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Author: Saratoga TODAY

2026 Annual School Budget Presentations, BOE Elections, and Voter Information

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education, Featured.

The Ballston Spa CSD Board of Education approved the proposed 2026-2027 school district budget on April 15, 2026. 

On May 19, 2026, district voters will cast their vote for the proposed school budget of $113,742,988, which represents a 3.1% increase in expenditures over the 2025-2026 budget. The projected tax levy to support the 2026-2027 budget is $65,590,400, which represents a 3.9% increase over the 2025-2026 tax levy. 

District voters will also vote on four propositions on the ballot on May 19, 2026:

• Proposition I: School Budget proposal for the 2026-2027 school year in the amount of $113,742,988.

• Proposition II: School Vehicle Replacement in the amount of up to $1,620,100 to purchase and replace school buses and vehicles.

• Proposition III: The district will spend up to $295,000 to purchase one electric bus.

• Proposition IV: The district will be authorized to collect and contribute $65,902 towards the expense of operating the Ballston Spa Public Library.

The School District Annual Budget Hearing is scheduled for May 6, 2026, at 6:00pm in the Ballston Spa High School Library, followed by the regular meeting at 7:00pm.

A  Meet the Candidates Night will be held on Monday, May 5, 2026, at 6:00pm in the Ballston Spa High School Library for area voters to learn more about the candidates for the Board of Education. There are three Board of Education seats up for election this year, commencing in July 2026.  Voters will select from the following candidates, listed in ballot order, at the polls on Tuesday, May 19, 2026:

• Matthew Dreher

• Katie Whittemore

• Julia Routbort Baskin 

Learn more about each candidate on our Board of Education, Meet the Candidates page on our website. The evening will be broadcast on the district’s  YouTube Channel  for anyone that is unable to attend the live event. It will also be available for viewing after the event.

Community Budget Presentations are offered for residents to learn more about the budget proposal. Interested voters are invited to attend on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Ballston Town Hall, Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Milton Community Center or Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the Malta Community Center – all at 6:00pm.

If a resident of the school district meets the definition of a “qualified voter” but has not registered to vote, (s)he must first register to be eligible to receive a ballot.  A qualified voter is a United States citizen, at least 18 years of age on election day, residing in the Ballston Spa Central School District for 30 days immediately prior to election day and has registered to vote. A qualified voter must register with the county by contacting the Saratoga County Board of Elections. If you are registered with the county Board of Elections to vote in the general election, you are all set to vote on May 19, 2026.

The annual statewide School Budget Vote and Board of Education Elections will be held on May 19, 2026, from 7:00am – 9:00pm. District residents vote at Ballston Spa High School (residents of the Towns of Ballston, Milton and Charlton) and the Malta Town Hall (residents of Malta). 

SJCA Announces a Panel Discussion of the Documentary, America and the Holocaust, Wednesday, May 6 at 7 pm on Zoom

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Saratoga Jewish Community Arts, generously supported by a grant from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and sponsored by Temple Sinai, presents a panel discussion on Zoom of the public television documentary, America and the Holocaust, Wednesday, May 6 at 7 pm.

 America and the Holocaust explores the decisions that President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his State Department made to block news about the growing genocide in Europe, as well as to keep Jewish immigration drastically below the limits of an-already tight quota system, both before and during World War II. 

 That policy’s result: nearly 200,000 Jews eligible for entry into America were barred and subsequently murdered in the Holocaust. Americans’ self-image of ethical uprightness in the face of Nazi terror remained an unexamined myth of national life that was shattered by this 1994 film, directed by Martin Ostrow, and by later documentaries by Ken Burns and others.

 Ostrow reveals how social, political, and economic forces in America during the Roosevelt years shaped the U.S. government’s response to growing antisemitism in Europe. Racism, antisemitism and isolationism during those years permeated both political parties.

 Since the end of WWII, evidence has accumulated that before and during the war, the State Department was in effect a pioneer in Holocaust revisionism. The film traces the Government’s apparent indifference to the antisemitism of the 1920s and 1930s, typified by the German American Bund’s mass rallies and Rev. Charles Coughlin’s antisemitic radio broadcasts. Nativist politicians echoed their hate-filled messages. In the film, a former Treasury Department official says State Department officials shrugged off the plight of European refugees in deference to America’s perceived economic and political interests in the Middle East.  

 Do the forces that fueled America’s indifference to refugees’ plight in last century persist today, in old and guises?

 “The record may stir uncomfortable, if not infuriating, thoughts about current American behavior toward refugees seeking to escape despotism, war and other abysmal conditions,” said Phyllis Wang, Coordinator of the SJCA series. 

