In addition to the races going on at the local level, there are a few county-wide races voters should take note of as well as a ballot measure.
Several Candidates for countywide positions are running unopposed in this year’s race. In the county clerk’s race, incumbent Craig Hayner is running unopposed. He is running on the Conservative and Republican Party lines.
The same can be said for the candidates who will be up for coroner this year. Susan Hayes-Masa and Anthony Pernicaiaro are both running with no opposition of the Republican and Conservative lines.
Candidate for Sherriff: Jeff Brown (R, Conservative)
My name is Jeffrey Brown, and I serve as the Undersheriff of Saratoga County.
I am a lifelong Saratoga County resident, growing up in Malta, and graduating from Shenendehowa High School. After graduating with an associate’s degree in criminal justice, I pursued what was the beginning of a lifelong and successful career at the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. Over my career, I worked out of the Malta, Corinth, Clifton Park and Halfmoon Stations and was a proactive Deputy Sheriff, protecting our streets, making arrests and answering calls for service. In 2005 I was promoted to the rank of Investigator. I thoroughly enjoyed working as an Investigator, especially when it came to helping crime victims. I was involved in large investigations including homicides, burglaries and bank robberies. I was then promoted to Lieutenant and then Captain.
In May of 2023, Sheriff Zurlo selected me as his Undersheriff. As Undersheriff I am responsible for all five divisions within the Sheriff’s Office, +300 employees, and a $46 million budget.
Having worked at the Sheriff Office for 27 years and being a lifelong Saratoga County resident, I care deeply about the Sheriff’s Office and the County the members work hard to protect and serve. I have a lot to offer the members of the Sheriff’s Office and the residents of the County. It would be my honor to continue to serve.
I developed a plan which is available on my website jeffbrownforsheriff.com. It includes supporting our School Resource Officer program, crime prevention for our elderly population, having regular coordination meetings with the top law enforcement officials within Saratoga County and providing the support necessary for the Sheriff’s Office members to best provide the services to the community they serve.
Candidate for Sheriff: Ryan Mahan (D)
Ryan Mahan has dedicated more than 20 years to protecting and serving the people of Saratoga County. With over two decades in the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Ryan has built a reputation as a steady, fair, and approachable law enforcement professional who puts people first. His experience spans over many divisions — from road patrol and traffic safety to school and community outreach — and he was instrumental in launching the county’s first School Resource Officer and Youth Cadet programs.
As President of the Saratoga County Deputy Sheriffs PBA for more than 10 years, Ryan has been a strong advocate for deputies and their families, negotiating fair contracts, improving working conditions, and ensuring that law enforcement remains connected to the community it serves. His leadership is rooted in accountability, service, and respect — qualities that have earned him trust across party lines.
Ryan is running for Sheriff because he believes public safety should never be political. His priorities include rebuilding morale within the Sheriff’s Office, strengthening school safety, ensuring transparency, addressing homelessness through compassion and collaboration, and restoring proactive community policing — especially in neighborhoods and communities too often overlooked.
A resident of Saratoga County, Ryan lives in Malta with his wife, Kelly, and their son. He’s an active youth sports coach in Halfmoon and Clifton Park, mentoring the next generation both on and off the field.
Ryan believes leadership means showing up, listening, and working together. As Sheriff, he will focus on unity, fairness, and safety — because Saratoga County deserves a leader who stands with the people, not above them
Candidate for District Attorney: Bobby Logan (D)
I’m running for District Attorney because we need a DA’s office that puts prosecutions ahead of partisan politics and national culture wars. I’ve been a public servant my entire career, prosecuting criminals and investigating fraud by corporations and criminal networks.
I’ve logged thousands of hours in the courtroom in over a decade as an Assistant District Attorney, and then as bureau chief in the Saratoga County DA’s office, I managed and trained Assistant District Attorneys and set policy for the unit – all with the goal of enforcing the rule of law, keeping families safe, and putting serious offenders behind bars.
I am deeply concerned with how my opponent was selected by political party bosses, not voters. We live in a democracy and Saratoga County residents should have a choice at the ballot box – not people running uncontested for the highest law enforcement official in the county.
I’m a husband, father of three young kids, and a proud Saratoga County resident. I want to make sure these communities are safe places to raise children and attractive for employers and small businesses.
I worked as an Assistant District Attorney in the Bronx and Suffolk County before serving in the Saratoga County DA’s office. My extensive prosecutorial experience is why I decided to run – my opponent has not prosecuted a case since 2014. That means he has not been on the front lines for the major changes in the criminal justice system. I’ve been in the trenches working cases and supervising attorneys as we dealt with upheaval in the justice system. It takes experience to obtain convictions.
