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Saturday, apr 27
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Rensselaer, NY
News
Criminal Probe Open In Helicopter Crash Killing NY Soldiers
Officials have launched a criminal investigation into a National Guard helicopter crash near the southern border that killed two members from New York and a third victim, ABC News reports. The incident – which saw a UH-72 Lakota helicopter go down near Rio Grande City, Texas, on Friday, March 8 – is now the focus of an investigation by the Starr County Sheriff’s Office into whether there was any criminal wrongdoing, officials told the outlet. That investigation is separate from a parallel probe being conducted by the Department of Defense. So far, authorities have not publicly said what cau…
Lifestyle
'Fresh, Delicious Food': New Restaurant In Rensselaer Garnering Rave Reviews
A new Mexican restaurant in the region is already delighting diners just days into business. Rensselaer County eatery Al Punto Picante – located in Rensselaer at 1204 Washington Avenue in the space formerly occupied by Cafe Twelve 04 – held its grand opening on Tuesday, April 9. The restaurant had not established a website or social media channels as of Friday, April 12, but Rensselaer Mayor Mike Stammel described Al Punto Picante as a “culinary gem that promises to tantalize your taste buds with delicious Mexican flavors.” It would appear that others agree; the restaurant has already rack…
Lifestyle
National Guardsman From Rensselaer 'In Fight For His Life' After Surviving Deadly Chopper Crash
To say that Jacob Pratt has a long road to recovery is an understatement. The New York National Guard soldier, a Rensselaer County native from the city of Rensselaer, remains in intensive care after being the sole survivor of a helicopter crash on the US-Mexico border that killed three others. According to the Joint Task Force North, Pratt was aboard a UH-72 Lakota chopper when it went down while flying near Rio Grande City, Texas on Friday, March 8. Earlier Report: NY National Guard Members Killed In Triple-Fatal Crash Return Home; Funerals Set The crash killed New York National G…
News
4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Felt In Albany
An earthquake that rattled several states along the East Coast late Friday morning, April 5, was felt throughout the Capital Region. Original report - 4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits New York, Northeast The 4.8 magnitude quake, centered about 60 miles west of Manhattan in Hunterdon County, New Jersey at a depth of nearly three miles, struck at 10:23 a.m., according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). There have not been any reports of injuries or significant damage to buildings. Wow! A M4.8 struck in New Jersey this morning around 10:30 am local time. Shaking was widely felt from …
Obituaries
Albany, Niskayuna National Guard Members Killed In Helicopter Crash Return Home; Funerals Set
Two New York National Guard members killed in a helicopter crash on the US-Mexico border that claimed three lives received a hero’s welcome in their hometowns. The remains of Casey Frankoski and John Grassia arrived at Albany County’s Army aviation facility in Latham at around 3 p.m. Monday, March 18. Gov. Kathy Hochul and other local leaders stood in silence as flag-draped caskets carrying the 28-year-old Frankoski and 30-year-old Grassia were loaded into waiting hearses. Earlier Report: National Guard Solider From NY ID'd As Sole Survivor Of Triple-Fatal Crash “The service and sa…
News
National Guard Solider From Rensselaer ID'd As Sole Survivor Of Triple-Fatal Crash
The only survivor of a helicopter crash that killed three people has been identified as a National Guard soldier from New York. The incident happened around 2:50 p.m. Friday, March 8 while the UH-72 Lakota chopper was flying over the US-Mexico border near Rio Grande City, Texas, according to the Joint Task Force North. Capital Region native Jacob Pratt, of Rensselaer, suffered critical injuries and remains hospitalized. More than $102,000 has been raised from a total of over 1,100 separate donations in a GoFundMe fundraiser launched by the New York State Counc…
News
Triple-Fatal Crash: National Guard Solider From Rensselaer, Trooper From Latham ID'd As Victims
A National Guard soldier from New York has been identified as one of the victims of a helicopter crash that killed three people. Click here for a new, updated story: National Guard Soldier From NY ID'd As Sole Survivor Of Triple-Fatal Crash The incident happened around 2:50 p.m. Friday, March 8 while the UH-72 Lakota chopper was flying over the US-Mexico border near Rio Grande City, Texas, according to the Joint Task Force North. National Guard soldier Casey Frankoski, age 28, who grew up in Rensselaer County, was a graduate of Columbia High School in East Greenbush. …
News
New Update: Woman Struck, Killed By Train In Rensselaer ID'd
This story has been updated. A Rensselaer County woman standing on the tracks was struck and killed by an Amtrak passenger train in the region. Linda Ryan, age 69, of Rensselaer, was struck around 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 in the city of Rensselaer. Deputy Police Chief John Mooney of the Rensselaer Police said Ryan was standing on the tracks in the area of South Street and Second Avenue when she was struck and killed. Amtrak service was disrupted for several hours as first responders removed her body and investigated the crash. No other injuries were reported, Mooney said. "The Rensselae…
