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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Statewide Burn Ban in Effect until May

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton recently announced that the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning began March 16 and runs through May 14. 

Since 2009, DEC has enforced the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities and first responders during heightened conditions for wildfires. 

“Many of us are looking forward to spring weather after a very cold winter, but with the warming temperatures comes increased fire risk,” Commissioner Lefton said. “That’s why we’re once again asking all New Yorkers to abide by the two-month-long burn ban. The more careful you are with fire, the better we can protect our communities and natural resources as well as our Forest Rangers and firefighters across the state.” 

Even though some areas of the state are damp or remain blanketed in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise. 

Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures warm and the past fall’s debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation. 

Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often must leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires. DEC continually updates a Fire Danger Map on DEC’s website as a resource to view local conditions. 

New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year but prohibit such burning in spring when most wildfires occur. Backyard fire pits and campfires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small cooking fires.

Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned. People should never leave these fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York State. 

Comfort Food Community Expands Farm 2 Library Program with Southern Adirondack Library System, Increasing Access to Fresh Food in Saratoga County

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


An initiative to bring fresh foods to those who need it via public libraries held an official ribbon cutting on March 17 at the Saratoga Public Library (Aidan Cahill)

Comfort Food Community (CFC), a nonprofit fighting rural hunger with innovative programming, is expanding its Farm 2 Library program to Saratoga Springs Public Library, Ballston Spa Public Library, and Round Lake Library- Malta Branch, in partnership with Southern Adirondack Library System (SALS). Fresh, nutritious, and local food is accessible to anyone who needs it starting Wednesday, March 4, 2026. 

Farm 2 Library is designed to be low-barrier and open access for people who may not have access to other sources of fresh, nutritious food. This food is provided free of charge to anyone who needs it with no registration or proof of need required. “Farm 2 Library is built on the belief that everyone deserves easy, stigma-free access to fresh, healthy food. By partnering with the Southern Adirondack Library System and local public libraries-trusted, welcoming spaces-we’re removing barriers and making it simple for anyone to pick up what they need, no questions asked,” said Laura Marx, Executive Director of Comfort Food Community. 

What began as a pilot program in 2017, starting with one library, has grown significantly, distributing over 42,000 pounds of food in 2025. CFC now serves 14 libraries across Washington, Warren, and Saratoga counties, providing fresh produce from our local New York State farm partners. 

Each week, libraries display a list of farms where the produce was grown to let people know where their food is coming from. Because this program depends on local farms and seasonal availability, there are often more uncommon items that are distributed like kohlrabi or celeriac, especially during the winter. 

“In New York State, our growing season is shortened during the winter due to colder temperatures and reduced daylight,” said Em Ambrose, CFC’s Food Access Coordinator. “We’re able to access lots of high-quality storage roots, like carrots or sweet potatoes, during these months and get excited when April comes, when we start to see new availability from our producers for vegetables like fresh spinach.” 

CFC also shares weekly recipes featuring the produce distributed, helping people feel confident trying new foods and learning more about what is available when. 

“Expanding Farm 2 Library to three additional locations means more families across our region can access fresh, healthy food alongside the educational opportunities that empower them to thrive,” said Kim Bolan, Executive Director of the Southern Adirondack Library System. “Today’s libraries are more than places for books – they are trusted community anchors that connect people to vital resources, lifelong learning, and one another. This initiative reflects exactly what libraries are here to do.” 

To learn more about Comfort Food Community’s programs and how to get involved, please visit www.comfortfoodcommunity.org

State Police Arrest Flushing Man Following Malta Traffic Stop

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

K9 Officer Mike found a half pound of cocaine during a Malta traffic stop ( Courtesy of New York State Police)

On March 14, 2026, State Police assigned to the Troop G Community Stabilization Unit arrested Jonathan P. Rivera, 37, of Flushing, NY, for:

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st, a class “A” felony

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd, a class “B” felony

• Two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a class “A” misdemeanor

• Vehicle and traffic law violations

On March 15, 2026, troopers stopped a vehicle on I-87 in Malta for a vehicle and traffic law violation. Rivera was identified as the driver. Two children under the age of 16 and an adult passenger were also located in the vehicle at the time. With the assistance of K9 Mike and his handler, more than half a pound of a packaged substance which later field-tested positive for containing cocaine was located in the vehicle and seized. The felony weight narcotics were located within reach of the two children who were seated in the back of the vehicle. The children and adult passengers were released without charges from the scene.

Rivera was arrested at the scene and transported to SP Saratoga for processing. He was arraigned at the Malta Town Court, where he was remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility without bail. 

Saratoga County Grand Jury Returns Indictment in Time for Paws Case

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Owner of a Time for Paws has been indicted by a grand jury after a French bulldog Gus died of heatstroke (Courtesy of Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office)

Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby announced today that a Saratoga County Grand Jury has returned an indictment against Yvette Giovanni in connection with the investigation into the Time for Paws case.