I now serve as an attorney in the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, leading an investigative team to prosecute and root out fraud cases. As DA, I’ll focus on public safety, not politics
Candidate for District Attorney: Brett Eby (R, Conservative)
From his campaign Facebook- Election Day is six days from today. I want to share why I’m the right choice to protect Saratoga County and deliver real results for our community.
The Only Candidate Universally Endorsed by Law Enforcement — Because those who protect us every day trust me to do the same.
A Plan to Combat the Consequences of Bail Reform — Holding dangerous offenders accountable and keeping our communities safe.
Support for Victims — Standing by victims through every step of the court process and continuing to support them after the case is closed with a victim based prosecution initiative.
Experience Helping Those Struggling with Substance Abuse — Promoting recovery programs that stop the cycle of addiction and crime.
A Meaningful Response to the Animal Abuse Crisis — Pursuing justice for vulnerable animals and strengthening enforcement.
Protecting Local Businesses — Delivering swift, efficient responses to property crimes that threaten our local economy.
Tough on Violent Criminals and Sex Offenders — Seeking strict sentences for the most serious offenders to keep Saratoga County safe.
Improving School Safety — Working with educators and law enforcement to make every school a safe place to learn and grow.
Bipartisan Support-I am the only candidate to receive multiple endorsements by elected officials in both parties.
Ballot Amendment
On the back of the ballot this year is a ballot measure regarding land transfers in Adirondack Park. Voters are asked this year whether to allow the state to transfer 1,039 acres of land to the Olympic Sports Complex to be used for skiing and trails.
In exchange for this land, the state would be required to add 2,500 acres of new forests into the park. A yes vote approves the transfer while a no vote denies it.
In terms of support, the New York League of Conservation Voters, Adirondack Council and Protect the Adirondacks support the proposal. The only notable opposition to the proposal came from a New York City politician who worried about the precedent the land transfer would set.
Note: An earlier version of the story did not list the party affiliation of Sherriff’s Candidate Ryan Mahan who is running on the Democratic Party Line. This has since been corrected.
The content creator ‘Donny Skipper’ is being sued by Claire’s for defamation after they say he made false claims about working for the company.
A local social media content creator is being sued by Claire’s for defamation and trademark infringement for posts made claiming he was fired from the company — among others.
Cooper Wright — who is known by his account name “Donny Skipper” — was sued by the Claire’s Essentials LLC for at least seven social media posts critical of the company.
In these since deleted posts, Wright claimed that he had been fired by the company for social media posts criticizing the government, showed Claire’s merchandise that depicts U.S. President Donald Trump and shows correspondence between him and representatives of Claire’s. Some of the videos appeared to be filmed at the closed Claire’s location in the Wilton Mall.
In addition, on the LinkedIn profile for the fictious Donny Skipper, the documents allege Wright claimed that he had worked at Claire’s since 2022 at their Saratoga Springs and Clifton Park locations.
All of this, according to the lawsuit filed Oct. 7 in federal court, was fake.
“[Wright]’s actions are willful and in bad faith,” The lawsuit states “At all times relevant hereto, [Wright] knew that the content of his social media posts regarding Claire’s was false and continued to perpetuate his false narrative with such knowledge. At all times, [Wright] acted with a reckless disregard for the truth.”
Wright, who lives in Washington County, mainly posts about tenant rights, commentary on political events and issues related to affordability. In a statement to the Albany Times Union, Wright claims that the posts were satire and sought to bring attention to community job losses and the impact of private equity. He said that it was never his intention to mislead or harm the company.
Despite this, Claire’s alleges that Wright’s videos had a tangible impact on their marketing. They claim that in response to Write’s claims, their Instagram post about a recent Halloween product launch, their comment section with negative comments repeating claims made by Wright. The post — which is still on Instagram — has about 500 comments compared to others which typically garner less than 100.
As for the posts which triggered the lawsuit, those have since been deleted and as of Oct. 29, 2025 there is no mention of Claire’s on any of the ‘DonnySkipper’ accounts.
Claire’s is based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. In August 2025, the company filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protections and announced that over 200 stores would close as a result of bankruptcy. The next month, the company was bought out by private equity firm Ames Watson. The firm also has a controlling stake in companies such as Lids and Champion.
Although the Claire’s in Wilton Mall wasn’t on the initial closure list, things changed as the store was seen with its shutters down and lights off at the time of publication. The store also doesn’t appear on the Store Locator function of their website.
As for their political activities, while Claire’s used to employ lobbyists from the Greenberg Traurig firm, they terminated their use of the firm of 2022. The last time they were listed as lobbying on any issue, however, was in 2020 when the firm reported that they monitored cosmetic regulation and several bills related to COVID-19 on behalf of the company.
