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Author: Aidan Cahill

17 Horses Dead in Harness Track Barn Fire

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Featured, News.

17 Horses are dead after a Fire destroyed the Saratoga Casino Hotel harness racing facility (Aidan Cahill)

17 horses have died after a fire destroyed a horse barn at the Saratoga Casino Hotel harness racing facility on Nelson Avenue.

The fire was first reported on June 16, 2026, around 2:30 a.m. according to the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. When firefighters arrived on scene, they found the barn engulfed in flames. 

“Due to the advanced fire conditions, crews initiated a defensive fire attack while simultaneously working to protect adjacent structures and prevent further fire spread,” The fire department said in a statement.

The barn had been used to house 18 horses, of whom 17 died in the fire. The surviving horse escaped the fire with minor injuries, according to a press release issued by the Saratoga Casino Hotel and the Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association. 

A later press release identified the horses killed as Arlanda, Conquest As, Crazy Jet, Five Star Lou, Free Willy Hanover, Gimlet Hanover, Influencer, Lyons Dukey, Muscle Dynasty, Our Father Lindy, Perfect Bang, Quite Like Me, Race Me Bombshell, Shalamar Hanover, Trackstar, Tropical Cyclone, and Red. 

The horses belonged to trainer Robyn Mangiardi who lost 11 horses and trainer Timothy Benson who lost six horses. 

“The loss suffered today is heartbreaking for our racing community,” said Sam Gerrity, Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Casino Hotel. “Our thoughts remain with Robyn, Tim, their teams, the horse owners, and everyone affected by this tragedy. We are deeply grateful to the security personnel, first responders, and racing staff whose swift actions helped protect the horses and people in the surrounding barns.”

While the backstretch area typically houses 350 horses, first responders and track personnel were able to successfully evacuate the horses from nearby structures. Firefighters were also able to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures. 

“This is a sobering day in our industry, a horse person’s worst nightmare,” said Henry Westbrook, President, Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association.  “We express our deep condolences to all impacted and thank all emergency responders and track workers for their quick response.” 

In response to the fire, the Saratoga Casino Hotel said that they were working with Saratoga Hospital to provide grief counseling services to those impacted and that a memorial service will be held for the horses lost in the fire. They also announced that they would be donating $100,000 to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association.

Tributes and offers of support have poured in from the racing community and beyond.

“Horse racing in New York is a community of hard-working people linked together by a shared commitment to the horses, David O’Rourke, NYRA President & CEO, said in a statement. “This morning’s tragic fire at the Saratoga Hotel Casino Harness Track will have a profound impact on that community, and NYRA extends our condolences to all those affected by this loss. NYRA stands ready to support our neighbors at Saratoga Hotel Casino with any assistance they may need at this time.”

On June 17, NYRA announced that they would be donating $50,000 to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association and selling a t-shirt to raise money for the organization. The shirts will be sold in person on July 3, Opening Day of the summer meet. They will also be sold online starting June 19 and at the Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track during its Sunset Saturday Series. 

In addition, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association announced that it would donate $10,000 to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association

Within hours of the fire, a Go Fund Me was set up to raise money for those impacted. As of publication, that effort raised around $79,000 with around 500 donations made. 

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Saratoga Springs Fire Department, Saratoga Springs Police Department, and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

The Saratoga Springs Fire Department was assisted by numerous agencies including the Saratoga County Emergency Communications Center, Saratoga County Office of Emergency Services Fire Coordinator staff, Ballston Spa Fire Department, Malta Ridge Fire Department, Quaker Springs Fire Department, Saratoga Springs Police Department, and National Grid.

No humans were injured in the fire. 

Saratoga Springs Man Arrested for Lasering a State Police Helicopter

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

Photo from the cabin of a grounded Airbus H145D3. The photo on the left is without a laser strike, and the photo on the right is with a laser strike. These photos were taken in a controlled environment for demonstration purposes only with all members wearing protective eyewear. (Courtesy of New York State Police)

As Saratoga Springs man has been arrested after he allegedly pointed a laser pointer at a New York State Police Helicopter while it was conducting a training exercise. 

Daymian Massago, 20, of Saratoga Springs was arrested on June 12 and charged with Felony directing a laser at an aircraft. He’s accused of intentionally shining a laser pointer at the aircraft.

According to the New York State Police, the incident occurred on June 11, 2026, around 10:10 p.m. The helicopter, a State Police Airbus H14D3, was conducting a training exercise when the laser was shined on the aircraft. The laser caused a “temporary visual disturbance” and forced the helicopter to alter its flight path. 

Investigations determined that the laser originated from Louden Road in Saratoga Springs and Massago was arrested the next day. New York State Police confirmed to Saratoga TODAY that no troopers were injured in the lasering and the incident was reported to both the FBI and FAA. Court records indicate that no federal charges have been filed as of the time of publication.

