FORMER POTSDAM-AREA MAN SCRATCHES OFF BIG LOTTERY BUCKS—53-year-old David Fortune, now a resident of West Chazy in Clinton County, claimed over 3.3 million-dollars after taxes for a winning “5-Million-Dollars-Cash” ticket he purchased at a Kinney Drug store in Plattsburgh late last month. Fortune almost threw away the 20-dollar ticket in a pile of “losers” he kept in his vehicle, but found out he won as he was filtering through the pile while he was doing his wash in a Plattsburgh-area laundromat. Fortune calls the win “...a gift from God.”

SALE OF “HOT” AUTO PART SENDS LOCAL MAN TO JAIL—27-year-old Donald Gilbo of Ogdensburg was arrested late last week after he allegedly sold a stolen catalytic converter in Hammond. Gilbo was arraigned and committed on 5000 dollars cash bail or 10-thousand-dollars bail bond.

POTSDAM PTSA VICE PRESIDENT SPEAKS UP TO COUNCIL ABOUT SCHOOL AID—Rachel Wallace told the North Country Economic Development Council Friday as it met at SUNY Potsdam it needs to advocate for a more equitable funding formula to local K-12 schools, saying the jobs it creates will mean nothing if families with children either move away or refuse come because of high school taxes that don't result in quality programs. Council Co-Chair Tony Collins says “a high tide raises all boats”--if the council can get the economy moving it will help with the local school funding problem.

SERIOUS ACCIDENT IN CANTON—Sheriff's Deputies say driver Thom Byrne had to be extricated with jaws-of-life after a crash on County Route 27 Saturday afternoon. Byrne was transported from Canton-Potsdam Hospital to Fletcher-Allen Health Care in Burlington, VT.

OBITUARIES:

Hazel Mitchell—67—Potsdam. Services 1pm Tuesday at Garner Funeral Home, Potsdam with calling hours today from 4-7pm