The Berne Town Board appeared highly critical of the tax district proposal at its meeting last month, suggesting alternative solutions to fund the unsound Helderberg Lake Dam.

Berne couple Gunner and Melanie laCour, and their neighbor, George Duell, think that lowering the speed limit on their section of Route 443 from 55 miles per hour to 45 will mitigate the pattern of accidents they’ve grown accustomed to witnessing. The New York State Department of Transportation disagrees.

Rensselaerville residents Travis Myhre and Tanya Skinner manage the Hudson Valley Vengeance, a travel-baseball team that takes adolescents from the Hilltowns and beyond and develops their natural athletic abilities.

The Berne-Knox-Westerlo Board of Education accepted Superintendent Timothy Mundell’s proposed budget in a unanimous vote, along with the district’s annual bus proposition and the proposed purchase of 1772 Helderberg Trail. All three items — plus school board elections — will be subject to a district vote on May 17.

The war in Ukraine has inspired various charity efforts within Albany County, led by churches, governments, and private organizations alike. 

Streaming government meetings online is a relatively cheap and easy way to boost civic engagement within a municipality, even if residents aren’t able to participate in those meetings remotely. 

Albany County’s redistricting process is being overseen by an independent commission meant to ensure that districts are changed according to values that line up with fair representation for residents as opposed to political advantage for legislators. 

Following three incidents at local schools — including Berne-Knox-Westerlo and Voorheesville — this month that raised the specter of mass shootings, The Enterprise spoke with a researcher who focuses on school safety measures and the unintended impacts they can have, particularly on marginalized communities. 

Albany County spokeswoman Mary Rozak confirmed for The Enterprise this week that “conversations are ongoing” between the county and town over a shared-use agreement or full transfer of ownership of Switzkill Farm.

An investigation by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services concluded that leaked propane was ignited “by an electrical arc produced during the normal operation of an appliance” in the home’s basement.