Saturday, March 31
Baseball: Saratoga slugs its way past South Glens Falls
Blue Streaks break game open with five-run fourth inning
The Saratoga Springs baseball team opened its 2012 season Friday with a 13-3 non-league victory over South Glens Falls at East Side Recreation Field.
New program of mutual benefit assists those who served
“We had a high demand of veterans coming in asking for some sort of photo identification for identifying themselves as a veteran. There’s no such thing as a national veterans ID card, the government doesn’t issue one.” Andy Davis, director of Saratoga County Veteran’s Service Agency.
Friday, March 30
Firefighters to ignite heart health
Run 4 Your Life raises awareness of firefighter heart health
Despite battling furious flames, firefighters face the biggest risk from inside themselves if they don’t have a healthy heart. One annual race seeks to extinguish that risk.
Lockbox not a lock in Bethlehem
Receiver of taxes speaks against automated payment collection
Bethlehem Town Board members listened to arguments for adopting an automated bill payment processing system on Wednesday, March 28, but will be taking more time to review the proposal before making a decision on using a Lockbox system.
Thursday, March 29
Oh, the plays you can play
Mohon Masque to perform ‘Seussical the Musical’ for spring production
Beloved characters imagined by Dr. Seuss will come alive as more than 100 Mohonasen students perform “Seussical the Musical” to transport audience members from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus.
Bethlehem OKs Comp Plan review group
In an evening spent tackling perennial issues, board also sets fund balance policy
Officials in the Town of Bethlehem discussed and ultimately moved forward several items that have long been on the agendas of Town Board members, or at least the subject of past debate.
A call to change last call
Saratoga Springs nightlife at the root of recent discussion between bar owners, public
“Saratoga sells itself as a place with health, horses andhistory – yet we are also a place that offers more chances to get drunk than anywhere else in the county. We started off as a place associated with mineral water. …I think Saratoga is confused as to what it’s selling itself as. As afamily town but also as a place for entertainment.” Skidmore student Patrick Klimaszewski, who is studying Saratoga Springs as part of his research in anthropology.
Wednesday, March 28
Sports poll: Which softball team will win the Section II Class AA title this year?
We're closing in on the start of the spring sports at area high schools, so we're asking you to pick the team that you think will win the Section II Class AA softball title this year.
Boys lacrosse: Shen isn't rebuilding
Plainsmen seek third straight Class A title with mostly new lineup
Don’t call it a rebuilding year. That’s the message from Shenendehowa boys lacrosse coach Chuck Holohan as he prepares his team for next Tuesday’s Suburban Council opener at Niskayuna.
Boys lacrosse: Time to take next step for BH-BL
Spartans want to be more competitive within Suburban Council
The Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake boys lacrosse team has put its historic 2011 season behind it.
Softball: Healthy Scotia looks to bounce back from 2011
Veteran squad to lead Lady Tartans into Foothills Council season
Injuries deprived the Scotia-Glenville softball team of a chance to contend for the 2011 Foothills Council title.
For those about to learn
Clifton Park music studio offers a new way to play to aspiring musicians
“We use what we call a song-based approach. What that means is that we’ll have a student come in who wants to play guitar. The very first thing we ask them is, ‘Who is your favorite artist?’ A lot of the girls will want to learn something by Taylor Swift so we’ll teach them a very simplified version of a Taylor Swift song.” Stan Denis, owner of The Modern Day Music's Rock School Music Academy in Clifton Park.
Construction with cans
State Museum art event also a fundraiser for local food pantry
Once a year, architects, engineers and students across the country forgo the usual building materials to create structures out of cans. From April 5 to 26, the New York State Museum will house its own floor of can sculptures for the Capital District’s second Canstruction event.
Clean-up at former Cleanerama
The former dry cleaner Cleanerama on Osborne Road in Loudonville was recently declared a superfund site by the New York State department of environmental conservation.
Letter: To challenge or not to challenge the school budget tax cap
This letter appeared in the March 28, 2012, edition of the Bethlehem Spotlight.
Editorial: Time for talk, time for action
This editorial appeared in the March 28, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
POV: Climate change a real threat
This point of view column appeared in the March 28 and 29, 2012, editions of The Spotlight.
