SOUTH COLONIE- "The old axiom no news is good news, I guess we're living with that right now," said Tim Kremer, Executive Director of the New York State School Boards Association.

No news, Kremer said, meaning no outcries or big rallies against proposed school budget votes slated for tomorrow. A far cry from last year, when the property tax cap went into effect, leading to lay-offs, program cuts and school closures.

"There have been cuts and such, but slowly we're creeping back. Last year we got state aid, this year we get additional state aid of a billion dollars," he said.

But the increase wasn't enough for South Colonie schools, which is putting a budget before voters that exceeds the cap. The tax levy increase of 4.98% closes an eight-million-dollar gap, reduces spending and combines modified sports. It also cuts 90-95 positions.

FORT EDWARD, N.Y. (AP) - A 31-year-old Vermont woman arrested after a fatal crash in upstate New York has been convicted of drunken and reckless driving. But a jury acquitted her of manslaughter and homicide.
    
The Glens Falls Post Star (http://bit.ly/11L61oo) reports Cassie Earley of Arlington, Vt., cried when she heard the Washington County jury's verdict Friday.
    
Prosecutors said her blood alcohol level was 0.18 percent when she crashed into an oncoming car at 7 a.m. on July 29 in the town of Hebron. That's more than twice the legal limit. The crash killed 83-year-old Vincent Muro Sr., of West Rutland, Vt. A passenger in Muro's car was injured.
    
She was tried on charges including drunken driving, manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.
    
Earley faces up to a year in prison when she's sentenced June 14.

MALTA - An 8-year old boy went for the ride of his life Friday night in Malta. Just two months after surviving a heart-breaking tragedy, Matthew Sleight wound up in the winner's circle, lifted to a heart-warming celebrity status at the Albany-Saratoga Speedway.

Matthew arrived in style, riding in a shiny, black, stretch limousine, but that was just the beginning of an unforgettable night for the bright-eyed second grader.

"It's definitely a change for us," said Chris Sleight, Matthew's father. "The last few months, it's been obviously a rough road, up and down, there's days when he smiles and has a good time."

Back on March 10th, Matthew was a passenger in a car hit head-on by a van on Route 67 in Amsterdam. His mother Tanya, who was driving, and his older brother Elijah were killed in the crash. His 2-year old sister Naomi is still recovering.