Benny Nezaj

Opens in a new window Opens an external website Opens an external website in a new window This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. You may change your settings at any time or accept the default settings. You may close this banner to continue with only essential cookies. Privacy Policy Targeted Advertising Personalization Analytics Wynantskill voters approve merger with Troy CSD Video Player is loading. This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color Transparency Background Color Transparency Window Color Transparency Font Size Text Edge Style Font Family End of dialog window. Advertisement According to district officials, residents cast their ballots on March 31, 2026, with the proposal passing by a vote of 709 in favor to 507 against WYNANTSKILL, N.Y. — Voters in the Wynantskill Union Free School District have approved a plan to merge with the Enlarged City School District of Troy, marking a major shift for the small Rensselaer County community. According to district officials, residents cast their ballots with the proposal passing by a vote of 709 in favor to 507 against — a margin of 202 votes. The approval clears the way for the Wynantskill district to dissolve and for its lone school, Gardner-Dickinson, to become part of the Troy City School District. The decision follows ongoing concerns about declining enrollment and long-term financial stability within the Wynantskill district. Supporters of the merger say the move will expand educational opportunities for students while helping to stabilize costs. “I have two kids right now that are attending Troy High in 10th and 11th grade, and I have a sophomore in college that graduated from Troy High,” said voter Kate Rodriguez, who supported the merger. “All three of my kids graduated from Gardner-Dickinson, so I know that all of these kids that are here now are in for a great education if they go to Troy High.” Others, however, voiced concerns about the impact the merger could have on the community and families. “I've gone and spoke to a lot of families out here,” said Heather Nadorski, who voted against the proposal. “They are looking to either sell their house, or take their child out and send them to a private school or home school.” District leaders acknowledged the significance of the vote and thanked residents for their participation in the process. “We are grateful to our residents for engaging in this important decision and making their voices heard,” said Superintendent Dr. Mary Yodis. “This process has reflected the strong commitment our community has to the future of our students and our schools.” Board of Education President Nichole Hurbanek also emphasized the district's commitment moving forward. “We respect the outcome of the vote and remain committed to supporting our students, staff, and community as we move forward together,” Hurbanek said. With the measure approved, district officials say the transition process will begin in coordination with the New York State Education Department. The upcoming school year will serve as a transition period, with the full merger expected to be completed by July 2027. The district says additional details and next steps will be shared with families in the coming weeks, as the community prepares for the next chapter in its educational system.

Opens in a new window Opens an external website Opens an external website in a new window This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. You may change your settings at any time or accept the default settings. You may close this banner to continue with only essential cookies. Privacy Policy Targeted Advertising Personalization Analytics Noah's Kingdom Humane Society forced to foster cats after losing adoption space Video Player is loading. This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color Transparency Background Color Transparency Window Color Transparency Font Size Text Edge Style Font Family End of dialog window. Advertisement Without a central location to showcase the cats, the group says it has become more challenging to find adopters. A longtime local animal rescue is navigating major changes after losing its primary adoption space, forcing volunteers to step in and care for cats in their own homes while the organization searches for a new facility. Noah's Kingdom Humane Society, which housed cats and held adoption events at the Albany PetSmart on Washington Avenue Extension for nearly 30 years, was recently asked to leave to make room for another shelter. As a result, more than a dozen cats are now in foster care with volunteers, as the organization works to find new ways to connect them with permanent homes. “Without having a shelter makes it very difficult for us,” said volunteer Joyce Stah. Stah and her husband, Tim, have been volunteering with Noah's Kingdom for more than 20 years. They say the end of the long-standing partnership has placed a significant burden on volunteers, who are now responsible for housing the cats that were once kept at the adoption center. Without a central location to showcase the animals, they say it has become more challenging to find adopters and manage the growing needs of the cats. “I think a lot of the volunteers are feeling that their role has diminished or that their role is far more important,” Stah said. “But it's a challenge because if you're fostering a cat or kittens and we can't showcase them, there's a high level of stress and anxiety.” Tim Stah added that the current situation is especially difficult given the needs of some of the animals. “We're in a situation right now with the cats we have where we can't really foster, so we have a senior cat who needs a lot of attention,” he said. Among the cats currently in foster care are 7-month-old siblings Betty and Eddie, who are being cared for by Executive Director Liz Fazio. The pair are bonded and must be adopted together. “They're great kitties. They really are bonded so they have to go together,” Fazio said. “She's very sweet, and they play with my cats—they're very good.” While fostering has helped ensure the cats remain safe and cared for, the organization says finding new partnerships and eventually securing a permanent location is critical to its future. Leaders say they are actively exploring potential collaborations with other groups as they determine their next steps. “We have had some contact with some groups,” Stah said. “We are having meetings and really taking our time to carefully consider who we want to partner with. It could be one, it could be none. We really are at a juncture where anything is possible.” PetSmart Charities said in a statement that while Noah's Kingdom is no longer housed in its adoption center, the group remains an active partner and can still participate in in-store adoption events. The organization said such decisions are made to best support the needs of the community, adopters, and rescue groups. However, volunteers say relying solely on in-store events without a permanent space presents ongoing challenges, particularly for cats that require more stable environments. For now, Noah's Kingdom Humane Society continues to promote its cats through its website and social media, encouraging the public to consider adopting or fostering. More information about available cats and how to help can be found on the organization's website.

