Local Stories - Albany
Reuters
Terry O'Donnell
Friday, December 1st, 2023 11:34am
Even after their historic farewell tour, Foreigner just wants to keep going. They'll be teaming up with Styx for the Renegades and Juke Box Heroes tour coming to SPAC on Tuesday July 30th 2024. Musician John Waite will be joining the tour as well.
Tickets on sale Friday December 8th at 10 through LiveNation.com.
NewsChannel 13 Video
Terry O'Donnell
Thursday, November 30th, 2023 4:41pm
After declining enrollment and struggling with a multi-million dollar debt, the College of Saint Rose in Albany will close at the end of the academic year, according to a report from the Times Union.
Saint Rose had requested emergency funding from the state in order to continue operating, but any state funding - if approved - would not kick in for at least six months, according to a member of the state assembly.
With the school's closure, over 200 full and part-time faculty will be laid off, along with about 300 other staffers.
Saint Rose owns 90 buildings and 40 acres of property in the City of Albany. It is not yet known what's next, but the school's president, Marcia White, will hold a closed door meeting with students and faculty at noon on Friday.
YouTube
Terry O'Donnell
Thursday, November 30th, 2023 2:05pm
A once popular destination to hit the slopes, Brodie Mountain in Western Mass has been closed for over 20 years. The mountain has changed owners a couple times, but the most recent buys apparently have plans for the 500 acre property, they're just being coy about what those plans are. What we do know is that the mountain cannot be used as a place to ski for the general public.
The New England Ski Journal says there is a deeded agreement that prohibits public downhill skiing at the mountain, so as to not compete with nearby Jiminy Peak (a former owner of the Brodie Mountain). Todd Oifer, one of the new owners of the mountain did indicate to the journal that there is no restriction against 'private' skiing:
There’s another 10 years on the deed restriction of public skiing. So we can still do private skiing. There’s other things we can do there if we choose to do that.
So what are the plans? They're not spilling the beans just yet, but Oifer says there is plenty of potential in the property:
We’re staying kind of tight-lipped about what we’re going to do with it. But we’ll work closely with the local town and we’ll be working with the state and tourism figuring out all the nitty-gritty of it. It’s a beautiful piece of property with a lot of great history,” he said. “Once it’s cleaned up and we figure out where we’re going with it, I think everybody is going to be very happy.
A group of urban explorers filmed the current state of the property back in 2021.
JJBers, Flickr Creative Commons
Terry O'Donnell
Thursday, November 30th, 2023 11:51am
Harbor Freight Tools will be expanding their footprint in the Capital Region with a new store in Schenectady. The tool retailer has begun construction on their new location at the Crosstown Commons shopping plaza on Watt Street. No specific opening date has been announced yet, but it is expected to open this winter.
Trey Feiler, the company's senior vice president of real estate and construction, tells the Daily Gazette the new hardware hardware store is expected to create upwards of 30 new jobs.
In addition to finding a great location, we were attracted by the availability of great associates in the Schenectady area, and we look forward to having them join the Harbor Freight team.
If you're interested in applying, you can do so online at www.harborfreightjobs.com/retail
feature photo: JJBers, Flickr Creative Commons CC BY 2.0 DEED, Cropped, Resized
NewsChannel 13 Video
Terry O'Donnell
Wednesday, November 29th, 2023 3:36pm
The College of Saint Rose, a staple in the Capital Region higher education system, may have to close its doors if they don't receive emergency funding. The Times Union confirms the school has asked the New York State as well as the county and city of Albany for financial help to alleviate a multi-million dollar debt.
St. Rose has been facing declining student enrollment and mounting deficits over the last several years. It's not clear as to how long the college can continue to operate without additional funding, but sources in the New York State Assembly say any immediate financial relief from the state is unlikely. Albany Assemblywoman Pat Fahey says that they are looking for an opportunity to save the college, but the situation is 'dire'.
Leopictures, Pixabay
Terry O'Donnell
Wednesday, November 29th, 2023 12:44pm
If you renewed your drivers license between March 1, 2020 and August 31, 2021 you may need to take action. The vision test rule put in place during the pandemic is expiring. During that time, drivers were allowed to self certify their vision test. That rule expires on Friday.
Drivers who submitted their vision test during that time are now required to provide results from an approved provider or stop by the local DMV office to take another eye test.
