Tuesday, January 31
Youth orchestra to perform in Asia
Funds needed to make the trip
The Empire State Youth Orchestra was invited to perform at the 2012 International Exposition in South Korea, the group announced on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at the Bethlehem Central High School.
Chase leads to arrest
Albany man arrsted on drugs charges
An Albany man led Coeymans and Bethlehem police on a chase after he refused to pull over during a traffic stop on Monday, Jan. 30.
Owner of Blue Spice restaurants arrested for welfare fraud
The owner of a popular Thai restaurant with three locations throughout the Capital District was arrested and charged with various felonies as part of an effort by the Albany County Sheriff’s Office and County Executive Dan McCoy’s office to crack down on fraud that resulted in the arrest of eight individuals.
Redistricting maps elicit mixed reaction
Redistricting maps released by the state Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment (LATFOR) on Thursday, Jan. 26, detail proposed changes to New York State Senate and Assembly districts and have some legislators crying foul.
Monday, January 30
County committee grills exec's attorney pick
The personnel committee of the Albany County Legislature on Wednesday, Jan. 25, approved two of County Executive Dan McCoy’s nominations and sent one to the legislative body with no recommendation.
New Bethlehem supervisor delivers State of the Town address
Clarkson wants to move up budgeting
Supervisor John Clarkson feels the Town of Bethlehem should be a role model for the rest of the state when it comes to fiscal responsibility, ethics reform and politics.
Leading the way on leadership
Union Graduate College hosts development program for non-profits
A group of not-for-profit leaders from various agencies are brought together in the new Leadership Development Program at Union Graduate College.
Truck driver arrested for DWI near Exit 22
State Police on the evening of Sunday, Jan. 29, arrested a truck driver who was allegedly driving with a BAC more than four times the legal limit.
Sunday, January 29
Hockey: Jets hand Plainsmen first league loss
Egan brothers lead Shaker/Colonie to home win
Kevin Egan scored twice, and older brother Eric Egan added the eventual game winner to lead Shaker/Colonie past Shenendehowa 6-4 in Saturday's Capital District High School Hockey League game at the Albany County Hockey Facility in Colonie.
Saturday, January 28
Bethlehem Central Middle Schooler wins regional spelling bee
Bethlehem Middle school students Eric Wolfsberg and Justin Cohen place in the Regional History Bee for upstate New York.
Bethlehem committee to investigate ward structure
Idea draws criticism from board, other citizen groups approved
The Bethlehem Town Board at its Wednesday, Jan. 25, meeting voted to move ahead in forming three citizen advisory committees proposed by Supervisor John Clarkson, with the stipulation that membership be opened up to members of the general public.
Boys basketball: Bishop's three ends thriller
Ballston Spa rallies past Colonie in final seconds
Drew Bishop saved his biggest three-point shot for the end. The senior guard drained a shot from behind the three-point line with two seconds left to lift Ballston Spa to a 38-37 Suburban Council victory over Colonie Friday.
Friday round-up: Shaker outlasts Bethlehem in boys basketball clash
Hall returns to help Blue Bison earn road win
The Shaker boys basketball team used a big fourth quarter to pull out a 54-48 Suburban Council victory over Bethlehem Friday in Delmar.
Friday, January 27
Nisky forum focuses on athletics, clubs
Community members speak to importance of extracurricular activities
Athletics and clubs might account for just a small portion of the Niskayuna Central School District’s budget, but some community members feel their importance is much greater than dollars and cents.
Sheriffs stump for DNA collection
Law enforcement speaks in support of Cuomo’s database expansion proposal
More than 40 members of the New York State Sheriff’s Association recently came together in Albany to support Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposal to expand the state’s DNA databank.
Glenville seeks to abolish receiver post
Law would make position part time and appointed; contract with bank discussed
There could be one less elected official in Glenville if a proposal to abolish the receiver of taxes position is approved.
Guilderland thruway service area McDonalds robbed
Two men allegedly robbed the Guilderland thruway service area McDonald’s at gunpoint and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Second case of pertussis is confirmed at Stevens School
The childhood vaccine for pertussis is called DTaP, and the pertussis booster vaccine for adolescents and adults is called Tdap.