Opens in a new window Opens an external website Opens an external website in a new window This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. You may change your settings at any time or accept the default settings. You may close this banner to continue with only essential cookies. Privacy Policy Targeted Advertising Personalization Analytics Schenectady Police use drones to speed response, track suspects Video Player is loading. This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color Transparency Background Color Transparency Window Color Transparency Font Size Text Edge Style Font Family End of dialog window. Advertisement From a rooftop station at police headquarters, drones can be launched within moments, providing immediate aerial support during emergencies. For nearly a year, the Schenectady Police Department has been the only law enforcement agency in the Capital Region using drones for first response situations—offering a new perspective on how officers respond to calls. From a rooftop station at police headquarters, drones can be launched within moments, providing immediate aerial support during emergencies. The devices give officers a live view from above—often before units on the ground even arrive. “We're that witness in the sky for the officers on the ground,” said Sergeant Peter Montalto. According to Montalto, the Drone as a First Responder program has transformed how police assess situations—allowing them to determine whether a response is necessary before sending officers. “A lot of times we use them for instance where a passerby may come by and say there's a fight and there's a problem here—and we go there with the drone, we find that's not occurring,” Montalto said. “So we can save a response from a police officer.” The drones are operated by officers inside a control room at the station, where they pilot the aircraft remotely while monitoring live video and communicating with units in real time. Police say the program has already led to dozens of arrests over the past year. In one recent case, three people were charged with illegal gun possession following a stop near State Street. Authorities say one suspect ran from the scene but was tracked from above by a drone and later found hiding in a backyard near Catherine Street, where a handgun was recovered. “Our drone operator was able to keep an eye on where they were going and guided our ground officers to the location,” Montalto said. “When they were detained in a backyard, that location was also given to other officers for safety and for backup.” With success like this, Schenectady police say the program is expected to grow, as more departments across the country show interest in adopting similar technology. “It seems to be a rapidly evolving nationwide trend,” Montalto said. “We're seeing a lot more interest in tours and inquiries into what we do here.” Police also operate a second drone station on the roof of Central Park Middle School and say they are continuing to look for ways to improve camera quality and flight time when responding to incidents.

