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February 28, 2026
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Schenectady Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Firearm and Drug Offenses: A 33-year-old Schenectady resident has been sentenced to a decade in federal prison following his conviction for drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession. In August 2022, authorities stopped Nekie Ricks while he was riding a bicycle, discovering 31 grams of crack cocaine, cash, a loaded 9mm handgun, and a taser. Ricks, who had previous felony convictions, was found carrying these items for the protection of illegal drug proceeds. He will also face four years of supervised release after his prison term. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Feb 28)
February 22, 2026
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Dr. Vinay Aggarwal Joins Geneva Primary Care Team: Dr. Vinay Aggarwal has joined the Geneva Primary Care team, enhancing medical services for residents in the area. He will work alongside existing staff, including physicians and nurse practitioners, as part of Finger Lakes Health's initiative to broaden healthcare access across several local counties. Dr. Aggarwal brings training from Saint Clare’s Hospital and Albany Medical College to his new role. The addition supports the ongoing effort to reduce wait times for new patients in the region. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Feb 22)
February 7, 2026
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William Smith Basketball Falls to Union After Pivotal Third Quarter: The William Smith College basketball team was defeated by Union College, 70-52, during a Liberty League match on Saturday at the Viniar Athletic Center. William Smith led after the first half, but Union took over in the third quarter by limiting the Herons to just two points and gaining a sizable advantage. Key contributors for William Smith included Giana Lobozzo with 16 points and seven rebounds. Despite a stronger fourth quarter, the Herons could not recover the deficit for a win. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Feb 7)
February 5, 2026
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State Lawmakers Criticize New York Thruway Over Toll Billing Mistakes: Complaints are mounting over billing errors from the cashless tolling system on the New York State Thruway. State Sen. Joseph Griffo says numerous drivers have reported being charged for trips they did not make, particularly after a transportation budget hearing highlighted the issue. An audit by Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli mostly found accurate billing but uncovered thousands of erroneous tolls near Schenectady, increasing scrutiny on the Thruway Authority to address oversight problems. Residents remain concerned about recurring billing problems. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Feb 5)
December 9, 2025
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John DeFazio Appointed Assistant Principal at Kelley Intermediate in Newark: John DeFazio, who has served as principal at Mont Pleasant Middle School in the Schenectady City School District since the 2023-24 academic year, has been named the new assistant principal at Kelley Intermediate School in Newark. The Newark Board of Education approved his appointment unanimously during a recent meeting. DeFazio brings relevant administrative experience to his new position. The leadership change marks a new chapter for the Kelley Intermediate community. (Source: Finger Lakes Times on Dec 9)
November 17, 2025
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Schenectady Man Charged With DWI After Wrong-Way Crash Injures Three Near Guilderland: A 30-year-old man from Schenectady was arrested on DWI and multiple traffic violations after driving the wrong way on the New York State Thruway near Guilderland. The incident occurred in the early morning on November 14, resulting in a head-on collision with another SUV. The wrong-way driver and three occupants of the other vehicle were taken to Albany Medical Center for treatment of injuries. Authorities report that none of the injuries were considered life-threatening. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 17)
November 14, 2025
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Synthetic Marijuana Confiscated From Inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility: Corrections officers at the Mid-State Correctional Facility in Marcy, New York, discovered 176 sheets treated with synthetic marijuana during a search of an inmate's cell in June. The suspect, serving a four-year sentence for attempted weapon possession, was temporarily placed in a Special Housing Unit while staff investigated. It took nearly four months for laboratory testing to confirm the presence of K2 due to processing delays. The inmate ultimately lost various privileges for 90 days as disciplinary action. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 14)
November 11, 2025
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Auburn Police Deploy New Software for Enhanced Patrol Tracking and Oversight: The Auburn Police Department has implemented two new software platforms aimed at improving operational transparency and accountability. Patrol Finder allows officers to systematically cover all city streets, using data to target high-crime areas more efficiently. The department funded this technology through opioid settlement funds, and it now supports both crime prevention and routine patrols. A second platform, Power Ready, streamlines officer training evaluations and helps supervisors track performance in real time. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 11)
October 31, 2025
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New York Schools Report Over 20,000 Restraint or Isolation Incidents in One Year: More than 20,000 instances of physical restraint or seclusion were recorded in New York schools last year, mostly involving young boys with disabilities. Approximately 3,600 students were directly affected, but the total is likely higher due to underreporting. Some schools reportedly used banned practices such as face-down restraints and corporal punishment, especially among students in kindergarten through second grade. State officials are currently reviewing the data to determine further action. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 31)
October 27, 2025
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Rotterdam Woman Arrested After Threatening Schenectady Legislator Over Trump Support: In Rotterdam, a woman has been charged after police say she threatened to shoot Schenectady County legislator Josh Cuomo in front of his children upon learning of his support for Donald Trump. Cuomo was canvassing with his sons when the incident occurred. Authorities arrested the woman, charging her with harassment and endangering the welfare of a child. The legislator expressed hope that such incidents would prompt greater rejection of political threats in the community. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 27)
October 24, 2025
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Schenectady Transport Company Owner, Manager Indicted in $1.8M Medicaid Fraud: A transportation company owner and office manager from Schenectady County face indictments related to alleged Medicaid fraud totaling $1.8 million. Authorities allege the company submitted false transportation claims, billed for rides that never occurred, and paid patients to take part in the scheme. Investigators discovered that some kickbacks were used to purchase illegal drugs, further undermining healthcare goals. The charges follow a lengthy investigation by state officials. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 24)