WSSV News

Clifton Park has been awarded $1.7 million in state funds to improve the walkability of the town. WNYT reports the goals are to improve traffic flow, walkability, connectivity, aesthetics and diversify businesses in the area. Clifton Park will continue to build sidewalks for people and bikers, and improve some crosswalks. The funds may also go toward the goal of building a park in the town center.

Thousands of ballots across the area have already been submitted for early voting ahead of election night. According to WNYT, Albany County has already eclipsed 3,000 early votes with nearly 1,800 more absentee ballots. Schenectady just eclipsed more than 2,000 early votes with more than 950 absentee ballots. Saratoga County has the third most early votes in right now with more than 1,400.

The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors and the Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency held its monthly Honor Deceased Veterans Program recently at the County Building in Ballston Spa with a ceremony honoring Raymond J. “Butch” Giroux, Jr. of Waterford, who served in Vietnam from Aug. 24, 1968, to Aug. 22, 1969. Giroux was involved in heavy ground combat with the enemy and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with V/ Device for valor in action against the enemy.

Albany police are investigating a shooting incident that reportedly happened near Second Street. On Sunday, at about 6 p.m., officers responded to the area of Second and Judson Streets for reports of shots fired. WTEN reports a man walked into Albany Medical Center with a gunshot wound to the hip. The victim is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Three people have under arrest following a probe into drug trafficking in Saratoga County. According to WNYT, police arrested Thomas Allen, Kayla Allen, and Erica Shippee after executing a search warrant in the town of Corinth.
Police say they seized scales, packaging materials and a quantity of crack cocaine.

Gaffney’s Bar in Saratoga Springs paid its $70,000 state fine, WNYT reports the State Liquor Authority saysthe bar paid the fine Wednesday afternoon. It’s unclear when Gaffney’s will reopen but when it does, the place will have a new set of rules to follow, including closing at 2 a.m. and no live music or DJs.

Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21) says she plans to vote against a bipartisan Senate gun control bill that would stand as Congress’s response to recent mass shootings in Texas and New York.
The legislation would toughen background checks for young firearm buyers, require more sellers to conduct background checks, and increase penalties on gun traffickers.

South Glens Fall Police have arrested two men for allegedly stealing more than $3,300 worth of tools from a construction site. 52 year old Robert J. Felice and 56 year old Russel C. Hedger, both of South Glens Falls, are accused of taking the tools from a construction site on Ferry Boulevard during the evening hours on June 14. Police say the tools have since been recovered.

Leaders from the Saratoga Regional YMCA and Saratoga Senior Center broke ground on a joint capital project on Tuesday that will create an intergenerational community hub dedicated to health and wellness. According to the Saratogian, the $8.2 million initiative will add approximately 38,000 square feet to the YMCA’s West Avenue facility, including a 14,500-square-foot new home for the Saratoga Senior Center.

The State Department is confirming the death of a U.S. citizen in Ukraine who is believed to be only the second American to have been killed in the conflict there. Authorities say 53 year old Stephen Zabielski lived in Amsterdam unitl 2018. The department did not provide a date or the circumstances of his death