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Common Council Highlights Youth in our Community

Photo Provided: The City of Glens Falls, Adele Squadere

The Glens Falls Common Council meeting last Tuesday (December 13, 2022) was opened by Adele Squadere, a 6th-grade student at Abraham Wing School – Squadere sang the National Anthem to open the meeting.

The City of Glens Falls would like other singers or performers to open the meetings with the National Anthem, or a quick display of cultural dance or music! To participate in this program, reach out to Kate Roos at: ksroosgf@gmail.com

Mayor Bill Collins said, “We all were absolutely delighted with Adele’s performance, and I’m proud to be part of this new program. We have a solid history of promoting the arts in Glens Falls. It is especially important to include the talented young people in a community that has so many gifted artists and musicians. It provides our younger generation with an ability to learn and grow in a public setting while encouraging them to be part of the community. We all felt she added some energy to what typically is a formal setting.” 

Adele is one of the featured performers at the upcoming holiday concert  “Christmas Soul” at Abraham Wing School, on Wednesday, December 21st, 2022.

Saratoga Biochar Solutions Virtual Public Meeting December 19, 2022

Environmental Justice Area Map

On December 19, 2022, Saratoga Biochar Solutions held a virtual public meeting to discuss the proposed facility at the Moreau Industrial Park. CEO Raymond Apy, President Bryce Meeker, hired engineer Andrew Millspaugh, and Chief Operating Officer Lee Wulfekuhle hosted the virtual public meeting. This meeting was the first of several public information meetings to be held as part of the Department of Environmental Conservation’s application requirements. Community members had the opportunity to email their questions, or ask a question via the zoom meeting function, or through the phone; or, add a question to a chat stream. Each community member was given 2 minutes and 30 seconds to speak; however, that time limit was not enforced. Apy and his team went through the community’s questions until just after 8:00 PM on Monday evening. 

More than 100 area residents attended the virtual meeting. When the question and answer period began, the challenges of the virtual meeting format became apparent; the first participant in the public question and answer period was Tom Masso. That call was lost, but he was able to reconnect and successfully ask his question. Gina Laclair could not successfully enable her microphone, and was not able to comment. Apy and The Baker Public Relations team worked to communicate with community members and try to direct community members on how to enable their microphone and camera. 

The Baker Public Relation team, who were on hand to assist with the meeting, could be heard giving direction so that the questions could be asked and concerns from community members addressed. On several occasions, CEO Ray Apy went back to community members who could not successfully connect and tried to reconnect with them and answer their questions. 

Community members voiced their concerns regarding the safety of the facility for their children and grandchildren. Questions were asked regarding the steps to take if community members did have complaints when the facility was opened, as well as truck traffic. After several failed attempts to connect, Therese Gillis – Co-founder of Hands Off Our Hudson (which Gillis clarified is not an environmental group) – was able to participate in the meeting. She spoke for almost 10 minutes, before the meeting ended just after 8:00 PM. Gillis mentioned the PCBs pollution caused by General Electric that the area is still recovering from.

 To view Saratoga Biochar’s 35-page Public Participation Plan, visit SaratogaBiochar.com, click on the menu, and Choose “PPP”.  

Queensbury Girls Varsity Basketball Takes On Glens Falls

Queensbury 47, Glens Falls 24: the Queensbury Girls Varsity Basketball team hosted the Glens Falls Indians on Monday night, with the tip-off at 7:00 PM. The Indians dropped their second game in a row, coming off the recent loss to the Schuylerville Black Horses.

 The Spartans out-scored the Indians in the first quarter, 14 to 6. At halftime, the Spartans had scored 24 points, and the Indians were held to 11 points. The third period was the most competitive for the Indians; they matched the Spartans point for point as each team scored 9 points. The Spartans then pulled away in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 points to the Indians’ 4 points. 

Dyllan Ray led the Spartans with 19 points, followed by Aislynn Dixon who scored 13 points. C.J. Lunt led the Indians with 9 points. 

