News Staff

Four people are charged in a Saratoga County drug trafficking investigation. According to WNYT, 41 year old Shahid Smith is accused of selling and possessing crack cocaine, fentanyl and crystal meth. More drugs were found at 260 Maple Avenue and a home at 104 Holly Lane in Wilton, and three more people – 31 year old Dana Goosens, 40 year old Amie Buck and 42 year old Tabatha Heitzmann were arrested.

The boil water order has been lifted in Saratoga Springs, the city’s Department of Public Works announced on Tuesday afternoon in a public health update. The Saratogian reports a precautionary city-wide boil water advisory was put into effect on Sunday, Jan. 1 by the New York State Department of Health following a large water main break.

MLK Saratoga’s annual Dr. King Celebration Weekend returns later this month with a range of programming aimed at social, racial and economic justice issues. The Saratogian reports the 2023 event, scheduled for Friday, Jan. 13 through Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 16, will offer workshops, performances, lectures and panel discussions.

State gas taxes worth $0.16 per gallon resumed on Sunday after a six-month suspension. WNYT reports Governor Kathy Hochul says resuming the tax is important because it brings in revenue that the state needs to maintain the roads.
State Senator Dan Stec says he wants to resume the tax suspension – calling the legislature tone deaf for calling a special session to vote on pay raises, and not relief at the pumps.

Assault and weapons counts face a man following a New Year’s Day stabbing in Saratoga Springs. Police say 28 year old
Damon Beckerman is accused of stabbing a woman in the leg, at an apartment off Seward Street. The 26 year old vicitm was treated and released at Saratoga Hospital. Beckerman was taken into custody in lieu of bail or bond.

A Mechanicville man is due in court on DWI charges after being involved in a head on crash in Ballston Spa. Police say the driver, 29 year old Michael Gregory, had a blood alcohol content of .23%, nearly three times the legal limit. There were no injuries reported. He was issued appearance tickets and released.

Saratoga remains undder a boil water advisory after a massive water main break over the weekend. According to WNYT, officials say the water break was mainly due to old infrastructure and the quick temperature changes. The boil water advisory will lift once the Department of Health decides it’s safe. They expect that to be by 7 p.m. Tuesday night.

Hannaford has picked a local senior food service to benefit from its fight hunger bag program during the month of January. According to WNYT, donations made through this program will directly benefit the Saratoga County senior nutrition program, to recipients primarily homebound and in need of nutritional support.
For every $2.50 reusable fight hunger bag purchased, Hannaford sends a $1.00 donation to the local organization.

The Saratoga New Year’s Fest finally made its return after a 2-year hiatus and people came to spend time with friends and family. WNYT reports the event also featured over 30 musical acts. The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce said they expected more than 8,000 people to attend. The Saratoga New Year’s Fest continued on Sunday with the First Day 5k race .

The City of Saratoga Springs has a water main break on Excelsior Ave. A boil water advisory is now in effect. Residents may experience changes in water pressure while repairs are being made. A follow up message will be sent when the boil water advisory is lifted. Please direct calls to the Saratoga Springs DPW at 518-584-3356.