One lesson to take from the tragic loss of life during the July 4 floods in Texas hill country is that people in remote areas were not alerted to the danger in time. We urge Albany County to work with its municipalities including Guilderland, but especially in the Helderberg Hilltowns, which suffered so with Irene and where internet communication is often spotty, to come up with a workable system to inform residents of impending dangers.

By the 2050s, New York City is expected to experience approximately 30 to 46 days annually with the heat index reaching 95°F or above, compared to an average of six such days per year between 1981 and 2010, says a state report on extreme heat.

RENSSELAERVILLE — Over 300 people came to see the R’ville Stage Creations production of Shaekespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on July 11 to 13.

Patty Kebea said of son’s team going to the World Series, “They are so deserving and they have the best coaches in the entire world. They volunteer their time. They don’t get paid for this. And they put in the work with our kids and they love our kids, like they’re their own. So it’s amazing and we really are like a family, which is really cool.”

Camaraderie, said Coach Sean Davidson, is a major contributor to the team’s success. “We have solid defense, offensive power, and speed on the base paths ….,” he said. “On top of that, it’s amazing how well the kids all get along and all support each other. These kids really are friends in addition to teammates. It’s like a never-ending series of multi-night sleepovers once school gets out.”

In Albany County last year, according to data from the state’s health department, 871 ticks were collected from 12 sites, showing a population density of 41.69 percent.

The next step will be for Kenneth Kovalchik, the town’s planner, to draft a local law for the zoning changes on which the town board will vote at its next meeting.

One thing about his future of which Adam Hawrylchak is certain: “I’m definitely going to keep lifting.”

BETHLEHEM — The state’s Department of Environmental Conservation has recognized the town of Bethlehem as a Silver Certified Climate Smart Community, joining 20 other municipalities across the state that have achieved the certification.

Bethlehem earned the certification for its work on sustainability, including:

Jim Gardner’s first impulse on hearing his wife scream at the sight of a big black bear in their yard was to shoot it — with his camera.