Next, the Queensbury Spartans (2-3) will face the Bethlehem Central Eagles (5-0) on Tuesday, December 20th, in a non-league away game. On Thursday, December 22nd, the Glens Falls Indians (2-4) will host the South Glens Falls Bulldogs.

Glens Falls TODAY: Morning Brief – Episode 69: Concerns with Fort Edward Solar Project | 12/20/22

Today, Gary discusses local concerns around a solar farm proposed for Fort Edward’s grasslands. Also, local marijuana company Etain is sold to Canadian investors, the ADK Food Hub in Tupper Lake receives USDA grant funding, a new consignment shop opens on South St. in Glens Falls, and the Lake George Association hires a new Development Manager.

00:02 – Intro
00:36 – Ad Break 1
01:37 – Story 1: Etain Sold to Canadian Investors
03:39 – Story 2: ADK Food Hub Receives USDA Grant
05:15 – Ad Break 2
05:37 – Story 3: Proposed Solar Project in Fort Edward Raises Concerns
08:53 – Story 4: Fashion Follies
11:38 – Story 5: LGA Names New Development Manager
13:06 – Outro

Stories Cited:
Etain Sold to Canadian Investors – Post Star
https://poststar.com/news/local/etain-chester-based-marijuana-operation-sold-to-canadian-investors/article_dc5f7d2c-7e20-11ed-9d43-9fbc630236a3.html

ADK Food Hub Receives USDA Grant – Sun Community News
https://suncommunitynews.com/news/100428/adk-food-hub-receives-500k-usda-grant/

Proposed Solar Project in Fort Edward Raises Concerns – Post Star
https://poststar.com/news/local/proposed-solar-project-on-wild-bird-grasslands-in-fort-edward-raises-concerns/article_3cf8b572-7cb4-11ed-ad10-9b356790905f.html

Fashion Follies – News 10
https://www.news10.com/news/north-country/consignment-shop-another-new-fit-in-south-streets-expanding-closet/

LGA Names New Development Manager – Post Star
https://poststar.com/news/local/lga-names-danielle-brown-to-new-role-as-development-manager/article_8dc1c54c-7d73-11ed-a4ce-6f749dfc5049.html

Drinking and driving and the holidays. Let’s hope this doesn’t apply to you…

injury law

Today we are going to talk about what to do if you are hurt in  a car accident involving a driver who was intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. 

While it’s not a topic that you want to think about, with the holidays come increased drinking and driving, and if you find yourself (or a family member) in a car accident caused by a driver who was intoxicated, you may be asking: What do I do now?

There are a couple of things that you need to think about if and when you are involved in an accident involving a drunk driver, or a driver who was under the influence of drugs, including marijuana which is now recreationally legal in New York.

The first thing to do following an accident is make sure that the police are called, so that a police report can be generated which identifies parties involved, witnesses and insurance coverage, and may even help establish fault.   In particular, if a driver is under the influence they will likely be issued tickets, which is important because it can help you establish liability down the road.

Following the accident you or your attorney will want to reach out to the local court or district attorney who is responsible for prosecuting any charges against the other driver, notifying them of the severity of your injuries.  

Why is that important? Because then the prosecutor is less likely to give a quick plea deal to the wrongdoer if the case involves serious injuries.  This may become very important later, because if there is an admission of wrongdoing (i.e. a guilty plea), it will help establish liability against the other driver.  

You’ll next want to be sure that the other driver had insurance, and that the relevant insurance companies are given notice of the potential claim.  This will help you determine the applicable coverage limits on the other driver’s vehicle.  

Once you determine the coverage limits of the other vehicle you may want to notify your own insurance company that you have a potential SUM or UM claim.   As we’ve discussed before, this is a claim that allows you to seek damages from your own insurance company in excess of the other driver’s insurance.

This is important because many times if you are hurt because of a drunk driver you will have sustained very serious injuries.  You may need surgery or significant medical treatment.  You may have a long recovery and miss work.  If the other driver has $25,000 or $50,000 in insurance coverage, it will likely be insufficient to wholly compensate you.

