Additional safety measures have been announced for the Saratoga Race Course. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority – or HISA – made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon. According to WNYT, for the rest of the summer meet at Saratoga, exams on horses after races will be performed by a HISA veterinarian, and members of HISA’s new Track Surface Advisory Group will be on-site at Saratoga to review the dirt and turf courses Wednesday.
Search Warrant, Arrest in Child Porn Case
State Police in arrested 41 year old Luke A. Fletcher of Saratoga Springs, NY, for Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child. His arrest followed an investigation and the execution of a search warrant at his home in Saratoga Springs, NY, On August 28, 2023. The investigation stemmed from a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Opiod Program Funding Announced
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of further funding opportunities to develop harm reduction interventions for priority populations who are particularly vulnerable to overdose, as well as study fatalities connected to opioids statewide.
The two new funding opportunities through the Opioid Settlement Fund total nearly $8 million, and include:
Expanding Harm Reduction Services for Priority Populations Who Use Drugs, with applications due October 3, 2023 ($7.5 million over two years). Development of a Comprehensive Coroner Training Program in New York State, with applications due October 5, 2023 ($400,000 over two years).
Saratoga Hosting Innovation Summit
Registration is open for the 2023 New York State Innovation summit happening at the Saratoga City Center in Saratoga Springs on Oct. 16 and 17. The Saratogian reports approximately 500-plus people are expected as the Capital Region hosts New York’s Largest gathering of statewide innovation ecosystem. The leaders of GlobalFoundries, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Empire State Development, the national Manufacturing Extension Partnership program and the New York State Energy and Research Authority (NYSERDA) will deliver keynote addresses at the Summit.
Troy Man Sentenced In Capital Region Cocaine Ring
29-year-old Jan Lopez-Colon of Troy was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role as leader of a Capital Region cocaine distribution conspiracy. WRGB reports on December 29, 2022, Lopez-Colon pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, admitting he and three others worked together to receive over 5 kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico and distribute it in the Capital Region.
Galway CSD Dismisses Measure To Ban Books
A measure that would have banned books at Galway Central School District was dismissed at a packed board of education meeting Monday night. Community members showed up in droves to show their support for keeping two books in the district’s curriculum. WTEN reports ‘The 57 Bus’ is a non-fiction book about a transgender person who experiences a hate crime, while ‘Ink Knows No Borders’ is a collection of poetry from teen immigrants and refugees.
Federal Funding For Area Fire Departments
Funding is coming to the Capital Region to help support fire departments. Monday senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced $3.6 million to be spread across the state. In the Capital Region, funding will go to Ballston Lake, Canajoharie, the volunteer fire departments in Hudson and Johnstown.
Tailgate And Party In Saratoga To Close
Tailgate and Party, which offers a variety of party games, decorations, supplies and activities for holidays and gatherings is set to close up shop this year, the owner announced on social media. According to the Daily Gazette, owner Kristen Lambert said it’s time to retire.
Bicycle, Car Crash In Moreau
The Saratoga County Sheriffs Office is investigating a crash between a car and bicycle Saturday night. According to WNYT, the crash happened at around 5:27 p.m. at the intersection of Reservoir Road and New York State Route 32 in Moreau when a vehicle driven by 29-year-old Jordan Sommers of Moreau struck a bicycle traveling in the same direction ridden by 65-year old Philip Davis of Moreau. Davis was taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and is currently in stable condition.
Schenectady Man Arrested In Saratoga With Stolen Handgun
A Schenectady man is under arrest after a police officer on patrol near Caroline Street early Sunday, spotted a black handgun in plain view in a parked car. 25-year-old Raki Johnson was arrested. The loaded nine-millimeter taurus semi-automatic handgun with nine rounds of ammunition was reported stolen out of North Carolina.