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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Schenectady Man Arrested after Multi-County Chase 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

A Schenectady man is facing felony charges after he allegedly led police on a multi-county chase that started in Malta. 

Danzille Robinson was arrested on July 30, 2026, and charged with felony 3rd degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor 7th degree possession of a controlled substance, unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, 2nd degree reckless endangerment, obstructing governmental administration, and resisting arrest. 

According to New York State Police, Robinson had been the passenger in a vehicle traveling north on interstate 87 in Malta when it was stopped by Troopers for vehicle and traffic violations around 2:16 p.m. Robinson is alleged to have climbed into the driver’s seat of the vehicle while the driver was out of the vehicle talking with troopers and took off with the vehicle. 

Robinson proceeded north before making a U-turn and proceeding south, eventually exiting at exit 11 and traveling through Saratoga County. After crossing into Schenectady County, Robinson’s vehicle was hit by a tire deflation device at the intersection of Union Street and Balltown Road in Niskayuna. Robinson’s vehicle came to a stop at the intersection of Central and Covington Avenues — an intersection that has a Schenectady address but is located in the Town of Colonie. 

Once his vehicle stopped, Troopers say Robinson attempted to flee on foot while attempting to destroy controlled substances in his possession.

Robinson was processed in Latham, arraigned in Malta Town Court and remanded into the custody of the Saratoga County Jail, pending further proceedings. 

Meet Pumpkin!!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Pumpkin is an amazing, 6-month-old kitten who has a great personality. He loves to snuggle, lay on your lap and play like a typical kitten. His mom was saved off the streets and had a litter of kittens in a home that cared for them until they had to move and the family was brought here to HOPE to find their forever homes. While he was being cared for, he interacted with other dogs and cats, as well as children. He is your all-around great cat! He is recovering from his neuter, is up to date with his rabies and distemper vaccine and has tested negative for FIV and FeLV. He is also microchipped! 

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  or call us at 518-450-7013 if you have any questions.

Photo of the Week Summer 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

“Not the only one that wants a Mrs. London’s fruit tart”
Photo by Bruce & Ann

Thank You To All Who Submitted Photos!

We received so many amazing photos over the past five weeks; thank you to all participants.

Summer Contest Closed.

Contest Resumes Fall 2026!

Summer Sunday Strolls “Find Me in Congress Park” and “Mom & Pops of the East Side”

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Join the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation on Sunday, August 9 for a new tour, “Find Me in Congress Park,” led by local author Patrice Mastrianni. The tour will include interesting facts and folklore she obtained while researching her recent children’s book, Find Me in Saratoga. Among the many landmarks located in Congress Park, the tour will include the Spirit of Life and Spencer Trask Memorial. 

In 2015, the Foundation proudly partnered with the City of Saratoga Springs to complete a $750,000 restoration of the memorial and sculpture, and its volunteers continue to maintain the landscape today. Patrice will share the history of the Trasks and many other fascinating characters who left their mark on Congress Park. This tour meets at Congress Spring, the covered pavilion on the south side of E. Congress Street inside Congress Park. 

On Sunday, August 16, Carol Godette offers a new walking tour, “Mom & Pops of the East Side.” Stroll through a concentrated area of the East Side that once teemed with neighborhood shops and markets and learn about the history of these stores and their owners. More than milk and bread, these shops fostered entrepreneurship and a sense of community. Through her tireless research, Carol’s will bring not only the stores to life, but also the people behind their counters.

 All Sunday morning tours begin at 10:30AM, last approximately 90 minutes, and require walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours are limited to thirty participants and tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. For additional information on Sunday Strolls or to purchase tickets, call (518) 587-5030, visit our website, saratogapreservation.org, or email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation.org.

Saratoga Casino Hotel Foundation Opens 2026 Community Grant Cycle

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Saratoga Casino Hotel Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2026 community grant program. The Foundation provides funding to charitable organizations that enhance the quality of life, health, and well-being of Saratoga County residents.

Eligible applicants must be IRS-designated nonprofit organizations whose programs or services directly benefit residents of Saratoga County. Priority will be given to initiatives focused on problem gambling awareness, youth development, senior services, arts and culture, recreation, and projects that strengthen the local community.

