Saratoga has begun reconstruction of the High Rock Avenue and Excelsior Avenue intersection.
They anticipate completion by November 11th, 2022, weather and conditions
permitting. Work hours will generally be between 7 am and 4 pm, Monday through Friday.
During construction, all businesses will remain open and be able to be accessed past the Local Traffic
Only signs.
Mental Health A Priority In Saratoga Schools
In the Saratoga Springs City School District, mental health is on the top of the mind of students, families and staff after saying they were burnt out. Superintendent of schools Dr. Michael Patton told WRGB the district is working with a Queensbury based mental health group to double their mental health services to meet the needs of everyone in the district.
Man Pleads Not Guilty In Machete Attack
42-year-old Randell Mason pleaded not guilty Thursday morning in Albany County Court to the entire three count indictment against him stemming from a machete attack at a homeless shelter. WNYT reports Mason faces two counts of attempted murder and one count of assault. The possibility of bail was never entertained. Mason’s defense attorney never made the request.
Sitterly Road Bridge Reopens
The Sitterly Road Bridge on the Northway in Clifton Park is back open. The bridge was shut down after it was hit by a lift truck that was too tall. WNYT reports construction on the new bridge began in December 2021. Its rebuild finished up ahead of schedule.
Natural Gas, Electric Costs Up Substantially This Winter
National Grid presented their annual home heating forecast on Wednesday morning. They say residential natural gas customers will pay 39% more this winter. That’s about $263 more for an average home. WNYT reports electricity costs are also rising. National Grid says residential customers can expect to pay 22% more this winter than they did last year.
Skidmore Gets Grant For Fire Prevention Program
Skidmore College is getting a federal grant to support a fire prevention program. According to WNYT, just under a million dollars will be awarded to help support scientific research to improve firefighter safety. The grant is funded by the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act and American Rescue Plan Act. The project will facilitate research relating to firefighter health..
Track Wraps Up 2022 Season
Monday marked the last day of the 2022 Saratoga racing season. The 40-day meet also meant a big economic boost for Saratoga Springs as COVID restrictions were lifted and people flocked to get a sense of excitement and normalcy. Opening weekend alone, NYRA reported over 100,000 people, about 10% more people than last season.
NYRA Announcer To Retire
John Imbriale will retire as the full-time announcer at the New York Racing Association (NYRA) at the end of 2022. Frank Mirahmadi will take over at Saratoga Race Course and Chris Griffin will become the primary track announcer at Aqueduct Racetrack, starting in 2023. WNYT reports Imbriale’s 40-plus-year career with the NRYA dates back to 1979 when he won a New York Daily News contest, which gave him the chance to call a race and work with the NYRA press office.
Former Saratoga Mayor, Public Safety Commish Subpeonaed In AG Probe
The former mayor and public safety commissioner in Saratoga Springs have been subpoenaed to testify in an investigation by the New York State Attorney General as to how Saratoga Springs police treated Black Lives Matter protestors during rallies and marches in 2021. WNYT reports former Mayor Meg Kelly and former Public Safety Commissioner Robin Dalton are the first people to be subpoenaed by state investigators.
Man Drowns In Saratoga Lake
A man from Mechanicville drowned near Brown’s Beach at Saratoga Lake. WNYT reports the sheriff’s office responded to a call of a person in the water yelling for help, around 9:30 Thursday morning. The sheriff’s dive team recovered the body of 44-year-old Christopher Lavigne. It’s believed he was alone in a canoe and fell out due to windy conditions.