John Purcell
Reporter
518-439-4949
Ext: 429
John Purcell has worked at Spotlight Newspapers for more than two and a half years and covers Albany County suburbs.
Purcell covers the towns of Guilderland and New Scotland, the villages of Altamont and Voorheesville and Albany County news and feature stories. He also covers the school districts of Guilderland and Voorheesville. Previously, he covered Schenectady County for Spotlight Newspapers.
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
Guilderland police contract cleared
Two-year agreement holds annual 2 percent salary increase
The Guilderland Town Board on Tuesday, May 7, approved a new two-year contract with the town’s police union, which has around 35 members. The agreement provides a retroactive 2 percent salary increase each year.
Flood of concerns over subdivision
New Scotland residents pack hearing to lament drainage issues, board rebuts claims
Neighbors of a proposed 12-lot subdivision in New Scotland fear their existing drainage issues would only worsen with new construction, but town officials and the developer claim the opposite is true.
Tax District dropped for townwide plan to fix drainage
Guilderland GOP robo-calls McKownville residents, supervisor says change not political
The Guilderland Town Board is backpedaling on a plan to establish a special taxing district in McKownville in a favor of a townwide fund aimed at fixing drainage issues across the board.
New Scotland OK's New Salem water project
$3M extension hinges on purchase agreement with Bethlehem
The New Scotland Town Board on Wednesday, May 8, unanimously approved the boundaries of the New Salem Water District, but the town though must finalize a water purchase agreement with Bethlehem before the taps are turned on.
Park lovers give back
Volunteers pitch in to help Thacher Park for 'I Love My Park Day'
More than 50 people turned out to lend Mother Nature a helping hand at John Boyd Thacher State Park for New York state's second "I Love My Park Day" on Saturday, May 4.
[Photo Gallery] Taking a peek at farm life
Indian Ladder Farms showcases baby animals and activities
Baby animals returned to Indian Ladder Farms in Altamont on Saturday, May 4, with children clamoring to chicks, ducklings, bunnies, lambs, pigs and goats.
Smart House breaks ground
Living Resources’ modern Guilderland group home to house six residents
Living Resources, a Capital District nonprofit, held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, May 1, for its group to be located off Ardsley Road in Guilderland. The building was touted as the state’s first barrier-free “smart house” designed especially for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Tkaczyk proposes election reforms
Senator’s court battle spurs bills efforts to change ballot requirements
State Sen. Cecilia Tkaczyk unveiled two bills she is sponsoring during a news conference on Wednesday, May 1, which address legal challenges raised by her Republican opponent's legal team.
Chamber: Guilderland businesses in bloom
Entrepreneurs see bright side to starting and owning business
The Guilderland Chamber of Commerce have been attending numerous ribbon cuttings over the past several months, in the fall and late winter bringing their big scissors to 13 businesses openings. New businesses have opened in storefronts that went dark as the economy slumped.
Voorheesville Board of Education OKs $22.6M budget
Spending plan holds 3.23 percent tax hike; freshman basketball could be restored
The Voorheesville Board of Education unanimously adopted a $22.56 million 2013-14 budget during a special meeting on Tuesday, April 23. The tax levy would be raised by 3.23 percent under the plan.