Business
'Devastating' Fire Guts Hot Dog Charlie's In Cohoes
Around these parts, Hot Dog Charlie’s is an institution. Since 1964, the popular family-owned eatery in Albany County has drawn generations of diners to its quaint Cohoes restaurant – located on the northeast corner of Saratoga Street and Tibbitts Place – with its pork and beef franks topped in a secret recipe chili sauce. But six decades of business came to an abrupt halt on Wednesday, Jan. 31 when a massive fire tore through the building. Emergency crews were called at around 10:20 a.m., with firefighters from multiple agencies responding, including the Cohoes, Green Island, and Watervl…
Politics
Trump Eyeing Capital Region Congresswoman As Veep Pick, Report Says
As campaign season heats up, rumors are swirling over former President Donald Trump’s pick to be his running mate should he clinch the Republican nomination. Among the names that Trump is strongly considering for his vice president is New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, NBC News reports. The 39-year-old House Republican Conference chair – whose 21st District represents several Capital Region counties, including Rensselaer – was brought up during a dinner at the former president’s Mar-a-Lago home in December 2023, according to the outlet. Trump nodded approvingly and referred to Stefanik as “a ki…
Lifestyle
Best Burger Found At This Rensselaer County Restaurant, Foodies Say: 'Never Been Disappointed'
Word on the street is this restaurant has the best burgers around – and they have receipts to prove it. Rensselaer County’s Illusive Restaurant and Bar – located in Rensselaer at 3 Ferry Street – received the most nods on the 518 Foodies Facebook page on Wednesday, Jan. 10. “Looking for the best burger place in the (area code) 518,” Ashley Surprenant had asked her fellow foodies. Her post garnered over 250 responses. Earlier Report: 'America's Best Restaurants' To Feature Popular Rensselaer Eatery “By far the best burger,” one commenter said of Illusive. “Never been disappointed,” w…
Weather
Widespread Flooding, Road Closures Reported As Potent Storm Drenches Capital Region
A potent, late autumn storm is bringing flooding and road closures to parts of the region. Flood watches or warnings are up for the entire Capital Region with rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches expected through Monday night, Dec. 18, according to the National Weather Service in Albany. Higher rainfall accumulations are expected on east and southeast-facing slopes of the eastern Catskills. In Albany County, a flood warning is up for the Mohawk River at Cohoes, where minor flooding is expected after midnight as the river crests just above its flood stage of 20 feet. A flood warning is also in…
News
$28K Theft: Rensselaer Home Health Aide Admits Stealing From Dementia Patient
A home health aide from the region has admitted stealing thousands of dollars from her patient. Rensselaer County resident Lakeisha Stewart, age 43, of Rensselaer, pleaded guilty to attempted grand larceny in Albany County Court on Friday, Dec. 1. Stewart admitted that between January and February 2023, she cashed several checks from the victim’s account while working as their home health aide. The victim was diagnosed with dementia and was unable to consent to the payments, prosecutors said. Altogether, Stewart stole approximately $28,500 from the victim. She faces up to six months in j…
Traffic
State's $8.7M Will Cover Repaving Of Capital Region Highways Impacted By Extreme Weather
Several highways in the region are set to undergo major facelifts thanks to millions of dollars in new state funding. Eight state highways in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Greene counties will be repaved at a cost of $8.7 million, Gov. Kathy Hochul said. The money is part of a $100 million funding package allocated to repave nearly 568 lane miles of roads across New York that have been impacted by severe weather. “From a devastating blizzard to historic flooding, we are living in a time of record-breaking weather events which have left many roads across New York State in n…
News
14-Year-Old Accidentally Shoots Self At Rensselaer Apartment Complex
A 14-year-old boy is recovering after apparently shooting himself at an apartment complex in the region. The Rensselaer County incident happened Sunday, Nov. 26, in Rensselaer, at the Kinwood Apartments located on Chase Drive. According to Rensselaer Police, the boy walked into Albany Medical Center Hospital at around 7:45 p.m. with an apparent gunshot wound. A preliminary investigation found that he had accidentally shot himself. Investigators did not elaborate on the nature of the boy’s injuries or say what type of gun was involved. “This appears to be an isolated incident and we do no…
Business
'Not An Easy Decision': Veteran-Owned Restaurant In Rensselaer Shutting Its Doors