Letter: Pension reform need not be all or nothing
This letter appeared in the March 28 and 29 editions of The Spotlight.
Tuesday, March 27
The nursing home saga continues
New county exec. pushes for change, but disagreements persist
Weeks after taking office, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy has found himself embroiled in a debate that his predecessor found impossible to close: the future of the county nursing home.
Traffic stop leads to foot chase, arrest
State Police in Loudonville arrested Raymond Gordon, 25, of Albany on Monday, March 26, and charged him with assault in the second degree, a felony, resisting arrest and false personation, both misdemeanors, according to police reports.
Hockey: Fraser out at CBA
Private school begins search for sixth head coach in last six years
Jeff Fraser couldn’t stop the coaching carousel at Christian Brothers Academy.
Soccer: Jon Busch takes nothing for granted
Guilderland High School grad still working hard 11 years into MLS career
Jon Busch has been playing in Major League Soccer for 11 years, and he still doesn’t take anything for granted.
Boys lacrosse: Colonie must fill holes for 2012 season
Defense, attack will be led by younger players
The Colonie boys lacrosse team has some issues to address as it gets ready to start the 2012 season.
Softball: Defending champs know they won't take anyone by surprise
Bethlehem says it has the offense and pitching to contend again
For the first time in three decades, the Bethlehem softball team enters the season as the defending Section II champion.
Monday, March 26
Public urges S-G school board to break tax cap
District’s budget cuts about 40 positions, reductions total $2.3M
Scotia-Glenville community members at a Monday, March 19, meeting urged the Board of Education to go above the state tax cap, but the school board appears steadfast in staying under the threshold.
Waite Road from Route 146 north to Route 146A, Ballston Lake Road in Clifton Park to close on Tuesday, March 27.
Waite Road from Route 146 north to Route 146A, Ballston Lake Road will be closed to all but local traffic from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27.
Waite Road from Route 146 north to Route 146A, Ballston Lake Road in Clifton Park to close on Tuesday, March 27.
Waite Road from Route 146 north to Route 146A, Ballston Lake Road will be closed to all but local traffic from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27.
Cops: train incident ruled suicide
The Albany County Sheriff's Office said a 23-year-old Delmar resident took his own life on Saturday, March 24.
Friday, March 23
Railroad crossing dispute steams ahead
Approximately 75 homes would be affected if the crossings close, potentially stranding some homeowners. Roads affected by potential closings include those named above, as well as Fairview Road, Glen Ridge Road, Hampton Road, Lake Shore Road, Manning Road, Powers Lane, Waverly Road, according tothe town’s building inspector, Thomas Johnson.
Facility draws cheers, jeers
Nisky councilwoman publicly unveils indoor recreation center plans
Residents expressed mixed reactions towards Niskayuna bonding $350,000 for a new indoor recreation center, with some calling it a wise investment and others a waste of money.
Letter: Trasnfer station would remain open after new garage built
This letter appeared in the March 22, 2012 edition of the Schenectady County Spotlight.
Letter: Rec center a benefit to few
This letter appeared in the March 22, 2012 edition of the Schenectady County Spotlight.
Preparing for future floods
Tonko hosts forum on precautions, planning
If the mighty Mohawk River ever reaches the record-breaking flood levels brought on by Tropical Storm Irene and Lee again, residents now have a wider assortment of tips and resources to draw on.
Thursday, March 22
Happy trails in Clifton Park
A lot of the neighborhoods do not have sidewalks, bike lanes are not common. So the only way to get everything together is to join the organizations. - CAPTAIN’s Youth Development Coordinator Steve Eggelston
Police: Woman stole from mother to buy crack cocaine
A 31-year-old Albany woman was arrested for allegedly stealing money from her mother to buy crack cocaine, according to information from Albany police.
A new kind of zoning to debut in Malta
Town will hold series of meetings on form-based code zoning
Stop by the Malta Community Center at any time between 6 and 8 p.m. for an informal review of the work in progress on Monday, March 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Taking on feral cats
Each year, Assemblyman Bob Reilly, D-Colonie, donates his salary to the community, and this year a portion of it is going to the cat
Wednesday, March 21
Public to have say on fire station upgrade
Plans for a significant upgrade have been drafted, and a public forum will be held on Thursday, March 22, at 7 p.m. at the station, followed by a public referendum on borrowing money for the project on April 3.
