News Staff

Wellspring, the domestic violence and sexual assault resource for Saratoga County, is partnering with Skidmore College to bring New York Times reporter and best-selling author Megan Twohey, to Skidmore’s Arthur Zankel Music Center on Monday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m. for a public event. In 2017, Twohey and fellow reporter Jodi Kantor published a report about former movie producer and now convicted felon Harvey Weinstein, detailing an overwhelming number of sexual abuse allegations.

DEC has issued guidance to help prevent conflicts between people and coyotes. Coyote sightings are likely to increase in the coming months Coyotes inhabit a variety of habitats throughout the state, from rural farmland and forests to populated suburban and urban areas. Do not leave food outside. Pet food and garbage attract coyotes and other wildlife and increase risks to people and pets. Feed pets indoors, eliminate availability of bird seed and teach children to appreciate coyotes from a distance.

A second emergency benefit is now available through the Home Energy Assistance Program for eligible New Yorkers in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off. WTEN reports eligible households can normally receive one regular HEAP benefit each winter and could also be eligible for one emergency HEAP benefit in the event of an energy crisis. Eligible households that have already received a regular and emergency benefit this winter can now apply for an additional emergency benefit if they are facing a utility shut-off or running out of heating fuel.

A Shenendehowa High School student was caught with an Airsoft BB gun at school on Tuesday morning. WNYT reports a child told a parent about the possible threat. That parent contacted police. Students in High School West were held in classrooms while an investigation was done, and the weapon was found. The student will be charged with unlawful possession of a weapon on school grounds

A snow emergency is underway in Saratoga and will end at 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 2. Beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, all vehicles must be moved from City Streets to a cleared or plowed area every twelve hours. Vehicles parked on city streets with existing alternate-side parking restrictions must adhere to posted guidelines. Any vehicles violating the parking regulations may be ticketed or towed at the owner’s expense.

The cause of a Waterford fire Sunday night is under investigation. According to WNYT, flames tore through a multifamily home at 100 Vanderwerken Avenue. A family of ten and a family of four were home at the time, but got out safely.
No injuries were reported.

A body pulled from the Mohawk River last week in Schenectady is missing teen Samantha Humphrey. Police made that announcement Monday afternoon. WNYT reports The 14-year-old girl disappeared in that area on Nov. 25. She was headed to Riverside Park to meet up with an ex-boyfriend. Not long after, her jacket was discovered by the river in the area near where she was last seen.

New York State Park Police will conduct a simulated training exercise focusing on a mass casualty response at Saratoga Performing Arts Center this spring. The Saratogian reports the training will focus on coordination and emergency response during several simulated scenarios envisioning an incident involving injuries to a large number of concertgoers at the venue. It’s happening 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday, April 30 throughout the exercises near SPAC inside Saratoga Spa State Park.

Mechanicville police arrested Joseph Howard, 47 of Albany on February 23. Police allegedly followed Howard on a pursuit when he was reportedly driving while drunk. WTEN reports Howard was driving on South Central Avenue when officers tried to pull him over. Howard refused to pull over leading police on a short pursuit through city streets. Officers report the pursuit ended on Newman Avenue where they pulled over Howard and he showed signs of impairment.

A Ballston man is charged with DWAI and other counts. WNYT reports State police say they stopped 40-year-old Steven Stangle of Clifton Park last week. He was impaired and had drugs in the vehicle, which they say he tried to destroy when officers got nearby. He was sent for drug-testing at state police barracks in Clifton Park, where he tested positive for impairment, and was sent to Saratoga County Correctional Facility without bail.