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Author: Saratoga TODAY

MeetKiki!!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Meet sweet Kiki, a resilient cat currently looking for her forever home. Kiki was one of five indoor cats abandoned when their previous owners moved away. The ages of the cats range from 5 to 16 years and fortunately a home was found for the older cats, thanks to caring neighbors who saved them off the streets. We can only imagine what would have happened if these good samaritans hadn’t stepped up to help these poor indoor cats. 

Estimated to be between 5 and 10 years old, Kiki is calm, sweet, and easy-going. Since she had not received veterinary care in several years, she recently underwent successful dental surgery, including extractions. Her blood work came back perfect, she is up to date on all vaccines, and she has tested negative for both FIV and FeLV. Kiki is ready to be back in a home where she will be loved and spoiled for the rest of her years. 

The HOPE pet adoption center is open to the public on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, or by appointment. You can find our online adoption application at www.hopeanimalrescue.org. For any questions give us a call at 518-450-7013.

Robert Ballou 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

BALLSTON SPA – Robert Ballou passed away June 20, 2026. Funeral services are July 9 at 11:30 a.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs. Calling hours are 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Saratoga National Cemetery. Visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Dr. James Joseph Murray 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY- Dr. James Joseph Murray, 79, passed June 21, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you conduct a random act of kindness, whenever fitting, on his behalf. Mass will be celebrated July 2, at 11am at St. Clement’s Church. Burial will be private. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com. 

John “Jack” Giacomo Mangini

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY- John “Jack” Giacomo Mangini, of Saratoga Springs, died on June 15, 2026, at the age of 90.

He was born on June 30, 1935, in the family home on Ash Street in Saratoga’s West Side neighborhood, known to old Saratogians as “Dublin.” He was named Giacomo in honor of his grandfather and was told the name meant “little Jack.” To everyone who knew him, he was simply Jack.

Jack graduated from St. Peter’s Academy in 1953, where he served as class president. He earned a degree in Economics from Siena College and was among the first members of the Third Order of St. Francis. He also spent two cherished years at Mater Christi Seminary, where he earned an associate’s degree. He later completed a master’s degree in education at the College of Saint Rose.

In 1962, Jack met Vivian Matrazzo, who became his wife and best friend. They were married on November 23, 1963, in a ceremony celebrated by his close friend, Monsignor Daniel Burns. Their reception followed at the Canfield Casino in Congress Park.

Teaching was Jack’s life’s work. He taught at Mechanicville High School, Garner Street Elementary School in Cohoes, and Chango Elementary School and the middle school in the Shenendehowa district before retiring in 1999. He loved being an educator and often spoke fondly of the students he taught and never forgot.

Jack’s connection to the Saratoga Race Course began in boyhood. After a guard at the Green Gate on Union Avenue let him onto the backstretch, Jack sold peaches and pears for five cents apiece and quickly sold out. That small beginning grew into the Mangini family concession stand, which served the track for 50 years.

After retiring, Jack volunteered for more than twenty years at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. He served as a docent in the Education and Technology departments and was honored with a Lifetime Membership. “I love Saratoga and horse racing history very much,” he liked to tell his tour groups.

Jack also loved running and completed the New York City Marathon after turning 50. He enjoyed golf, fishing, gardening, cooking, reading, soft music, and good Italian food. 

Above everything, Jack loved his family. Nothing made him prouder than his grandchildren, and he followed each of their activities closely. He could often be found cheering them on from the side of a soccer field, a basketball court, or a swimming pool. In his own words: “My wife, sons, grandchildren, and my sons’ spouses mean so much to me. I will rest in peace only if they are healthy and happy.”

He was predeceased by his parents, Jeannie and Anthony, and by his sisters, Madaline and Debbie.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Vivian; his sons, John (Michele), Chris, and Jeff (Sarah); his brothers, Bob (Sandy), Tony (Pat), and David (Sue); and his grandchildren, Matthew, Ryan, Maria, Sam, Molly, and Ben.

Calling hours were Monday June 22, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 10 am, Tuesday, June 23 at the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Followed by burial in the family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave.

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

David J. Miller 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SONY DSC

SARATOGA SPRINGS – David J. Miller, 83, passed away on June 20, 2026, in Saratoga Springs, New York, surrounded by his wife and son. Born on December 13, 1942, in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, David lived a life shaped by creativity, curiosity, faith, and devotion to the people he cherished. He made his home in Saratoga Springs and Halfmoon for most of his adult life and, in his final years, resided at the Home of the Good Shepherd in Saratoga Springs. He died from pneumonia in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

David was a gifted Abstract Expressionist artist whose paintings and drawings were known for their emotional depth and dynamic energy. His work was described by writer and critic John Yao as embodying “a world… simultaneously falling apart and coming together,” capturing the turbulence and paradoxes of human experience with remarkable sensitivity. His art appears in numerous public collections, including the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Cleveland Institute of Art, the Albany Institute of History and Art, the State University of New York at Albany, and the Tang Museum, as well as in private collections across the United States and abroad. He received major recognition throughout his career, including fellowships from the New York Foundation for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, and he held the Tuthill Endowed Chair at Skidmore College.

