All Over Albany

Testimony from alleged accomplice in Lansingburgh double killing, officers suspended as part of groundhog investigation, classification of pulley latest turn in ropes course saga

Heimroth trial
Daniel Reuter -- who already pleaded guilty to charges including first-degree manslaughter in the deaths of Maria and Allen Lockrow in Lansingburgh two years ago -- testified against Jacob Heimroth Thursday, describing how he says the two of them killed the Lockrows. Reuter said he didn't like that Allen Lockrow was dating his aunt while still married. Reuter's testimony against Heimroth was part of his plea deal. [TU] [TWCN] [Troy Record]

Schenectady hit-and-run trial
In her closing argument Thursday, the attorney for Adimu Goodwin -- accused of hitting a pedestrian with his van, fleeing, and then hitting and killing a second pedestrian -- argued that her client isn't second-degree manslaughter and first-degree assault because he feared for his safety and that's why he fled the scenes. (The prosecution says Goodwin fled because he didn't have a license.) [Daily Gazette]

South Lake sinkhole
+ The city of Albany has lifted the boil water notice for residents and businesses near the water main break on South Lake Ave. [City of Albany press release]
+ The med student whose SUV was swallowed by the sinkhole at the water main break says the city hasn't communicated with him about the vehicle. He says the amount he's likely to get from insurance won't be equal to value of the vehicle to him. [WNYT] [TU]

Pedestrian hit on Wolf Road in July dies
The pedestrian hit while crossing Wolf Road in July has died. [TU]

Groundhog death investigation
Rensselaer's police chief says two officers have been placed on paid leave as part of the investigation into the incident at Troy's Frear Park golf course in which it's alleged two men chased down a groundhog in a golf cart and ran it over. The chief says if the allegations turn out to be true, he'll be recommending the officers are fired. [News10 ] [TU]

Saratoga Springs government
Earlier this week the Saratoga Springs City Council voted 3-2 for the city to reimburse mayor Joanne Yepsen the $12k in attorney fees she racked up during the ethics probe of a conflict of interest case, a investigation that led which to her censure by the council. Finance commissioner Michele Madigan says she's holding the payment because she hasn't seen the proper paperwork for the expense. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]

Another topic at this week's city council meeting: decorum. [Saratogian]

Glenville ropes course
The latest turn in the saga of the Glenville ropes course: A trial started Thursday in town court over whether the business has the proper permits to be open. A code enforcement officer testified that the course uses pulleys, which the town says are a mechanical device, and as result the course needs an amusement park permit. [Daily Gazette] [TU]

Homeless students
Looking into why the number of homeless students in the tiny Menands school district spiked to 17 percent of the student body last school year. [TU+]

Horse deaths at Saratoga
A total of eight horses have now died during the season at the Saratoga Race Course. [TU]

Round Lake/Clifton Park zoning squabble
Watch as officials from Round Lake and Clifton Park throw shade at each other over a proposed zoning change for The Mill -- the popular pub sits on land in both municipalities. [TU]

Alive at Five
A few businesses tell WNYT they'd like to see Alive at Five stay at Tricentennial Park next year instead of moving back to Jennings Landing. [WNYT]

Graffiti Busters
A group Troy has dubbed itself the "Graffiti Busters" (and dressed in costume for a press event this week) in its effort to provide advice and tools for property owners removing graffiti. [Troy Record]

Galway Market
The Galway Market is closing after four decades in business. [Saratogian]