Slim pickings for orchards
Growers try to make the best of a devastating apple season
Although a late frost in the spring has damaged a large portion of the area’s apple crops, local growers are still urging families to keep their annual tradition of visiting an apple farm this fall.
RCS superintendent to retire
Elisabeth Smith spends one turbulent year in top spot
After less than one year in her position as Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District superintendent, Elisabeth Smith has opted to retire.
Cancer fight is on the march
Walk for Hope organizers hope to raise six figures in this year’s Bethlehem event
Neil and Shari Piper have collaborated with the community to establish the area's annual Walk for Hope to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer. It takes place each fall in the Town of Bethlehem.
Vista Technology Campus is becoming a reality
In months, field and woods turned to first phase of landmark project
Eight months after the groundbreaking ceremony took place to officially mark the start of construction at the Vista Technology Campus in Slingerlands, one building is nearly complete and work on four more structures has begun.
Visit to library is a sweet summer trip
Life-sized Candyland one way Youth Services keeps kids engaged
The Bethlehem Public Library holds dozens of events each summer to keep children occupied and stimulated throughout the warmer months.
Few applaud BC's cheerleading call
Changes in club culminate with coaching switch
The decision to switch the Bethlehem Central cheerleading program from a sport to a club has brought about changes and complications that have frustrated students, parents and a former coach.
Groundbreaking worth the Weight
After years of planning, construction has finally begun on a larger Honest Weight Food Co-op in the City of Albany.
Mercury cleanup to begin
Five companies are being held responsible for the cleanup of the former Mercury Refining superfund site, an old mercury reclamation facility in the towns of Colonie and Guilderland.
The forest for the trees
Kids take ownership of outdoors with new program
In an effort to instill an appreciation of nature in youths of the new millennium, the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy has developed a program to allow children their own space out in the woods.
BCSD seeks feedback on borrowing
Distrcit needs funds to upgrade facilities
The Bethlehem Central school board is asking the public to weigh in on borrowing the needed funds for district-wide facilities upgrades.
Bicyclist hit by car
Guilderland teen sent to hospital
A teenage boy was sent to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries after being struck by a car in Guilderland.
Speed thrills at fair
Altamont to mark ride's upstate NY debut
Last year, thrill seekers got their rush from the rotating, pendulum ride “The Stinger” at the Altamont Fair. This year, Rick Reithoffer will provide another exclusive experience.
Years of planning ends with groundbreaking
Second vote needed to address rising costs of Slingerlands Firehouse expansion
Work has officially begun on a $2.2 million project to expand the Slingerlands Firehouse.
Campers to stake out tents for Habitat
Tent-A-Thon returns to Tawasentha Park for 19th event
To show solidarity for those living in poverty, a group of people will come together to live for an extended weekend in tents at Guilderland’s Tawasentha Park.
Water sample? Make it a double
Two towns ship water samples to state showdown
Two local municipalities are hoping to make a statewide splash as their water samples head to the New York State Fair to participate in the state’s Best-Tasting Drinking Water Contest.
New regs mean new food at BC
Schools required to offer healthier menus this coming year
Students in the Bethlehem Central School District and those across the country will be seeing some culinary changes in the new school year under new federal food service regulations implemented in July.
Power of persuasion opens doors
Trader Joe’s cuts the lei on first Upstate store in Colonie
New Trader Joe's location on Wolf Road in Colonie finally opens to the delight of area foodies.
Long shot for small town
Delmar author pens account of 1980 Lake Placid games
Bethlehem resident Mike Burgess examines the intricacies of the 1980 Winter Olympics held in Lake Placid in his first book, "A Long Shot to Glory."
A boy’s memory rings clear
Community mourns, and remembers, 9-year-old Myles McAdoo
The Bethlehem community celebrated the life and loss of Hamagrael Elementary student Myles McAdoo.
Cunningham racks up donations
Former supervisor has sizable war chest when compared to Town Board opponents
As September primaries near, one candidate for Bethlehem Town Board has already vastly out raised his competition.
Few decisions on government change
Bethlehem to reexamine issues after budget season
The Bethlehem Town Board is holding off on discussing government reform until later in the year after hearing a report from the Governance Options Study Committee on Wednesday, July 25.
Delmar bowling alley adapts through the decades
Business celebrates 50th anniversary and looks back at history
In celebration of its 50th anniversary and National Bowling Day, Del Lanes will hold its seventh annual Community Day on Saturday, Aug. 4.
Clarksville hosts trip to the past
Seventh annual community-focused Heritage Day set for Aug. 4
Clarksville residents and those from the surrounding area will once again come together to celebrate their history at the seventh annual Clarksville Heritage Day and Car Show on Saturday, Aug. 4.
Update: Body found in Selkirk identified
Bethlehem police have identified the male body found in a wooded area off Route 9W on Sunday, July 22.
Businesses look forward to Giants’ return
Owners unsure how schedule change might affect bottom line
After the New York Giants organization opted to hold training camp in East Rutherford last year instead of in Albany due to the league-wide lockout, fans are excited for the team’s 2012 return.
Update: Body found in Selkirk
Identity unknown, tatoo on arm
Bethlehem police have a tentative identity of a body found on the side of the road on Route 9W in Selkirk on Sunday, July 22.
