WSSV News

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a serious crash between a motorcycle and a small SUV. Police said the crash took place around 5:40 p.m. Tuesday on Quaker Road in the town of Queensbury. WTEN reports the motorcyclist, 25-year-old Jasmine Earnest, of Halfmoon, was ejected and sustained life-threatening injuries. She was airlifted to Albany Medical Center.

An arrest has been made in connection with a deadly crash in the town of Greenfield, last October. Ashley Donovan from Greenfield Center is charged with criminally negligent homicide, endangering the welfare of a child, and driving at excessive speed, reports WNYT. She was driving more than 90 miles an hour, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, before hitting another car at State Route 9N and Lanie Drive. The driver of the other vehicle, 62-year-old Diane Welch, died.

New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin resigned Tuesday in the wake of his arrest in a federal corruption investigation. Benjamin, a Democrat, was accused in an indictment of participating in a scheme to obtain campaign contributions from a real estate developer in exchange for Benjamin’s agreement to use his influence as a state senator to get a $50,000 grant of state funds for a nonprofit organization the developer controlled.

Saratoga Hospital has been named one of the world’s best hospitals. According to WNYT, it’s the second year in a row that it’s received the distinction from Newsweek. Only 11 hospitals in the state earned the award and Saratoga is the only Capital Region facility on the lst. It’s also the smallest hospital in the state to earn the title based on recommendations from medical experts, patient surveys and medical performance.

Saratoga firefighters are taking an active role in “Autism Awareness Month. ” WNYT reports various training sessions are being held this week to improve not only treating their medical needs, but also interactions on calls related to fires, alarm activations, searches, rescues and how to be part of a support system when firefighters are assisting family members on calls.

The guidelines surround alcohol to go in New York are being clarified. WNYT reports According to the new budget, wine and/or liquor must be accompanied by a “substantial food item;” sandwiches, soups, salads, wings, or hot dogs qualify.
However, a bag of chips, a bowl of nuts, or candy – do not. Also, the guidance also says wine and or liquor means the alcohol the retailer buys from a wholesaler in a bottle, box, can or container. Transferring the alcohol to another bottle will be treated as a violation.

Police continue to investigate a shooting at Crossgates Mall in the parking lot that sent one female to the hospital after she was shot in the hand. WRGB reports police say the incident happened around 2:50 Sunday afternoon. The suspects fled before police arrived – but there are still questions left unanswered – including how many suspects they believe were involved and whether the victim knew them.

On Sunday, Reverend Holly Nye of the Burnt Hills United Methodist Church hosted an outdoor prayer service for peace and unity that brought together Catholic, Episcopal, and Lutheran churches as well. WNYT reports students from Burnt Hills Ballston Lake High school also joined with community members for the prayer service and performed a Ukrainian folk song they learned in just one week.

Saratoga’s Commissioner of Public Works Anthony “Skip” Scirocco has died. WNYT reports the 74 year old was battling cancer, while still acting in his elected duties, a position he held for 14 years. Scirocco also served as a Saratoga County supervisor.

20-year-old Blake Heflin was sentenced to three years probation for his role in the death of a young man who jumped off his boat during an outing on Saratoga Lake. Authorities say Heflin was drunk while operating a boat that hit 20-year-old Ian Gerber on Saratoga Lake on July 4. His attorney said there is a pending civil action. He is also not allowed to operate a boat for one year.