The town of Berne’s payroll account hit a negative value on three different occasions last year, adding to an already large pile of evidence that the town is in poor financial condition. Bank statements show that the town has been relying on transfers between accounts to stay afloat. 

Tim Lippert, Scott Green, Berne

Becky Waldenmair, Berne

JoAnne Brady, East Berne

Rensselaerville’s plans to administer grant money to 16 different local organizations from its Kuhar Endowment Fund — an $860,000 pot of money left to the town by the late Jeffrey Bogue — have been put on hold as they await state approval. 

Vince Virano, Albany

BERNE — A Berne man was arrested by state police on Sept. 11 for two felonies: one for promoting and the other for possessing sexual performance by a child.

Wayne D. Miller, 24, was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and second-degree menacing after he had allegedly threatened a person with a handgun in a dispute. 

Nancy Frueh, East Berne

KNOX — Stephen Browne was a big man with a long reach — both in his work as a wildlife biologist and in his community as a father figure. He had thick hands that he used for heavy work and for gentle comforting. And, he had a deep, resonant voice, which he used to speak out for his beliefs.