Community Corner

🌱 What should Averill Park neighbors do about the visiting black bear?

Also check out RPI Fairgrounds Showdown on the Rensselaer Patch calendar

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Hi there, Rensselaer! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

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In today's newsletter:

  • What should Averill Park neighbors do about the visiting black bear?
  • What could Rensselaer County's proposed kratom ban mean for you?
  • Could Rensselaer County flood victims soon get low‑interest recovery loans?

Also on today's calendar: Albany Job Fair: October 7, 2026 at Holiday Inn Latham and 2 more events.

Today's riddle: Do you know what the two sides of a circle are? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 69 and low of 47 degrees.
  • Friday: Pleasant with clouds and sun, temps: high: 72, low: 54.
  • Saturday: Rain and drizzle possible, with a high of 64 and low of 53 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Black bear spotted in Averill Park (timesunion.com) — A black bear has been roaming near bird feeders in Averill Park, including a sighting Wednesday morning about a mile from the high school. Longtime Rensselaer County residents are reminded that black bears usually avoid people, but state wildlife officials urge neighbors to remove bird feeders and secure garbage or pet food so the animal doesn't become a regular visitor.
   

2. Debate grows in Capital Region over banning or regulating kratom, known as 'gas station heroin' (cbs6albany.com) — Rensselaer County residents can weigh in Thursday at 5 p.m. on a proposed countywide kratom ban that could restrict sales locally. Experts and business owners are sharply divided over whether natural kratom should be regulated or outlawed alongside stronger synthetic products, with safety, addiction risks, and consumer protections all at the center of the debate.
   

3. Hochul seeks disaster loans for July flood victims (news10.com) — Flood-affected Rensselaer County homeowners, renters, and businesses may soon qualify for low‑interest federal disaster loans if Governor Hochul's request is approved. The July flooding badly damaged homes, a historic grist mill, and local businesses, and officials urge residents to document all repair costs now so they're ready to apply as soon as federal approval comes through.
   

4. How could dead mother-in-law's checks be cashed for 17 years without being discovered? (cbs6albany.com) — A Rensselaer County woman is accused of running a nearly 20-year scheme to cash her deceased mother-in-law's Social Security and New York pension checks, totaling more than $660,000. She has pleaded not guilty but faces potential prison time, heavy fines, and restitution if convicted.
   

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  • Wendy's posted a job opening for Crew Member in Rensselaer. Apply here.
  • Panera posted a job opening for Restaurant Team Member in Rensselaer. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Rensselaer here.

Ok Rensselaer! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: The inside and the outside ! (Thank you James M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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