The long awaited report involving allegations of abuse by coaches in the Saratoga Springs City School District was released late Wednesday afternoon. Some athletes say they were forced to run while injured; others say they were forced to over-train WNYT reports Harris Beach concluded there was no unlawful conduct; matters that the district was made aware of were addressed in a “timely manner”; disciplinary action was taken; some coaches were fired; and some coaches were counseled.
SCSO To Take Part In STOP-DWI Enforcement
The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in the statewide STOP-DWI enforcement from March 15 to 17. WTEN reports law enforcement will be cracking down on drunk and impaired driving to reduce alcohol-related injuries and deaths. People who consume alcohol on St. Patrick’s Day can use the Have a Plan app to locate and call a taxi service.
Saratoga School Athletics Report Being Released Wednesday
The highly anticipated report investigating allegations of an abusive culture in Saratoga Springs school athletics will be released on Wednesday afternoon. WNYT reports district spokeswoman Maura Manny said the report will be made available after 4 p.m. Superintendent of Schools Michael Patton will discuss the report and the next steps for moving forward at the district’s Board of Education meeting on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Saratoga Springs High School.
‘I BIRD NY’ Challenge
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the start of the 2024 ‘I BIRD NY’ Challenge for birders of all ages and abilities. The challenge provides opportunities to identify birds and learn about birdlife and awards program finishers with a commemorative I BIRD NY Challenge patch and the chance to win birding equipment.
New York has more than 350 Birding Trail locations and new locations are added often, making it even easier for New Yorkers to get started.
MCSD Seeks Input On Mascot Change
Members of the Mechanicville City School District community are being asked for their input on the future of the school’s mascot as the deadline of a state mandate to move on from Indigenous-inspired imagery looms. The Daily Gazette reports locals are being asked whether the district should prioritize selecting a new mascot — or possibly move forward simply as Mechanicville.
Man Pleads Guilty In Manslaughter Case
Nicholas Anderson, 30, of Albany, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the first degree. According to the indictment, Anderson caused the death of Rashad Nicholson on July 24, 2021. WTEN reports Anderson was also accused of having an illegal, loaded firearm on the same date. Nicholson faces 12 to 15 years in state prison when sentenced in April.
Mother Charged In Baby’s Death
The mother of a baby whose disappearance prompted an Amber Alert Sunday was arraigned on a second-degree manslaughter charge Monday morning in Schenectady City Court. Prosecutors have also filed a new charge of depraved indifference murder. According to WNYT, 24 year old Persia Nelson was charged less than a day after authorities found her 10-month-old baby, Halo Branton, on the General Electric campus. She was later pronounced dead.
10 Month Old Found After Amber Alert Has Died
Schenectady police say baby Halo R. Branton, the subject of an Amber Alert earlier Sunday, has died. WRGB reports
Police say around 9 Saturday night, 10-month-old Halo first was reported missing, which triggered an Amber Alert Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon, Halo was found around the General Electric campus, cancelling the Amber Alert.
The infant was taken to Ellis Hospital for treatment, where she was pronounced dead. Police say the case is being investigated as a crime.
Gillis Family Suing Monahan Estate
The family of Kaylin Gillis is asking a judge to freeze at least $5 million in assets of the man convicted of killing her. WNYT reports Gillis’ estate is suing Kevin Monahan for wrongful death. Monahan was convicted in January of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Gillis in his driveway on April 15, 2023. She was a passenger in an SUV that had gotten lost and turned up his driveway.
Ballston Spa Man Facing Child Porn Counts
A Ballston Spa man is accused of sending lewd images to minors. According to WNYT, 29 year old Andrew J. Stawniczy allegedly sent the images to two youths in Warren County.
Stawniczy was charged five counts of disseminating indecent material to minors, one count of promoting an obscene sexual performance by a child and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.