POV:
This point of view article appeared int he March 21 and 22, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
Editorial: Waste not, want not
This editorial appeared in the March 21. 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
A full spectrum of summer fun
“It’s a great entry level program. The question is, ‘How much support does your child need?’ The goal is to make them feel confident and get the kids into a typical atmosphere,” Steve Szalowski of Spectrum Life Strategies.
Sports poll: How far will the Union College hockey team get in this year’s NCAA Tournament?
In honor of the Union College hockey team's return to the NCAA Tournament, this week's poll asks you how far will the Dutchmen get in the tournament.
Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake wrestling community mourns one of its own
Bennett remembered for his intensity on the mat and fun-loving nature off of it
Wrestling helped Doug Bennett become a part of the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake community. That community came together to help the Bennett family Sunday as they remembered Doug at a memorial service.
Basketball: Strube gets final win in exceptional seniors game
Weber, Cusack help Suburban Council girls beat Big 10
Shenendehowa coach Ken Strube was on the sidelines for the last time of his storied Section II career at the Big 10-Suburban Council Exceptional Seniors girls basketball game Tuesday night at Niskayuna.
Girls lacrosse: Guilderland wants its title back
Lady Dutch have sights set on reclaiming Class A crown from Niskayuna
For the first time in five years, the Guilderland girls lacrosse team isn’t entering the season as the defending Section II Class A champions.
Boys lacrosse: Guilderland embarks on cross-country journey
Dutchmen face two northwestern powers this weekend
The Guilderland boys lacrosse team is going to great lengths to get ready for the Suburban Council season.
South Colonie diamond picked for ValleyCats program
Minors division field will be renovated with help from NY-Penn League team
A field at the South Colonie Youth Baseball Complex on Exchange Street is going to get a professional makeover next month.
Boys basketball: Mount Vernon pulls away from CBA
Knights use 30-point fourth quarter to win state semifinal game
Christian Brothers Academy’s grit and determination couldn’t match Mount Vernon’s speed and athleticism.
Drug discount cards yield $2.3M in savings
Program participation steady over first three years
Three years after Schenectady County officials unveiled a prescription medication discount program, more than 9,500 claims were filed with an average savings of 41 percent off retail price.
The life and times of a landmark
Caffé Lena’s long history being recorded, commemorated in comprehensive look back
“She had become part of the Saratoga scene. She had become someone and the Caffé had become someplace that was as integral to Saratoga’s image of itself…The Caffé was also an extended family of choice for some people, and that never really went away.” Musician and folklorist George Ward commenting on Lena Spencer and her influence on the region.
Eatery looks to head indoors
Casa Mia owner drafts plans to remove deck, add banquet room
The Italian restaurant and pizzeria Casa Mia in Glenmont may soon be expanding.
Food pantry seeks new digs
Need has steadily grown in Bethlehem along with recession
The Bethlehem Food Pantry has been lending a helping hand to the town’s needy families since 1982, but following a recession and facing rising food costs, staff members say pantry need has increased but storage space has not.
Plant upgrades will run in millions
Bethlehem sewer plant will see double the input in 30 years
Furture upgrades to the town's wastewater treatment facility will cost millions.
End nere for eyesore?
Residents hope court date will force ation on rundown house
Residents of one South Bethlehem neighborhood are hoping an approaching court date could close the book on years of complaints over an abandoned and dilapidated house on Willowbrook Avenue.
Tuesday, March 20
Sch’dy pair found with bounty of drugs following traffic stop
Two Schenectady residents were found with a cornucopia of drugs following a Thruway traffic stop in the Town of New Baltimore.
Tapping the roots of ‘Taps’
Historical Society hosts talk on Butterfield’s bugle call, local ties
Most people would recognize the famed military bugle call “Taps,” but Schenectady County’s connection to the song isn’t as well known as the tune.
Students give change to make change
The World of Difference club at Shaker High School strives to live up to its name.