 Where to Watch the Film

The documentary is available to stream free on YouTube. Click https://youtu.be/ZG1GR61qkls?si=3ngOBSO_yxtHksus 

 How to Register

Pre-registration is required. Click the blue box above or enter the URL below in your browser:

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/59bIfbh/AmericaHolocaust.

Opening Soon:Gaffney’s, Sunset at Saratoga, Old Tavern Farm Distillery, 9 Miles East Cafe

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business, Featured.

The Old Tavern Farm Distillery’s Granary, one of several local establishments opening up shop in the coming days. Photo via Old Tavern Farm.

SARATOGA COUNTY — Spring has sprung and Saratoga is humming.

A host of eateries are set to open up shop soon, just in time for the Kentucky Derby. Here’s a rundown of what’s happening.

9 Miles East Cafe

On Friday, May 1, the 9 Miles East Cafe at the Saratoga Senior Center will open to the public. A full-service café will launch this June, but in the meantime, the public is invited to enjoy a preview all month long. The cafe will offer a selection of fresh, healthy grab-and-go items including soups, sandwiches, pizza, and more. The hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunset at Saratoga

Sunset at Saratoga, the new restaurant located on the second floor of the Saratoga County Airport, opens Friday, May 1 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On Saturday, May 2, the restaurant is hosting an open house event featuring helicopter rides, Common Roots Brewing tastings, and live music by Rich Ortiz from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunset at Saratoga’s hours are 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Gaffney’s

The highly-anticipated reopening of Gaffney’s is set for Saturday, May 2. Under the direction of Mike Malone and Mike Morgan, Gaffney’s will return with a reimagined interior that includes The Parlor, a lounge “designed for conversation and connection.” Also inside the new Gaffney’s: a sports bar, open-air patio, live music, and coastal culinary fare with a Southern influence.

Old Tavern Farm Distillery

On Monday, May 4, Old Tavern Farm’s Granary rickhouse and tasting room will open for the season. The Granary, a restored late-1700’s timber frame grain barn, is at the Old Tavern Farm Village (142 Co. Rd. 71 in Stillwater) and will be open from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Mondays will feature a cigar night from 5 to 7 p.m.

Week of May 1 – May 7, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

BALLSTON

Norman James sold property at 283 Round lake Rd to Sandra Koslow for $575,000

Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 30 Tamarack St to Victor Devito for $744,980

Barbera Homes Kelley Farms LLC sold property at 44 Saddlebrook Blvd to Garrett Bernardo for $912,593

CHARLTON

Matthew Nathan sold property at 133 Dawson St to James Grigas for $985,000

CORINTH

Jill Freeman sold property at 112 Oak St to Roberto Melillo for $193,000

GREENFIELD

Thomas Zanetti sold property at 725 Locust Grove Rd to Edward English for $950,000

MALTA

Brick and Ivy Restoration Designs Inc sold property at 198 Thimbleberry Rd to Alberto Ocon for $320,000

Malta Land Company LLC sold property at 18 Admirals Way to Danielle DaCunha for $820,517

PPP Properties LLC sold property at 4 Woodshire Ct to 108 Cameron Suriano for $475,000

Daniel Cardella sold property at 2 Plum Poppys to Hector Raynes for $489,900

Michaels Group Homes LLC sold property at 40 Wiggins Dr to Michele Edwards for $661,310

MILTON

Timothy Moran sold property at 356 Lexington St to Anthony Felice for $475,000

Homestead Landing LLC sold property at 30 Catalina Dr to Sheila Weinberg for $175,000

Homestead Landing LLC sold property at 34 Catalina Dr to Elyse Gaudin for $175,000

Shawn Lescault sold property at 23 Burning Pines Dr to US Bank Trust National Assoc. for $243,469

SARATOGA

Louis Maggiore sold property at 161 Broad St to Turning Point Partners LLC for $165,000

Michael Kopp sold property at 28 Hill Rd to Duy Anh Than Trong for $890,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Simon Beauchamp sold property at 69 Second St to Jacob Durling for $880,000

Sandra Whalen sold property at 1 Hathorn Blvd to Thomas Payne for $375,000

Blaine Dunn sold property at 5 Spring St Unit 402 to David Fiorita for $795,000

Ryan Gallagher sold property at 64 Hathorn Blvd to Jaime Charbonneau for $390,000

Reid James sold property at 16 Nelson Ave to 16 Nelson Ave LLC for $785,000

Adelphi Owner II LLC sold property at 19 Washington St Apt 654 to Mujgan Malady  for $2,175,000