“For more than 20 years, the Foundation has been proud to invest in organizations that make a lasting difference throughout Saratoga County,” said Foundation Treasurer Skip Carlson. “Our partnership with the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association, and Saratoga Casino Hotel has allowed us to support programs that provide education, senior services, family assistance, food security, disability services, and critical resources for individuals and families facing domestic violence and addiction.”

Grant applications must be submitted electronically through the Foundation’s website at www.saratogacasinohotelfoundation.org. The application period closes at 5:00 p.m. on September 11, 2026.

Organizations will be notified of funding decisions by October 8, and grant recipients will be recognized at the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors meeting on October 20, 2026.

Since its inception, the Saratoga Casino Hotel Foundation has awarded nearly $525,000 in grants to more than 200 local nonprofit organizations. A complete list of previous grant recipients, eligibility requirements, and application information is available at www.saratogacasinohotelfoundation.org.

Donlynn Graul 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Donlynn Graul, 81, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026. Donlynn was born January 5, 1945, at Saratoga hospital, to Donald and Vivian Shepherd. After Donald’s passing in WWII, she was raised by her stepfather Charles Parish. 

Donlynn graduated Saratoga Springs High School in 1962, and proudly attended St. Rose College in Albany, earning her Master’s in Education. She taught elementary at Stillwater Central School for over 30 years, taking great joy in both her students and her close family of teachers. After retiring, she continued to give of herself, volunteering at Saratoga County Mental Health, Wesley, and Mary’s Haven. 

Doni was a communicant of St. Clement’s Church, loved her Rosary, and is prayerfully remembered by the Dominican Chapter at St. Clement’s, as she made her final vows as a Third Order Dominican many years ago. Doni lived fully, guiding others to do so as well. She and Bill traveled to Eastham, Cape Cod, yearly, often encouraging both family and friends to join. Her love of the Cape lives on through the generations who continue to enjoy the peace and beauty it has to offer. There were also adventures hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, rafting the Colorado River, and visiting the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore with Bill, and further excursions with dear friend Marta Hitchen, including the Grand Old Opry and a National Parks tour.

Doni loved Saratoga as well, drinking joyfully from all the springs, and savoring her Tuesday afternoons downtown with Leslie. Home truly was her happy place, though, and she could often be found with a good history or mystery book, her family, and pink flamingos in her gardens. She was a talented quilt maker, leaving her family with many warm memories, literally! And her mac and cheese will forever go unrivaled.

Donlynn continues to be loved by her husband of 50 years, William L. Graul III, daughters Leslie Ives (Daniel) and Deborah Graul, dog JellyBear, cousins Susan Parish and Charlie Parish (Barb), grandchildren Katherine Ives (Chris), Joseph Ives (Brittany), and Frankie Rodriquez, beloved great-grandchildren Carter, Stella, Rylee, and Ryann (aka Pink).

She is remembered by her brother Charles Edward Parish, beloved nephews Chris, Pat, and Sean O’Leary, relatives Mike and Diana Graul, Jane and John Valetta, Anne and Jack Dejnozka, many beloved cousins, and all her chosen family, so many she chose to love. Doni is kicking back in the afterlife with those who went before—her sister Rosanne, father Donald, mother Vivian, Anne and William L. Graul Jr., dear friend Marta, chosen family Lisa and Gail, and fierce protector Zuni Bear.

Our family especially wants to thank those who have been such a great comfort over the last few years—Jane Valetta, Mary Troeger, Susie Parish, the Towne family, especially Molly and Susie, besties Jane Huffer, Sue Shaw and Donna Hartman, Dr. G, and the incredible friends and neighbors from the Eastside.

Family and friends are called to visit on August 11, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 N Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866. To keep Doni’s memory alive, be kind to those around you—have a cup of coffee with a friend, send a handwritten letter to a loved one, cook a meal, visit the lonely, and most importantly love deeply and unconditionally.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated the following Tuesday, August 18, at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY. Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM.

If you would like to honor Donlynn’s legacy of giving love, compassion, and respite to all, please consider donating to Wellspring in her name, at 2816 US 9, Malta, NY 12020.

