Author: Saratoga TODAY
Bug’s Boston Terrier Parade
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 11th Bug’s Boston Terrier Parade will take place Sunday, Sept. 24 at 11 a.m. in Congress Park, Saratoga Springs. All donations benefit Northeast Boston Terrier Rescue.
Saratoga Giant Pumpkinfest on Saturday
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The 2023 Saratoga Giant Pumpkinfest will take place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23 in downtown Saratoga Springs. This free and fun-for-all-ages event is presented by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce at the Saratoga Springs City Center parking garage.
Attendees will have the opportunity to marvel at giant pumpkins – some over 1,000 pounds – and watch the official weigh-off, which begins at 11 a.m. Growers from all over New York state and the Northeast bring the biggest pumpkins from their harvest and compete for the title of “Heaviest Pumpkin of Year,” along with additional categories and prizes.
The festival will include fall favorite activities as well as food and beverage vendors on-site and is located near the Saratoga Farmers’ Market at High Rock Park.
History Center to Host Trivia Night Sept. 27
BALLSTON SPA —The Saratoga County History Center hosts a Trivia Night fund-raising event at Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa, from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27.
The event will be hosted by Ballston Spa native Mark Hersh of Hersh Productions. Mark, a long-time mobile DJ and event producer, currently hosts two weekly trivia events in Ballston Spa and brings his experience to the museum’s first Trivia Night, held to support the many activities of the History Center.
Typical trivia categories such as TV and movies, songs, sports, science, and geography will be enhanced by local history related questions created by the event committee. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with light refreshments and the trivia challenge begins at 7.
Prizes will be awarded to the winning teams and a 50-50 raffle will be held. Registration is $25 per person and is available on the museum website. brooksidemuseum.org/event/trivia-night-at-brookside-museum
Letter to the Editor
I am a candidate for Public Safety Commissioner in Saratoga Springs. I recently attended the 9/11 commemoration in Saratoga Springs with a heavy heart. I come from a family of law enforcement, firefighters, and construction workers and many paid the ultimate price that day. We should never forget their service and should never forget we were attacked by terrorists that day on our own soil.
On 9/12, my opponent, Kristen Dart, held a press conference where she incorrectly stated that I put innocent Muslims in jail in a case I did shortly after the 9/11 attacks. Ms. Dart also falsely connected a case from a different area of New York state with my case in Albany to justify her claims, even though I had no relationship with that case. Her actions and judgment were inappropriate and alarming.
I plan to operate my campaign based on the facts because our Democracy depends on facts to survive so I am taking the time to correct the record. Additionally, I am proud of the work of the FBI, and the United States Attorneys’ Office, and all our partners and Task Force Officers, who worked so hard to keep America safe.
In the case I worked, Yassin Aref and Muhammed Hossain were convicted after trial and the conviction was upheld by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. According to Judge Homer, “Mr. Aref espouses and has adopted the goals of terrorist organizations and has had an ongoing relationship with terrorist organizations.” In addition, Aref made an entry in his personal journal which stated, “take the war to America and Israel” and also noted to “Raise the Jihad sword…Raise the Koran with blood.”
This community would benefit if Ms. Dart would accept my invitation and join me in a public forum at which she can raise her concerns and I could address them.
– Tim Coll
September 16 – September 22, 2023
Saratoga County Court
Justin P. Rodriguez was sentenced Sept. 14 in Saratoga County Court to an aggregate maximum term of 22-1/2 years in state prison in connection with actions that caused the death of Alex Bleickhardt, Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen said in a statement. The incident involved a fatal crash along I-87 (the Northway) in Wilton on Sept. 15, 2022 when the 42-year-old Rodriguez approached a disabled box truck and a heavy-duty tow truck on the shoulder of the road, and making no effort to move over, slow down, or avoid a collision, rear-ended the box truck at 76 miles-per-hour, according the statement. The impact resulted in the death of Bleickhardt, the tow truck driver who was attending to the disabled box truck. Rodriguez had a history of four prior drunk driving convictions and a permanently revoked driver’s license. Evidence presented at trial demonstrated that at the time of the crash Rodriguez’ blood-alcohol-concentration measured 0.26% – more than three times the legal limit, had cocaine and cannabis in his system, as well as being in possession, illegally, of a loaded semi-automatic pistol, Heggen said. Bleickhardt’s friends and family members attended the sentencing in Saratoga County Court, as did Bleickhardt’s canine companion, Moose, who was in the tow truck when Bleickhardt was struck and killed while attending to the disabled box truck. The sentencing included 12-1/2 to 25 years on an aggravated vehicular homicide charge and a 10-year consecutive sentence for criminal possession of a weapon.
Saratoga Springs
Timothy Kerr, 46, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 9 with criminal possession of stolen property.
David Sovey, 53, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 9 with act in manner injure child less than 17.
Daniel Mooney, 34, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 7 with criminal possession of cannabis – more than 10 lbs, criminal possession of a controlled substance – hallucinogen, and criminal possession of cannabis – more than 4 lbs. concentrated.
Trevor Temple, 27, of Ballston Spa, was charged Sept. 6 with DWI, leaving scene of a property damage accident, and moved from lane unsafely.
Michael Kulls, 41, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 5 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and passing a red light.
William Bonacci, 67, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 4 with petit larceny.
Taylor Ruddy, 21, of Greenfield, was charged Sept. 3 with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Angelo Catalano, 30, of Delmar, was charged Sept. 2 with DWI, and two driving-related charges.
Angel Martinez, 61, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 2 with burglary and grand larceny.
Chad Dominie, 49, of Glens Falls, was charged Sept. 2 with criminal contempt, and aggravated family offense.
