News Staff

A Saratoga Springs woman who just turned 107 got a special honor on Thursday. WNYT reports Bet Smith received a special proclamation from Mayor Ron Kim. He stopped by Woodlawn Commons Assisted Living – where Smith lives – to wish her a happy birthday.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that she has approved a request from the New York State Police to raise the maximum age to apply to become a New York State Trooper from 29 to 34. In addition to raising the age requirement, earlier this year, the Governor announced more than $66 million in the budget to fund additional New York State Police academy classes and increase the number of New York State Troopers dedicated to addressing serious crime. The Governor’s plan provides for two additional classes each year allowing for four classes annually.

A changing of the guard for the Saratoga Springs Police Department. Thursday marks the official switch as Chief Shane Crooks retires, and Tyler McIntosh takes over the top job. 36 year old McIntosh becomes chief after 11 years in the department. Crooks retires after 26 years in law enforcement.

Police say speed is to blame in a deadly crash in Charlton on Wednesday morning on State Route 147. WNYT reports
62 year old Anthony Giglio of Galway lost control of his pickup truck, crossed into the opposite lane and hit a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the existing air quality health advisory for the entire state will remain in effect through Thursday, The Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health are closely monitoring air quality for impacts from Canadian wildfires and issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for tomorrow after forecasts of levels of particulate matter pollution that are ‘Unhealthy’ and ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.’

Jailed without bail, a Saratoga County man is accused of sexually assaulting a woman. The incident involving Michael Pelletier allegedly happened on Selfridge Road in Moreau early Monday morning, reports WNYT, involving a victim he met on a dating app. He was arrested the same day.

The three suspects from Utica who were allegedly involved in last November’s Saratoga Springs shootout were in court Tuesday morning. WNYT reports Alexander Colon and Darius Wright had their cases adjourned until July 25, while
Christopher Castillo has until July 25 to hire a public defender. The three face attempted assault charges.

A tractor trailer overturned Tuesday night on Old Post Road in Malta, causing a road closure. The rig was the only vehicle involved and no one was hurt, but Old Post Road between State Route 9 and Northline Road was closed for several hours as the truck had to be unloaded and removed from the scene.

Christopher Barry of Saratoga Springs, was recently arrested and arraigned on an indictment charging receipt and possession of child pornography. The indictment alleges that between June 2021 and Jan. 2022, Barry, 41, received child pornography, and, on Feb. 9, 2023, possessed two phones containing child pornography. If convicted, Barry would face at least five years and up to 20 years in prison.

A Burnt Hills man is facing charges for allegedly taking advantage of his company credit card. According to WNYT, an investigation showed 44 year old Benjamin Sloan had been using his assigned company credit card to buy gift cards for his personal use. He was released on appearance tickets, and is due in the town of Wilton and Halfmoon courts at a later date