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Martin is on a journey to ‘help the horse world, one horse at a time’

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

BERNE — Anita Martin talks to horses.

As a certified equine sports massage therapist, she helps horses in pain.

“When horses are in pain,” she says, “they need help. They can’t tell us with words, but they certainly tell us with body language and action,” which can include biting, bucking, and kicking.

A surprise write-in for Altamont justice among few ballots cast for village elections

by Sean Mulkerrin

Bridget Holohan Scally received 43 write-in votes to become Altamont’s next village justice. Scally is currently Deputy General Counsel to the New York State Department of Labor. 

Three GCSD incumbents get ready to run

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

Board members Rebecca Butterfield and Kimberly Blasiak are certain they will run again. Judy Slack is taking a wait-and-see approach while still gathering names so she is prepared to run if need be, she said.

Tip line for illegal guns launched

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

If a call to 518-665-7860 results in a gun seizure, the caller could get a $500 reward.

USDA implores farmers (and even non-farmers) to complete the ag census

Anyone who raises and/or sells $1,000 worth of farm products is legally obligated to fill out the federal 2022 agricultural census, which will have a direct impact on policy-making and funding distribution. 

County to hold public meetings on proposed solar project

by Noah Zweifel

Albany County is proposing to build a solar farm at 897 Watervliet Shaker Road in Colonie, near the airport. County residents can learn about the project and share their views at two upcoming meetings.  

Week CLVIII State comptroller: Spend federal funds on students most in need

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

“The classroom disruptions caused by the pandemic have hurt New York’s students,” said Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli this week as he announced the results of his analysis. “Academic losses were greater for younger students, with fourth grade scores dropping more than the national average. School districts must act quickly to take full advantage of available resources to help students that are most in need get caught up, before time runs out.”

Diocese bankruptcy is a win for the church says victim of priest abuse

by Noah Zweifel

Rensselaerville resident Richard Tollner, whose own abuse-related civil suit against a downstate diocese was halted when that diocese declared bankruptcy in 2020, says that these maneuvers by the Catholic Church are designed to deprive abuse victims not just of financial settlements, but what for many might be the closest thing to victory — the chance to be heard and acknowledged. 

Photos: Canine Companions

Canine Companions program, which provides trained service dogs to people with disabilities.

Megan and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

NEW SCOTLAND — When is a coat a work of art? When is a coat the center of a play?

When it is Joseph’s Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The character Joseph wears his coat in this weekend’s school production in Voorheesville — where it takes on a life of its own, swirling in its many-splendored colors.

Fifty condos proposed for New Scotland Road

by Sean Mulkerrin

Initially proposed in June 2021 as a 72-unit apartment project, the plan now for 2080 New Scotland Road is to build 50 condominium units. The project was presented to the New Scotland Planning Board at its March 9 meeting. 

Hilltown hearings set for first-responder tax-exemptions

by Noah Zweifel

Of the Hilltowns, Knox was the first town to grant the 10-percent tax exemption that New York State now allows for first responders, with the rest of the towns appearing likely to follow once they hold the required public hearings. 

GCSD drafts $120 million budget for next year, up 9 percent but still under tax cap

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

The estimated tax levy increase, at 2.76 percent, stays under the state-set limit, requiring only a simple majority to pass the budget on May 16.

Week CLVII: Comptroller warns of ‘headwinds’ from inflation as federal funds dry up

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

“Continued Federal Reserve Board actions to raise interest rates in response may dampen national and local economic prospects, which, if not carefully managed, risks causing a recession,” says the state’s comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli in his report on the executive budget.

Planning board issues negative report for mixed-use building on Route 20

by Sean Mulkerrin

The Guilderland Planning Board’s report to the town zoning board is only a recommendation; the zoning board can choose to ignore the recommendations.

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