DMV spokesperson Walter McClure told the Times Union that suspensions will go into effect Friday for drivers who do not provide an updated vision test.
If we don’t have someone’s results by Dec. 1, their license would be suspended, but if they have submitted their results, the suspension could be cleared once we have processed them and updated our system. It is a manual process, so we need to allow for up to five business days for that to happen.
More info on vision tests and license renewals can be found on the DMV website.
Mike Mozart, Flickr Creative Commons CC 2.0 DEED
D Scott
Tuesday, November 28th, 2023 11:51am
With the closing of all the Capital Region Shop Rite's, Price Chopper & Market 32 have finalized the purchases of all the leases, store equipment and fixtures from those now closed locations.
While plans for a few locations are still up in the air, they are planning on turning the North Greenbush and Niskayuna locations into Market 32's. The Slingerlands location is expected to be marked for sublease. As for the 2 remaining locations, Colonie and Albany, plans are still being discussed but they do not have anything planned at the moment.
Blaine Bringhurst, president of Price Chopper/Market 32 said -
“Our Market 32 brand has been extremely well received and this gives us an excellent opportunity to expand our footprint in the Capital Region, provide our customers with the shopping experience they are looking for and our teammates with career growth opportunities right here in our hometown,”
Price Chopper & Market 32 have no intentions of operating the gas stations that are affiliated with Shop Rite.
Feature photo; Mike Mozart, Flickr Creative Commons CC 2.0 DEED
Reuters
Terry O'Donnell
Tuesday, November 28th, 2023 10:20am
October is a long way away, but it gives us plenty of time to plan a night out. If you or somebody on your Christmas list loves Sebastian Maniscalco, he'll be coming to the MVP Arena on Thursday October 3rd, 2024.
Tickets for his 'It Ain't Right Tour' go on sale Friday December 1st at 10am via LiveNation.com.
News 10 Video
Terry O'Donnell
Monday, November 27th, 2023 4:01pm
The Marines Toys for Tots program relies on donations each year for kids in need. This year the kids at Forest Park Elementary donated nearly 500 toys to this year's Stuff the Bus toy drive.
Marine Staff Sergeant Ted Kleniewski joined hundreds of kids in the school's gym where all the toys were collected. They've been put on display and will soon be sent to less fortunate kids for the Holidays. He tells News 10:
It’s invigorating and it gives you a lot of hope. I guess you could say, to see kids be so passionate about something about giving back. Normally you would think kids want to keep their toys South Colonie schools and their kids. They know all about giving back.
Donations will continue to be collected at the school through December 6th. This is the 17th year the school and Marines have teamed up to help Toys for Tots.
NewsChannel 13 Video
Terry O'Donnell
Monday, November 27th, 2023 12:20pm
Soffat Hossen and his uncle happened to be walking by the Sherman Street home on Sunday afternoon when they saw smoke coming from the second floor. Hossen immediately began knocking on doors to alert residents, but when he didn't get a response, he kicked in the door to check and if anyone was inside. He said he found a man cooking in his kitchen, unaware the building was on fire. That man got out ok.
Albany firefighters arrived on the scene shortly after, and said there were no injuries and everyone got out safely. They're still investigating what caused the fire.
Albany Police
Terry O'Donnell
Saturday, November 25th, 2023 12:06pm
Update 11/26 2:06pm: News 10 says Albany Police located Azalea Gardner on Sunday in the area of South Pearl Street and Market Street. Police say she is safe.
Update 7:58pm: News 10 is reporting Shemika Robinson has been found safe
Two women went missing in Albany and police are asking for your assistance in locating both.
Shemika S. Robinson was last seen Friday November 24th leaving the 600 block of Third Street around 11am. She was driving a grey 2006 BMW, license plate number JMH 3269. At the time of her disappearance she was wearing a yellow shirt and jeans. Police believe she may need medical attention.
Police are also searching for 21 year old Azalea Gardner. She was last seen on Wednesday November 22 in the area of Morton Avenue and South Pearl Street around 4pm. Police are asking anyone who may have seen her to please call them immediately as they are concerned for her safety.
Azalea was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and black boots. She is 5’2” and approximately 125lbs with blue eyes and currently has pink hair. Her family has posted some recent photos of her.
If you have any information on either missing person, please call Albany Police at 518-462-8039.
