Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) is releasing the fourth episode of ‘The Gray Area’ video series. In this week’s episode, Gray discusses his support for the ‘Local Roads are Essential’ coalition. The coalition is calling on the governor to boost funding for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) by $200 million and the Emergency Winter Recovery (EWR) program by $70 million. Over 600 highway superintendents from across the state joined Gray and his legislative colleagues for a press conference on Wednesday.

Local government sales tax collections rose by 15.3% in January through February compared to the period in 2022, according to an analysis recently released by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Overall, collections totaled $12.2 million, up nearly $2 million compared to the same period last year.

Sales tax collection in New York state totaled more than $3.532 billion in the first two months of 2023, an increase of 11.4% or nearly $400 million compared to the same period last year, according to the new report.

 POTSDAM -- Ken Tingley, author of “The Last American Newspaper,” will discuss his latest book and the challenges facing local news media in the NYSUT Building, 59 Lawrence Ave. on Wednesday March 22, at 6 p.m.

Admission is free and all are welcome.

Tingley is the first speaker in the “Elevate the Conversation” speaker’s tour sponsored by the St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee.

The American Red Cross is staging the following upcoming blood donation opportunities:

• Today, March 20, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Hammond Central School, 51 S. Main St.

• Tuesday, March 21, 12-4 p.m., Horizons, 56-58 Main St., Massena; and 12-6 p.m., Potsdam High School, 29 Leroy St.

• Thursday, March 23, 12:30-5:30 p.m., Dobisky Visitors Center, 100 Riverside Ave, Ogdensburg

• March 24, 1:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., SUNY Potsdam-Merritt Hall, 44 Pierrepont Ave.; and 12 p.m.-5 p.m., Winthrop American Legion Post 514, 675 State Highway 11C

Editor's note: Multiple national media organizations have reported that no evidence exists that the 2020 election was stolen. Below are links to news articles of various political leanings that discuss the issue.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/09/15/2020-election-trump-f...

Christian FelzenszteinPOTSDAM -- Clarkson University Reh Chair in Entrepreneurial Leadership Christian Felzensztein was recently awarded an international recognition by the Rector of the University of Monterrey and the Center for Family Business in Mexico for his research and impact on Small Family Firms in Latin America.

To the Editor:

The St. Lawrence County Corrections Association Local 2390, is proud to announce our endorsement of Detective Patrick “Rick” Engle for St. Lawrence County Sheriff. We strongly believe that Rick Engle is the right person for the position.

Former Canton athlete Jim Randall, know as Pastor Jim, recently captured several U.S. National Olympic Weightlifting Championships. Submitted Photo.

To the Editor: