9/9/26: The vision for a community-owned store in Saranac Lake fades away

(Sep 9, 2026) The Village Mercantile in Saranac Lake was a way to replace the loss of Ames department store without succumbing to Walmart. After 15 years and huge shifts in the way people shop, the community-owned store is closing its doors. Also: The Strand Center for the Arts in Plattsburgh is at risk of closing if it can't raise $50,000 to pay its bills.