WSSV News

January 28th is reportedly the last day of business for the Eddie Bauer store in Saratoga. It’s been there for 20 years but like most brick and mortar stores, faces increased competition from online offerings. No specific reason for the closing is known at this time. Several local Eddie Bauer outlet locations remain in operation, including one in Lake George.

State Police of Wilton recently arrested Shannon A. Welch of Whitehall, N.Y. on two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia. Troopers stopped a vehicle on Butler Road in Moreau and the driver, identified as Welch, 38, had an active warrant for her arrest. When taken into custody, Welch possessed felony-weight narcotics and a digital scale.

A teacher from Averill Park High School is under arrest. WTEN reports 43 year old Peter Bertram of Nassau is charged with endangering the welfare of a child after investigators were contacted by a concerned individual who believed Bertram was having inappropriate contact with a child under the age of 17, and police determined he had sent that teen ndecent and sexually suggestive images and statements. The alleged victim is not a student at the school where Bertram teaches.

Jury selection began Tuesday in the trial of a Saratoga County man accused of raping two girls, younger than 11. According to WNYT, 36 year old Nathaniel Bradford is facing a long list of charges. One victim reportedly told a friend, who told authorities.
Bradford faces up to life in prison if convicted.

The Saratoga Springs Poet Laureate Committee recently recommended Mayor Ron Kim appoint Joseph Bruchac III as Saratoga Springs’ First Poet Laureate. According to The Saratogian, the appointment and inauguration will take place during a City Council meeting Tuesday. Bruchac was born in Saratoga Springs and he has authored more than 180 books for adults and children.

Saratoga Springs Fire Fighters – Local 343 is encouraging qualified candidates to take the first steps toward becoming a firefighter. The Saratogian reports applications (and the required examination fee) are being accepted – and must be received by the Saratoga Springs Civil Service office by 1 p.m. on Jan. 17, 2023. Veterans credits are applicable and consistent with the exam announcements.

A man from Halfmoon is facing drug charges, accused of having hallucinogenic substances. State Police pulled over 35 year old Brian Ausfeldt on State Route 30A in Johnstown early Monday morning, and reportedly found illegal mushrooms and prescription drugs. Ausfeldt was ticketed and released.

The Saratoga Senior Center will host a Volunteer Fair for community members looking to learn about volunteer opportunities with the organization. According to the Saratogian, interested volunteers are welcome to visit and learn more from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at the center, which is located at 5 Williams St. in Saratoga Springs. The fair will feature the center’s volunteer coordinator speaking about the various opportunities. Interested volunteers can also meet with current volunteers to learn more about specific areas.

On Monday, Jan. 16, Saratoga Casino Hotel is teaming up with the American Red Cross to host a Blood Drive in the hotel ballroom from noon to 6 p.m. The Saratogian reports members of the local community are urged to roll up their sleeves and give blood to help patients in need. The winter months can be especially difficult to collect enough blood and platelets to meet patient needs.

The Saratoga Springs City School District is hiring two additional school resource officers. WTEN reports the city’s board of education voted earlier in the week to approve a proposal to bring in another deputy from the county sheriff’s office and another from the city’s police department, giving the district a total of four SROs at a cost of about $220,000 for the rest of the school year.