“Come to the living waters, Sinners obey your makers call. Come ye weary wanderers home. And find his grace is free for all”

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

Blotter Report

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

Between July 26 and August 1, the Saratoga Springs Police reported 648 incidents in their blotter report. This number includes duplicate incidents, unfounded, and non-emergency incidents. The top three listed incident types reported in this time are: 

1. 74 Traffic Stops

2. 51 Welfare Checks

3. 47 911 open line incidents

For the State Police, between July 29 and August 4, New York State Police reported 236 incidents that didn’t result in arrest in their daily blotter reports. In addition, State Police arrested 15 people on 25 charges and identified 66 people as being involved in vehicle accidents. The most common incident reported by State Police was a property damage accident with 33 incidents. The top three municipalities for incidents are: 

1. 56 in Clifton Park 

2. 34 in Malta and Wilton 

3. 32 in Halfmoon

July 29, 2026. 5:13 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Halfmoon resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor 1st degree public lewdness: defendant 19 years old or older exposes body to victim under the age of 16  and two counts of act in a manner to injure a child less than 17. Appearance ticket issued.

July 29, 2026. 11:41 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Troy resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.

July 30, 2026. 1:56 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Pound Ridge resident on charges of operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense, DWI- first offense, aggravated DWI: BAC .18 or higher- no priors, 4th degree criminal possession of a weapon: firearm/weapon, and various traffic offense.  Arrest occurred at the intersection of Ballston Ave and New Street.

July 30, 2026. 8:13 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Cohoes resident on charges of 3rd degree grand larceny: property exceeds $3,000. Arrest occurred on Lake Ave.

July 31, 2026. 12:33 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a South Windsor, CT, resident on charges of operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense, DWI- first offense, aggravated DWI: BAC .18 or higher- no priors, and various traffic offense. Arrest occurred on South Broadway and West Fenlon Street.

July 31, 2026. 9:11 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Cohoes resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.

July 31, 2026. 3:19 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a homeless/transient individual on charges of 3rd degree assault: with intent to cause physical injury. Arrest occurred on Broadway.

July 31, 2026. 11:43 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Lake resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of felony DWI: previous conviction within 10 years, aggravated unlicensed operation, and misdemeanor circumvent interlock device. Released to third party. 

August 1, 2026. 1:18 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense, DWI- first offense and various traffic offenses. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Route 9 and Avenue of the Pines

August 1, 2026. 1:48 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Queensbury resident on charges of 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and general violation of local law. Arrest occurred on Circular Street.

August 1, 2026. 3:31 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Corinth resident on charges of disorderly conduct: fight/violent behavior. Arrest occurred on Caroline Street

August 1, 2026. 4:34 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested two homeless/transient individuals on charges of trespass. Arrest occurred on Circular Street.

August 1, 2026. 8:13 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a homeless/transient individual on charges of trespass, 3rd degree menacing and resisting arrest. Arrest occurred on Church Street.

August 1, 2026. 7:41 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Village of Ballston Spa on charges of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance ticket issued.

August 1, 2026. 8:21 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of felony DWI: previous conviction within 10 years. Appearance ticket issued.

August 4, 2026. 9:21 p.m.- New York State Police arrested an Owego resident in the Town of Milton on charges of misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs- 1st offense. Appearance ticket issued.

The New York State Military Museum Unveils Augmented Reality Display

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured.

Members gathered outside of NYS Military Museum and Veterans Research Center for unveiling of Augmented Reality Display (Courtesy of Adam Mason)

The New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center, located at 61 Lake Ave., has unveiled a new interactive augmented reality display featuring four prominent figures from the 1777 Battles of Saratoga, the turning point in the American Revolution. 

Arrayed along the museum’s Revolutionary War section located just inside the entrance to the facility’s main exhibit floor, the display gives visitors the opportunity to use their smartphone to watch the 3D figures materialize and share personal perspectives on the events that played out along the Upper Hudson River in September and October 1777. 

The Military Museum display is part of Saratoga 250’s ongoing county-wide commemorations leading up to next year’s semiquincentennial of the Battles of Saratoga, considered the turning point of America’s fight for independence. The victory at Bemis Heights prompted France to provide the fledgling United States with troops, materiel, money and naval assets, support that led directly to the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781.

