CANTON -- State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine visited Wicks Hall on the SUNY Canton campus this week to announce a $15,000 legislative grant to help the college update its nursing facilities and equipment.

The $15,000 was used to purchase two hospital beds, two vital sign stations used in monitoring patients, two computers, and other learning tools specific to health education.

POTSDAM – The 2010 Craft Food and Wine Show Friday and Saturday, Dec. 3 and 4, in Clarkson’s University’s Cheel Center, is planning on more booth space than ever to accommodate as many vendors as possible.

St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Events Manager Jo Ann Robert says the show, formerly Clarkson’s annual Autumn Craft Fair, is opening up booth space in the Cheel lobby in addition to the 110 spaces in the arena. The arena spaces are sold out, Roberts said.

WILMINGTON – The 19th annual Whiteface Oktoberfest is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 2-3. There’s fun for the entire family with activities including original vendors, arts and crafts, children's rides including the popular hayride, Bavarian food, drink, entertainment, and new this year; 60-second challenges.

Oktoberfest will be held Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A complimentary shuttle service will be provided both days.

Admission is $15 for adults, $9 for juniors and seniors and gondola rides are $12.

OGDENSBURG – The Frederic Remington Art Museum's NYS Juried Art Exhibit 2010 has opened in the museum's Richard E. Winter Gallery.

Juror Karen Shelby selected 23 works to be in the exhibition, which opened Sept. 25 and will remain on view through Jan. 8.

By CRAIG FREILICH

More college students are renting textbooks than in the past, but it may cost them more, not less, according to some local bookstore managers.

Stores have for a long time bought back used books from students, and resold them for a lot less than full price, as long as the book is still in demand. But recently, book rentals at less than full price have come on the scene, presented as a way to deal with the “sticker shock” students face when shelling out hundreds of dollars a semester for textbooks.

POTSDAM—Nextwave, St. Lawrence County’s young professionals organization, invites members and newcomers to mingle and share their ideas at the group’s next monthly mixer from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at La Casbah, 6 Elm St.

Newcomers are welcome, and Nextwave members are encouraged to reconnect over a drink, and to bring their colleagues and friends along.

BRASHER FALLS – A gun and knife show will be at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Saturday, Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Many dealers will be present with all kinds of hunting, fishing, archery and sporting items. Dealers wishing to reserve tables should call Phil Davis at 389-4627.

A concession will serve food all day, and breakfast will be served each morning until 11 a.m. Admission is $3 for adults, and under 12 free, but must be accompanied by an adult.

POTSDAM -- The SLC Arts Council hosts Aluna Vaqueira’s Introduction to Maculele two Saturdays, Oct. 2 and 30 from 1 to 2 p.m. Students may register for either or both classes.