Opinion

The empty chair

Five days after Gary’s death, I still, without thinking, put the sports section at his place when I bring in the morning paper. I get out his tea mug when I turn on the kettle. And so the day goes.

ALTAMONT — Gary Spencer was a man of few words but the words he spoke or wrote mattered. He chose them carefully. He read widely, collecting first editions of books he loved even when he could ill afford them.

Sports

Photos: Saratoga “Steals” Title Away From Dutch

On Friday, Oct. 17, the Guilderland girls’ tennis squad was looking for its first Section 2, Class AA title in 15 years, with Saratoga standing in their way. All the matches were intense but the Dutch fell 6 to 3.

Regional

State launches burn ban as drought continues

“An unusually dry period” combined with the danger of fallen leaves accumulating led to the ban, according to a proclamation signed by the governor. The ban prohibits outdoor fires for disposal of brush or debris as well as all uncontained fires, including campfires, and open fires used for cooking.

New Scotland

After issuing stop-work order, Voorheesville is sued by Norfolk Southern

Norfolk Southern has asked the court to stop enforcement of the stop-work order and to declare it legally invalid.

Hilltowns

Hilltown Voices for Democracy are heard at No Kings rally

Over 100 Hilltowners marched from the town park in Rensselaerville to the firehouse on Saturday, Oct. 18, part of the national No Kings movement. “Symbollic of our battle — uphill all the way,” said Jim Kaufman as he and the others navigated the centuries-old Helderberg bluestone sidewalk.