If you have sufficient SUM or UM coverage under your own insurance policy you may be able to make a claim against that coverage for damages beyond the other driver’s policy.  But remember that it is critical to notify your carrier, as part of your responsibility as an insured is to notify the insurance company that you have the potential for a SUM or UM claim. If you are unsure about your Sum or UM coverage, take a look at the declarations page on your auto insurance policy.  

In addition to everything else – and this goes without saying – get medical treatment.  You have to take care of yourself and your family so that you can move on from the accident. And the best way to do that is to get medical treatment immediately and as needed.

To learn more about how D’Orazio Peterson can help you, visit here or go to our website: www.doraziopeterson.com

*This article is informational only and is not intended as legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship*


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Scott M. Peterson is the founding partner of D’Orazio Peterson, having left a partnership at a large regional law firm to limit his practice and focus on exclusively representing individuals in a small number of employment and serious injury/medical malpractice matters.

Glens Falls Schools Stay Open During Winter Storm

Friday, December 16, Glens Falls Schools stayed open while other area schools closed; Glens Falls did cancel after school activities, and postpone and reschedule games and meets. 

The Glens Falls City School sent out a district-wide email explaining their decision to community members: the email explained the variables that are involved in making the decision to close schools or keep them open. Current and forecasted weather is considered, as are the conditions of the roads, parking lots, and sidewalks.

The Glens Falls role in the community is also a consideration – the schools offer every student free breakfast and lunch. These meals are very important on Fridays and Mondays to students and families who face food insecurity, so providing these services is a factor in deciding to keep the facilities open. The school also provides winter clothes, boots, hats, and gloves to students in need through the HOPE boutique. The email said: “The learning, nourishment, social-emotional community, and consistency of schedule for students and families are important.” The goal of the Glens Falls City Schools is to keep every child in school – both safely, and consistently.

Governor Hochul Signs Blue Alert Legislation

Governor Hochul, on Friday, December 16th, 2022, signed legislation to crack down on violent crimes against police officers. Legislation (S.772A/A.6318B) establishes a Blue Alert System to aid in the identification, location, and apprehension of individuals suspected of killing or seriously wounding a police officer. This new law will reportedly help catch perpetrators, and improve public safety across the state by creating a better way to disseminate information.

Governor Huchul said in a press release: “We are taking a comprehensive approach towards protecting the individuals who serve and protect us, taking every measure we can to crack down on violent crime against law enforcement. New York is wholly committed to safeguarding our brothers and sisters in law enforcement and this new law will be crucial to creating safer communities and apprehending those who commit violent crimes against police officers.”

A Blue Alert is issued to notify law enforcement agencies, media, and the public about suspects who have killed, seriously injured, or pose an imminent threat to police. This system will help catch perpetrators that threaten public safety by establishing a better way to disseminate information on crime against police officers to the public. 

New York Acting Superintendent Steven Nigrelli said, “Law enforcement is known for being a dangerous profession. However, officers choose this profession because they believe in public service, helping others and putting the public ahead of themselves. Each call to service brings its own set of challenges and officers never know for certain what they will face. By establishing a Blue Alert System, we can better protect law enforcement from individuals who are looking to inflict harm on officers who have committed their lives to protecting others.” 

Assembly member Steven Stern said, “I was proud to sponsor and pass this critically important legislation in support of the brave men and women of law enforcement, who sacrifice so much to keep all of us safe. The Blue Alert System has a proven track record of success nationwide and its implementation is long overdue in New York State.” 

In 2015, Congress passed the Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National Blue Alert Act; named in honor of two New York City police officers killed in an ambush attack on December 20, 2014. Blue Alerts can be transmitted via wireless devices and through the emergency alert system, and can also be transmitted to televisions & radio stations, cellphone & wireless devices, overhead highway signs, and other secondary alerting mechanisms in the same way that Amber Alerts are commonly issued. This bill was unanimously passed and signed into law by Governor Hochul.