Opens in a new window Opens an external website Opens an external website in a new window This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. You may change your settings at any time or accept the default settings. You may close this banner to continue with only essential cookies. Privacy Policy Targeted Advertising Personalization Analytics Viral video highlights special bond between local airport bartender and frequent flyer Video Player is loading. This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color Transparency Background Color Transparency Window Color Transparency Font Size Text Edge Style Font Family End of dialog window. Advertisement The clip has racked up millions of views on social media and even earned a mention on NBC's Today Show. Colonie, NY – A chance reunion at Albany International Airport has captured hearts across the country—turning a simple moment between a bartender and a traveler into a viral sensation. The now widely shared video features Kathy Winn, a longtime bartender at Silks Saratoga Bistro, greeting frequent customer Matt Baumgartner with excitement before pouring his usual drink. The clip has racked up millions of views on social media and even earned a mention on NBC's Today Show For Winn, creating those kinds of moments has been part of the job for nearly eight years. “I thoroughly enjoy my regular customers, and I also enjoy meeting new people every single day,” she said. Customers say that welcoming attitude stands out. Robert Montague of Galway described Winn as someone who treats everyone the same, making the experience enjoyable for all who stop by. But among the many travelers she meets, one relationship has grown especially meaningful. Baumgartner, owner of June Farms, says he sees Winn about four times a year while traveling—and makes it a point to stop by every time. “For me, coming to an airport can be stressful,” Baumgartner said. “She makes it fun and calms me down. Every time I see her, it's the highlight of my trip.” That connection is what inspired Baumgartner to post the now-viral video. In it, Winn greets him warmly and pours his go-to drink—a small, familiar ritual that resonated with viewers. “I couldn't believe it was happening,” Baumgartner said of the video's popularity. “I checked it after I got off the plane and couldn't believe how many views it had.” Winn, who says she doesn't spend much time on social media, was equally surprised. “I started getting texts from friends sending me the video,” she said. “Then the Today Show called and asked if I knew I was viral—I had no idea.” Since then, travelers passing through the airport have made it a point to stop by the bar, hoping to meet Winn themselves. Lynne Piscitella of Rotterdam said she and her group sought her out before a flight. “We had some time before boarding, so we grabbed a bagel and met Kathy,” Piscitella said. “It was great.” Both Winn and Baumgartner say the attention has been fun—but more importantly, they hope their story reminds people of the value of everyday connections. “We've gotten closer, and we're just enjoying it,” Winn said. “I think the beauty in life is the friendships and love you have for people,” Baumgartner added. “That's what the video showed, and I think that's why it resonated.” To celebrate the moment, Baumgartner says he plans to take Winn and her husband out to dinner and host them for a stay at June Farms—bringing their friendship full circle beyond the airport bar.

Opens in a new window Opens an external website Opens an external website in a new window This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. You may change your settings at any time or accept the default settings. You may close this banner to continue with only essential cookies. Privacy Policy Targeted Advertising Personalization Analytics Stillwater community rallies around teen injured in UTV crash with fundraiser Video Player is loading. This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color Transparency Background Color Transparency Window Color Transparency Font Size Text Edge Style Font Family End of dialog window. Advertisement STILLWATER, N.Y. (WNYT) – A Saratoga County community is supporting one of their own after a UTV crash in Vermont left one dead and several injured. The Stillwater community is supporting 13-year-old Aubrey Reed, who was injured in a UTV crash in Rupert, Vt. on April 18. That crash killed one person and injured several others. The driver involved, Ellsworth Reed, 33, Aubrey's father, has been charged with DUI in the crash. Raylene Hammond has been Aubrey's bus driver since first grade. She says Aubrey is a well-behave, quiet child. “She's just a well-behaved child, she's quiet, she's just overall a great kid,” Hammond said. As soon as Hammond heard about the crash, she says the focus turned to action. “Another one of my parents texted me and told me about what happened. She sent me a picture of what happened and I said, ‘okay, I got this.' And right away I came down to see Tony and I told him what happened and I said, ‘what could we do?' And his wife came in — we both decided, let's do a chicken barbecue, a fundraiser.” The fundraiser is set to be held at Big Tony's Kitchen on the River. Co-owner Tony Schunk says it's important to give back to the community and to support Aubrey. “Even though we don't know her, you probably still see her in passing,” Schunk said. “We have a daughter in the school and I just felt that since the community helps us and supports us that we have to reach back out.” Hammond also read a text from Aubrey, who says she is doing better after multiple surgeries. “I'm so thankful for all the support from everybody,” Aubrey wrote. “I'm doing better and so far, I've had four surgeries on my legs. But I am in good spirits and can't wait for the chicken barbecue.” The fundraiser is set to take place on Saturday, May 16. $17 meals will be sold, with all proceeds going toward Aubrey's medical expenses. The restaurant is also accepting donations. In the meantime, Aubrey continues to recover at Albany Medical Center.

CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. (WNYT) — A group of local teenagers is giving back in a meaningful way, coming together to support peers undergoing cancer treatment.