Monday, March 19
Toeing up to the challenge
Training program prepares runners for the Freihofer's Run for Women
The 34th Freihofer’s Run for Women isn’t until June, but starting Monday, March 19, a group of Capital Region women kicked off their training at The Crossings of Colonie.
Friday, March 16
Salty savings for local gov’ts
Temperate winter means moneys saved and productive off season
Residents might be happy to have only reached for their shovel or primed their snow blower less this winter, but local officials are pleased their salt reserves are piled high.
Holiday change raises spirits
County Legislature lifts retail wine and liquor restrictions
Liquor store owners are toasting Schenectady County officials for throwing back holiday sales restrictions.
Letter: BEAT Team seeking sponsorship
This letter appeared in the March 14, 2012 edition of the Bethlehem Spotlight.
Letter: Rec center would be asset for Nisky
This letter appeared in the MArch 15, 2012 edition of The Spotlight.
Letter: Let senior center staff do their jobs
This letter appeared in the March 15, 2012 edition of the Schenectady Spotlight.
Letter: Where's the job listing?
This letter appeared in the March 15, 2012 edition of the Schenectady Spotlight.
Blanket patrol to prevent DWI
Between the days of Friday, March 16 and Monday, March 19, the New York State Police, Albany County Sheriff’s Office and 11 municipal police agencies within Albany County will conduct a blanket patrol to crack down on drunk driving.
Clifton Park Residence Inn gains approval
“There is a public benefit here.” Planning Board Chairman Rocco Ferraro, on a proposed sidewalk to be built on the site along Route 9.
Thursday, March 15
Ellis unveils unique new heart treatment
Schenectady man first patient of new hybrid ablation procedure
For almost 20 years, Schenectady resident Dave Connelly had dealt with heart problems, but he now has a regular heart rate — admittedly, feeling “normal” felt odd at first.
BH-BL superintendent search narrows
The district is now in the final stages of searching for a newsuper intendent to replace Schultz when he retires at the end of this school year – at which point he’ll have had 41 years with the district.
Schalmont budget picture brightens up
District proposes 1.9 percent tax levy increase, with $340k budget gap
Schalmont school officials are looking at the 2012-13 budget somewhat relieved with no drastic cuts to programming, but Superintendent Valerie Kelsey warned next year might sting.
Fab project adheres to strict noise laws
“We have stayed within the standards since construction began in June of 2009. Right now we’re in the gray area between the construction phase and the operations phase,” said Travis Bullard, a spokesman for GlobalFoundries.
Scotia banker eyes Tonko’s seat
First National Bank of Scotia Senior Vice President Bob Dieterich is hoping to bounce Paul Tonko from Congress like a bad check.
Watervliet man convicted of rape
A Watervliet man could face up to 50 years in jail after being convicted of rape on Wednesday, March 14, according to Albany County District Attorney David Soares' office.
Twins show 'there will always be love'
Sisters pen children's book about autism
If there’s one thing Jocelyn Davis learned growing up beside a twin sister with autism, it’s that there will always be love.
Wednesday, March 14
Cops: National Guard member steals from residents
A member of the New York State National Guard has been arrested for fraudulently soliciting money from residents in Bethlehem and Colonie, according to police.
Youth group looks outward for spring break
"What we try to do at the church is take the kind of approach that we can care and serve each other. The kids learn from a very young age to get involved with community and to be serving, realizing it may not always be in the most comfortable situation and the food may not be the best. They really become sensitive to others. We expose them tothe real world. We’re fortunate here, most of the kids are in privileged homes, and it’s good for the adults to see as well. It’s not always as good as we have it here.” Reverend Bosman of Christ Community Reformed Church.
Sports poll: Which girls lacrosse team will win the Section II Class A title this year?
This week, we ask which girls lacrosse team will win the Class A Sectional title this spring.
Where the Spa City stops
“Most people think of (us) as a place to pick up brochures. We do that but we do much more than that. As a designated heritage area, our mission is to promote economic growth of the region.” Program Coordinator Johnnie Roberts.
A Thoroughly instructive experience
“It’s not well known to people who don’t do theater. It’s amodern musical with an old musical feel to it.” Director Laurie Larson.
