GUILDERLAND — At a time when local unions are voicing concern over Governor Mario Cuomo’s 2012 budget proposal, the town has already approved contracts for its Civil Service Employees Association units.

GUILDERLAND — A new sign proposal for Stuyvesant Plaza has the McKownville Improvement Association up in arms.

GUILDERLAND — Several board members, a parent, and a teacher voiced concerns at last week’s board meeting about proposed changes in school schedules. Varied views were expressed on what the board’s role should be in making the changes.

ALTAMONT — Local educator Melinda Mackesey is promoting her newly-published book that shares her love of the Adirondack region with young readers and their families.

GUILDERLAND — As the school district faces a $3.3 million revenue shortage for next year’s budget, Superintendent Marie Wiles on Tuesday reviewed the leadership structure for the school board, concluding with four short-term recommendations for change and six options for future consideration.

CLARKSVILLE — A school psychologist and her husband were charged with two misdemeanors after their babysitter stole marijuana from their home and was caught with it at the Bethlehem high school, according to the sheriff’s office.

GUILDERLAND — Simone, a delicate wisp of a girl, nestled in the arms of a teenage volunteer and watched a plastic ball roll across the floor. Inside were the ingredients to make ice cream.

GUILDERLAND — The school district and the Guilderland Employees Association have reached an impasse in contract negotiations.

“We’re not looking for the world,” said the GEA’s lawyer, Thomas Jordan. “Costs are going up for our members — food and gas — like everyone else. They need a fair wage.”

ALBANY COUNTY — Having been saved by federal legislation five years ago, the county’s Farm Service Agency office is again slated for closure.