The indictment charges Giovanni with Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, and 11 counts of Overdriving, Torturing, and Injuring Animals.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment and the investigation conducted by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office in coordination with the Town of Halfmoon, Yvette Giovanni, the owner and operator of Time for Paws, is alleged to have knowingly maintained animals in conditions that posed a substantial risk to their health and safety. On July 7th and July 8th of 2025, multiple animals housed at the facility were allegedly confined in crates located in areas of excessive heat, without adequate ventilation, sufficient access to water, or appropriate means to cool themselves.

Investigators determined that several of the animals exhibited clear signs of distress consistent with heat exposure, including excessive panting, lethargy, and dehydration. It is further alleged that the conditions within the facility failed to meet minimum standards of care required for animals in a commercial daycare and boarding setting. As a result of these conditions, a French bulldog named Gus suffered fatal heat stroke. The death of Gus, along with the condition of the other animals present, forms the central basis of the allegations contained in the indictment.

“Saratoga County takes allegations of animal abuse extremely seriously,” said District Attorney Brett Eby. “Our office worked closely with the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office throughout this investigation, and both of our agencies have dedicated units that focus on protecting animals and ensuring that individuals who abuse them are held accountable. We remain committed to seeking justice in cases involving cruelty to animals.”

The prosecution of this matter is being handled by Special Victims Bureau Chief Rachael Phelan and Senior Assistant District Attorney Mary Northrup. The investigation was led by Saratoga County Sheriff’s Deputy Leah Howe and Animal Control Officer Victoria Hanna. 

Saratoga State Wrestling Champ Crowned

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.


Damian Snyder (13) with coach Dan Ladd after winning his weight class in the New York Wrestling Association for Youth (NYWAY) wrestling championships last weekend in Syracuse. Their Alliance Saratoga Wrestling Club (ASWC) boasted two state finalists, with half a dozen competitors earning All-State status (top 6). Damian, their first state wrestling champion, is also an accomplished Alliance Jiu-Jitsu yellow belt and a 2025 World Champion Muay Thai fighter. Their wrestling club trains primarily out of Saratoga Academy of Elite Martial Arts in Greenfield Center. Photo provided by James Bruchac.

Meet Luna and Leo!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Homes for Orphaned Pets (HOPE) is providing a courtesy post for these cute kitties on behalf of their owner.

Luna and Leo are a loving brother-and-sister duo looking for a new home together.

Luna is a beautiful Siamese and tabby mix who is almost 9 years old. She’s incredibly affectionate and loves spending time close to her people. Luna enjoys making biscuits, relaxing during a good brushing session, and gently headbutting to ask for attention. She’s also known to be very intuitive and seems to sense when someone could use a little extra comfort.

Her brother Leo, also almost 9, is a sleek black cat with part Siamese heritage and a personality that keeps things entertaining. Leo is affectionate and playful, often showing off his silly side. He enjoys playtime, attention, and staying close to the people he loves.

These two have been together their whole lives and are deeply bonded, so they’re hoping to find a home where they can stay side by side. They are both spayed/neutered and up to date on vaccines. They are being rehomed due to a severe allergy in their current home.

If you think Luna and Leo could be the perfect companions for your household, reaching out to learn more is the first step. To inquire about adopting them, please contact Gina at (518) 878-5820 or grecogm7@gmail.com.

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter, Police Blotter.

March 11, 2026. 10:41 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident in the Town of Malta on charges of felony identity theft: assume another’s identity to obtain goods over $2000 in value and felony 3rd degree grand larceny, property value exceeds $3000. Released on own recognizance. Original incident occurred on Feb. 15 in the Town of Halfmoon. 

March 11, 2026. 1:04 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of general violation of local law. Arrest occurred on Kirby Road. 

March 11, 2026. 6:51 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident on charges of trespassing, 2nd degree harassment: physical contact and disorderly conduct: obscene language gesture/language. Arrest occurred on Ballston Avenue.

March 11, 2026. 10:22 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Troy resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of felony grand larceny: property value exceeds $1000. Turned over to another agency. Original incident occurred Jan. 24 in the Town of Clifton Park. 

March 11, 2026. 11:47 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Bay Shore resident on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and other traffic offenses. Arrest occurred on Broadway.

March 12, 2026. 8:38 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of sex offender registry violation- prior offense. Arrest occurred at 5 Lake Avenue.

March 12, 2026. 4:21 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor 7th degree possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

March 12, 2026. 6:40 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Galway resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

March 12, 2026. 8:09 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident in the City of Schenectady on charges of felony grand larceny: value greater than $1000. Released on own recognizance. Original incident occurred in the Town of Halfmoon on Feb 11, 2025. 

March 12, 2026. 9:35 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.

March 13, 2026. 1:28 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Great Barrington, MA, resident on charges of DWI-first offense, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 higher and other traffic offenses. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Route 9 and Marrin Avenue. 

March 13, 2026. 7:50 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Lake resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor criminal trespass: property fenced in or enclosed. Turned over to other agency. 

March 13, 2026. 1:21 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Fort Edward resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance ticket issued. 

March 13, 2026. 1:21 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Fort Edward resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

March 13, 2026. 3:25 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on to counts of misdemeanor making a threat of mass harm. Arrest occurred on Church Street.