Primary candidates stock war chests
Candidates for McEneny’s seat have raised quarter million
The 109th Assembly District race to succeed longtime Assemblyman Jack McEneny remains crowded as six Democrats are officially on the ballot for September’s primary.
Fireman’s Fair adds rides
Glenmont Fireman’s Fair rolls on for a 56th year
Although the steamed clams are the traditional draw, this year’s 56th annual Glenmont Fireman’s Fair will include carnival rides for attendees of all ages.
Grant will feed campers
Free lunches will be provided at Bethlehem YMCA summer camps
In its continued effort to fight childhood hunger and provide a place of enlightenment for children outside of the traditional educational setting, the Bethlehem YMCA has received a grant to provide free lunches to summer campers.
Broken glass closes pool
Elm Ave. Park pool broken into overnight
The Bethlehem town pool at Elm Avenue Park was vandalized on the night of Tuesday, July 10, according to Bethlehem Parks and Recreation officials.
Cops: We’re cut to the bone
Report tallying potential cuts draws ire of police
The latest report presented by Bethlehem’s Budget Advisory Committee identified about $550,000 worth of potential savings in the town’s Police Department, but police brass say the force is already limited.
Supervisor’s involvement in report questioned
Subcommittee members say final version of ward system suggestions altered
Some Bethlehem Town Board members have called into question the legitimacy of a Governance Options Study drafted by an advisory committee after subcommittee members said the final version doesn’t mesh with previous drafts.
Local church has a mission
Church holds ice cream social to benefit trip to Nicaragua
Next month, 15 people from Bethlehem Lutheran Church will donate their time to children in need by participating in a service trip to Nicaragua. But to make the trip possible, donations are still needed from members of the community.
Guilderland bans hydrofracking
Few speak out against barring controversial drilling method
The Guilderland Town Board unanimously passed a ban on natural gas extraction within the town’s limits at a recent meeting in an attempt to preserve the “health, safety and welfare” of the municipality’s residents.
Garden Club looks to children
Group dedicates garden in hopes of inspiring younger generation
The Bethlehem Garden Club is working to get younger generations more interested in local horticulture.
It’s a new game for young learners
Bethlehem’s tennis clinics upgraded through grant
The Bethlehem Parks and Recreation Department has received a $2,600 grant through the United States Tennis Association’s 10-and-Under Program to revamp its Youth Tennis Clinics
Bethlehem celebrates the Fourth
Declaration reading, old-time baseball and family fun mark Independence Day
The heat helped, rather than hindered, participation in Family Day events put on by the Town of Bethlehem at Elm Avenue Park.
Bethlehem’s budget review continues
Committee considers water and sewer fee hikes, cut of leaf pickup
The Bethlehem Town Board continues to hear from department heads and the Budget Advisory Committee options for scaling back the 2013 budget. On Wednesday, June 27 presentations were given by the Department of Public Works, the Highway Department and Senior Services.
An art project with sole
Bethlehem artists hoof it to Albany for BID’s new installation
Thirteen local artists worked on this year's Sculpture in the Streets exhibition put on by the Albany Business Improvement District. Titled "Stand in the Sole of Albany," the exhibition includes a walking tour of the six 7-foot clogs distributed and the four sets of 3-foot pairs to showcase the region's Dutch influence.
Election fraud alleged in RCS vote
Department of Education reviews two petitions alleging electioneering, lax polling place controls
The state Education Department is reviewing allegations that voter fraud occurred during this year’s Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District budget vote.
Tax breaks approved for two Vista projects
Cunningham speaks out against abatements, two applications delayed
Bethlehem’s Industrial Development Agency has approved tax breaks for two medical office buildings proposed to be built within the Vista Technology Park in Slingerlands.
Glenmont Petrol station plans tweaked
Owner has been pitching ideas to town since 2006
The owner of land that houses a small Petrol gas station on Route 9W in Glenmont is hoping to further develop the area.
Guilderland teachers contract approved
Decreased raises in coming two years said to save $840k
After a year with no contract in place, the Guilderland Central School District and its teachers have come to an agreement.
Town Board rolls back meeting time
Bethlehem leaders say lengthy sessions exclude public
The Bethlehem Town Board has decided to move the start time of its meetings back to 6 p.m.
Library proposal voted down
Expansion referendum defeated 3,428 to 1,191
Guilderland residents soundly defeated a plan to add a new $12.9 million expansion onto the library.
Rail trail section to open thanks to volunteers
Albany County lends moral support
New Scotland and Voorheesville residents will soon be able to traverse a new section of the Albany County Rail Trail thanks to the help of local officials and members of the community.
Once on the brink, office marks bicentennial
Clarksville Post Office one of the area’s first
An historical landmark for the residents of Clarksville next week would not be happening if it were up to the United State Postal Service.
Law looks to leash dog attack policy
Breslin’s bill would make owners accountable in all dog attacks
A bill sponsored by Sen. Neil Breslin, D-Bethlehem, would make dog owners more liable in the event of a bite or attack.
Library asks voters for $13M expansion
Guilderland Library officials say space has run out
Guilderland Public Library officials are hoping residents support a plan to build a new $12.9 million expansion to the library in the summer of 2013.
New users pitch Vista buildings
Tax breaks said to be key to continued interest in Slingerlands tech park
Four new buildings have been proposed for the Vista Technology Park in Slingerlands.