BERNE — Although Berne’s preliminary budget for 2006 is about $270,000 higher than this year’s budget, it calls for a tax-rate decrease of about 1.3 percent, or about five cents per $1,000 of assessed value.

RENSSELAERVILLE — In the only Hilltown where Republicans have historically had a significant presence in the town government, a first-time office-seeker is battling a political veteran to replace the current supervisor.

KNOX—The Knox Democrats are hoping this town election will go more smoothly than the last one. The Republicans are looking to gain more ground.

— Nicole Fay Barr

KNOX — Justin T. Landauer pleaded guilty in county court Tuesday to second-degree manslaughter and driving while intoxicated, after a June crash killed a Binghamton professor, Gary Lehmann.

BERNE—In Berne, several incumbents are seeking reelection in unopposed races.

BERNE — The Berne-Knox-Westerlo School District passed its annual audit with flying colors.