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Author: Aidan Cahill

Spent Nuclear Fuel Rolls Through Ballston Spa

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


A convoy carrying the container, similar to this one from 2018, crawled through Saratoga County on it’s way to a train yard for shipment to Idaho (Courtesy of Naval Nuclear Laboratory)

Residents in Ballston Spa and Milton may have noticed an usual site rolling through town recently as a large container filled with nuclear fuel rolled through town on it’s way to Idaho. 

The fuel came from the Kenneth A. Kesselring Site in West Milton and represented the first part of the dismantling of a nuclear reactor which had been shutdown in 2019. While most of the work took place at the site itself, given the lack of a direct rail connection to the site, a special container had to be loaded onto the back of a heavy lift truck and driven to and from the facility. 

Residents had no reason to be concerned about this transportation. Since 1957, there have been 457 defueling and refueling operations conducted by the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program including 12 at the Kesselring site itself. In it’s history, there hasn’t been any injuries to the public or dangerous releases. 

“Each shipment is made in compliance with applicable Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Energy (DOE), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and state regulations and poses no danger to the public,” The Naval Nuclear Laboratory said in a press release. “The containers are very robust and were rigorously analyzed and tested to demonstrate performance in a range of situations. From the first shipment of Naval spent nuclear fuel in 1957, the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program has safely shipped 924 containers of Naval spent nuclear fuel without a single injury to a member of the public or any release of radioactivity.”

The press release also said that even if one were to stand six feet away from the container for a full day, they would only receive 10 millirems of radiation — about the same as a chest x ray and much lower than the 300 millirems typically seen in a year. 

Once the shipment leaves New York, it will be shipped to the Idaho National Laboratory. Planning for the project has taken place since 2023. The container itself arrived in West Milton back in April 2024. 

The Kenneth A. Kesselring site is a training and research facility that has been open since the 1950. It’s named after Kenneth A. Kesselring, the former general manager of the nearby Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory. Since 1950, over 55,000 sailors and officers have trained there including future US President Jimmy Carter. In 1952, then Lt. Carter helped set up the training program for enlisted sailors who would serve on the Nuclear Submarine USS Seawolf. 

In its history, there haven’t been any incidents of releases or major security breaches at the Kesselring Site.  The only one of note coming in 2009 when a truck containing debris from the site crashed outside Wilks Barree, PA. Even then, the amount of radioactivity in the debris was so small that the truck didn’t require warning placards while soil and water in the area didn’t show any increase in radioactivity. 

The remaining reactor at the site consists of a “pressurized-water nuclear reactor, auxiliary equipment, and propulsion systems necessary for the training of naval personnel and for the testing and evaluation of design concepts,” according to the latest environmental report on the cite. 

Speed, Building Sales and Horses: City Council Run Down 

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

Speed, building sales and horses were all up for discussion this week at the latest Saratoga Springs City Council meeting. 

While it may not have been as lively as the previous one, there were many issues brought up during the meeting that will have an effect on Residents both in and out of Saratoga Springs. Here is a rundown of what was talked about and the issues facing Saratoga residents. 

Concern over ICE raids

Much of the public comment part of the meeting was dedicated to concern of ICE raids taking place within the city. The concern comes after multiple social media posts show masked agents in unmarked detaining individuals near Congress Plaza in Saratoga Springs. 

Speakers including representatives from the Saratoga Springs Democratic Party spoke about the raids, expressing concerns about the raids and calling on the city to do more to protect the undocumented population. 

In response to these concerns, Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll reiterated that the city doesn’t participate in ICE raids and doesn’t have the authority to arrest people for immigration reasons. However, Coll said the city has asked ICE to give prior notice whenever they’re operating in Saratoga Springs to ensure there aren’t “blue on blue” incidents. He also encouraged residents to reach out to ICE or to their congressman if they have concerns over the raids as there is legally nothing they can do. 