Thursday, January 26
Redistricting maps released to public
The state Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reappointment today released its suggestions for redrawn state Senate and Assembly district lines.
Rotterdam clerk loses lawsuit against former super
Former senior center coordinator overruled in past wages case
Former Rotterdam supervisor Frank Del Gallo was right in denying Diane Marco wages she claimed were due, according to a Tuesday, Jan. 17, ruling.
Wednesday, January 25
Festival a Cool Draw
Downtown Saratoga and Saratoga Spa State Park’s Winterfest 2012
Chowderfest, especially is a well known part of Winterfest - and draws a big crowd.
Antarctic rescue saves seven
Area 109th Air Wing crew evacuate burned fishermen
Two local airmen had a change of pace from transporting cargo and passengers to remote outposts when they came to the aid of seven severely burned fishermen — and saved their lives.
Grants float canal projects
Nearly $44k awarded to fund historical education programs
A series of grants is aimed at getting people involved in the rich history of the Erie Canal once more.
Sports poll: Best Suburban Council girls basketball player
We're asking you who is the best girls basketball player in the Suburban Council.
Boys swimming: Gordon leads Shen at Long Island Invitational
Sophomore sets meet record in 100-yard backstroke
Ryan Gordon came up big for the Shenendehowa boys swim team at last weekend's Long Island Invitational.
Police say RCS student tried to sexually assault peer
Coeymans police have arrested an RCS student they say tried to sexually assault another student at the high school.
Voorheesville board of education approves full-day kindergarten
Survey results support the plan
The Voorheesville Central Board of Education approved the implementation of full-day kindergarten for the 2012-2013 school year at its meeting on Monday, Jan. 23. The decision was made in-part because state aid in currently available for the conversion of the program.
Town talks about emergency services
Questions raised about structure of ambulance system in Bethlehem
Members of the town’s Transitional Committee, formed by new Bethlehem Supervisor John Clarkson, took up police and public safety matters at a Tuesday Jan. 17, meeting.
Hungry for a break
Parent group says BC High schedule means many students missing lunch
Members of the group Parents for 9 Periods feel an additional class period should be added to Bethlehem High School’s eight-period day because the current schedule does not allow some students to have a lunch period if they wish to take additional electives.
Spectrum 8 makes sustainability strides
Silver screen now lit by solar power, other green initiatives undertaken
Staying true to their business philosophy, the owners of Spectrum 8 Theaters have gone a step further in turning their independent movie house environmentally friendly.
Friends stop by from a world away
Chinese students, educators, tour Guilderland schools on stateside visit
In an effort to learn more about the American educational system, 29 Chinese students and 8 administrators visited classrooms, observed lessons and participated in a question and answer session with students and officials from Guilderland Central.
POV: Sometimes you have to buy the milk
This POV column appeared in the Jan. 25 and 26, 2012, editions of The Spotlight.
Editorial: Burning at both ends
This editorial appeared in the Jan. 25 and 26, 2012 editions of The Spotlight.
Capitaland has a solar solution for you
Systems can bring big savings to homeowners almost immediately
Capitaland Home Improve-ment, with its showroom located at 1660 Route 9 in Clifton Park, has long been the region’s trusted go-to spot for all types of remodeling needs, but recently the business has begun to distinguish itself as a premiere installer of top-of-the-line solar panels.
Legal representation with a personal touch
Brendan Baynes has held a passion for law long before he had his first case. “I always wanted to be a lawyer since I was in grade school and I just followed through with it,” Baynes said.
Organize Senior Moves a labor of love
Business helps older residents de-clutter and downsize
Organize Senior Moves is a small, privately owned business run by Michelle Kavanaugh and her staff.
Legion post much more than a bar
Nathaniel Blanchard Post a major part of the community
If you live in the Town of Bethlehem, chances are you’ve heard about the Nathaniel Blanchard American Legion Post 1040.
Our Savior’s Lutheran School a well-rounded education
Curriculum nurtures students academically and spiritually
Our Savior’s Lutheran School aims to provide young people with a faith-based education combined with some of the latest technology throughout its classrooms.
