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Author: Saratoga TODAY

July 15 – July 21, 2023

Saratoga Springs Police

Kenneth Rossen, 60, of Charlton, was charged July 5 with petit larceny. 

Keenjole Suggs, 31, of Saratoga Springs, was charged July 5 with assault. 

Brian Smith, 31, of Saratoga Springs, was charged July 5 with DWI and additional motor vehicle violations.

Benjamin Fedd, 18, of Saratoga Springs, was charged July 4 with robbery and obstructing governmental administration. 

William Crain, 42, of Saratoga Springs, was charged July 4 with DWI, and driving without an inspection certificate. 

David MacIsaac, 38, of Saratoga Springs, was charged July 3 with criminal trespass. 

Cameron Folts, 38, of Saratoga Springs, was charged July 3 with DWI, and aggravated DWI. 

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office 

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and Saratoga Springs Police Department SIU arrested Riley J. Older and Travis L. Smith, both of Greenfield, during a search warrant execution following a lengthy investigation of drug trafficking in Saratoga County. The arrests, which occurred June 16, were announced by the Sheriff’s Office on July 7.  

The search warrant conducted in the town of Greenfield yielded in locating quantities of powder fentanyl, pressed fentanyl pills, crack/cocaine and an AR-15 assault rifle with (4) thirty round ammunition feeding devices, police said. Smith and Older are accused of distributing and possessing crack/cocaine, powdered fentanyl, pressed fentanyl pills and possessing an AR-15 assault rifle with 30 round capacity feeding devices. 

Riley J. Older, 26, was charged with three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third-degree, one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third-degree, and five counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third-degree.

Travis L. Smith, 23, was charged with three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third-degree, one count criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth-degree, one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third-degree, and five counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third-degree. Both Older and Smith were arraigned and sent to the Saratoga County Jail pending further action in the matter, according to the sheriff’s office.

On July 4, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol and New York State Park Police conducted a joint boating enforcement detail on several bodies of water within Saratoga County. During the course of the detail, over two dozen vessels were found to be in violation of one or more navigation laws or local ordinances. While conducting safety inspections and advisements to the operators, four operators were found to be operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol. The NYS Park Police and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office observed and arrested four vessel operators for Boating While Intoxicated. The two people charged by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol are: Sara Santos, 23, of Halfmoon; Fernando Monteiro, 42, of North Attleboro, Massachusetts. The two people charged by New York State Park Police were not identified by name.    

Saratoga County Court

Matthew R. Merrill, 29, of Albany, pleaded to felony burglary, first charged November 2022 in Waterford. Sentencing Aug. 16. 

Nathan A. Lynn, 29, of Middle Grove, was sentenced July 6 to 5 days incarceration and five years’ probation, after pleading to felony DWI, first charged in Saratoga Springs. 

Timothy P. Murdick, Jr., 32, of West Sand Lake, was sentenced July 7 to 5 years’ probation, after pleading to felony DWI, charged November 2022 in Clifton Park. 

Nancy J. McCowan, 42, of Lexington, Kentucky, pleaded to felony DWI, charged April 2023 in Clifton Park. Sentencing Aug. 25. 

James B. Foster, 60, of Northumberland, pleaded to felony criminal contempt, charged May 2023 in Corinth. Sentencing Sept. 15. 

William C. Maguire, 28, of Vorheesville, pleaded to attempted rape in the first-degree, and attempted criminal act in the first-degree – both felonies, charged January 2023 in Providence. Sentencing Sept. 22.

NYS Police 

On July 6, State Police of Latham charged Jeffrey R. Bishop, 31, of Saratoga Springs, with four counts of possession of a forged instrument, four counts of grand larceny, and four counts of scheme to defraud. State Police previously received information about numerous fraudulent checks cashed throughout the Capital Region. The investigation determined in May 2023 Bishop allegedly possessed multiple fraudulent checks named to him and cashed them at financial institutions in Colonie, Guilderland, and Bethlehem. These crimes resulted in the theft of over $8,000, police said.

Mary Rose Eckardt 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mary Rose Eckardt died July 14, 2023. Calling hours were held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs. A mass followed at 11 a.m. Condolences may be shared at compassionatefuneralcare.com

Jose Antonio Valencia Benitez  

WILTON — Jose Antonio (Tony) Valencia Benitez of Wilton died July 8. A celebration of life will be held Monday, July 24, 2023 from 1 to 3:00 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. following the celebration of life. Condolences may be shared at compassionatefuneralcare.com

Michael F. Marko 

MALTA — Michael F. Marko died July 12, 2023. Calling hours were held Monday, July 17 at Compassionate Funeral Care. A mass service was held Tuesday, July 18 at St. Clement’s Church followed by interment at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at compassionatefuneralcare.com

Discussion: Saratoga’s Greenridge Cemetery at Canfield Casino July 27

The Hiker, monument dedicated in 1923 to honor local Spanish–American War veterans. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs History Museum will host a discussion of the many fascinating symbols found in historic Greenridge Cemetery, as well as early burial, mourning and funeral customs.

This illustrated talk takes place at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 27, 2023, and is presented by Jacqueline Bunge, the History Museum’s Education Director.

