99 NEWS HEADLINES FOR WEDNESDAY, 12/17/08...Winter Weather Advisory in effect until 4pm; snow to be followed by freezing drizzle this afternoon....4.5 inches of new snow as of 5:50 this morning.

SCOZZAFAVA:BUDGET SPEAKS LITTLE TO UPSTATE ECONOMY--Assembly Member Dede Scozzafava of Gouverneur, reacting to the presentation of a flat, 121-billion-dolar spending plan for next year by Governor David Paterson yesterday, says there has been no discussion of how to revive New York State. The spending plan cuts about 3-thousand jobs and incorporates 15 billion dollars in deficit reduction. School aid is down about 3 percent.

MASSENA MAN JAILED ON HIGH BAIL FOR BURGLARY, SEX CRIME ACCUSATIONS--State Police in Massena say 31-year-old Benjamin Miller of James Street in Massena allegedly had sexual relations with two underage females. He is charged with Rape, Criminal Sexual Act, Burglary and other counts. Miller was arraigned before Town Justice Jerry Sharlow and jailed on 250-thousand dollars cash bail or 500-thousand dollars bail bond.

CLAXTON-HEPBURN TO MAKE CUTS--CEO Mark Webster said yesterday higher costs for supplies, lower reimbursements, and more patients unable to pay their medical bills has prompted the medical center in Ogdensburg to cut 20 staffers by January 5th. Those cut would receive preferential treatment in the event of new openings.

OBITUARIES:

Darcie Ashley--39--Madrid. Services 2pm Friday at St. John The Baptist Church, Madrid. Calling hours at Phillips Memorial Home, Madrid Thursday 2-4, 7-9pm.