Hoosick man accused of choking sister in Pittstown dispute
PITTSTOWN, N. Y. » A Hoosick man was arrested after state police said he choked his sister during a domestic incident Sunday.
Troopers said they responded about 6: 15 p. m. to a reported dispute involving Christopher M. Stevens, 48, and his sister outside a home. The alleged victim, who was not identified, told troopers she and her brother became involved in a verbal argument that turned physical when Stevens put her in a headlock, choked her and threatened to kill her.
Troopers said the woman told them she ran into the home, but Stevens followed. Her teenage child was in the home and got between the victim and Stevens, who left prior to troopers’ arrival. Troopers said they located Stevens at his home, and he was taken into custody about 3 1/2 hours later.
Stevens was charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, third- degree menacing, second- degree harassment and endangering the welfare of a child. and was arriagned in Pittstown Town Court, where he was served with an order of protection on behalf of his sister and released pending further court action.
Salka named Troy’s ADA coordinator
TROY, N. Y. » The city’s deputy director of public information has added a new duty in City Hall, as Mayor Patrick Madden has appointed John Salka to also serve as the city’s ADA coordinator.
According to a news release from the city, the appointment is in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires municipalities to appoint an individual or individuals to coordinate compliance with the law. In Troy, the ADA coordinator is responsible for the city’s compliance efforts, including working with the public to provide necessary assistance and municipal services, engage with city staff, boards and commissions on ADA requirements, and assess and improve access for individuals with disabilities to city facilities, activities and programs.
“The city of Troy continues to pursue the goal of being an inclusive community for people of all abilities and ages,” Madden said Tuesday in the release. “I am confident that with John’s personal experience in the field and his broad knowledge of city operations, he can make important contributions to advancing the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act and strengthen our commitment to making Troy a more welcoming and inclusive community.”
In his added role, Salka will undertake a self- evaluation of city programs, activities and services and review the policies and practices which govern them to identify issues that affect individuals with disabilities. Following completion of the self- assessment, the city will develop a transition plan to remove any identified physical barriers which limit access to programs or activities.
“I am honored to be
appointed and serve as the city’s ADA coordinator and intend to work closely with members of our disability community to expand and improve access to important city services and programming for residents and visitors to the Collar City,” Salka said in the release.
Salka will continue to perform his duties as the city’s public information officer, he said, and will receive no additional salary for the added duties.