Thursday, February 28
Boys basketball: Troy shuts down Shaker in second half
Blue Bison manage only two points in third quarter as Flying Horses pull away
Troy's zone defense was too much for Shaker to handle.
Boys basketball: Green Tech ends CBA's season
Jamil Hood's 31 points leads Eagles past Brothers
Jamil Hood Jr. personally saw to it that Christian Brothers Academy wouldn't advance to its 12th consecutive Section II boys basketball championship game.
UPDATE: Police locate 43-year-old missing man
The Colonie Police Department located a man shortly after he was reported missing Thursday, Feb. 28, morning.
No easy path for School’s Out
Variance requirements, neighborhood opposition threaten building sale
Bethlehem Central School District and School’s Out, Inc. are facing an uphill battle when it comes to finalizing the sale of 90 Adams Place.
Gun sellers take stock of new law
New York’s SAFE Act changing landscape for auctioneers, dealers
With tighter restrictions on guns setting in under the state’s SAFE Act, businesspeople who deal in firearms are also dealing with the new normal in New York.
Girls basketball: Bethlehem fends off Colonie in semifinals
Lady Eagles to meet Albany in championship game Monday
Gabby Giacone recorded a double-double to lead Bethlehem past Colonie 44-40 in Wednesday's Section II Class AA girls basketball semifinal game at Hudson Valley Community College.
Wednesday, February 27
Sports poll: Who is the Section II Class AA girls basketball player of the year?
This week, we're asking you to determine who is the best girls basketball player in Class AA.
Bethlehem fundraiser takes a wacky turn
For the past six years, Bethlehem Central faculty have gathered to play in a basketball game aimed at raising money to benefit the district’s classrooms. They’ll be doing the same this year, but with some notable twists.
DEC plans cleanup of former dry cleaner
The state Department of Environmental Conservation is taking public comments on a plan to clean up the location of a former Roxy Cleaners on Delaware Avenue in Elsmere.
Editorial: What’s in a wage?
This editorial appeared in the Feb. 27, 2013, editions of The Spotlight.
POV: The fate of the nursing home
This Point of View column appeared in the Feb. 27, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
Case of whooping cough at BC Middle School
Student has received medical attention, but parents should be aware that the disease is highly contagious.
Letter: Athletes need turf to match their effort
This letter appeared in the Feb. 27, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
Letter: Synthetic track a good investment
This letter appeared in the Feb. 27, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
The love bug gets traction
Mother seeks help in starting foundation for late Colonie child
Coping with the loss of their daughter is a daily challenge, but the Rizk family wants to make sure their little girl stays alive within the community.
Tuesday, February 26
NYSUT calls out tax cap
Area legislators ask for increased state aid to schools
Public schools are in the budget limelight as local lawmakers call on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to modify aid distributions guidelines, while at the same time the state’s largest teachers union is suing to challenge the constitutionality of the state tax cap law.
Spa City claims ambulance profit
One year after taking over, city makes $500k through ambulance service
The fire department claimed a net revenue of $500,000 for the year of service, with more than 3,000 calls through Jan. 31 of this year, an average of nine calls per day.
Group wants racing considered in casino talks
Saratoga Racing says destination of casino money must be decided
While Saratoga Springs leaders are anxious to see Saratoga Casino and Raceway chosen as one of seven permanent casino sites that Gov. Andrew Cuomo is proposing, their main concern is protecting the horse racing industry and the revenue it brings in to the state.
Wine warms up Colonie seniors
Annual fundraiser helps out with winter energy bills for non-HEAP eligible seniors
As a 66-year-old retired teacher, Colonie resident Pat Audi worries about the winter months. It’s not driving on slick roads or losing power in a storm that bothers her, it’s the simple fact that with dropping temperatures, she’ll see higher utility bills and start having to make tough choices.
Van Dyke Spinney donates land
Conservancy group to develop trails on parcel
The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy is planning to turn 30 acres of land in the Town of Bethlehem into hiking trails for public use.
Monday, February 25
Police search for suspect in Clifton Park assault
Police said a 67-year-old man answered his door at approximately 5:50 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, and was confronted by a white man. The person asked the homeowner his name and then allegedly struck him on the top of his head with a metal pipe.
