Sheriff looks to prevention and treatment rather than just enforcement

Albany County deaths from heroin overdoses have doubled, according to Sheriff Craig Apple. “We’re more likely to maintain sobriety when we receive support from society,” the sheriff said at a Sept. 13 forum. “I was a lock-’em-up guy 10 years ago. We lost."

Opinion

Autism and law enforcement — baffling behavior calls for an understanding response

The better trained our police officers are, the better off citizens — with or without autism — will be.

Guilderland

GCSD board will try to fund more classes at Altamont and Pine Bush

Parents of Altamont Elementary kindergartners asked the school board on Tuesday to create another classroom this year, to relieve overcrowding.

New Scotland

A planned plaza for New Scotland will feature all retail space

After over a year of meetings and multiple redesigns, a development off of Route 85A was given conditional approval by the New Scotland Planning Board to move forward. Also at the meeting, the board asked, “What constitutes a flashing sign?”

Regional

Plotsky upends Duncan, the party pick, with over 70 percent of Dem vote

In the Democratic primary on Tuesday, Victoria Plotsky, making her first run for office, on a platform of reform, soundly defeated the incumbent representing the 38th District in the Albany County Legislature.

Hilltowns

In Hilltowns, EMS costs will increase by tens of thousands

Following the closure of Rensselaerville Volunteer Ambulance, the Albany County Sheriff’s Office has had to offer an ambulance with an emergency medical provider as well as a paramedic in a fly car. This has led to an increase in the costs for the three Hilltowns served: Berne, Westerlo, and Rensselaerville.

Sports

GHS swimmer to raise more money for his sister’s rare disease

GUILDERLAND — Guilderland High School senior Michael Ardito is preparing to make his fourth and final annual swim across Boston Harbor this weekend, to raise money to find a cure for the rare disease that affects his younger sister, Kati.