John Purcell
Reporter
518-439-4949
Ext: 429
John Purcell has covered Schenectady County for over a year and a half at Spotlight Newspapers.
Purcell covers the towns of Niskayuna, Rotterdam and Glenville, the Village of Scotia and Schenectady County government and events. Also, he covers the school districts of Niskayuna, Mohonasen, Schalmont and Scotia-Glenville and Schenectady County Community College.
In the New York Press Association's 2011 Better Newspaper Contest he received third place honors in Spot News Coverage for his story on the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene. Also, in NYPA's 2010 contest he received honorable mention for best news story.
Before joining Spotlight, he interned at The Legislative Gazette covering state government. He graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a B.A. in Journalism. Also, he is a Schenectady County native.
Recent Stories
Early trip to court in Congressional race
Dieterich challenges Tonko’s third-party petition signatures
Bob Dieterich is hoping to strike Paul Tonko’s name from the Independence Party ballot line, but Tonko is confident his name will remain.
Rexford man saves injured cat
Rescue group to hold garage sale to help pay veterinary bills
One man simply couldn’t leave an injured cat lying in the middle of the road outside of his home, but as a result he now faces veterinary bills totaling more than $3,000.
Final mission for fighter jets (Photo Gallery & Video)
Empire State Aerosciences Museum acquires three planes from Intrepid
Two of the three newly acquired aircraft of the Empire State Aerosciences Museum in Glenville took an unlikely trip to reach their destination on Monday, April 30.
State picks up tab for flood relief
Cuomo announces state to cover local shares of FEMA recovery projects
Counties throughout New York State received unexpected and costly flood damage last year, but Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the state will be footing the bill.
Scotia banker eyes Tonko’s seat
First National Bank of Scotia Senior Vice President Bob Dieterich is hoping to bounce Paul Tonko from Congress like a bad check.
Piping up
Scotia-Glenville Pipe Band to host fifth annual Celtic Jam
Unmistakable sounds from Great Highland Bagpipes will soon be bursting out of Scotia-Glenville High School’s auditorium as the Tartan tradition comes alive.
A tale of two weddings
Valentine’s nuptials mean trials, happiness for two area couples
No wedding ever goes off perfectly, and two area women will testify that basing nuptials around the most romantic day on the calendar doesn’t help. But it doesn’t preclude a lifetime of happiness.
Focusing on the Wild West
Alplaus cafe hosts area photographer’s ‘True Grit’ art show
One area woman didn’t pick up the lens until later in life, but now she’s focusing it on a bygone lifestyle not often seen.
Antarctic rescue saves seven
Area 109th Air Wing crew evacuate burned fishermen
Two local airmen had a change of pace from transporting cargo and passengers to remote outposts when they came to the aid of seven severely burned fishermen — and saved their lives.
Grants float canal projects
Nearly $44k awarded to fund historical education programs
A series of grants is aimed at getting people involved in the rich history of the Erie Canal once more.