WADDINGTON — A Waddington man was charged with driving while intoxicated following a property damage accident on Nov. 24, state police say.

Michael K. Deruchia, 51, was charged with first offense DWI and aggravated DWI- no prior, according to police.

He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

POTSDAM — A Potsdam man is facing two felony charges following a traffic stop on Nov. 24, police say.

Blaine A. Yanowiak, 50, was charged with driving while intoxicated- previous conviction in previous 10 years and aggravated DWI with one prior, both felony charges, police say.

He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

The investigation is ongoing.

STOCKHOLM — A Winthrop woman was charged with driving while intoxicated, state police say.

Bergelia Arquiett, 47, was charged with first offense operating a motor vehicle with a BAC over .08% and first offense DWI on Nov. 25, police say.

She was issued an appearance ticket and released.

The investigation is ongoing.

MASSENA — A Fort Covington man was charged with felony possession of an assault weapon, police say.

Annette R. Hargrove, 57, was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, assault rifle, a class D felony, on Nov. 25, state police say.

He was released on his own recognizance.

The investigation is ongoing.

RENSSELAER FALLS — A Rennsselaer Falls man was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, state police say.

John R. Lajoy, 35, was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on Nov. 25, police say.

He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

To the Editor:

Kudos to both Tim Savage and Vernice Church for their many dedicated years serving on the board of The Orchestra of Northern New York. Both Tim and Vernice have represented this area for many years as educators and leaders. We have all benefited from their leadership and dedication to their chosen professions as music director and school superintendent (after her retirement Vernice served as interim and long-term interim superintendent of schools for several school districts in St. Lawrence County).

A winter weather advisory is in effect for the North Country through 1 p.m. Saturday as gusty winds and blowing snow could create hazardous driving conditions.

Low pressure approaching from the west will bring a period of rain showers and possibly a light wintry mix to portions of St. Lawrence County this morning, then transitioning to snow this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

Expect temps to drop today to around 31 by 5 p.m. with wind gusts as high as 20 mph, forecasters say.

POTSDAM -- While you or someone you care about may have been diagnosed with diabetes, if you practice a healthy lifestyle with exercise and proper dieting, you can live a normal life.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month and Canton-Potsdam Hospital Endocrinologist Paul Tejera, MD, FACE, noted diabetes is controlled with a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and a healthy diet. Sometimes oral medications, injectable medications, or insulin therapy may also be required.

HOPKINTON — The First Congregational Church is seeking donations for their annual memory tree. Donations are $1 per name to light one bulb in memory of a loved one.

The deadline to submit is Dec. 19.