July 5, 2012
Unruly passenger denied boarding at ALB, Guilderland passes fracking ban, 50 new citizens sworn in, Fuller Road reconstruction finished
A Wynantskill man who allegedly was drunk and unruly at Albany International Airport was not allowed to board his plane and is facing charges of felony assault, obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. [Record] [TU]
The Guilderland Town Board unanimously passed a ban on hyrdrofracking on Tuesday night. [TU]
The attorney for the Schuylerville woman who shot and killed her former boyfriend says the killing was an accident. [Post Star]
A father and son in Rensselaer County are facing charges for illegally possessing a machine gun after a three-month investigation led State Police to a cache of guns-- including sawed off shotguns , hand guns, long guns and high-capacity ammunition magazines -- at their Nassau home. [TU]
What's up in the Neighborhood
Among the topics in this most recent spin around the Capital Region's online neighborhood: dogs in hot cars, secrets in Washington County, the Crimson Sparrow, fresh mozzarella, Indian food, Stewart's frozen pizza, substituting chains, late-night food, grilling, a hall of fame, the Troy Savings Bank building, orchids, fireflies, a party for runners up, and brain freeze.
An air date for Hotel Hell's Cambridge Hotel ep, and viewing with derryX
Jerry -- of derryX fame -- says he's heard from Fox and Gordon Ramsay's production company that the Cambridge Hotel episode of Hotel Hell is tentatively scheduled to run August 20. We'll let Jerry, who was at the hotel for the filming, take it from here:
Because this show has significant personal importance and since this is a major mainstream media event for our region, I thought it would be fun to gather for a public viewing of the show. I spoke with Chef Kevin Everleth at the Capital City Gastropub this past weekend, and he loves the idea of providing the venue for the event. He's even working on some themed specials for the evening.
Here's the event page on Facebook.
And, as you've probably heard, the Cambridge Hotel wasn't able to stay in business -- even after what was apparently a remarkable Ramsay makeover. It was sold at auction last month. [Table Hopping] [Post-Star]
In the big leagues
Capital Region native Joe Mahoney has been called up to play for the Baltimore Orioles. The first basemen played at Catholic Central in Troy in high school and Richmond in college. He has a .759 OPS in almost 600 minor league ABs. Mahoney makes it three Capital Region natives currently in the majors. Already there: Casper Wells (Schenectady, Seattle Mariners), Tim Stauffer (Saratoga, San Diego Padres, on the DL). [Baltimore Sun] [via @elisdraper]
Farewell, Albany Aqua Ducks
One of the Ducks in Troy during last month's Troy > Albany tour.
Updated at 2:40 pm
The Albany Aqua Ducks announced today that its amphibious duck vehicles have been sold to an out-of-state company.
From the company's website:
"Early this year, we announced that the Ducks and Trolleys were for sale. And, both Duck vehicles have been sold," said Robert Wolfgang, president of the company.
"At the request of the Ducks' purchaser, we are not at liberty to say where the vehicles are going. But, they'll be busy and not in New York State," Wolfgang said.
The three Albany Trolleys, a division of the Aqua Ducks, remain up for sale. "The Trolleys will continue to operate as we continue discussions with potential buyers. "The Trolleys have become a very popular mode of transportation for bridal parties and their guests. All booked charters will be honored," Wolfgang said.
(You might recognize Bob Wolfgang's name. He's the former Albany police chief.)
And from an email sent out to supporters:
Why sell?
It's simply time. The owners of the company long ago retired from their first careers. Now it's time to REALLY retire. We have had a great time serving as Albany's unofficial ambassadors. More than 175,000 people enjoyed the tour. And they came from everywhere -- except Antarctica! WOW!
The last duck tour will be July 15. The company says it's contacting customers who had arranged tours after that date.
After the jump, a quick Q&A with Bob Wolfgang about the sale, and what's next.
The recipe for a juicy rumor -- or, Did you hear the one about Wegmans and Albany?
The ingredients are there...
Hey, have you heard the rumor about Wegmans coming to Albany? At the Latham Circle Mall? At the First Prize Center?
Variations of this rumor have been circulating since at least the beginning of the year. We've heard from it about 100 different people (an exaggeration, but not by much). And they all heard from a guy who knows a guy who... you get the picture.
The latest version surfaced Tuesday and it goes like this: the big W has bought the Latham Circle Mall -- it's a done deal -- and Wegmans will start demolition/construction soon. Since then, we've watched search referral traffic for "wegmans albany" come rolling in. The word has obviously gotten around.
Well, for what it's worth, Jo Natale -- a spokesperson for Wegmans -- told us today that the company has not bought the Latham Circle Mall property.
But that story is just so delicious. And it's easy to see why -- it follows the recipe for a juicy rumor...
... said KGB about Drawing: What's something that brought you joy this year?