A Brunswick woman is facing several charges stemming from an incident at a hotel in Malta which injured a Saratoga County Sherriff’s Deputy.
Michaela Mariano was arrested on charges of assault, bail jumping, obstructing governmental administration and harassment. The arrest came after Deputies received a disturbance call at the Budget Inn in the Town of Malta the night of Oct. 22.
According to the Saratoga County Sherriff’s Office, the deputy sustained head and neck injuries after hitting their head on a table while trying to take Mariano into custody. At the time, Deputies allege, Mariano was resisting arrest. Mariano also attempted to punch a deputy in the face, however the Sherriff’s Office didn’t indicate whether the punch landed.
Mariano was also found to have a bench warrant for her arrest issued in June 2024 by the Clifton Park Town Court on charges of assault. Mariano was arraigned in the Malta Town Court and is currently being held in the Saratoga County Jail awaiting court proceedings.
Here is a look at the candidates running in Saratoga Springs
With Election Day right around the corner, Saratoga TODAY reached out to the candidates running in competitive races in Saratoga Springs and the surrounding areas.
Saratoga Springs has one candidate running in an uncontested election, Incumbent Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll who is endorsed by both the Republican and Democratic Parties is running for reelection.
Commissioner of Finance Candidate: Jo Ann Kiernan (R, One Saratoga)
With more than 25 years of experience in accounting and finance as a Certified Public Accountant, I bring a deep understanding of fiscal responsibility, transparency, and strategic planning. My professional background has provided me with the tools to ensure that financial decisions are made thoughtfully, sustainably, and always in the best interest of the community.
I currently serve as Deputy Mayor and previously spent nine years on the Saratoga Springs City School District Board of Education. Additionally, I have served as treasurer for both our homeowners association and the school PTSO. My husband, Todd, and I have proudly called Saratoga Springs home for 22 years, raising our two sons, Aidan and Will, in this vibrant and caring community. I am deeply grateful for all that Saratoga Springs has given us and honored to contribute to the city we love and proudly call home.
Now more than ever, our city’s finance office requires strong, experienced leadership grounded in accounting and fiscal management. Saratoga Springs is facing significant financial challenges due to a lack of long-term planning and accountability in the budgeting process. This has resulted in difficult decisions during the current budget cycle, including potential cuts to essential city services and reduced funding for not-for-profit organizations that so many residents depend on.
These organizations are the heart of our community, supporting families, assisting the homeless, feeding those in need, and providing opportunities for our youth and seniors. When funding is reduced, it’s not just programs that suffer, it’s people.
We must move beyond year-to-year budgeting and instead implement a transparent, forward-looking financial strategy that safeguards our city’s long-term stability. My top priority will be to evaluate the city’s financial position, strengthen forecasting tools, and work collaboratively with all departments to ensure a sustainable fiscal future for Saratoga Springs.
Commissioner of Finance Candidate: Shafer Gaston (D, Working families)
I am Shafer Gaston, running to be your next Commissioner of Finance. I am running on the premise that a combination of technical skills and “soft” skills is needed on the City Council. There are a number of issues that we have seen in the last few months where better stakeholder management and communications would have carried the day. We’ve seen resident confusion on paid parking. We’ve heard conflicting timelines on short-term rental legislation. And just last week, we’ve seen seniors, working families, and students get the rug pulled out from under them by cancelling bus routes. Changes shouldn’t catch our residents by surprise, yet we are failing to identify who the stakeholders are and how best to reach them and bring them into the conversation.
As a project management professional, as well as a former Naval officer and engineering manager, I have years of experience getting everyone on the same page and making sure they walk away feeling heard and enfranchised. No one will get everything that they want, but they will understand why the City made the choice that it did. The trick is to talk to people before the decision rather than trying to walk it back after the damage is done.
I want to keep Saratoga Springs on a successful track and to do that we need to update our land use plans for the 21st century, plan our capital improvements such as the police station and the DPW garage in an integrated fashion that will keep our debt low, and most importantly improve our communication with residents. This will create a positive cultural and economic environment that will provide the quality of life at affordable prices our residents have come to expect. A vote for me is a vote for these objectives.
Incumbent Candidate for Commissioner of Public Works: Chuck Marshall (R, One Saratoga)
When I began serving as Commissioner of Public Works, I pledged to uphold the integrity of the office and work as hard as possible to improve the quality of life here in our great City. I have delivered on the campaign promises I made and have done so with a deep appreciation of the trust you have given me. While there has been a great deal of turnover of the DPW seat in recent years, I believe my re-election will allow for much needed consistency and stability within the Public Works Department.
