99 NEWS HEADLINES FOR THURSDAY, 10/30/08

CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES SPAR ON BAILOUT 'PORK'--During a Clarkson University forum Wednesday, John Mc.Hugh asked opponent Michael Oot to explain why he calls additional spending items in the 700 billion-dollar Wall Stret bailout pork, as he believes most of the items were necessary for conservation and economic development. Oot says in a nation deeply in debt, spending to boost the movie industry is unexplainable to the American people.

POTSDAM CHURCH FIRE, ARSON SUSPECTED--Police and fire investigators are looking into a blaze at St. Mary's on Lawrence Avenue. Flames damaged the area near the altar. Pastor Rev. Garry Giroux told the Courier-Observer he plans to have Mass this weekend as usual.

CANTON HOUSE FIRE; FURNACE EXPLOSION POSSIBLE CAUSE--Canton firefighters and mutual aid responded to 14 1/2 Park Place Wednesday, after James and Rose Perry and Family escaped the house when they heard a 'boom' from the area of the furnace. The house sustained moderate damage; the property is owned by Al Cassara of Canton.

POTSDAM POLICE CAR 'ZAPPED' BY FALLING WIRE DURING STORM--Police say one of the unmarked patrol cars was struck by a falling electric line early Wednesday morning. The voltage was enough to burn holes in the hood and fender, and deflate three tires. Nobody was hurt.

LARCENY SPREE INVESTIGATED--Sheriff's Deputies and State Police are looking into a series of chain saw, tool, and equipment thefts that have occurred in recent weeks. Investigators have serial numbers.

GRIFFO SUPPORTS NATIONAL POPULAR VOTE MOVEMENT--State Senator Joe Griffo announced yesterday he is supporting with colleagues the movement of states to joint together and combine their electoral votes, instead of the current 'winner take all' system. Griffo says the idea is 'Democracy, in the purest sense.'