Saratoga County just received thousands of dollars in state money that could keep drunken drivers off the roads. WNYT reports they received $35,000 from the governor’s traffic safety committee. The program aims to increase the amount of people following the state’s DWI laws. The grant will help fund training and overtime costs for police.
Saratoga BLM Members In Court
Two members of the Saratoga Springs Black Lives Matter organization were in court Monday morning. According to WNYT,
Founding member Lexis Figuereo is accused of taking a microphone from someone during the public comment portion of a meeting back in April. His sister and another member of Saratoga BLM, Chandler Hickenbottom, is facing similar charges.
Report: State Police Investigating Allegations Against Saratoga Fire Chief
State Police are now investigating allegations made against the Saratoga Springs fire chief. WNYT reports had officially filed 16 charges of misconduct against Fire Chief Joseph Dolan including double dippping with his capacity as trainer for the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control. Officials contend he did not charge leave time, and was also paid full salary as Saratoga fire chief at the same time.
DEC Issues Air Quality Advisory
As ravaging Canadian wildfires continue, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality alert for the Adirondacks through Tuesday night. Sun Community News reports the alert was issued for areas across the state Monday, June 5, and later extended and expanded through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday. The extension applied to the Adirondacks, Long Island, NYC Metro, Lower and Upper Hudson Valley, Central Regions and Eastern Lake Ontario.
Update On Lawsuit Filed In Death Of Darryl Mount
The wrongful death lawsuit filed by Darryl Mount’s mother Patty Jackson against the officers involved in his case and the city of Saratoga Springs is scheduled to head to trial in October if a judge does not rule on behalf of the city to dismiss the case. The Daily Gazette reports Jackson’s attorney said he’s not sure when the judge will rule on the motion to dismiss. The case is being overseen by Schenectady County Supreme Court Judge Thomas Buchanan.
American Heart Association Heart Walk And Run
On Sunday, the American Heart Association hosted the Capital Region Heart Walk and Run to help spread awareness. The event featured hands-on CPR training, blood pressure screenings, and first-hand accounts from people affected by heart disease. WTEN reports more than 1500 people attended the event to run and walk in honor of those who have struggled or continue living with a form of cardiovascular disease and more than $430,000 was raised.
NYSEG Warns Of Utility Scams
There’s a warning got all NYSEG customers – scammers are pretending to work for the utility company. One local woman said she was told her power would be cut off if she did not pay her bill right away. Authorities say not only are phone calls being made, but the imposters are going door-to-door acting as company representatives. If you’re ever unsure about the caller, ask for the last five digits of the account. If the imposter is at your door, ask for their NYSEG identification.
Zim Smith Trail Walk And Picnic In The Park
The Town of Halfmoon announced the Zim Smith Trail Walk & Picnic in the Park, a fun and healthy outdoor event for the whole family, on Saturday, June 3, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The Saratogian reports participants should arrive at the Zim Smith Trail Head on Coons Crossing Road by 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 3. A shuttle will transport them to the Zim Smith East Trail head on Elizabeth Street Extension to begin the walk at 11 a.m.
Track Migrant Workers Exempt From Refuge Ban
Visa holders working at Saratoga Race Course are exempt from an emergency order aimed at deterring migrants from taking refuge in Saratoga County. The Daily Gazette reports the order, first executed on May 19, was a preemptive response to a nearly 80,000-person influx of asylum seekers entering New York — namely New York City — following the expiration of a federal COVID-19 era immigration policy lifted earlier that month.
Deal Could Seal Criminal Convictions In Some Cases
Gov. Kathy Hochul and state legislative leaders all agree: They’re nearing a deal on a landmark bill that would automatically seal criminal convictions in an effort to help people find work after they’ve paid their debt to society.
The measure — which is supported by a broad swath of criminal-justice reform advocates, labor unions and business organizations — would seal most misdemeanor and felony records after a person has completed their incarceration and following a multiyear waiting period, making them unavailable to prospective employers and the general public, in most cases.