KNOX — Knox Supervisor Michael Hammond has proposed a town budget for 2006 with an estimated tax-rate increase of 2 percent.

KNOX—Building on the success of their farmers’ market, the Friends of the Helderbergs are working on a more ambitious plan to stimulate the Hilltown economy and support local business owners, craftspeople, and farmers.

WESTERLO — As Westerlo’s new water system comes closer to completion, the town hopes a state grant will help cover the costs of bringing the water to low-income residents.

and Holly Grosch

KNOX—Complaints of noise from a property on Thompson’s Lake Road are motivating the town to investigate.

RENSSELAERVILLE—A resident is suing Rensselaerville, charging that the highway superintendent is stymieing his attempts to acquire records on town projects.

GUILDERLAND — While Watervliet’s engineer has confidence in a project that would raise the city’s reservoir in Guilderland five feet, some Guilderland residents are wary.

RENSSELAERVILLE — The Albany County Sheriff’s Department has notified residents of Rensselaerville that a Level 3 sex offender—the highest risk—is living in town.

BERNE — Two Hilltown schools are struggling to deal with the death of a nine-year-old student.