News Staff

Members of the New York State Thruway Authority held a meeting at its headquarters in Albany on Monday. The Thruway Authority is considering raising the cost of tolls beginning in 2024. If you drive on the Thruway, you could be paying more in 2024. The New York Thruway Authority is proposing a 5% increase for E-ZPass drivers and a 75% increase for non E-ZPass drivers.

A letter Saratoga officials sent to District Attorney Karen Heggen’s office late Friday from the city council asks her to withdraw the gag order and come to the table to discuss their disagreements about sharing information in the recent officer involved shooting in the city. WNYT reports the special city council meeting grew tense Friday as officials voted to table a resolution condemning the order that officials not discuss the incident further. The council said it would revisit its options at its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday.

Rep. Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) sent a letter to Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan calling for the FTC to take steps to protect consumers and businesses from predatory cyber bots (commonly called Grinch bots) that buy up popular toys only to resell them exorbitantly marked-up prices. The Saratogian reports Tonko authored legislation called the Stopping Grinch Bots Act that cracks down on cyber Grinches using “bot” technology to quickly buy up whole inventories of popular holiday toys and resell them to parents at higher prices.

A Troy woman was arrested on Saturday after allegedly attacking her alleged boyfriend in front of police, as well as resisting arrest. Kristen Garzone, 36, of Troy, faces multiple charges. Police were trying to separate the two for the night when Garvone allegedly lunged at her boyfriend and attacked him in front of them. Officers say they had to physically remove Garzone from him. She allegedly fought with officers before being taken into custody.

There’s a new look welcoming you to Skidmore College. The Saratogian reports the school’s main entrance off of North Broadway in Saratoga Springs has new campus signage, new crosswalks to allow for safe crossing, new lighting and sidewalks, and the forthcoming installation of over 50 trees to replace trees that have been removed. These changes support the college’s guiding principles of sustainability, accessibility and enhancing the campus experience.

Revelers turned out Thursday night to offically kick off the holiday season in Saratoga Springs! The Victorian Streetwalk kicked off on Thursday, December 1st with a tree lighting and concert. The holiday event continues through the weekend. Events will be happening downtown from 5-8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, as well as from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

The Victorian Streetwalk returns this holiday season for its 37th year. The Saratogian reports it starts with closing Broadway from Spring Street to Lake Avenue from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday evening for a traditional Victorian Streetwalk evening featuring a live musical performance, and a special appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus at the tree lighting ceremony.
The main stage, Santa’s cottage and a 27-foot holiday tree will all be located near Putnam Market, located at 431 Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

The Saratoga Springs City Council unanimously approved the proposed 2023 budget at a special city council meeting earlier this week. According to the Saratogian, Council voted 5-0 to approve the proposed budget of $57 million. The 2023 General Fund Budget expanded by 5.19% from 2022 and includes support for the operation of the city’s third fire/EMS station, anticipated to open next spring.

WRGB reports Thruway Authority head Matthew Driscoll is planning to step down December 20th. His retirement comes as a proposal to increase tolls is on the agenda for a Monday meeting. It includes a 5-percent increase for those with New York EZ pass tags and a steep 75-percent hike for those who don’t. If the board of directors votes to move forward with the proposal, this would formally launch a public process that will include meetings to gather community input and a final report before a final decision is made.

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a rash of stolen packages in Malta along Thimbleberry Road. Police say they found the packages empty and suspect the robberies happened between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Monday. Anyone with doorbell video or other footage is asked to reach out to detectives.