Flight records provided by Flightradar24 show that the helicopter took off from a helipad at Albany International Airport at around 9:30 p.m. and began flying around Saratoga County at about 2000 feet barometric altitude. 

At around 10:06 p.m., the altitude of the aircraft began dropping, hitting 875 feet before climbing back to over 2000 feet at 10:12 p.m. The aircraft briefly circled Loudon Road before resuming its flight to the north. It returned to Albany International Airport around 11:40 p.m.

Lasering an aircraft is both a state and federal offense. On the federal level, offenders can face a prison sentence of up to five years in jail and up $11,000 in fines. In New York, directing a laser pointer at an aircraft is a Class E felony and can result in up to four years in prison. 

Council Passes Changes to the Charter

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

The Saratoga Springs City Council has passed several changes to the Saratoga Springs City Charter — the governing document of the city. 

The changes were recommended by the Charter Review Commission which has held meetings since May 15, 2025. Over 50 changes were recommended by the Commission, the majority of which were approved by City Council. 

The changes touched upon 15 titles and appendixes in the City Charter. During the meeting over a dozen people spoke about the proposed changes to the charter, with opinion split on whether the changes should move forward. 

The proposed changes were recommended by the Commission in a report issued in December 2025 and encompassed changes that could be approved by City Council rather than a referendum.

Several members of the public said the changes were made without public knowledge and the changes should go to a referendum. In response, members of City Council and the Charter Review Commission pointed out that the meetings of the Commission were all held under New York’s open meeting laws and several public hearings on the matter were held. In addition, it was noted that City Council had discussed the changes in every pre-agenda meeting since the Commission released its initial report in December. 

Seven changes proposed by the Charter Review Commission were rejected by City Council and two were revised by the Council. One of the rejected changes was a controversial provision which would have changed language around Saratoga Spring’s number of supervisors. While the number of supervisors is determined by the county based on population, Title 2.1 of the charter had language setting the number of supervisors at two. 

The proposed change would have changed the language from “Two Supervisors” to “One or more Supervisors, as may be established by County Law.” This change caused fierce debate over whether the change in language would lead Saratoga Springs to lose representation on the County Board of Supervisors. 

Supporters of the change argued that since the number of supervisors is determined by county law, it doesn’t matter what the charter says and that the changing language would reflect that. Opponents of the change argued that the change in language would open the door for the County to reduce representation of Saratoga Springs. 

Ultimately, these concerns lead City Council to reject the change, according to Mayor John Safford. 

Another change that was removed was a provision that would have changed how vacancies City Council were handled as it was determined that the change would potentially require a referendum.

Among the changes that did pass included updates to reflect name changes of city government bodies — such as the Design review Board, updates to the assessment process to bring it in line with state law, and an updated timeline for the city’s budget process. 

The changes to the charter were passed 3-1 with Commissioner of Public Works, BK Keramati, voting against the changes on the grounds that any changes to the charter should be brought before voters as a referendum.

Two Arrested for Animal Abuse in Halfmoon

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

HALFMOON — Two people have been arrested after a dog was found dead in their vehicle in the Town of Halfmoon.

Allison Fisher, 23 and Livia L.A. Boddie, 21, both of Halfmoon were arrested and charged with three counts of misdemeanor overdriving, torturing and abusing animals; failure to provide sustenance. 

The two were arrested after the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office received an animal complaint at 10:56 p.m. on June 3, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. On June 3, Fisher reportedly found the dog, identified as a husky mix, dead in their vehicle. Deputies also found two cats at the scene as well. 

The two cats were voluntarily surrendered to the Halfmoon Animal Control Officer and taken to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter for treatment and evaluation. The cause of death on the husky is under investigation.

Fisher and Bodie were both issued appearance tickets pending further proceedings in town court.

Body Found in Corinth Identified

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

CORINTH — The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office has announced the identity of a body found in a Corinth apartment.

Jennifer A. Randall, 52, was found dead inside a Walnut Street apartment on June 1, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff ‘s Office.

The former resident of the

apartment, Roy Cheyenne, 49, of Corinth has been arrested and charged with felony con- cealment of a corpse.

Randall’s body was found concealed under blankets in the apartment. The Sheriff’s Office said that Cheyenne is a accused of having “a reasonable expecta- tion that a human corpse would be produced at an autopsy for a criminal investigation”

The investigation of the inci- dent remains under investigation.

192 Years Young: Ballston Spa First Presbyterian Nominated for National Register of Historic Places

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Featured, News.


The church is unique in Ballston Spa — combining a Greek Revival sanctuary with a Colonial Revival Sanctuary. Photo by Aidan Cahill

The church steeple was added in 1857 and the chapel was built in 1924. Photo by Aidan Cahill

BALLSTON SPA — In a town with plenty of history, the Ballston Spa First Presbyterian Church stands out for a multitude of reasons. 

