Friday, August 31
Girls volleyball: Rowland leads Shaker past Mohonasen
Senior records 13 kills in three game sweep
The Shaker girls volleyball team defeated Mohonasen 3-0 in Friday's Suburban Council season opener.
Portion of park opens
Years after grand plans presented, only small portion completed
The lower portion of a 4.6-acre city-owned property on Saratoga Lake was opened to picnicking, fishing and non-motorized boat use. Though city officials applauded the move, the facilities are a far cry from what was originally proposed in 2008 development plans that called for a three-phase plan complete with a public beach, pier/dock, an amphitheater, a beach area and picnic areas.
Boys volleyball: Shen sweeps season opener
Olsen records eight kills and five aces against Niskayuna
The Shenendehowa boys volleyball team began its season with a 3-0 Suburban Council victory over Niskayuna Friday.
Glenville seeks complex change
Town Board proposes new zoning to drive ‘higher-end’ housing
There won’t be a moratorium on apartment complexes in Glenville, but proposed zoning changes would reduce how many apartments a developer could build on a site.
Wal-Mart to anchor Mansion Square
Big box set to build smaller market storefront in Niskayuna
Another grocery store option is planned for a town budding with food options, with a familiar name presenting a new choice for shoppers.
Thursday, August 30
Mohawk VP appointed to national council
Mohawk Ambulance Service on Monday, Aug. 27, announced Vice President James McPartlon was appointed to serve on the National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.
A competition for not-so-hot rods
Schenectady Kiwanis Club’s Ugly Car contest fundraiser returns
The Kiwanis Club of Schenectady is holding its second Ugly Car Contest on Saturday, Sept. 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the parking lot at the corner of Liberty Street and Nott Terrace in Schenectady.
There’s no place like home
Local director makes Ballston Spa the backdrop of third film
Tennyson Bardwell could have staged his next motion picture on a distant soundstage, but instead he decided to bring his close-to-home thriller film to his own home.
Cancer fight is on the march
Walk for Hope organizers hope to raise six figures in this year’s Bethlehem event
Neil and Shari Piper have collaborated with the community to establish the area's annual Walk for Hope to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer. It takes place each fall in the Town of Bethlehem.
Wednesday, August 29
Sports poll: Which football team will win the Section II Class AA title?
By now, you've hopefully read our season preview for Section II Class AA football. Now, it's time for you to vote for the team you think will win the Sectional championship in November.
Update - A Special Notice from Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School
BH-BL High school is taking preventive measures in response to death of Queensbury football player.
Class B football preview: Schalmont shuffles the lineup for 2012
Willis moves under center for three-time defending Sectional champions
Here is a look at two contenders for this year's Section II Class B football title -- three-time defending champion Schalmont and Reinfurt Division power Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk.
Class A football preview: Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake reloads for another run
Mohonasen, Scotia-Glenville look to make playoffs out of Southeast Division
Three area football teams have their sights set on winning the Section II Class A title this season. Here is a look at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, Mohonasen and Scotia-Glenville.
Silver screen pitched in Spa City
Developer submits plans for Railroad Place movie theater
Downtown Saratoga Springs has shopping, restaurants and taverns of every type, but it has long been missing a common Main Street staple: a movie theater.
Remembering Irene one year later - Photo Galleries
One year ago this week the Capital District face severe flooding from tropical storm Irene. Spotlight photographers documented what happened. Take a look back.
Malta tackles growing pains
Officials fine tuning new downtown zoning code, gazebo will stay put
Officials in the Town of Malta have spent the last few months tackling a zoning initiative that would set the way forward for the downtown area, and plans are starting to come into focus.
Editorial: Forums are a necessity
This editorial appeared in the Aug. 29 and 30, 2012, editions of The Spotlight.
High school football: Class AA football preview
Change comes to Shen and Colonie, but list of contenders remain the same
There is one name associated with Section II Class AA football that is conspicuous in its absence this season, and that is Brent Steuerwald.
