A nearly 20-year-old policy allows college students in New York State to purchase textbooks tax-free. There is little advertising of the policy, but government and business officials assert that it is well-known.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reminds ice anglers to use caution and common sense as ice-fishing season begins across much of New York State. The DEC outlines these guidelines in a recent release.

DUANESBURG — Stuart Allen Devenpeck, a lifelong resident of the area and proprietor of a local tavern, died on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017. He was 45.

“He was very big-hearted,” said his wife, Joyce Fix-Devenpeck. “Very big-hearted and generous.”

VOORHEESVILLE — The Albany County Rural Housing Alliance Inc. has over $230,000 in grant funds from the New York State Homes and Community Renewal program to assist first-time home buyers with mortgage down payment and closing costs.

ALTAMONT — The Best of Spain trip sponsored by St. Lucy/St. Bernadette Church in Altamont is still available with the $100 discount per person extended until Jan. 18.  The trip, escorted by local travel expert Jean Gagnon, will depart from Albany on March 30 and return April 10.

The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy was founded 25 years ago on a cold winter evening by a small group of neighbors concerned about the loss of precious open space.

These local students were among more than 100 part-time students at the University at Albany to have a grade-point average of at least 3.5 in six graduation credits for the fall 2016 semester:

— Hannah Buckey of Altamont;

— Doug Clark of Schenectady;

— Ryan Frederick of Schenectady;

These local students have been named to the dean’s list or received a similar honor from their college or university for the fall 2016 semester:

— Mary Grace Barada of Delmar at Keene State College in New Hampshire;

— McKenzie Burns of Schenectady in the Class of 2020 at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania;

The Albany County Legislature appointed Darrell Duncan, of New Scotland, former Department of Public Works Commissioner and New Scotland highway superintendent, as the representative of the 38th District on Monday.

The program allows the students to explore their career goals and work with an individual business or organization.