Police: man stole samaritan’s ride
A Latham man was charged with grand larceny and second degree reckless endangerment following an investigation into a motor vehicle accident and a stolen vehicle.
Saratoga County to get $3.7M payout
Money part of five-county deal with Hudson River-Black River Regulating District
Saratoga County’s Law and Finance Committee unanimously approved the $3.7 million settlement on Wednesday, Feb. 13, and the full Board of Supervisors will vote on it Tuesday, Feb. 26.
GloFo submits new fab plans
Chipmaker tinkering with building a second factory
GlobalFoundries submitted an amendment to its Planned Development District (PDD) in the Luther Forest Technology Campus to the town of Malta earlier this month in anticipation of the development of a second computer chip manufacturing plant.
Sunday, February 24
Boys basketball: CBA pulls away from Guilderland
Balanced offense guides Brothers to semifinals
Christian Brothers Academy received a late night wake-up call against Guilderland.
Saturday, February 23
Girls basketball: Bethlehem cruises past Columbia
Unbeaten Lady Eagles reach Sectional semifinals
The Bethlehem Lady Eagles scored the first 10 points of the game and cruised to a 74-25 victory over Columbia in Friday's Section II Class AA girls basketball quarterfinal game.
Girls basketball: Colonie pulls away from Catholic Central
Rosales, Reddick lead Lady Raiders into semifinals
A strong defensive effort and good three-point shooting helped the Colonie Lady Raiders defeat the Catholic Central Crusaders 56-43 in Friday's Section II Class AA quarterfinal game at Bethlehem Central High School.
Friday, February 22
McCoy vetoes legislature’s ‘stall tactics’
Executive wants legislators to pick from his list of consultants
Albany County Executive Dan McCoy has vetoed the County Legislature’s resolution to hire an outside consultant to study the nursing home issue, calling it a method to stall any decision.
Lasting legacy
Niskayuna Boy Scout collecting flags at drop boxes for proper disposal
After several years of dedication to Boy Scout Troop 34, Brandon Fine is collecting old, worn American flags for his Eagle Scout project, which was inspired by his late grandfather.
New lighting goes up in airport
Investment expected to save $1.2 million over two decades
Over the past six weeks, the Albany County Airport Authority has been working on a new project to replace its 15-year-old lightning fixtures in the airport’s terminals with brand new, high efficiency LED and florescent bulbs.
Thursday, February 21
Rotterdam water supply strained
Water District No. 5 emergency repairs authorized, town eyes new well
Rotterdam officials are already thinking about warm summer days, but not for same reason as most winter-weary residents. They’re trying to make sure they have enough water to meet demands.
New cafeteria rules pitched
More than six months after the federal government imposed tougher food service regulations for school districts across the county, the Department of Agriculture has proposed additional guidelines to make snacks sold in schools healthier
Legion seeks new blood to support community
Local post donated nearly $32k to charities in 2012
Since its inception in 1931, Bethlehem’s Nathaniel Adams Blanchard American Legion Post 1040 has made supporting the community its chief goal.
To the beat of his own drum
Bill Frueh remembered as the heartbeat of Civil War reenactment scene
Delmar resident Bill Frueh, a favorite on the local reenactment and Civil War era music scene. died on Saturday, Feb. 9.
Police: Arrest made in Best Western robbery
A Schenectady man has been arrested for one of the robberies at the Best Western Hotel on 200 Wolf Road, Colonie police said.
Former Navy Depot clean up underway
Supervisor eyes site for consolidated DPW facility, economic development
Schenectady County officials recently announced the federal government started working on the pre-design state of environmental clean up of the approximately 60-acre property.
Glenmont fire results in death
Firefighters from the Selkirk Fire Department pulled Brad L. Woodworth, 61, from a bathroom at 173 Glenmont Road, but he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Paramedics seek body armor
Members of Ballston Spa ambulance squad: ‘These are different times’
The Community Emergency Corps in Ballston Spa wants body armor for its members, but raising the money isn't proving to be an easy task.
