The St. Lawrence University women's basketball team earned a spot in the Park Lodge Tournament championship game after defeating Framingham State College, 72-59, on Saturday night.

The Saints improve to 6-2 on the season, while Framingham falls to 5-3.

"After a slow start we turned it on and played well for much of the game," said Coach Dan Roiger. "We had mental lapses at times, but also flashes of solid play. We will look to bring it all together tomorrow against Regis College."

Visitors to the backcountry of the Adirondack Mountains should use proper equipment and be prepared for snow, ice and cold, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation warns.

Winter is an good time to take advantage of all that the Adirondack Park has to offer, but the season can also present troublesome -- even perilous -- conditions to the unprepared.

CANTON – Did slavery cause the Civil War? Was the war fought just because of a disagreement over State's Rights? Could the Civil War have been avoided?

Find out at the next Civil War Roundtable on Sunday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m., when Robert Wells gives you the low-down on the "Causes of the Civil War" at the St. Lawrence County Historical Association, 3 East Main St. Wells is a retired Mayor of the Village of Canton and was a professor for over 34 years at St. Lawrence University.

By MAUREEN PICHÉ

Despite the rough economy, people in the greater Canton-Potsdam area are still being generous with their time and money this holiday season, according to two local agencies that provide gifts and food to those in need.

Pam Yurgartis of the Potsdam Holiday Fund and Shari Wilcox of the Canton Church and Community Program say donations of food, toys and cash are still coming in, and volunteerism is high.

Singers from nine different North Country churches are busy practicing for their upcoming cantata, Winter’s Grace, telling the Christmas story with music, scripture, prayers and poetry.

There will be two performances, both on Sunday, Dec. 12.

The first will take place at St. Mary’s Church in Brushton at 2 p.m. and the second will take place at St. Andrew’s Church in Norwood at 7 p.m.

There is no admission fee but there will be an opportunity for attendees to donate a food item at the door.