Brig. Gen. Denise Donnell on Saturday became the first female officer appointed to command the 5,900-member New York Air National Guard. WNYT reports Donnell, of Clifton Park, took over the aerial militia arm of the New York National Guard from Maj. Gen. Timothy LaBarge during a change of command ceremony at National Guard headquarters. LaBarge, who led the Air National Guard since 2018, retired.
Man Charged With Injuring Saratoga County Sheriff’s Investigator
A man from Saratoga County is accused of injuring an investigator with the Saratoga County Sheriff’s office. According to WNYT, Joshua Allen was arrested Wednesday at his home in Providence after authorities say an investigator was questioning Allen about a separate case, and they got into an altercation. Allen is charged with felony assault and resisting arrest.
Saratoga Businesses Raising Money For Ukraine
Impressions of Saratoga and Dark Horse Mercantile, both located on Broadway in Saratoga, designed two Ukraine-themed shirts and are sending the proceeds to the people of Ukraine through the International Red Cross. According to WNYT, one of the designs features a sunflower and each shirt comes with a packet of seeds.
Sheriff’s Office Marks Autism Awareness Month
The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office is recognizing “Autism Awareness Month.” WNYT reports sheriff’s patrol vehicles will display autism awareness magnets throughout April. A new program aims to improve the safety of people with autism or any other disability, by placing decals in windows of cars or homes.
Man Sentenced In Shooting Incident On Caroline Street In Saratoga
24 year old Dennis Combs of Albany sentenced to six years behind bars in connection with a street fight and firing of a gun on Caroline Street in Saratoga on June 26th, 2021. WNYT reports surveillance video captured on street cameras show Combs pulling a gun from his waistband, pointing it into the air, and then firing off some shots.
Saratoga Doc Accused Of Taking ‘Upskirt’ Pics In Boston
A Saratoga Springs doctor is accused of taking intimate photos of women in Boston without their knowledge. WNYT reports the situation on Newbury Street dates back to last September when police say Damon DeTeso took photos by placing his phone outside his backpack, or putting it in a spot women had to step over as they walked by. Police confiscated his phone and say they found several incriminating photos. He’s now facing 37 charges.
Still Questions On Mechanicville Superintendent
Still no clear answers as to why the superintendent of the Mechanicville School District suddenly resigned this week. Bruce Potter was placed on administrative leave earlier in the month for reasons that haven’t been divulged. WNYT reports Kevin Kolakowski is now serving in the post. No word on whether more information on Potter’s departure is forthcoming.
Mechanicville School District Superintendent Resigns
It’s unclear why, but Mechanicville School District Superintendent Bruce Potter has resigned just a few weeks after being put on leave stemming from a complaint. According to WNYT, Potter went on paid administrative leave on March 4 but the nature of the action hasn’t been released. Assistant Superintendent Kevin Kolakowski has been serving as acting superintendent since the beginning of March.
Bar Owners Dispute Scope Of Caroline Street Brawls
A brewing dispute betweens the owners of bars on Caroline Street in Saratoga. WNYT reports a claim by the owner of Gaffney’s that fights are happening everywhere are being debated by other establishments. A fight earlier this month that police say started at Gaffney’s, and injured three police officers, has drawn attention from the community and the State Liquor Authority. The owner of Caroline Street Pub tells WNYT he’s speaking for all bar owners on the street when he says Gaffney’s has to make some real changes.
DEC Adds To Middle Grove State Forest In Milton
DEC today announced the addition of 219 acres to the Middle Grove State Forest in the town of Milton, Saratoga County. The parcel, part of the former Camp Boyhaven, combined with adjoining multiple use parcels will create a new State Reforestation Area that establishes and maintains the forest for watershed protection, timber production, and public recreation. New York State purchased the parcel for $710,000 from landowner John Munter through the State’s Environmental Protection Fund. The acquisition will provide increased recreational opportunities for the public, expand wildlife habitat, support ecosystem health, and provide educational opportunities to landowners, forest professionals, and other visitors. While under private ownership, the land was host to forest ecology and silviculture logger training courses and provided foresters with training opportunities on White Pine Needle Disease.