News Staff

New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin resigned Tuesday in the wake of his arrest in a federal corruption investigation. Benjamin, a Democrat, was accused in an indictment of participating in a scheme to obtain campaign contributions from a real estate developer in exchange for Benjamin’s agreement to use his influence as a state senator to get a $50,000 grant of state funds for a nonprofit organization the developer controlled.

Saratoga Hospital has been named one of the world’s best hospitals. According to WNYT, it’s the second year in a row that it’s received the distinction from Newsweek. Only 11 hospitals in the state earned the award and Saratoga is the only Capital Region facility on the lst. It’s also the smallest hospital in the state to earn the title based on recommendations from medical experts, patient surveys and medical performance.

Saratoga firefighters are taking an active role in “Autism Awareness Month. ” WNYT reports various training sessions are being held this week to improve not only treating their medical needs, but also interactions on calls related to fires, alarm activations, searches, rescues and how to be part of a support system when firefighters are assisting family members on calls.

The guidelines surround alcohol to go in New York are being clarified. WNYT reports According to the new budget, wine and/or liquor must be accompanied by a “substantial food item;” sandwiches, soups, salads, wings, or hot dogs qualify.
However, a bag of chips, a bowl of nuts, or candy – do not. Also, the guidance also says wine and or liquor means the alcohol the retailer buys from a wholesaler in a bottle, box, can or container. Transferring the alcohol to another bottle will be treated as a violation.

Police continue to investigate a shooting at Crossgates Mall in the parking lot that sent one female to the hospital after she was shot in the hand. WRGB reports police say the incident happened around 2:50 Sunday afternoon. The suspects fled before police arrived – but there are still questions left unanswered – including how many suspects they believe were involved and whether the victim knew them.

On Sunday, Reverend Holly Nye of the Burnt Hills United Methodist Church hosted an outdoor prayer service for peace and unity that brought together Catholic, Episcopal, and Lutheran churches as well. WNYT reports students from Burnt Hills Ballston Lake High school also joined with community members for the prayer service and performed a Ukrainian folk song they learned in just one week.

Saratoga’s Commissioner of Public Works Anthony “Skip” Scirocco has died. WNYT reports the 74 year old was battling cancer, while still acting in his elected duties, a position he held for 14 years. Scirocco also served as a Saratoga County supervisor.

20-year-old Blake Heflin was sentenced to three years probation for his role in the death of a young man who jumped off his boat during an outing on Saratoga Lake. Authorities say Heflin was drunk while operating a boat that hit 20-year-old Ian Gerber on Saratoga Lake on July 4. His attorney said there is a pending civil action. He is also not allowed to operate a boat for one year.

A Warren County man was sentenced to prison Thursday morning for killing his own infant son. According to WNYT, 20 year old Tyler Zaugg was sentenced to 32 years in prison for taking the life of his son, Noah. The child was just seven weeks old when he was rushed to the hospital. Zaugg, who was his father, called 911, claiming he was giving the baby a bath and the child “slipped under the water.”

Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce says unemployment rates haven’t been this high in a very long time. WRGB reports in 2001, Shimkus says the unemployment rate sat at 2.2%. Currently, the unemployment rate sits around 3.3% which means about 3,000 people are without jobs right now in the county. Shimkus says the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the labor market, and the challenge has been finding enough people to fill the open job listings.