Fighting insect hinges on knowledge
Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week focuses on invasive insect’s threat, precautions
New York is recognizing Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week this year from Sunday, May 19, to Saturday, May 25. Residents and visitors are being encouraged to become more aware about the invasive insect and its destructive potential towards ash trees.
Clark family keeps up fight
Teen’s suicide fuels push for legislation over school special education resources
Jerry Clark’s grandmother can’t fill the hole in her heart left by her grandson’s suicide, but she is continuing her efforts to keep it from happening to other families by lobbying for state legislation.
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.
Contract talks on life support
Voorheesville Area Ambulance Service and village reach deadlock
Four months have passed since Voorheesville Area Ambulance Service’s contract expired with the Village of Voorheesville. Negotiations stalled when a majority of the village board wanted to withhold about $8,800 in funding from the ambulance service’s reserve accounts
Grimm aims for Guilderland's top post
Former town councilman announces town supervisor bid
Mark Grimm announced his intention to run for Guilderland town supervisor on Wednesday, April 24, and he is seeking support from the town Republican Committee. Grimm previously served four years on the Town Board, but didn't run for reelection in 2011.
Voorheesville OKs $2.12M budget
Village property tax levy to increase 2.6 percent, repairs will draw from reserves
The Voorheesville Board of Trustees on Tuesday, April 23, unanimously adopted a $2.12 million 2013-14 budget, which increases spending around $140,000, or 7 percent. The village will raise more than $275,000 from taxes, and increase of around $7,000.
Remembrance effort still strong
Delmar man continues event commemorating D-Day veterans
As what has been called the Greatest Generation ages, finding World War II veterans is getting harder. Tougher still is locating survivors of a single action, even one as momentous and enormous as D-Day.
Growing green habits
Family-friendly Go Green Day to feature recycling, demos, good eats
Go Green Day 2013 will be held Saturday, April 27, at Farnsworth Middle School in Guilderland. Several area groups worked together to create the educational event and recycling drop off, along with opportunities to donate a variety of items to local causes and organizations.
Bethlehem Central’s $90.4M budget below tax cap
Board of Education cuts $220k, including freshman level sport teams
The Bethlehem Central School District Board of Education adopted a $90.4 million 2013-14 budget Wednesday, April 17, by a 6-1 vote. The proposed spending plan holds a property tax levy increase of 3.59 percent, below the district's tax cap.
Town wants to demolish unsafe buildings, eventually
New Scotland officials target three buildings to be razed at an estimated $58k
The New Scotland Town Board held a public hearing Tuesday, April 9, on the proposal to demolish three buildings targeted under the town’s Unsafe Building Law. These buildings are the first the town has fully pursued under the law, which was adopted September of 2010.
Guilderland adopts $91M school budget
Coaching cuts stayed, enrichment cuts made; tax hike set at 3.4 percent
The Guilderland Central School District Board of Education unanimously adopted a $91 million 2013-14 budget on Tuesday, April 9, that holds a property tax levy increase of 3.39 percent, which is within the district’s state tax cap limit.
Voorheesville targets 3.2% tax hike
District's state aid declining; pleas to not eliminate freshman basketball
Voorheesville CSD's proposed 2013-14 budget totals $22.6 million, which is an increase of $695,000, or 3.17 percent. The proposed property tax levy increase of 3.23 percent is below the district’s tax cap threshold.
Stress test
New standardized tests have parents, educators worried about effects on students
On Tuesday, April 16, students in third to eighth grade across New York will sit down for the first day of standardized tests that adhere to the Common Core Standards. But it has been months now that parents and educators have worried pupils are being pushed too far with the sudden shift to more rigorous standards.
McKownville Drainage District gains support
Guilderland eyes levying taxes for stormwater management repairs in hamlet
The Guilderland Town Board on Tuesday, April 2, discussed its map, plan and report for establishing the McKownville Drainage District, which were drawn up after town officials were urged by residents to revisit the issue.
Altamont holds tax levy flat
Board adopts $2.1M budget, sewer fee increasing by $90 annually
The Village Board of Trustees Tuesday, April 2, passed a $2.1 million budget that increases spending by $140,000. Altamont's 2013-24 budget keeps the property tax levy flat, with no residents speaking during the public hearing before board members adopted the spending plan.
Voorheesville increases some fees
Sewer and water rates, summer rec and vendor permit fees to rise
The Voorheesville Board of Trustees approved on Tuesday, March 26, increasing the sewer rate, summer recreation fees and vendor permit fees, which will bring a modest increase in revenues.
Voorheesville schools to stay under cap
Board eyes 3.2 percent tax levy increase, around $450k in reductions
Despite being able to adopt a budget up to the property tax cap of a 3.9 percent increase, Voorheesville Central School District Board of Education members directed administrators to hold the line at 3.2 percent.