Letter: Grassroots politics a pleasant surprise
This letter appeared in the Aug. 29, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
Letter: Reform group’s claims have no merit
This letter appeared in the Aug. 29, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
Letter: Support Reform Dems this election
This letter appeared in the Aug. 29, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
Letter: Reinhardt has right qualities
This letter appeared in the Aug. 29, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
Letter: Forget Democrat infighting, bring back Jack
This letter appeared in the Aug. 29, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
Letter: No conflict when it comes to desire to serve Bethlehem
This letter appeared in the Aug. 29, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
Tuesday, August 28
The summer of rock
Students of Rock Camp program hold concert
A group of young rockers set out to prove that point on the evening of Friday, Aug. 17, in a gig at The Cone Zone in Guilderland.
Monday, August 27
Firefighters battle blaze at Lafarge plant
Firefighters battles a blaze at the Lafarge Ravena Cement Plant in Ravena today for about 90 minutes.
Primary candidates to appear in forums
Spotlight and League of Women Voters partner for three events
Voters will have the opportunity to get to know candidates running in a crowded primary season, when next week Spotlight Newspapers, the League of Women Voters of Albany County and several other community groups partner to present three candidate forums.
25 years of Mail ‘N’ More
Burnt Hills business keeps up with changing times
Mail ‘N’ More ships an average of 40 packages every day using UPS, DHL, Federal Express and others, excluding the U.S. Postal Service. During the winter holiday season that number rises to about 350.
Sunday, August 26
Details on plane crash will have to wait
National Traffic and Safety Board heads investigation
A single-engine plane crashed in a residential area near Van Vranken Road in Clifton Park on Wednesday, Aug. 15, killing one and badly injuring another. The National Traffic and Safety Board is conducting an investigation.
Photo Gallery: Getting Dirty at Albany-Saratoga Speedway
Auto racing is big in Malta
Engines were roaring in Malta on Friday night as the Albany-Saratoga Speedway came to life. Thousands of people came out to see local dirt cars battle it out for cash and prizes.
A year later, road remains closed
Residents, town wonder about future of Wolf Hollow Road
A rural road damaged in Tropical Storm Irene remains closed today, leading residents and town officials to wonder when — or if — a permanent solution will be found.
Saturday, August 25
Vista Technology Campus is becoming a reality
In months, field and woods turned to first phase of landmark project
Eight months after the groundbreaking ceremony took place to officially mark the start of construction at the Vista Technology Campus in Slingerlands, one building is nearly complete and work on four more structures has begun.
Friday, August 24
New tests lessen ImPACT of concussions
Many local schools already using new protocols for high school athletes
At the start of their high school careers, all eligible student athletes in Shenendehowa, Ballston Spa and Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake are given the ImPACT test. It’s administered on a computer and takes about 40 minutes to complete.
S-G taxes more than predicted
Assessment challenges shrink district tax base, increase burden
A series of assessment reductions is removing more than $4.6 million from Scotia-Glenville Central School District’s tax base.
All-star send off for Niskayuna Warriors
Baseball team departs for Babe Ruth World Series
A big league celebration launched the Niskayuna 15-year-old division Babe Ruth baseball team’s long trip to a field many of them had only dreamed of reaching.
IDA reaffirms tax break policy
Agency looking for part-time economic development professional
The Bethlehem Industrial Development Agency is generally against granting tax breaks to retail businesses — but don’t expect to read about it on the organization’s website.
Thursday, August 23
Empty desks save Bethlehem $1M
Leaving 17 jobs unfilled will likely shrink budget gap
The Bethlehem Town Board saw some rare black numbers Wednesday night when Comptroller Michael Cohen presented a mid-year fund balance analysis that showed the town has saved over $1 million in 2012 by leaving the equivalent of 17 full time jobs unfilled.
