H. Rose Schneider reports in The Altamont Enterprise that a New York State Park Police Academy firing range in Rensselaerville closed Dec. 22, at least until the courts settle whether it can re-open. Eight neighbors who live within a mile of the facility filed an Article 78 this fall to stop the shooting. They say that the initial announcement for the police academy's use of the facility did not include firearms training, nor mention the firing range. “We take the community’s concerns seriously, and have agreed to suspend firing at the range after this week of training while we evaluate further measures to dampen sound and reduce noise while the legal issues are addressed in court,” said Randy Simons, the public information officer for the park's office. Neighbors say their animals were skittish with gunfire sounds, and that the academy has created water issues in the neighborhood. Read the full story in The Altamont Enterprise.