WSSV News

An apartment fire caused extensive smoke and water damage to around 25 apartments at the Towers of Colonie apartment complex on Sand Creek Road. WRGB reports the fire started in an apartment on the second floor around 4:15 p.m. on Monday. Smoke then spread throughout the entire floor effecting multiple apartments. No injuries reported, no word on a cause.

A new bill introduced at the state Capitol would require any food service location at Thruway rest stops to stay open seven days a week. WNYT reports that’s something that directly challenges Chick-fil-A – a staple at many of the newly renovated rest stops. The restaurant chain is well-known nationwide for closing on Sundays, a practice that’s been in place since the first restaurant first opened in 1946.

Please be advised that a Special Saratoga Springs City Council meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, December 28 at 11am in the City Council room. The meeting will address end-of-year business. An agenda will be posted before the meeting.

Monday is the last day New Yorkers can apply for an adult use cannabis license. There are five adult use licenses interested New Yorkers can apply for: cultivator, processor, retail dispensary, distributor, and microbusiness. WRGB reports those who are still planning be prepared to pay $1,000 just to apply. The license fee for each varies – but expect it to be several thousand dollars.

A car in Corinth caught fire on Saturday on Eggleston Street. A person was working on the car, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. He was changing fuses in the rear of the vehicle to fix it, reports WNYT. After he was done working, he shut off the car and that’s when he started to see and smell smoke.

Governor Kathy Hochul is encouraging New Yorkers to spend time in the outdoors this holiday season and celebrate the New Year at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, canal trails, and public lands across the Empire State on January 1, 2024. The 13th annual First Day Hikes program is offering varied hike options for people at more than 80 locations across the state to enjoy.

New York’s U.S. House Republican delegation led by U.S. Reps. Elise Stefanik and Anthony D’Esposito have introduced a resolution condemning the state’s new Clean Slate law, which will automatically seal certain criminal records after a certain amount of time. The Daily Gazette reports Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the bill last month, which will seal records for felonies after eight years and misdemeanors after three years.

Legislation has been introduced in both the Assembly and the Senate with the goal of improving school bus transportation for kids with special needs. WRGB reports the proposed amendment to the State Education Law, would ensure free transportation to and from school and place a 90-minute cap on transportation time.Each school district would also have a liaison to work with each child and their family.

Moreau Lake State Park is warning visitors of a suspected outbreak of avian flu amongst the Canadian Goose population. Test results are currently pending. WTEN reports Park Operations and biologists are actively monitoring the situation and working to stop the spread. Visitors who encounter a sick or dead bird are asked to stay a safe distance away and inform Park Operations at (518) 793-0511.

The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed the 2024 budget at its special board meeting on Tuesday night. WNYT reports the $410 million spending plan includes an 8% cut to property tax rate, significant investments in public safety, emergency services, broadband and economic development.