Saratoga led the state in year-over-year growth of sales tax collection, with a 14.6% increase in 2022, totaling just under $17 million. The Saratogian reports the city’s increase mirrors New York State’s overall sales tax collection, which totaled $22.1 billion in the calendar year 2022, up 12.7%, or $2.5 billion, from 2021.
Student Fundraiser Raises Big Bucks
One of the biggest student-driven fundraisers in the country wrapped up Saturday in South Glens Falls. According to WNYT, hundreds of students danced their way to raising hundreds of thousands of dollars at the annual South High marathon dance, raising more than $630,000. Since it started in 1978, the event has raised more than $10 million.
Police Investigate Death Of Man Found Unresponsive At Empire State Plaza
State Police say that they responded to a call of an unresponsive male at the Empire State Plaza. WNYT reports the call came Sunday morning at around 11:51 a.m. and they responded to the area of the Madison Avenue entrance to the plaza where a man was found dead. No word on how the person died. The individual’s name will be released at a later date.
Saratoga’s Homelessness Task Force Meets For First Time
A brand new task force in Saratoga Springs met for the first time Thursday night, assigned to find a permanent home for the homeless in the area. WRGB reports the city’s Homelessness Task Force was launched last month after plans to transform the former senior center on Williams Street came to a halt due to backlash over its location. During Thursday’s meeting, task force members discussed whether the city even needs a low barrier shelter.
Saratoga Woman Charged With Misappropriating Veteran’s Funds
64 year old JoAnne Natalie of Saratoga Springs. is under arrest, charged with misappropriating the funds of a veteran. Authorities say Natalie admitted that after being appointed as a fiduciary for a veteran, she stole, and misappropriated more than $50,000 of the veteran’s VA benefits. WTEN reports Natalie reportedly used the benefits deposited into the veteran’s account for her own personal ends between September 2019 and January 2021.
Brother Files Suit Seeking Millions From Late Brother’s Estate
A lawsuit filed by Vincent Riggi seeks more than $27 million from his late brother Ronald’s estate. WNYT reports the suit, filed by the brother’s jointly owned company, Turbine Services, claims Ronald Riggi was insolvent when he borrowed more than $35 million from the business, and tried to defraud the company by transferring his properties to his wife.
Daniel T. Konstalid named Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer at Skidmore College
Daniel T. Konstalid, an experienced senior financial officer with an extensive background in higher education, has been appointed vice president for finance and administration and treasurer at Skidmore College. Konstalid will begin his role on June 15 and serve as the College’s senior officer in all financial and business matters. He joins Skidmore from Gettysburg College, where he has served as vice president for finance and administration and treasurer since 2006.
Wellspring and Skidmore College bring Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Megan Twohey to Saratoga
Wellspring, the domestic violence and sexual assault resource for Saratoga County, is partnering with Skidmore College to bring New York Times reporter and best-selling author Megan Twohey, to Skidmore’s Arthur Zankel Music Center on Monday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m. for a public event. In 2017, Twohey and fellow reporter Jodi Kantor published a report about former movie producer and now convicted felon Harvey Weinstein, detailing an overwhelming number of sexual abuse allegations.
DEC Issues Guidance On Coyote Run Ins
DEC has issued guidance to help prevent conflicts between people and coyotes. Coyote sightings are likely to increase in the coming months Coyotes inhabit a variety of habitats throughout the state, from rural farmland and forests to populated suburban and urban areas. Do not leave food outside. Pet food and garbage attract coyotes and other wildlife and increase risks to people and pets. Feed pets indoors, eliminate availability of bird seed and teach children to appreciate coyotes from a distance.
Second Round Of Heating Assistance For Eligible Homeowners
A second emergency benefit is now available through the Home Energy Assistance Program for eligible New Yorkers in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off. WTEN reports eligible households can normally receive one regular HEAP benefit each winter and could also be eligible for one emergency HEAP benefit in the event of an energy crisis. Eligible households that have already received a regular and emergency benefit this winter can now apply for an additional emergency benefit if they are facing a utility shut-off or running out of heating fuel.