Letter: Farms come first in Ballston
This article appeared in the Feb. 21, 2013, edition of The Saratoga County Spotlight.
Two Schenectady County DWI offenders sentenced
Two Schenectady County men were sentenced in Albany County Court Tuesday, Fed. 19, after pleading guilty to felony DWI charges.
Letter: Make committee as diverse as city
This article appeared in the Feb. 21, 2013, edition of The Saratoga County Spotlight.
Wednesday, February 20
Councilman questions highway purchase
Rotterdam Town Board approves bonding $618k for vehicles, equipment
Town Councilman Robert Godlewski is questioning how the town High Department signed a contract to purchase a new front-end loader tractor for a price in excess of its budget.
Cornell Cooperative awarded grant for health program
The Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Schenectady County was awarded an $189,500 grant Wednesday, Feb. 13, to support its “Health Shares: Doctors Prescribing Healthy Local Produce to At-Risk, Low Income Families” initiative.
Police search for bank robbers in two towns
Two Trustco Banks approximately 6.2 miles apart were robbed within minutes of one another last week, according to police reports.
Sports poll: Which team will win the Section II Class AA girls basketball title?
In a close battle, you chose Shaker as your pick to win the Section II Class AA boys basketball title in last week's poll question. Now, we're asking for your opinion as to which team will win the Class AA Sectional championship in girls basketball.
New county legislator appointed
Democrat Alison McLean-Lane replaces Phil Steck
After living and working in Colonie for the majority of her life, Democrat Alison McLean-Lane says she is more than ready to take on her new role as county legislator for the 14th Legislative District.
Town may nix top highway job
Public hearing set on putting highway super duties under DPW
The Bethlehem Town Board has set a public hearing on a proposal to abolish the position of highway superintendent.
Bethlehem board selects justice
Town selects local attorney Michael Katzer to fill vacancy
The Bethlehem Town Board has appointed a new town justice to replace Justice Mark Jordan, who died suddenly last month.
Letter: Scouts extend thanks for support of dinner
This letter ran in the Feb. 20, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
Letter: State aid as we knew it is gone
This letter ran in the Feb. 20, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
POV: A look at governor’s budget
This Point of View column appeared in the Feb. 20, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
Tuesday, February 19
Executive bemoans lack of action
Nursing home discussion creeps forwards as word of second bidder emerges
Debate within the Albany County Legislature on the future of the Albany County Nursing Home seems to be slowing down, and that has Albany County Executive Dan McCoy frustrated.
Neurology Group on cutting edge of fight
Practice helps patients by keeping on top of new medical developments
Battling devastating neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis will take countless hours of research. Yet according to the Alzheimer’s Association, less than 1 percent of patients suffering from the disease who are eligible to be involved in a research trial actually participate.
Family business opens second storefront
Emerich Sales & Service’s Fort Edward building brings ag machinery sales to new market
Emerich Sales & Service has provided customers with affordable prices and friendly service for 45 years, and now the family owned business wants to do the same at a second location.
World class arts experience, close to home
Creativity is the driving force behind the Arts Center of the Capital Region. With art exhibits, performances and events; kids- and teen-oriented vacation arts camps; and visual, literary, performing and culinary arts classes, the not-for-profit corporation is one of the most art unique artistic resources found beyond New York City.
Monday, February 18
Youth hockey: Bethlehem wins Rink Rat Tournament
The Bethlehem Youth Hockey Bantam A team took first place at the Rink Rat Tournament with Monday's 3-2 overtime win against Mohawk Valley (Utica).
Every dog has its night
Niskayuna installs lights at dog park after pleas from residents
Mary Jane Sansevere organized residents frequenting Niskayuna’s dog park, located in Blatnick Park, to petition the town to install lights, which were recently added to the park for less than $2,000.
