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Author: Saratoga TODAY

DPW Tips for Winter Driving & Sharing the Road with Snowplows

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA – As winter weather sets in, Saratoga County officials urge drivers to prioritize safety on icy and snowy roads. With snowplows hard at work clearing roadways, it’s essential for motorists to practice safe driving habits and show extra caution around these vehicles.

Driving Near Snowplows:

Don’t Crowd the Plow: Snowplows are wide, often extending beyond the width of a standard lane. Give them plenty of room to work, maintaining several car lengths between your vehicle and the plow. Staying well behind the plow where the road is freshly plowed is advised. 

Don’t Follow the Plow into an Intersection: Plowing an intersection is one of the most difficult operations for snowplows as they must do several backing maneuvers to clear the intersection of snow and ice.  When vehicles follow a plow into the intersection backing up becomes problematic and increases the potential for accidents. 

Avoid Blind Spots: Plows have large blind spots. If you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, they can’t see you.

Be Patient: Snowplows travel at slower speeds to clear roads effectively. Maintain a safe distance and don’t tailgate.

The Saratoga County Department of Public Works (SC DPW) has 24 active snowplow beats, and plows 365 miles of roadway countywide. 

While spreading salt during a countywide winter storm event, one plow beat pass will utilize approximately 390 tons of salt. SC DPW has two garage facilities, one in Ballston Spa and one in Hadley. The County’s salt storage capacity totals 8,300 tons. 

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Participate in Statewide Holiday Season High Visibility Engagement Campaign

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA — The county Sheriff’s Office and Saratoga County police agencies are participating in special efforts to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving this holiday season. 

The campaign runs through Jan.  1, 2025.

“The holiday season is a time for celebrating,” Sheriff County Sheriff Michael Zurlo said in a statement. “The choices you make now can determine the direction of not only the new year, but the rest of your life. Take the time right here, right now, to make a plan. It only takes a minute.”

In December 2022, the most recent statistics available, 1,062 people died in drunk driving crashes – the most since 2007, according to the sheriff’s office.  Alcohol is not the only culprit. From 2019 to 2021, one study involving seriously injured or killed drivers in trauma centers found that approximately 25% had active THC – the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana – in their systems.

Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving. Download the mobile app – “Have a Plan” to always be able to find a safe ride home at: www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp

Week of December 20 – December 26, 2024  

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter.

Saratoga  County Court 

Elizabeth A. Ladd, 43, of Wilton, was sentenced to 5 years probation, after pleading to felony DWI, charged May 2024 in Ballston. 

Frank S. McFarren, 42, of Granville, was sentenced to 5 years probation, after pleading to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance, charged January 2024 in Saratoga Springs. 

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office “Actively Investigating” Reports of Drone Activity in Saratoga

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter.

BALLSTON SPA — Following reports received of local drone activity, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office announced it is actively investigating the incidents in coordination with state and federal partners. 

“At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that the drone sightings pose an ongoing threat,” according to the statement, released Dec. 13. 

In November, witnesses began reporting they were seeing drones in the sky above New Jersey. Those reports have increased to include witnesses in several neighboring states.     

Local Republican state Sen. James Tedisco issued a statement on Dec. 14 urging “government leaders at the federal, state and local levels need to take this situation seriously.  It’s inexplicable to me how the FAA and Defense Department can credibly say on the one hand they don’t know the origin of the drones, some of which are flying above or near restricted airspace, and on the other hand claim they’re not a threat. That’s just laughable,” Tedisco said. 

“If the government truly doesn’t know what these drones are, their purpose, or where they are from, then they need to shoot one down and find out,” said Tedisco, echoing the words President-elect Donald Trump posted a day earlier. 

Local residents are encouraged to report drone sightings in Saratoga County via email, including the date, time, location, and any pictures or videos, to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office at sheriff@saratogacountyny.gov

Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library Programs During the Holiday Break

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

CLIFTON PARK — The following programs are slated to take place at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library 

Holiday Stories and Songs – Monday, December 23 at 10 am. Join us for holiday-themed stories, songs, and an activity at the Clifton Park Center Mall. For all ages, with an adult. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Take & Make: Arctic Fox – Friday, December 27. Take home a fun paper plate craft project and learn some interesting facts about the arctic fox. While supplies last. For ages 3-6, with an adult. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Family Story Time  -Monday, December 30 at 10 am. Nurture your child’s love of reading with stories, songs, and other fun activities. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Teen Arts & Crafts Bar – Monday, December 30 at 3 pm. It’s a crafting free-for-all! We’ll provide access to our arts and crafts supplies and you can let your creativity run wild. Drop in between 3-5 pm. For grades 6-10. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Happy Noon Year!  Tuesday, December 31 at 11:30 am. No need to stay up until midnight, our balloons drop at noon! Join us for a craft, story, and a noisy New Year countdown to a dance party. It’s all of the fun with none of the yawning. For ages 3 and up, with an adult. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Warm Hands and Hearts

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The mitten tree is in need of donations of new and handmade hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, socks and winter wear. All items hung on the tree will be donated to local charitable organizations for distribution to those who need a little help staying warm this winter.

