Archive » January 2026 » News

‘Blindsided’: Berne board and citizens ponder 68% tax hike

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

“I know you’re upset,” Giebelhaus told the crowd. “I am too. I’m probably the most upset person in the room. It’s my job to take your slings and arrows … I’m the town supervisor.” But no slings and arrows were forthcoming. Rather, there was a sense of shared misery and concern with some suggestions for help.

After saving money and setting policy, Trustee Winchell to resign

by Sean Mulkerrin

Winchell made the announcement Wednesday, citing family obligations; she expects to resign at the Voorheesville Board of Trustees Feb. 11 workshop

DEC says: Stay alert for bird flu

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

“Unfortunately, it seems to be going into mammals, which is pretty concerning,” said Kevin Hynes of bird flu, but the current strain “does not seem to go into humans from causal contact,” he said.

Former Western Avenue late-night venue to become co-working space

by Sean Mulkerrin

1434 Western Ave., currently home to a dog daycare and spa and once home to an illegal nightclub, is set to become a co-working space.

Two of four eminent-domain suits settled as town builds sidewalks

by Sean Mulkerrin

The town recently filed lawsuits against the four property owners — two on East Old State Road and two on Liberty Court — but has already settled two of the cases and expects the other two to be wrapped up soon.

In wake of Good’s death, scores turn out at Guilderland library to make whistleblower kits

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

Asked what brought her out to the library to make the whistleblower kits, Hunt said, “The murder of Renee Nicole Good —” She paused there for a long moment, finally concluding, “I can’t think of a word bad enough to describe it; it was shocking.”

Town tax hike of 69% surprises new Berne supervisor who wants comptroller to investigate

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

BERNE — Berne residents were surprised this week when they got their town tax bills: the expected 38 percent hike is closer to 69 percent.

The new supervisor, Joseph Giebelhaus, said that he was surprised as well.

Voorheesville bus-driver shortage could start to affect routes

by Sean Mulkerrin

During the Jan. 5 meeting of Voorheesville’s board of education, Superintendent Frank Macri first offered praise for the job the district’s transportation department had done over the past year, but added, “Like many school districts across the region, across the state, across the country, we have struggled with staffing with our bus drivers and getting bus drivers staffing.”

Guilderland warns of phishing scam

GUILDERLAND — On Friday, the town warned Guilderland residents about a “sophisticated phishing campaign.”

Guilderland appeals judge’s procedural maneuver in tax certiorari case

by Sean Mulkerrin 

The town is appealing Supreme Court Justice Peter Lynch’s decision extending 2 Crossgates Mall LLC’s deadline for serving legal papers in the property-tax dispute first filed in July.

County opens Saint Rose pool for public use

ALBANY COUNTY — The pool on the former College of Saint Rose campus is now open for public use, Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy announced on Jan. 8.

Those wishing to use the pool have to register for classes or for open lap swimming.

State warns med spa customers: ‘Be aware of the dangers’

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

When a business promotes itself as a “med spa” or as offering “med spa” services, it has to be licensed as a medical facility and licensed professionals must be performing the services.

Bethlehem down to two choices on elementary-school rezone

by Sean Mulkerrin

For months, the board of education, a separate rezoning committee, and the public have debated a number of options to reshuffle students, ultimately arriving at two proposals.

Thruway Authority launches safety action plan, invites public input

On Jan. 7, the New York State Thruway Authority announced the launch of its Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, a system‑wide initiative to improve roadway and employee safety, strengthen emergency response and reduce serious injuries and fatalities across the 570-mile Thruway system.

NYS sets another flu record — with hospitalizations

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

As part of its Respiratory Surveillance Report, the state’s health department maps activity for each county statewide. In Albany County currently, as in the rest of the state, there are more than 40 cases of influenza per 100,000 of population. For COVID-19, Albany County has 20 to 39.9 cases per 100,000 of population. And for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, known as RSV Albany County currently has  0.01 to 7.09 cases per 100,000 of population.

Pages