Usage fees eyed for Saratoga Lake
Improvement district says over use, cost of managing lake at issue
Members of the SPLID introduced draft legislation in July that calls for owners of motorized boat and docks to register with the district every year and for boaters to pay for day or week use passes.
Visit to library is a sweet summer trip
Life-sized Candyland one way Youth Services keeps kids engaged
The Bethlehem Public Library holds dozens of events each summer to keep children occupied and stimulated throughout the warmer months.
Motorcyclist dies after collision
According to reports, the bus involved was a 2010 Supreme Van and was turning left on Old Wolf Road from Albany Shaker Road in front of Arpei who was driving a 2006 Honda motorcycle.
No nibbles is last straw
Glenville residents seek to limit access to neighborhood pond
Some Glenville residents are reeling after being unable to catch fish at a local stocked pond, and they are asking town officials to cut the lines of fellow fishermen.
Wednesday, August 22
New protocol for concussion treatment in high school athletics
Athletes must be symptom free for 24 hours before they can resume activity
Dangerous hits in professional football and hockey brought attention to the effects of concussions on athletes. Now, New York has a protocol for high school coaches to follow when one of their student-athletes suffers a concussion.
Sweet, sweet victory
Track patrons partook in the traditional Stewart's Icre Ice Cream Eating Contest at Saratoga Race Course today.
Sports poll: What is the toughest league in Section II football?
After taking a couple of weeks off for this year's Spotlight Sports Survey, the weekly sports poll question has returned. This week, we want to know what is the toughest league in Section II football.
The 2012 Spotlight Sports Survey results are in
The votes have been tallied, and I can reveal the results of this year’s Spotlight Sports Survey (conveniently conducted online only for the first time).
Albany Athletics win Stan Musial World Series
Dan Barbero's home run leads Twilight League team to top of national heap
One swing of Dan Barbero’s bat made Albany Athletics’ history.
Ex-cop gets probation
Former Bethlehem police officer Christopher Hughes was sentenced today to five years probation for possessing a fake police identification card.
Few applaud BC's cheerleading call
Changes in club culminate with coaching switch
The decision to switch the Bethlehem Central cheerleading program from a sport to a club has brought about changes and complications that have frustrated students, parents and a former coach.
Letter: Reinhardt the indpendent choice
This letter appeared in the Aug. 22, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
Letter: DPW workers shone when making recent water main repairs
This letter appeared in the Aug. 22, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
Letter: Cunningham a proven leader
This letter appeared in the Aug. 22, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
Letter: Volunteers deserve recognition for acts
This letter appeared in the Aug. 22, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
Letter: Reform Dems are the majority
This letter appeared in the Aug. 22, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
Letter: Local groups to thank for Elm Avenue pool improvements
This letter appeared in the Aug. 22, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
Editorial: To boldly go and get a job
This editorial appeared in the Aug. 22 and 23, 2012, editions of The Spotlight.
POV: A ghostly interest fortified
This Point of View column appeared in the Aug. 22 and 23, 2012, editions of The Spotlight.
Tuesday, August 21
Old growth runs strong
Rotterdam Senior Center continues to evolve under new leadership
As a larger percentage of the population advances toward the golden years, one senior center is stepping up its programming.
Groundbreaking worth the Weight
After years of planning, construction has finally begun on a larger Honest Weight Food Co-op in the City of Albany.
An event that’s for the dogs
APF to hold 20th annual Fireplug 500 Walk for Animals; town approves expansion
The Animal Protective Foundation is hosting its 20th annual Fireplug 500 Walk for Animals on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Central Park in Schenectady. The event raises money to support the nonprofit’s animal care, adoption, and spay and neuter programs.
Mercury cleanup to begin
Five companies are being held responsible for the cleanup of the former Mercury Refining superfund site, an old mercury reclamation facility in the towns of Colonie and Guilderland.
Monday, August 20
Socha’s plaza expansion progresses
Glenville planners favorable of plan, but variances still needed
Once Socha Management gets past some red tape, a key economic corridor in Glenville is set for another new development.
