Author: Saratoga TODAY

MeetRipley!!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on June 4, 2026. Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Ripley came to HOPE from a person who loved him dearly but fell on hard times and could not keep him or his housemate Velo. He is a bit shy but has a very sweet disposition and loves to be talked to and enjoys a nice head scratch. He is 6 years old, up to date on vaccines and tested negative for FIV and FeLV. Ripley and Velo prefer to have space of their own, so will be adopted separately. Ripley is on a urinary diet to prevent issues which occur when his diet is changed and is also working on losing a bit of weight since he is 19 pounds of cuteness. He is ready to lounge on the couch, watch the birds out a window or snuggle up for a good movie with his person. He will probably do best in a quieter environment where he can decompress and enjoy his free time.

The HOPE Cat Adoption Center is located in the Wilton Mall and is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4 or by appointment. Online adoption applications may be found on our website at www.hopeanimalrescue.org. For any questions give us a call at 518-450-7013.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Written by Saratoga TODAY on June 4, 2026. Posted in Letters to the Editor.

As Saratoga Springs continues its thoughtful review of the City Charter, it is worth recognizing the value of the process currently underway and the steady, collaborative approach being taken to improve city government.

Over the past year, Mayor John Safford’s Charter Review Commission has been meeting regularly in an open and transparent manner to examine ways to strengthen and modernize the city’s charter. The commission’s work deserves recognition for both its seriousness and its accessibility to the public. Meetings have been open, public participation has been encouraged, and the process has reflected a genuine effort to improve city government thoughtfully rather than politically.

The commission itself represents a bipartisan and experienced group of individuals, many of whom have previously served the city in various capacities. Under the leadership of respected former City Attorney Vince DeLeonardis, the commission has approached its work with professionalism, institutional knowledge, and a focus on practical governance.

Importantly, the commission has chosen to focus first on improving and modernizing the existing charter rather than pursuing a wholesale change in the city’s form of government. That was a wise decision.

Changing a city’s governmental structure is expensive, time-consuming, and often divisive. Saratoga Springs has debated these questions many times over the years, and prior attempts to fundamentally alter the structure of government have repeatedly failed to gain public support. In contrast, targeted reforms to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability within the current framework can often accomplish far more with far less disruption.

Several of the commission’s proposals expected to come before the City Council in June appear to be practical and necessary improvements, including clarifying procedures for handling vacancies in elected office – an issue that exposed weaknesses in the current charter during the recent council vacancy process. Other proposals currently under consideration may ultimately require voter approval through referendum this November, and residents should stay engaged as those discussions continue to evolve.

It is also important to recognize that Saratoga Springs’ commission form of government provides residents with a clear and direct system of accountability. Citizens know which elected official oversees each department and can more easily identify where responsibility lies when issues arise. That transparency and accessibility are meaningful strengths of the current structure and help maintain a close connection between city government and the public it serves.

No form of government is perfect, and communities across New York State continue to face challenges regardless of whether they operate under commission systems or “strong mayor” systems. Cities such as Albany and Schenectady demonstrate that changing governmental structure alone does not automatically create better governance, smoother operations, or stronger public trust.

The better path is often the one Saratoga Springs is taking now: improving what works, addressing areas that need refinement, and doing so through an open, bipartisan, and deliberative process. The Charter Review Commission’s work reflects a commitment to thoughtful governance and continued improvement while preserving the transparency and accountability that residents value.

Connie Woytowich and Jane Weihe, Co-Chairs of Saratoga Works

Saratoga Works is a civic group of individuals from multiple political parties and diverse backgrounds who care about our city and its future (www.saratogaworks.org)

Carmela (Durante) Dawley

Written by Saratoga TODAY on June 4, 2026. Posted in Obituaries.

MALTA, NY – Carmela (Durante) Dawley, age 93, passed away at home May 23, 2026. Born in Auburn, NY, she was predeceased by her husband, a son, two sisters and two brothers. She is survived by two sons, a daughter and their families including seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; also, one sister and many nieces and nephews.

The family is forever grateful to her loving caregivers and the providers at Saratoga Palliative Care.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Saratoga Palliative Care or Southern Adirondack Independent Living (SAIL.)

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

Blotter Report: Week of June 5 – June 11, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on June 4, 2026. Posted in Blotter.

