Democrats, who outnumber Republicans in Berne nearly 3 to 1, will need to surmount 17 votes held by the Republican Randy Bashwinger as absentee ballots are counted for the election of a new highway superintendent.

The position was decided several months ago when Bates, a Democrat and deputy sheriff, was endorsed by all four parties. Sitting Judge Timothy Miller, a Democrat, didn’t run for another term.

The town tax rate is set to decrease for the second year in a row while the spending plan raises salaries and wages for employees and officials.

RENSSELAERVILLE — A set of three short stories will be brought to life, narrated by three New York City actors in the historic Conkling Hall at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15.

Sweet cakes, pies, and other treats made by community members will be proffered with coffee at the performance, titled “Shorts and Sweets.”

Kenneth Weaver, who resigned from the post in September, confronted the town's supervisor publicly because his health insurance had been canceled, but the supervisor pointed to a provision in the employee handbook making Weaver ineligible after 2013.

RENSSELAERVILLE — Like a friend, when Paula M. Britton spoke to her grandchildren about their personal lives, she gave them her attention and earnest advice.

Mrs. Britton died peacefully at her home in her sleep on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014. She was 64.

A second special election asking voters to allow the sale of a fire truck was passed on Tuesday night, with 136 ballots cast. The first referendum was defeated in August, 15 to 15. A town wide letter might have been the key.

KNOX — With a generous boost from its savings, the town’s proposed $2.2 million budget carries over many of the same appropriations as last year while remaining under the state limit on tax-levy increases.

The public response has been mixed in the wake of Berne's purchase of 358 acres of land, with the hope to generate revenue and jobs from it as a destination. Despite some backlash and petitions, the town's supervisor has touted the decision as one most residents are excited about.

On Monday, Oct. 20, my granddaughter, Kassi Neal, had the day off and we spent it together at my house. My daughter, Marcia Pangburn, called and told me her lawyer, Louis Oliver called, and she had to appear in the Berne court the next day.

I had two doctors’ appointments planned so I had to change one.