers had to brave such brutally cold conditions -- this year that those were paid in full.
All northern pike are released back into Lake Simond after they are weighed. The fish must be alive for it to count, and anglers bring them to the weigh station in a water-filled bag or bucket. There is a chute in the weigh station that drops through the ice into the water, and the northern pike are released immediately after their weight is recorded.
This was LaLonde's third year spearheading the event, taking the reins from longtime lead organizer Dave McMahon. Planning the Northern Challenge takes a full year, LaLonde said, and involves a small cadre of Tupper Lake Sportsmen's Club members.
"I start with this today for next year," he said on Sunday. "I start ordering door prizes, the fourwheelers, sponsorships -- we have a good support staff, but it's very minimal, and the week of the
derby, it's all day long every day, no matter what -- but it's literally a year-long process."
He said it's an adventure, but one that's well worth it. He thanked everyone who volunteered and/or donated to make the Northern Challenge another success this year.
"Our club does a lot of good stuff for the kids and everything," he said. "It all goes right back, so it's all good."
Lester and Leighton Weller, of South Glens Falls, smile on Lake Simond at the Northern Challenge ice shing derby, held on Saturday in the town of Tupper Lake. It was their rst time ice shing and, despite the cold, had a fun time.
Christina Naylor and Ken Shaffer smile during a trip to the weigh station at the Northern Challenge ice shing derby on Lake Simond in the town of Tupper Lake on Saturday. Schaffer's 3.71-pound catch was good for third place in the noon to 1 p.m. Hour.
Brandon Hoffert with his catch at the Northern Challenge ice shing derby held on Lake Simond in the town of Tupper Lake on Saturday.
Photos by Chris Gaige
Homes
Are
Sitting Longer on the Market.
So What Does It Take to Get Them Sold in the Adirondacks?
MARKETING THAT REACHES BEYOND THE LISTING “Exposure drives results-marketing turns listings into demand”
Youtube: Video That Actually Gets Watched
Watch More Listings
YouTube:
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Tina Leonard Real Estate and Chase Jermano's YouTube channels draw thousands of viewers, showcasing homes, local businesses, and the Adirondack lifestyle through cinematic tours and market insights.
WHY CLIENTS LOVE WORKING WITH TINA LEONARD REAL ESTATE
Clients love working with Tina Leonard Real Estate because they feel supported from the rst conversation through closing and beyond. The team guides buyers and sellers with clarity, patience, and consistent communication, making even complex transactions feel manageable. Responsiveness stands out, with questions answered quickly and solutions provided without delay. Clients value everything from video tours for remote buyers to comprehensive marketing preparation for sellers and the coordination of every moving part. Deep local knowledge, innovative marketing, and genuine care create an experience that feels both professional and personal.
SAY YES TO THE RIGHT HOME.
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Whether you’re buying your first home or your own private escape, we’ll meet you where you are—and help you get where you want to be.
Our team works to boost your buying power so you can make a stronger offer and stand out in a competitive market. And we may have options to help make your new house feel like home—whether that means tackling repairs, adding a fence, or upgrading your kitchen.
With flexible mortgage options and competitive rates, we make it easy to move forward with confidence.
Thanks to CBNA and Alex, our homebuying experience was smooth and easy. The communication, flexibility, and personal touch made all the difference. We’re happy to recommend CBNA to anyone looking for financing in Lake Placid.”
SILVIA V. Lake Placid, NY Home Owner
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Before Taking Pictures
Prospective homeowners are going to preview any property on the internet before they buy
That’s why your online listing needs a series of attractive images to show off the home’s best features. Consider hiring a professional real estate photographer, particularly if you want to sell quickly. Statistics show that property listings featuring high-quality online photographs sell more than 30 percent faster than those with average or poor-quality images. Pro-shot images give potential buyers an early sense of how they could fit into the space. Once you’ve settled on a photographer, schedule a date far enough in the future that there’s time to spruce things up. It’s time to get everything ready for the spotlight.
THOROUGH CLEANING
It may seem obvious, but begin by making sure every area is spotless. Pay attention to every room, cleaning surfaces and floors.
Make sure the beds are made and put away any loose shoes, toys, jackets and pet accessories. Don’t overlook spots you
assume might be out of sight, as photographers might rearrange furniture and other belongings to more effectively showcase your property. If you want to help buyers envision themselves in the home, take down personal pictures and sentimental items. Neutral colors and decorations will attract a broader audience of potential buyers. If needed, organize care for pets and children. Turn off electronic devices like TVs and computer screens. Fresh flowers and plants can add vibrancy. Also, switch off ceiling fans to ensure photos appear clean and clear.
ADJUST THE LIGHTING
Open curtains and blinds to let the sunshine in. Turn on every light fixture available,including lamps and those in ceiling fans,
under cabinets and around the vanity. If you have a fireplace, consider lighting it or placing candles to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Schedule the photo session during hours when the lighting appears soft and diffused.
DON’T FORGET OUTSIDE
First impressions count — and that starts outside. If you have a lawn, mow it and then carefully edge the yard and sidewalks. Sweep the driveway and scrub away any stains. Remove all yard debris and weed and trim gardens to make the home’s exterior as attractive as possible. Move any vehicles parked in the driveway or street, then declutter garages or carports so potential buyers can more easily view these areas.
U.S. 1980 Olympics ice hockey teammate Jack O’Callahan, statue donor Stanley Rumbough and members of the
family
a statue of Herb Brooks after it was unveiled at the Lake Placid Olympic Center’s Miracle Plaza on Jan. 31. From left, O’Callahan, Rumbough, Joe Paradise, Dan Brooks, Kelly Brooks Paradise, Olivia Paradise and Tommy Paradise. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)
1980 coach Herb Brooks’ legacy shines on in bronze Statue for legendary coach unveiled at Olympic Center
By Chris Gaige
LAKE PLACID — In a night of dedication, celebration and a nod to the future, around 150 packed the Lake Placid Olympic Center’s Miracle Plaza for the unveiling of the statue of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey coach Herb Brooks.