Concerns over the raids were also expressed by Accounts Commissioner Dillon Moran and Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi.

Speed 

While horses may be flying on the track, for cars on the road it’s a different story. A public hearing was set for Aug. 5 at 6:30 over a proposed ordinance that would reduce the city’s default speed limit from 30 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour — with certain exceptions such as for school zones, arterial roads and roads with shared responsibility. 

The proposed ordinance comes after an engineering study recommended the change. It wasn’t until recently that Saratoga Sprins had the power to reduce its speed limit to 25 miles per hour. Prior to 2022, the minimum speed limit was 30 miles per hour statewide. However, a bill passed that year allowed municipalities to make the change citing its effectiveness in reducing traffic fatalities in New York City and Boston.

The Aug. 5 hearing will start with a presentation on that matter and allow residents the opportunity to speak on the matter. 

More Police Horse News 

The Saratoga Springs Police Department is seeing further changes with its equestrian unit. During the City Council meeting, the city approved the transfer of outgoing police horse Apollo to Patricia Heneke who will take care of the 19 year old as he enjoys his retirement. Apollo did his last patrol with the department during the Silks and Satins 5k on July 12. 

As Apollo retires, his old coworkers Brady and Sly will be welcoming a new partner to their team. City Council approved the donation of Bella to the Police Equestrian unit. Bella is a 10-year-old black Shire mare who is 19 hands tall. Bella comes by way of Creekview Manor Farm in Saratoga Springs. 

Building Sale

Discussions have begun on the potential sale of a city owned building at 5 Williams Street in Saratoga Springs. The building, which was the former cite of the Saratoga Senior Center had previously been proposed as the site of a homeless shelter however concerns over it’s proximity to Saratoga Central Catholic School lead that plan to be abandoned. 

During the preliminary meeting on July 14, Public Works Commissioner Chuck Marshall brought up the idea of a sale for discussion, saying that the money could potentially be used to help address the unhoused in Saratoga Springs. 

While all members were open to the idea, concerns were raised about the potential of using a capital asset in order to fund operational expenses. Commissioners Moran and Sanghvi both said they would need to see the plan for how to allocate the property funds before they supported the sale. No vote was taken on the matter. 

High School Graduates Score Top Marks 

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


Saratoga Central Catholic valedictorian Raphael Sanok, left, will be attending The Rochester Institute of Technology for physics. Salutatorian David Mattes, right will be attending Catholic University for mechanical engineering (Courtesy of Saratoga Central Catholic School) 

Ballston Spa valedictorian Audrey Bedell will be going for her degree in biomedical engineering this fall. (Courtesy of Ballston Spa High School) 

Ballston Spa salutatorian Christine Jiang will be going for a degree in political science this fall. (Courtesy of Ballston Spa High School)

While summer in Saratoga is typically ushered in with horse races and tourists, it also marks the end of a long journey for many young Saratoga Springs area residents — High School graduation. 

With the sound of Pomp and Circumstance fading in the distance, here is a brief look at the achievements of local graduates. 

Ballston Spa 

Ballston Spa High School Valedictorian for the class of 2025 is Audrey Bedell. Bedell has a GPA of 99.508 and graduated with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation and Honors with Mastery in Mathematics and Science. During her time at Ballston Spa High School, Bedell was enrolled in sixteen college and honors level courses. 

Outside of the classroom, Bedell was a three-time medalist for the Science Olympiad, a member of National Honor Society, Tri-M Honor Society, and played viola in symphonic orchestra, pit orchestra, All County Orchestra and New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Orchestra. Bedell plans on pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering in college. 

Ballston Spa’s Salutatorian for the 2025 class is Christine Jiang. Jiang has a GPA of 99.23 and 508 and graduated with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation and Honors with Mastery in Mathematics and Science. During her time at Ballston Spa High School Jiang was enrolled in 20 college level, AP, honors and International Baccalaureate classes and is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Candidate. 

