The Town of Kirkland’s 2026 budget keeps costs down while also financing some needed projects. At last week’s Kirkland Town Board meeting, the Board adopted the budget of $9,746,243 after a public hearing. The budget falls under the 2 percent increase cap allowed by the state without having the Board approve a larger increase. Supervisor Bob Meelan said a house assessed at $100,000 will see an increase of $34 on the tax bill. As this year’s budget winds down, the Board approv

The Clinton Central School Board of Education met Tuesday evening to discuss new business. CCSD Superintendent Chris Clancy welcomed new hires Lisa Putnam, Mia Peycke, and Nicholas Barbero. Clancy then thanked Elizabeth Dougherty for her work with the District as she's resigned to take another job closer to home. CCS Athletic Director Bob Bentley gave a presentation on how the Athletics Department will contribute to the District Goals. Assistant Superintendent for Instruction

Photo By Paige Evans Waterville varsity football beat South Lewis in the first round of the playoffs to improve to 8-1. The Eagles move to the semifinals at Morrisville-Eaton Friday at 7 p.m. Story, sports, Page 7

After months of weighing projects to move to the next round of the Village of Waterville’s New York Forward grant, the Local Committee finalized the list last week. At the committee’s fifth and final public meeting, all the projects were reviewed. Information included the request for grant funding, other financial input, total cost of the project, how it fits into the community, whether it is transformational and how ready is it to go. Department of State official Danny Lapin

Provided Photos It took a race, a strong finish and a series of tie-breakers with Adirondack to finally declare the Clinton girls the Center State Conference cross-country champions. The boys team also won a conference title this year. Named as CSC All-Stars are Ben Morford, Druss Sonia, Antimo Pellecchia, Quinn Catterson, Sierra Townsend, Natalie Cortright, Josey Bauer, Emily Roy and Ella Brehaut. More sports, Pages 7, 12

With rising costs and the payment for a new truck to consider, the Oriskany Falls Village Board will raise the amount three towns pay for fire protection. Board members discussed at length during their meeting last week the fire contracts with the towns of Augusta, Sangerfield and Marshall. All three receive some coverage, with Augusta at the highest amount, from the Oriskany Falls Fire Department. The OFFD fire commissioners had recommended an increase of 5 percent. In discu

The Local Planning Committee for the Village of Waterville’s NY Forward program will hold its fifth meeting Thursday, Oct. 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Waterville Municipal Hall. The meeting is open to the public, with an opportunity for public comment at the end of the meeting. At this meeting, the LPC will formally evaluate each project proposed for NY Forward funding and finalize the slate of projects to be included in the Village’s Strategic Investment Plan. The LPC is co-chair