99 NEWS FOR WEDNESDAY, 3/16/11

MAPLE SAP-GATHERING CONDITIONS NOT IDEAL, BUT CLOSE--St.Lawrence County Maple Producers' Association President Hugh Newton in Hannawa Falls told us the spring-like weather conditions arrived just in time for a good harvest. He says he's getting three-quarters of a gallon per tap per day. It takes about 40 gallons of sap to make about 1 gallon of syrup.

MARY LOU RUPP LET GO FROM COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE--The former deputy clerk who served as interim clerk after Patty Ritchie left for the State Senate, was terminated by Clerk Gavin Regan Tuesday. Sources told us the termination was not politically-motivated. Rupp is a Republican and is running for the Clerk's post. Regan, appointed by Governor Cuomo to the job and running for the Democratic line to keep the seat reportedly decided to keep only one deputy as a cost-efficiency matter. Cathy Streeter, who was kept aboard is also a Republican.

RUSSELL: DISPROPORTINATE CUTS CALL FOR DISPROPORTIONATE RESTORATIONS--The Democratic Assembly Majority member from the 118th District says cuts to education in particular in the Governor's spending plan harm the North Country more than they do wealthy downstate areas, therefore the restorations to aid cuts should be skewed toward poor, rural districts.