COLUMBIA - Army National Guard Pfc. Kayla M. Rost has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

She is the daughter of Ruth and Bob Bahret Troy, and granddaughter of Janet Liszewski Schenectady.

Rost graduated in 2010 from Troy High School.

SCHENECTADY – The award-winning Fela! will arrive at Proctors Mainstage for three shows only on Friday, March 8, featuring Grammy-award winning recording artist Michelle Williams from Destiny's Child, as Sandra Isadore.

“I am thrilled to join the cast of Fela!,” said Michelle Williams. “This musical journey

is one that I’ve wanted to be a part of since first seeing it on stage in 2008.  The sounds, the passion and the politics of Fela Kuti have long intrigued me and speak to my heart.  I am simply honored.”

Fela! tells the true story of Kuti, who created Afrobeat music, by mixing together pounding eclectic rhythms with lyrics that attacked the dictatorships that ruled Africa.

TROY - In the United Kingdom, the short money at betting parlors is going to a 64-year-old cardinal from Ghana with strong ties to the Capital Region, Peter Turkson.

"Peter Turkson is the red hot favorite," said Rupert Adams of William Hill Bookmakers. "Interestingly, we put him in at five to one yesterday when the big announcement occurred. He's been backed quite heavily, in from five to three to one, which would suggest that some people think that he's a genuine contender."

Turkson studied for the priesthood at a seminary along the Hudson in Rensselaer.

The future Cardinal and possible pope carried the word and lived his faith in places like Arbor Hill.

He's continued to visit here, taking part in a service at Siena College last May.