A Cohoes city councilman is facing forcible touching charges. WNYT reports Donald Russell pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance and has been ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. Russell represents the Second Ward in Cohoes.
Stewarts Holiday Match Fundraiser Update
The 36th annual Stewarts Holiday Match fundraiser reached a new milestone this year, raising over one million dollars in donations. The Holiday Match, in which Stewarts matches the funds raised, provides funding for Capital Region non-profits focused on helping youth. WRGB reports it’s the third time in Holiday Match history they’ve surpassed the one-million-dollar mark.
Hochul Signs Disaster Preparedness Legislation
Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed a legislative package to improve disaster preparedness efforts across New York State. One measure exempts certain utility and other workers from travel bans during declared emergencies. Another requires the state to make a plan for the delivery of medicine and medical supplies to pharmacies, hospitals, and nursing homes during declared disasters. Yet another assures that individuals who use certain medical devices have access to electricity during emergencies.
Saratoga Hospital Official To Run St. Mary’s Healthcare
Saratoga Hospital’s second-highest ranking executive will be St. Mary’s Healthcare’s next president and CEO. The Daily Gazette reports Jeffrey Methven worked nearly 20 years at Saratoga Hospital, the last two as executive vice president. Come the end of next month, he will assume his new role at St. Mary’s, replacing Scott Bruce. Bruce is retiring from after an over 25 year career at St. Mary’s that culminated in his appointment to the top leadership post in spring 2020.
Woman Arrested In Dollar Store Assault
State police arrested 41 year old Rachael L. Howard of Queensbury for her alleged involvement in an assault at a local Dollar General. Last week, troopers responded to the Dollar General in Queensbury for the report of an active assault. After an investigation, police determined Howard entered the store and began assaulting a victim known to her. She then refused to leave when told to by employees and had to be restrained until law enforcement arrived.
Hoosick Falls Country Club Fire Leaves One Firefighter Injured
Three firefighters were hurt while fighting a weekend fire at the Hoosick Falls Country Club on Richmond Avenue. WNYT reports fire officials say the injured firefighters was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation. It took a few hours to get the fire out, because of the extreme temperatures and slippery conditions. The building is severely damaged. The cause is under investigation.
Free WiFi Along Front Street In Ballston Spa
The Village of Ballston Spa is set to provide free public high-speed internet along Front Street. According to WTEN, the contract provides the village with three years of free public WiFi and is not costing the village anything. The WiFi will be available on Front Street from the Village Offices to Route 50 (Milton Avenue) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Those in the area can login to the WiFi for one-hour sessions.
State Police Underage Drinking Enforcement Operation In Saratoga County
State Police conduct an Underage Drinking Enforcement Detail in Saratoga County, During the initiative 16 businesses were checked for compliance. Three people were charged with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child after selling alcohol to persons under the age of 21. The businesses not in compliance were East Side Wine & Spirits in Saratoga, Jones & 50 Wine and Spirits in Saratoga, and Friendly Spirits Wines & Liquors in South Glens Falls.
Mayor Fires Back At DA After Gag Order Effort
City officials in Saratoga Springs are blasting the Saratoga County district attorney – as the ongoing battle over an officer-involved shooting on the city streets continues. WNYT reports Mayor Ron Kim counters that instead of gag orders, DA Karen Heggen should be working on making arrests in the case involving an off-duty sheriff’s deputy from Vermont who exchanged gunfire with a group from Utica – and was shot by a Saratoga Springs Police Officer.
DA Seeks Court Order Regarding Saratoga Officer Involved Shooting
Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen says she is asking for a court order to prevent the mayor of Saratoga Springs and the public safety commissioner from accessing and sending out information regarding an officer-involved shooting in the city that happened in November. WNYT reports the city released information and body camera video very shortly after the shooting.