I am the first DPW Commissioner who has served holding an Engineering Degree and Master’s Degree in Public Administration. In addition to my formal education, I also have private sector experience as the Director of Real Estate for Stewart’s Shops. In this capacity, I’ve participated in over 500 municipal and regulatory meetings along with frequently presenting at relevant conferences. My technical expertise and on-the-job experience allow me to work across the table with my fellow Council members to get things done.
Serving as DPW Commissioner requires balancing the needs of the department with the needs of our community. The City of Saratoga Springs is upstate New York’s treasure and it’s our job to ensure it maintains that status.
During my first term as Commissioner, we’ve implemented quality of life changes such as creating a first-ever leaf pickup schedule, beginning the process of relocating the DPW garage out of a residential neighborhood, improving our sewer and water infrastructure, and bringing in new development such as Treehouse and Chipotle.
While we’ve accomplished much in a short period of time, there’s still much to do. With early voting already underway, I humbly request your vote to continue as your Commissioner of Public Works, and to serve you and this great City.
Candidate for Commissioner of Public Works: BK Keramati (D)
The ultimate responsibility of public officials is to improve our city for the benefit of our citizens. We have had enough condos that cater to the well-off; we need more affordable housing, better sidewalks and safer streets so our children can prosper here and grow their families here.
The most urgent issue facing our city is water. The primary source of our water, Loughberry Lake, is degrading significantly in quality and quantity. This has been going on for years. Our Department of Public Works has the sole responsibility for assuring that we have a safe and plentiful supply of water. But it has failed to inform us of how critical this situation is and what we should be doing about it. We are being told that RFPs (request for proposals) have been issued to find new water! Apparently, things are happening out of the public eye. This is not acceptable.
In addition, our water infrastructure is in serious need for upgrade, a fact that DPW has not adequately addressed for over 20 years. To me, this is not acceptable either.
So, before you vote, I urge you to think about two things:
1. WATER. How important is water in your lives? And how important is it for Saratoga Springs to have a reliable, safe, and plentiful supply for years to come?
2. TRUST. Please take a look at the candidates and just ask: who is funding their campaigns? Who are they beholden to?
Two thirds of my opponent’s campaign fund come from businesses, not real people. My supporters are all real people just like you. I am beholden to you, and only you.
And if I am elected Commissioner, I will work hard to bring civility and respect to City Council proceedings.
Incumbent Candidate for Commissioner of Accounts: Dillon Moran (D, Working Families)
From his campaign website – Dillon Moran has served as Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Accounts since January 2022. Under his leadership, the office has been modernized and his work has brought a vibrancy back to the city that we haven’t seen in a long time.
With a chemical engineering degree from Clarkson University, Dillon has over 30 years of business experience managing money, people and projects. He is also a partner in several successful local businesses that have contributed significantly to the success of our local economy. Dillon has taken on new challenges without reservation and has created innovative approaches to the issues facing our city.
Dillon’s experience in risk assessment, management and mitigation skills have helped the city tremendously during his tenure. Dillon wants to continue to serve you, the taxpayers and residents of Saratoga Springs, to continue making the city we call home the best it can be.
Candidate for Commissioner of Accounts: Jessica Troisi (R, One Saratoga)
I was drawn to Saratoga Springs 32 years ago by the charm of our city, the strength of our community, and the idea of a good life for my family. I’m now running for Commissioner of Accounts because I believe our city deserves leadership that reflects those same values and leads with integrity, accountability, and civility.
The Commissioner of Accounts plays a crucial role in city operations. This office should be a model of transparency, efficiency, and ethical leadership. Recent years have brought controversy, costly lawsuits, and a breakdown of public trust. I believe we can do better — and I’m committed to proving that with action, not rhetoric.
I’ll work respectfully with every member of our city council and every resident, regardless of party, because good government begins with listening — and it succeeds through collaboration.
I hope to earn your trust, your support, and your vote on election day. Let’s move forward together.
Candidate for Mayor: Michele Madigan (D)
Serving as the City’s Finance Commissioner for a decade, I delivered results you can see — stable or reduced property taxes, millions saved through smart refinancing, creation of the Spa Solar Park that now offsets nearly 40% of the City’s electricity costs, and conversion of every streetlight to energy-efficient LED. I set aside city-owned parcels to build three affordable homes downtown with Habitat for Humanity and partnered with New York State Parks and Recreation to fence and improve the City Dog Park for neighborhood families and their pets. As your current County Supervisor, I worked across party lines to finally secure a permanent location for our Code Blue Shelter — something our community had needed for years.
As Mayor, I’ll continue addressing homelessness with compassion and accountability by working closely with RISE and the Outreach Homeless Court, which are making real progress in connecting people with services, treatment, and stability. I’ll also focus on everyday quality-of-life issues: addressing truck traffic through our downtown and historic neighborhoods, enforcing parking and delivery rules to stop double parking, and making Broadway safer, cleaner, and more pedestrian-friendly.
