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BERNE — Carson Dorward carefully, oh, so carefully, cradled a dried gourd covered with an old blue fishing net laced with African seashells. He gently shook the hollow gourd, and the rhythmic sound resonated across his Berne classroom.

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KNOX — Knox history came to life last weekend as descendents of those who had built up the hamlet gathered from far and wide to celebrate the 100th birthday of Emma Daisy Bunzey Stevens.

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GUILDERLAND — Two years after residents approved a $5 million bond for a new firehouse, the Westmere Fire District has fired the project’s contractor.

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NEW SCOTLAND — A bill that would regulate outdoor lighting in town drew sharp criticism from the planning board recently.

Similar to a law in the neighboring town of Bethlehem, the proposed law would, essentially, prohibit residents’ lights from bothering their neighbors.

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GUILDERLAND — Danielle Poirier likes a challenge. And she’s in for one.

Last week, Poirier was named transportation director for the Guilderland schools. On March 5, she’ll take the reins from Christine Sagendorf who is retiring.

KNOX — A 1990 Chevrolet pickup truck crashed in Knox early Wednesday morning. The driver was killed but so badly burned, he could not be identified, according to Albany County Sheriff Craig D. Apple.

NEW SCOTLAND — A cap on the size of retail development, glacial in its pace and proportion, is again before the town, having reshaped the political landscape over the last four years.

GUILDERLAND — A new Albany County legislator, representing the Hilltowns, is calling for the county to audit a not-for-profit organization directed by Guilderland’s Democratic Party chairman.

will raise funds to help those now battling to rebuild in Central Bridge

A third Civil War concert will be held to benefit survivors of Tropical Storm Irene.

ALTAMONT A bicyclist was injured last week when he attempted to cross over the railroad tracks on Main Street in the village.