Stock Properties LLC sold property at 216 West Ave to Reid James for $399,000

Circular Street Holdings LLC sold property at 135 Maple Ave to Silvio Honovic for $950,000

Saratoga County Community Residential Project sold property at 64 Washington St to 64 Washington Street LLC for $2,100,000

Marcia MacDonald sold property at 3 Beacon Hill Dr to William Diener for $1,575,000

WILTON

Saratoga Group Wilton LLC sold property at 11 Brookhaven Ct to Pigliavento Assoc. for $124,000

Walter Howard sold property at 243 Wilton Gansevoort to Leisa Grant for $450,000

Pigliavento Assoc.LLC sold property at 11 Brookhaven Ct to Daniel Fasano for $1,037,842

District Attorney Brett Eby Announces Indictment in Attempted Murder Case

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office announces that a Saratoga County Grand Jury has returned an indictment against Aaron G. Gookin. The defendant is charged with attempted murder in the second degree, a class “B” violent felony, attempted assault in the first-degree, strangulation in the second degree, two counts of assault in the second degree, and other misdemeanor offenses. 

The indictment alleges that on February 18, 2026, in the Town of Moreau, Gookin attempted to intentionally cause the death of his 77-year-old mother. It is alleged that the defendant strangled the victim and struck her in the head with a piece of wood, causing serious physical injuries. The investigation concluded that the attack occurred after the victim attempted to intervene and protect Gookin from an internet financial scam.

The case is being prosecuted by Special Victims Unit Bureau Chief Rachael Phelan and Assistant District Attorney Emily Williams.

The District Attorney’s Office extends its sincere gratitude to the South Glens Falls Police Department, and in particular Patrolman Michael Gailor, for their diligent and professional work in investigating this matter.

“This was a deeply disturbing and violent attack against a vulnerable member of our community,” District Attorney Brett Eby said. “Our office is committed to supporting the victim and ensuring she is treated with dignity and respect throughout this process. We will continue to work diligently to prepare the strongest possible case and to pursue justice on her behalf.”

Meet Emma!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Emma is a gorgeous tabby cat who came to HOPE with her housemate Matthew. Although they have lived together for years, they never bonded and she is a bit of a bully to sweet Matthew. They lost their mom a few years ago and were living with a family member who tried desperately to integrate them into her household with other cats and dogs. Unfortunately, it did not work out, and both cats were not thriving in the home. The difficult decision was made to rehome them. Emma would prefer to be the only pet in the home where she will get all of the attention. She is such a nice kitty, is very confident and just needs to find a lap and home where she will be spoiled for the rest of her life. Her markings are beautiful and she instantly purrs when visitors come to sit with her. She is spayed, up to date on vaccines and ready for her forever home!

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

Two Saratoga County Businesses Busted for Selling Alcohol to Minors

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The New York State Police has announced that two businesses failed a compliance check after they sold alcohol to someone below the ages of 21. 

The Speedway located at 229 Church Ave in the Town of Ballston and Lucky’s Market in the Town of Milton were found not to be in compliance with state liquor laws. The checks resulted in two people being arrested and charged with misdemeanor first degree unlawful dealing with a child. 

Of the 21 businesses checked in the sweep, 19 were found to be in compliance of the law. Those 19 were:

• Valero, 1324 NY 50 Ballston Spa, NY 12020

• Runway Express, 1402 Saratoga Rd Ballston Spa, NY 12020

• Cumberland Farms, 75 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

• Citgo Yazzy’s Market, 252 Milton Ave Ballston Spa, NY 12020

• Gulf Union Food Mart, 2 South St Ballston Spa, NY 12020

• Sunoco, 2135 Double Day Ave, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

• CVS, 2027 Double Day Ave, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

• Post Time Wine and Spirits, 170 South Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

• Sunoco, 154 South Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

• Stewarts, 210 South Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

• Spa City Wine & Liquor, 129 Ballston Spa Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

• Dollar General, 44 Spring St Schuylerville, NY 12871

• Cumberland Farms, 19 Spring St Schuylerville, NY 12771

• Stewarts, 208 Broad St Schuylerville, NY 12871

• Sunoco, 75 Hudson Ave Stillwater, NY 12170

• Del’s Wine & Spirits, 1 Price Chopper Plaza Mechanicville, NY 12118

• Dollar General, 1 Price Chopper Plaza Mechanicville, NY 12118

• Walgreens, 27 Round Lake Rd Ballston Lake, NY 12019

• Saratoga Wine Exchange, 43 Round Lake Rd Ballston Lake, 12019

During the sweeps, New York State Police utilized a plainclothes trooper and an underage operative. 