 Quirk Family Business Sold to Third Generation

Lake George has been home to the Quirk Family business for four decades, and now is being passed to a third generation – Dennis Quirk has sold his Lake George holding to his daughter and son-in-law. Katie Carson and her husband Will Carson will take over the Woodbine Motel, the tour boat business, restaurant & boat rental company. According to the Warren County clerk’s office the real estate sold for $3.53 million. Documents filed with the county show that the transaction was financed through a $4-million mortgage with Chemung Canal Trust, and closed on November 16, 2022. 

Renovations and rebranding will be taking place for several of these holdings: The Lake George Shoreline Tour Boat Company – which includes the Horicon, a three story 85-foot wooden yacht, & The Adirondac, a 115 ft luxury cruise ship – will operate under the name Lake George Waterfront Cruises. This tour boat company offers historic sightseeing cruises; these tours are one-hour long narrated cruises, which feature local history, including the Revolutionary and French & Indian Wars. The tour highlights historical locations where documented historical events took place; in addition, the company offers sunset tours, twilight cruises, and family firework cruises.  Both the Adirondac & the Horicon are available for wedding functions and special events. 

Rebranding will also take place at the Woodbine Motel, which is west of Canada Street: this holding will be switching from a seasonal motel to a short term rental motel. It will operate as “The Bungalows”. 

The Shoreline Restaurant will be undergoing renovations, fine-tuning its menu, and undergoing a rebranding of its own in the coming months. Katie has worked for her father’s businesses in the restaurants and on the cruises, and Will Carson previously owned and operated Leroy Holding Truck Leasing & Service, which he sold in August.

Glens Falls TODAY: Morning Brief – Episode 68: Security Updates at Glens Falls City Schools | 12/19/22

It’s another Monday, and to kick off the week, Gary discusses new updates to the security resources at Glens Falls City School District. Other stories from the weekend include power outages caused by Friday’s snowstorm, the recipients of the Common Roots Foundation’s community grants, and a panel discussing the feats of Gen. Henry Knox scheduled in Lake George tonight.

00:02 – Intro
00:32 – Ad Break 1
01:26 – Story 1: Snowstorm Power Outages
04:22 – Story 2: Common Roots Foundation Grants
07:28 – Ad Break 2
07:52 – Story 3: Security Updates at Glens Falls City Schools
10:37 – Story 4: Lake George Henry Knox Panel
13:39 – Outro

Stories Cited:
Snowstorm Power Outages – Sun Community News
https://suncommunitynews.com/news/100469/snowstorm-knocks-out-power-to-thousands/

Common Roots Foundation Grants – Post Star
https://poststar.com/news/local/common-roots-foundation-awards-grants-to-nine-organizations/article_6a8637f4-7bc3-11ed-b006-6b58f0849255.html

Security Updates at Glens Falls City Schools – Glens Falls TODAY
https://glensfallsbusinessreport.com/security-changes-coming-to-glens-falls-middle-school-and-high-school/

Lake George Henry Knox Panel – Glens Falls Chronicle
https://www.glensfallschronicle.com/gen-knoxs-epic-1775-76-cannon-march-is-topic-of-dec-19-lake-george-panel/

Queensbury Girls Varsity Basketball Beats Hudson Falls 45-37

Queensbury, 45… Hudson Falls, 37! The Queensbury Spartans and the Hudson Falls Tigers girls varsity teams were neck and neck until Queensbury pulled away in the third quarter of Thursday night’s game at Hudson Falls. In the first quarter of play, Queensbury scored nine points to Hudson Falls seven points. In the second quarter, Hudson Falls scored 12 points to Queensbury’s 11, for a halftime score of Queensbury 20, Hudson Falls 19.

The Spartans’ defense in the third quarter held the Tigers to only three points, while the Spartan offense scored 10. Both teams added 15 points in the fourth quarter; however, the hard-fought victory was already secure.

Queensbury’s Aislynn Dixon poured in a career high of 23 points for the Spartans, and Liz Rowley & Sedona Jones each grabbed eight rebounds; this was a career high for both players. Dyllan Ray added 11 points and six rebounds. Kayla Zehr had a team high and personal best of five assists. The Spartans improved to 1-3 over all (1-1 in the foothills council). Glens Falls’ next game will be on Monday, December 19th, at 7:00 PM.