May 27, 2026. 1:14 a.m.- New York State Police arrested an Adams, MA resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.

May 27, 2026. 9:00 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of petit larceny, resisting arrest, 2nd degree obstruction of governmental administration, three counts of 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, three counts of 2nd degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia: scales, four counts of 3rd degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance in non-original container. Arrest occurred on Lake Avenue.

May 27, 2026. 9:07 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of endangering the welfare of a child. Arrest occurred on Lake Avenue.

May 27, 2026. 4:10 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Mechanicville resident on charges of following too close and 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Arrest occurred on Union Ave.

May 27, 2026. 10:17 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Schuylerville resident on charges of 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and speed violation. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Lake Avenue and Stafford Bridge Road.

May 28, 2026. 8:51 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Watervliet juvenile in the Town of Malta on charges of felony 3rd degree burglary: illegal entry with intent to commit a crime, felony 3rd degree grand larceny: property value exceeds $3000, and felony 3rd degree criminal mischief: damage to another person’s property- amount exceeding $250. Family court appearance ticket issued. Original incident occurred on May, 18 in the Town of Malta.

May 28, 2026. 11:01 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of 2nd degree criminal trespass and sex offender: fail to report change of address. Arrest occurred on Lake Avenue.

May 28, 2026. 4:00 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Cambridge resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest stemmed from a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Farm to Market Road and Pruyn Hill Road.

May 28, 2026. 6:00 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Milton resident on charges of 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and failure to yield right of way.

May 28, 2026. 7:36 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Buskirk resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest stemmed from a two-vehicle accident on Clifton Country Road. Investigation pending.

May 28, 2026. 8:15 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Broadalbin resident on charges of 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Ballston Avenue and Finley Street.

May 29, 2026. 1:02 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Lake George resident on charges of 3rd degree criminal mischief. Arrest occurred on Church Street.

May 29, 2026. 10:25 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident on charges of operating a motor vehicle without inspection certificate, and 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Union Avenue and Henning Road.

May 30, 2026. 11:31 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Waterford resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance ticket issued.

May 30, 2026. 1:14 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of petit larceny. Arrest occurred on South Broadway.

May 30, 2026. 5:04 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of open container violation. Arrest occurred on Circular Street.

May 31, 2026. 1:33 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Clifton Park resident on charges of failure to obey traffic control device and DWI- first offense. Arrest occurred on Lake Avenue.

May 31, 2026. 2:53 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Halfmoon resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense and misdemeanor aggravated DWI- BAC of .18 or higher, first offense. Appearance ticket issued.

May 31, 2026. 3:32 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Ravena resident on charges of DWI- first offense, operation a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher and failure to use designated lane. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Route 9 and East West Road.

May 31, 2026. 4:15 a.m.- New York State Police arrested two Gansevoort residents in the Town of Wilton both on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree assault with intent to cause physical injury. Appearance tickets issued. Investigation pending.

May 31, 2026. 8:50 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a West Hempstead resident in the Town of Malta 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.

The following four arrests were all in connection with an incident that occurred in the Town of Wilton on May 31, 2026, at 3:43 p.m. New York State Police was the arresting agency.

May 31, 2026. 4:00 p.m.- A Ballston Spa resident was arrested on charges of misdemeanor acting in a manner to injure a child less than 17, misdemeanor resisting arrest, misdemeanor 2nd degree obstruction of governmental administration- prevent official function, and misdemeanor 3rd degree sexual abuse: subject another person to sexual contact without consent. Released on own recognizance.

May 31, 2026. 7:30 p.m.- A Middle Falls resident was arrested on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree assault: with intent to cause physical injury. Released on own recognizance.

May 31, 2026. 7:30 p.m.- A Greenwich resident was arrested on charges of 3rd degree assault with intent to cause physical injury and misdemeanor act in a manner to injure a child less than 17. Released on own recognizance

May 31, 2026. 7:30 p.m.- A Queensbury juvenile was arrested on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree assault: with intent to cause physical injury. Released on own recognizance.

June 1, 2026. 7:16 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor petit larceny. Appearance ticket issued.

June 2, 2026. 4:26 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a South Glens Falls resident in the City of Albany on charges of felony 4th degree grand larceny: value property greater than $1000. Released on own recognizance. Origiganal incdent

Blotter Report