WSSV News

The Saratoga Springs Department of Public Works (DPW) is set to begin a water main replacement project on Monday, May 23. WTEN reports crews will be upgrading four six-inch cast-iron mains with new eight-inch ductile iron water mains.
The water main work will be on Clement, State, First, and Alger Streets, along with Greenfield Avenue, which officials say were found to have low flow and pressure due to undersized mains.

The search is on for three men seen on surveillance camera standing in the Morrissey Fountain in Congress Park early Sunday morning. Saratoga Springs police say the fountain was vandalized and they think the trio likely has a connection. The fountain was damaged by vandals in September 2018 as well.

National Grid is warning customers about a potential scam. WNYT reports you may get an email or phone call from someone claiming to be with National Grid, demanding immediate payment for a bill that is past due, or you will be disconnected.
National Grid says it does contact customers by phone if they owe money, but it never demands you make a payment using a money transfer from Western Union or a pre-paid debit card.

Saratoga Springs City Hall was back open for business Wednesday after a battery charger in the 911 dispatch room caught fire. WNYT reports a dispatcher was about to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher, but the fire caused the city council meeting to be adjourned. The same building was hit by lightning in 2018. The damage was so extensive the building had to close for nearly two years.

Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple says he’ll soon launch a run for the state Senate. The Times Union first reported, Sheriff Apple will announce a run for the new 43rd State Senate District, when the new district lines are finalized.
The paper reports Apple would remain sheriff while he campaigns.

The mayor of Saratoga Springs is ordering an investigation into his predecessor. According to WNYT,
Mayor Ron Kim alleges former Mayor Meg Kelly, and potentially other elected officials, improperly accessed a list of residents’ email addresses meant only for the city’s Recreation Department, and that those residents began to receive political emails.

There was a fire at Saratoga Springs City Hall Tuesday night. According to WNYT, at about 8 p.m., a battery charger in the 911 dispatch center caught fire and one of the dispatchers put out the flames with an extinguisher. Smoke was then blown out of the building and the city council meeting was adjourned because of the fire. No injuries reported.

State Police, in conjunction with the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office, arrested Robert B. Ashe, 62, of Wynantskill NY for Official Misconduct. The investigation revealed that Ashe, while serving as the Chief of Police of the Hoosick Falls Police Department, stole evidence and then created paperwork to coverup the theft. On May 16, 2022, Ashe was convicted by plea of Official Misconduct in the Village of Hoosick Falls Court before Honorable Judge Thomas Restino Jr.

Sustainable Saratoga will be hosting the upcoming native plant sale and pollinator education event called Pollinator Palooza. The Saratogian reports the event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 5 at 390 Wilton-Gansevoort Rd. in Gansevoort. Organizers say growing native plants is a great way to help pollinators, but it can be difficult to find native plants locally

Still awaiting autopsy results in the deaths of two women last week in Mechanicville. Police said two women found at 10A South Central Avenue in Mechanicville on Wednesday, May 11 were mother and daughter. Donna M. Trombley, 73, and Paula L. Plasencia, 48, were the only people living at that address.