We must also modernize our building and planning departments, expand affordable and workforce housing, and continue investing in sustainability and smart-city technology to position Saratoga Springs for the future.
Let’s keep Saratoga moving forward — with smart growth, clean energy, efficient government, and compassion for those in need. I humbly ask for your vote on Row A, the Democratic line, during early voting or on Election Day, November 5.
Incumbent Candidate for Mayor: John Safford (R, One Saratoga)
From his campaign website: John Safford is a veteran, a community leader, and the current Mayor of Saratoga Springs. A longtime resident and public servant, he brought civility back to City Hall and has become a steady, trusted hand in challenging times. With decades of leadership experience in both public and private sectors, Mayor Safford is known for listening, showing up, and getting results — without political theater.
Whether it’s cutting red tape, expanding affordable housing, or supporting local nonprofits and seniors, Mayor Safford is dedicated to building a stronger Saratoga — for everyone.
Candidate for Supervisor: Minita Sanghvi (D, Working Families)
From her campaign website:
Minita Sanghvi has served as the Commissioner of Finance for the last 4 years and is often called the voice of reason on the City Council.
She is a business professor at Skidmore College with an undergrad in accounting, an MBA and a PhD. She served on the Library Board for 5 years, was a founding member of the Human Rights Task Force and also served on the Charter Review Commission in 2016.
She has lived in Saratoga Springs for 11 years with her wife, son and their newly adopted 3 kittens.
As Saratoga Springs Finance Commissioner for two terms, Minita has built bipartisan coalitions to get things done.
– Maintained AA+ credit rating for the city
– Collected 12 years of delinquent taxes
– Opened a third EMS/Fire station and hired 16 new firefighters
– Established a 24/7 homeless shelter
– Added sidewalks, bike lanes, parks, and playgrounds to enhance quality of life
– Increased affordable housing
– Advanced environmental programs such as community compost and urban forestry
– Introduced Participatory Budgeting to fund citizen initiatives, such as pollinator gardens, dog watering station, and children’s literacy bus.
Candidate for Supervisor: George Ehinger (R, One Saratoga)
My name is George Ehinger, and I’m asking for your vote for Saratoga County Supervisor. I’m a 20-plus-year resident, husband and father. I built my career leading businesses across different industries and around the world. I know how to bring people together, solve tough problems and move good ideas forward with clear thinking and measurable results, not ideology.
This year’s race is critical for the city of Saratoga Springs because, for the first time in decades we will be sending 2 new Supervisors to represent us at the county level as neither of the incumbents is seeking re-election. Our strongest, most consistent voice at the county for the past 18 years has been Matt Veitch, a longtime friend who all but hand selected me to run in his place because he knows my collaborative, problem solving approach will work well at the county level.
Phil Barrett, Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors has said of this election “if Saratoga Springs doesn’t replace Matt Veitch with another strong voice that can collaborate with other Supervisors the city will suffer as far as representation.”
In that interview on Saratoga Report Chairman Barrett went on to say—
“When it gets right down to it, it’s all about and being able to develop good ideas, speak to your colleagues, collaborate and come together on a solution. That’s how the Board of Supervisors works and those are the people that we need in office.
“I see George as somebody who understands that very clearly and I think he’ll be a strong voice for Saratoga Springs.”
So, this election, make the best choice for Saratoga Springs—vote for George Ehinger for County Supervisor.
Candidate for Supervisor: Sarah Burger (D, One Saratoga)
As I’ve listened to voters over the last several months, a few issues top their list. First, residents are very concerned about skyrocketing costs. We are feeling the squeeze in all aspects of our lives including National Grid, food and now even our city taxes are going up by an unknown amount with the prospect of essential items being cut, like the funding for the senior center.
Even though I will have no vote on the city budget, I will have one at the county level and as your next Saratoga Springs County supervisor I will fight to keep our taxes low.
City residents have also expressed a strong desire that there be civility in government. Accountability lies with the voters whom I trust to choose the best candidates to represent their interests and vow to work professionally with whomever is elected.
Residents also express deep concern about dealing with homelessness. The County has a mandate to provide a Code blue with a permanent code blue shelter. This past year the county purchased land on Ballston Avenue. The next step for the county is to negotiate a land lease with Shelters of Saratoga. As your next Saratoga Springs County Supervisor, I will advocate that the new building be utilized for more than just code blue. The temporary measures we have now are wholly inadequate, and we need additional county resources.
