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Author: Saratoga TODAY

State Police arrested Mechanicville man following a menacing investigation

On December 6, 2025, State Police of Clifton Park arrested Norman Gifford, 61 of Mechanicville, NY for Menacing 2nd, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd, and vehicle and traffic law violations.

On December 6, 2025, at about 11:06 p.m. troopers responded to the report of an altercation involving a weapon at a home in Halfmoon. The investigation determined Gifford was in a verbal altercation with the victim when he reportedly brandished a kitchen knife and threatened the victim with it.

Gifford fled in a vehicle after the altercation and was located by troopers in the area of Cemetery Road in Halfmoon where he was stopped and arrested. He was transported to SP Clifton Park for processing where he was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Halfmoon Town Court on January 14, 2026, and released. 

Saratoga Springs Department of Public Safety Announces Citywide Speed Limit Reduction to 25 MPH

The Saratoga Springs Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced that speed limit signage throughout the City of Saratoga Springs has been fully updated to reflect a new citywide speed limit of 25 miles per hour.

The change is intended to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists and follows a comprehensive traffic safety review.

The review found that lower vehicle speeds significantly reduce the severity of crashes and greatly increase survival rates for pedestrians. Research shows that a person struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is far more likely to survive than at higher speeds.

 “This change moves us toward a safer, more walkable community and reflects our commitment to protecting all residents, especially children, seniors, and those who walk or bike,” Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll said.

Full enforcement of the 25-mph speed limit will begin in January 2026.

Adult Fitness Opportunities Offered in Ballston Spa

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa School District’s Adult Fitness Program will start again in January 2026. Offerings will include soccer, basketball, self-defense, yoga, DanceFit, and aqua zumba. No experience is required to participate. Each program includes a 10-class session.

Pre-registration is required for all programs, and fees are due prior to the start of each course. Due to safety regulations, aqua zumba registration will close at 25 participants. 

If interested in learning more about the adult fitness programs or to register, visit www.bscsd.org. Registration forms can be dropped off in person and/or mailed to:

BSCSD 

c/o Office of Community Relations and Program Support 

70 Malta Avenue 

Ballston Spa, NY 12020

Two Arrested in Domestic Incident

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office responded to an active domestic incident call Sunday at 12:37 p.m. on Reynolds Road in the town of Moreau. Investigation into the complaint led to the arrest of Mark N. Sabo, 60, and Tamera H. Sillero, 59, both of Moreau, N.Y. 

Sabo was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 2nd degree (class A felony), two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (class B felonies), four counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the 3rd degree (class D felonies), criminal possession of a firearm (class E felony), menacing in the 2nd degree and assault in the 3rd degree (class A misdemeanors). 

He is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing four or more ounces of a narcotic drug with intent to sell it and a narcotic drug weighing one-half ounce or more. 

Sabo is also charged with possessing a firearm having previously been convicted of a crime, possessing armor piercing ammunition with intent to use it unlawfully against another and possessing large capacity ammunition feeding devices. He allegedly pointed a so-called ghost gun at the victim and threatened to shoot them during the incident and intentionally caused physical injury to them by striking them to their face with a closed fist. 

Sillero was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 2nd degree (class A felony) and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (class B felonies). 

She is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing four or more ounces of a narcotic drug with intent to sell it and a narcotic drug weighing one-half ounce or more. 

Both were arraigned before the Honorable Jeffrey B. McCabe in the Moreau Town Court and remanded to the Saratoga County Jail pending further proceedings.

Scores & Highlights


The Skidmore College riding team placed second at the Holiday Tournament of Champions, hosted at Centenary University on Dec. 6. Photo via Skidmore Athletics.

LADY SAINTS UNDEFEATED

The Saratoga Central Catholic Lady Saints rallied past the Hoosic Valley Hawks 50-39 on Dec. 11. Sophia Ryan had a game-high 14 points, while Addison Whitbeck chipped in 12. With her 14 points, Ryan officially surpassed her school’s all-time scoring record that was set in 1980. Only a junior, Ryan has already amassed 1,041 points in her high school career.