NewsChannel 13 Video
Terry O'Donnell
Friday, November 24th, 2023 1:55pm
It's one of the longest running Thanksgiving traditions in the Capital Region, the Troy Turkey Trot. Every year thousands of runners take to the streets of downtown Troy. This year was the race's 76th year, bringing in over 6,000 runners.
James Withers of Utica was this year's winner.
Philippe Ramakers, Pixabay
Terry O'Donnell
Friday, November 24th, 2023 12:54pm
The Bread Butler has officially opened in Colonie Center, introducing a new café along with its signature bread offerings. Having closed its previous site on Central Avenue in Albany in November, the move aimed to increase visibility and foot traffic. Owner Andreas Mergner tells News 10 he's expecting an increase in customers now that the movie is complete into the Moe's space on the mall's lower level.
The expanded menu now includes grilled cheese sandwiches, coffee, lemonade, and more. They're open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday,
WIVB Video
Terry O'Donnell
Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023 2:11pm
Update 5:24pm: In a press briefing Wednesday evening, Governor Hochul said there are no indications of a terrorist attack.
I’m in Niagara Falls updating New Yorkers on the incident on the Rainbow Bridge. Watch live: https://t.co/4Jj6ejoUFs
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) November 22, 2023
Update 2:21pm: Fox News is reporting that the explosion was an attempted terrorist attack.
Reports are coming out of western New York that a vehicle exploded at a security checkpoint between the US and Canadian Border. The explosion happened Wednesday afternoon at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls.
Video from a viewer sent to WIVB in Niagara Falls shows a plume of smoke rising near the border crossing. All bridges in western New York between the US and Canada have been closed. The FBI is investigating and Governor Kathy Hochul tweeted that she is monitoring the situation.
At my direction, @nyspolice is actively working with the @FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force to monitor all points of entry to New York.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) November 22, 2023
I am traveling to Buffalo to meet with law enforcement & emergency responders & will update New Yorkers when more information becomes available.
WikimediaImages, Pixabay
Terry O'Donnell
Tuesday, November 21st, 2023 4:38pm
Bruegger's Bagels will be closing it's Delaware Plaza location in Delmar on November 28th. The bagel shop has been located in the plaza since 1992. The decision to close was made by plaza management. In a statement to the Times Union, Delaware Plaza manager Debbie Murray explained their decision:
Their lease expired and we wanted to go in a different direction. Nothing against Bruegger’s, we just wanted something fresh and new.
Although not specific, Murray indicated the shopping center has another eatery lined up as a prospective tenant.
An employee of Bruegger's told the Times Union that the chain may look to open another location somewhere along Central Avenue in Albany.
Bruegger's was started in Troy in 1983. While there are five locations in the Capital Region, Bruegger's has bagel shops in several different states including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Minnesota.
Corina Rainer, Unsplash
Terry O'Donnell
Tuesday, November 21st, 2023 3:23pm
Sure, we may have seen all the Christmas classics, but maybe never on the big screen. However, this season, you can see The Muppet Christmas Carol, Elf and It's a Wonderful Life all on the big screen - and best of all it's FREE!
The Palace Theatre will host free movie screenings of classic Christmas movies with the ambience that only a historic theatre like the Palace can provide. Here's the schedule:
The Muppet Christmas Carol | Monday December 11 at 7pm
Elf | Saturday December 18 at 7pm
It's A Wonderful Life | Friday December 22 at 7pm
And a bonus post-holiday movie will be offered:
The Super Mario Bros. Movie | Wednesday December 27 at 1pm
All movies are free, but be sure to reserve your spot. Get free tickets at PalaceAlbany.org.
Mike Mozart, Flickr Creative Commons CC BY 2.0 DEED
Terry O'Donnell
Friday, November 17th, 2023 1:30pm
Taco Bell is planning two new restaurants in the area, both in Schenectady County. The Glenville Planning and Zoning Commission approved the new Taco Bell to at 122 Freeman's Bridge Road where it will be built on a currently vacant parcel.
The other location is in the City of Schenectady at 2035 State Street, where a current restaurant sits. That building will be razed to build the new Taco Bell.
Both restaurants will have a drive-thru option. Expected hours for each are 7am-1am. The exact opening date for the restaurants are not yet known, but construction is expected to begin within the next few months.
feature photo: Mike Mozart, Flickr Creative Commons CC BY 2.0 DEED
Shiloh National Military Park, Flickr Creative Commons
Terry O'Donnell
Thursday, November 16th, 2023 5:29pm
Luminaries are a tradition at many Capital Region homes around Christmas time. For the last few years, Grafton Lakes State Park has held a luminary walk on one of their half-mile trails.