The home stretch
New yoga venue in Malta welcomes holistic concept
Julie Lindenbaum opened The Yoga Studio at the Beauty Society Salon at 123 Dunning St. in June after teaching the activity for more than a decade at other venues, including the Malta Community Center. She’s also a psychology professor at Russell Sage College, and as such, brings a holistic concept to the practice of yoga.
Selkirk mulls paid firefighters
The Selkirk Fire Department could see a handful of paid firefighters introduced to its ranks if it accepts a federal grant.
Sunday, August 19
A night at the Spa
Police officers wear many hats when patrolling the evening crowds in downtown Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs hasn’t always had the bustling downtown it has today, but these days, it’s a city to envy. While the secret to its success isn’t any one thing, one major factor may have something to do with those who keep it safe.
Saturday, August 18
Districts get an education in nutrition
Updated school food rules arriving this fall at a cafeteria near you
School districts across the country are integrating new food rules based on federal nutrition standards introduced by First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsak back in January.
Friday, August 17
Good clean learning
Ballston Spa High School and others to benefit from NYSERDA award
Nearly 100 high school students participating in the CleanTechnologies & Sustainable Industries Early College High School located at the Hudson Valley Community College Campus in Malta will have some more hands-on technology when the new school year starts up.
Thursday, August 16
Glenville Panera Bread plans on Target
Restaurant to begin construction soon at shopping center
Panera Bread has been tapped to be the newest addition within the new Target shopping center in Glenville and the restaurant is eager to get shovels in the ground.
Photo Gallery: Get your kicks at Double M Rodeo
The dirt was flying and hoofs thundering at the Double M Rodeo August 11. This Gallery shows the courage of the performers during the event. Lots of pictures to see.
The forest for the trees
Kids take ownership of outdoors with new program
In an effort to instill an appreciation of nature in youths of the new millennium, the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy has developed a program to allow children their own space out in the woods.
BCSD seeks feedback on borrowing
Distrcit needs funds to upgrade facilities
The Bethlehem Central school board is asking the public to weigh in on borrowing the needed funds for district-wide facilities upgrades.
Paddling toward a cure
Kayaking event to benefit research for mesothelioma
Wells wound up with a handful of folks willing to hit the Hudson River with him for Kayaking 4 a Cure, and this year he aims to change that number in a big way. The event, which will be held Saturday, Sept. 22, will benefit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Alexandria, Va.
Wednesday, August 15
Curry Road Plaza bids linger
Two submissions hold vast price point difference; late bids complicate process
A clear high bidder has emerged to redevelop the ailing Curry Road Plaza, but the bid process has led to a murky outcome.
Bond ratings boon for Metroplex
Standard & Poor’s gives A+ rating, alongside Moody’s A1 rating
Two newly awarded bond ratings position Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority on a solid path to savings.
Missing bird returned to family
Cockatiel befriends academy recruit in Guilderland
A lost cockatiel made itself known to State Police officer in Guilderland during a training session at for academy members on Tuesday, Aug. 14.
Plane crash in Clifton Park claims at least one life
New York State Police reported a single-engine plane crash in the Van Vranken Road area of Clifton Park on Wednesday, Aug. 15. The accident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m.
Bicyclist hit by car
Guilderland teen sent to hospital
A teenage boy was sent to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries after being struck by a car in Guilderland.
Editorial: What’s on your plate?
This editorial appeared in the Aug. 15 and 16, 2012, editions of The Spotlight.
Letter: Cunningham shows character in his commitment to community
This letter appeared in the Aug. 15, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
POV: Stay connected through stories
This Point of View column appeared in the Aug. 15 and 16, 2012, editions of The Spotlight.
Financial planning for women: Still more room for growth
Spotlight on Finance
While it is true that women are gaining more financial knowledge than ever before and are using it to build a better future for themselves, the statistics show there is still room for more improvement.