March 13, 2026. 7:12 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

March 13, 2026. 9:44 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle appearance ticket issued. 

March 13, 2026. 10:28 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Halfmoon resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor obstruction of governmental administration and resisting arrest. Appearance ticket issued.

March 13, 2026. 10:30 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Halfmoon resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor obstruction of governmental functions, resisting arrest and criminal mischief: intent to damage property. Appearance ticket issued. 

March 13, 2026. 10:48 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of falsely report to law enforcement an incident and making a false written statement. Arrest occurred on Caroline Street.

March 13, 2026. 11:07 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in Town of Malta on charges of felony aggravated unlicensed operation, misdemeanor DWI- first offense and misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance ticket issued. 

March 14, 2026. 12:28 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher. Appearance ticket issued. 

March 14, 2026. 1:31 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Halfmoon resident on charges of DWI- first offense, aggravated DWI- BAC over .18- no priors, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher and other traffic offences. Arrest occurred on South Broadway.

March 14, 2026. 3:34 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of criminal mischief- damage to another person’s property above $250, criminal mischief: disable equipment to prevent call for emergency assistance and criminal mischief: intent to cause property damage. Arrest occurred on South Franklin Street. 

March 14, 2026. 8:03 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of DWI- first offense, aggravated unlicensed operation, operating a motor a vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher and other traffic offenses. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Ballston Ave. and West Ave.

March 14, 2026. 10:03 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of criminal obstruction of breathing or circulation. Arrest occurred on West Circular Street. 

March 15, 2026. 1:51 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested an Albany resident on charges of DWI- first offense and other traffic violations. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Circular Street and Western Ave. 

March 15, 2026. 3:53 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Johnstown resident on charges of disorderly conduct: fight/violent behavior. Arrest occurred on Caroline Street. 

March 15, 2026. 3:58 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested an Amsterdam resident on charges of disorderly conduct: fight/violent behavior. Arrest occurred on Caroline Street.

March 15, 2026. 11:21 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Lake resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher and misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance ticket issued.

March 16, 2026. 1:12 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a South Glens Falls resident in the Village of South Glens on charges of felony 2nd degree burglary: illegal entry- dwelling. Cash bail.

March 16, 2026. 2:06 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a South Glens Falls resident in the Village of South Glens Falls on charges of misdemeanor obstruction of governmental administration and misdemeanor resisting arrest. Appearance ticket issued.

March 17, 2026. 10:00 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs Resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of felony grand larceny: property value exceeds $50,000, felony false statement on insurance application, and felony 1st degree falsifying business records. Released on own recognizance. 

March 17, 2026. 10:00 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the City of Saratoga Springs resident on charges of felony 2nd degree bail jumping. Cash bail. 

Elsie Louise (Young) Moen

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Elsie Louise (Young) Moen, known by her friends and family as “Babs”, passed, March 10, 2026. Calling hours were March 19 at Burke Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 am, March 20 at Church of St. Peter, Saratoga. Burial is private. Memorial donations to Wellsprings (www.wellspringcares.org). Visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Thomas (Tom) P. Beaury Sr.

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

LAKE LUZERNE – Thomas (Tom) P. Beaury Sr., 54, passed away on March 13, 2026.

Born on April 2, 1971, in Astoria, Queens, NY, he was the son of Robert Beaury and Elizabeth Sheehan. He grew up in Queens before moving with his family to Lake Luzerne, NY at the age of eight. Tom graduated from Hadley-Luzerne High School and went on to become the proud owner of Beaury Lock & Key, where he built not just a business, but lasting relationships with the people he served through his hard work and honesty.

Tom was a devoted husband to Elizabeth J. Beaury and a proud father to his two sons, Thomas (29) and Taylor (19). He also welcomed a daughter-in-law, Tiffany Demolfetto-Beaury. More than anything, Tom loved being a dad. His greatest joy was being there for his boys—whether that meant coaching, traveling, or simply standing on the sidelines, cheering them on in basketball, wrestling, and martial arts. He was their biggest supporter in everything they did.

Tom will be remembered for his loyalty, his strength, and the way he showed up for the people he loved. He had a passion for basketball, Hapkido, woodworking, fishing, and hunting. He found peace in the outdoors and pride in working with his hands, but nothing meant more to him than time spent with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his sons, Thomas and Taylor; his daughter-in-law, Tiffany; his siblings, Robert, Brian, Michael, Steven, and Christianne; his beloved dog Reese, who was a truly cherished and loved animal companion; and he held a special place in his heart for all of his nieces and nephews. He was loved deeply and will be missed beyond words by everyone who knew him.

Services will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Brewer Funeral Home in Lake Luzerne, NY from 3:00 to 4:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at Rockwell Falls Presbyterian Church in Lake Luzerne, NY.

Tom’s presence, guidance, and love will remain with his family always.

Roberta R. Corrigan

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.


WILTON – Roberta R. Corrigan, 69, passed away February 16, 2026, at her home. A celebration of Roberta’s life will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on March 22, at the American Legion, 34 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY.  Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.