Local News

Smoke from hundreds of wildfires burning in Canada is expected to cause issues for primarily western parts of New York today. People who are unusually sensitive to particle pollution, should consider reducing your activity level or shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors today. Forecasters say the smoke levels may increase again tomorrow.

The seventh annual Blueberry Festival is today from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Warrensburgh Riverfront Farmers’ Market at the Recreation Field Pavilion on Library Avenue. The event features local berries, baked goods, jams, wine, crafts, food sampling, health information, kids’ activities and live music. Farmers’ Market Bucks will also be given away.

New Yorkers had the highest health care spending in the country in a new analysis of the most recent federal data. The 2024 data show spending averaged $14,007 per person in New York, compared with the national average of $10,191. Utah was lowest at $7,522.

The East Field swimming pool in Glens Falls will not open this summer because of a lifeguard shortage. The Recreation Department says it tried multiple ways to find summer lifeguards but was unable to hire enough staff. Haviland’s Cove will remain open as long as staffing allows.

Lake George will dedicate its new Shepard Park Performance Stage Friday. Public tours begin at 11 a.m., followed by live music at noon and a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. The new stage replaces the bandshell destroyed by an electrical fire in June 2024.

A section of Route 149 near Fort Ann will close Saturday for about two weeks while crews replace an aging culvert. The closure runs between Mountainview Drive and Nicholson Road. Separate detours will be posted for cars and commercial trucks. The schedule is weather dependent.

40 year old Evan Giroux faces more than 20 weapons charges after authorities searched a Grove Road property in Easton. Investigators say they found illegal firearms, an assault rifle, large-capacity magazines and an explosive device. Giroux was arraigned and released on bail pending a future court appearance.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man who drowned Tuesday in Lake George as 30 year old Noel Samedy of Rego Park. Deputies say Samedy was swimming with friends near Green Island when he went underwater. Divers recovered his body in about 36 feet of water.

50 year old Karl Ohly of Putnam was killed Tuesday night after becoming trapped in a hay baler on Lake Road. Washington County deputies say Ohly had been operating a tractor and baler when the accident happened. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause remains under investigation.

The American Red Cross says blood donations remain far below needed levels across the North Country region. About half of the area’s blood donation appointments went unfilled in June, and the shortage has continued into July. Donors through July will receive a movie ticket by email.