Outside the classroom, Jiang was a member of the cross country and track teams, was secretary of the National Honor Society chapter and was a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society as well as the Students Helping Students and True Crime Club. Jiang will be pursuing a degree in political science in the fall. 

Students also receiving honors for being in the top 10 of their class include Noland Schmitt, Tucker Cornell, Collin Flynn, Kayleigh Cassels, Jacqueline Horsch, Mia Collins, Jessica Bowens, and Ethan Norris.

Schuylerville High School 

The Valedictorian for Schuylerville High School Class of 2025 is Holly Price. Price is heavily involved in her community — both in and out of the classroom. In her time at Schuylerville, Price was involved in 11 clubs — achieving leadership roles in two of them — played on the JV girls basketball team and varsity tennis team and was volunteered throughout her community which included being a weekly volunteer at the library, assisting with the Middle School Drama Club and caroling at nursing homes. She has received the Rensselaer Medal Award, the CASDA Capitol Region Students and Teachers who Make a Difference Award and the Black Horse Excellence Award   — among many others. 

This fall, Price will be attending Colgate University studying neuroscience and French. 

The Salutatorian for Schuylerville High School Class of 2025 is Grace Lail. In her time at Schuylerville, Lail was involved with 10 different clubs and organizations on campus, participating in unified basketball and was involved with five different community service organizations. Some of her awards include the St. Michael’s Book Award, Black Horses Excellence Award and National Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award — among others.

This fall, Lail will be attending William and Mary College studying music and French. 

Zooming out to the rest of the class: 21 Schuylerville students ended their high school career with a GPA of 96 or higher, 16 received Advanced Regents Diplomas with Honors, 44 received Advanced Regents Diplomas, 54 received Regents Diplomas, 25 received CDOS Commencement Credentials and 17 students received a technical endorsement on their Diploma. 

As for next steps, 68 students will be entering a four-year college or university, 20 will be entering a two-year college, 15 will be entering the workforce, 3 will be entering trade school, 1 student will be going to Belgium for an exchange program and one student will be entering flight training. 

Saratoga Central Catholic School

The Valedictorian for Saratoga Central Catholic School Class of 2025 is Raphael Sanok. Sanok has spent his entire education thus far in the Catholic Education system as he’s an alumnus of St. Mary’s Academy in Glens Falls. Sanok will be attending the Rochester Institute of Technology with the intent to major in physics. 

The Salutatorian for Saratoga Central Catholic School class of 2025 is David Mattes. Mattes is an alumnus of St. Mary’s School in Ballston Spa — having spent his entire education in the Catholic System— and will continue in Catholic education for college. Sanok will be attending The Catholic University of America this fall with the intent to major in mechanical engineering. 

Zooming out, of the 30 students, close to 70% will be attending college for a STEM field and close to 30% will be going for business related majors. The class received over $9.7 million in scholarships and were accepted to over 100 colleges. Five students will be participating in collegiate athletics — four of them from the legendary baseball team that won a state championship. 

TSA Says ‘Keep your Shoes on’ 

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

It’s been a hallmark of travel for years now. You get to the checkpoint, empty your pockets, take off your shoes and prepare to be scrutinized by the Transportation Safety Administration. 

Well part of that process is about to change. On July 8, the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) announced that passengers at domestic airports — including Albany International Airport — will no longer have to take off their shoes when going through checkpoints. 

In a press release, the US Secretary of Homeland Security said the change was designed to make passengers’ lives easier when traveling. 

“Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports,” said Secretary Noem. “We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience.” 

This isn’t the first time this measure has been relaxed. Starting in December 2013, passengers could enroll in ‘TSA Pre-Check’ which allowed passengers to forego some of the security screenings, such as having to take off their shoes, after they paid a fee, got fingerprinted and passed a background check, according to TSA’. 