The Lady Saints followed up on the historic game against Hoosic Valley with their fourth-straight win of the season against Cambridge on Dec. 15. In their 53-31 victory, Whitbeck earned a game-high 23 points, and Ryan added 11. The Lady Saints are now an undefeated 4-0 this season.

ADIRONDACK UNITED START SEASON WITH A WIN

In Adirondack United’s home opener at the Harding Mazzotti Arena on Dec. 6, they defeated Beekmantown 4-2. Emerson Lochner-Fehl opened the scoring just over 2 minutes into the game. In the second period, Gianna Marcantonio made a rush to score unassisted. In the third period, Lochner-Fehl added another goal assisted by Marcantonio and Aubrey Lozier. Following Lochner-Fehl’s second, Maeve McCarty finished the United’s scoring, assisted by Ella Carner and Lochner-Fehl. Aurora Graham-Hayes contributed to Adirondack’s win with 23 saves. Adirondack will next travel to Skaneateles on Dec. 19 for a rematch of last year’s state title game.

SKIDMORE RIDING TEAM PLACES SECOND IN HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS

The Skidmore College riding team traveled to Centenary University to compete in the Holiday Tournament of Champions on Dec. 6. The team rode to reserve champion out of 16 schools, scoring 32 points behind champion team Savannah College of Art and Design.

Isa Jensen started the day with an outstanding ride in the Open Fences, placing second behind current Individual Open Fences National Champion Alex Alston. Ian Gaudio rode to second place in the Intermediate Fences, and a minor hiccup at the beginning of an otherwise beautiful trip kept Ani McIntyre out of the ribbons in the Limit Fences.

Jensen returned for the Open Flat with a strong ride to third place. Lillard Preschlack took second place in the Intermediate Flat, and McIntyre returned for the Limit Flat, placing second. Isa Washburne made her first tournament appearance, placing third in the Novice Equitation, and Catherine Epstein had a smooth ride to place third in the Introductory Equitation.

Gaudio also competed in the Low Medal and was called back on top after a beautiful ride on the flat. He finished in eighth place after a small error in the jumping phase. Avery Johnson competed in the High Medal, and despite a strong ride on the flat, was not called back over fences.

After winter break, the team will travel to the next Tournament of Champions at Savannah College of Art and Design on Jan. 24. Regular semester competition begins on Feb. 21 at Siena University/Dutch Manor Stable.