Underwritten by a grant from the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs, the augmented reality exhibit at the Military Museum is among several such interactive displays located at other venues in Saratoga County, including the Saratoga Springs Public Library, the Saratoga Springs History Museum at Canfield Casino and the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitors Center.

“This display offers a fun and interesting way to interact with some of the most prominent figures from our history and hear from them, in their own words, about the role they played at Saratoga,” said Bill Teetor, Executive Director of the Campaign for Saratoga 250, Inc. “As we approach the 250th anniversary of America’s turning point, Saratoga 250 and our partner organizations will continue to educate and engage the public on the importance of preserving the battles’ significance with new generations, while at the same time introducing visitors to our region’s rich history.”

“We are so pleased here at the Military Museum to add these augmented reality banners that can give a voice to the history here in Saratoga,” said Richard Goldenberg, Director of Military History for the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs. “Our commemorations of the Battles of Saratoga are a community-wide event, and we are thankful to the Saratoga Rotary Club and the Campaign for Saratoga 250 for their support in bringing these banners to our Revolutionary War exhibit floor. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence this summer, we are reminded that the words put to paper in 1776 were secured by the victories at Saratoga in 1777.”

Saratoga Race Course Tram Tour

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation (SSPF) announced a second Saratoga Race Course Tram Tour on Monday, August 24 at 9:30 a.m. Ticket sales for the Tuesday tour opened on July 16 and sold out in under a week, registering early for the Monday tour is encouraged.

Join Samantha Bosshart, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Executive Director, on a tour of the rich history and architecture of the Saratoga Race Course, the oldest sports venue in the United States. This exclusive, two-hour tour provides an opportunity to not only see the frontside of the track, but also the backside.

Guests will travel by tram, compliments of the New York Racing Association (NYRA), to learn about the history of the buildings that the public is most familiar with: The Grandstand, Clubhouse, 1863 Club, the backside, stables and cottages built by the wealthy, including August Belmont and Stephen Sanford. Learn about the instrumental role William Collins Whitney had in the expansion and transformation of the track at the turn of the 20th century and the Foundation’s role in ensuring that this nationally significant historic resource preserves its historic character.

The cost is $40 for SSPF Members and $50 for non-members; reservations are required and limited to 32 participants. For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit, saratogapreservation.org, call (518) 587-5030, or email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation.org.

New Year-Long Tang Museum Exhibition “A Feeling With” Coming Soon

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

William Kentridge, Tango for Page Turning, 2012-2013
(Courtesy of the Tang Teaching Museum in partnership with the New Media Arts Consortium)

The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery are preparing for their next year-long exhibition, “A Feeling of With,” featuring three interconnected explorations of how people understand themselves in relation to one another and the world.

On view August 8, through July 18, 2027, “A Feeling of With” is organized by Rachel Seligman, Assistant Director for Curatorial Affairs and Malloy Curator, in collaboration with six Skidmore College faculty members from English, dance, art history, environmental studies and sciences, mathematics, and religious studies. Across three galleries, relation becomes both the exhibition’s subject and the structure through which artworks, disciplines, and ways of knowing encounter one another.

“Works of art are always in relation—to other objects, to the people who make and encounter them, and to the histories and ideas we bring into the gallery,” Seligman said. “Developing this project with faculty across six disciplines activates the Tang collection as a space for interdisciplinary inquiry and creates new ways for students and visitors to encounter the artworks and the ideas they carry.” 

“A Feeling of With” is the second in a series of three year-long Tang collection exhibitions developed to support interdisciplinary teaching and learning for Skidmore courses and wider public audiences. The initiative began with “All These Growing Things,” an exploration of becoming and belonging.

Drawing from a collection of more than 18,000 objects, “A Feeling of With” includes works recently acquired by the Tang as well as objects never before exhibited at the museum. 

A public opening reception will be held on Saturday, October 17, with additional details to be announced.

The Tang’s galleries are open Tuesday through Sunday, from noon to 5 pm, with extended hours until 9 pm Thursday. Admission is free. For more information, visit tang.skidmore.edu or call the Tang Visitors Services Desk at 518-580-8080.