Rediscover the value and opportunity in your home’s equity
Spotlight on Finance
In late January, some very encouraging news came out of the housing market. According to CoreLogic, a leading consumer, property and mortgage analytics firm, home prices are stabilizing nationwide and the number of homeowners with negative equity decreased by 1.4 million in the first nine months of 2012—a trend that is forecasted to continue through 2013. For homeowners who may be looking for a source of capital that doesn’t tap into savings and retirement accounts, this is very good news
DEC awards $50k for waterfront projects
Three grants given to Schenectady County-based initiatives
For the first time, the state Department of Environmental Conservation has awarded grants to support Mohawk River Basin area projects, with three of the six grants anchored in Schenectady County.
Grannies turn attention to gun control
Group makes domestic issue target of vigil
Dot Richards joined more than 20 other grannies and grandpas on Thursday, Feb. 14, at the busy intersection for a vigil calling for an end to gun violence, both in wartime and domestically. Cars beeped their horns every few minutes in support as protestors held signs reading “More Peace” and “War Breaks Grannies’ Hearts.”
Sunday, February 17
Fire station planned for downtown Malta
Joint effort from Round Lake and Malta Ridge fire departments a response to growth
With a new addition to GlobalFoundries in the planning stages and the recent adoption of form-based code zoning for the downtown area, Malta is growing by leaps and bounds.
Saturday, February 16
Southworth will run for county clerk
While petitioning for appointment, Ballston supervisor says she’ll make November run
After receiving the support of her Independence Party for an appointment to the office of Saratoga County clerk and interviewing with Gov. Andrew Cuomo for the position, Ballston Supervisor Patti Southworth says no matter the outcome on an appointment, she’ll be running for the office come November.
Friday, February 15
Club works to stem budget bleeding
South Colonie embarks on budget process with bleak picture
Last fall, when members of Colonie Central High School’s Key Club heard reductions meant the school’s health office was having trouble budgeting for Band-Aids, the club took action. In a few months, the students organized a donation drive and collected more than 200 boxes of Band-Aids to hand over to nurses.
Signs point to change
Support shown for Glenville’s proposed sign ordinance revisions
The Glenville Town Board held a public hearing Wednesday, Feb. 6, on proposed amendments to its sign regulations, which mostly affect what business owners can display to promote their store or services. Business representatives generally spoke favorably about the proposed changes.
City wants rail to stay
City Council passes resolution urging Ethan Allen Line be maintained
A new bi-state study of Vermont and New York by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is examining whether to keep the Ethan Allen Line that runs from Rutland, Vt. to New York City via Saratoga Springs, or cut it in favor of a line that would run through Mechanicville, and the Saratoga City Council is looking to find a way to keep the train on the track.
Thursday, February 14
Glenville: Come join the growth
Marketing firm presents branding strategies to spur economic development
The Town of Glenville hopes new businesses will come and be a part of its growth. At least, that’s the gist of a burgeoning plan to attract new businesses unveiled at a Town Board meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 6.
Rotterdam biz park attracts another tenant
Captech Logistics leasing space at former state bakery and warehouse
The Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority Tuesday, Feb. 12, announced Captech Logistics is placing its third party logistics facility in the Rotterdam Corporate Park by leasing 43,000 square feet in Building 14.
Disabled vehicle leads to discovery of marijuana
State Police checking on a disabled vehicle along State Route 7 in the Town of Cobleskill allegedly discovered a cache of marijuana.
Hockey: Jets need overtime to beat Spartans
Clark makes 61 saves in quarterfinal loss
Shaker/Colonie advanced to the Section II Division I hockey semifinals, but Burnt Hills/Ballston Spa goaltender Austin Clark made the Jets work for it.
Police: Sex offender pleads guilty to touching 91-year-old female
A registered sex offender pled guilty to a count of sexual abuse on Thursday, Feb. 14, after inappropriately touching a 91-year-old female resident at the Loudonville Home for Adults in November, Colonie police said.
Town filters out water problems
Emergency declared to expedite filter repairs
A number of filters at the Mohawk View Water Treatment Plant need major repair, and although it will not impact the town’s drinking water, the Colonie Town Board passed a resolution on Thursday, Feb. 7, declaring an emergency so as to immediately inspect and fix the faulty filters.
Neighbors question subdivision
Proposed Legends Preserve has been before town for eight years
Several Glenmont residents who went before the Bethlehem Planning Board on Tuesday, Feb. 5, disapproved of a plan to build a new housing subdivision off of Jolley Road.