A struggling, veteran-owned restaurant in the region serving breakfast and lunch is shuttering after just over a year in business. Rensselaer County eatery Cafe Twelve 04, located in Rensselaer at 1204 Washington Avenue, will serve its last guests on Sunday, Oct. 29, the business announced on Facebook. “Whelp… Not a post I want to be posting but it’s only right, Sunday will be my last day open at the cafe,” owner Chris Phelan said. “Definitely not an easy decision by any means.” After launching the restaurant in August 2022, Phelan, a US Army veteran, spent “countless dollars and hours” t…
Weather
Severe Thunderstorm Watch In Effect For Capital Region
With a round of storms moving from west to east in interior portions of the region, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for much of the area The watch is in effect until 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7. Potentially dangerous straight-line wind gusts are the primary threat, with potentially damaging hail also possible, according to the National Weather Service. Localized heavy rainfall and lightning are also possible. In New York, the following counties are covered by the watch: Dutchess Rockland Orange Ulster Sullivan Columbia Greene Albany Rensselaer Schenectady Saratoga Sc…
News
Bank Robbery Injuring Teller: 29-Year-Old Admits To Armed Heists At Capital Region Branches
A 29-year-old man is facing years in federal prison after admitting his role in two armed bank robberies in the region, one of which injured an employee. Capital Region resident Ulysses Wall, of Rensselaer, pleaded guilty to multiple charges in Albany federal court on Monday, Aug. 21. According to the US Attorney’s Office in the Northern District, Walls and co-defendant Christopher Cohn robbed two banks in Albany and North Greenbush in February 2019. They first hit an Albany Trustco Bank on Feb. 6, 2019, where Cohn told Walls he was about to “go do this,” meaning rob the bank, prosecutors…
News
Dollar Store Murder: 16-Year-Old Shot Father Of 5 To Death At Troy Business, Police Say
More than a month after a husband and father of five was shot to death during a fight outside a store in the region, a 16-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged with his murder. The shooting happened Sunday evening, July 2, in Troy, at the Family Dollar store located near 102nd Street and 2nd Avenue. According to Troy Police, two customers got into an argument in front of the store when one of them opened fire. Earlier Report: ID Released For Customer Shot To Death Outside Troy Store The victim, 39-year-old Alexander Crawford, of Troy, managed to get back into the store and t…
Weather
Severe Thunderstorm Watch In Effect For Capital Region With Isolated Tornadoes Possible
With a round of storms moving from west to east in interior portions of the region, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for much of the area. The watch is in effect until 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4. A radar image of the region above from 2:45 p.m. Friday shows the storms. In New York, the following counties are covered by the watch: Putnam Dutchess Orange Ulster Sullivan Albany Columbia Greene Rensselaer Schenectady Saratoga Schoharie Broome Cayuga Chemung Chenango Clinton Cortland Delaware Essex Franklin Fulton Hamilton Herkimer Lewis Madison Montgomery Oneida Onondaga Oswego Otsego …
News
Man Rapes, Murders 3-Year-Old Girl At Rensselaer Home, DA Says
A man from the region is facing murder charges after allegedly raping and killing a 3-year-old girl. Robert Fisher, age 33, of Rensselaer, was indicted for second-degree murder and first-degree rape by a Rensselaer County grand jury on Friday, July 28. According to prosecutors, emergency crews were called to a Rensselaer home near Broadway and Tracy Street on Friday, July 7, for a young girl who wasn’t breathing. Despite the efforts of medics, the girl was pronounced dead at Albany Medical Center. Fisher was indicted three weeks later following an “extensive” investigation involving multi…
Weather
Severe Thunderstorm Watch In Effect For Most Of Capital Region
With a new round of storms developing, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for much of the Northeast. In New York, the following counties: Westchester Putnam Dutchess Rockland Orange Ulster Sullivan Albany Columbia Greene Rensselaer Schoharie The watch covers all eight counties in Connecticut and the following counties in Massachusetts: Berkshire Bristol Essex Franklin Hampden Hampshire Middlesex Norfolk Plymouth Suffolk Worcester The watch was issued at 12:45 p.m. Thursday, July 27, by the National Weather Service and is in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday. Some of the storms could…
Weather
Severe Thunderstorm Watch In Effect For Parts Of Capital Region
With a new round of storms heading eastward, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for much of the region. It covers all eight counties in Connecticut, and in New York, the following counties: Westchester Putnam Dutchess Columbia Rensselaer Washington The watch was issued at 1 p.m. Friday, July 21, and is in effect until 8 p.m. Friday. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. "Locally heavy downpours may produce isolated to scattered areas of flash flooding," the National Weather Service said. The first round of showers and storms moved through …
Lifestyle
'America's Best Restaurants' To Feature Popular Rensselaer Eatery
