Audit: State parks need to improve disability accessibility

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 19:02:23 GMT

Audit: State parks need to improve disability accessibility ALBANY, N.Y. (WTEN) -- Experts say one in four adults in New York has a disability. A recent audit from the State Comptroller's Office looked into accessibility for people with disabilities at state parks and recreational sites. The audit looked at 40 parks across New York from January 2018 to October of 2022. It found over 60 percent of areas where accessibility could be improved. "It’s not a big surprise to me, I’ve gone to several different parks and have encountered issues," said Alex Thompson, director of Advocacy at NY Association of Independent Living. The study also found information on websites about trail accessibility was inaccurate or not updated. Thompson knows this scenario all too well, "You know, as someone who uses a wheel mobility device, that’s a big issue. Because I don’t wanna you know, drive two hours to a park and then get there and then find out that I’m not gonna be able to enjoy my time there." Mohawk Hudson Humane Society faces sheltering crisis Thomps...

Columbia County issues rabies alert for bats

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 19:02:23 GMT

Columbia County issues rabies alert for bats HUDSON, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Columbia County Department of Health urges residents to contact the office if a bat is encountered inside a home. The health department will test the bat for free to rule out rabies. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! According to the New York State Department of Health website, bats are the leading cause of rabies deaths in the U.S. Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the nervous system.The Department of Health has provided instructions on capturing bats located in a residence. The Columbia County Department of Health can be reached at (518) 828-3358. For assistance, residents can also contact a licensed nuisance wildlife operator.

Albany man pleads guilty to methamphetamine offenses

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 19:02:23 GMT

Albany man pleads guilty to methamphetamine offenses ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- On Friday, an Albany man plead guilty to possessing and distributing methamphetamine. Samuel Coleman, 51, faces at least ten years in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, and at least five years of supervised release. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Coleman admitted that between March 2020 and January 2021, he distributed and possessed at least 1,613 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Multiple law enforcement agencies investigated the case, including the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Albany County Sheriff's Office, the Colonie Police Department, and New York State Police. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.

Occupant sustains burns during fire in Broadalbin

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 19:02:23 GMT

Occupant sustains burns during fire in Broadalbin BROADALBIN, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Multiple fire departments and first responders reported to Benedict Loop in Broadalbin on Sunday night for a structure fire. Within two hours, crews extinguished the fire and returned to service. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! According to Steven J. Santa Maria of the Fulton County Emergency Management Office, the fire started from a pan of cooking oil left unattended on a heated stove. The lone occupant had forgotten about it until smoke started to fill the kitchen area.The resident tried to move the pan outside, but it burst into flames. He then dropped the pan, exited the building, and contacted 911. A neighbor noticed the smoke and used a garden hose to spray water onto the fire, which kept the fire at bay until fire crews arrived. The occupant sustained second-degree burns to the left hand and leg. He was treated by the Lake Valley EMS. Gloversville man convicted of murdering estranged wife ...

NYS Writers Institute announces fall event schedule

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 19:02:23 GMT

NYS Writers Institute announces fall event schedule ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The New York State Writers Institute has announced their event schedule for the fall season. The majority of the events will be held at the University at Albany’s uptown campus. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! The season will feature discussions, readings, book signings, film screenings and workshops, with a vast array of special guests presenting ideas from the worlds of literature, poetry, history, film, and more. The schedule is highlighted by the 6th annual Albany Book Festival on September 23, preceded by the induction for the incoming NYS Author and NYS Poet on September 22.The events, unless otherwise noted, are free and open to the public. The full schedule is detailed below: Troy welcomes circus to the city for ten days NYS Writers Institute 2023 Fall ScheduleAugust 29: Richard Russo - Tales of Blue-Collar Life In Upstate New York September 1: Film Screening - Rodrigo García's "Nine Lives",...

Mohawk Hudson Humane Society faces sheltering crisis

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 19:02:23 GMT

Mohawk Hudson Humane Society faces sheltering crisis MENANDS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- On Monday, the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society issued an urgent plea for the local community to adopt and foster animals amidst a sheltering crisis. The humane society has 262 cats and 126 dogs under care, but the shelter only has 85 dog kennels. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! “We need adopters. We need foster families. We are reducing fees to just $50 to encourage people to adopt now. Many of our animals have been with us for a long time and are beloved by our staff and volunteers. Without adopters coming forward, we are going to have to make some heartbreaking decisions,” said CEO Ashley Jeffrey Bouck. “We’ve been talking about the lack of kennel space in our community and the need for more municipal support. We have a finite amount of space, and we cannot be the only solution.”The MHHS is putting owner surrenders and intake of stray cats on hold until further notice. Adoption fees are now $50 for all ...