Ballston couple recognized for many decades of volunteerism
The first thing one notices about Herb and Joyce Jackson is their love and affection for each other. They look laughingly into each other’s eyes. Joyce reaches out to touch her husband’s knee and Herb pulls her in for a tight hug.
Wednesday, February 13
Girls basketball: Sectional seedings revealed
The Section II girls basketball playoff brackets were revealed Wednesday. Here is a look at the fields in Class AA, A, B and C.
Boys basketball: Sectional seedings announced
The Section II boys basketball playoff brackets were released Wednesday. Here is a look at the schedule.
Talk of bribe undercurrent in development talks
Ballston supervisor recuses herself from talks after meeting with developer, accusations fly
Tempers ran high at a Tuesday, Feb. 12, meeting of the Ballston Town Board that devolved into nearly four hours of bickering and finger pointing, highlighted by the accusations of attempted bribery by a developer.
Outside the box
Unique chocolate treats offer break from Valentine’s Day tradition
While chocolate is often seen as a can’t-fail Valentines gift, the traditional heart-shaped box of sweets might strike some as clichéd. But for those looking to stray from convention will be met with a sweet surprise at Capital District candy shops.
Sports poll: Which team will win the Section II Class AA boys basketball title?
This week, we hit the home stretch of the winter sports season by asking you to pick who will win the Section II Class AA boys basketball title.
Businesses joining ShopRite Square
Two new tenants sign leases, new building planned near plaza
ShopRite Square has two more businesses joining the ranks in the redeveloped plaza, and a proposed new building with a drive-thru means another tenant is likely on the way.
Boys basketball: Bethlehem surges past Columbia
A solid all-around performance from the Bethlehem Boys basketball team helped it defeat Columbia 68-53 in Tuesday's Suburban Council South Division game.
May the best mac win
Mac-n-Cheese Bowl to benefit appetites, food bank
One of America’s favorite comfort foods will take over the Albany Marriott ballroom on Saturday for the fourth annual Mac-n-Cheese Bowl.
Niskayuna schools facing tough cuts
Closure of middle or elementary school possible as $6M budget gap looms
The Niskayuna Central School District would need to raise taxes by 11.4 percent to maintain current programming and services, and making the least painful cuts would only bring that down to 8.9 percent.
Teen takes award-winning journey
Loudonville student’s photograph takes top honors in Nat Geo contest
Jeffrey Hafner Endler decided to submit a photograph to the National Geographic Kids International Photo Contest, for which aspiring photographers aged 6 to 14 are eligible. This past December, he was awarded first place in the “People” category in the U.S. division of the contest.
Police: Best Western robbed again
The Colonie Police Department is investigating a robbery at a Best Western Hotel on Tuesday, Feb. 12, they believe is related to an armed robbery at the same location on Thursday, Jan. 31, police said.
Sending secrets
Frank Warren discusses years-long PostSecret Project at UAlbany visit
On Tuesday, Feb. 5, PostSecret creator Frank Warren gave a keynote presentation at the University at Albany as part of the college’s recognition of Sexuality Month
Town approves mercury remediation
Cleanup at water treatment plant said to cost up to $670k
Nearly one year after mercury was discovered in the floor drains at a town water treatment plant, the Colonie Town Board passed a resolution on Thursday, Feb. 7, allowing mercury spill remediation to begin.
Letter: Mayor’s actions amount to nothing more than power grab
This letter appeared in the Feb. 14, 2013, edition of the Saratoga County Spotlight.
Letter: Appointments not good government
This letter appeared in the Feb. 14, 2013, edition of the Saratoga County Spotlight.
Letter: Selkirk residents have heard enough excuses on issues
This letter appeared in the Feb. 13, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
Letter: Vote for bond a vote for future
This letter appeared in the Feb. 13, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
Letter: Gov. Cuomo: time to ban fracking
This letter appeared in the Feb. 13, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
POV: Blissful planning, catalogued
This Point of View column appeared in the Feb. 13 and 14, 2013, editions of The Spotlight.