Cracking the Common Core
New York’s students will start taking new standardized tests this year in the name of improving performance. So why are kids expected to fail?
Students in third to eighth grade will face English language arts and math tests adhering to Common Core Standards, national standards that were developed by looking at what students should achieve to be prepared for college.
Tonko tackles health care changes
Congressman fields questions on Affordable Care Act at V’ville library
Rep. Paul Tonko held a forum Wednesday, March 27, at the Voorheesville Public Library to discuss health insurance changes taking effect later this year as part of the Affordable Care Act.
Beyond the band
Guilderland grad recognized for her artful, sustainable jewelry
Corrina Goutos, a Guilderland High School graduate, recently received an award for her conceptual jewelry piece “Lim(b)itless” at the 24th Annual NICHE Awards, which is held by NICHE magazine.
Guilderland budget cuts questioned
Students, parents plead to keep assistant coaches and enrichment
The two cuts proposed by Guilderland school officials causing the most concern among meeting attendees Wednesday, March 20, were dropping the middle school enrichment program and eliminating assistant coaching positions.
Ramping up wellness
Voorheesville holds Wellness Day to encourage an active, healthy lifestyle
Voorheesville Central School District’s Wellness Committee held its second Wellness Day at the high school and middle school Thursday, March 21, which was kicked off with BMX riders soaring into the air off a ramp in the gymnasium.
Comic timing
Voorheesville workshop takes a graphic approach to storytelling
Elementary students were creating their own characters instead of reading about them Friday, March 15, at Voorheesville Public Library Friday, during a workshop hosted by Matthew Laiosa.
Altamont eyes $2M budget
Village holds first budget workshop, reviews department requests
The Village Board of Trustees held its first budget workshop Tuesday, March 12, focusing on public works, police and fire departments and the Altamont Free Library budget requests. Trustees didn’t offer any proposed reductions, but simply reviewed what’s requested within the general fund appropriations.
New Scotland advances proactive rezoning plan
Town considers zoning changes to fit landscape and community
New Scotland has more than 515 acres zoned for industrial use, but industry isn’t exactly booming in the rural town. The industrial classification stems from land’s proximity to the railroad tracks, but a significant portion isn’t suited for large industrial usage.
Pedaling with a purpose
Two Guilderland ‘Red Riders’ prepare for Tour de Cure
Pedaling for 50 miles on a bicycle would be an accomplishment for most, but for an 11-year-old with Type 1 diabetes, it is about more than just the ride.
FBI arrests suspected Guilderland bank robbers
The FBI has arrested two men who allegedly robbed several banks, including two branches in Guilderland.
Voorheesville schools facing $440k budget gap
Proposed cuts forthcoming, two bus purchases eyed for referendum
It remains to be seen how deeply $440,000 worth of cuts will affect the Voorheesville Central School District, as administrators consider how to stay within a tax cap of a 3.87 percent increase.
Albany County Sheriff knocks SAFE Act
Local authorities see benefits and downsides to new gun control law
Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple isn’t convinced the SAFE Act will make the streets any safer, despite what the legislation’s acronym implies, but thinks it could turn formerly lawful gun owners into criminals.
Altamont trustee cautions contingency usage
Village board OKs Wastewater Treatment Plant project change orders
The Altamont Board of Trustees Tuesday authorized two change orders totaling nearly $18,400 for the $3.5 million capital improvement project, which includes installing new equipment.
Gun fight comes to Albany County Legislature
Gun rights advocates call on lawmakers to support SAFE Act repeal
Republican Albany County Legislator Deborah Busch presented a proclamation for fellow lawmakers to sign in support of repealing the SAFE Act. At least 14 legislators had signed the proclamation by the end of the meeting.
Guilderland schools facing $2.1M budget gap
District proposes eliminating 31 positions, tax cap falls at 3.5% increase
Guilderland Superintendent Marie Wiles presented the district’s draft budget Thursday, Feb. 28, which increases spending by more than $1.5 million, or 1.7 percent, to a total of $90.8 million. Around $2.1 million in cuts are needed for the district to present the 2013-14 budget within its tax cap threshold.
BC talks athletics cuts
Four-level sports could be reduced to three levels, maintenance eyes $94k in reductions
The Bethlehem Board of Education continued 2013-14 budget development on Wednesday, Feb. 27, and discussed the athletics and operations and maintenance budgets. Athletics spending is proposed to increase by almost $26,000, and the operations and maintenance budget would increase $47,000.
Protesters take aim at gun-control law [photo gallery]
Gun advocates and state legislators call for end of SAFE Act
Thunderous rally cries could be heard coming from Empire State Plaza as gun rights advocates and state legislators campaigned for a repeal of the law.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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