— GUILDERLAND — In February 2010, Jean Simmons had hope for her floral business. This year, she’s closing her doors for good. Simmons blames her closure on the Guilderland Fire Department, and its annual Valentine’s Day rose sale.

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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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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.

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.

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

GUILDERLAND — The revenue gap faced by the school district for next year’s budget has narrowed to $2.6 million — down from $3.2 million — because the amount Guilderland has to pay to the Teachers’ Retirement System is less than had been anticipated.

GUILDERLAND — Although Superintendent Marie Wiles will not present her budget for next year until March 1, she indicated Tuesday she will recommend a spending plan that eliminates the popular high school advisory period.

GUILDERLAND — Visitors to Orchard Creek at Altamont Orchards will have a new experience this spring. An expanded and renovated patio, a new banquet room attached to the restaurant, fire features, and indoor golf and movie entertainment will let Orchard Creek be a year-round facility when it reopens this April.

GUILDERLAND — The school district on Tuesday asked those most affected by budget cuts — the students — for advice on how to proceed with next year’s spending plan.

“For the first time, we decided to go right to the source,” said Superintendent Marie Wiles.

GUILDERLAND — The school district estimates it may save about half-a-million dollars by rearranging schedules, thereby cutting some staff.