Jr. NBA Scores – December 19 – December 25 , 2025

Division 1

Warriors vs. BULLS

Warriors-27: AJ Pollak-10pts,

Shepard Allen-5pts

Bulls-4:  Samuel Graney-4pts

MAVS vs. Celtics 

Mavs-23: Grayson Chartrand-6pts, Jake Borman-6pts

Celtics-5: Finn Redner-2pts

Rhys Hotaling, Axel Baltodano, Brady LaCasse-1pt


Division 2

Spurs vs. Wolves

Spurs-11: Jackson Lizzi-4pts,

Evan Lofink-2pts

Wolves-9: Declan Blust-3pts,

Dylan Lynch-2pts

Nuggets vs. Hornets

Nuggets-29: Vincent DiFusco-15pts, Owen Clancy-9pts

Hornets-28: Levi Rawert-16pts, Malcolm Grant-4pts

Celtics vs. Warriors

Celtics-30: Luke Longo-14pts,

Tommy Farrelley-4pts

Warriors-19: Matthew Boucher-12pts, Bennett Taylor-4pts


Division 3

Bucks vs. Warriors

Bucks-34: Jayden Collins-16pts, Kayden Klippel-10pts

Warriors-29: Nick Coloccia-6pts, Jackie Harms-6pts

Heat vs. Celtics

Heat-31: Boden Pileckas-10pts, Harrison Khoury-8pts

Celtics-29: Solomon Rucinski-25pts, Gavin Clancy-4pts

Pistons vs. MAVS

Pistons-27: Jack Riley-Chittenden-8pts, Vincent Cinquanti-5pts

Mavs-17:  Harper Brodie-8pts

Max Driscoll-4pts


Division 4

Bulls vs. Pistons

Bulls-33: Shiloh Parker-13pts,

Lucas Lysyczyn-12pts

Pistons-26: Andon Cangeleri-8pts, Riley Gaul-5pts

Grizzlies vs. MAVS

Grizzlies-36: Taylor Endres-10pts, Kyle Harness-8pts

Mavs-19: Jayden Oliver-7pts

Morgan Duval-6pts

More than 1,000 Brave Cold for Knox Fest

Photo via Battles of Saratoga 250.

SCHUYLERVILLE — On Dec. 13, more than 1,000 people braved frigid temperatures to attend Knox Fest at Fort Hardy Park. The celebration honored Henry Knox’s Noble Train of Artillery, a daring winter journey that helped change the course of the American Revolution.

The event included horse-and-carriage rides, food trucks with coffee and hot cocoa, living historians, reenactors singing period songs, live musket and cannon firings, a Henry Knox reenactor, and a bonfire.

“This day was a powerful reminder that history isn’t just remembered — it’s lived, shared, and celebrated,” said Battles of Saratoga 250. “Thank you to everyone who braved the cold, volunteered, participated, and supported this unforgettable day. History is alive — and Saratoga continues to lead the way.”

Meet Baby Girl

Baby Girl came to us with her buddy, Tut, after her owner passed away. The two kitties don’t seem to be bonded and she seems to be a little bossy. She definitely does not enjoy visits from the other kitties at the center. Because of this, she will probably do best as an only kitty in a quieter home. Baby Girl is about 7 years old, loves to chat and is an expert pet receiver.  Baby Girl is ready to find her forever home with someone who will have daily conversations with her and give her all of the attention she demands.

The HOPE Pet Adoption Center is located in Wilton Mall and is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4 or by appointment. Online adoption applications can be found online at www.hopeanimalrescue.org.

 Peggy Joan Paquette

QUEENSBURY, NY – Peggy Joan Paquette, 85, passed away on December 12, 2025. A Funeral Home Service will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, December 19 at Burke Funeral Home, 628 N Broadway. A Celebration of Life is from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 

Rob will forever remain in our hearts.

Memorial donations in Rob’s name may be made to Joseph’s House, 74 Ferry St. Troy, NY 12180. 

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Robert W. Sponzo Jr.

CLIFTON PARK, NY- It is with immeasurable sorrow that we share the passing of Robert W. Sponzo Jr., a beloved son, father and friend on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the age of 57.

Rob was born on January 17, 1968 in Boston, MA and grew up in the greater upstate New York area.  He attended Albany Academy for Boys and Boston College.  He founded the Health Care Company Saramed, worked as a paramedic and most recently a Paralegal. 

Rob had many interests including golf, horse racing, travel and video games, but most of all his family and children.  Rob and his father were best friends and did many things together.  Rob was so proud of his children and their accomplishments, big or small.  He was a caring and compassionate man.

Rob is survived by his parents, Robert W. Sponzo MD and stepmother, Barbara, his children, Emma Sponzo and Nicolas Sponzo (fiancé Sage Brouilette).  He is also survived by his sister Amy (Rob) Kudla and stepsisters, Nicole (Jeff) Shakow and Karen Demyan.

He was predeceased by his mother, Donna Tofflemier.

Rob had a large extended family and group of friends who will miss him dearly.

Services will be private.  A Celebration of Rob’s life will be held in the Spring of 2026.  Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 

Rob will forever remain in our hearts.

Memorial donations in Rob’s name may be made to Joseph’s House, 74 Ferry St. Troy, NY 12180. 

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.