KNOX — Guy M. Marhafer loved the open road, whether driving a truck or riding a Harley Davidson. Yet he always put his family first. He died on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2023. He was 69.
He was born in Niskayuna, the son of the late Charles Sr. and Wilma Marhafer.

Lisa DeGroff, Committee Member Westerlo, Hometown Heroes

Berne published the draft of its ATV bill that would open up town roads to all-terrain and similar vehicles, albeit with rules and fairly strict penalties for noncompliance. 

Troy Weeks, of Rensselaerville, was arrested on Jan. 10 for his alleged involvement in the Jan. 6 riots at the United States Capitol in 2021, and was charged with interfering with an officer among other federal crimes. 

The Berne Town Board failed to fully implement all but one of 11 recommendations the Office of the State Comptroller made after a 2021 audit of board oversight, and Supervisor Dennis Palow — who was deputy supervisor in 2021 — was caught lying to state officials about his own actions.

The town of Berne reportedly filed an insurance claim over the holidays following the partial collapse of an old stable on the 350-acre property, which is potent symbolism amid discussions over what to do with a treasured property that many feel is being left to rot by a negligent town board.

Betty Filkins, Town of Westerlo Volunteer Fire Department

Linda Smith, Westerlo

Nurse practitioner Jill Martin’s medical practice, Hilltown Healthcare, has officially moved down the street, to 1705 Helderberg Trail, from its original location directly next to the Berne-Knox-Westerlo School District campus. 

The Berne Town Board is soliciting bids from loggers who hope to source timber from the 350-acre Switzkill Farm property. Though the term logging can invoke images of industrialist destruction, it can be as beneficial for forests as it is for people when it’s done responsibly.