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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga Economic Development Corp. Donates $3K

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Last week, the Saratoga Economic Development Corp. (SEDC) donated $3,000 to CAPTAIN Community Human Services, a nonprofit that has been combating hunger, homelessness, and economic crises in Saratoga County since 1977. 

The contribution is a portion of the proceeds from Chips and Canter, an event SEDC hosted at the Saratoga Race Course on Opening Day, July 11. 

“As we work to grow the Saratoga County economy, it is important to remember our neighbors who encounter struggles and need a helping hand. It is vitally important to create and maintain good jobs and support organizations like CAPTAIN CHS, which does so much to make our community a better place,” said Greg Connors, President and CEO of SEDC, in a statement.

“This donation will have an immediate positive impact on the lives of children, individuals, families, and senior citizens who are struggling, and provide much needed support to our 30+ programs and services,” said Andy Gilpin, executive director of CAPTAIN CHS.  

The SEDC is a private sector, nonprofit consulting firm established in 1978. The company serves as a resource for businesses and individuals considering an investment in Saratoga County.

Week of September 27 – October 3, 2024   

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.


This charming home at 151 Fishback Rd in Middle Grove, was listed by Darlene Chorman from Roohan Realty and sold for $402,000

BALLSTON 

Joseph Schewe sold property at 14 Ramble Ln to George O’Connell for $540,000

Ellen Schoenfeld sold property at 132 Westside Dr to Edward Delehanty for $148,000

Kevin Rayball sold property at 20 Forestbrook Dr to James Razzano for $480,000

Sean O’Shaughnessy sold property at 14 Red Barn Dr to Eric Hanson for $715,000

Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 8 Appleton St to Vinay Kondle for $606,495

CORINTH

Foothills Builders LLC sold property at 58 Black Bear Path to Dawson Delisle for $395,975

Michael Buzinsky sold property at 8 Wall St to Grey Hunter for $300,000

Susan Weaver sold property at 5 Black Bear Path to Carmen Hernandez for $189,900

GALWAY

Barrie Hampton sold property at 1396 NYS Rt 29 to CR Swat LLC for $225,000

GREENFIELD

Theodore Makkay sold property at 14 Crestwood Dr to Christian Tychostup for $235,000

Paul Chessare sold property at 21 Pine Robin Rd  to William Mayer for $500,000

MALTA 

Cara Brown sold property at 3 Marion Ave to Eireann Collins for $588,000

Kerry Reilly sold property at 11 Woodmint Place to Alec Felittle for $445,000

Theodor Macris sold property at 191 Cramer Rd to Mark Meyers for $430,000

Thomas Tsounis sold property at 13 Sonja Lane to Carrie Adserias for $606,000

MILTON

John Legget sold property at 19 Carriage Way to Adam Clifford for $482,000

Kathleen McCune sold property at 43 Red Oak Lane to Benjamin Moloney for $368,500

Christine Coonradt sold property at 109 Paisley Rd to James Janis for $190,000

RSD Development LLC sold property at 12 Jennifer Lane to Robert Merli for $160,000

Christopher Herman sold property at 26 Aldrich Rd to Scott Brean for $402,000

Michael Iacolucci sold property at 9 Russel St to Mark Iacolucci for $370,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Adelphi Owner II LLC sold property at 19 Washington St Apt 461 to 19 Washington Street 461 LLC for $2,400,000

Chelsea Goodier sold property at 31 Karista Spring Dr to Frances Lansley for $427,500

Diane Starace sold property at 5 Alydar Ct to Jeffrey Halstead for $359,000

Randall Vogt sold property at 268 Broadway Unit 409 to Chad Jaquays for $1,200,000

Louis Altieri sold property at 11 Willow Lane to ANW Holdings for $249,500

ANW Holdings sold property at 11 Willow Lane to Bruce Ashby for $295,000

WILTON

Michael Miller sold property at 14 Moonglow Rd to Ryan Buser for $378,000

Matthew Knauss sold property at 21 Melanie Dr to Courtney Harrington for $486,000

42-Year-Old Milton Man Killed 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

MILTON — The Sheriff’s Office responded to an industrial accident at Cottrell Paper on Rock City Road in the town of Milton on Sept. 19. 

Investigation into the incident revealed that an employee of the company – Anthony T. Smith Jr., 42, of Milton – had become trapped in a compactor. 

Members of the company as well as the Rock City Falls Fire Department and Community EMS extricated him but were unable to revive him. He was pronounced dead on the scene by Saratoga County Coroner Susan Hayes-Masa.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted on the scene by the New York State Police and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Saratoga County DOH: Protect Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases; Virus Case Confirmed in Ballston 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA  — The Saratoga County Department of Health is advising residents to take personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites, after New York State Department of Health confirmed the presence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEv) in a horse in the Town of Ballston.  