TSA has required passengers to remove their shoes since 2006. The policy was made due to an incident that occurred about three months after 9/11. On December 22, 2001, a passenger on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami attempted to detonate an explosive device located in the bottom of his shoes, according to the FBI. 

The attempt was unsuccessful as the would-be bomber couldn’t light the fuse on the explosive and was subsequently restrained by passengers and crew. Five years later, TSA required passengers to remove their shoes and have them x-rayed. 

The change is one of several impacting travelers this summer. In May, passengers had to obtain a ‘Real ID’ in order to travel on all domestic flights. 

Earlier this month, TSA unveiled several policy changes designed to make the lives of military passengers easier. Earlier this month, TSA announced that Gold Star Families would get their fee waved when applying for TSA Precheck. In addition, service members and their spouses would receive a $25 discount on the program as well as having their dependents fall under the program when booked on the same reservation. 

Saratoga County Teen Arrested on Terrorism Charges

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

A Halfmoon teen has been arrested by New York State Police on several terrorism related charges.

The 17-year-old was arrested on the morning of July 3 in Halfmoon, according to a State Police Information Report issued on July 4. The report said the teen was arrested on three counts related to terrorism.

In a statement issued on July 7, State Police said the teen was initially arrested on June 17 for making a threat of mass harm and released into custody of a guardian. After further review of the evidence, the teen was arrested July 3 on the two felonies and arraigned at the Saratoga County Youth Part Court. They’re currently being held at the Capital District Juvenile Secure Detention Center in Albany.

The investigation started after State Police received information that the teen had been making concerning statements online. During a search of the teen’s Halfmoon home, police discovered and seized “incendiary device-making material, instruction manuals on how to make incendiary devices, and other weapons.” They also found written and electronic media supporting acts of terrorism.

The teen is being charged with two felonies. The first of these, PL 490.45, deals with criminal possession of a chemical or biological weapon. The teen is specifically accused of violating section two of the law which bans possession of “any select chemical agent, with intent to use such agent to cause serious physical injury to, or the death of, more than two other persons”

The other felony count was PL 490.10, a class D, second degree felony. This law targets those who provide or seek material support or resources for an act of terror. The misdemeanor, PL 240.78, is for making a threat of mass harm. Someone can be charged with the crime even if they don’t have to capacity or intent to carry out an attack.

Police said the investigation was conducted with the assistance of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and that it is still on going.  

Publishing note: In the print edition of this week’s Saratoga TODAY, there is an earlier version of the story. At the time of printing, New York State Police had not issued a statement on the arrest and the story was written based information available at the time. The online version has been updated with new information.

A Sly Horse Joins the Force 

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.


The 22-year-old former rodeo horse will start training for the Saratoga Springs Police Department in the coming weeks.

Saratoga Springs — From rodeo horse to attempted amateur ice swimmer, Ali Ernst’s illustrious equestrian, Sly, has worn many hats in his day. 

Now the 22-year-old horse is training for a new job — police horse. Sly was introduced to the public and media at High Rock Park on June 27. The use of the horse comes from Ernst free of charge who said she just wanted to give back to a city she’s lived in all her life. 

Sly isn’t completely unknown to the officers he’ll be working alongside.  In February he had to be rescued from a frozen pond on Ernst’s farm after he fell through the ice. Officers from the Saratoga Springs Police Department were quick to get on scene and pull Sly out with no lasting effects from the ordeal. 

The next month, Ernst saw a post on the department’s Facebook looking for a new horse and instantly thought Sly would fit the bill. Although he’s not as tall or young as the department was initially looking for, the department took him on because of his chill demeaner. 

“Sly isn’t the biggest horse in the world, which is fine, we can understand that, but he’s going to be very good around people, and that’s what we want to see,” said Saratoga Springs Police Lieutenant Paul Veitch “We don’t want to see a large horse that’s not good around people, or a small horse that’s not good around people.  Sly fits the mold of being able to work parades, special events, go to schools, visit people etc.”