A popular restaurant in the region known for its elevated take on traditional American cuisine is about to get some major street cred. Rensselaer County’s Illusive Restaurant and Bar, located in Rensselaer at 3 Ferry Street, is set to be featured on “America’s Best Restaurants,” a media company that spotlights independently-owned restaurants across the country. “We’re one of America’s Best Restaurants! But don’t take our word for it – the experts say so too!” Joseph Ventrice, Illusive’s owner and chef, wrote on Facebook. “We're humbled by this amazing opportunity and would like to thank …
Obituaries
'Hardworking, Compassionate': Watervliet Police Department Mourns Officer's Sudden Death
Colleagues and loved ones are mourning the sudden death of a veteran police officer from the region. Watervliet Police Sgt. Marc Langlais died unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 19, the department announced on Facebook. An official cause of death was not given. “Marc was a beloved member of the Watervliet community and a dedicated police officer for nearly two decades,” reads the post. Langlais joined the department in July 2004 and “quickly established himself as a hardworking and compassionate officer,” the department said. He was promoted to sergeant in June 2015, and was a regular in…
Lifestyle
'Best NY Burger' Nominees Include This Chatham Eatery
When it comes to the best burger in New York, two contenders vying for the title aren't very far away. Rensselaer County eatery Illusive, located in Rensselaer at 3 Ferry Street, and Columbia County’s Chatham Brewery, found in Chatham at 59 Main Street, are among 29 restaurants that were nominated for this year’s Best New York Burger Competition. Voting for the 7th annual contest, which is put on by the New York Beef Council, is underway until Wednesday, April 19. Chatham Brewery was nominated for its burgers, which are made with beef from local Trowbridge Farms, in the town of Ghent. In…
Weather
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued With 58 MPH Wind Gusts, Hail, Isolated Tornadoes Possible
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is now in effect for the region as a band of storms moves from the west to the east. The watch went into effect at 5:15 p.m. Saturday, April 1, and lasts until 10 p.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service announced. New York counties covered by the watch are: Albany Bronx Columbia Dutchess Fulton Greene Herkimer Kings (Brooklyn) Montgomery Nassau New York (Manhattan) Orange Putnam Queens Rensselaer Richmond (Staten Island) Rockland Saratoga Schenectady Schoharie Suffolk Ulster Westchester Connecticut counties covered by the watch are: …
News
Nor'easter: State Of Emergency Declared In Capital Region
New story - Nor'easter: Potent Storm With Gusty Winds Brings Mix Of Snow, Rain, Causes School Closures New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency ahead of a late winter Nor'easter that’s expected to bring heavy, wet snow and other challenging conditions to the region. Hochul urged New Yorkers to prepare for a multi-day event that could bring more than a foot of snow to portions of the Hudson Valley and Capital Region, according to the National Weather Service. Earlier Report: Storm Watch: These Areas Expected To See Extreme, Major Impacts From Nor'easter "State agencie…
News
Covid-
19: Rensselaer County Duo Admits To $100K Unemployment Insurance Fraud Scheme
Two men from the region could spend decades in federal prison after admitting to a massive unemployment insurance fraud scheme that included benefits meant to help those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rensselaer County residents Taquan Parker, age 26, of Rensselaer, and Olajuwon Sutherland, age 27, of Troy, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and mail fraud charges in federal court in Albany on Monday, March 6. According to the US Attorney’s Office in the Northern District, Parker and Sutherland each gave the personal information of two other people to a third man, Kahleke Taylor, which Taylor…
Lifestyle
Top-Prize Winning Take 5 Ticket Sold At Store In Rensselaer
A winning lottery ticket worth nearly $20,000 was sold at a convenience store in the region. The top-prize winning Take 5 ticket worth $19,839 for the Saturday, Feb. 18 evening drawing was purchased at a Stewart’s Shops in Rensselaer, located at 536 North Greenbush Road, New York Lottery announced. Players can check their numbers on the New York Lottery website. Take 5 numbers are drawn from a field of one through 39. The drawing is held twice daily at 2:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Winners have one year from the drawing date to claim their prize money.
News
Schenectady Man Admits Traveling To Meet 12-Year-Old For Sex
Undercover agents busted a man from the region who admitted he tried to meet a 12-year-old for sex. Michael Robbins, age 27, of Schenectady, pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor in federal court in Albany on Monday, Feb. 13. According to the US Attorney’s Office in the Northern District, Robbins admitted that between February and March 2021, he exchanged sexually explicit messages online with who he believed was a 12-year-old girl. In reality, he was messaging an undercover federal agent. Robbins told investigators he met the presumed minor in an online chat grou…
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