Editorial: The new normal
This editorial appeared in the Feb. 14, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
Tuesday, February 12
Coalition pitches Cohoes Crescent Road improvements
Popular options has $3.7M price tag, public to get a closer look Feb. 14
The Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway Coalition and the Town of Colonie are seeking the public’s opinion on plans to improve Cohoes Crescent Road.
A model citizen
While they may have dimmed over the years, looking into the eyes of Henry Haffke still reveals the youthful sparkle of a man who once raced with the wind.
Monday, February 11
Bethlehem trio sign their letters of intent
Nickles and Teal will play Division I soccer, while Fox takes his golf clubs to Maryland
Three Bethlehem Central senior athletes made it official on Wednesday, Feb. 6, when they each signed a letter of intent to play for their respective colleges.
Car charge stations powering up
State and federal dollars mean public chargers more common
On Tuesday, Feb. 5, the owners of Tri City Rentals unveiled two new electric vehicle charging stations at their Woodlake Apartments complex in Guilderland on Old School House Road.
Coat collection bundled up
Winter donation campaign nets 1,200 coats
On Thursday, Feb. 7, Drobne and Albany County officials distributed coats collected through the Katie’s Koats initiative to representatives from the Homeless and Travelers Aid Society of Albany on Central Avenue.
Ballston making birthday plans
Ballston Town Historian Rick Reynolds has seen his share of town birthday celebrations. But this summer will a special landmark, the 225th birthday of Ballston. And Reynolds wants to throw a party to suit.
Girls basketball: Madison Rowland's big night propels Shaker
Senior guard drops 33 points on Shen
Madison Rowland had something to prove. After being limited to four points the first time she played against Shenendehowa, Rowland dropped 33 points to lead Shaker to a 60-39 victory over the Lady Plainsmen in Saturday’s Suburban Council girls basketball game in Latham.
Sunday, February 10
Boys basketball: Tartans continue their dominance
Four players reach double figures in victory over Glens Falls
The search for a challenge continues for the Scotia-Glenville boys basketball team.
Hockey: Playoff landscape changes on final day
Bethlehem's win allows Saratoga to pass Shen for first place
One period altered the Section II Division I hockey playoff landscape.
Football: Shaker trio picks FCS schools
Griffin and Huntington will play for rival CAA teams; Morrison chooses Ivy League
Shaker seniors Schuyler Huntington and Ryan Griffin are going from being teammates to being friendly rivals.
Brookside to get ‘facelift’
Like a graceful, genteel old lady, Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa shimmers in the sunlight, sporting a new coat of white paint like a new white dress.
Saturday, February 9
Saratoga schools updates lunch policy
The Saratoga Springs City School District has adopted a new school lunch policy after years of forgiving the debts of students who charged their lunches.
Friday, February 8
Beyond the rose
Local florists say color and variety add a fun twist to Valentine’s Day
Although red roses continue to be a top seller on Valentine’s Day, some florists have noticed more women are looking for something a little less traditional on the annual day of love.
Love forever
76 Diner owner Athena Loupessis has witnessed scores of Valentine’s Day engagements, including her own
The first time he proposed, she said she would think about it. He didn’t get down on one knee, but told her he thought she was the right girl for him. It was not love at first sight, she said, and she was cautious. The second time, only a few weeks later, he came to her holding a huge heart filled with candy, a single rose and a card that read “Love Forever.” This time, she said yes. It was Valentine’s Day.
Saratoga gets En Pointe
The National Museum of Dance in Saratoga Springs has announced a citywide arts project for 2013 that doubles as a fundraiser: Saratoga En Pointe.
Thursday, February 7
Train cars derailed near Glenville mobile homes [photo gallery]
Witness describes conductors crashing into parked train, no hazardous material spilled
First responders were called to the scene in Glenville on Thursday, Feb. 7, at approximately 7:26 p.m., according to Town Supervisor Christopher Koetzle, with several train cars toppled along the tracks behind Reynolds Mobile Home Park and the adjacent mobile home park. There are no known injuries as of late Thursday night and no hazardous material spilled, according to local officials.