Take a seat for Voorheesville students
Dollars for Scholars fundraiser features decorated benches
One local organization has found a way to turn the unique, stylized work of local artists into functional pieces for the home, all while raising money for the education of local students.
Book looks back at New Scotland
Current, former residents contribute stories
History books may help future generations learn the facts about the past, but memories are much more personal for some New Scotland residents.
Tapping their inner actors
Tap (and song) is back with BC production of ‘Anything Goes’
Audiences will be sure to “get a kick” out of this year's Bethlehem High School musical. All of the deceit, romance and comedy of the Stage 700 production by Guy Bolton and P.J. Wodehouse takes place aboard the S.S. America as the Bethlehem cast presents “Anything Goes.”
Editorial: Keep it simple, Albany
Life is full of divergences, but these days in New York they’re rarely as pronounced as when it comes to opinions on the public and private worlds.
Busing could play role in BC’s budget
Board considers changes to walking distance, closing middle school pool
In an effort to close a $4.2 million budget gap, Bethlehem Central School officials announced the first proposed 2012-13 budget cuts at a workshop on Wednesday, March 7 focusing on transportation and maintenance.
POV: Eating disorders are lifelong battles
I am a fitness professional.
Tuesday, March 13
Nisky video case leads to Canadian minor
An investigation into a threatening video targeting Niskayuna students has concluded, and police are blaming a Canadian minor for causing the online video stir.
Home on the Grange
Nisky' advances Grange Hall renovations to make new home for ECOS
After 40 years in existence, one nonprofit environmental group is hoping to continue its growth in a new home.
Bethlehem man arrested for gang assault
A Bethlehem man was arrested in connection with a gang assault that left an Albany man with sever head injuries, according to police.
Monday, March 12
Maritime Center could have anchor in nonprofit tenant
Alplaus facility eyed by Fast Break Fund, Center continues search
The Capital Region Maritime Center could get the break it needs if a nonprofit organization looking to expand its programming decides to put roots there.
Roadmap to an eco-friendly future
County’s Climate Action Plan in motion, greenhouse gas study completed
Efforts to create a more energy efficient and sustainable community are moving forward as Schenectady County builds a Climate Action Plan.
Sunday, March 11
Boys basketball: Leppanen's late heroics lifts CBA past Proctor
Brothers advance to state semifinals for third straight year
Christian Leppanen became Christian Brothers Academy's latest hero.
Boys basketball: Jamesville-Dewitt's twin towers too much for Scotia to handle
Coleman, Cavanaugh each score 21 points in regional win
One is 6 feet, 10 inches tall and heading to Syracuse University. The other is 6-9 and going to Wake Forest. Together, Dajuan Coleman and Tyler Cavanaugh were too much for Scotia-Glenville to handle.
S.Col is a 'star' energy saver
The South Colonie Central School District is making strides in energy efficiency and was one of about 200 organizations nationwide to be named an Energy Star Leader by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the end of February.
Girls basketball: Stewart leads C-NS past Colonie in regional
UConn-bound senior scores 28 points in 19-point victory
When the nation's top high school girls basketball player Breanna Stewart lumbered off the court at Hudson Valley Community College Saturday, she was sporting a golfball size welt just under her right eye. She was also sporting an ear-to-ear grin.
Friday, March 9
Mohon eyes 2.3 percent levy hike
Teaching staff, coaches slated for cuts; class sizes increases likely
Mohonasen officials are focusing on how nearly $1.42 million in budget reductions can be achieved after making more than $6.5 million in budgets cuts over the last three years.
Through the lens of history
Students’ Brookside exhibit captures the spirit of similar showing made a decade ago
The students were tasked with not only capturing history, butdoing so with an artistic flare. The students ended up learning more than justa two dimensional representation of their town’s past.
Man pleads guilty to murder for killing girlfriend
A man who stabbed his girlfriend to death in August 2011 faces up to 24 years to life in jail after pleading guilty to murder in the second degree on Friday, March 9, according to information from Albany County District Attorney David Soares' office.
Ballston requires more stringent review on asphalt plant
The Planning Board’s decision is part of the state’s environmental review process. If the town had issued a negative declaration it would been the end of the review process under SEQR (State Environmental Quality Review Act). Instead, Callahan will have to provide a much more detailed analysis of potential environmental impacts in the draft environmental impact statement.
