SARATOGA SPRINGS – Walter J. Gurren, Jr., passed away peacefully at home on May 8, 2026, with his family and “guard dog” Cooper at his side. Burial with military honors took place on May 14, at the Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial donations to Estherville Animal Shelter, 100 Russell Road, Greenfield Center, NY 12833. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.
MECHANICVILLE – Anthony F. “Tony” Lanzone, 86, passed away on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2026, after an extended illness. Born in Mechanicville on November 16, 1939, son of the late Joseph and Catherine Tata Lanzone. Tony was a licensed barber. He owned and operated Tony’s Barber Shop in the Village of Stillwater for over 50 years. Later turning the reins over to his nephew, Joe Lanzone. He was a very long time Seattle Seahawks and NY Yankees fan. He enjoyed going to the racetrack as well as owning Standard bred horses. He loved to play golf. Survivors are his special daughter and son-in-law Denise (Bill) Morehouse of Ballston Spa. His grandson Christopher (Heather) Morehouse, granddaughter Heather (Brian) Gile, great grandchildren Mason, Brian Jr., Hayleigh, Derek, Carter, and Arianna. Brothers Vince (late Carol) Lanzone, Joseph (Mary Carol) Lanzone of Mechanicville. Several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Nancy L. Bean, 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 4, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.
Born on August 17, 1939, in Woodsville, New Hampshire, Nancy was the beloved daughter of the late George W. Oliver and Phyllis Willey. She carried with her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for life’s simple joys.
Nancy dedicated many years of her life working as a talented seamstress at Cudney’s Dry Cleaning, where her skill and attention to detail were well known. Outside of her work, she found happiness in the things she loved most; spending time on the slot machines, sewing and she loved to dance to country music. She especially cherished sharing special moments at the harness races with her beloved husband, Earl Bean, to whom she was deeply devoted. Yet, above all else, Nancy’s greatest joy came from her family. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the true center of her world.
Nancy will be remembered for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and the warmth she extended to everyone she met. Her presence brought comfort, laughter, and love to those around her.
She is survived by her loving children, Karen Forbes, Linda Bean, Timothy Bean (Debbie Crawford), and Julie Brasser (Kevin); her seven cherished granddaughters, Shannon VanHall (Eric), Lauren Fredmonski (Matt), Keri Pehl, Nicole Forbes (Jose Corporan), Kellie Bean, Lindsey Nolan (Jordan), and Micayla LaFave (Dylan); as well as five adored great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many dear friends who will miss her greatly.
In addition to her parents, Nancy was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Earl Bean, her son-in-law, Jeff Forbes and her siblings.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Joyce and Jimmy Hilliker for their unwavering love, support, and compassion during this difficult time.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday, May 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.
Nancy’s legacy of love, devotion, and quiet strength will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
For online condolences, please visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
Each year taking place across the nation and around the world, the VFW sets aside one day as a “Day of Service” showcasing veterans banding together to make a difference in their communities.
This year Gurtler Brothers VFW Post 420 is partnering with Adopt a Soldier to gather needed items for our troops overseas as they serve this great nation. Volunteers are needed and will pack and ship boxes on Saturday, May 16th at VFW Post 420, 190 Excelsior Avenue beginning at 10:00 am. If you would like to volunteer, you’re welcome to help.
It costs a minimum of $19.00 to ship a package of needed items to our troops overseas. VFW Post 420 is collecting donations to purchase needed items and ship them. YOU can help by making a donation. If you would like to make a donation, make your check payable to VFW Post 420 and drop it off at the Post or mail it to: VFW Post 420, PO Box 209, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. All donations are tax deductible.
For more information you can call Post Commander Jon Chieco at (518) 649-2190 or Post Quartermaster Gene Ratigliano at (518) 796-4338.
May 7, 2026. 10:20 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Slatington, PA resident in the Town of Clifton Park on two counts of misdemeanor reckless driving. Arrest occurred after a three-vehicle accident on the Southbound Exit 10 on Interstate 87 in which two people were injured.
May 7, 2026. 6:19 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Jamacia resident in the Town of Northumberland on charges of felony 3rd degree grand larceny: property value exceeds $3000. Held- no bail, investigation pending.
May 7, 2026. 10:57 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schuylerville resident in the Town of Malta on charges of felony 1st degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, misdemeanor DWI- 1st offence and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.
May 8, 2026. 7:25 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Mechanicville resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of felony possessing a sexual performance by a child and felony promoting a sexual performance by a child less than 17. Central arraignment. Original incident reported March 1.
