_{Donna L. Baker, Guilderland}

Without a coach, Shayla Lyons has perfected her shot put technique watching YouTube videos; her school has no track facilities, so she practices in a parking lot — the challenges have made her a champ.

The high sun and heavy humidity didn't stop Guilderland athletes from placing near the top during state championships for outdoor track and field.

GUILDERLAND — Frank and Susan Pezze III of Guilderland are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter Jennifer Pezze to Adam David Rice, son of Elizabeth, who is married to Seth Schulman, of Tampa, Florida, and of the late Gary Rice.

GUILDERLAND — A Utica man was sentenced to seven years in state prison on Friday in Albany County Court for possession of cocaine.

GUILDERLAND — An Amsterdam man was arrested last week five months after he allegedly robbed a convenience store at gunpoint.

Gregory J. Lavallo, 25, of 12 McNeir Ave., Amsterdam, was arrested at the Guilderland Police Department on June 4, after a joint investigation between Guilderland and the Rotterdam Police Department.