File under ‘life saver’
Bethlehem Lions and Senior Services provide File of Life program
For the past five years, the Bethlehem Lions Club has been working with the town’s Department of Senior Services to provide seniors with a small, plastic folder that holds all of their important medical documents.
Town to talk sustainability
Sustainable Bethlehem workshop will gather resident input
A community workshop will be held by Sustainable Bethlehem to inform residents on the town’s progress towards pedestrian and bicycle goals on Monday, March 12.
Colonie man pleads guilty to felony reckless endangerment
Leon Gordan, 28, of Colonie, pleaded guilty to one count of reckless endangerment in the first degree, a felony, on Tuesday, March 6, stemming from a November 2011 incident, according to information from Albany County District Attorney David Soares' office.
Police: Missing man found
Colonie police said the 53-year-old Colonie man reported missing Thursday, March 1, has been found.
Trolleys of the Capital District
When Gino DiCarlo was young, the street in front of his house in Schenectady was torn up. With each chunk of concrete that was ripped away, a portion of trolley track was revealed.
Thursday, March 8
Anonymous tip leads authorities to a radioactive material
DOH and DEC tested the residence and area for radiation levels and found no immediate health threats to the property owner or neighbors.
Take a seat for the Chamber
The Guilderland Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 40th year, and as a way to extend the celebration to the community there will be a community-wide art project that will span the Town of Guilderland.
Comptroller addresses rising gas prices
A breakdown of state, federal and local gas taxes could be your reading material next time you fill up at the pump, if Albany County Comptroller Michael Conners gets his way.
GCSD draft budget restructures classes
Sports, clubs maintained, 30 employees face reduced hours
Facing a deficit of nearly $2.6 million, Guilderland Central School District Superintendent Marie Wiles presented her draft budget for the 2012-2013 school year at a special Board of Education meeting held on March 1.
Elsmere parents launch into fundraising
New playground would cost $100k, grants and community support sought
The Elsmere Elementary School PTA has officially begun the fundraising process to purchase a new playground for the school, and hope to get construction started in the summer of 2013.
Building bridges
Saratoga Bridges works with developmentally disabled to provide opportunities
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness month, but for groups like Saratoga Bridges, advocacy is a year-round project. Still, Bridges is using March as a way to highlight its mission.
[Correction] Nisky would foot most of rec center bill
Councilman slams plan to borrow for $650k rec center; clubs would pitch in $200k
Plans for a recreation facility at Blatnick Park now call for the town, and not the Niskayuna Soccer and Lacrosse clubs, to cover most of the bill.
Wednesday, March 7
Ballston Spa robotics team preps high schoolers for science and technology futures
“I stay involved for the satisfaction of seeing the ‘ah-ha’moments — those happen when one of the students really internalizes animportant concept, or successfully applies their new critical thinking skills,or invents a truly creative or elegant solution for their robot.” Team mentor Greg Mohr
Floyd Warriors provides Easter baskets for kids whose parents are undergoing cancer treatment
Project Easter Bunny is but one of the many services that Morahan and her organization networks to provide. She also works to have meals delivered to families and with Simplifying Lives, which offers house cleaning.Everything she does centers around her mission statement, which is “Dinner isDone, Dishes are Clean and the Kids are OK!”
Drunk driver faces prison time
A Watervliet man who lead State Police on a high speed chase on New Year's Day was convicted of felony DWI on Tuesday, March 6, according to information from Albany County District Attorney David Soares' office.
Drug charges against BC school official dropped
Husband takes responsibility for possession
Charges have been dropped against a Bethlehem Central School District staff member who was arrested for drug possession in January, after her husband took responsibility for the crime,according to court documents.
Sports poll: Which boys lacrosse team will win the Section II Class A title this year?
Since it's starting to feel like spring outside, it's time to start looking at the upcoming spring sports season beginning with boys lacrosse.
Boys basketball: Scotia-Glenville advances to regionals
Tartans breeze past Bishop Gibbons in Sectional final
After winning an overtime thriller against Mohonasen in the semifinals, the Scotia-Glenville boys basketball team wasn’t interested in playing a tight game against Bishop Gibbons.
