99 NEWS HEADLINES FOR WEDNESDAY 7/8/09

POTSDAM TRUSTEES APPROVE HOSPITAL ZONING--The board gave its unanimous nod to both a negative declaration under SEQR, and the Local Law establishing zoning for Canton-Potsdam Hospital. Trustees noted they were more than generous with taking public comments; a public hearing is not required with the Full Environmental Assessment Form but they held a hearing nonetheless. The hospital will proceed with expansion this summer, by increasing parking through clearing property on Cottage Street.

"OPERATION IRON CURTAIN" NETS NO LOCAL PEOPLE--Agents seized 60 pounds of cocaine, over 7 tons of marijuana and 7 million dollars in cash in a two-year investigation of Canadian-American drug smuggling through the St.Regis Mohawk Reservation. The smugglers reportedly used a border crossing in Clinton County. 45 people were arrested, mostly from other states.

CONSERVATIVES ENDORSE MERCURE--The St.Lawrence County Party Committee voted last week to give its nod to incumbant State Supreme Court Justice Thomas Mercure for another 10-year term. The 65-year-old Mercure, a Republican, is running despite having to retire at age 70. The Appellate Justice told the Committee his ruling on judicial pay--that the Legislature should decide--proves he is a conservative.

BARCLAY NOT RUNNING FOR CONGRESS THIS TIME--Will Barclay announced Monday is will not seek the GOP nod to run for the 23rd Congressional District seat. Related to the seat, the name of the current Congressman, John Mc.Hugh was submitted officially to the US Senate for confirmation as Secretary of the Army.