and JOE LoTEMPLIO

LAKE CLEAR -- Big Sky has a big debt at Adirondack Airport -- and has been cut off from fuel supplies until it's paid.

The beleaguered airline also owes Clinton County money.

But airline President Fred deLeeuw says the bills will be paid.

"We are not going into bankruptcy, and everyone who is owed money will be paid," deLeeuw said Thursday from his office in Montana.

LOCAL DEBTS

News of Big Sky Airline's intent to close its operations in the Northeast landed in Lake Clear about 8 p.m. Wednesday, according to Harrietstown Town Councilman Barry DeFuria. He has worked as acting airport manager, along with Supervisor Larry Miller for the past month, while the search to hire a new manager is under way.

Big questions remain unanswered with Big Sky service, he said, which has had 80 percent of its flights fail to take off or land when scheduled since startup Nov. 1.

And the company has not paid any fuel bills, de-icing costs or rental fees for airport space.

"We billed them toward the end of November," DeFuria said. "They owe $51,000 and change so far and haven't paid a dime."

The airline also owes Clinton County about $25,000 for fuel and other materials since it began operating at Plattsburgh International Airport on Oct. 31.

Town officials advised airport crews Wednesday night that Big Sky cannot refuel until the amount owed is paid, DeFuria said.

"We put out instructions last night -- as of last night, they get no more services until we get paid."

Big Sky offered town crews a credit card, but it wouldn't take $51,000.

"So they didn't get any fuel," DeFuria said. "We've cut them off."