Teaching was one of David’s greatest callings. He served as a professor of drawing and painting at Skidmore College from 1975 until his retirement in 2010, later becoming Professor Emeritus. He also directed the Schick Art Gallery, shaping its vision and supporting generations of emerging artists. Earlier in his career, he taught at Lake Erie College in Ohio and at Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh. His influence as a mentor was profound; musician Chris Frantz of Talking Heads once wrote, “It’s no exaggeration to say that this man changed my life.”

David’s academic path reflected his deep commitment to the arts. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and his Master of Arts from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In addition to his artistic and academic pursuits, he served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves as a First Lieutenant and General’s Aide to Major General James Milnor Roberts in the late 1960s.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, David was a man of warmth, humility, and steadfast love. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest joy came from his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 58 years, Sandy (Stein) Miller, an artist and retired teacher; his son Darren T. Miller and daughter in law Christine J. Miller; and his treasured grandchildren, Tate E. Miller and Georgia G. Miller. He is also survived by his brother James Miller and sister-in-law Elaine Miller. David was predeceased by his parents, Charles Miller and Imelda (Bell) Miller, and his siblings Robert (Bob) Miller, Charles Miller Jr., Michael Miller, and Betty Lou Lenz.

David’s Christian faith was a quiet but constant presence throughout his life. He worshipped regularly and volunteered at St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church in Saratoga Springs, serving as an usher and contributing to the building committee for several years.

Those who knew David will remember his sincere kindness, good-natured sense of humor, his boundless creativity, and his unwavering dedication to his students, colleagues, and family. His legacy lives on in his artwork, in the countless lives he touched, and in the love he shared so generously.

Calling hours were Wednesday, June 24, at William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, June 25, at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY.

Burial will be private.

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

Blotter Report Week of June 26 – July 2, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter.

Between June 15 and June 22, the Saratoga Springs Police reported 604 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. 58 Traffic Stops

2. 46 Welfare Checks

3. 33 911 Hang ups

For the State Police, between June 17 and June 23, New York State Police reported 278 incidents that didn’t result in arrest in their daily blotter reports. The most common incident reported by State Police was a property damage accident with 41 incidents. The top three municipalities for incidents are: 

1. 73 in Clifton Park 

2. 40 in Wilton 

3. 38 in Malta

June 17, 2026. 9:04 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of 3rd degree assault: with intent to cause physical injury, and act in a manner to injure a child less than 17. Arrest occurred on Oak Street.

June 17, 2026. 12:27 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Gansevoort resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.

June 17, 2026. 12:36 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of acting in a manner to injure a child less than 17, 2nd degree assault: intent to cause physical injury with weapon/injury. Arrest occurred on Lake Ave. 

June 17, 2026. 3:53 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a South Glens Falls resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.

June 17, 2026. 8:31 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Gloversville resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of felony 2nd degree bail jumping. Central arraignment

June 18, 2026. 6:53 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a South Glens Falls resident in the Town of Northumberland on charges of felony 4th degree grand larceny: firearms/shotguns/rifles. Appearance ticket issued. Original incident occurred on April 18 in the Town of Moreau. 

June 18, 2026. 11:17 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of 3rd degree criminal tampering. Arrest occurred on South Federal Street.

June 18, 2026. 8:48 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa 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 offence. Appearance ticket issued.

June 18, 2026. 10:20 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Mechanicville resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense and DWI- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

June 18, 2026. 11:46 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident on charges of 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, equipment violations, and imitation controlled substance- manufacture/sell- 1st violation. Arrest occurred at the intersection of West Avenue and Blue Streak Boulevard. 

June 19, 2026. 8:51 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Broadalbin resident in the Town of Broadalbin on charges of felony 2nd degree grand larceny: property value exceeds $50,000. Appearance ticket issued.

June 19, 2026. 8:46 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Schenectady resident on charges of criminal mischief: intent to damage property, 2nd degree assault: intent to cause physical injury with weapon/instrument, 3rd degree criminal possession of a weapon: previous conviction, aggravated family offense- more than one offense within five years, and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation- apply pressure. Arrest occurred on Thoroughbred Drive.

June 20, 2026. 12:46 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, misdemeanor resisting arrest, misdemeanor 2nd degree obstructing governmental administration- prevent official function and misdemeanor false personation. Appearance ticket issued.

June 20, 2026. 12:30 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Fort Edward resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of misdemeanor criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation- apply pressure and 3rd degree assault: with intent to cause physical injury. Appearance ticket issued.

June 20, 2026. 3:20 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Lake George resident in the Town of Moreau 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. Arrest resulted from a single vehicle accident on Interstate 87.

June 20, 2026. 8:17 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Hudson Falls juvenile in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, misdemeanor 2nd degree reckless endangerment and reckless driving. Appearance ticket issued.

June 21, 2026. 4:12 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of refusal to take a breath test, failure to notify DMV of address change, and DWI- 1st offense. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Circular Street and York Avenue.

