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Author: Saratoga TODAY

A Word from Mathiesen

Thank you to the 580 Democrats who voted for me in the June 27 primary. Thanks also to the many people who contributed to my campaign and to those who made my candidacy possible by getting my petitions signed. Our small group of hard-working volunteers helped with mailings, literature distribution, letters to editors, display of my lawn signs, campaign logistics and advice.

Congratulations to Ron Kim who won that primary.

On November 7, I will be on the ballot on the One Saratoga line. I hope to see further support for the Mathiesen for Mayor campaign. I continue to be the mayoral candidate who has had the most experience on the City Council and who has had a record of significant accomplishment. I believe that we can have progress without chaos with civility and respect for all. 

With the support of conscientious Democrats, Republicans and non-affiliated voters, we can win in November. I will be reaching out to all in the coming months as I seek your support.

– Chris Mathiesen 

July 29 – August 4, 2023

Saratoga Springs Police

Kapone Brown, 26, of Woodbury, NJ, was charged with DWI, speeding, criminal possession of a firearm, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. 

Bridgete Parisi, 53, of Hudson Falls, was charged with criminal trespass. 

Craig Brown, 48, of Westerlo, was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and unsafe backing. 

Ian Osgood, 25, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with criminal mischief, and obstructing governmental administration. 

Jacob Hayner, 37, of Mechanicville, was charged with petit larceny. 

Deborah Hart, 67, of the Bronx, was charged with grand larceny, and identity theft. 

Tasean Booth, 31, of Schenectady, was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. 

Patricia Wheeler, 69, of Milton, was charged with DWI, and failure to keep right. 

Lucas Henderson, 18, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with arson, criminal mischief, and criminal trespass. 

Cassandra Felice, 31, of Greenfield, was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and three driving-related violations. 

Ursula Mangir, 34, of Argyle, was charged with criminal contempt. 

Ronald Harris, 65, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs, moving from lane unsafely, and drinking alcohol or using cannabis in a motor vehicle on highway. 

Michael West, 37, of Greenfield, was charged with four felony counts and two misdemeanor counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office 

The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit charged John A. Donaldson, 68, of Lackawanna, NY with sexual abuse in the first-degree, a felony. Donaldson is accused of having sexual contact with a child less than 11 years old. He was sent to Saratoga County Correctional Facility in lieu of $2,500 cash bail, $5,000 secure bond, or $25,000 partially secure bond. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Lackawanna Police Department with the arrest. 

Caylee M. Ringer, 26, of Salem, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and promoting prison contraband – both felonies. Wyatt Carpenter, 28, of Moreau, was also arrested, following an investigation, and charged with attempted promoting prison contraband, a felony. Carpenter is accused of attempting to have contraband brought into the Saratoga County Correctional Facility. 

On July 20, members of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and Special Operations Team executed a search warrant at Woodcrest Mobile Home Park, 377 Angel Road Lot 26 in the Town of Corinth following a lengthy investigation of drug trafficking within Saratoga County. As a result of the investigation and search warrant execution, Derrick J. Compton, 52, Jessica L. Westervelt, 38, and Jennifer L. Westervelt, 38, were each charged with multiple criminal possession and criminal sale of a controlled substance charges. As a result of the investigation and search warrant, scales, packaging material, quantities of crack/cocaine, suboxone, and hydrocodone were seized, according to police. 

Saratoga County Court

Jamal Young, 32, of Albany, pleaded to grand larceny in the third-degree, charged November 2021 in Mechanicville. Sentencing Sept. 26. 

Casey Mohan, 36, of Clifton Park, pleaded to grand larceny in the fourth-degree, charged February 2023 in Greenfield, and burglary in the second-degree, charged in Providence. Sentencing Sept. 20. 

Robert E. Brown, 44, of Wildwood, NJ, was sentenced July 21 to 1-1/3 to 4 years incarceration, after pleading to felony burglary, charged June 2021 and October 2022 in Malta.  

NYS Police

On July 15, State Police of Saratoga responded to the report of an erratic vehicle in the area of Cramer Road in Malta. Troopers patrolled the area, located a vehicle matching the caller’s description, and stopped it on State Route 9. The driver was identified as John T. Buchanan Jr, 47, of Round Lake. Buchanan Jr. was charged with DWI and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. He was transported to SP Saratoga for processing, where he recorded a 0.21% BAC.  

On July 15, State Police of Saratoga stopped a vehicle on State Route 9 in Malta, NY, for multiple Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. The driver was identified as Gregory J. Perreault, 68, of Malta.  Perreault was charged with DWI and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. He was transported to SP Saratoga for processing, where he recorded 0.20% BAC.  

Mary Tallman

WILTON — Mary Tallman, 87, passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at Saratoga Hospital surrounded by her family. 

She was born on November 7, 1935 in Glendale, California to Reginald and Delia (Henley) Burns.

Mary Burns Tallman graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1955. In 1956 she married her high school sweetheart Daniel Tallman Sr. and had four children.

Mary worked as a waitress at many places through the years. She worked as a monitor/teacher’s aide at Saratoga Springs High School for 32 years. She loved to help others. She coached many kids in Saratoga through the years whether it was swimming or any other sporting event. Her greatest joy was watching her kids play sports anytime anywhere. If it wasn’t her kids, she went anyway to watch. She was a great Saratoga fan. Family vacations to Maine were her fondest memories. In her later years playing cards and trivia were her favorite activities. She was always ready to play a game or have a party.

