Photo of the Week Winter 2025 – February 13 – February 19, 2026
“Happy as a Blue Bird on this wintery day!”
by Susan Dornan
That’s all for Winter Photo of the Week!
Thank you to all who submitted!
Author: Saratoga TODAY
“Happy as a Blue Bird on this wintery day!”
by Susan Dornan
That’s all for Winter Photo of the Week!
Thank you to all who submitted!
Meet Gracie!!
Gracie is a confident and sweet 6-year-old cat who came to HOPE after her owner passed away. She was previously living in a trailer with her daughter, Baby, where they were cared for by a friend for 7 weeks.
After observing them at the adoption center for over a week, we have determined that they are not bonded. Baby thrives on her own, while Gracie tends to be overly dominant and bossy. Consequently, Gracie may do best as an only cat where she can receive undivided attention.
Gracie is spayed, up to date on her rabies vaccinations, and has tested negative for FIV and FeLV. She will require one more distemper vaccine in the coming weeks.
The HOPE Pet Adoption Center is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4 and by appointment. Online adoption applications can be found at our website www.hopeanimalrescue.org.
Saratoga County Restaurant Week returns for 2026 with gift card sweepstakes
The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce is bringing back its popular annual Saratoga County Restaurant Week.
Dozens of Saratoga County restaurants from Ballston Spa to Malta, Saratoga Springs, Schuylerville, Milton, Wilton and more are participating in the event, which will run from Wednesday, Feb. 25 through Thursday, March 5.
Participating restaurants will offer a $25, $35 or $45 three–course meal menu (plus tax and tip) for customers to experience and enjoy. Some restaurants will also offer $15 breakfast or lunch specials.
“We’re thrilled to host the 2026 Saratoga County Restaurant Week and showcase the incredible dining options in our community,” said Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “This annual event invites local residents and visitors from across the region to discover new restaurants they may not have experienced before, while also supporting locally owned establishments and the people who work there during a critical time of year.”
This year, the event will once again include a gift card sweepstakes through which one lucky winner will receive a prize package of multiple $100 gift cards to restaurants throughout Saratoga County. Participants may enter the sweepstakes daily on the Chamber’s website, and the winners will be selected and notified via email after Restaurant Week.
The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has spearheaded the well-known Saratoga County Restaurant Week for the past nine years.
“The Chamber looks forward to this week every year, as do many area residents,” Shimkus said. “Whether dining in or ordering takeout, supporting Saratoga County restaurants helps local businesses weather the winter months and sets them up for long-term success.”
Chefs and restaurateurs all over the county are busy preparing their Restaurant Week menu selections.
“We’re excited to be part of Saratoga County Restaurant Week and give people a great deal on what we do best, a Juicy Burger, Yukon Gold fries, and a fountain drink for $15,” said Dustin Flannery, owner and operator of Juicy Burgers and More in Milton. “It’s a fun way for us to welcome new faces, support the local food scene, and share our fresh, never-frozen steak burgers with the community.”
More information on Saratoga County Restaurant Week, including a full list of participating restaurants and menus, is available online at https://www.saratoga.org/live/2026-restaurant-week-winter-sweepstakes/
NYRA announces stakes schedule, logo and Prices for the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced the stakes schedule for the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, which will be held at Saratoga Race Course from Wednesday, June 3, through Sunday, June 7.
Highlighted by the 158th edition of Grade 1, $2 million Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets on Saturday, June 6, the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will include 10 Grade 1 races among 18 graded stakes across five days of world class competition.
With a new and re-imagined Belmont Park to open for live racing on September 18, 2026, the Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets will return to their Long Island Home beginning in 2027.
Tickets and hospitality offerings for the final edition of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga will go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. EST on Thursday, February 12 at BelmontStakes.com.
Pricing for Belmont Stakes Day general admission tickets is unchanged from 2025: $75 for adults and $20 for children ages 4 to 12. Admission is $30 for adults on Friday, June 5, and $10 on all other festival days. Admission is free for children 12 and under on each day other than Saturday, June 6.
Fans may purchase a five-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival admission bundle for $120 at a combined savings of more than 10 percent.
A blockbuster Belmont Stakes Day at Saratoga awaits fans on Saturday, June 6, with a program to include six Grade 1 events among seven graded stakes headlined by the Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets and featuring the Grade 1, $1 million Hill ‘n’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap; the Grade 1, $1 million Resorts World Casino Manhattan; the Grade 1, $500,000 Jaipur; the Grade 1, $500,000 Woody Stephens presented by Mohegan Sun; the Grade 1 $500,000 Just a Game presented by Resolute Racing and the Grade 3, $400,000 True North.
As in 2025, NYRA will raise the curtain on the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival with an Opening Day dedicated to New York-breds on Wednesday, June 3. The special New York Showcase Day program will offer six $200,000 events exclusively for horses foaled in the Empire State, including the Mike Lee, the Bouwerie, the Commentator, the Critical Eye, the Kingston and the Mount Vernon.