Brooks’ children and grandchildren were there to pull the cover off the life-size bronze statue of the legendary hockey coach whose team pulled off the famed “Miracle on Ice,” defeating the mighty Soviet Union in that very building nearly 46 years ago.
Emcee and organizer John Morgan, a Saranac Lake native, opened the ceremony by inviting the audience to recall any event similar in its magnitude and fervent in the nation’s memory, given how many years ago it took place.
“Who won the Super Bowl? Who won the World Series, the NBA playoffs, the Olympics?,” he said. “Think. We’re 46 years in. I bet you we’re 46 years in after this and they’re still talking about this miracle.”
Indeed, as he said, it was much more than just a hockey game, capturing the spirit and soul of the nation at a time when it was desperately needed.
The ceremony featured several speakers, including 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey defenseman Jack O’Callahan, as well as virtual tributes from renowned sports broadcaster Al Michaels, 1980 team captain Mike Eruzione, who scored the game-winning goal and movie and broadcast clips from the “Miracle” game against the USSR and the subsequent match against Finland to secure the gold medal.
O’Callahan said that after beating the Soviet Union, Brooks stepped away from the ice, letting the team have their moment. He said that while the movie depicts Brooks celebrating to himself in a corridor, he’s not sure if that’s exactly how it went down — but he was certain about one thing.
“I know he had a moment at some point where he was so happy and proud of
us,” O’Callahan said. “I know he was, man. I know he was so proud of us and we were so proud of him and to be his guys.”
In the Olympic finale against Finland, O’Callahan reminded the audience that the team entered the third period down 2-1. He recalled the pressure of the moment, succinctly noting that if they hadn’t followed up their victory over the Soviet Union with a gold medal, “we probably wouldn’t be having this conversation today.”
O’Callahan said Brooks had spent the last eight months preparing the team for those next 20 minutes against Finland, and as such, didn’t have to say much in the locker room right then and there. They knew the assignment, the defenseman said.
“He cut the cord, and he’s like, ‘they’ve got this,’” O’Callahan said. “We paced around that locker room down 2 to 1, with everything on our shoulders and everything on the line, and we stood
Brooks
smile next to
up. And when they opened that door, we charged out of that locker room and we won that damn gold medal, right here in Lake Placid.”
Sure enough, the Americans reeled off three goals in the third period and shut out Finland. The rest was history. Since 1980, he’s come back to Lake Placid many times. O’Callahan has commended the village, town, state Olympic Regional Development Authority and supporters of the “Miracle on Ice” for working tirelessly to ensure its legacy lives on, in Lake Placid and beyond.
He referenced the Monument to a Miracle team statue, which is currently in the midst of its fundraising campaign and is slated to be unveiled in Lake Placid in February 2030, an ode to the Miracle’s 50th Anniversary. O’Callahan said the team looks forward to reuniting to celebrate that, but said it was fitting, and right, that Coach Brooks’ statue came first, as the man who built the team from the ground up.
While it was, of course, the players who took to the ice, O’Callahan said the “Miracle” was only possible because of the brains, heart and soul that Brooks poured into the team.
“It was a special year with a special man, someone who I still think about on a regular basis,” he said. “I know we’re working on a statute for our team — but this is more important —to do this first.”
Brooks’ daughter, Kelly Brooks Paradise, said that as much as the statue made her
look back and think about her father’s legacy, its continued importance — and indeed, the legacy’s lasting impact — will be through the kids it inspires as they walk through the Miracle Plaza in advance of a hockey game. She said this statue is “for the kids,” as much as it’s for anyone — just as Herb would have wanted. “It wasn’t statues for him, it was never about him,” she said of her father’s personality. “It was always for the kids and for the love of the game. When (my brother) Danny was talking, all I could picture was all the kids walking through, and this gives them something to believe in and something to look forward to in their careers. I was here yesterday watching all these kids, wearing all the USA jerseys. For me, this is for the children.”
Eruzione, in his video remarks, said Brooks was the man with the plan.
“Clearly, Herb Brooks was the man that put it all together,” he said. “He had a system. He had a way that he wanted us to play, and we followed it right to a ‘T.’ As hard as he might have been to play for, as he used to say, ‘there’s a method to my madness,’ and clearly there was. And without him, we’re not able to do and accomplish what we accomplished. A brilliant coach, a great man, somebody that you trusted, somebody that you respected. As hard as he was to play for, he knew what he was doing — and what a great honor for him to have a statue in Lake Placid.”
Brooks’ son, Dan, said there aren’t too many days when he doesn’t, at least once, think about the “Miracle on Ice.”
He’s often thought of hypothetical alternatives, namely, what if the 1980 Winter Olympics didn’t take place in Lake Placid? All else being the same, Brooks said he’s pretty sure the “Miracle” wouldn’t, and couldn’t have taken place. “Why? Well, I think the answer is clear,” he said. “It’s because of this town. It’s because of Lake Placid. This place is special, it’s magical, it’s even enchanted. I felt it as a 12-year-old in 1980, I felt it in 2005 when the arena was named after my dad and I sure feel it now.”
U.S. 1980 Olympics ice hockey teammate Jack O’Callahan speaks at the unveiling of the Herb Brooks statue. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige) Joe
Audience members smile and look on as a video of the clip of Coach Herb Brooks’ pre-game speech, played by Kurt Russell, from the 2004 film “Miracle” was played. (Enterprise photo Chris Gaige)
Stanley Rumbough speaks at the unveiling of the Herb Brooks statue. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)
