As Democrats and Republicans positioned themselves in the best light as they tangoed toward stalemate and a federal government shutdown this week, North Country Congressman Bill Owens tried to ensure that provisions for paying military members would be in place during the shutdown.

His measure did get a vote Thursday on the House floor, but it was defeated by a party-line vote, 191-236, with Republicans in the majority opposed to the Democrat’s plan.

OGDENSBURG - The Ogdensburg Mall will host a craft fair, flea market, and bake sale to benefit Amvets Auxiliary on Saturday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the AmVet club rooms.

There will be 44 tables with lots of variety -- sweetgrass baskets; native American, vintage and new jewelry, pillows, handmade sweaters, baseball cards, garage sale items, collectors items, flea market items, bake sale, and more.

Prizes will be awarded throughout the day.

A $1 admission fee per person, children included, will include eligibility to win prizes.

GOUVERNEUR – The First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur will hold a family fun night with an Easter egg hunt and sundaes Friday, April 15 from 6 to 8 pm.

There is a suggested donation of $5 per family.

Tickets are available through April 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church office.

Limited tickets will be available at the door the night of the event.

All proceeds will benefit the church’s youth ministries.

CHIPMAN – Local stained glass window researcher David Martin will give the history of the Horwood family of Ogdensburg and the stained glass windows they designed and installed at the Scotch Presbyterian Church, Chipman, on Friday, April 15 at the church.

The church is hosting a covered dish dinner at 6 p.m., followed by the program at 7 p.m.

The only admission is a dish to pass.

For more information, contact Grace Hargrave at 322-4429.

CANTON -- An inmate at the St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility has been charged with felony assault after a fight with another inmate that sent them both to the hospital.

Adam P. Chelluk, 19, originally from Massachusetts, was arraigned Friday in Village of Canton Court,m ordered held on $10,000 bail, and sent back to the lockup.

The County Sheriff's Office says the fight occurred two weeks ago, on March 25.

HANNAWA FALLS – Tas Cru, who performed throughout the eastern U.S. last year, will perform during a day full of music, food and raffles April 9 to benefit the Jesse McCarthy Music Scholarship Fund.

The event will take place from noon to 10 p.m. at the Hannawa Falls Firemen’s Field.

Tas Cru performs a variety of formats ranging from solo acoustic to an eight-piece backing band that includes the singing trio Stacked Deck.

He appeared at the Billtown Blues Festival, Kalamazoo Blues Festival and Chattauqua Hills Blues Festival in 2010.

WINTHROP – An Easter holiday shopping fair will be held Friday, April 15 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the American Legion Post 514, Cemetery St.

Vendors in attendance will include Avon, Party Lite, Boogies Bow-Tique, The Pampered Chef, Scentsy, Tupperware, Beauticontrol, Springs ‘n Things, Thirty One, Lia Sophia, Tastefully Simple, Everything Man, Ryas Mommies Headbands and Undercover Ware.

Tickets will be sold for a huge door prize worth over $140 in products from all the vendors that attend.

MASSENA – The New York Power Authority will sponsor movies for the entire family during the upcoming school break at the admission-free Hawkins Point Visitors Center.

Movies will be shown at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the visitors center theater from April 11 through 15. Free popcorn will be provided.

The movies and show times are:

• Monday, April 11: Hoodwinked, 10 a.m.; Megamind, 1 p.m.; Prince and the Pauper, 3 p.m.

• Tuesday, April 12: The Mighty Ducks, 10 a.m.; Yogi Bear, 1 p.m.; Wall-E, 3 p.m.