A political pastime
Scotia man to talk about book detailing Truman’s 1948 election victory
Headlines on the 2012 presidential election are already in focus, but a Scotia man’s book revisits the iconic and erroneous 1948 Chicago Daily Tribune headline, “DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN.”
Former legislator appeals fire dept. expulsion
Howard Shafer calls decision of Selkirk Fire unfair, seeks reinstatement
A former Selkirk Fire Department treasurer and volunteer firefighter has filed an appeal in Albany County Court after he was ousted from the company in November.
Sing a hopeful song
Delmar church again hosts fundraiser for Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless
For nearly 10 years, one local congregation has worked to support the Albany communities of Arbor Hill and Sheridan Hollow by helping to provide a refuge for the children of those neighborhoods when school is out.
Voorheesville man charged with pawning possessions of customers
A Voorheesville man has been arrested by the Albany County Sheriff’s Office for using his repairs business to gain access to the home or residents and steal their possessions.
The survey says ... region is growing
A good chunk of Capital District businesses experienced growth in 2011 and the rest of 2012 is expected to bring a repeat of that trend, according to a Business Climate Survey conducted annually by Marvin and Company, P.C. and the University of Albany School of Business.
Two arrested for heroin possession on thruway
Couple pulled over in Bethlehem
Two people were arrested for possession of heroin and crack cocaine after being stopped on the thruway by State Police in the Town of Bethlehem.
Letter: A thank you for continued support during the budget process
This letter appeared in the March 7, 2012, edition of the Bethlehem Spotlight.
Editorial: A fireable offense
This editorial appeared in the March 7 and 8, 2012, editions of The Spotlight.
Letter: Keep the focus on education
This letter appeared in the March 7, 2012, edition of the Bethlehem Spotlight.
Letter: Preventing unwanted animals requires cooperative solution
This letter appeared in the March 7, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
Letter: ‘Desolate landscape’ no answer
This letter appeared in the March 7, 2012, edition of the Bethlehem Spotlight.
POV: ‘Charlotte’s Law,’ a road to safer highways
This point of view column appeared in the March 7 and 8 editions of The Spotlight.
Tuesday, March 6
Stepfather found guilty of felony sex crimes
Patrick Hughes, 38, of Watervliet, was found guilty of one count of predatory sexual assault against a child, a felony, one count of rape in the first degree, a felony, one count of rape in the second degree, a felony, and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, all misdemeanors, on Monday, March 5, according to Albany County District Attorney David Soares' office.
McCoy: Albany County nearly broke
Managing costs, borrowing, nursing home’s future key points of State of County
Albany County is running out of money and its government is “fractured” but County Executive Dan McCoy in his first State of the County address said he had plans to “provide the leadership necessary” to make it healthy again.
Boys basketball: CBA rallies past Troy in overtime
Brothers win fourth consecutive Sectional title
Once again, an incredible series of circumstances helped the Christian Brothers Academy basketball team keep its season going.
Sunday, March 4
Nisky Co-op plans renovations
Market improvements estimated at $200k; fall completion targeted
The Niskayuna Co-op Supermarket is planning to spruce up its store through a round of renovations that should be completed just in time for its 69th anniversary.
Girls basketball: Loggins and Rosales lead Colonie to Class AA title
Duo scores 45 points in championship game victory over Albany
Ashley Loggins and Sydnie Rosales comvined for 45 points to lead Colonie past Albany 64-55 in Saturday's Section II Class AA girls basketball championship game at Hudson Valley Community College.
Girls basketball: Averill Park knocks off Scotia-Glenville in finals
O'Shea guides Warriors to third Class A title in last four years
For the third time in the last four years, Averill Park is the Section II Class A girls basketball champions.
Girls basketball: Demand leads Watervliet past RCS
Junior guard scored 26 points in semifinal win
Ailayia Demand knew just what to do to help earn her Watervliet team a trip to the Section II Class B championship game.
Girls basketball: Hoosic Valley wins defensive battle
Voorheesville's offense struggles against Wasaren champs
Hoosic Valley and Voorheesville put on a defensive clinic in Friday’s Section II Class C girls basketball championship game at Hudson Valley Community College.