Mary is survived by her sons, Daniel Tallman Jr. (Linda), Michael Tallman (Debbie), daughter, Kelly Regels (David), brother, Richard Burns (Wynette), grandchildren, Brandon Tallman (Ashley), Bryan Tallman, Erik Tallman, Taylor Regels, Zachary Regels, Hunter Regels, niece, Jackie Graham (Stephen), great-grandchildren, McKinnley Goss, Jaxon Tallman, nephews, Bubby and Matt Muzikar, Michael, Edward and Robert Burns and several great nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents, her loving husband, Daniel Tallman Sr., son, Nicholas, grandson, DJ III, and sister, Patricia Muzikar. 

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave. (Rte 9 and/or Marion Ave.), Saratoga Springs, NY. A funeral service will follow at 5 p.m.

A celebration of life will be Sunday, August 6, 2023 at Maple Ave. Fire Department, 615 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs from 12 noon to 4 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mary can be made to the American Heart Association. 

Condolences may be shared at compassionatefuneralcare.com

James C. Spiak

GREENFIELD CENTER — James C. Spiak, age 78, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on December 6, 1944 in Cohoes, NY, the son of the late Joseph Spiak and Genevieve Marco Spiak.

In 1962 James graduated from Shaker High School and went on to serve in the Air National Guard in which he was assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air National Guard base where he served 6 years.

James was a Plant Manager for Wrisco Inc for many years and later was the CEO of A1-Air Conditioning in Florida up until his retirement in 2001 and moved back to New York. Following retirement, he drove a school bus for children with special needs. James enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and boating, but his greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. 

James is survived by his loving wife, Elaine; sons, Christopher (Chrissy), Michael (Kelly); daughter, Laurie (Gerald) VanValkenburg; brothers, Paul (Kathy), Tony (Donna); sister, Melodee (Ken) Perry; grandchildren, Alexis, Jessica, Samantha, Benjamin, Camryn, Morgan, Bailey; great-grandchildren, Averi, Parker; many nieces, nephews and friends. 

The family would like to thank Dr. John Pezzulo and his staff for all their kindness, professionalism, and support. 

A Celebration of Life was held at Compassionate Funeral Care on August 4, 2023.

John William Laraway

SARATOGA SPRINGS — John William Laraway, 82, passed away Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Wesley Health Care Center. Memorial donations: The Wesley Foundation, 131 Lawrence St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Calling hours 10-12 p.m., Saturday, 8/5/2023 Burke Funeral Home, service to follow at 12 p.m. Burial private. Visit burkefuneralhome.com.

Roberta Joan Ruhle

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Roberta Joan Ruhle, 80, died on July 29, 2023 after a brief illness. Funeral services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Willliam J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 12866. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Carol McDonnell

BOYNTON BEACH, FL — Carol McDonnell of Boynton Beach, FL, died July 30, 2023. A memorial service was held August 2, 2023 at Compassionate Funeral Care located at 402 Maple Ave. Calling hours were held prior to the service. Condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

Alice Joan Bull Rickett Feulner 

GREENFIELD CENTER — Alice Joan Bull Rickett Feulner died on July 25, 2023. Services for Alice will be held in the fall in Bolton Landing, NY. A brief graveside service will be held in the fall at Hutchings Cemetery in Greenfield Center. Condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

Assemblywoman Woerner to Host Aug. 10 Blood Drive to Bolster Regional Blood Supply

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake) is hosting a series of blood drives across the 113th Assembly District this summer to support our region’s blood supply. Woerner will be donating blood herself in both July and September and encourages others to make an appointment for blood donation at www.redcrossblood.org. 

“Local blood centers need our help. Their stocks are critically low, so please consider donating,” said Woerner, in a statement. “These drives allow upstate New Yorkers to give back to their communities. From emergencies to cancer treatments, blood is needed for a variety of medical procedures.”

Blood and plasma donations are used to treat various severe medical conditions, including cancer, leukemia, sickle cell disease, anemia, severe burns and trauma, internal bleeding and premature births.

Before giving blood, donors are encouraged to get a good night’s sleep, drink extra liquids and consume iron-rich foods, such as red meats, fish, poultry, beans, spinach, ironfortified cereals or raisins. On the day of their appointment, donors should drink 16 ounces of water and eat a healthy meal.

The next blood drive will take place noon – 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10 at Saratoga Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs.

For more information about the blood donation process, visit www.RedCrossBlood.org or contact Woerner’s office at 518-584-5493 or WoernerC@nyassembly.gov. 

Tonko Reintroduces Bipartisan Scientific Integrity Act

SARATOGA — Congressman Paul Tonko has reintroduced his Scientific Integrity Act, bipartisan legislation that sets clear, enforceable standards for federal agencies and federally-funded research to keep public science independent from political and special interest meddling.

Tonko introduced the legislation alongside Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Don Beyer (D-VA), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).

“Public science must be about the pursuit of truth—not about serving political objectives,” Tonko said, in a statement. “The Scientific Integrity Act provides much-needed protections for our federal scientists, helps repair public trust, and better enables us to address and solve the pressing challenges our communities face.”

The Scientific Integrity Act requires federal agencies that fund or direct public science to establish and maintain clear scientific integrity principles, formalizing and strengthening these policies with the force of law; Clarifies that science should determine policy, free from inappropriate politics, ideology, or financial conflicts of interest, and holds public scientists to the highest standards while guaranteeing their rights and protections under the law.