My candidacy is endorsed by the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee, One Saratoga, the Saratoga Springs Professional Firefighters, the New York League of Conservation Voters, former Mayor and Supervisor Joanne Yepsen, former Mayor and Supervisor AC Riley, among several others. I humbly ask for your vote on November 4. You can find me on Row A or Row E.
The MTA’s Metro North Line will be extending up to Albany as the state looks to strengthen the rail link between the Capital Region and Big Apple
The question of where Upstate New York begins just got a little harder as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) extends to Albany.
The extension of the MTA’s Metro North Line comes after three daily trips on the Empire Service were cut due to track repairs. In addition to the MTA extension, Amtrak is bringing back one of the round trips cut and capping costs to riders.
The new changes were announced Oct. 20 by New York State, Amtrak and the MTA. Starting Dec. 1, 2025, Amtrak trains 235 and 238 will restart service with the MTA service starting in spring 2026 following non-passenger tests in late 2025.
The MTA line will run a round-trip service that will connect Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan and Albany-Rensselaer Station in Rensselaer. While the Metro-North Line has never extended to the Capital Region, its predecessor, the New York Central Railroad’s Hudson line, ran service between Grand Central and Albany until 1967.
“Restoring Amtrak service and debuting Metro-North service to Albany is a huge win for riders,” Governor Cathy Hochul said. “While Amtrak’s repairs to the East River Tunnels are necessary, riders from Albany to New York City have had to endure sold out trains and higher fares for the past five months. I’ve been clear from the moment this plan was proposed that New Yorkers deserve better. This new plan will provide more travel options and lower fares for over two million annual riders, saving them time and putting money back in their pockets.”
The service changes come after Amtrak had to cut service in order to repair the East River Tunnels that were damaged by Hurricane Sandy. The reduced service started in May — leading to increased ticket prices and crowded trains. To combat this, Amtrak is also set to cap economy service between Albany and NYC at $99.
Beyond just increasing service to NYC, service to Boston will improve as starting Dec. 1 direct rail service between Boston and Albany will be restored after having to run using a connecting bus.
“New York State residents’ and visitors’ passion and patience are paying off, as additional, affordable, and improved train service between New York City and Albany is on its way,” Amtrak President Roger Harris said. “Thanks to Governor Hochul for her leadership and commitment to New York State, and NYSDOT and MTA for their partnership in helping meet the high demand of train service we have throughout the state.”
As to whether this change will impact the definition of where Upstate New York begins, the Governor’s Office was quick to dispel any discussion of it.
“UPSTATE BEGINS NORTH OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY AS IT ALWAYS HAS,” the Governor’s Press Office posted on X in response to a post by a reporter discussing the matter.
The STELLA or Storm Emergency Linkable Lifesaving Apparatus is a new recue sled developed by Milton resident Dan Tuller (Aidan Cahill)
A Milton-based first responder has unveiled a new vehicle for carrying out winter rescues.
The Storm Emergency Linkable Lifesaving Apparatus or STELLA for short is a snow rescue sled designed by Dan Tuller — a former safety officer and volunteer fire fighter in the Town of Milton.
Tuller was joined by local responders and elected officials at an event unveiling the new vehicle in Milton on Oct. 21. The new vehicle is a towable sled which is designed to assist in evacuations and emergency response during harsh winter conditions. It has capacity for eight people and can accommodate a full-size stretcher if need be — along with other emergency implements.
Tuller said the idea for the sled came to him after seeing how emergency responders in Buffalo found themselves unable to answer calls due to an extreme winter storm in Dec. 2022. This storm killed 47 people region-wide with 31 of those deaths occurring in Buffalo alone.
After the storm, Tuller said he looked at the market and realized there wasn’t a rescue sled that could transport more than one or two people. In addition, these sleds would be exposed to the elements.
“The first responders faced unprecedented challenges leading to periods where emergency response was effectively halted because vehicles and crews could not reach those in need, and often the rescuers required rescue themselves,” Tuller said. “As a father, a husband and a son, I was shocked to consider that weather, an archaic and annual experience could still have such a tragic impact in a modern society.”
The STELLA is heated, insulated, has GPS capabilities and is equipped with solar panels for power. It can be towed by any vehicle that can support its weight. (Aidan Cahill)
Tuller said it took him and those he worked with only seven months to build the first prototype and that the sled is patent pending. He also said that the sled is modular depending on the end users’ needs.
According to Tuller, the skis of the sled can be swapped for wheels, the inside can be reconfigured for different patients, the hitch can be swapped to be towed by different vehicles, and multiple sleds can be linked together and towed. He also said that the vehicle “rides like a Cadilac” owing to the suspension coming from a Cadilac Escalade SUV.
Tuller’s product received high praise from several elected officials including State Senator James Tedisco who said he planned on taking the design to several government agencies and Milton Town Supervisor Scott Ostrander who called the device a “game changer.”