Opens in a new window Opens an external website Opens an external website in a new window This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. You may change your settings at any time or accept the default settings. You may close this banner to continue with only essential cookies. Privacy Policy Targeted Advertising Personalization Analytics Debate over proposed flock camera restrictions intensifies at Troy City Council meeting Video Player is loading. This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color Transparency Background Color Transparency Window Color Transparency Font Size Text Edge Style Font Family End of dialog window. Advertisement A heated debate over the use of Flock license plate reader cameras continued Thursday night in Troy as city leaders and clashed over a proposed law that would create new restrictions on how the technology can be used. The discussion drew a packed crowd to Troy City Hall, where residents voiced concerns about privacy, surveillance, and transparency surrounding the automatic license plate reader — or ALPR — system currently used by the Troy Police Department. Mayor Carmella Mantello strongly opposed the proposed legislation, arguing the restrictions would make it harder for police to investigate crimes and protect public safety. “This legislation creates unrealistic and dangerous restrictions,” Mantello said during the meeting. The mayor also defended the use of the cameras as an important investigative tool for law enforcement. “You cannot claim to support public safety while simultaneously stripping our law enforcement of the technology they rely on to solve crimes and protect residents,” Mantello said. But many residents who spoke during public comment argued the cameras raise serious civil liberties concerns and could lead to government overreach or misuse of personal data. “I don't think our civil liberties should end where the mayor or cops thinks it makes it more difficult for them to resolve crimes,” said Troy resident Emma Della Pia. “Our civil liberties exist for a reason.” Other speakers questioned whether Flock Safety — the private company behind the camera system — could be trusted with public data. “Flock Safety is a private company. They will never put our collective safety over their profits and market shares,” said Troy resident Fex Cahil. Residents also accused city leaders of failing to provide enough transparency about how the system operates, who has access to the data collected by the cameras, and whether the technology has been effective in reducing crime. The proposed legislation was introduced by Councilmember Bill McKee, who said the measure is intended to balance public safety needs with constitutional privacy protections. “This law would provide the guardrails necessary to protect privacy rights while preserving law enforcement's ability to use the technology to solve crimes,” McKee said. City council members said discussions on the proposal are expected to continue in the coming weeks. A public hearing on the legislation is scheduled for Thursday, June 4.

Opens in a new window Opens an external website Opens an external website in a new window This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. You may change your settings at any time or accept the default settings. You may close this banner to continue with only essential cookies. Privacy Policy Targeted Advertising Personalization Analytics Federal documents draw new concerns regarding Schenectady VA clinic closure The 69 pages of documents, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, show the VA expected to save millions of dollars by closing the location. The VA also says many patients will still be served at the Clifton Park location, which will receive additional staff and services before the Schenectady clinic closes on August 28. However, local elected officials claim the plan fails to account for the reality many veterans face. Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara argues the documents focus too heavily on costs and time-driven calculations, rather than addressing the needs of elderly or disabled veterans. He also raised concerns about traffic, public transportation, and the lack of direct bus routes to the Clifton Park clinic. “What I don't see in VA's documents is the fact that most of the people that we're talking about are seniors, a lot of them are disabled,” Santabarbara said. “A lot of them do not have reliable transportation. A lot of them rely on other people, family members.” NewsChannel 13 reached out to the Department of Veteran's Affairs which said in-part: “This change will lead to improved healthcare services, convenience, and customer service for a number of reasons, including more than 80 percent of Schenectady clinic patients living closer to the VA-operated Clifton Park clinic, where most patients will transition and to accommodate these changes, VA will increase staff and services at the Clifton Park clinic.” However, numbers provided by current employees at the Schenectady VA clinic contradict the VA's claims, saying nearly 1,300 patients actually live closer to the current location, while only around 100 live closer to the Clifton Park location. Stay with NewsChannel 13 on-air and online for updates on this developing story.