Donations will be accepted through Jan. 4, 2025.

Members of the local community are invited to contribute warm winter wear to the Visitor Center Mitten Tree located at 297 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. All donations will benefit the following organizations: CAPTAIN Community Human Services, Franklin Community Center, and Shelters of Saratoga.

During the Christmas and New Years holiday, the Visitor Center will observe the following hours of operation:  Tuesday, Dec. 24, 9 am – 1 pm; closed Wednesday, Dec. 25 – Thursday, Dec. 26.  The Visitor Center will be open from 9 am – 5 pm on Friday, Dec. 27 – Saturday, Dec. 28 and will be open from 9 am – 1 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 31.  The Visitor Center will be closed on New Year’s Day.  Starting Jan. 2 the Visitor Center will follow winter hours, 10 am – 4 pm, Tuesday – Saturday.

For more information, visit www.discoversaratoga.org/saratoga-springs-visitor-center.

Toys For Toga Donates More Than 4,500 Toys – Including $37,000 In Gifts for Teens

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA COUNTY — With the support of more than 120 Saratoga County businesses, Toys for Toga donated more than 4,500 toys to three Saratoga County community centers last week. 

This donation included $37,000 in gifts and technology specifically for teenagers. These gifts included video game consoles, tablets, Apple AirPods, Stanley cups, scooters, and other wish list items requested by specific children. This donation was made by longtime Toys for Toga member Death Wish Coffee, the nonprofit organization Brewnited and the Saratoga County Foundation.

Toys for Toga donations are split evenly between the Franklin Community Center, CAPTAIN Community Human Services and Mechanicville Area Community Services Center. 

Toys were collected at local restaurants, hotels, bars, retail stores, schools, clubs and more since Nov. 1. An estimated 1,500 children will benefit from the donations, according to the beneficiaries. A more than $12,000 cash donation from the campaign’s GoFundMe page and sponsor support will also be split among the beneficiaries. 

For more information about the campaign, go to www.toysfortoga.com

Christmas Hike, Wintertime Fun at Moreau State Park This Month

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

MOREAU — Moreau Lake State Park, located at 605 Old Saratoga Road in Gansevoort, is offering the following events this month. 

Saturday, Dec. 21 – Making a Lantern for Winter Solstice 11am – 2 pm.

Drop by the nature center to learn about the Winter Solstice, why we have it, and how to make the most out of the shortest day of the year! Pop in anytime from 11-2 to learn and make a paper lantern, no registration required. If you have any questions call the office at 518-793-0511

Sunday, Dec. 22 – Walking in a Winter Wonderland (Nature Trail) noon.

Join a Nature Center employee for a 3-mile peaceful walk around the lake. We will ID any plants and animals we see along the path and learn about the winter activities of Moreau’s regular animal inhabitants. Open to all Ages, just keep distance in mind. The cost is $5/adult, $1/child payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Sunday, Dec. 22 – Camping Stories by the Fire, 4 – 5 pm: Kid’s stories, 5-6 pm: 13+ Stories.

Join an educator by the fire for some treats and stories! We will have some children’s books to read by the fire from 4:00-5:00pm and from 5:00-6:00pm we are encouraging people to bring their favorite camping stories to tell the group. They can be stories about camping at Moreau Lake or any New York State Park! The cost is $5/adult, $1/child payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Wednesday, Dec. 25 – Christmas Day Hike at Big Bend 1 pm.

Looking for something different to do this Christmas day? Bundle up and join an educator on an easy-going, family friendly walk at Big Bend! This hike will go as long as we can depending on who shows up! At most it could be 3 miles on flat ground. We may hear and see birds (maybe even an eagle!), animal tracks, shells, feathers; there’s no telling what Nature might gift us with. There is no fee for this walk, but please reserve your spot in advance by calling 518-793-0511. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the trailhead. 

Friday, Dec. 27 – Crafts with the Friends 11 am.

Come to the nature center for some more crafting on your winter break! Fun for all ages. This program is free and registration is not required.  

Monday, Dec. 30 – Eagle Watch 9 am.

Join a park educator on a convoy-style journey along the Hudson River to try to spot our local Bald Eagles. We will be getting in and out of vehicles at a few locations and, with a little luck, viewing the eagles through binoculars and a scope so make sure to bring your hat and gloves! If you have binoculars bring them, we do have a couple of pair to pass around as well. The cost is $5 per adult payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Tuesday, Dec. 31 – Reptile Profile 10 am.

