Archive » July 2023 » News

VCSD releases results of budget vote exit survey

by Sean Mulkerrin

The voluntary and anonymous survey was performed during Voorheesville’s school budget and board elections, and sheds light on voter demographics, voters’ motivations, and concerns related to the recent vote. 

VCSD signs on with BusPatrol

by Sean Mulkerrin

Voorheesville School Board members had been deliberating since at least November as to whether they should allow BusPatrol the opportunity to affix cameras to the outside of district buses to catch violators who pass a stopped bus with its stop arm extended and its red lights flashing. 

Rail-trail bridge buckled over Route 85

Construction stopped that morning and on Tuesday, July 18, the Albany County Executive’s Office said in a statement that plans to shore up the bridge are being reviewed and work will likely begin as early as July 19. “The investigation into the cause of last week’s incident continues,” it said.

Knox Town Board inches toward transfer station plan

by Noah Zweifel

With a permanent solution to the town’s transfer station problem still in the works, the Knox Town Board will hold at least one more special meeting, on Wednesday, July 26, to discuss its options. 

Rensselaerville to consider pot opt-in; no action on gun club

by Noah Zweifel

The Rensselaerville Town Board seems to agree that opting to allow marijuana dispensaries in the town will have virtually no impact, given the state’s regulations at this time, and will seek the public’s opinion on the matter in the near future. Meanwhile, it’s leaving the issue of a noisy gun club to the residents affected. 

Berne GOP candidates will be uncontested as Dems eye 2025

by Noah Zweifel

The Berne Democratic Party is not endorsing any candidates this year, believing that, with only two town board seats up for grabs, they wouldn’t be able to make any meaningful change even if they swept the election. 

Luci learned empathy as a child and uses it to mend a rent society

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

VOORHEESVILLE — Dianne Luci believes in the power of bringing people together.

“I so strongly believe if people traveled more and got to know different cultures that we wouldn’t have so much divisiveness in this country and hate,” she says in this week’s Enterprise podcast.

With latest contract, VCSD teachers receive 3% annual raise

by Sean Mulkerrin

The Voorheesville School Board approved a new three-year contract with the district’s teachers’ union, including a 3-percent annual salary increase and increases to sick-day buyouts. While the union didn’t accomplish everything it wanted, the salary increases and other financial gains were seen as significant progress.

‘Out of control’ wildfires in western Canada now pollute local air

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

“This is the new unprecedented,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “It’s fueled by climate change.” He noted the extreme heat in the southern United States and the high temperatures of ocean waters, calling it “a difficult year, not just here in New York but nationally.”

Five adults displaced, two cats die in Glenmont house fire

GLENMONT — A Saturday morning fire at 201 River Road was contained to one bedroom, according to a release from the Bethlehem Police Department.

A resident was taken to a local hospital for smoke inhalation and two cats died in the fire.

Five adults were displaced by the fire.

Knox Planning Board firmly rejects RIC solar proposal

by Noah Zweifel

It’s the final word on a 4.4-megawatt solar proposal from RIC Energy that technically originated in 2020, and has been a source of community consternation ever since. 

Fox Creek bridge and Hunger Kill culvert get state funding

ALBANY COUNTY — Two local road projects are among those being funded statewide with $516 million in assistance announced this week by the governor.
Albany County is receiving $2.473 million for the superstructure replacement of the Route 352 bridge over Fox Creek inRensselaaerville.

Rensselaerville election will be contested for first time since 2017

by Noah Zweifel

Democrats have endorsed Patricia Byrnes for town council and incumbent Gregory Bischoff for justice, while Republicans have endorsed Randall Bates for town council and Richard Tollner for justice. Both parties endorsed incumbent town council member Brian Wood for re-election. 

Knox GOP puts up Berenger for supervisor, leans on incumbents for remaining posts

by Noah Zweifel

The Knox Republican Party has endorsed political newcomer Jamie L. Berenger for town supervisor and the incumbents for all the other open positions, which include two town board seats, tax collector, highway superintendent, town clerk, and town justice. 

Inmate sues, alleging assault which sergeant denies

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

While the inmate says he was beaten and his free-speech rights were denied, the responding sergeant says the assault claims aren’t true and free speech doesn’t apply in jail.

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