Tristan Paul Anthony Von Haugg, who served in the United States Airforce and then worked for Albany County, died peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020. He was 75.

Internet access in the Hilltowns will be provided by the aerospace company SpaceX through its Starlink satellite constellation.

Donna Fargo was a homemaker and devoted family woman with a sense of humor that persevered into the final days of her life. She died at home, in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, on Dec. 14, 2020. She was 80.

Karen Schimmer, Berne

Every week, when John Williams sends me his Old Men of the Mountain column, he writes a note in his email — sometimes humorous, sometimes philosophical.

Last week, he wrote about all the Christmas preparations he and his wife, Marlene, had underway.

I’m ashamed to say, my email in return said this:

Dawn G. Jordan, Berne

Lawrence Zimmerman, East Berne

Berne Councilman Joel Willsey sent an email addressed to Supervisor Sean Lyons and Deputy Supervisor Dennis Palow requesting that they resign from their positions; Willsey believes they deliberately attempted to mislead the public about this year’s town government appointments.

Rensselaerville’s proposed solar law defines a small-scale solar installation as one that generates no more than 25 kilowatts, or 120 percent of a site’s energy needs. These projects can theoretically be placed anywhere in the town, but may be subject to planning board review.

Supervisor Sean Lyons said the decision to advertise for these positions stemmed from residents’ complaints about the town’s current appointments.