The horse was not vaccinated against EEEv. It became ill on Sept. 16 and was euthanized the same day.  Specimens were collected at the time and tested positive for EEEv by Cornell University’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center.     

EEEv is transmitted from mosquito bites and there is no risk of infected horses spreading the virus to humans or to other horses. There are currently no confirmed or suspected human cases of EEEv among Saratoga County residents. 

While risk to the public is low at this time, Saratoga County Department of Health is reminding residents to prevent mosquito bites by taking the following precautions:

Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient and apply according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. More information on repellents can be found on the EPA website.

Additionally, wear long sleeves, tuck shirts into pants, and tuck pants into socks when outdoors; Use tightly fitting screens in all windows and doors of the home and make sure the screens are free of rips, tears, and holes.

Eliminate all standing water in yards and around the home and property where mosquitoes can breed, including plastic containers, pool covers, wading pools, ceramic pots, clogged drainpipes, water troughs, used tires, and wheelbarrows. 

Be aware of peak mosquito hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning.  

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEv) is an extremely rare but serious viral disease that can be fatal and is spread by infected mosquitoes that can affect people and horses. Anyone can be infected with EEEv, but those 50 years and older and those younger than 15 are at greatest risk for developing severe disease when infected with the virus. While most people bitten by an infected mosquito will not develop any symptoms, severe cases may begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting. The illness may then progress into disorientation, seizures, encephalitis, and coma. Approximately one- third of patients who develop EEEv die, while many patients who survive EEEv experience neurologic impairment. EEEv is not spread person-to-person, person to animal, or animal to person.

There is no commercially available human vaccine for EEEv and the best protection is to prevent mosquito bites.

Horse owners should have horses stay in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use on animals and make sure their animals are up to date on vaccinations for EEEv and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Double M Haunted Hayrides Opens for 2024 Fall Season 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

BALLSTON SPA — Double M Haunted Hayrides is open for its 34th season, featuring  its popular tractor-drawn haunted hayride and five haunted houses.

“Our haunted hayride has been improved with several new scenes and we have created a brand new carnival-inspired haunted house called Doom County FEARgrounds,” Leo Martin, owner of Double M Haunted Hayrides said in a statement. 

Those brave enough to embark on the journey can expect an immersive experience featuring the original Haunted Hayride and five uniquely themed haunted houses – Brutality, Blood Moon Farm, The Last Inn, Doom County FEARgrounds, and Slaughter Swamp. The show is a high intensity mix of approximately 75 scare actors, animatronics, special effects, and hand-crafted sets.

Events take place on select Thursday-Sunday nights through the end of October. Reservations can be made online at www.doublemhauntedhayrides.com or by calling 518-884-9122. Double M is located at 678 Route 67 in Ballston Spa.

“Ghosts of Saratoga” Trolley Tourson Thursdays in October

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —A guided “Ghosts of Saratoga” Trolley Tour will take place Thursday nights in October for the 2024 Halloween season.

The guided trolley tour will provide a chance to experience the rich history and paranormal legends of Saratoga Springs, including special access to Canfield Casino.

The 90-minute tour draws on the research of renowned ghost hunter David Pitkin and other paranormal experts and will be led by experienced guides. 

Corinth-born author David Pitkin revealed a series of alleged countywide ghost sightings in his books ‘Haunted Saratoga County,’ ‘Ghosts of the Northeast,’ ‘Saratoga County Ghosts’ and others. The historian and ghost-researcher died in 2013. 

The program is presented by Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, in partnership with the Saratoga Springs History Museum/Canfield Casino.

The 2024 tours will be held Thursdays  – Oct. 3, 10, 17, and 31, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person and are available by advance reservation only. To reserve, contact the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center at 518-587-3241 during business hours, Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Due to the nature of the content, the tour is recommended for adults only. The trolley will depart from the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, located at 297 Broadway, and conclude at the Canfield Casino.

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

Rocky Horror Picture Show Fundraiser AT UPH to Benefit RISE

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


Last year’s Rocky Horror Picture Show Fundraiser to benefit RISE. Photo provided.  

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The third annual Rocky Horror Picture Show fundraiser to benefit RISE Housing and Support Services will take place Friday, Oct. 25 at Universal Preservation Hall.

The venue will transform into a scene straight out of Dr. Frank N. Furter’s mansion, as attendees enjoy an interactive viewing of the cult classic film.

The event begins with a special VIP cocktail hour at 6 p.m., complete with passed hors d’oeuvres and food stations provided by The Adelphi, an open bar, and live music by Stretch. 

A brief speaking program will precede the screening, where RISE’s leadership will share insights into their ongoing impact in the community. The speaking program is open to anyone who purchases an honorary committee ticket, sponsors, and those holding a Friends of Rocky ticket. 

RISE is seeking sponsors and Honorary Committee members to support the evening. Sponsorships, ranging from $1,250 to $10,000 are still available. 