Boys basketball: Troy's defense smothers Shaker
Flying Horses earn third meeting with CBA following semifinal win
Troy used a balanced attack to defeat Shaker 54-40 in Thursday’s Section II Class AA boys basketball semifinal game at Albany’s Times Union Center.
Bonds approved for Glenville assisted living center
County CRC provides $14.4M in borrowing for Baptist Health expansion
Baptist Health has secured funding to broaden its scope of care through a new assisted living facility a half-mile from its existing operations.
Spa City man charged with making terroristic threats
DA says communications targeted Obama, Saratoga County school
Spa City police have arrested a man authorities say made “a terroristic threat” against President Barack Obama and a Saratoga County elementary school.
Glenville eyes $7.3M for senior housing project
Schenectady County officials on Wednesday, Feb. 29, announced plans for a new $7.3 million senior complex to be built in Glenville.
Saturday, March 3
Scotia-Glenville faces $2.3M budget gap
Layoffs, grade restructuring on the table, school closure talks in the future
Scotia-Glenville Central School District is likely facing cuts to teaching positions and programs as it seeks to close a $2.3 million budget gap within the state mandated tax cap.
Friday, March 2
Ballston Spa teen was driving at nearly 100 mph, prosecutors say
A Ballston Spa teen was arraigned in Saratoga County Court yesterday, and prosecutors said his car was going nearly 100 mph when it slammed into a tree, ending the life of a Ballston Spa High School student.
Chamber of Schenectady County announces "Good News" awards
For more than fifteen years, the Chamber of Schenectady County has awarded businesses and individuals the “Good News” awards.
Tractor-trailer accidents close thruway
Two separate tractor-trailer accidents forced the closure of the I-90 near Exit 25A for five hours on Wednesday, Feb. 29, night
Notarization required to opt out of new fee
Nisky supervisor says requirement normal, councilman labels it deterrence
Niskayuna residents seeking to opt out of paying the new lawn debris fee might have noticed a surprise extra step.
Rotterdam dissolves IDA
Assets transferred to town; ability to recover stipends paid unclear
The Rotterdam Town Board has complied with a state Authorities Budget Office recommendation to dissolve the town Industrial Development Agency, despite the objections of some local officials.
R’dam body shop employee charged with grand larceny
A complaint filed with police over repair work performed at a Rotterdam body shop resulted in the arrest of an employee following a month-long investigation.
Girls basketball: Colonie and Albany advance to Class AA finals
Falcons end Strube's tenure at Shen, while Raiders run past Shaker
Two eras ended in Thursday's Section II Class AA girls basketball semifinals at Hudson Valley Community College.
Thursday, March 1
Letter: Attack on solar energy fails look at hazards of fossil fuels
This letter appeared in the March 1, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
Welcome to ‘The Asphalt Zone’
This letter appeared in the March 1, 2012, edition of The Spotlight.
Letter: School districts need relief from unfunded state mandates
This letter appeared in the March 1, 2012, edition of the Schenectady Spotlight.
Summer’s pesky parasites persist
A mild winter means pet owners must stay vigilant for fleas and ticks
The Capital District has been enjoying mild temperatures this year, with 40-degree days being a regular occurrence, and that means many area veterinarians and pet owners are seeing more cases of the summertime pests.
Malta businessman recognized as top solar installer
NYSERDA gives award to Terry Moag of The Radiant Store
Terry Moag, president of The Radiant Store in Malta, was recently recognized for his work and achievements in the area of solar energy by the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA),receiving an Outstanding Achievement award in their Solar Thermal Program.
Prelude to a play
NYC Ballet dancer to visit Saratoga Springs High School English classes
The dancer is no stranger to the area, having given workout classes at a nearby gym in the past and of course through his performances with the ballet at SPAC. The high school is only one of Scordato’s stops during his upcoming Spa City visit. Other points on Scordato’s Saratoga map while he’s in town include the National Museum of Dance and Skidmore College.
Editorial: A pile of garbage (fees)
This editorial appeared in the March 1, 2012, edition of the Schenectady Spotlight.