KNOX — Travis Stevens watched from the gallery — one among a half-dozen spectators— at 8 a.m. on New Year’s Day as Knox officials took their oaths of office. Stevens, a Republican who won a seat in the county legislature, stepped down as Knox councilman, leaving an empty seat at the dais.

BERNE — Three students were sent home from school with headaches on Dec. 22 after fumes from epoxy wafted into classrooms.

As part of the building project at Berne-Knox-Westerlo, the cafeteria is being improved and epoxy was used on the floor there, causing strong odors.

More pot found in Hilltowns

KNOX — The Albany County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an indoor marijuana grow operation in the Hilltowns, the second one discovered in as many weeks.

County proposes cutting all funding for Soil and Water Conservation

ALBANY COUNTY — After Shirley Morey’s Berne home flooded from Tropical Storm Irene, she called several government agencies for help and was frustrated by the lack of response.

Two Dems win board seats, GOP’s highway super unopposed

KNOX — Both the winners and the losers in the four-way race for two town board seats in Knox said shoe leather was more important than issues.

Conklin breaks barrier

BERNE — In this rural Hilltown where Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly 3 to 1, Republican Bonnie Conklin, making her first run for office, got the most votes in a four-way race for two town board seats.

BERNE — In the process of expanding the high school gym, workers discovered a void under the floor that is now being filled, using a process called mudjacking.

KNOX — “I walk the halls alone. No one will talk to me now. I don’t blame them. Who would want to talk to a slut like me?”

Stolzenburg gets advanced credentials in environmental planning

Nan Stolzenburg is an optimist and says, in her profession, she has to be.

She is one of 33 people nationwide to become certified as an environmental planner.

BKW tax deadline extended

BERNE — Governor Andrew Cuomo has accepted the request from Berne-Knox-Westerlo to extend the deadline for paying school taxes by 21 days, according to the school district.