The Berne-Knox-Westerlo Class of 2023 graduated from high school at a ceremony on June 24 at The Egg, in Albany.

With full, opposing slates from both major parties, Westerlo’s 2023 general election promises to be a far cry from 2021’s, when Republicans and Democrats endorsed all the same candidates for the town board.

Donna Gwin, President, Friends of the Berne Library

“We want to keep this free for kids, keep them off their screens and getting fresh air,” said Salvatore Sciangula.

The Rensselaerville Rod and Gun Club has increased its activity levels recently, taking on new members and new activities, which has irked some nearby residents who say the noise is disrupting their peace and quiet. Residents and club directors are expected to meet later this month to come up with a compromise. 

The Community Hilltown Action Team, or CHAT, offers Berne residents a monthly meeting space to discuss local concerns and brainstorm ways to solve them, bypassing the sometimes-suffocating rules and personalities of the town board.  

The town published its 2022 water quality report on its website this week. It shows that, while better than last year’s report and below state requirements on average, the town is still struggling to regulate the levels of TTHMs and HAA5, which are potentially toxic byproducts of the disinfection process. 

Nicole Gladieux, Parade Committee Chair, Kiwanis Club of the Helderbergs

Vickie Snyder, Corresponding Secretary, Berne Volunteer Fire Company Inc.

CanCode founder and Chief Executive Officer Annmarie Lanesey said that the 30 or so people in attendance at Knox’s broadband focus group represented “probably the biggest turnout” she had seen at such an event, and was useful as CanCode works to funnel rural data to New York state so it can direct connectivity funding more effectively.