Brandon Wilson-Barrow, 18, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 2 with criminal mischief.
NY State Police
New York State Police issued 8,762 tickets and arrested 154 people for DWI during this year’s Labor Day weekend DWI enforcement period. The initiative, which targeted impaired and reckless drivers, began on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, and continued through the Labor Day holiday, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023. In the greater Capital Region specifically, there were 10 DWI arrests. During the campaign, which was funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, the New York State Police increased patrols and conducted sobriety checkpoints to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers. In addition to the DWI checkpoints and patrols, Troopers were also watching for distracted drivers, vehicle occupants who were not properly buckled up, and drivers that were violating the Move Over Law. As part of the enforcement, Troopers also targeted speeding and aggressive drivers across the state. Tickets that were issued during this period include: Speeding – 3,407; Distracted Driving – 203; Seatbelt violations – 383; Move Over Law – 126. Troopers used both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of this crackdown in order to more easily identify motorists who are violating the law. CITE vehicles allow the Trooper to better observe driving violations. These vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated. Over the 2022 Labor Day weekend, Troopers arrested 208 people for DWI and investigated 139 personal injury crashes, including three fatalities, and issued 9,748 tickets.
Charles J. Haviland Sr.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Charles J. Haviland Sr., a beloved husband, dad, and grandpa passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023, at the age of 80. He was born on August 10, 1943, in Saratoga Springs to Fred and Eva Haviland. He worked as a Therapy Aide for NYS DDSO for 15 years. Prior to that he worked at GF Blackmer’s as a truck driver. He is a member of Saint Clement’s Church in Saratoga Springs and a lifetime member of Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club.
Charles was a loving husband, dad and grandpa who adored his family. He loved, hunting, fishing, watching car races, spending time at the camp, but most of all he loved spending time with family and friends. He was there for anyone that needed him whether it be day or night and always with a smile. He is an inspiration and hero for those who were lucky enough to know him.
Charles is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Frances Welden Haviland of Saratoga Springs; his children Charlie Haviland Jr. of Schuylerville, Kimberly Haviland of Saratoga Springs and Thomas (Jennifer) Haviland of Wilton; grandchildren Makylee Haviland of Schuylerville, Henry Haviland of Wilton, and several grand dogs; his sisters Veronica (Richie) McFarland of Greenfield Center, Geraldine Evans of Saratoga Springs, and brother John (Starlene) Haviland of Albany; several nieces and nephews; and a very dear family friend Diann Vinson of Gadsden, Al. He was predeceased by his parents Fred and Eva Haviland; sisters: Edith Mabb, Anna Mabb, Rose Yakush and Ruth Harrington and brother George Haviland.
We would especially like to thank Dr. Delmonte, Dr. Kuffs, Dr. Bourla, Dr. Knapp, all the nurses at the Saratoga Hospital including all of the staff in the ICU, Dr. Ruotsi, Dr. Pezzulo, Nurse Sue Harris, The Eddy Visiting Nurses and the Best Nurse in the world, Gina Alden and the best physical therapist Lori Vanderveer. He loved each and every one of you.
Relatives and friends are invited to call from 5 – 7 p.m. on Friday, September 22 and from 10 – 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY followed by a graveside service in St. Peter’s Cemetery, 150 West Ave.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wilton Emergency Squad, The Eddy VNA or a charity of your choice.
Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com
Kelly Ann Hartford(nee Pastor)
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Kelly Ann Hartford (nee Pastor), 60, passed away with her kids by her side on August 12, 2023. Celebration of life 1 – 4 p.m., Saturday, September 30, 2023 at the Victoria Pool in Saratoga Spa State Park. Memorial donations to Albany Medical Center. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com
Annmarie Mastropietro Lescarbeau
MECHANICVILLE — Annmarie Mastropietro Lescarbeau, daughter of the late Carmine and Theresa Luca Mastropietro, entered into Heaven peacefully on Friday, September 8, 2023. Mass will be Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 11 a.m. at All Saints on the Hudson, North Main Street, Mechanicville. Burial is private. Visit burkefuneralhome.com.
Spa City Gunfight Indictment Dismissed
BALLSTON SPA — An eight-count indictment involving a Vermont Sheriff’s Deputy in connection with a downtown Saratoga Springs incident late last year was dismissed in Saratoga County Court on Sept. 20.
The Nov. 20, 2022 incident allegedly involved an altercation between off-duty sheriff’s deputy Vito Caselnova of Glens Falls and three other men, and took place in the Caroline Street-Broadway downtown district. The event included a subsequent police response and resulted in an exchange of gunfire.
The indictment charged Caselnova with five felonies – including attempted murder in the second-degree, two misdemeanors, and one violation. Caselnova pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In his concluding comments of this week’s 31-page ruling, Judge James Murphy wrote that the cumulative impact of the prosecutor’s improper tactics during the presentation of the defendant’s case to the grand jury sufficiently impaired the integrity of the proceedings so as to potentially prejudice the ultimate decision reached by the Grand Jury and warrants dismissal of the indictment.
The case may be re-presented to a new grand jury.
In a statement released following the decision, Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen noted that the court’s decision dismissal of the indictment “raised issues with the way the case was presented – it does not absolve Mr. Caselnova of any wrongdoing. We will take our time to thoroughly review the court’s concerns and will move forward with the case.”
Still standing are the charges filed against three other men allegedly involved in the incident. Alexander Colon, Darius A. Wright, and Christopher (AKA Christian) E. Castillo, were each charged with one count attempted assault in the third-degree, a misdemeanor, in connection with the incident. Each of the three men pleaded not guilty to the charges.
