All Over Albany

Guilty plea in Albany Med mercury case, homeowner charged for water used against fire, Colonie company makes waves

Schenectady police say a man died early this morning after he was hit by a train on a downtown overpass (map). [YNN] [Daily Gazette]

Martin Kimber -- the retired pharmacist accused of spreading mercury around Albany Med -- took a plea deal yesterday. Federal prosecutors had surveillance video, E-ZPass records, canisters of mercury found in his home and car to use as evidence against him. Kimber apparently spread mercury around multiple spots in the hospital, including the cafeteria. Kimber's attorney says his client "just lost it" following a bill for $9000 from Albany Med, and the mercury was intended to "embarrass" the hospital. He also said Kimber was depressed and abusing alcohol. [News10] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [YNN] [WNYT] [Fox23]

The owner of an Eagle Mills home destroyed by fire this week has gotten a bill from town of Poestenkill for the water used by firefighters in knocking down the fire. The Eagle Mills fire chief says news of the bill was a "shock." Poestenkill says 73,000 gallons were used -- and it's billing at $20/1,000 gallons because it's out-of-district use. Poestenkill's supervisor says it's the first time they've issued the charge since changing the rules two years ago. [TU] [Troy Record] [WNYT] [News10]

Court arguments over disputed ballots in the state Senate 46th election will start next week. And with 877 disputed ballots, the process could go on for a while. George Amedore (R) currently holds a 110 vote lead on Cecelia Tkaczyk (D). Many of the ballot objections have come from Republicans. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [YNN] [WNYT]

The owner of a towing company has sued Jerry Jennings and other city officials, alleging Jennings intervened on behalf of friends who were towed -- a city attorney says the owner is a "a disgruntled contractor" whose contract wasn't renewed because of predatory towing complaints. [TU]

Kirsten Gillibrand gave an emotional account of some of the stories of loss from Sandy during testimony before a Senate committee Thursday. The room was reportedly "spellbound" during her testimony. [TU] [NYT]

The state's highest court has dismissed a suit against the state regarding inspection of the Ethan Allen, the tour boat that capsized on Lake George in 2005 -- 20 passengers drowned. [TU]

Discussion: Is the state's constitution too long and verbose -- or is just that the state's politicians aren't trustworthy enough? [TU]

Frank Soriano -- the man convicted in the Wilton road rage stabbing -- was sentenced to five years in prison. Soriano told the judge: "I take full responsibility for what happened that day, and I'm truly sorry." He also said to the other man -- Jeffrey Streicher -- that he hoped "we can have a soda or a beer together" if they ever met sometime. [Saratogian] [TU] [Daily Gazette]

The Troy city council passed a budget for next year that includes a 1.7 percent tax increase. It also includes a line for a public safety commissioner -- a move that's prompted political drama. [Troy Record] [TU]

The tax cap is causing friction between Albany county legislators and the county's cities. [TU]

Albany County comptroller Mike Conners is trying to get expanded powers for his office, including the ability to issue subpoenas. [TU]

Among the Schenectady schools superintendent's plans for increasing student progress: more frequent tests in order to get better sense of what students have learned, and emphasizing parent "engagement" over "involvement." [Daily Gazette]

Also: Schenectady school officials have concluded that sending kids home without their coats is maybe not the best idea. [Daily Gazette]

A Colonie company built the wave machine used to make the movie The Life of Pi. [TU]