Musical chairs at clerk’s office
Marchione taps deputy county clerk for her staff
Newly minted state Senator Kathy Marchione is tapping her former deputy county clerk — and current acting Saratoga County clerk — to serve on her staff, again leaving a vacancy in her old office.
BC pegs budget gap at $5M
District calls on community to lobby for more state aid
At a school board meeting on Wednesday, February 6, the district released its budget projections for the coming year.
Editorial: We're moving!
Spotlight Newspapers announces it will be in new offices come March.
Mohonasen starts tackling budget
District facing $1.4M budget gap, 4.1 percent tax cap
Superintendent Kathleen Spring and Business Administrator Christopher Ruberti presented a budget development update during the Mohonasen Board of Education meeting Monday, Feb. 4, with the district 1.4 million budget gap.
Fervent frustration at firearms forum
State Police answer questions on new gun laws, face charged reactions
Hunters and competitive shooters turned out in numbers at a Wednesday, Jan. 30, forum held by police to field questions about the state’s new gun laws, but the most popular query — why the law was adopted in the first place — went largely unanswered.
Controversial roundabouts still studied
Despite objections from Round Lake residents, the Malta Town Board on Monday, Feb. 4, voted to hire the engineering firm of Creighton-Manning to perform a traffic safety study on the installation of two roundabouts on Round Lake Road. The study will cost $500,000.
Wednesday, February 6
Porco movie to air March 23
Lifetime movie to showcase Delmar killings
Lifetime television network has released the air date of its small screen movie about the Christopher Porco murder case.
Tuesday round-up: Eagles wrap up league title
Yamin's 21 points pace Loudonville Christian
The Loudonville Christian School boys basketball team wrapped up the Central Hudson Valley League title by beating Waterford-Halfmoon 55-32 Tuesday.
Malta adopts new downtown zoning
After five years of revisions and discussions, the Town of Malta has a new form-based code that will set the tone and tenor for downtown development.
Former Glenville comptroller sues town
George Phillips is suing the Town of Glenville for accumulated sick, personal and vacation time, along with alleged unpaid salary and longevity, he says he accumulated before his abrupt departure from Town Hall.
Elementary equations
Area educators decry lack of state aid, distribution inequality
Around 1,400 people on Thursday, Jan. 31, attended the regional event “Your Public Schools in Fiscal Peril — Running Out of Time and Options” featuring Statewide School Finance Consortium Executive Director Rick Timbs as the keynote speaker.
Sports poll: Who is the best goaltender in the Capital District High School Hockey League?
We're asking you to select who is the best goaltender in the Capital District High School Hockey League.
Sidewalks, train traffic top talk in Selkirk
Residents bemoan lack of progress at community forum
Three years after Selkirk residents got a visit from then-Bethlehem Supervisor Sam Messina, many of the same issues were the subjects of a recent community forum held by Supervisor John Clarkson.
Anti-war movement marks 10 years
Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace continue work with renewed focus
On Monday, Jan. 28, members of the Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace organization marked their 10th anniversary by meeting at Delmar’s Four Corners and holding a short vigil.
Stepping it up
Black History Month Step Show a big regional draw
Step, a cross between competitive cheerleading and African dance, will explode at the Palace Theatre for the ninth year running on Feb. 8.
Crosswalk an issue for students
Town and school district seek safety improvements
Bethlehem officials recently met with parents and staff of Elsmere Elementary School to discuss how to make the walk to school safer for students.
Police: Drunk driver sentenced up to five years
A 34-year-old man was sentenced in an Albany County Court on Tuesday, Feb. 5, to up to five years for drunk driving.
Local girl is on a mission
Recent college grad looks to community in helping Nigerian kids discover art
This spring, 22-year-old Megan Ambrosino will have a one-way ticket to Ilorne, Nigeria in order to be the sole art teacher at an all-girls boarding school. If teaching halfway around the world wasn’t a big enough challenge, the school has only the bare minimum when it comes to art materials, and Ambrosino isn’t sure what kind of access she’ll have in the city to purchase supplies.