 During the event in High Rock Park, these traits were on full display as visitors of all ages were able to go right up close to Sly, petting him and posing for photos. Sly also got a chance to be reacquainted with the mount he’ll be working alongside, Brady. Although a few neighs were exchanged, both Ernst and Veitch see the two of them working well together. 

“They’ll be a good pair,” Ernst said. “They’re both goofy little boys that are interested in each other.” 


photos by Aidan Cahill

Prior to his attempt on the ice and his work on the force, Sly had been a rodeo horse for 14 years. Ernst raised him from the time he was born and used him as a breakaway rope horse — a rodeo event in which a rider attempts to lasso a calf with the rope “breaking away” from the saddle when the roped calf gets far enough away. Sly’s also helped out around the community with various events organizations around the Saratoga area. 

The search for a new horse came out of concern for the department’s other horse, Apollo. 

“He’s met his pensionable retirement time,” Veitch said. “We’re looking to find a forever home for him where he’s comfortable and happy only because we don’t want to work him beyond the time he can work.”

As for the next steps, Veitch said Sly will undergo training to get him used to environments he’s not familiar with such as crowds and parades. This training will start in the coming weeks and the pace of it will be determined by how Sly acclimates to his new job. As for public appearances, Sly will start at special events and progressively work into larger gatherings. 

“We can’t take him from his farm and put him on Caroline Street and expect him to succeed,” Veitch said. 

While Sly is with the department, he’ll still be under the care of his owner Ernst. When he’s needed, the department will give her a heads-up and retrieve the horse for duty. 

Camping Ordinance Approved During Turbulent City Council Meeting 

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

SARATOGA SPRINGS — After over three hours of impassioned public hearings and discussion by commissioners, the Saratoga Springs City Council passed an ordinance that bans ‘camping’ on most public property. 

The ordinance would restrict laying, sitting, or placing ‘camping gear’ on streets, gazeboes, benches, and in the entryway of buildings. Under the ordinance, violators would receive a verbal or written warning followed by an initial fine of $100 and subsequent fines of $250. The ordinance doesn’t apply to parks, as those operate under pre-established rules. 

The measure was spearheaded by Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll, who said he modeled the ordinance on one passed in Grants Pass, Oregon, which was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2024.

The ordinance passed 3-2, with Republican Mayor John Safford and Public Works Commissioner Chuck Marshall voting with Coll to pass it. Democratic Commissioners Dillion Moran and Minita Sanghvi voted against it. 

Before the meeting, the City Council held a public hearing on the ordinance, during which over 40 individuals spoke on the matter for more than three hours. Council chambers were at full capacity, with 25 people having to wait in the hallway to get a chance to speak. While Mayor Safford attempted to keep comments to a maximum of two minutes, many speakers exceeded this limit, prompting a few warnings from the mayor. He also issued warnings to several activists who voiced their opposition to the measure from the gallery. 

One person, a local homeless advocate, spoke for over 30 minutes. After the mayor repeatedly warned them to sit down and called for a five-minute adjournment, the individual was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. They were issued an appearance ticket and released by police. 

Opinions on the ordinance were varied. While most speakers during the hearing opposed the ordinance, Commissioner Coll presented letters from the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association (DBA) and the Downtown Special Assessment District in support of the ordinance. He also stated that of the emails he received through public comment, 12 were opposed to the ordinance, while 15 were in favor. 

In their letter, which was sent to Saratoga TODAY before the meeting, the DBA emphasized the importance of accessible sidewalks and clear parking garages for residents, visitors, and individuals with disabilities. Their viewpoint was supported by two of the speakers, who stated that they had to deal with harassment, human waste, and property damage caused by people on the street, particularly in the early mornings and late at night. 

On the other side, reasons for opposition varied widely. The council heard from former and current homeless individuals, advocates, lawyers, community members, and some who quoted scripture. 