May 9, 2026. 12:32 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Shushan resident in the Town of Stillwater on charges of felony 2nd degree burglary and misdemeanor criminal mischief: intent to damage property.
May 9, 2026. 8:10 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Westerlo resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and two counts of 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance ticket issued.
May 9, 2026. 3:33 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Gansevoort resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle: three or more open suspensions. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest occurred after a two-vehicle accident on Jones Rd.
May 9, 2026. 10:50 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest occurred after a single vehicle accident on Grooms Rd.
May 10, 2026. 2:15 p.m.- New York State Police arrested an Albany resident in the Town of Colonie on charges of misdemeanor 4th degree stalking and misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated harassment- communicate threat by phone/computer/mail. Appearance ticket issued. Original incident occurred May 5 in the Town of Clifton Park.
May 10, 2026. 1:09 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Niskayuna resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor DWI-first offense and misdemeanor aggravated DWI: BAC of .18 or higher- no priors. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest occurred after an accident on Interstate 87.
May 11, 2026. 1:30 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Gansevoort resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense.
May 11, 2026. 11:44 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Green Island resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.
May 11, 2026. 6:23 p.m.- New York State Police arrested an Alplaus resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest occurred after a single vehicle accident on Interstate 87 Exit 8A.
May 11, 2026. 8:27 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a South Glens Falls resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of misdemeanor criminal trespass: property fenced in or enclosed. Appearance ticket issued.
May 11, 2026. 9:58 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor reckless driving and misdemeanor 3rd degree unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle. Held- no bail.
Sheriff Jeffrey R. Brown announced today that the Sheriff’s Office will begin a targeted education campaign surrounding electric scooters and bicycles with electric assist – also known as “E-Scooters” and “E-Bikes.”
“In many cases, people who ride these devices simply don’t know the law,” Brown said. “First and foremost, we want to make sure our citizens are safe while at the same time respecting the rights of other people using the roadways with them.”
Some key points pertaining to class one and class two E-Bikes and E-Scooters:
• No person less than 16 years of age may operate an E-Bike or E-Scooter.
• Helmets are required for riders aged 16 and 17.
• These devices are only lawful to use on highways with a posted speed limit of 30 mph or less.
• E-Bikes may not travel faster than 20 mph.
• E-Scooters may not travel faster than 15 mph.
• E-Bikes and E-Scooters may not be operated on sidewalks except as authorized by local law or ordinance.
• All E-Bikes must be 36” wide or less, have an electric motor of no more than 750 watts and be equipped with operable pedals.
• No operation on public lands except where posted for such travel.
• Municipalities can further regulate the time, place and manner of operation of these devices.
• E-bikes and E-Scooters are granted all of the rights and are subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle and the rider of a bicycle.
• A parent may be issued a traffic summons under certain circumstances for a person less than 16 years of age operating these devices.
• Operation in violation of the laws may result in civil or criminal liability to parents of minor riders.
•Operation in violation of the laws may result in civil or criminal liability to parents of minor riders.
Many of the complaints brought to the Office’s attention involve so-called E-Dirt Bikes which are classified as off-highway motorcycles under New York law. They are not legal on public roads, sidewalks, bike paths or parks unless fully registered, insured and otherwise street legal. Most recreational models do not meet these requirements.
“We will be out there educating our communities and enforcing where necessary,” Brown said. “I also want to make it clear that parents need to be aware of what their minor children are operating and the way they are doing so. I can’t emphasize it enough – these are not toys, and incorrect usage of them can result in very serious consequences.”
The LaCROSSe Out Cancer Challenge raised $10,000 in 2024 and $16,000 in 2025. 2024 photo by Jonathon Norcross; 2024 photo provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs and Shaker varsity girls lacrosse teams will come together on Saturday, May 9 at 11 a.m. to honor the memory of Olivia Allen, a Saratoga grad who succumbed to leukemia in 2024.
The third annual LaCROSSe Out Cancer Challenge, taking place at Saratoga Springs High School, will raise money for both the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) and the Live Like Liv Foundation. Both organizations are dedicated to advancing pediatric cancer research and supporting children and families affected by cancer.
In 2025, the LaCROSSe Out Cancer Challenge at Saratoga High raised $16,000. In 2024, the fundraiser garnered $10,000.
“Olivia [Allen] left a legacy of strength and determination,” said Blue Streaks Lacrosse Coach Jennifer Furze at the 2024 event. “Liv’s heroic story is being heard and felt throughout the entire country. It is truly a testament to the beautiful human being she was.”
