News Staff

Rene G. Blanchette, 45, was stopped on Bay Road in Queensbury on March 26 around 8:20 p.m. for traffic violations, according to the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. Blanchette was charged with DWI, upgraded to a felony because he has a previous conviction. He was also charged with aggravated unlicensed operation. Blanchette refused to provide a breath test, police said.He was held in police lockup, pending arraignment in Warren County Centralized Arraignment Court.

Hundreds of current and former correction officers from across New York State rallyed at the State Capitol, calling for major reforms in staffing, safety, and what they claim are unjust terminations. Among the chief concerns: rising violence, drug activity, and excessive mandatory overtime. Many officers also argue that the recent firing of 2,000 staff members, some on medical leave or workers’ compensation was done without due process, creating unsafe conditions for both officers and inmates.

The Saratoga Springs city school board voted 7 to 1 to reaffirm its inclusion policy Thursday night. WRGB reports the resolution came two months after the U.S. Department of Education took action to eliminate DEI initiatives. Schools were told their federal funding was at risk if their DEI initiatives were not eliminated.

Saratoga Spa State Park is getting an electric infrastructure upgrade. WNYT reports New York State Parks is giving more than $6 million to the park. The money will be used to replace outdated transformers, cables, and switches and modernize the power grid. It will also triple the electrical capacity of the park.

A Fort Edward man will be placed on probation after admitting to stealing over $40,000 from the Albany Rural Cemetery. WNYT reports 58 year old David Eslinger pleaded guilty on Thursday to grand larceny and identity theft. Authorities say he was the cemetery’s former general manager and issued extra paychecks to himself and used the organization’s credit card to pay for gas, meals and trips to Las Vegas, Walt Disney World and a gentlemen’s club in New York City.

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he was pulling Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, a stunning turnaround for his Cabinet pick after her confirmation had been stalled for months over concerns about Republicans’ tight margins in the House.

Controlled burns will take place at Saratoga National Historical Park next month. The Daily Gazette reports weather permitting, the first burn could occur in early to mid April. The park may close roads, visitor facilities, parking areas and hiking trails temporarily during the burns. Notifications will be posted on the park’s website and via social media.

A Greenfield man pleaded guilty in two separate cases of felony drug possession in Saratoga County Court on Wednesday. The county DA’s office said Jason Allen, 45, was arrested for drug possession last August and October. WTEN reports in August, deputies arrested Allen for fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance after finding him and another person sleeping in a car outside of a Providence home.

A Connecticut man is accused of drunken driving and causing a crash that injured two people in Clifton Park last month. WNYT reports the crash happened on Feb. 4 in the vicinity of State Route 146 and Fire Road. Gonzalo Paredes-Moscoso, 45, of New Britain, allegedly drove with a blood alcohol concentration of more than 0.18% and was charged on Tuesday with two counts of first-degree vehicular assault.

A new draft report is adding a new layer to the heavy truck traffic conversation in Saratoga Springs. It’s a conversation that’s been going on for decades: What, and if, anything should be done to address safety and environmental concerns with trucks in Saratoga neighborhoods. WRGB reports the draft report, undertaken by MJ Engineering, looks at several intersections like Broadway, Van Dam Street, and Church Street in Saratoga Springs.