Some people supported the ordinance but thought it needed more time for public comment and tweaking by city council. Others argued that it was too vague and could open the city up to litigation. Many described the plight of those trying to seek shelter through county services and the roadblocks they faced along the way, as well as the human side of the issue. A common thread among those who spoke was a lack of resources for people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in Saratoga County. 

Their opposition was backed by the New York Civil Liberties Union, whose Capitol Region Director, Melanie Trimble, spoke at the meeting. She disagreed with the discretion it gave police officers and how vague it was, warning that such issues could lead to it being overturned. She said NYCLU would be watching the ordinance. 

It wasn’t just the public who participated in the debate. Commissioners Coll and Moran traded barbs over the ordinance. At the same time, Commissioner Sanghvi accused the mayor of interrupting her when she tried to ask questions about the ordinance and his comments. 

Things got so heated that an attempt to vote on the ordinance had to be redone because the Commissioners were still debating when the mayor called a vote, leading to confusion over whether it was enacted or not. After a brief adjournment, the vote was redone and passed 3-2. 

Saratoga Springs isn’t the first jurisdiction in the county to enact restrictions on camping. The Town of Waterford unanimously passed a similar ordinance in June banning camping outside of designated areas and imposing jail terms and fines for offenders. 

Fireworks, Festivities, and Fast Running: How to Enjoy July 4 in Saratoga Springs 

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

America turns 249 years young this year and Saratoga Springs is celebrating in style. 

With events taking place all over the city from sunup to after-sundown, residents can expect a mix of fireworks, live music, races and much more going on around town. Here is a rundown of all the events taking place in the city. 

Fireworks 

A staple of July 4 celebrations dating back to 1777, Saratoga Springs will have its annual fireworks show at 9 pm launched from the top of the City Center Parking Garage — located on Maple Street behind City Hall and City Center. 

Music 

Multiple musical acts will be performing around the city this July 4. A family friendly concert will take place at 7 p.m. just outside the City Center on Ellsworth Jones Place. The concert will feature Capitol Region music group “Soul Session.” In addition to the concert, visitors at the City Center can also enjoy Face Painters, Lemonade, Caricatures and Mr. Twisty Balloons from 7-9 p.m. 

Elsewhere in the city, Upstate New York based “Jukebox Rebellion” will be performing at the intersection of Caroline Street and Maple Avenue as part of a block party. 

Running 

For those who enjoy running, they can run in the “Firecracker 4 Road Race,” starting at 9 a.m. The 19th annual event is expected to draw over 2000 runners and will be preceded by the .02 mile “Sparkler Fun Run” for kids. The kids race starts at 8:15 — immediately before the adult one. 

Safety

Residents in the area should be aware of road closures and parking restrictions in effect on the 4th — particularly in areas where events are taking place. A full list of road closures and restrictions can be found on the Saratoga Springs Police Department website and social media pages.

In addition, multiple state agencies are advising people to leave the fireworks to the professionals to avoid ending up in the emergency room. On the county level, the Saratoga County Sherrif’s Office is stepping up DWI enforcement — details of which can be found on page 9. 

Saratoga Springs Department of Public Works Supervisor Receives National Recognition

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

If you’ve ever walked through Saratoga Springs and seen the flowers, shrubbery and decorations that dot the city’s streets and parks, then you’ve seen the work of Rob Wheelock and his team. 

Wheelock is the working supervisor for the Department of Public Work’s Beautification Crew. They’re tasked with planting flowers, taking care of the trees, mowing, cleaning up the beds and everything else surrounds the flower beds. 

While Saratoga residents may be very familiar with Wheelock’s work, it’s now been brought to a national spotlight. The American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees has awarded Wheelock their “Never Quit Award.” The award is given to employees who “go above and beyond the call of duty to make their communities better.”  He was nominated by one of his fellow DPW workers for the award. 

