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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Tonko Named 2020 ‘Champion of Science’

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Paul D. Tonko was recognized last week as a 2020 Champion of Science by The Science Coalition (TSC), a prestigious distinction that honors a small group of Congressional leaders each year whose actions and votes consistently reflect a commitment to fundamental science through funding investment for federal research agencies. 

“As an engineer, I have always had a deep respect for science,” said Congressman Tonko, in a statement. “When we embrace science and truth, we begin to realize the vast potential of our great nation to lead the world in advancements in technology that open our eyes even as they boost our economy, create good jobs and better the lives of countless in our Capital Region and beyond.” 

Tonko is one of nine Members of Congress recognized this year; the Science Coalition is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization of more than 50 of the nation’s leading public and private research institutions dedicated to highlighting the partnerships between the federal government and America’s research universities.

Stefanik Cosponsors Forest Recovery Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, has cosponsored the bipartisan Forest Recovery Act, legislation that will support timber farmers affected by catastrophic loss events. The bill will help forest landowners recover from natural disasters by eliminating the basis limitation rule and allowing them to deduct up to the fair market value of their devastated trees.

“Farmers across many sectors continue to be impacted by extreme weather events, and not all of them are protected by crop insurance,” Stefanik said in a statement. “This bipartisan bill will help timber producers continue their business, which will have a positive impact on many of our North Country communities who include timber production as part of their economic base.”

Last week, Stefanik additionally cosponsored the Counting All Military Votes Act, legislation to make Express Mail Labels available to deployed active duty military serving U.S. embassies, consulates, and/or in diplomatic posts. The measure is to ensure each of their absentee votes will be successfully delivered on time by Express Mail in order to be counted.

February 15 – February 21, 2020

COURT

Daniel J. Guynup, 21, of Saratoga Springs, was convicted by a Saratoga County trial jury Feb. 6 in connection with a series of incidents that occurred last June in Saratoga Springs, and on Aug. 18 in the town of Corinth, according to Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen. All of the charges involved one victim; the victim testified at the trial, and provided detail regarding the incidents of domestic violence.  The charges include:  strangulation in the second-degree, criminal possession of a weapon, menacing, criminal contempt, harassment, and two counts of assault. Sentencing scheduled of March 26. The defendant faces up to 7 years in prison, Heggen said.

Kristin N. Monsour-Devino, 33, of Queensbury, was sentenced Feb. 13 to five years of probation, after pleading to DWAI in Malta. 

Darin C. Dinallo, 43, of Malta, was sentenced to 1-1/3 to 4 years in state prison, after pleading to felony DWI. 

POLICE

Robert N. Rouse, 32, of Milton, was charged Feb. 18 with two felony counts of aggravated DWI-Leandra’s Law, and two misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child. He is accused of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and while there were two children 15 years old or younger in the vehicle with him. He was released on appearance tickets and is scheduled to appear in Greenfield Town Court, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. 

Lazaro Martinez-Ramirez, 35, of Schenectady, was charged Feb. 18 with felony burglary, and criminal mischief and assault – both misdemeanors. He is suspected of unlawfully entering a town of Ballston dwelling and causing physical injury to its occupant, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. He is also accused of being unlawfully present in the U.S. and turned over to ICE. The agency subsequently transported him to Rensselaer County Jail, pending removal proceedings, according to the sheriff’s office. 

Nary Bachner, 62, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Feb. 3 with misdemeanor DWI, refusal to take a breath test, and following too closely. 

Jerson Vargas, 42, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Feb. 3 with harassment in the second-degree, and disorderly conduct. 

Benjamin Weber, 23, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Feb. 2 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, failure to obey a traffic control device, and registration/suspension of  motor vehicle registration. 

Holly Turcotte, 43, of Corinth, was charged Feb. 3 in Saratoga Springs with criminal contempt, and aggravated family offense, a felony. 

Zanasia Wicks, 27, of Ballston Spa, was charged Feb. 4 in Saratoga Springs with petit larceny, a misdemeanor. 

Jordan Blount, 29, of Ballston Spa, was charged Feb. 4 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and speeding. 

Ryan Gillen, 25, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Feb. 5 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and speeding. 

Sean Richards, 35, of Amsterdam, was charged Feb. 5 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, criminal possession of a controlled substance, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, criminal possession of an assault weapon in the third-degree- a felony, and criminal possession of a weapon in the second-degree, a felony. 

Randy Jones, 53, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Feb. 5 with obstructing governmental administration,  and disorderly conduct. 

Kristen Weatherwax, 28, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Feb. 5 with offering a false instrument for filing, and welfare fraud. 

Matthew Cahn, 41, of Albany, was charged Feb. 5 in Saratoga Springs with petit larceny. 

Loreal Bass, 39, of Schenectady, was charged Feb. 5 in Saratoga Springs with petit larceny. 

Scott Solomon, 33, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Feb. 6 with issuing a bad check with knowledge of insufficient funds. 

Mark Skojec, 47, of Malta, was charged Feb. 7 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. 

Adam Forshey, 20, of Schenectady, was charged Feb. 7 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI and four driving/license infractions. 

Jeremy Robson, 19, of Ballston Spa, was charged Feb. 7 in Saratoga Springs with criminal mischief. 

Clifford Pierre, 37, of Hudson Falls, was charged Feb. 7 in Saratoga Springs with harassment, and disorderly conduct.

Alison H. Harper

AlisonHarper

WILTON — Alison H. Harper, 83, sister to Isabel H. Brown of Saratoga Springs, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2020 at her home in Wilton. Online remembrances may be shared in the guest book at bit.ly/AHHarper.

Rocco Verrigni

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Rocco (Jock) (Rocky) Gerald Verrigni, 68,  loving husband, caring sibling, life-long educator, and beloved friend to many, passed on Monday, February 17, 2020 after a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. A celebration of Rocky’s life: 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, February 22, 2020 at Burke Funeral Home. Visit burkefuneralhome.com.

Gail Eggleston Pitney

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Gail Eggleston Pitney, 73, passed Thursday, February 13, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer. Calling hours are 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 28 at Burke Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 29 in the historic Church of St. Peter. Burial will be private. Visit burkefuneralhome.com.

Jean-Marie Jensen Crocker

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Jean-Marie Jensen Crocker, 96, of Saratoga Springs died peacefully February 10, 2020 at her home, surrounded by those she loved. Calling hours are February 21, 2020, 5-7 p.m. at Burke Funeral Home. Service of Holy Communion at Bethesda Episcopal Church 11:30 a.m. February 22, 2020. Burial will be private. Visit burkefuneralhome.com.

Mary Dymphna D’Costa

GANSEVOORT — Mary Dymphna D’Costa, 89, passed away February 18, 2020. Visitation will be Saturday, February 22, 2020 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Burke Funeral Home, Saratoga Springs. Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. Clement’s Church. Burial to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

Marie Daisy (Perfetto) Bagnoli

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Marie Daisy (Perfetto) Bagnoli, 90, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 12, 2020. Calling hours were 4-6 p.m. on February 20, 2020 at Burke Funeral Home. Private graveside services will be at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations to the Code Blue Shelter, Saratoga Springs. Visit burkefuneralhome.com.