Let those dividends pay
Wise investment can bring big returns
Today, investors can own a portfolio of solid dividend-paying stocks that provide income, but also have the potential for capital appreciation.
Welcome 2012, but 2011 is not over
Okay, you survived the fun filled holidays and all the decorations are back in storage. Not so fast. The old year 2011 is not over until you file your taxes.
Rustic Gourmet is an experience like no other
Eat in or take out
At The Rustic Gourmet you can eat in or take it to go, but one thing’s always constant: the food is innovative and delicious.
CBA student a model of school’s values
Chris Petro has a bright future ahead of him
In many ways Chris Petro is like any other 17-year-old in the midst of enjoying his senior year of high school while trying to figure out what comes next. But a few things set him apart.
Saint Gregory’s: An investment in learning
At all-boys school, students are treated as individuals
Students of Saint Gregory’s School in Loudonville learn far beyond the average reading, writing and arithmetic of most pupils.
Make some noise at Funfest
Kids and parents can learn more about The Music Studio at February event
At the Funfest, children and their parents take part in “mini-classes” that mimic and enhance The Music Studio’s regular classroom experience. Fun and games, drums, piano playing, instrument making and a live mini-concert are included in the jam-packed hour and a half of music.
Normanside welcomes all with host of upgrades
Grille One Six Five’s menu has been completely revamped
Loyal customers to the Normanside Country Club in Delmar may soon feel like they’ve stepped into the wrong establishment, but have no fear. The country club’s Director of Operations David Hostig said it’s all part of the new management plan.
Loudonville Christian School is all about community
For more than four decades, Loudonville Christian School has prided itself on providing a quality education laced with biblical and global values in an intimate learning environment.
St. Pius X School: Where faith and knowledge meet
School offers a solid education bolstered by Christian values
St. Pius X Catholic School, just two miles south of Siena College off of Crumitie Road in Loudonville, greets nearly 700 students each day in grades Pre-K through 8th.
M & T is there when you need an extra set of hands
Owners cater to clients' varied needs
M & T Helping Hands, LLC, owners, Michelle Kavanaugh and Terri Fish, will greet their two year anniversary of service to seniors this March.
First New York FCU has seen its membership grow in the past year
Institution celebrates 75 years
Entering its 75th year of operation, First New York Credit Union is as strong as ever.
Academy of the Holy Names provides quality education for girls
Catholic school puts an emphasis on the ‘well-rounded’ girl
As the only all-girls Catholic school in the Capital District, Academy of the Holy Names provides a unique learning environment to the region.
A healthy perspective
Dr. Richard Herbold takes a multi-pronged approach to treatment
For more than 32 years, Dr. Richard Herbold has honed his clinical abilities to best serve the community through nutritional programs and neurological approaches.
Consider a credit union for financial peace of mind
Saving at a credit union has a lot of benefits
You may have heard a lot of “buzz” regarding the benefits of “Community” Credit Unions in the news over the past several months. However, it’s when you go behind the sound bites and the headlines that you really can see how different a Community Credit Union is from the typical financial institution.
Tuesday, January 24
DA hopefuls trade barbs over cash
Despite raking in $58,000 in contributions over the past six months, Albany County District Attorney David Soares’ war chest is eclipsed by Lee Kindlon, his announced opponent.
Roadmap to success
There’s no “silver bullet” to dealing with learning disabilities, but Kathy Johnson thinks she’s found a pretty good process, the “Pyramid of Potential,” that helps.
Former Siena Saint returns to the area as a Globetrotter
As a star of the Siena Saints he was known to fans as Tay Fisher, the player who shot 44.4 percent from three-point range and helped the team drive to regular and postseason MAAC titles.
Mahan reveals the 'state of the town'
Colonie Supervisor Paula Mahan gave the 2012 State of the Town address before a Town Board meeting on Thursday, Jan. 19. Mahan traditionally gives the address at an early-morning Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce event but in 2010 started sharing it a second time before the night meeting to give the public a chance to listen in.
Monday, January 23
R’dam Junction Fire Chief to join Tonko at State of the Union
The president’s State of the Union speech is considered a major moment in the year’s political happenings, but Rotterdam Junction’s Shawn Taylor hopes his visit to this history-steeped event was more than just ceremony.