This year, the trails will be lit up on the evening of Friday, December 8th from 5:30-8pm. Cost is $5 per person, 2 and under are free. Hot chocolate will be served, bring your own thermos or mug.
feature photo: Shiloh National Military Park, Flickr Creative Commons CC BY 2.0 DEED
Carrie Z, Pixabay
Terry O'Donnell
Thursday, November 16th, 2023 2:00pm
Developers hoping to build a 97,000 square foot ice rink and event center received conditional approval from Schenectady's Planning Commission, according to the Daily Gazette. It would be located on the land between Rivers Casino and Mohawk Harbor.
The planned arena would be the new home for Union Hockey. Games would hold a total of 2,200 people, while other events could hold about 3,500 using the arena floor.
No timeframe has been announced as to when it will be built, as there are pending issues dealing with parking and increased traffic. At the next meeting, developers are expected to present renderings of what the new building is expected to look like.
Saratoga County Sheriff's Office/Canva
Terry O'Donnell
Wednesday, November 15th, 2023 3:36pm
The Saratoga County Sheriff's Office is looking for your help in locating a 14 year old boy who went missing from Halfmoon on Friday, November 10th.
Police say Jeremiah Wakefield was last seen wearing a grey sweatshirt, grey sweatpants, black jacket and white sneakers. He's described as 5'06" and weighs 135 pounds. The Sheriff's Office believe he is still in the immediate area. Anyone with information should call them at 518-885-6761.
Stephen Mease, Unsplash
Terry O'Donnell
Wednesday, November 15th, 2023 3:09pm
It's been an inconvenient travel week for those going to and from New York City using Amtrak. Service from Albany-Rensselaer to Penn Station in had to be rerouted as of Sunday when parking garage along the tracks in NYC became structurally unstable. Concerns that debris could land on or near the track caused Amtrak to cancel service below the stop at Croton-Harmon in Westchester County.
Travelers looking to get to the city from Albany-Rensselaer were forced to change trains north of Croton to the Metro North rail.
Amtrak says crews have stabilized the parking garage and service to Penn Station will resume starting Thursday (11/15), although they say work will continue on the tracks and the building. Passengers should expect delays until Saturday when work is complete.
Mike Mozart, Flickr Creative Commons CC 2.0 DEED
Terry O'Donnell
Wednesday, November 15th, 2023 12:53pm
The Times Union is reporting that some of the Capital Region ShopRite stores may close their doors as early as this Saturday. Originally, the chain said December 9th would be the likely final date. In a statement, a ShopRite spokesperson told the paper that inventory is already running low at the five area stores:
We are selling through remaining discounted inventory more quickly than anticipated. As a result, we may close the stores sooner than the originally projected date of Dec. 9. Shoppers should check the store Facebook pages later this week for the latest information on closing dates.
Merchandise has already been reduced 30-50% in recent weeks. An employee at the Colonie store said discounts may reach 75% this week.
ShopRite has stores in Albany, Colonie, North Greenbush, Bethlehem, Niskayuna and Slingerlands. Speculation continues on if another supermarket chain will move into the area and take over the stores.
feature photo: Mike Mozart, Flickr Creative Commons CC 2.0 DEED
Schenectady County Video via YouTube
Terry O'Donnell
Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 3:49pm
Be part of the largest nighttime parade in the Northeast as the Schenectady Holiday Parade celebrates its 54th year! This year's theme is a New York State of Mind and is presented by the city and county of Schenectady.
This year parade goers can expect an evening of Holiday fun, food and music that will turn downtown Schenectady into a winter wonderland.
WHEN
Saturday, November 18
PRE-PARADE BLOCK PARTY
- Starting at 3pm
- 400 State Street
- LIVE music from The Rogues
- Ice sculpture carved LIVE on Jay Street
- Free kids activities and family crafts
- Festive food and beverage vendors
PARADE
- Steps off at 5pm from Schenectady County Community College and heads down State Street
- Marching bands, firetrucks, sparkling floats, glittering firetrucks and an appearance from Santa himself!
- Members of the New York Air National Guard 109th Airlift Wing are this year's honorary grand marshal.
