John Purcell
Reporter
518-439-4949
Ext: 429
John Purcell has covered Schenectady County for over a year and a half at Spotlight Newspapers.
Purcell covers the towns of Niskayuna, Rotterdam and Glenville, the Village of Scotia and Schenectady County government and events. Also, he covers the school districts of Niskayuna, Mohonasen, Schalmont and Scotia-Glenville and Schenectady County Community College.
In the New York Press Association's 2011 Better Newspaper Contest he received third place honors in Spot News Coverage for his story on the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene. Also, in NYPA's 2010 contest he received honorable mention for best news story.
Before joining Spotlight, he interned at The Legislative Gazette covering state government. He graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a B.A. in Journalism. Also, he is a Schenectady County native.
Recent Stories
Patriot Square apartments OK’d
Glenville Planning Board conditionally approves revised site plan
A development of 156 apartments will be coming to Glenville after getting the green light from the town.
Broadcast fee proposal returns in Rotterdam
Town Board to decide on annual $5k agreement with public access provider
A proposal to sign on with Open Stage Media has gained new life in the Town of Rotterdam after it was put on hold during a previous administration.
Dancing the Niska-Day away
Town pride to shine at 31st Niska-Day with food, fun and a side of grout
Putting on your dancing shoes might be a good idea before going to Niska-Day this year.
Early trip to court in Congressional race
Dieterich challenges Tonko’s third-party petition signatures
Bob Dieterich is hoping to strike Paul Tonko’s name from the Independence Party ballot line, but Tonko is confident his name will remain.
Company expanding at Glenville tech park
Integrated Fab Technologies to beef up production facility
A subsidiary of DHA Holdings is strengthening its local roots by tripling the size of its production facility in the Glenville Business and Technology Park.
Schenectady County school budget vote results
All four district budgets and bus proposals approved, board incumbents reelected
Voters throughout Schenectady County went to the polls today and all four school district budgets were approved in the Schenectady County Spotlight's coverage area. Also, the three districts with bus propositions received voter approval. In contested Board of Education races the incumbents kept their seats for another term.
Students urged to stop and think about drinking
Area campaign focuses on preventing teen drinking at prom
The Alliance with the Medical Society of the State of New York is launching its annual “Think, Don’t Drink” campaign to heighten awareness among teens about the dangers of underage drinking.
Rotterdam Town Board meeting days halved
Board approves moving agenda meetings to same day as regular meetings
The Rotterdam Town Board at its Wednesday, April 25, meeting approved holding agenda meetings at 5:30 p.m. prior to regularly scheduled board meetings.
Finding comfort in helping others
Schalmont students craft quillows for children at Ronald McDonald House
When a child arrives at the Ronald McDonald House in Albany they might feel far from home, but Schalmont students are trying to make their stay a little more comfortable and welcoming.
Rexford man saves injured cat
Rescue group to hold garage sale to help pay veterinary bills
One man simply couldn’t leave an injured cat lying in the middle of the road outside of his home, but as a result he now faces veterinary bills totaling more than $3,000.