The church was first constructed in 1835 and is the oldest church still in use by the same congregation in the Village of Ballston Spa. It’s also the third-oldest congregation in the village. 

Now the small church behind the courthouse and county offices hopes to add one more achievement to its historic resume: inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The church was formally nominated to the Register by the New York State Board for Historic Preservation on June 4. It was one of 19 places statewide to be nominated and one of only two nominations to come from the capital region. 

“The church is a prominent landmark in the Ballston Spa Village Local Historic District due to its central location and soaring spire, and it has served as a significant cultural and religious center for the local community since the early 1800s,” a press release issued by the New York State Parks Office said. 

Judy Frolich, a Ministry Team Leader with the church, said that the process for getting the church added to the Register has been going on for over a year. Frolich said that part of the process involved taking church records and histories, compiling them, and matching the features of the church with architectural language.  This effort was spearheaded by the church’s accessibility committee comprised of Frolich, Debbie Siefert and Robin Perkins. 

They were assisted in this effort by Julie Maresco, the New York State Parks Survey and National Register Unit staff member assigned to Saratoga County.

While not the oldest congregation in Ballston Spa — that title going to the First Baptist Church which was established in 1791 — the church is the oldest church structure in Ballston Spa, having been built in 1835. The congregation was formally established in June 1834, with many members coming from other Presbyterian churches in the area. In the year between the establishment and construction of the church, the congregation met in the nearby courthouse. 

In January 1835, the land for the church at 22 West High Street was purchased for $800 (about $30,275 when adjusted for inflation). The cornerstone of the church was laid in May and by November the project was completed. The cost of building the church was $10,000 (about $378,432) and was paid for by members of the congregation. In September, the bell was purchased from the historic Meneely Foundry in Watervliet.

The first trustees of the church included several prominent community members: Jonathan Beach — a local landowner who is listed as one of the builders of the church, Philip McOmber — a bank trustee, cotton mill owner and member of the Board of Health, Moses Williams — a shoemaker, tanner and postmaster, and village trustee, James Comstock — owner and publisher of a local newspaper and a postmaster, Edward Lee, — a general Store Owner, State Assemblyman and County Treasurer.

For the most part, the Greek Revival styled sanctuary has maintained much of its original structure and character. The first major change came in 1857 when the sanctuary was extended to the East by 20 feet, and the church steeple was added. In addition, the wood shingle roof was replaced with a slate roof. In 1914, the pane glass windows and black shutters were replaced with the stained-glass windows seen today. The final major change to the sanctuary came in 1949 when the staircase was replaced — going from a straight staircase to a dual feed staircase. 

The slate roof was later replaced in 2017 with a modern asphalt and metal shingled roof. 

In 1924, the building was expanded with a new chapel to better serve the needs of the church. The chapel is architecturally unique from the sanctuary and features a Colonial Revival style architecture which has remained virtually unchanged since construction. The two areas are connected via a small alcove.

One of the main drivers for seeking the designation was to allow the church to apply for preservation grants to upgrade the church and make it more handicapped accessible. 

“We really want to be able to welcome people of all abilities, and many of our congregation members are getting older,” Frolich said. “We’re all getting older, but they’re getting to the point where they need assistance, and they can’t attend because they don’t have a way to get in.”

Frolich said that the estimated cost of the refurbishment would be $800,000, which includes new sidewalks, handicap parking areas, and a stair lift for congregants to access the sanctuary. To help raise funds for the improvements, the church is selling slate tiles overlayed with historic images of the church. Those tiles can be purchased through the church office. 

Frolich said that final word on whether the church will be added to the National Historic Places Register is expected in the next 3-4 months. If added, it will be the fourth structure in Ballston Spa to be listed in the Register.

Home Condemned and Dog Seized in Malta

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

MALTA — A Malta woman has been arrested after she allegedly failed to provide sustenance to a dog. 

Holly Walsh-Plew, 46a, of Malta, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals, failure to provide sustenance, according to a June 7 release issued by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. 

Walsh-Plew is accused of failing to provide sustenance to a 3-year-old hound mix. The charges came after deputies responded to an animal complaint on Arbor Avenue in the Town of Malta on May 28, 2026, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office.

The dog was seized due to a court order and Malta code enforcement issued a “do not occupy” order for the residence. 

Walsh-Plew was released on an appearance ticket pending further court proceedings.

Tom Durkin Honored by Saratoga Central Catholic

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Education, Featured.

Tom Durkin didn’t want to write an autobiography. 

Despite calling many iconic races across his 43 year career, the former track announcer and broadcaster didn’t think his life was interesting enough to write a book. The impetus came from his students at Saratoga Central Catholic High School. 

