“This legislation levels the playing field for hotels and motels by collecting sales and occupancy tax on short-term rentals, addressing an estimated $550 million in lost local revenue over the past five years,” said the bill’s sponsors.

The Hudson River shipping channel is used commercially for access to the Port of Albany from points south; large vessels and tankers are often seen passing the park. Conflict arises between recreational boaters and the wakes created by large commercial boat traffic, the study says, adding that large vessel wakes have caused damage to docks and bulkheads in the park.

Sullivan’s book quotes the Enterprise’s Voorheesville correspondent: “A new fad is taking place in this village. For instance, if a person happens to indulge too much in a certain drink and gets in a comatose condition, some of the ‘smart ones’ applies a mixture of oil and lampblack to their physiognomy.” Sullivan likens this to tarring and feathering on the streets of Voorheesville.

Superintendent Marie Wiles says the hope is the added funds will increase the number of places available so that families who were disappointed in lottery results may still have a chance of their children attending. “This is a game changer for our partners,” she said of the preschools the district works with, “and for our community.”

RENSSELAERVILLE — Jakob Greenwood is the first seasonal ranger at the 2,000-acre Huyck Preserve in Rensselaerville.

He recently graduated from the University at Albany with a bachelor of science degree in environmental sciences and minors in biology emergency preparedness, and criminal justice.

ALBANY COUNTY — Three local veteran service organizations were among the 10 to receive a total of $150,000 in grants announced by Albany County in a press conference on Friday morning.

BETHLEHEM — On May 23, an Albany man was arrested on felony gun and drug charges after a domestic incident in Selkirk two months earlier.

“I believe in making a difference in my community,” said Peter Petruski. “By leading the library, I can steer the ship. I want to hear what the community is interested in and then get everyone to pull in the same direction.”

Jill Harbeck has spent more than eight months trying to clear her record after she was involved in what is commonly called a fender-bender last Sept. 12.

To encourage affordable housing and also to protect the town’s water quality and quantify, the law says, there is a six-month moratorium on subdivisions of five or more lots, apartment complexes of 25 or more units, and residential care facilities of 50 or more units.