Some county staff could see 1.5 percent raise
egislature sets public hearings for 11 ‘modest’ pay hikes
Although 11 pay raises for county employees were included in the 2012 budget, residents can weigh in before they’re approved.
Saturday, January 21
Wilton crash claims 11-year-old
An 11-year old was killed in a two-car motor vehicle accident on Friday, Jan. 20, in the Town of Wilton, according to State Police.
Boys basketball: Bethlehem pulls away from Niskayuna
Bergere's double-double leads Eagles in league win
Myles Bergere made the most of his third start of the season. The junior forward scored 23 points and pulled down 14 rebounds to lead Bethlehem past Niskayuna 66-49 in Friday's Suburban Council boys basketball game.
A new elegance
Scrimshaw Restaurant at The Desmond gets a new menu
Scrimshaw Restaurant at The Desmond Hotel got a summer make over that was 30 years in the making and, according to new Dining Room Manager Frank Rivera, diners seem to approve.
Friday hockey: CBA hangs on for victory
Glennon, McMahon lead Brothers past Niskayuna/Schenectady
Sean Glennon and Dean McMahon each had a goal and an assist to lead Christian Brothers Academy to a 3-2 Capital District High School Hockey League victory over Niskayuna/Schenectady Friday at the Albany County Hockey Facility in Colonie.
Friday, January 20
Twice around for Five Corners [video]
Study finished on Rotterdam’s inefficient intersection, costly roundabouts suggested
A plan has been solidified to install dual roundabouts at the congested Five Corners intersection, but a high price tag means it probably won’t be realized anytime soon.
Bank makes Brookside donation
The Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa has had a rough couple of years, but a recent donation from Ballston Spa National Bank will hopefully ease the pain.
Sheriff's office takes over hotline answering duties
Albany County is on track to save more than $3,000 a year with a new cooperative agreement between the sheriff’s department and the Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Abuse Center.
Thursday, January 19
Schalmont budget forecast dreary
District could raise tax levy around 2.5 percent within tax cap
After closing two elementary schools this school year, Schalmont officials are starting to evaluate what difficult decisions might be in store in 2012.
Lawn debris fee raked out
Nisky residents accepting of new charge, worried about implementation
Realizing $150,000 of revenue budgeted from a new lawn debris pick up fee could be feasible, if recent comments from Niskayuna residents resonate throughout town.
Bethlehem Hannaford to be remodeled
Project to be finished by late summer
The Hannaford grocery store on Delaware Avenue is getting a facelift.
Sports poll: Who will win the Super Bowl?
We're down to the "final four" in the National Football League playoffs ...
Wednesday roundup: Bethlehem hangs on to beat LaSalle
Franceschi stops 40 shots for Cadets in loss
The Bethlehem hockey team ended a three-game losing streak by edging LaSalle 3-2 in Wednesday night's Capital District High School Hockey League game at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy.
Guilderlands schools face $3.3M budget gap
District kicks off budgeting with a community conversation
Guilderland community members gathered for a “Community Conversation” at the Guilderland High School on Tuesday, Jan. 17, and about 40 citizens showed out to talk principally about the school district’s budget outlook.
Letter: Don't let corporation dollars sway the democratic process
This letter appeared in the Jan. 19, 2012, edition of the Saratoga Spotlight.
Letter: Article unfair to accused
This letter appeared in the Jan. 18, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
Wednesday, January 18
Police pull body from Normanskill
Police earlier today recovered the body of a 45-year-old man they say jumped to his death from the Route 9W bridge over the Normanskill.
Racino unveils expansion plan
A potential change in the state’s stance on gambling could mean a major expansion to the Saratoga Racino.
A dueling destiny
Rexford resident tops international tournament in the over 70 division
Locking swords in a heated duel might not be what many envision for their golden years, but for one 76-year-old fencing is more than an outlet to stay physically fit.
POV: Hard work pays off for Delmar woman
This point of view column appeared in the Jan. 18 and 19 editions of The Spotlight.
Editorial: Do something, say something
This editorial appeared in the Jan. 18 and 19, 2012, editions of The Spotlight.