“People’s lives are at stake, and this right here is going to save people’s lives,” Ostrander said. “Dan, I can’t say enough, this is a game changer for us as a community.”
In terms of cost, Tuller said he anticipates the STELLA will cost around $100,000 but that he expects that departments will be able to get the funds to purchase through grants and other outside funding.
As for the orange color of the STELLA, Tuller said that it came from a discussion he had with a first responder in Buffalo who suggested it in order to stand out against the snow.
The name “STELLA” in addition to being an acronym was also used to honor his cat who died of breast cancer shortly before he started designing the sled.
Hess was arrested by U.S. Marshalls in a hotel in Pennsylvania (Courtesy of U.S. Marshalls)
A Frankfort man who stole a purse and ran over 76-year-old woman in Ballston Spa has been captured in Pennsylvania.
Joseph Hess, 32, of Frankfort NY allegedly stole a pocketbook from the back seat of a car at McDonalds on Church Street in the Town of Ballston. When confronted by the robbery victim — a 76-year-old woman — he ran back to his vehicle and attempted to flee the scene, hitting the woman in the process.
The incident occurred on Oct. 16 at around 6:45 p.m. The victim was transported to Albany Medical Center and treated for compound leg fractures where she has remained since the incident.
After a five-day manhunt, Hess was located on the morning of Oct. 21 in a hotel in Tinicum Township, PA — a small town southwest of Philadelphia next to the airport. He was arrested by U.S. Marshalls and is currently being held in Delaware County awaiting extradition back to Saratoga.
“I am incredibly proud of our investigators who worked tirelessly to locate Hess,” said Sheriff Michael H. Zurlo. “I am grateful and relieved that he is off the streets and pray that justice will be served for the innocent victim.”
At the time of the incident, Hess’s vehicle had been reported stolen from Colonie. It was subsequently abandoned behind Mabey’s Moving and Storage on Route 67 with Hess seen fleeing into the woods, according to the Sherriff’s Office.
Hess was also wanted in Frankfurt on weapons charges.
The incident and subsequent manhunt caused concerns for the nearby Ballston Spa Central School District. Prior to the start of school, the Saratoga County Sherriff’s Office searched school buildings to ensure Hess wasn’t inside, according to Ballston Spa Mayor Frank Rossi. In addition to the search, the school was also placed on a state of “Secure Lockdown.”
These concerns didn’t extend to that night’s homecoming football game as it went off without a hitch and resulted in Ballston Spa beating Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake 20-13.
As for Hess, he currently faces charges of assault in the 1st degree and robbery in the 1st degree — both of them class B felonies.
While working a second job is usually a good way to earn extra money, it’s not a good idea when you’re supposed to be on the clock for the State of New York.
This is according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office who arrested Mehul Goswami, 39 or Latham who was arrested on charges of grand larceny after he allegedly stole $50,000 by working a second job when he was supposed to be working remotely for the state.
According to the Sherriff’s Office, Goswami was working in the town of Malta at the same time he was clocked in for the New York State Office of Information Technology Services. The investigation was conducted by both the New York Inspector General’s Office and Sherrif’s Office.
“Public employees are entrusted with the responsibility to serve with integrity, and Mr. Goswami’s alleged conduct represents a serious breach of that trust,” said New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang. “Working a second, full-time job while claiming to be working for the State is an abuse of public resources, including taxpayer dollars. My office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold anyone accountable who would undermine the integrity of public service in New York State.”
Goswami was arranged in Malta Town Court and released pending further legal proceedings.
The Ribbon is cut on the new outdoor learning center built over the summer at the elementary school (Aidan Cahill)
The Saratoga Springs School Central School District has unveiled a new Outdoor Learning Center at Geyser Road Elementary School.
The new structure was built as part of the city’s participatory budget project where the city solicits ideas for projects that need funding and helps see them through. The new Outdoor Learning Center consists of an outdoor pavilion on a concrete pad surrounded by the existing orchard.
An official ribbon cutting was held on Friday, Oct. 10. The existing area includes apple and pear trees, benches and a friendship rock garden. The area started its life in 2014 when Albert Pickens, a music teacher at the school, came up with the idea of having a space where students could learn about the natural world and where their food comes from.
During his remarks at the ribbon cutting, Pickens talked about how the idea grew from a few fruit trees to a fully fenced orchard with benches for learning. The orchard wasn’t without its challenges, however, as the pandemic brought about many challenges which threatened the orchard’s future.
“Five years ago, the pandemic hit and the orchard that was helping us, our partner orchard, closed down, and the future of the Geyser Road orchard seemed uncertain,” Pickens said. “That’s when I learned something powerful: A good idea, when rooted in a caring community, will grow beyond the seedlings of any one person’s imagination.”