Letter: Reinhardt represents changing tides
This letter appeared in the Aug. 15, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
Triathlon club grows in Bethlehem
Interest exceeds founder's expectations
When John Guastella decided to start his own triathlon club at the beginning of 2012, he thought he might get 50 people to join in the first year. Less than nine months later, Guastella's Bethlehem Tri Club has approximately 150 members, and it continues to grow.
Tuesday, August 14
Speed thrills at fair
Altamont to mark ride's upstate NY debut
Last year, thrill seekers got their rush from the rotating, pendulum ride “The Stinger” at the Altamont Fair. This year, Rick Reithoffer will provide another exclusive experience.
Albany Athletics win Stan Musial World Series
Twilight League team overcomes opening round loss to win national tournament
The Albany Athletics won their first Stan Musial World Series title by beating the Tampa Elite Rays 7-5 in Sunday's championship game in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Monday, August 13
[UPDATE] Details scarce in alleged Nisky stabbing
Police: Three teenagers stabbed in neighborhood park
Niskayuna police on Monday, Aug. 13, revealed more information on an reported assault, which three teenagers were allegedly stabbed.
RC plane hobbyists take to the sky
Fun Fly event at Maalwyck Park is a miniature air show for all ages
The Glenville Electric Powered Aeromodelers Club on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 4 and 5, hosted the John Maggs Memorial Fun Fly, which had all-electric radio controlled model plans zipping above Maalwyck Park.
Library budget pokes above $4M
Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library seeks five for trustee positions
Voters residing in the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library District borders will have a chance to vote on their library’s 2013 budget this Primary Day, Sept. 13.
Napravnik making waves in Saratoga
Young jockey is making a name for herself in first full racing season in Spa City
Rosie Napravnik has taken a liking to Saratoga, and the feeling is mutual. The 24-year-old New Jersey native is one of this summer's most popular jockeys at Saratoga Race Course.
Sunday, August 12
Scholarships remember community favorites
This year’s Daniel Ward scholarship also recalls Bob Carney
Years after the fact, the Ballston community’s giving spirit is still benefiting students. Three recent high school graduates are heading to school this fall with a little extra help thanks to scholarships funded by community donations.
Friday, August 10
Crossing cultures to break bread
Mosque hosts interfaith dinner for women to connect and feast during Ramadan
Religion can be a divisive force, but one group of women are devoted to breaking down barriers and inspiring unity, all while sharing some Nan.
Niskayuna facing rash of thefts
Police: town-wide problem stems from unsecured cars and garages
Approximately 100 reports of thefts from unlocked cars and opened garages have piled up at the Niskayuna Police Department since June.
A new twist in Rotterdam
Guilderland woman with soft serving past opens ice cream shop
One woman started twisting out soft serve ice cream as a teenager and recently purchased her own store in Rotterdam, with hopes her family will continue the business.
Supervisor’s records vanish
Ballston coordinates with police over missing personnel file
Southworth said a Freedom of Information Law request submitted by The Spotlight for hours she reported working to the state Comptroller’s Office led to her discovery that her personnel file was missing.
Few days off from Ballston drama
Councilman questions supervisor’s hours worked
In the space of a week, a Ballston councilman publicly called into question the hours worked by the town supervisor and then backed off his challenge.
Dollar Tree in Rotterdam robbed at gunpoint
A white man allegedly displayed a gun and robbed the Dollar Tree store in Rotterdam on Tuesday, Aug. 7, around 8:45 p.m., according to police.
Saratoga County GOP must replace longtime leader
Jasper Nolan to retire after 27 years heading party
John ‘Japser’ Nolan may be retiring after a 27 year run as the Saratoga County Republican Committee chairman, but he hopes to remain on board in an advisory role. Whom he’ll advise will be determined when the committee elects its new chairman on Sept. 29.
The Olympics come to Beacon Pointe
Memory care center uses sports to keep residents active
Audrey Crawford stood at the putting green set up inside the Beacon Pointe Memory Care Center's dining room and carefully lined up her shot. If she sank this putt, she would be the gold medalist.