Week of May 1 – May 7, 2026

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

April 22, 2026. 12:48 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Hogansburg resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of felony 1st degree criminal possession of a controlled substance: eight ounces or more of a narcotic drug. Investigation pending. 

April 22, 2026. 1:26 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Malta on charges of felony 2nd degree bail jumping. Cash bail.

April 22, 2026. 9:14 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Waterford resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Released to 3rd party.

April 22, 2026. 11:41 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Berwyn, Illinois resident 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. 

April 23, 2026. 10:50 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Cohoes resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.

April 24, 2026. 10:04 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Corinth resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

April 24, 2026. 12:30 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Rensselaer resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of felony 2nd degree possession of a forged instrument and felony possess or using an altered or forged certificate of title. Appearance ticket issued. 

April 24, 2026. 5:30 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of felony 2nd degree assault: with intent to cause serious physical injury, misdemeanor 2nd degree menacing: weapon, and misdemeanor 4th degree criminal possession of a weapon: intent to use. Central arraignment. 

April 24, 2026. 9:35 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Troy resident in the Town of Malta 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. Appearance ticket issued. 

April 24, 2026. 11:08 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park 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 and misdemeanor aggravated DWI: BAC of .18 or higher. Appearance ticket issued. 

April 25, 2026. 9:56 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Mechanicville resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

April 25, 2026. 4:15 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.

April 25, 2026. 11:45 p.m.- New York State Police arrested an Amsterdam resident in the Town of Galway on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree assault: with intent to cause physical injury. Appearance ticket issued. Incident occurred in the Village of Stillwater on Sept. 7. 

April 26, 2026. 1:30 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a North Claredon Vermont on charges of 2nd degree criminal impersonation: other person. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Broadway and Walton Street.

April 26, 2026. 3:00 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Granville resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor DWI- 1st offense and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. 

April 26, 2026. 11:40 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Clifton Park resident on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

April 26, 2026. 10:48 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. Appearance ticket issued. 

April 26, 2026. 11:10 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Mechanicville resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs- 1st offense and felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle: commit aggravated unlicensed operation while impaired. Appearance ticket issued. 

April 27, 2026. 5:18 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Glens Falls resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs- 1st offense. Appearance ticket issued. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest stemmed from a single vehicle crash on Interstate 87. 

April 28, 2026. 4:22 p.m.- New York State Police arrested an Albany resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest stemmed from a single vehicle accident on County Route 76. 

April 29, 2026. 1:39 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Wilton resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor DWI-first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

April 29, 2026. 3:50 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of felony DWAI by Drugs: prior conviction within the last 10 years and three counts of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Central arraignment. 

Nancy Elizabeth Haight Carmer

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

WILTON, NY- Nancy Elizabeth Haight Carmer peacefully passed away on April 22, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born January 1, 1937, in Athens, PA, Nancy was the oldest child of the late Carl and Nellie Haight and spent her childhood in beautiful, rural Willawana, PA.  She was a graduate of Athens High School and Franklin College of Medical Arts.  In 1955, Nancy married her high school sweetheart, Ronald Carmer, and they enjoyed 55 years of marriage until Ron’s death in 2011.  Nancy still wore the engraved ID bracelet that Ronnie gave her when she was 14 years old.

Together, Nancy and Ron started Stone Bridge Iron and Steel Co. Inc. in 1973.

Their favorite pastimes were working in their huge vegetable garden, traveling with their dear friends Leon and Carole Steves, and spending as much time as possible with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Nancy was an active member of the Bacon Hill Reformed Church for over 50 years.

Left to cherish Nancy’s memory are her children: Becky (Patrick) Diggin; Brian (Lori) Carmer; and Britt (Frieda) Carmer; along with grandchildren Kelsey, Tara, Brian, Jessica, Taylor, Maclaine, Britt, Addison and eight great-grandchildren.  Nancy is also survived by her sister, Virginia Brown, and brother, Stephen (Debra) Haight.  She was predeceased by her brother, Arthur. 

The family would like to thank the kind, compassionate, and dedicated staff at the Home of the Good Shepherd in Wilton, as well as Dr. George Knapp for the many years of care he provided for Nancy.  We are grateful to you all.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).  

There will be no calling hours.  A private funeral service will be held.  

Memorial donations may be made to Bacon Hill Cemetery Assoc. Inc., P.O. Box 133, Schuylerville, NY  12871, or to Bacon Hill Reformed Church, 560 Rte. 32N, Schuylerville, NY 12871. 

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