Opinion

The empty chair

Five days after Gary’s death, I still, without thinking, put the sports section at his place when I bring in the morning paper. I get out his tea mug when I turn on the kettle. And so the day goes.

ALTAMONT — Gary Spencer was a man of few words but the words he spoke or wrote mattered. He chose them carefully. He read widely, collecting first editions of books he loved even when he could ill afford them.

Sports

Photos: Runners Compete In Competitive Burnt Hills Invy

On Saturday, Oct. 11, Berne-Knox-Westerlo, Bethlehem, Guilderland, and Voorheesville cross-country teams competed in the Burnt Hills Invitational at Saratoga State Park. BKW boys finished 13th, Bethlehem boys 10th, and Bethlehem girls second.

Regional

State launches burn ban as drought continues

“An unusually dry period” combined with the danger of fallen leaves accumulating led to the ban, according to a proclamation signed by the governor. The ban prohibits outdoor fires for disposal of brush or debris as well as all uncontained fires, including campfires, and open fires used for cooking.

Hilltowns

Hilltown Voices for Democracy are heard at No Kings rally

Over 100 Hilltowners marched from the town park in Rensselaerville to the firehouse on Saturday, Oct. 18, part of the national No Kings movement. “Symbollic of our battle — uphill all the way,” said Jim Kaufman as he and the others navigated the centuries-old Helderberg bluestone sidewalk.