To the Editor:

Last week, Albany backed down from a plan to ban the age-old practice of selling hand-cut cheese at Farmers Markets. The issue arose when bureaucrats decided to reinterpret a 40-year-old rule that had never before been applied in this way.

As soon as I heard about the change, I started drafting legislation to exempt Farmers Markets from the rule. Like the practice of cutting fresh cheese, Farmers Markets have been around for years, but they are becoming increasingly popular, as consumers are looking for ways to buy more locally produced foods.

POTSDAM -- State Sen. Joe Griffo will be in Potsdam Thursday for the start of Summer Festival.

The Potsdam Chamber of Commerce says he will be visiting Foxy Roxy’s Diner and Sergi’s Italian Restaurant. Foxy Roxy’s was named the chamber’s business of the year this year, and Sam and Carmela Spagnolo, proprietors of Sergi’s, were recently awarded the Potsdam Rotary Club’s Service Above Self Award.

He will also stroll Market Street between noon and 1 p.m.

LISBON -- Students at Lisbon Central School recently participated in a Lego Robotics Camp offered by Clarkson University.

This camp was made available through a federal grant, according to Melanie Barkley, program coordinator, who submitted this photo.

COLTON -- The Higley Association will hold its annual ice cream social and fireworks display on Saturday, July 16 beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the fireman's field on Gulf Road.

Music will be provided by the band Impulse.

The fireworks begin at dark.

The event is free except for any purchase of ice cream or cake.

Donations towards the fireworks will be accepted with gratitude.

In the event of severe weather, the social and fireworks show will be held Sunday, July 17.

POTSDAM -- The C.O.R.C. Thrift Store, 8 Willow St., will be a part of the Potsdam Summer Festival at the Pine Street Arena Flea Market Saturday, July 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All previously unseen clothing items at the flea market will be $1 each. A large assortment of clean and functional summer and winter clothing for all ages and sizes will be on sale.

A free stagecoach ride will be provided to the Arena from Ives Park between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

To the Editor:

The 76th annual July 4th field day celebration held in Norwood was a huge success. This year’s parade had over 70 units in it due to the involvement of many individuals, businesses and organizations.

The members of the Norwood Volunteer Fire Department wish to thank the young American Legion Veterans who escorted “Old Glory” at the beginning of our parade. This 10’ x 19’ flag will always begin this annual parade.

In response to “Consolidation Needed” (Sound Off, June 15-21): You bring up an interesting point. I have lived in the North Country my whole life, and I know first hand about the law enforcement in this area and in Potsdam. You are right about Clarkson University having their own security force, SUNY Potsdam having its own police force and the state police and sheriff’s department covering the area as well. I think that the ongoing political discussion about whether to dissolve the village or not needs to be thought about in a different perspective.

Regarding “Shame on Officer” (July 6-12): No, shame on the citizen. He should have stopped. He as well put everyone himself in danger. He chose to break the law. He chose his life. Shame on the citizen!

Updated

By DERRY LOUCKS

UTICA -- More than 75 St. Lawrence County runners participated in the 2011 edition of the Utica Boilermaker 15 kilometer road race Sunday July 10 in the central New York city in the Mohawk Valley region.

Over 11,000 runners completed the 9.3-mile course with Tyler Hayes of Massena finishing 145th overall and 44th out of 587 runners in the 20-24 year old male category. Right behind him was Zach Dodge of Ogdensburg finishing 187th overall.

NORFOLK -- As part of the summer program at Hepburn Library of Norfolk, some children enjoyed a story presented by Heather Mccuin about Kenya, who had visited the eastern African nation.

The group then created wonderful African masks and showed them off.

Over 50 children are participating in this year’s program, according to Library Director Vicky Brothers.

The program runs all week from 10-11 a.m. at the library.