Thursday, August 9
Election heats up Tonko's forum
Jobs, economy and super PACs among concerns; Dieterich disputes incumbent's claims
Rep. Paul Tonko stopped in challenger Bob Dieterich’s hometown to hear resident’s thoughts and concerns as Election Day draws nearer and while the crowd showed him substantial support, Dieterich’s presence could be felt even though he wasn’t present.
Bethlehem talks turkey, few cuts appeal
Attrition said to be key to balancing budget while keeping services
The Bethlehem Town Board talked over potential budget cuts for 2013, but agreed attrition is what will make significant holes in a budget gap. The trick is keeping services at the same time.
Years of planning ends with groundbreaking
Second vote needed to address rising costs of Slingerlands Firehouse expansion
Work has officially begun on a $2.2 million project to expand the Slingerlands Firehouse.
A backpack filled with hope
In a few weeks, children will be heading back to classrooms, including those whose lives are in turmoil because of domestic violence. One local group is looking to make sure they at least have the tools they need to succeed, though.
Fire officials battle sweeper blaze in Glenmont
Selkirk and Elsmere fire departments responded to a vehicle fire around 7 a.m. this morning in the parking lot of the Lowe’s store in Glenmont.
Letter: Roy McDonald the clear choice for State Senate
This letter appeared in the Aug. 9, 2012, edition of the Saratoga County Spotlight.
Letter: Southworth a hard worker
This letter appeared in the Aug. 9, 2012, edition of the Saratoga County Spotlight.
Editorial: It’s how you play the game
This editorial appeared in the Aug. 9, 2012, editions of The Spotlight.
Letter: Volunteers deserve thanks, recognition
This letter appeared in the Aug. 9, 2012, edition of the Schenectady County Spotlight.
Wednesday, August 8
Charity softball game is a hit
Jessica DeVoe of Trustco Bank presents a check for $1,000 to the Murphy family at the Sunday, July 29, Albany Dutchmen game against the Glens Falls Golden Eagles.
Driver in Voorheesville triple fatality indicted
Accident called one of the most "tragic and complex" of county’s history
The driver in last year's triple fatality outside of a church in Voorheesville was indicted by an Albany County Grand Jury on Wednesday, Aug. 8.
SCCC unveils lavish living
Student housing aimed to increase enrollment, facility tailored to program offerings
Student housing and upscale, modern living rarely coincide, but one local college hopes to find success with this unlikely combination.
Glenville plans upgrades at Maalwyck Park
Project totals $500k for “basic” park features; decade-old grant to be tapped
Nearly 10 years ago, town officials secured a $250,000 grant for park improvements. Now, it looks like that money has a chance to be spent.
Campers to stake out tents for Habitat
Tent-A-Thon returns to Tawasentha Park for 19th event
To show solidarity for those living in poverty, a group of people will come together to live for an extended weekend in tents at Guilderland’s Tawasentha Park.
Water sample? Make it a double
Two towns ship water samples to state showdown
Two local municipalities are hoping to make a statewide splash as their water samples head to the New York State Fair to participate in the state’s Best-Tasting Drinking Water Contest.
New regs mean new food at BC
Schools required to offer healthier menus this coming year
Students in the Bethlehem Central School District and those across the country will be seeing some culinary changes in the new school year under new federal food service regulations implemented in July.
Books on screen, and on wheels
Did you know there are 13,000 books, music and movies available to download from public libraries across the Capital District? If you didn’t, a trip to the Overdrive Digital Bookmobile might be in store.
Power of persuasion opens doors
Trader Joe’s cuts the lei on first Upstate store in Colonie
New Trader Joe's location on Wolf Road in Colonie finally opens to the delight of area foodies.
Summer camp introduces girls to STEM careers
For one week, 22 Schenectady Middle School girls took a break from summer vacation to learn alongside industry leaders in energy technology.