June 22, 2026. 12:02 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Galway on charges of felony 1st degree criminal contempt: violate order of protection- physical contact, felony aggravated family offense- more than one offense within the last five years and 3rd degree criminal possession of a weapon: previous conviction. Central arraignment.

June 22, 2026. 12:45 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Ballston on charges of felony 4th degree grand larceny:  value property greater than $1000 and felony 2nd degree possession of a forged instrument. Appearance ticket issued. Original incident occurred in the City of Albany on April 14.

June 22, 2026. 2:25 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Corinth resident on charges of misdemeanor unlawful dissemination or publication of an intimate image. Appearance ticket issued. Original incident reported on June 20 in the Town of Hadley. Investigation pending.

June 22, 2026. 4:49 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Broadalbin resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor petit larceny and misdemeanor 6th degree conspiracy. Arrest stemmed from an incident reported on Sept. 22 in the Town of Providence.

June 22, 2026. 5:56 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Corinth resident in the Town of Northumberland on charges of felony 3rd degree criminal possession of a weapon: previous conviction, felony 5th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance intent to sell, felony 5th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance-5th: cocaine 500 milligrams, six counts of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Central arraignment.

June 22, 2026. 5:56 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Cropseyville resident in the Town of Northumberland on charges of felony 5th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance intent to sell, felony 5th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance-5th: cocaine 500 milligram and five counts of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Central arraignment.

June 22, 2026. 6:53 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree criminal contempt: disobey court.

June 23, 2026. 7:52 p.m. New York State Police arrested a Halfmoon resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of felony 1st degree criminal contempt: violate order of protection- physical contact. Central arraignment.

A Field of Honor

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured.

Alliance180, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Veterans, first responders, and frontline health care workers on their journey toward post-traumatic growth hosted its inaugural Field of Honor on Flay Day, June 14. 

The Field of Honor featured 250 United States flags, a powerful patriotic display honoring the men and women who have shaped the nation

Each flag in the display included a personal dedication tag, sharing the story of a veteran, first responder, loved one, or hero being honored. The flags will remain in the field until the 21st, when the flag and dedication tag will be returned to the individual or organization who sponsored it as a lasting keepsake.

Adjacent to the field an exhibit featured a life-sized Declaration of Independence banner, accompanied by historic American flags representing the 26 flags flown over the United States during the past 250 years. 

It was a solemn day of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude to those who sacrificed for our freedom. Throughout the week, the field of red, white, and blue will serve as a visible reminder of the values the American flag represents, unity, resilience, and hope.

Ballston Spa Soccer Club 2009 Girls Win Third Consecutive New York State Cup

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

(Ballston Spa Soccer Club 2009 Girls Team) (Eastern New York Youth Soccer)

Ballston Spa Soccer Club 2009 Girls team won the Richard Christiano Cup, their third straight state championship on Thursday, June 11. 

“We are a volunteer organization of girls from the community,” explained Ballston Spa coach Andrew Werner, Eastern New York’s 2020 Girls Competitive Coach of the Year. “I’m blessed to have such good parents that have stayed true to our program and what we’re doing.”

Ballston Spa also won the North Atlantic Premier Division title this spring, overcoming four serious injuries to their players. They started as a Girls-Under-8 team in the Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL), then played in the Eastern Development Program (EDP) when they were Girls-Under-12.

Ballston Spa will represent the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) when they play at Nationals from July 13 to 20 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 

Coach Werner added, “To prepare, we’re playing in the Mad Dog College Showcase in Saratoga Springs and will also play boy’s teams in friendlies.”

Richard Christiano, the cup’s namesake, has brought fiscal responsibility to ENYYSA as President for the past 17 years. He also was a youth coach for the New Hyde Park Wildcats and served on the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) Board of Directors for 14 years, greatly improving the LIJSL Select Program during this time.

Father’s Day Run

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Good Karma 5K (Good Karma 5K)

The 12th annual good karma run/walk will take place on Father’s Day, June 20, at Shenendehowa High School. Recreational walkers and hand cyclists are also welcome and encouraged to participate. There will be a yoga warm up, a kids run, Indian street food, henna and music. 

The kid’s half-mile fun run starts at 9 a.m., followed by the yoga warm up at 9:15 and then the 5k at 9:30. 

All net proceeds from the Good Karma 5K Run/Walk benefit AIM for Seva and the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY.

Participants can register individually or as a team for $43 at goodkarmany.org.

Kyle Tran Strikes Silver

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Kyle Tran (Far Left)
(Jason Morris)

French Polynesia, Tahiti— Burnt Hills High School Graduate, Kyle Tran (20), took a 60kg silver medal at the Tahiti Open on Sunday, June 14. 

Tran, who trains at the Jason Morris Judo Center in Glenville, jumped 20 spots on the 60kg world ranking list rising to a career high #113 as a result of his best performance to date. Tran will join JMJC teammates, Melissa Myers (30) and Ramon Hernandez Jr. (25) next week to compete in the Argentina Open.