Boosters call for athletics upgrades
BC says $1.5M worth of work needed, bond vote discussed
Members of the Bethlehem Central School District Board of Education asked Athletic Director John DeMeo to present the board with an overview of needed equipment and facility upgrades.
New leader aims to build town GOP
Di Maggio says building base, outreach keys to party's resurgence
Bethlehem Republican Committee Chairman Fred Di Maggio is looking to revamp the town's GOP.
Smolinsky reappointed as deputy super
Clarkson takes $5k pay cut for year 2012
Bethlehem Supervisor John Clarkson has appointed John Smolinsky to serve as his deputy supervisor, just as Sam Messina did before him.
Tuesday, January 17
Credit card counterfeiter pleads guilty
A man who used counterfeit credit cards to buy Apple iPads at local stores pleaded guilty to a felony charge in Albany County Court on Tuesday, Jan. 17, according to information from Albany County District Attorney David Soares' office.
Man in fatal hit and run indicted for manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide
Alfred H. Zwack Jr., 19, was indicted by a grand jury on Tuesday, Jan. 17, for recklessly causing the death of a Latham man on Nov. 26, 2011, according to information from Albany County District Attorney David Soares' office.
Storyteller passes the torch
Helen Fitzgerald was “an ordinary girl living an extraordinary life,” as her niece Ellen Mnich likes to say. She visited every country except for two, plus all 50 U.S. states, and filled her Cohoes home with souvenirs from her 60 years of travels.
Get in the 'pink zone'
Siena basketball game to benefit breast cancer org, CRAAB!
Siena College is “going pink” on Friday, Jan. 20, for the women’s basketball team’s 12th Pink Zone game to support breast cancer awareness.
Simple work for Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's representatives won't say how long the grocery chain with a cult-like following has been eyeing a Capital District location, but now that it's been officially announced that 79 Wolf Road will be the store's local home, it should be a fairly fluid process to open by mid-2012.
Monday, January 16
Boys basketball: Balanced Blackbirds win tournament title
Voorheesville pulls away late to beat Cornwall
When they click on all cylinders, the Voorheesville Blackbirds are a dangerous boys basketball team.
Hockey: CBA pulls away from Guilderland/Mohonasen
Bassett's hat trick paces Brothers
The Christian Brothers Academy hockey team didn’t allow Guilderland/Mohonasen to hang around this time.
Glenville buys $1M water plant insurance
Town water supply study group appointed to new committee
Glenville officials are making plans to stay afloat should historic flooding once again hit the area.
Students take the stage
Middle schoolers prepare ‘Guys and Dolls’ for four-night run
The Bethlehem Middle School production of "Guys and Dolls Jr." begins Tuesday, Jan. 31.
Chamber makes leadership appointments
The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has elected several local business leaders to key positions to serve within the organization in the year 2012.
Saturday, January 14
Road to recovery
As executive director of the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, Brad Shear has seen his share of grim sights, but the white pit bull that was brought in missing half a leg just before Christmas was particularly heartbreaking.
Friday roundup: Bethlehem boys, Shaker girls post wins
Eagles put distance between them and Columbia in South Division
The Bethlehem boys basketball team overcame a slow start to defeat Columbias 73-63 in Friday's Suburban Council South Division game in Delmar.
Friday, January 13
Saratoga chambers seek collaboration
Boards direct leaders to research options, deliver report
Two chambers of commerce in Saratoga County are looking to expand on the ways they work together.
B-Spa getting IB
Long application process leads to information session
Ballston Spa High School will be offering International Baccalaureate programming in the fall of 2012 after undergoing a multi-year application process to access the multinational curriculum.
S-G bows out of TVHS
Tech Valley principal says enrollment steady despite some districts declining to send new students
The Scotia-Glenville Board of Education has decided not to send a student to Tech Valley High School next year, and other districts are also weighing the cost versus the gain of sending their pupils.
Thursday, January 12
Seeking a better town
Niskayuna Community Foundation opens annual grant submissions
A local not-for-profit figures the best way to improve a community is from within.