Ballston passes solar restrictions
Ballston residents wishing to erect a freestanding solar array will have fewer options now that the town has adopted a law restricting their placement.
GloFo to expand Fab 8
$2.3 B project driven by high demand for fab’s wafers
The 90,000-square-foot expansion of Module 1 at the Fab 8 campus was announced on Tuesday, July 24, the third anniversary of the project’s original groundbreaking. The company said the module will be the final piece of the Fab 8 campus.
Editorial: This book propped open
This editorial appeared in the Aug. 8, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
Ex-cop’s lawsuit against town in judge’s hands
Depositions revive years-old questions about internal investigation
A judge holds the decision over whether a lawsuit leveled against the Town of Bethlehem and its police chief will be shown to a jury or thrown out, while testimony collected for the case recalls tumultuous times for the town.
POV: Keeping summer spirit is no pickle
This Point of View column appeared in the Aug. 8 and 9, 2012, editions of The Spotlight.
Letter: Impatient drivers force a close call
This letter appeared in the Aug. 8, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
Letter: Stores deserve thanks
This letter appeared in the Aug. 8, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
Tuesday, August 7
Solar panel debate heats up in Ballston
Vote likely next week on legislation that would limit use of freestanding arrays
A running debate on solar panels in the Town of Ballston caught a few rays of public opinion Tuesday, July 31, when the Town Board held a public hearing on a local law that would put limits on freestanding solar panel arrays.
Monday, August 6
Niskayuna earns trip to Babe Ruth World Series
Nisky overcomes early deficit to beat Colonie in regional finals
Niskayuna's Tommy Favata will remember his 16th birthday. Favata pitched three shutout innings and drove in the go-ahead run to lead Niskayuna to a 16-6 victory over Colonie in Monday's 15-year-old division Babe Ruth Mid-Atlantic Regional final at Cook Park.
Revving up for little people
Motorcycle ride raises awareness and support for dwarfism
Every time one 11-year-old leaves his house, he faces long stares, pointing and laughing, just because he looks different from the crowd.
Fatal crash claims Schuylerville teen
Schenectady man flown to Albany Medical Center with ‘serious injuries’
A two-car crash in Niskayuna took the life of a Schuylerville teen and left a Schenectady man with serious injuries, according to police reports.
Swimmers splash into Olympic spirit
Nisky team hosts ‘Splash Bash’ to raise funds for local charity
Shortly after the world’s best athletes were welcomed to the London 2012 Olympic Games, a group of local swimmers held their own poolside kick-off party.
Sunday, August 5
The 2012 Spotlight Sports Survey
The 2012 Spotlight Sports Survey is online and waiting for your votes.
Skaters get a lift
Jump harness donated to Clifton Park Ice Arena
The harness is one four within the Capital District. Other rinks set up with the harness are the Weibel Ice Rink in Saratoga, the YMCA rink in Delmar and the Knickerbacker Ice Arena in Troy. The rig was donated by the Albany Figure Skating Club.
Sincerity shines through ‘Sincerely’
Young author from Burnt Hills pens first book
Fifteen-year-old Erin Billings of Burnt Hills hopes to provide a window into the teen world and the issue of bullying through her new book, “Sincerely,” which was released on July 17.
Albany can't catch Syracuse
Special teams errors cost Metro Mallers
Poor special teams play cost the Albany Metro Mallers their first loss of the season. Tyrone Burke's long kickoff return set up Dewayne Gordon's 1-yard touchdown run with 1:55 left in the fourth quarter to give the Syracuse Shock a 32-26 Empire Football League victory over the Metro Mallers Saturday at Christian Brothers Academy.
Saturday, August 4
County’s Gun Buy Back program touted as success
The Schenectady County Sheriff’s Office collected 12 guns during its second Gun Buy Back Program, bringing the program’s total take to 45 weapons.
