99 NEWS HEADLINES FOR TUESDAY, 12/9/08.....snow changing over to sleet and freezing rain about 2 hours earlier than expected today, drive carefully.

HOLIDAY ENERGY SAVINGS SUBSTANTIAL FROM SWITCHING TO LED LIGHTS--A recent demonstration by Community Energy Services of Canton at Coakley Hardware shows the energy usage of a 60-light string of C-6 bulbs was between 118-120 watts per hour, while a string of light-emitting diodes used 2 watts per hour.

AUBERTINE TO CHAIR SENATE AG COMMITTEE--State Senate Minority Leader Malcom Smith, soon to be Majority Leader when the Democrats take over in January, announced Monday the 48th District representative will assume the committee leadership position with the takeover. Aubertine told 99 News after he was re-elected to his seat he was seeking a leadership position, and the Agriculture position was in his sights.

LAWRENCE MAN CHARGED WITH SEVEN COUNTS AFTER DOMESTIC DISPUTE--State Police in Massena say 31-year-old Bryan Derushia allegedly violated an order of protection to stay away from an ex-girlfriend. He was charged with counts of contempt, child endangerment, criminal mischief, and a probation violation. Derushia was arraigned and jailed; a check with the jail showed he was released overnight.