Supervisor says Guilderland is strong
Runion delivers his second state of the town
The three pillars of the town of Guilderland — town government, the Guilderland Public Library and Guilderland Schools — were all topics of discussion in the second Guilderland State of The Town address at the Friday, Jan. 6, meeting of the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce.
Meet the candidates
N.Col to hold event prior to BOE special election
Preserving the “high standards of education” in the North Colonie School District is the driving force behind two men’s pursuit of a vacant Board of Education seat, which will be decided in a special election on Jan. 31.
Lenhardt appointed newest Town Board member
Unanimous vote comes after weeks of debate
At its first meeting of the year on Wednesday, Jan. 11, the Bethlehem Town board appointed a new member.
Colonie man dies in crash
Joseph Zsuzsics, 31, of Colonie, was pronounced dead at the scene when his car overturned after striking a parked Wednesday at 10:20 p.m.
Editorial: Bring choices into public
This editorial appeared in the Jan. 11 and 12, 2012 editions of The Spotlight.
Wednesday, January 11
Housing for disabled vets progresses
County commits to sell former school following foreclosure
After two and a half years of efforts in Rotterdam to open the first Disabled American Veterans apartment complex in the country, the proposal is closer to becoming a reality.
Five area Friendly’s close doors
Company cites lease negotiations as catalyst for closures
Diners looking to eat at the ice cream staple Friendly’s in the Capital District might have to travel farther to get their Jim Dandy.
Tom Frasier prepares for third shot at Spartan Death Race
Albany resident has his sights set on completing Vermont challenge
When you participate in an event where the website is called youmaydie.com, you know you’re in for a challenge.
Midseason poll: Best Suburban Council boys basketball player
We're at the midpoint of the Suburban Council boys basketball season, and there are four players that currently are standing head and shoulders above the rest.
Boys soccer: Campisi goes from coaching to mentoring
Six-time state championship coach steps aside
Mike Campisi is stepping down, but he’s not stepping away.
Football: Sportswriters select Class AA, A All-State teams
Burnt Hills, Shen well represented in year-end awards
Four Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake and three Shenendehowa football players received all-state honors from the New York State Sportswriters Association Wednesday.
Coming full circle
When Shaker High School alum and Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Kim Nazarian takes to the stage in the high school auditorium on Feb. 2, it will be just as powerful for her as for the group of choir students who will be performing alongside her.
Tasting benefits storm-struck farmers
Milton Grange No. 685, in collaboration with Greenfield Grange No. 807, hosted a wine tasting at The Saratoga Winery in Saratoga on Saturday, Nov. 12, to benefit farmers in Schoharie County recovering from flood damage caused by hurricanes Irene and Lee.
League to host forum on voter suppression
The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County is sponsoring a community forum on voter suppression Thursday, Jan. 19 at Skidmore College.
POV: Job Corps means more to community
This point of view column appeared in the Jan. 11 and 12, 2012 editions of The Spotlight.
Editorial: Think people, not politics
This editorial appeared in the Jan. 11, 2012 edition of The Spotlight.
Letter: No more back room deals
This letter appeared in the Jan. 11, 2012 edition of The Spotlight.
Letter: An open letter to town government
This letter appeared in the Jan. 11, 2012 edition of The Spotlight.
Girls basketball: Cusack leads Shen past Shaker
Plainsmen overcome size differential to beat Blue Bison
While the Shenendehowa girls' basketball team may be diminutive in size compared to the towering Shaker Blue Bison, it was the Plainsmen that came up big Tuesday night as they knocked off the visitors 68-54 in a Suburban Council North Division game.
Tuesday, January 10
New teletheater a good bet
Capital OTB gets a new and improved home
Capital OTB’s new Clubhouse Race Book on Central Avenue only opened on New Year’s Day, but it’s already a hit.
Monday, January 9
Confirmation of McCoy appointments postponed
The Albany County Legislature was supposed to vote to confirm County Executive Dan McCoy’s appointments to his administration at a Monday, Jan. 9, meeting, but that agenda item will be tabled because the legislative committees are not yet set, namely the personnel committee which reviews the appointments ahead of time.