Driver killed after car veers off I-170, flips, and catches fire

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 19:02:23 GMT

Driver killed after car veers off I-170, flips, and catches fire ST. LOUIS -- A man died early Sunday morning during a rollover crash on a ramp from I-170 to eastbound I-70. The Missouri State Highway Patrol has identified the victim as Yelmer Ramirez-Tercero. A passenger in the vehicle was also seriously injured.Troopers say that Ramirez-Tercero was driving a 2014 Chevy Equinox too fast at around 2 a.m. onto the ramp. The vehicle went off the roadway, up an embankment, and got stuck on a MetroLink overpass. It landed on its roof and caught fire.Ramirez-Tercero was pronounced dead at the scene. An ambulance took the 21-year-old passenger to a nearby hospital.

Drinkwitz one of six college coaches on the hot seat?

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 19:02:23 GMT

Drinkwitz one of six college coaches on the hot seat? The silly season in college football, that time when coaches get fired and hired, seems to never stop.The dismissal of Pat Fitzgerald by Northwestern after an investigation into hazing in the program kicked off this year’s carousel.College administrators are also embracing the quick hook more than ever before. Last year, there were five coaching changes between the first games and Oct. 3.Who is in danger of being this season's Scott Frost or Geoff Collins? There are hot spots to varying degrees at West Virginia, Indiana, Syracuse, Missouri and Boston College.Results on the field matter, but the other major factors are how much it will cost to buyout a contract and whether the athletic director currently in charge hired that coach. Six situations worth monitoring:ELI DRINKWITZ, Missouri (17-19, three seasons)Drinkwitz got a two-year extension and a raise in the off-season from AD Desiree Reed-Francois, who did not hire him. Notably, the new deal didn't increase the cost for Miss...

Kiszla vs. Gabriel: Should Mike Shanahan or Dan Reeves go first into the Hall of Fame?

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 19:02:23 GMT

Kiszla vs. Gabriel: Should Mike Shanahan or Dan Reeves go first into the Hall of Fame? Kiz: One was the great and powerful Mastermind. The other was an ornery old Cowboy. But which one was the best coach ever to command the Broncos sideline? Listen, both Mike Shanahan and Dan Reeves deserve a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, if you’re asking me. But only one has a shot to get in the doors this year. If you have to pick, which Broncos coach should receive the honor first?Gabriel: Not to immediately make reference of the, uh, generational difference between the debaters here, but if you’d asked this beat writer back when he was taking naps in Southern Wisconsin so he could stay up late to watch Super Bowl XXXII, he’d say Reeves in a heartbeat for no other reason than what Shanahan, Terrell Davis, John Elway and company did to Green Bay. But, of course, those days are long past and I agree on both being deserving. Gut says Shanahan, but I know you have an argument for Reeves, Kiz. Let me hear it.Kiz: Methinks Reeves kinda enjoyed playing the role of the old-s...

Commentary: A small town succeeds because “everyone bought in”

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 19:02:23 GMT

Commentary: A small town succeeds because “everyone bought in” Casey, Ill., claims a lot of big things: the world’s biggest wind chime, chair, mailbox, knitting needle and pencil. But that’s not all it’s got.I attended a family wedding in Michigan in July and chose to drive from my home in Colorado and stay in sleeping cabins. In my 55 years in America, I’d never been to the Midwest; this was a great opportunity to explore. The campground clerk in Casey recommended an excellent Mexican restaurant downtown.The world’s largest mailbox is in Casey, Ill. (Eva Syrovy, Special to The Denver Post)This is what I noticed on the way: irrigation equipment used to hang a collection of American flags that gleamed in the late light. Lots of freshly painted homes with neatly tended yards. All the storefronts downtown occupied, and even a boutique that sold $30 insulated cups along with glittery party gear. An immaculate outdoor stage, well designed and shaded by city buildings. And a line that waited patiently outside the ice cream sh...