Archive » January 2026 » News

DEC hosts virtual meetings on PFAS, seeks public comment

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

The Rural Soil Background Study found results in New York similar to other Northeast states, with PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid) detected in more than 97 percent of surface soil samples and PFOA (Perfluorooctanic Acid) detected in 76.5 percent.

GCSD faces $3.3M gap in $134M rollover budget for next year

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

A driving factor, not unique to Guilderland, Van Alstyne said, is “health insurance continues to rise.”

Friends of Thacher raises funds to update nature center

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

The not-for-profit group under Anderson’s guidance has already passed its initial goal of raising $100,000 and on Jan. 14 he said, “We’re up to about $140,000 now.” Then, on Jan. 16, the state’s Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced that $190,000 had been awarded to the project.

Altamont says resource center should be classified as school

by Sean Mulkerrin

The Dec. 19 opinion from the Rural Guilderland Referral Committee states Acton Albany’s application to open a community resource center at 6378 Gun Club Road “is not consistent and does not meet the criteria set forth in the previous” town-issued special-use permit.

Well-water project proceeds under new leader as award tops $3M

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

The project has been awarded a total of $3,080,100 through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Base Hardship program; close to a million dollars of that amount is because of interest-free financing due to the hardship that was established.

Fahy continues uphill push to make part of Harriman Campus mixed-use

by Sean Mulkerrin

Studies have been commissioned, committees convened, and reports filed, but getting the state to ultimately commit to the idea has stalled. 

Berne board resolves to audit safety, train workers, allow public comments

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

The new town board in Berne is looking to evaluate town practices, like how to handle solid waste, and to fill gaps in contracts and policies.

‘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.”

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