Colonie in 2012
Event takes a look at upcoming year
Where is the Town of Colonie headed in 2012? That’s the question a panel of local officials tried to answer at “Colonie in 2012,” held at Colonie Center on Friday, Jan. 6, by the Colonie Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by NBT Bank.
Police: Truck driver drove drunk
A tractor trailer driver from Ohio who was hauling produce was arrested for allegedly driving drunk on the Thruway on Saturday, Jan. 7, according to State Police reports.
New superintendent, same mission
Thomas Douglas knew of the positive reputation of Bethlehem Central schools before applying for the district’s vacant superintendent job.
Sunday, January 8
Town of Rotterdam officials sworn into office
Godlewski largely ignored by board in first meeting
Recently elected Rotterdam officials were recently sworn in front of a gathering of family and friends, but the celebratory spirit ended once the yearly organizational meeting commenced.
Hockey: Power play goals fuel Jets victory
Shaker/Colonie strikes twice in final three minutes to beat Bethlehem
A strong defensive effort and a pair of late power play goals fueled Shaker/Colonie's biggest win of the hockey season to date.
Saturday, January 7
New RCS chief sets goals for 2012
Higher graduation rates and an acceptable budget are two of the main goals for new Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District Superintendent Elisabeth Smith in 2012.
Boys basketball: Shea's shot sparks Shen
Plainsmen edge Mohonasen in fierce battle
Jackson Shea saw an opening, and he took advantage of it.
Friday, January 6
Cunningham out, Martelle in
Healthy turnout for forum on open Bethlehem board seat
Former town supervisor Jack Cunningham announced he has ended his bid for the Bethlehem Town Board seat left empty by Mark Jordan at a recent League of Women Voters forum held to educate the public about the board’s future appointment decision.
Bethlehem issues corrected tax bills
The Town of Bethlehem released the following information today regarding this year's tax bills.
Looking back at 2011, Part II
National, state titles highlight second half of past year
The second half of the 2011 sports season provided several highs, as well as a couple of lows.
Editorial: A fresh start for Milton
This editorial appeared in the Jan. 5, 2012 edition of the Saratoga Spotlight.
Editorial: New Year's resolution: Colonie
This editorial appeared in the Jan. 4, 2012 editions of the Colonie and Loudonville Spotlights.
Saratoga Springs superintendent selected
The Saratoga Springs School District is to have a new leader in Michael Piccirillo, who will step up as superintendent when Janice White leaves the district this summer.
AMVETS post eyed for Rotterdam
Local veterans seek to establish first post in county
County Legislator Angelo Santabarbara and a handful of other veterans are spearheading an effort to start an AMVETS post in Rotterdam, but drumming up interest has been an issue.
Police: Man tried to lure 13-year-old
A 32-year-old Ballston Lake man was arrested by Colonie police on Dec. 22 for allegedly trying to meet who he thought was a 13-year-old female, according to police reports.
Cunningham takes his name out
Former Town of Bethlehem Supervisor Jack Cunningham will not be seeking appointment to the Town Board seat recently vacated by Mark Jordan, after all.
Thursday, January 5
County Legislature kicks off 2012
Republican Buhrmaster alone against 14-Democrat caucus
Democrats celebrated their recent election victories, which included gaining another seat, before tackling business. Buhrmaster, R-Glenville, rose to minority leader of his party, but he is now the sole GOP voice left on the legislature.
County SPCA won’t arrest for TNR
‘Trap, neuter and return’ hot issue for animal advocates, but is unlawful
The Schenectady County SPCA won’t pursue criminal charges for people participating in a controversial method of feral cat population control.
Charges filed in fatal crash
Charges have been filed against a driver whose October car crash resulted in the death of his passenger.
Three students, driver injured in bus crash
A crash between an SUV and a school bus this morning injured three students.
Art of The Crossings
Rosemary Loveland has spent the past two years painting The Crossings of Colonie. She’s accumulated 93 pieces of art — oil paintings and “painterly” photographs — and they’re on display at the William K. Sanford Library from Jan. 3 to 30 in an art exhibit she put together for the residents of Colonie.
School psychologist arrested on drug charges
BC employee, husband investigated on information from student
An employee of the Bethlehem Central School District was arrested yesterday on drug charges following an investigation by the Albany County Sheriff’s Office and Bethlehem Police Department.