Friday, August 3
Schenectady County library begins new chapter
New 6,700-square-foot Children’s Wing opens at Central Branch
The Schenectady County Public Library on Monday, July 30, opened its new 6,700-square-foot Children’s Wing at the Central Library Branch in downtown Schenectady.
Amedore’s campaign coffers bulging
Dem primary candidate takes aim at opponent’s ‘1 percent’ donors
George Amedore’s campaign for the newly drawn 46th Senate District has raised more than three times as much as his three Democratic opponents — combined.
SCCC prez signs three-year contract
Bullock’s agreement includes annual 1.5 percent raise
Schenectady County Community College President Quintin Bullock isn’t going anywhere for the next three years.
Long shot for small town
Delmar author pens account of 1980 Lake Placid games
Bethlehem resident Mike Burgess examines the intricacies of the 1980 Winter Olympics held in Lake Placid in his first book, "A Long Shot to Glory."
Village hosts cinema spectacle
Ballston Spa Film Fest takes over
Thanks to Defabio's vision, the Ballston Spa Film Festival is entering its fifth year and going strong. The event, which is set for Friday and Saturday, Aug. 3 and 4, this year, remains free. A total of 39 films made by both local and international filmmakers, with an emphasis on films made by students, will be shown and juried over the two days. One winner for each category including best picture and best sound will be chosen. Screenings will be in Wiswall Park and at the Ballston Spa High School Auditorium. Screenings will start at 6:45 p.m. both evenings and are all family friendly.
Thursday, August 2
The drum beats on
Keepers of the Circle host annual pow wow celebrating heritage
To the beat of a drum, people gathered around a fire to celebrate their culture and strengthen friendships.
Three teens charged in car larcenies
Rotterdam police allegedly witnessed three teens breaking into cars, but were unsure if the group is responsible for a rash of recent vehicle larcenies.
A boy’s memory rings clear
Community mourns, and remembers, 9-year-old Myles McAdoo
The Bethlehem community celebrated the life and loss of Hamagrael Elementary student Myles McAdoo.
Cunningham racks up donations
Former supervisor has sizable war chest when compared to Town Board opponents
As September primaries near, one candidate for Bethlehem Town Board has already vastly out raised his competition.
Kids settle in to summer roles
Round Lake Auditorium again hosts camp for young actors
On Friday and Saturday, Aug. 3 and 4, productions of “Honk! Jr.” (a musical version of "The Ugly Duckling") and “The AristoCats Kids” are set to be performed by the youth drama group Summer Stars and Carpe Diem Productions at the Round Lake Auditorium.
Dutchmen end season with comeback win
Albany scores three runs in eighth inning to knock off Amsterdam
The Albany Dutchmen ended the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League season with a 5-3 victory over regular season champion Amsterdam Wednesday at Bob Bellizzi Field.
Wednesday, August 1
Sports poll: Which New York Giant would you ask for an autograph?
Every year the New York Giants have trained at the University at Albany, people have flocked to the area on campus where they can get autographs.
Schenectady Museum set for lift off
Transformation includes annually rotating exhibits, name change
The Schenectady Museum is set to become a little less static and a lot more hands-on to create an education center unique to the Capital District.
Letters: Say ‘No’ to newest Thruway toll hike
This letter appeared in the Aug. 1, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
POV: Be alert for Olympic-themed scams
This Point of View column appeared in the Aug. 1 and 2, 2012, editions of The Spotlight.
Editorial: Negotiation time
This editorial appeared in the Aug. 1 and 2, 2012, editions of The Spotlight.
Editorial: This horse looks beat
This editorial appeared in the Aug. 1, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
Dutchmen pride on display in victory
Five-run fifth inning propels Albany past Cooperstown
Jack Wietlispach had three hits, and Jon Mestas added a three-run homer to lead the Albany Dutchmen (21-24) to an 8-2 victory over the Cooperstown Hawkeyes in Tuesday's Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League game at Bob Bellizzi Field.