Individual tickets are available for $30 to those who wish to partake in just the interactive movie screening, which begins at 7:30 p.m.

For more information about the event, and all level of tickets, go to: https://www.riseservices.org/event/rocky-horror-picture-show/. RISE Housing and Support Services is a human service agency that has been serving people in Saratoga and the surrounding counties since 1978. 

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2024 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter.

County Court 

Kevin Decelle, 35, of Malta, was sentenced to 2 years incarceration, after pleading to strangulation in the second-degree, charged November 2023 in Halfmoon. 

Aaron Godlewski, 32, of Altamont, was sentenced to 5 years probation, after pleading to felony grand larceny in the second-degree, charged August 2022 in Saratoga Springs. 

Anthony P. Allen, 47, of Albany, was sentenced to 1 to 3 years incarceration, after pleading to burglary in the second-degree, charged September 2023 in Saratoga Springs. 

Jeffrey R. Bishop, 33, of Ballston Spa, pleaded to felony grand larceny, charged May 2023 in Clifton Park. Sentencing Sept. 27. 

Luke A. Fletcher, 42, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded to two felony counts of possessing a sexual performance by a child, charged May 2023 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing Oct. 1. 

Alia M. Sullivan, 39, of Hadley, was sentenced to 6 months incarceration/ 5 years probation, after pleading to felony DWI, charged July 2023. 

Thomas R. McCall, 35, of Rensselaer, was sentenced to 5 years incarceration/ 5 years post-release supervision, after pleading to criminal possession of a weapon in the second-degree, charged March 2024 in Saratoga Springs. 

Shawn Flores, 45, of Milton, was sentenced to 364 days incarceration, after pleading to felony criminal contempt, charged February 2024. 

Lee Horning, Jr., 37, of Gloversville, was sentenced to 7 years incarceration/ 10 years post-release supervision, after pleading to rape in the second-degree, charged September 2023 in Edinburg.

Edward T. Sears, 21, of Schenectady, was sentenced to 1 to 3 years incarceration, after pleading to burglary in the third-degree, charged January 2022 in Moreau. 

Cedric D. Sanchez, 28, of Yonkers, was sentenced to 3.5 years incarceration / 5 years post-release supervision, after pleading to attempted burglary in the second-degree, charged August 2023 in Moreau. 

Justin Franz, 44, of Cohoes, was sentenced to 8 years incarceration/ 5 years post-release supervision, after pleading to robbery in the second-degree, charged July 2023 in Mechanicville. 

Thomas A. Belisario, 41, of Ballston Spa, pleaded to attempted criminal sexual act in the second-degree, charged October 2023 in Halfmoon. Sentencing Oct. 15. 

Theodore B. Pamper, 35, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced to 60 days incarceration/ 5 years probation, after pleading to aggravated DWI. 

Jesus Antonio Menendez-Flores, 27, of Albany, was sentenced to 8 years incarceration/ 3 years post-release supervision, after pleading to robbery in the first-degree, charged November 2023 in Halfmoon. 

Dakota A. Smith, 29, of Malta, pleaded to grand larceny, charged November 2023 in Clifton Park. Sentencing Nov. 7. 

Justin A. Grabowski, 36, of Fraser, Colorado, pleaded to felony DWI, charged July 2024 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing Nov. 4.  

Dale T. Sousie, 43, of Troy, was sentenced to 1-1/2 to 3 years incarceration after pleading to burglary in Malta, and 1-1/2 to 3 years incarceration after pleading to grand larceny in Halfmoon. Sentences to run concurrently.  

Jeffrey T. Hampshire, 44, of Stillwater, was sentenced to 1 to 3 years incarceration, after pleading to aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first-degree, a felony, charged November 2023. 

Saratoga County

Sheriff’s Office

Tyler J. Marley (age 31) of Schenectady, was charged with burglary in the 3rd degree (class D felony) and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree (class A misdemeanor. Marley is accused of entering and remaining unlawfully within the Home Depot with the intent to commit a crime therein. He had allegedly been previously informed that he was not authorized to be on premises. In addition, he was charged with knowingly and unlawfully possessing a controlled substance. He was arraigned on the aforementioned charges as well as a warrant for bail jumping in the 2nd degree (class E felony) in the Halfmoon Town Court and remanded to the Saratoga County Jail pending further action in the matter.

Scott Poirier

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.


PORTER CORNERS— Scott Poirier passed away September 13, 2024. Born in Corinth, NY, on August 24, 1959, son of the late Rameo and Mildred (Kanar) Poirier. In accordance with the family’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or services at this time. For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

Richard L. Marks

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.


WILTON — Richard L. Marks passed away September 18, 2024. A celebration of life will be 3:00 p.m. on October 6 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Calling hours are 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. prior to the celebration service at the funeral home. For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com