Wednesday, January 4
Letter: 'Thank you' to residents of Guilderland
Since my Guilderland Town Board term ended December 31st, I want to thank the Spotlight readers who live in Guilderland for the privilege of representing you these past four years.
Letter: Keep Cunningham out of Bethlehem government
It is troublesome for me to see a former Town Supervisor seeking Town Board support to fill a Board seat that will become vacant on January 1, 2012.
Dance Museum receives $10k grant
The National Museum of Dance announced Tuesday, Jan. 3, the receipt of a $10,000 grant from the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust.
UPDATE Colonie teen found
A 15-year-old male has been missing since Tuesday, Jan. 3, and Colonie police are asking for the public's help.
Football: Willis, Case earn first team all-state honors
Four Schalmont players recognized by state sportswriters association
Schalmont's Devon Willis and Voorheesville's Don Case were named first team all-state football players by the New York State Sportswriters Association Wednesday.
New Milton leaders sworn in
Old officials still facing legal issues; town budget a top priority
Within an hour of being sworn in as a new Town Board member for the Town of Milton, Barbara Kerr read a statement at the year’s organizational meeting explaining how she was disappointed with the negative publicity the town had received over the past year concerning public officials.
Tracks point to Gore once again
Skier train service resurrected between Saratoga and North Creek
For the first time since World War II, a train will run between Saratoga and North Creek to bring skiers to Gore Mountain.
Spa City leaders sworn in
Mathiesen vows moving up last call will be first order of business
Three sitting Saratoga Springs City Council members were sworn in along with two newly elected Democrats on Sunday, Jan. 1 at this year’s inauguration ceremony at the City Center.
Ballston bookkeeper position reinstated
Job will be part time for one year; search to start immediately
The Ballston Town Board voted on Tuesday, Jan. 3, to reinstate the position of town bookkeeper, but the job will come with new stipulations.
Tuesday roundup: Woods scores 1,000th point in Shaker victory
Big first quarter helps Bison put away Guilderland
Shaker senior forward Lauren Woods scored her 1,000th career point in the third quarter of Tuesday's 65-31 Suburban Council girls basketball victory over Guilderland in Latham.
Tuesday, January 3
New county SPCA chief sworn in
Former Troy Detective Sgt. leads SPCA after Tully steps down
A former Troy police officer is ready to investigate crimes once again, but not the kind of cases he used to focus on.
POV: Arborvitae — Privacy Please
This point of view column appeared in the Dec. 28 and 29, 2011 editions of The Spotlight.
Timeless tapping
There’s a group of seniors in Colonie who like sequins, fishnets and dancing. And twice a month, they strut their stuff around the Capital District as the Timeless Tappers.
Honor Guard performs record number of military funerals
n 2011, the New York Military Forces Honor Guard performed more military funerals than ever before.
Colonie officials sworn in
There was standing room only in Colonie Town Hall for the swearing-in ceremony on New Year’s Day Sunday, Jan. 1, when Supervisor Paula Mahan, three Town Board members, a town justice and the town clerk were sworn into office.
Monday, January 2
Forgotten colony
Mabee Farm Education Center hosts exhibit featuring early Dutch history in America
What many people believe to be the Dutch’s role in forming the America of today might fall short of the full story.
High water marked
Developers of former ALCO site looked at flooding early on
Riverside property can be prime real estate for developers, but this past summer has shown proximity to water can also invite disaster.
Clarkson takes the oath
John Clarkson officially became supervisor of the Town of Bethlehem this evening and pledged to residents not only a responsive and responsible town government, but one free of partisan politics.
Looking back at 2011, Part I
State titles for BH-BL alpine skiing and baseball teams highlight first half
It’s time take a look back at what the first half of 2011 brought to the area sports scene.
Forum set on open Town Board seat
The Albany County chapter of the League of Women Voters will be holding an “educational forum” on the topic of the Bethlehem Town Board seat recently vacated by Mark Jordan.
Sunday, January 1
Back from the brink
In February, the future of the Normanside Country Club in Delmar was very much in question.