By CRAIG FREILICH

POTSDAM -- The suitcase full of checks, papers and computer equipment that may provide answers to financial problems at Building Blocks Day Care is now in the hands of the state police and has been for some time.

The suitcase reportedly contains some checks and reimbursement forms that could help Building Blocks emerge from closure Jan. 19 that was forced by a lack of funds to pay bills and employees.

While the day care center remains closed, the parents of some 60 children who were cared for there have had to find other arrangements.

Trooper Taylor Ellis of the Canton station said the suitcase had been reported missing by former center director Marlene Pickering on or about Jan. 6 and was recovered not long after, but how it came to be missing or recovered is still in question.

Calls to Pickering to ask for comment have not been returned.

According to new center director Mariane Jadlos, she was told the suitcase was found in a recycling room at the Snell Office Complex on State Rt. 56, where the Day Care center is.

Trooper Ellis confirmed that the contents of the suitcase were as had been reported when it first went missing. The case contains business paperwork, a laptop computer and some portable hard drives, and some personal items.

As the investigation continues, Ellis said he could not comment further on the details.

Center officials would not hazard a guess about when the center might reopen.

View earlier story at http://northcountrynow.com/news/police-not-commenting-paperwork-missing-potsdam-day-care-center-shut-down-due-lack-funds-013531