STATE BUDGET “WILD CARDS” MAY HELP FILL GAP, CANTON SCHOOL SUPER SAYS—Superintendent Bill Gregory told the Board of Education Thursday “stabilization” funds to be negotiated by the State Legislature, and the transition to fixed-rate pension contributions may bring in dollars to help fill Canton's projected 2-million-dollar deficit for 2013-2014. Gregory says the lobbying effort needs to start “yesterday” to make sure some of those dollars go Canton's way.

POTSDAM TRUSTEES PROTEST TIME WARNER OFFICE CLOSURE—Steve Warr said Monday the loss of the Potsdam office, closing this week is unconscionable, given the fact the board agreed to extend the cable company's franchise agreement. Ron Tischler says customer service will suffer. Trustee Ruth Garner says “...they're a monopoly.”

SIX NEW BUSES WOULD BE NEEDED, IF POTSDAM CENTRAL WERE TO SWITCH TO ONE RUN—Board Finance Committee Chair Pat Turbett said Tuesday going to one run as a long-term cost control measure is complicated—there would have to be union negotiations with the drivers, and parents of young children may not want them to ride the bus with older children.

OBITUARIES:

Ralph Burnell—81--Brasher Iron Works. Services 10am Monday at St. Patrick's Church in Brasher. Calling hours at Donaldson Funeral Home in Massena Sunday 2-4, 7-9pm.

Patrick Kelley—60—Massena. No services or calling hours; arrangements with Donaldson Funeral Home in Massena.

Kevin Dunbar—52—Winthrop. Services 11am Saturday at Victory Baptist Church in Winthrop with calling hours at Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop today 2-4, 6-8pm

Ann Ruff—82—Norwood. Graveside services in the spring at Riverside Cemetery, Norwood. Arrangements are with Buck Funeral Home in Norwood.

Deralea Ruth Bray—70—Hannibal, NY; former local resident. Services Sunday 3:30pm at First Church of The Nazarene in Fulton with calling at the church Sunday 2:30-3:30pm. Local arrangements are with Garner Funeral Service, Potsdam.