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There was some good news for one North Country entity that was under intense scrutiny as part of the budget process over the past few months. It was learned on Monday that the budget agreement reached Sunday by Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders includes funding for the Tug Hill Commission. The commission had been targeted for shut down in Cuomo's original budget plan. A number of North Country lawmakers spoke out in defense of the commission, arguing that it actually saves the state money in the long run. Also in regards to the budget, there are still questions in regards to prison closures. The budget plan calls for the elimination of 3700 prison beds, up from the original plan of 3500. Just what facilities will be targeted is not yet known.

10:49 AM

New York State school districts are only a day away from learning how much money they'll receive back from the revised budget. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver says the Education Subcommittee is still dividing 272-million-dollars in restored funding among districts and won't have any concrete details until tomorrow. Legislators initially stated 70% of the money would go to districts north of New York City, but have since announced restorations would impact all parts of the state.

10:48 AM

A Brownville man has been sentenced for the attempted robbery of a Watertown pharmacy back in November. Twenty six year old Jared Rutty was in Jefferson County Court Monday where he was sentenced to 4 and a half years in state prison. That will be followed by five years of supervision upon release. Rutty had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of second degree robbery in connection to the November 17 incident. He admitted to entering the Medical Center Pharmacy on Clinton Street in Watertown with an unloaded BB gun and demanded drugs.

10:47 AM

In Jefferson County Court on Monday, a Watertown man was sentenced for his involvement in a drug ring locally. Twenty seven year old Stanley Kims was sentenced to 16 years in prison followed by five years of supervision. Kims was found guilty by a jury in February for criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of marijuana, and criminally using drug paraphernalia. Kims stood accused of being involved in the sale of marijuana and cocaine and was arrested as part of a drug bust that occurred at 697 LeRay Street last April.

10:46 AM

Officials with Samaritan Medical Center will be briefing local residents on the latest with the hospital as part of a series of community meetings over the next several days. The first of the meetings is scheduled for tonight. The hospital recently finished a major expansion and is currently working on developing a 288 bed long term care facility that will eventually replace Whispering Pines and Mercy. Tonight's meeting will be at the Northside Improvement League on Mill Street at around 7 pm.

10:45 AM

Fire crews from southern St. Lawrence County were called to battle a structure fire in the Town of Russell Monday afternoon. Several departments were dispatched to the Franklin Mackin property on Country Route 17 at around 2 pm Monday. The fire caused extensive damage. The cause is believed to be from ember from welding that ignited a nearby wood pile and has been ruled accidental. No injuries were reported.

10:44 AM

Residents in the Village of Lowville are being told to boil their water until further notice. Village officials say a water line break under the Black River spurred the advisory. The problem is expected to be fixed in the coming days.

10:43 AM

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