Visit SchenectadyCo.gov for more
CBS 6 Video via Twitter
Terry O'Donnell
Monday, November 13th, 2023 5:22pm
We hear the stories every year about these turkey fryer mishaps. When used improperly, a turkey fryer can lead to devastating injuries as well as damage to your home or surroundings. CBS 6 posted a video showing exactly how quickly a fire can get out of control. The following was performed in a safe setting by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control.
The NYS Office of Fire Prevention shared fire safety tips to keep you and your family safe this holiday season. Read here ➡️: https://t.co/toSRjd5VqI pic.twitter.com/VC0TtzsfVS
— CBS 6 Albany - WRGB (@CBS6Albany) November 13, 2023
Crossgates Mall
Terry O'Donnell
Monday, November 13th, 2023 4:42pm
You've heard the expression 'a kid in a candy store', well it's coming to life at Crossgates Mall. A new candy store called IT'SUGAR has officially opened its doors to lovers of sweets from around the Capital Region.
IT'SUGAR carries the most popular brands including Sour Patch Kids, OREA, Nerds, Skittles, Reese's and Starburst.
Justin Clinger, ITSUGAR's Assistant Vice President Creative and Marketing says it's much more than a candy store:
We have one of the most expansive assortments of confectionery treats, alongside a curated collection of in-demand candy licensed merchandise, such as apparel, plush, scented candles, and more. IT’SUGAR provides a sweet and humorous escape from everyday life.
IT'SUGAR is located on the lower level next to Five Below.
Rensselaer Police via Facebook/Canva
Terry O'Donnell
Friday, November 10th, 2023 4:59pm
Police in Rensselaer are searching for two dogs who were stolen along with other items. NewsChannel 13 reports the dogs were taken in the area of Kinwood Apartments
The dogs names are Bella and Dream. If you see them, please call Rensselaer Police at 518-462-7541
Terry O'Donnell, Albany Broadcasting Co.
Terry O'Donnell
Friday, November 10th, 2023 10:55am
It's an annual tradition that has grown from a couple dozen people to hundreds. And it's certainly a spectacle. For its 18th year, the Albany Santa Speedo Sprint returns to downtown Albany.
Each December, the Albany Society for the Advancement of Philanthropy (ASAP) puts together the fun run in an effort to raise money for the Albany Damien Center and the HIV/AIDS program at Albany Med. Friends, co-workers, different clubs and organizations all take to Lark Street every year - most wearing very very little on what has traditionally been a very very cold day.
The fun begins at 11am on Saturday, December 9th where runners can meet up at Oh Bar on Lark and the Lionheart on Madison to engage in some holiday cheer before the run. The Sprint kicks off at 2pm sharp at the corner of Lark and Madison.
Registration starts at $33.85, the first 175 sign ups get a commemorative Santa Speedo Sprint t-shirt.
Need more convincing? Check out last year's run below!
Dave's Hot Chicken press photo
Terry O'Donnell
Thursday, November 9th, 2023 3:17pm
Dave's Hot Chicken, a restaurant chain with locations in Albany and Amsterdam, will add a third location in the Capital Region. Queensbury will be home to the latest restaurant, set to open on Friday (11/17).
The chicken joint offers chicken tenders with different degrees of heat: No spice, lite mild, mild, medium, hot, extra hot and REAPER.
Located in the Queensbury Plaza on Upper Glen Street, Dave's will be open Sunday through Thursday from 10:30am to 11pm and 10:30am to midnight on Friday and Saturday.
__ drz __, unsplash
Terry O'Donnell
Thursday, November 9th, 2023 12:43pm
The man with all the toys will make his first appearance at Crossgates Mall on Saturday, November 18th! Join B 95.5 The Christmas Music Station starting at 10am outside Apex Entertainment as Jolly Ol' Saint Nick arrives in the Capital Region.
In addition to Santa, there will be music, dancing, crafts, games and lots of giveaways. Join us as we welcome Santa!
Reuters
Terry O'Donnell
Thursday, November 9th, 2023 11:53am
Here we are in November and our eyes and ears are already looking forward to summer. A number of shows have already been announced for the summer 2024 concert season at SPAC and today we can add another to next year's lineup.
Irish rocker Hozier, known for Take Me to Church and Work Song will bring his Unreal Unearth Tour to the Broadview Stage at SPAC on Sunday May 19th.
Tickets go on sale this Friday (11/10) at noon at LiveNation.com.
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