In total, the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will offer 25 stakes races worth $11,075,000 million in purses. For additional details and the full stakes schedule, visit BelmontStakes.com/schedule.
FOX Sports is the television home of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, providing viewers across the country with its Eclipse Award-winning coverage of all five days of the Festival.
The Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets will once again be contested at 1 1/4 miles in 2026 rather than the traditional 1 1/2 miles due to the configuration of Saratoga’s main track.
NYRA unveiled the official logo for the race on Feb. 10. The logo builds on the visual foundation established over the prior two years. Centered around the Marylou Whitney Entrance at Saratoga, the image features three flags to acknowledge the conclusion of an unprecedented period when Saratoga played host to the Belmont Stakes.
February 13 – February 19, 2026
BALLSTON
Kevin Finn sold property at 92 Westside Dr to Deana Hopeck for $285,888
Richard Kruzikas sold property at 75 Midline Rd to Dominic Scaringe for $425,000
RBC Ballston Spa Development sold property at Route 50 to RBC Ballston Spa Development LLC for $1,000,000
CORINTH
Eric Beyersdorf sold property at 23 Locust Ridge Dr to Henry Dutcher for $433,000
GALWAY
Mark LaJeunesse sold property at 2501 North Line Rd to HA RV LLC for $1,100,000
GREENFIELD
Bear Woods LLC sold property at 32 Lady Slipper Lane to Loren Martel for $355,000
Beth Kenney sold property at 62 Wilton Rd to EC Wilton Road LLC for $490,000
MALTA
Edward Molina sold property at 150 Thimbleberry Rd to Joseph Femia for $335,000
Superior Group NY Inc sold property at 22 Lupine Dr to Muhammad Jamil for $460,000
Sherry Walker sold property at 40 Stony Point Rd to Ronald Shelmerdine for $540,000
Janina Mantell sold property at 57 Bayberry Dr to and Brendan Fiore for $599,000
MILTON
Judith Shipherd sold property at 15 Pinehollow Dr to McKenzie Dillman for $480,000
Alexandra Hennessy sold property at 50 Deer Run Dr to Eric Graves for $325,000
Joseph Coman sold property at 833 Salem Dr to Jonathan Roman for $475,000
Daniel McCoy sold property at 255 West Milton Rd to Joshua Wittemeyer for $265,000
SARATOGA
William Brown sold property at 100 Hill St to Michael Naclerio for $417,500
SARATOGA SPRINGS
Dean Williams sold property at 29 Lakewood Dr to Ritchie Assini for $775,000
6415 Properties sold property at 362 Lake Ave to Christopher Catano for $617,000
West Circular Street Corp sold property at 74 West Circular St to Rise Housing and Support Services for $3,000,000
Judy Geist sold property at 34 Marion Ave to Gerald McCoy for $210,000
WILTON
Forest Grove LLC sold property at 24 Plumas Pl to Neal Cutrone for $891,467
Amy Worth sold property at 69 Worth Rd Rd to Kevin Partlow for $322,000
Robert Amberger sold property at 16 Santee Dr to Alexandra Hennessy for $455,000
Edie Road LLC sold property at 7 Northbrook Dr to Leon Averbukh for $300,000
Blotter Report (Feb. 4- Feb. 10)
February 4, 2026. 1:51 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Cobleskill resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of 4th degree grand larceny: value greater than $1000. Held no bail. Incident was originally reported in the Town of Halfmoon.
February 4, 2026. 3:59 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Corinth resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.
February 4, 2026. 7:50 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Troy resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest stemmed from an accident on Route 146 with no injuries reported.
February 4, 2026. 8:40 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident on charges of felony burglary: use of a dangerous instrument, felony 2nd degree criminal mischief, felony 3rd degree criminal possession of a weapon- previous conviction, felony assault 2, cause injury to non-participant during commission of a crime, misdemeanor 2nd degree menacing: weapon and misdemeanor criminal obstruction of breathing: apply pressure. Held- no bail. Original incident occurred in the Town of Halfmoon on Feb. 3.
February 5, 2026. 8:31 a.m.- New York State Police arrested an Altamont resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.
February 5, 2026. 8:47 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Mechanicville resident on charges of 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and other traffic offenses. Arrest occurred at the intersection of New Street and Ballston Avenue
February 5, 2026. 8:55 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident on charges of 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and other traffic offenses. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Railroad Place and Church Street.
February 5, 2026. 3:17 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of 3rd degree assault with intent to cause physical injury, 2nd degree assault with intent to cause physical injury with a weapon, criminal mischief: disable equipment to prevent emergency call to first responders, 2nd degree robbery: cause physical injury, and criminal possession of a weapon. Arrest occurred on South Broadway.
February 5, 2026. 4:14 p.m.- New York State Police arrested an Albany resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor motor vehicle violation: registration suspended. Appearance ticket issued.
