Archive » January 2012 » News

GCSD launches letter-writing campaign for mandate relief

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

GUILDERLAND — The school district, at impasse with its two biggest unions and battered by rising pension and health-care costs, has launched a letter-writing campaign, seeking mandate relief.

Feds to shut local FSA

by Saranac Hale Spencer

ALBANY COUNTY — Having been saved by federal legislation five years ago, the county’s Farm Service Agency office is again slated for closure.

Another impasse in GCSD negotiations

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

GUILDERLAND — The school district and the Guilderland Employees Association have reached an impasse in contract negotiations.

“We’re not looking for the world,” said the GEA’s lawyer, Thomas Jordan. “Costs are going up for our members — food and gas — like everyone else. They need a fair wage.”

Were teachers left out Who should decide on the shape of the school day

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

GUILDERLAND — Several board members, a parent, and a teacher voiced concerns at last week’s board meeting about proposed changes in school schedules. Varied views were expressed on what the board’s role should be in making the changes.

Accused of biting student Guerette pleads not guilty

by Saranac Hale Spencer

VOORHEESVILLE — The teacher who was arrested for allegedly biting a student last month pleaded not guilty to endangering the welfare of a child in village court on Monday.

Differences settled Altamont rsquo s Memorial Day parade will march on

by Jo E. Prout

DNA tests given more weight too late for Calabro estate

by Saranac Hale Spencer

GUILDERLAND — While the $3 million estate of Joseph Calabro has been wending its way through probate, state law governing out-of-wedlock children’s rights to their biological fathers’ estates has changed.

Babysitter rsquo s theft leads to pot arrest

by Saranac Hale Spencer

CLARKSVILLE — A school psychologist and her husband were charged with two misdemeanors after their babysitter stole marijuana from their home and was caught with it at the Bethlehem high school, according to the sheriff’s office.

At GCSD Super proposes cutting two leaders rsquo posts

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

GUILDERLAND — As the school district faces a $3.3 million revenue shortage for next year’s budget, Superintendent Marie Wiles on Tuesday reviewed the leadership structure for the school board, concluding with four short-term recommendations for change and six options for future consideration.

Melinda Mackesey explores the Adirondacks in a book written for families

by Jo E. Prout

ALTAMONT — Local educator Melinda Mackesey is promoting her newly-published book that shares her love of the Adirondack region with young readers and their families.

Duncan named county DPW chief

by Saranac Hale Spencer

NEW SCOTLAND — Having just been sworn in to his ninth two-year term as the town’s highway superintendent, Darrell Duncan will likely take a post as the county’s commissioner of public works.

At Stuyvesant Plaza Is electronic sign an upgrade or a hazard

by Anne Hayden

GUILDERLAND — A new sign proposal for Stuyvesant Plaza has the McKownville Improvement Association up in arms.

In Guilderland All-Democratic board makes unanimous appointments on New Year rsquo s Day

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

GUILDERLAND — The mood was celebratory and the votes were unanimous on New Year’s Day at Guilderland’s annual reorganizational meeting.

“It was very nice to see unanimous votes today,” said Councilman Brian Forte towards the close of the meeting, alluding to the fact that the five-member board was all-Democratic.

On New Year rsquo s Day Empty seat not filled on Knox Town Board

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

KNOX — Travis Stevens watched from the gallery — one among a half-dozen spectators— at 8 a.m. on New Year’s Day as Knox officials took their oaths of office. Stevens, a Republican who won a seat in the county legislature, stepped down as Knox councilman, leaving an empty seat at the dais.

With nunchuks Mall fight leads to felony arrest

by Anne Hayden

GUILDERLAND — On the evening of Dec. 28, two men were arrested at Crossgates Mall for assaulting two victims using several different weapons, including a baton, a pocket knife, and a pair of nunchuks.

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