During a recent City Council meeting, Wheelock was recognized by the council for receiving this award. DPW Commissioner Chuck Marshall had high praise for Wheelock. He highlighted Wheelock’s over 20 years of service to DPW and his commitment to keeping the city beautiful. 

“He’s really a crew of one,” Commissioner Marshall said “Regardless of how he has, I’ve seen the guy sweating through his shirt, on his hands and knees weeding and putting in plants. To me, that’s the type of person you want to work with — let alone have working for you.” 

Beyond just being a supervisor, Wheelock is also the vice president of DPW’s unit of the AFSCME/CSEA Local 1000 — the union who represents DPW workers and who’s national organization is giving the award. 

After receiving multiple rounds of applause and a standing ovation, Wheelock got a chance to address City Council. In his brief remarks, Wheelock expressed gratitude for the award and pride in making Saratoga Springs beautiful. 

“I do love coming to work every day,” Wheelock said “I know that myself and my team are making a difference. We love our city and like to keep it as clean as possible. When people ask you where you’re from and you say Saratoga Springs, they know exactly where you’re talking about and say, ‘That’s a beautiful city to go to.’ I’m proud of that. 

Saratoga Celebrates ‘Second Independence Day’ 

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.


Teacher and Air Force veteran Donald Hyman performs during the Juneteenth event at the YMCA

It was standing room only at the YMCA as Saratoga Springs held its annual Juneteenth celebration. 

The event took place June 19 and featured vendors, speakers, musical acts, dances and theatrical performances. This year was the fourth annual event in Saratoga Springs. The event wasn’t the only one to take place in the city. 

Later in the day, a new historic marker was unveiled on Congress Street to honor a predominantly Black neighborhood which was destroyed as part of urban renewal. Another plaque honoring one of two churches destroyed in the project was dedicated on June 21 behind City Hall on Maple Street. 

While Juneteenth has only been a federal holiday since 2021, the holiday’s origins go back to the Civil War. In 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by the United States which freed all enslaved people in states rebelling in the US, according to the Congressional Research Service.

While the proclamation was issued in 1863, it didn’t reach the last Confederate state — Texas — until 1865. On June 19, 1865, Union forces reached Galveston, Texas and issued an order announcing the end of the war and the freedom of all enslaved people in the state. Celebrations started in 1866, and it became a Texas state holiday in 1980. 

The holiday is often referred to as the “second Independence Day” in reference to the idea that many people in the US weren’t fully free until slavery was abolished. 

One of the board members behind the celebration, Donald Hyman, said he first heard about the holiday when he was in the Air Force and stationed in Alaska. He said the base commander was an African American man from Louisiana who celebrated the holiday on post. Hyman said he became involved in celebrations as an educator as a part of Schenectady’s celebrations. 

During the June 19 ceremony, Hyman performed a piece about famed author Booker T Washington. He was joined by several others who spoke about the holiday, performed songs, and acted out parts of the book “Big Jim and the White Boy.” 

Outside of the celebrations at the YMCA, a new historical marker was unveiled near the Embassy Suites on Congress Street. Saratoga Springs Supervisor Matthew Veitch said the marker came as a result of funds allocated to supervisors by the county to improve their municipalities. In creating the marker, Veitch said he worked with the Frederick Allen Lodge on the specific language. 

The Congress Street Neighborhood had been a prominent neighborhood for the Black community in Saratoga Springs. It featured not just housing but many Black owned businesses and cultural areas. Much of it was raised in the 1970s during Urban Renewal which also saw two Black churches destroyed and merged with others. Both these churches also received plaques. One of said plaques was dedicated June 21. 


Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford ( John Safford) spoke at the beginning of the event 


“This means more than you will ever know,” said Joy King, one of members of the Lodge. “It’s very important that Saratoga recognize and honor everything the Black community has brought to the City of Saratoga Springs. This is a first step to show this is a very diverse community.” 


Music was provided by singers from the Community Voices of Praise Choir.
All photos by Aidan Cahill