Following a public hearing on a solar bill, and preceding a town workshop meeting, the Westerlo Town Board passed its first law of 2017, which sets requirements for residential and commercial solar arrays.

KNOX —  A religious woman who worked for the post office and, after retiring, helped her elderly friends, Regina Kochem Settle died peacefully on Sunday, March 12, 2017, with her family by her side. She was 91.

WESTERLO — Passionate about her family and the community where she made her home, Peggy L. Bishop died on Wednesday, March 15, 2017. She was 86.

“You couldn’t find a better person,” said her son, Ross Bishop.

A sheriff’s deputy said he smelled pot coming from a car parked at Thacher Park and was going to search it. 

The suicide of a local boy, and his family’s courage to fight for change so that mental-health services are covered by insurance, should serve to inspire us as a nation.

New Berne-Knox-Westerlo programs planned for 2017-18 school year include an expanded agricultural science program.

EAST BERNE — A kind and loving man, Richard “Rick” Hagadone helped others see the world through his forgiving eyes. After battling Huntington’s disease, he died on Thursday, March 9, 2017. He was 64.

Some board members expressed concern over aging or disabled residents living on a portion of Stage Road closed for the winter, while highway Superintendent Randy Bashwinger said it was a dangerous intersection to plow.