The remarks were deeply personal for Furze, whose daughter was close friends with Allen.
Allen passed away after living with blood cancer for nearly a year. Her experience is not unique. According to the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, more children under 20 years old are lost to cancer than any other disease.
The Live Like Liv Foundation was created to honor Allen’s legacy by supporting pediatric cancer patients and their families through programs that provide comfort, connection, and moments of joy during treatment. Inspired by Allen’s strength and spirit, the foundation is committed to ensuring that no child or family faces cancer alone.
“We are proud of the way our players are stepping up to help other kids,” said Furze in a recent press release. “Unfortunately, too many of them have a friend, relative, or peer who has faced cancer. We all feel that it’s important to contribute and ensure a better future for kids.”
Prior to the opening draw, the players from Shaker will complete 41 passes with the players from Saratoga Springs in honor of Allen and the 41 children diagnosed with cancer each day in the U.S. Their goal is to raise $15,000. As of press time, they had already raised more than $7,000.
To donate to the cause, visit charity.pledgeit.org/PCRF-LaCROSSeOutCancer/teams/togaglax.
ITHACA — The Skidmore College men’s tennis team won the Liberty League title match 4-3 over Vassar College last Sunday, clinching their spot in the NCAA Division III tournament. The 16-5 Thoroughbreds will face 12-4 Bridgewater State University in first-round action on Friday, May 8.
Skidmore, which is ranked 24th nationally, has now won 16 Liberty League titles. This is their first since 2021 and their first under Head Coach AJ Nelson.
In the match against Vassar, Tournament Most Outstanding Player Kyle Lundberg swung the momentum back in Skidmore’s favor, and freshman Ege Topbas closed it out. Vassar claimed each of the first three singles decisions, but Lundberg swung momentum right back with a clutch 7-5, 7-5 win over Fernando Bauermeister to pull the Thoroughbreds to within one with two tight matches still going on. Radin Sadeghi knotted it up at three with a three-set triumph (6-4, 1-6, 6-1) at fifth singles over Jonas Santos. Then, Topbas got a break in the last game to take the third set, 6-4, over Junchen Jia in the No. 4 match to clinch the championship for Skidmore.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — More than 1,200 runners and walkers are expected to participate Sunday, May 10 in the 14th annual Kelly’s Angels Mother-Lovin’ 5K Run/Walk at Saratoga Spa State Park.
Kelly’s Angels is an all-volunteer Capital Region charity that aids local children who have lost a parent or principal caregiver to cancer. It also helps families who are fighting serious illnesses.
Founded by NewsChannel 13’s Mark Mulholland in memory of his wife Kelly who passed away at 37, Kelly’s Angels provides grants to children, dozens of college scholarships to graduating high school seniors, and financial support to families struggling with a life-threatening illness.
This year’s Mother-Lovin’ 5K begins with registration from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., a kids’ fun run at 8:45 a.m., and the 5k run/walk at 9:15 a.m. An awards ceremony will be held at 10:15 a.m.
The event will be based at Saratoga Spa State Park’s Orenda Pavilion. Free parking will be available in the Saratoga Performing Arts Center lot off Route 50. There will be auctions, food, music, and more. New this year: all registrants get a free car wash from Hoffman Car Wash.
Registration for the run/walk is still open at https://zippy-reg.com/online_reg/?e=2406.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Toga Dynasty, a fourth-grade boys basketball team from Saratoga Springs, continued its impressive season last weekend, going undefeated to win the Capital City Classic Championship at a Syracuse Select event.
Head coach Alex Shmulsky said the championship run reflected the team’s growth throughout the season.
“This group keeps finding ways to battle,” Shmulsky said. “I’m proud of how hard they work, how much they’ve improved, and the way they continue to play for each other and have fun doing it.”
Toga Dynasty opened the tournament with a 41-5 win over City Rocks Third Grade, then followed with a 42-40 victory over City Rocks Fourth Grade on a last-second shot to finish pool play unbeaten.
On Sunday, Toga Dynasty defeated Schoharie Valley Nitros 30-21 in the semifinal round to earn a spot in the championship game against D Squad.
The title game delivered the most dramatic moment of the weekend. Toga Dynasty trailed by 7 points with less than a minute to play before mounting a furious comeback. JJ Rotondi hit a last-second shot at the end of regulation to tie the game and send it to overtime, where Toga Dynasty completed the rally for a 46-44 championship win.
The tournament title was Toga Dynasty’s third championship of the season.