Pickens also highlighted the continued work of staff members to preserve and expand the outdoor space. He specifically highlighted the work of Alex Fralish, the head custodian of Geyser Road Elementary School who keeps the fruit trees pruned and watered.
He also highlighted the work of Brooke Cannie, a speech and hearing teacher at the school, whose idea for a dedicated outdoor learning space inspired the new learning space.
Cannie said in her remarks that the idea for the learning center came while teaching a student outside near the playground. She said that the thought came to her that it would be amazing to have a quiet space in nature for outdoor learning without distraction. Cannie said the work of Pickens with the orchard inspired her to pursue the funding needed for the project.
She also highlighted the community’s effort to develop the outdoor space.
“This outdoor classroom is more than just a structure,” Cannie said. “It’s a symbol of community, of shared vision and what we can accomplish when we all come together for our students.”
Funding for the project came from the city’s participatory budget process. Under the process, proposals for improvements were sought by the city from citizens. After review, those proposals were voted on with the winners receiving the funds to complete the project.
The Geyser Road Elementary School Project was one of six projects to receive funding under the 2024 vote. Jeff Altamari said he was impressed by the work that went into the project and the care of those involved.
“I was just awed by the enthusiasm and passion that they had for converting this empty space out here into something beautiful for all of you to really use, for the community to use,” Altamari said.
Altamari said that the project showed that if you have an idea and are smart about it, you can accomplish anything.
A Trumpeter plays taps to honor those from the area killed the line of duty during the World War II. ( Aidan Cahill)
It has been over 80 years since World War II ended, and Saratoga Springs High School students are making sure the memory of those who fought in the war is remembered.
The students gathered in the Saratoga Springs City Council room to read the names of 77 men from the city who were killed during the conflict. They were led by social studies teacher Timothy O’Brien.
The reading took place a week before the city celebrates 80 years since the end of World War II. Two different dates mark the end of the conflict, depending on where in the world the fighting took place. In Europe, V-E Day, Victory in Europe Day, was celebrated May 8, 1945 — commemorating victory over Germany. Meanwhile in Asia, V-J Day, Victory over Japan Day, was celebrated September 2, 1945.
The war was one of the deadliest in world history with over 15 million military personnel killed across all sides and over 38 million civilians killed, according to the Department of Defense. On the U.S. side, over 16 million troops were mobilized with casualties totaling 405,399 dead and 670,846 wounded in the conflict. Of the Americans who died, over 37,000 came from New York, according to the U.S. Army.
O’Brien said part of the reason for the reading was to keep the living memory of the conflict alive even as veterans and others who lived through it pass away.
“It’s just tough,” O’Brien said. “You lose connections and friends you’ve been working with for so long. That’s the kind of the downside of this. But to have their stories to tell is really what matters.”
O’Brien said reading the names was their way of putting a human face to the conflict. He said that even if they don’t have the full story behind the person’s life and death, just having the name acknowledges that there is a story and a person behind it.
Similar sentiments were echoed by one of the students who read the names, Olivia Howe. Howe said she volunteered in part because of the service of her grandfather who served in the military. She said she hopes students continue to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
“It’s something that should never be forgotten, and I don’t think will ever be forgotten,” Howe said.
In addition to the 77 lost in the war, O’Brien highlighted the work of veterans who came home and contributed to the community. Over 300 World War 2 veterans were connected with Saratoga County at one time or another, O’Brien said. Many of them brought back the skills they learned from the service or took advantage of the GI Bill to get an education and further improve their communities, according to O’Brien.
Saratoga Springs is home to the New York State Military Museum, a former armory that hosted many National Guard companies throughout its history. During World War II it hosted L company of the 105th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division. The regiment fought in the Pacific against the Japanese in the Battles of Makin, Saipan and Okinawa, according to a unit history.
One of the ways troops got home from the war was on a ship named for Saratoga, the USS Saratoga ( Courtesy of the US Navy)
In addition, the army history, a ship which draws its name from the region, the USS Saratoga (CV-3), also served with distinction, according to the U.S. Navy. Commissioned in 1927, the aircraft carrier served in many battles and operations across the Pacific during the war, earning seven battle stars for her service.
Her most notable achievement, however, arguably came after the war when she helped ferry over 29,000 personnel home after the war as part of Operation Magic Carpet. She also held the record at the time for landing the most planes on her deck of any aircraft carrier at over 98,000 landings.
In addition to the reading of names, a festival celebrating the end of the war will take place on Sat. Oct. 18 at the Military Museum. The event will feature reenactors, a USO-style show and World War II era films and media.