Letter: Thanks for supporting holiday program
This letter appeared in the Feb. 6, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
Tuesday, February 5
Police investigating death of Niskayuna attorney
Michael T. Wallender, a 62-year-old Niskayuna resident, was reported missing on Friday, Jan. 25, and his body was located in a wooded area near River and Rosendale roads the following afternoon, according to police.
Colonie offers CPR training
Officials say 13 percent of heart attacks treated with CPR last year
In recognition of National Heart Month, the Colonie EMS Department is hosting four separate events at locations around the town for any community members to come and learn hands-only CPR.
Monday, February 4
Robotics power mental sports
Niskayuna and Mohonasen students compete at FIRST Tech Challenge
Niskayuna and Mohonasen students recently competed at the regional FIRST Tech Challenge Championship Tournament at Pace University in Pleasantville, and were among 36 teams of high school students bringing robots they spent months creating into the limelight.
Condo project comes back to life
Mohawk Riverfront Estates would be located near Crescent Bridge
There is renewed movement on a condominium and apartment project along the Mohawk River that has been before the Colonie Planning Board for the past three years.
Niskayuna seeks bonding for land buy
District officials say purchase would save over lease, March vote set
As the Niskayuna Central School District tackles a $6 million budget gap, district officials are asking voters to approve borrowing $3.2 million to purchase a property it now leases for its transportation facility.
Museum offers up total Civil War picture
One gets in an historic state of mind before even entering the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs. Its castle-like armory architecture exudes the past.
Sunday, February 3
Senior housing planned in Milton
More changes are coming to the Town of Milton. In the midst of the Geyser Road revitalization project, a concept plan for a new senior housing development on Rowland Street was rolled out at a Wednesday, Jan. 16, meeting of the Town Board.
Saturday, February 2
Photo Gallery: Niskayuna at Ballston Spa girls basketball
Do you know who this is?
Do you know who this player is? See the photos from Ballston Spa on Feb 2 of the girls basketball contest with Niskayuna.
GloFo project means more growth
GlobalFoundries is not done building in the Malta area, and area leaders couldn’t be happier about it.
Hockey: Bethlehem rallies to tie CBA
Diego's re-directed shot helps Eagles salvage a point
Sometimes, a tie can be as good as a win -- or as bad as a loss.
Boys basketball: Bethlehem solidifies hold on South Division lead
Big first half helps Eagles soar past Guilderland
The Bethlehem boys basketball team cemented its hold on first place in the Suburban Council South Division by beating second-place Guilderland 73-63 Friday.
Hockey: Shaker/Colonie stuns Saratoga
Mike Mineau's two goals lift Jets to home win
Shaker/Colonie put an end to Saratoga's bid for an undefeated Capital District High School Hockey League season by beating the Blue Streaks 5-2 Friday at the Albany County Hockey Facility.
Friday, February 1
Young driver in hit-and-run makes plea
Ian Eckardt-Rigberg of Delmar faces three to 10 years for hit-and-run last year
Ian Eckardt-Rigberg, 20, pleaded guilty this morning in Albany County Court to manslaughter in the second degree.
Scotia moves on tax cap override
Board sets public hearing on proposal, looks at restructuring fees
Staying within the state’s two percent property tax cap isn’t getting any easier, according to Scotia Mayor Kris Kastberg, and the village wants to keep all its budgeting options open by setting the stage to exceed it.
Desire for utility drives donation
Beltrone resident’s ride will be used by Meals on Wheels program
When driving became more of a burden than a convenience for Beltrone Living Center resident Marge Pecoroni, she tried to figure out the best way to get rid of her 2001 maroon Mercury Sable. Selling it would be a lot of extra work and it was in too good of a condition to just send it to the junkyard. She quickly realized she could donate it straight to her residency at Colonie Senior Service Center.
Bethlehem school seeks historical recipes
Completed cookbook to be fundraiser
The private Bethlehem Children’s School is putting together a cookbook made up of local family favorites
Tough teens, real solutions
Even in the best of times, parenting is a tall order. It becomes even tougher for singles parents or parents in a blended family, and perhaps toughest of all when one of the kids in question is a teenager.