Join an educator in the nature center to meet our resident reptiles! We at Moreau take care of six New York native turtles and three snakes that cannot be released into the wild and are wonderful little educators. This program is for all ages. The cost is $5 for adults, $1 for children (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Please reserve your spot 24 hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Wednesday, January 1st – First Day Hike 10 am.

We will be hiking around our beautiful Moreau Lake starting the hike all together at the park office to kick off the new year! There will be a section of the hike that allows people to split off if they want to make it a shorter loop of about 2.1 miles on a flatter trail or they can continue on the longer hike of 3 miles, and both will end either at the Warming Hut or back to the Park Office. This is a free event, but please register in advance.

For more information, call 518-793-0511, or go to: friendsofmoreaulake.org.

Ballston Spa Athletic Hall of Fame Seeks 2025 Nominations

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.


Logo via the Ballston Spa Athletic Hall of Fame.


BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Athletic Hall of Fame is seeking nominations for its Class of 2025 inductees. Nominees will be accepted until January 15, 2025. To submit a nomination, or for more information on selection criteria, visit ballstonspaathleticshalloffame.com.

Do Fishermen Catch the Same Fish More Than Once a Year?

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.


by Drew Ziehnert

As a full time fishing guide on Lake George, I always used to be intrigued by the question of “whether we catch the same fish multiple times a year” because we are on the water fishing with clients every day from April to October. Based on the time of year, we fish dozens of different areas, but there are times when we are fishing the same structure and same spots almost every day. Although the everyday angler cannot track or tag individual fish without a permit, the Department of Environmental Conservation and other science research groups are able to conduct fish tagging and clipping programs throughout the year to monitor our fish populations. Lake George is 32 miles long and is filled with thousands of fish so it does seem far-fetched that we would catch the same fish more than once a year, but this year with a tremendous amount of luck, I unexpectedly got our answer.

Just like how every snowflake has a different pattern, it is the same for every fish. Many different species of fish look similar, but can develop different scale patterns, spots, and old injuries that never fully heal and make them stand out. For most fishermen, one of the best parts of landing a fish is that we can observe their beautiful coloration and get a quick picture before releasing them back into the water. Over the last few seasons, I’ve taken thousands of pictures of our clients holding fish, but never went back and looked to see if any looked the same. Some anglers try to piece together photos by looking at a fish’s mouth, the fins, and other external features, but it is still an educated guess. 

Fish Hatcheries throughout the state raise fish yearly, mainly trout and salmon, to stock our inland lakes and streams. At times they will conduct studies where they will remove or clip certain fins, typically the bottom ones or adipose fins, as a way to tell different strains and different generations of fish apart. This can give the fish an identity that fishermen can take note of when they catch them and can then report them to the hatcheries or the Department of Environmental Conservation. The studies sadly don’t typically monitor specific fish, so even with the removal of external fins you can never be sure if you are catching the same fish or multiple fish that were part of the same stocking group. 

So, with this information on how New York State is tracking their fish, it seemed like it was going to be almost impossible to get an exact answer, but this summer we finally did, thanks to some incredible fishermen on my boat. On June 26th, 2024, I was fishing with the Malanowski family on Lake George, when Nancy caught a Largemouth Bass with something metal attached to its bottom lip. It almost looked like this fish had a lip piercing and upon further inspection it was some type of fish tag. Based on what I now know about the NYS tagging program, this metal tag was out of the ordinary. On the tag there was an inscription that read Mctaging@gmail.com and had the number 257 on it. So, Nancy and I took down the length, which was 17” and the weight which was 2.54lbs. After a few photos we quickly released the fish back into the water. Later that evening, I sent a message with the fish’s information to the email and waited for a response. It didn’t take long to hear back and I quickly realized that this was not an authorized tagging, but was instead done out of curiosity by a private individual. We emailed back and forth until the point was made that without proper permits and permission you cannot tag fish for personal research, especially an invasive mouth tag. Then on August 1st, 2024, in the exact same spot, I couldn’t believe my eyes when the Girvin family caught the same bass yet again. Tyler and I measured the bass and to our surprise it was a hair over 17” long and weighed 2.68lbs this time. So the fish was about the same length, but weighed .14lb more than when we caught it a month before. We again quickly got a few pictures and then released this fish back into the water. 

Not only did this answer the question of whether we can catch the same fish more than once in the same year, but it sheds light on the importance of catch and release. If you release these fish and handle them properly, they will be available for you and others to catch again. If you do happen to catch this now famous Largemouth Bass on Lake George, we have now been told to remove his tag this upcoming season.

 If you do happen to catch a tagged fish, you can send the information to your local hatchery (Warrensburg Fish Hatchery for Saratoga County or contact DEC Fisheries).

Drew Ziehnert

Ziehnert Guide Service LLC

Ziehnertguideservice@gmail.com

DFW, Bureau of Fisheries

625 Broadway

Albany, NY 12233

fwfish@dec.ny.gov