“I certainly didn’t want to write a book about me, because I’m not my favorite subject,” Durkin said. “I’m that person that gets up in the morning and the first thing I do is I look at the mirror and go, ‘oh God, not another day with you again,’ but these guys talked me into writing a book, and here we are.” 

It was those students who surprised Durkin in the high school’s gym on June 3 to celebrate the release of his autobiography “A Life’s Calling: The Voice Behind the World’s Greatest Horse Races,” which was published in April. 

Durkin has taught public speaking at the high school for the last three years. His students each gave a short speech thanking Durkin for teaching them over the last year. Each of his students received a copy of the book which Durkin signed after the assembly. 

Durkin was caught completely by surprise and joked to reporters afterwords that it was a good thing that he had a good cardiologist. Upon entering the gym and seeing the assembled students, Durkin was handed a mic and gave a speech about the importance of education and how he got to where he is. 

“When I was just a kid, I would go out to the racetrack in Chicago, and I’d stand at the finish line, and I wouldn’t look at the horses,” Durkin said. “I turned around and looked up at that guy way up in the sky that was calling the races, and I wanted to be that guy.” 

He later wrote a letter to the announcer who told him to get his education and then he would be able to pursue his dream. 

While the retired announcer only started teaching recently, the experience has made him wish he started right when he first retired. He said that teaching has been very gratifying and he’s been able to watch the students grow. 

“I can see their progress from September here to June, and the trepidation that they had getting up in front of a small group of people, and it’s certainly a much more confident than they were,” Durkin said. “I hope that spills over into the rest of their lives.” 

As for what surprised him the most about teaching high school students, Durkin said that he was surprised at how well rounded the students are. He said that their writing skills are terrific and that he’s learned as much from them as they’ve learned from him. 

In addition to his praise from his students, Durkin also received praise from Saratoga Central Catholic Principal Christopher Signor. 

“Tom is a great, great natural educator, brings an amazing energy to the school,” Signor said. “Kids love him.”

Corinth Man Arrested After Dead Body Found in Vacant Apartment

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

Roy Cheyenne has been arrested on charges of concealing a corpse after a dead body was found in a vacant apartment in Corinth. (Courtesy of Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office)

A Corinth man has been arrested after a corpse was found in his former place of residence on Walnut Street in the Village of Corinth.

Roy Cheyenne, 49, was arrested by Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and charged with felony concealment of a corpse. 

Deputies were first dispatched to the apartment on June 1st at 6:24 p.m. after a caller reported that they had found a dead body. Shortly after, deputies arrived on scene and found the corpse. 

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the corpse was found concealed under blankets in a bedroom that Cheyenne had previously occupied but had since vacated.

“Cheyenne is accused of having a reasonable expectation that a human corpse would be produced at an autopsy for a criminal investigation and allegedly concealed it under blankets in a bedroom in a dwelling he formerly occupied which is now vacant,” the Sheriff’s Office said.

The Sheriff’s Office also said that the corpse appeared to have been in the apartment for a significant period of time. 

Cheyenne was arraigned in the Corinth Town Court and remanded into the custody of the Saratoga County Jail pending further proceedings. 

The corpse’s identity is still under investigation and cause of death has yet to be determined. In a press release shortly after the discovery of the corpse, the Sheriff’s Office said that there was no danger to the public.

This is not Cheyenne’s first arrest this year. In April, Cheyenne was arrested by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office on charges of felony menacing a police officer, felony 3rd degree criminal possession of a weapon, felony first degree unlawful imprisonment and misdemeanor 4th degree criminal possession of a weapon over an incident that occurred in February on Main Steet in Corinth. 

At the time, Cheyenne was accused of unlawfully restraining someone by not giving them the key to a padlock while armed with knives. Cheyenne allegedly threated deputies with said knives and acted as if he was going to throw them at the deputies. 

Delmar Woman Arrested for Hurling Piggy Bank at Another’s Head

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

A Delmar woman is facing felony charges after she allegedly threw a piggy bank at another person in Greenfield. 

Ashley Close, 32, of Delmar, was arrested and charged with felony 2nd degree assault, felony 1st degree criminal contempt, misdemeanor 2nd degree menacing, misdemeanor 4th degree criminal possession of a weapon and two counts of misdemeanor 4th degree criminal mischief. 

The arrest occurred after the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a domestic incident on Anna Crest Drive in the early hours of May 31. Close is alleged to have thrown a ceramic piggy bank at the victim which struck them in the head, causing pain and swelling, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. 

In throwing the ceramic pig, Close violated an order of protection. She is also alleged to have swung a croquet hammer at the victim, damaging a lamp and necklace owned by the victim. 

Close was arraigned in Greenfield Town Court and released on her own recognizance, pending further proceedings.