February 5, 2026. 5:47 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of 2nd degree robbery: causes physical injury, criminal obstruction of breathing- apply pressure, and 3rd degree assault with intent to cause physical injury. Arrest occurred on Wells Street.
February 5, 2026. 10:16 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Highland resident on charges of 2nd degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and other traffic violations. Arrest occurred on Union Avenue.
February 6, 2026. 8:51 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Halfmoon resident on charges of aggravated harassment- threatened by telephone/ no legitimate purpose. Arrest occurred on South Federal Street.
February 6, 2026. 9:09 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a South Glens Falls resident in the Village of South Glens Falls on charges of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance ticket issued.
February 6, 2026. 12:44 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Milton resident on charges of 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and other traffic offenses. Arrest occurred on Seward Street.
February 6, 2026. 6:58 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Waterbury, VT resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher and misdemeanor aggravated DWI: BAC of .18 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. Incident stemmed from an accident on interstate 87 near exit 16 in which one person was injured.
February 7. 2026. 1:41 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor reckless driving, misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher, misdemeanor 2nd degree reckless endangerment and misdemeanor DWI- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.
February 7, 2026. 11:49 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Fort Edward 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.
February 7, 2026. 3:21 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.
February 7, 2026. 5:39 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Fultonville resident in the Town of Galway on charges of misdemeanor petit larceny. Central arraignment.
February 7, 2026. 7:48 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested an individual on charges of 3rd degree criminal trespassing. Arrest occurred on South Broadway.
February 7, 2026. 8:51 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Corinth resident in the Village of South Glens Falls on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.
February 7, 2026. 10:31 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Pisco resident on charges of disorderly conduct: fight/ violent behavior. Arrest occurred on Caroline Street.
February 7, 2026. 10:32 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Glenmont resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher- first offense and attempted misdemeanor DWI- first offense. Released to 3rd party.
February 7, 2026. 11:33 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Gansevoort resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher and felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.
February 8, 2026. 1:41 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Hudson Falls resident on charges of 3rd degree assault with intent to cause physical injury and disorderly conduct: fight/ violent behavior. Arrest occurred on Caroline Street.
February 8, 2026. 1:58 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Gansevoort resident on charges of 2nd degree harassment: physical contact, 2nd degree obstructing government administration and resisting arrest. Arrest occurred on Caroline Street.
February 8, 2026. 2:58 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Pittsfield, MA, resident on charges of DWI- first offense, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense and other traffic violations. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Circular Street and Caroline Street.
February 8, 2026. 3:54 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and 2 counts of 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance ticket issued.
February 8, 2026. 3:55 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Gansevoort resident on charges of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance ticket issued.
February 8, 2026. 4:22 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident on charges of DWI- first offense, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense and other traffic offences. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Union Avenue and Henning Road.
February 8, 2026. 8:40 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident on charges of operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest stemmed from vehicle accident on Rocket Dr.
February 8, 2026. 3:09 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Mechanicville resident on charges of operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs- first offense and other traffic offenses. Arrest occurred on Route 50.
February 8, 2026. 6:19 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Jamaica resident on charges of 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and other traffic offenses. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Route 9 and Kaydeross Avenue West.
February 8, 2026. 11:28 p.m.- New York State Police arrested an Albany resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher. Appearance ticket issued.
February 8, 2026. 11:45 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Greenfield Center resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, misdemeanor aggravated DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher. Appearance ticket issued. Incident stemmed from a single vehicle accident on East High Street.
February 9, 2026. 12:21 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Rock Cit Falls resident on charges of operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs- first offense. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Northway Court and Crecent Avenue.
February 9, 2026. 1:00 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident on charges of criminal contempt, aggravated family offenses and a traffic infraction. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and South Broadway.
February 9, 2026. 9:20 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree bail jumping. Central arraignment.
February 9, 2025. 3:22 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schuylerville resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.
February 9, 2026. 3:26 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and two counts of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Judith S. Ochs
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Judith S. Ochs, passed away February 8, 2026. Calling hours were on February 12 at Compassionate Funeral Care, Saratoga Springs, NY. Followed by a blessing that was offered by Chaplain Thomas Ryberg. A burial will take place in the spring. Online condolences: compassionatefuneralcare.com.
Jami Jones
BALLSTON LAKE – Jami Jones, age 54, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Saratoga Hospital with her family by her side. At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service at this time. For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
Agnes Lovering O’Brien Hunter
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Agnes Lovering O’Brien Hunter passed away peacefully Monday, February 9, 2026. She was 79. Calling hours are 10 am – 12 pm, Sunday February 15 at Burke Funeral Home. Burial is private. Memorial donations to the Friends of the Saratoga Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.
Laurie Dudka
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Laurie Dudka, passed away February 9, 2026. Calling hours will be held February 15 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, Saratoga Springs. A celebration of life will follow from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at VFW Post 420, 190 Excelsior Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY. Online condolences: compassionatefuneralcare.com.
