WSSV News

Democrats in Saratoga Springs have picked Hank Kuczynski in a special election for the city’s Commissioner of Public Works position. As WNYT reported, the city is holding a special election on Jan. 28 to replace Jason Golub, who left in August. The Democratic committee is endorsing Hank Kuczynski as a write-in candidate.

A Saratoga Springs Police officer was hurt after police said a drunk driver crashed into his vehicle. WNYT reports it happened at 8:30 p.m. Sunday at the intersection of Route 9N and Kirby Road. The driver was arrested after a pursuit that lasted several minutes. John Bidonde, 21, of Porter Corners, was charged with reckless endangerment, assault, aggravated DWI, and other counts.

A fire Monday forced two people from a Saratoga Springs home. WNYT reports the fire broke out at 107 Gilbert Road late Monday morning. Firefighters received the call around 11:15 a.m.
About 30 firefighters from Saratoga Springs and the Malta Ridge/Round Lake fire departments responded and quickly knocked it down. The cause was electrical.

Clifton Park Supervisor Phil Barrett was unanimously elected to a second consecutive term as chair of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. The Daily Gazette reports Barrett is currently in his 14th term as supervisor in Clifton Park, a period in which the Republican lawmaker worked to help bolster the town center business corridor and preserve 1,700 acres of property, while lowering taxes.

In December, Sophia Eckardt of Saratoga County represented her country in South Africa for the International Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup. Sophia, along with her teammates, took home the gold medal for the U.S. three-gaited team. The 19-year-old athlete has been riding at Rolling Oaks in Gansevoort since she was seven.

A Schenectady man is facing charges in connection with Saturday’s shooting in Halfmoon. WNYT reports it happened just after 11 a.m. in the area of the Morris Pipe & Supply Co. 25 year old Justin P. Wagner allegedly fired a rifle at a man. Wagner left the scene in a vehicle and was caught by sheriff’s deputies on Route 146 near Moe Road. Wagner was charged with attempted murder, criminal use of a firearm, and other counts.

A Saratoga County couple rang in the New Year with the birth of their first child. Baby Liam was eager to arrive – coming into the world 20 seconds after the clock struck midnight at St. Peter’s Hospital. He weighed in at 6 pounds, 3 ounces and measuring 19 inches long. Liam joins proud parents, Kate M. and Rob. Congratulations to the family!

It’s a new year and maybe it’s a new you. But up at Lake George it’s their same old annual event. Lake George’s Annual Polar Plunge, First Day tradition has been around since 1973. Its where hundreds of revelers hit the beach to brave the frigid waters. This year’s plunge memoralized Casey Frankoski, one of the New York National Guard pilots that died in a helicopter crash on the U.S. Mexico border last year.

Saratoga County officials have announced that its Department of Health will begin permit and enforcement operations for restaurants and mobile food service trucks. DOH will send each restaurant a new permit that replaces their New York State Department of Health permit. The new permit is free and is valid for the same period as the restaurant’s current permit.

A Request for Proposal has been issued by the city seeking sealed bids for Pedestrian Safety Improvements at Crescent Avenue near Waterfront Park, and at West Avenue near Pitney Farms, with work to take place from April through November. The work includes the construction and installation of traffic control devices and foundations. Sealed bids are due by Jan. 28, at which time they will be publicly opened and read.