Opens in a new window Opens an external website Opens an external website in a new window This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. You may change your settings at any time or accept the default settings. You may close this banner to continue with only essential cookies. Privacy Policy Targeted Advertising Personalization Analytics Argyle kennel case conclusion renews push for pet boarding reforms Video Player is loading. This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color Transparency Background Color Transparency Window Color Transparency Font Size Text Edge Style Font Family End of dialog window. Advertisement The conclusion of the criminal case involving the deaths of 21 dogs at an Argyle boarding facility is renewing efforts to strengthen oversight of pet boarding businesses across New York. Earlier this week, Anastasia Palulis, co-owner of Anastasia Acres in Argyle, pleaded guilty in connection with the August 2025 incident that killed 21 dogs. Under a plea agreement, she will receive two years of probation, while charges against her husband, Robert Palulis, were dismissed. For Cody Shields of Argyle, who lost three dogs in the tragedy, the plea deal was disappointing. “This just shows you what is wrong with our justice system. It's a huge slap in the face,” Shields said. Shields lost his dogs — Brutus, Hilda and Loki — after boarding them at Anastasia Acres. While he remains frustrated by the outcome of the criminal case, he says his focus has shifted toward preventing similar tragedies from happening again. In the months since the deaths, Shields has worked with State Sen. Jim Tedisco to advance the proposed Safe Pet Boarding Act, legislation that would establish statewide standards for pet boarding facilities. The bill would require measures such as inspections, licensing requirements, surveillance systems, temperature monitoring and other safety protocols designed to protect animals. “There has to be a sanction that goes and inspects facilities,” Shields said. “There needs to be temperature controlled monitors in these facilities. There needs to be oxygen sensors. There needs to be 24-hour surveillance.” Tedisco said pet boarding facilities should be held to many of the same standards already required of other animal care operations. “Whatever we ask the vets to do, in terms of inspections for them and making sure they have all the necessary equipment that they need to keep the animals safe, the breeders, the shelters, we need to do for this group of individuals,” Tedisco said. Shields said his advocacy is driven by a promise he made after losing his dogs. “The last thing before I buried my dogs, I said I'm not going to stop until something is put in place to stop this moving forward,” he said. The Safe Pet Boarding Act was not included in this year's state budget and remains stand-alone legislation. Despite that setback, Shields said he plans to continue working with lawmakers until stronger protections are enacted. “We have a bill. It's on the floor. It still needs to get voted, but I'm not going to stop until the laws are actually in effect,” he said. Washington County District Attorney Tony Jordan previously told NewsChannel 13 that he hopes everyone involved can begin healing now that the criminal case has been resolved. For Shields and other families affected by the tragedy, the focus now is on turning the loss of 21 dogs at an Argyle kennel into lasting reform.

Opens in a new window Opens an external website Opens an external website in a new window This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. You may change your settings at any time or accept the default settings. You may close this banner to continue with only essential cookies. Privacy Policy Targeted Advertising Personalization Analytics Saratoga Springs businesses prepare for final Belmont Stakes week in the Spa City Video Player is loading. This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color Transparency Background Color Transparency Window Color Transparency Font Size Text Edge Style Font Family End of dialog window. Advertisement SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY. (WNYT) — With the Belmont Stakes set to return to Saratoga Race Course for a third and final year, businesses throughout the Spa City are preparing for what is expected to be one of the busiest weeks of the year. More than 100,000 visitors are expected to travel to the greater Saratoga area during the five-day racing festival, bringing a significant economic boost to hotels, restaurants, shops and other local businesses. The festivities begin next Wednesday with Belmont on Broadway, a downtown celebration that has become a centerpiece of the weeklong event. For the newly opened AC Hotel Saratoga Springs, this year's Belmont Stakes represents a major milestone. The hotel, which opened in December, is preparing for its first sold-out Belmont weekend. “We're really excited to have our first sold out weekend,” said Brandon Andrews, general manager of the AC Hotel Saratoga Springs. Andrews said hotel staff have spent months preparing for the influx of visitors. “We kind of had this as our deadline to make sure that we were prepared, fully operated at a high level,” Andrews said. “Our rates are higher and we wanted to match the service to make sure the guests have the full AC experience.” Preparations are also underway at businesses throughout downtown Saratoga Springs. At G. Willikers, a longtime toy store on Broadway, employees have been stocking shelves with horse-themed merchandise, extending store hours and preparing for the expected increase in foot traffic. “We will have long hours which is great and we have a bunch of employees here working constantly just trying to get everything on the shelves,” said retail associate Olivia Nicoll. “Just try to have someone here to greet everybody and to work on the windows.” The store is also participating in Saratoga's Belmont-themed window decorating contest. Fourteen downtown storefronts have created displays centered around a summer-in-Saratoga theme, with judging scheduled for June 2 and winners announced the following day. Excitement is also building for Belmont on Broadway, which will feature a free concert from Fitz and the Tantrums and is expected to draw thousands of racing fans to downtown Saratoga. “We have a great concert coming up next Wednesday with Fitz and the Tantrums,” said Saratoga Springs resident Maureen Roberts. “Every year we go to the concert, we hang out, we go to the race. It's a blast.” For Roberts, this year's Belmont Stakes carries additional significance as the final running of the race in Saratoga before it returns to Belmont Park on Long Island following construction projects there. “I'm buying the 2026 Belmont poster and framing it because they won't make another Belmont Saratoga poster,” Roberts said. “This is it.” As part of Belmont on Broadway, a portion of Broadway from Van Dam Street to Lake Avenue will be closed beginning at 5 a.m. Wednesday through 2 a.m. Thursday to accommodate the festivities.