New Year

Saratoga Springs Police are investigating an early morning stabbing that took place on New Year’s Day. WRGB reporots at about 2:30 Saturday morning, officers on Caroline Street encountered a 28 year-old male who had sustained stab wounds to his torso. The man had just walked out of Gaffney’s on Caroline Street and self-reported to officers that he had been stabbed while inside the bar.

Saratoga’s Chowderfest Postponed Due To COVID

Chowderfest in Saratoga Springs has been re-scheduled due to a surge in COVID cases. WNYT reports it was planned for January 29 through February 5th, but will now take place from March 19 through March 26. You can buy chowder from local restaurants throughout the week and vote for your favorite.

Hochul Delivers State of the State Address

Gov. Kathy Hochul outlined an agenda for an economic comeback from the coronavirus pandemic and new government investments in health care, housing and renewable energy in her State of the State address Wednesday. She spoke before a limited, socially distanced audience in the Assembly chamber at the New York State Capitol in Albany amid the worst surge in coronavirus infections since the early days of the pandemic.

New Lawmakers Call For Probe Into Death Of Darryl Mouont Jr.

Four newly-elected Democrats on Saratoga Springs City Council are calling on the mayor to sign and send a letter to Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen requesting a grand jury investigation into the death of Darryl Mount Jr. The Daily Gazette reports Mount died in 2014, following a chase with police in 2013. Mount spent nine months in a coma before he died. His family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city.

Clifton Park, Halfmoon To Hand Out COVID At-Home Tests

Clifton Park and Halfmoon will be handing outo COVID-19 at-home test kits to residents on January 6 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. or until supplies run out. WTEN reports for Clifton Park residents, kits will be distributed at the Clifton Park Senior Community Center on the Clifton Common. For Halfmoon residents, kits will be distributed at the Halfmoon Town Hall Complex at Halfmoon Town Hall Plaza.

Saratoga Seeking Public Safety Dispatchers

Saratoga Springs needs more public safety dispatchers. WNYT reports a test is being offered this month for dispatchers. As of Monday, they had less than a third of the candidates they typically have. The civil service test to become a dispatcher is scheduled for January 22, but you have to sign up by next Monday, January 10.
The starting pay is just under $47,000.

Spring Seedling Sale Announced For Saratoga Tree Nursery

DEC announces the start of the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery annual spring seedling sale, which is open to the public and runs until May 13. Each year, the nursery offers low-cost, New York-grown tree and shrub species for sale to encourage conservation plantings and foster the next generation of forests. There are more than 50 conifer and hardwood species available in bundles of 25 or more, plus several mixed species packets for those looking for a variety.

Rec Center Renamed To Honor Former Mayor

Saratoga’s recreation center was renamed Thursday in the honor of the former mayor who inherited a $6.5 million bond authorization to build the facility . The Daily Gazeete reports the center is now known as the Scott T. Johnson Recreation Center in honor of the three-term mayor who served from 2008 to 2013.

Mechanicville Man Dies After Being Pulled From Burning Home

The Mechanicville man who was pulled from a burning home on Lake Avenue Wednesday evening has died. WNYT reports the victim is 67-year-old David Richards. Units arrived at the two-family home on Round Lake Avenue in Mechanicville around 8:40 p.m. A good Samaritan noticed heavy smoke coming from downstairs and called 911. The fire was put out in 10 minutes.

Urgent Care Visits On The Rise At Saratoga Hospital

The number of urgent care visits at the Saratoga Hospital is up 50%. WNYT reports the hospital’s executive vice president says it’s being primarily driven by COVID testing. He says 70% of all urgent care patients want a COVID test. That number is up 85% in the last week. Also, the number of hospital beds available is going up, as more people get vaccinated and boosted.