All Over Albany

Charges in fatal Salem house explosion, deal for ban on teen tanning, NYRA to announce Track giveaways differently, Cambridge Hotel bids farewell

A former Salem man has been charged with six counts of manslaughter for the house explosion there last summer that killed six people, including his girlfriend and her son. Prosectors allege Steven McComsey recklessly caused propane to be released into the home. A state investigator alleges McComsey didn't intend to blow up the house, but he did intentionally release the propane. In addition to the six deaths, four people were injured, including McComsey. [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [Fox23] [YNN]

Andrew Cuomo was noncommittal on whether the recent NYT report about a plan to allow fracking in some parts of the state was accurate. He said the DEC still needs to finish its review process. [TU] [YNN]

It's looking like the state legislature will pass the indoor tanning ban for teens under 17. And it apparently has the support of Andrew Cuomo. [NYT] [AP/Troy Record]

Neil Breslin is pushing a bill that would make dog owners financially responsible for the first bite by their dog. [WNYT]

The State Police Emergency Response Team was deployed in Cohoes (map) Thursday to apprehend three people suspected of being involved with the robbing and beating an elderly man early Thursday morning. Two men and one woman were apparently taken away as "people of interest." Neighbors of the house where the trio was nabbed say bad stuff is always going down there. [Troy Record] [Fox23] [WNYT] [News10]

A plea deal for John Batease, the man accused of killing toddler Asiah Maxam in Schenectady last summer, was rejected. Batease's attorney says his client turned the deal down. But Gazette reports the judge refused to consider the guilty plea in part because the Batease was overheard saying he was innocent before heading into enter the plea. [YNN] [Fox23] [Daily Gazette]

The manager of a Rensselaer Dunkin' Donuts has been arrested for allegedly setting fire to the store in April. Police allege he set the fire to cover up a burglary. [Fox23] [WNYT]

A former Schenectady County builder has pleaded guilty to a group of charges related to mortgage fraud scheme. [TU]

Albany police say four Occupy Albany protestors were arrested for allegedly obstructing traffic on Lark Street Wednesday night. [APD]

A Schenectady homeowner whose house is being foreclosed on because of back taxes is challenging the way her tax lien was sold to a collector. [Daily Gazette]

FYI: the Republican primary for the chance to run against Kirsten Gillibrand for the Senate is less than two weeks away. The challenges for the winner: name recognition, KG's enormous pile of campaign money. [NYT] [State of Politics]

In the Albany County legislature, some votes are in the ear of the beholder (the chair, specifically). [TU]

The Bethlehem town board approved new rules for posted signs, after months of debate. [TU]

With the impending public takeover of NYRA, the racing org will skip its traditional promotional event in June at the Desmond -- notable for announcing the giveaways during the upcoming season. NYRA says there still will be giveaways, they'll just be announced differently. [TU] [Saratogian]

NBC -- and the NBC Sports Network -- will be showing a handful of races from Saratoga this summer, including the Travers. [Saratogian]

The expansion of the Schenectady County Public Library is almost finished -- and its director has decided to it's a good time to retire. [Daily Gazette]

Another group opposing fracking in New York: chefs. [NYT via State of Politics]

Since reducing its gas discount, Price Chopper says it's increased the number of coupons it offers 11-fold. [TU]

The Cambridge Hotel, scheduled to be auctioned off today, is having a farewell party on Sunday. It's not clear when/if its episode of Hotel Hell will air. [TU] [Saratogian]

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APD: Occupy Arrest

Albany police arrested four individuals for obstructing traffic and refusing to move as they protested in the middle of Lark Street last night.

Officers responded to Lark and Chestnut Streets just after 8:00 p.m., when members of Occupy Albany began to protest in the middle of the street. When officers arrived, roughly 40 protesters were walking in both lanes on Lark Street obstructing vehicles from moving. Officers directed that protesters move out of the street and onto the sidewalk for their safety and the safety of others. Four individuals were taken into custody after failing to comply with the officers' lawful orders.

Chief Krokoff stated, "While we certainly support our citizens right to peaceful demonstration, we cannot allow their actions to endanger themselves or the public. We continue to have open dialogue with members of Occupy Albany and are confident that future demonstrations will be conducted in a manner that considers the safety of all involved."

Officers arrested the following:

Colin Donnaruma, 31, of Voorheesville was charged with two counts of Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest.

Timothy Holmes, 48, of West Chazy was charged with two counts of Disorderly Conduct.

Eric Cantine, 44, of Albany was charged with two counts of Disorderly Conduct.

Daniel Morrissey, 24, of Albany was charged with two counts Disorderly Conduct.

All four were arraigned this morning in the Albany City Criminal Court.