Consecrated on June 8, 1844, Greenridge was influenced by the Rural Cemetery Movement popular in the first half of the 19th century. Laid out in park-like fashion, paths and roadways meander through forested rolling hills, creating pleasant vistas. The idea was to create a place of beauty to help ease the pain of mourning.

Symbols such as weeping willows, inverted torches and broken columns tell unique stories when found on gravestones, mausoleums and other memorials. Notable grave markers to be discussed include: locomotive engineer Willoby McMillan, pianist Obed Coleman, poet sisters Lucretia and Margaret Davidson, the Batcheller family and inventor Ransom Cook. 

Also to be explored in the talk: Unique areas of the cemetery including the Mary L. Sackett Memorial Gates, the Civil War Memorial and “The Hiker” Spanish–American War Memorial.

The live program takes place in the parlor of the historic Canfield Casino. Admission is free for History Museum Members, and $10 for non-Members. Tickets and more details at www.saratogahistory.org/events.

Revolution Along the Hudson River Programs Coming to Schuylerville and Stillwater

SARATOGA COUNTY — A pair of Revolution Along the Hudson River programs are scheduled to take place July 25 at Stillwater’s Riverfront Park and Aug. 1 at Hudson Crossing Park in Schuylerville.

The summer speaker series, Revolution on the Hudson, is an event series created and presented by America’s Turning Point, that will engage the community and honor the rich history of the region. 

The programs were announced during a recent meeting of the towns of Saratoga and Stillwater 250th American Revolution Committee. During the meeting, the committee discussed recent accomplishments and future plans for commemorative events.

America’s Turning Point Pathways through History weekend, slated for Oct. 7-8, will take place at the Stillwater Blockhouse, Saratoga Battlefield, and Schuyler House, providing visitors with a unique glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of the American Revolution in the local area.  This is part of the Town’s partnership with the Saratoga County 250th Commission, America’s Turning Point, and the Saratoga National Historical Park.

The meeting also addressed the need to identify an appropriate location for the 2027 Battles Commemorations and a smaller event planned for 2024. 

The next committee meeting is scheduled to take place Sept. 13.  For more information about the upcoming events, contact the Towns of Saratoga and Stillwater 250th American Revolution Committee through Mackenzie Macey, Historian Town of Stillwater  mmacey@stillwaterny.org.

News & Notes: Week 2 Events at Saratoga Race Course


First race of opening day, 2023. Photo by Dom Napolitano, courtesy of NYRA.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 2023 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course is underway and will continue through Monday, September 4. Racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from the final week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day. Admission gates will open for live racing at 11 a.m. First post time is 1:10 p.m. (with exceptions for Whitney and Travers Days and closing weekend; Travers Day gates will open at 7 a.m.) The 2023 summer meet will feature the following events:

Week 2 Stake Races 

*Mondays and Tuesdays = Dark Days. No racing. 

Saratoga Live presents daily coverage of the summer meet at Saratoga Race Course on FOX Sports. For the complete Saratoga Live broadcast schedule, and additional programming information, visit NYRA.com/SaratogaLive.

Friday, July 21  Curlin (R): 3YO, 1 1/8 – Dirt, Purse $135,000

GIII Lake George: F3YO, 1 Mile – Turf, Purse $175,000 

Saturday, July 22

GIII Caress: F&M 4&UP, 5 1/2 Furlongs – Turf, Purse $200,000

GI Coaching Club American Oaks: F3YO, 1 1/8 – Dirt, Purse $500,000

Sunday, July 23

GII Shuvee: F&M 4&UP, 1 1/8 – Dirt, Purse $200,000

Wednesday, July 26

GII Honorable Miss Handicap: F&M 3&UP, 6 Furlongs – Dirt, Purse $200,000

Thursday, July 27

Birdstone: 4&UP, 1 3/4 – Dirt, Purse $150,000

Premium Giveaways

Friday, July 21

COOLER JUG PRESENTED BY NYRA BETS

The first giveaway of the season is a Saratoga branded, 64-ounce, red and white cooler jug, presented by NYRA Bets.

Community Outreach Booth

As part of NYRA’s season-long commitment to spreading awareness of local non-profits, NYRA will again host one organization each day in the Community Outreach Booth, located adjacent to the Jockey Silks Room, inside Gate B. On Opening Day, NYRA will host Jewish War Veterans Post 36 – Saratoga Springs, a leading Veterans Service Organization that supports and advocates for all uniformed service members, veterans and their families.

Friday, July 21: Saratoga Bridges

Saturday, July 22: After the Fire

Sunday, July 23: Amplify Horse Racing

Wednesday, July 26: Ávila Independent Retirement Community

Thursday, July 27: Saratoga Springs Fire Department

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage

The Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage will host live musical performances each afternoon of the season from popular local and regional bands. This year’s summer music stage is presented by Purdy’s Discount Wine & Liquor in Saratoga Springs.

Friday, July 21: Mark and Jill Blues

Saturday, July 22: IMI

Sunday, July 23: The Hawthornes

Wednesday, July 26: Bluebillies

Thursday, July 27: Fenimore Blues

HANDICAPPING SEMINAR AND MEET-AND-GREET

Every Sunday beginning July 23

Enjoy your Sunday at the races in the Spa’s newest hospitality venue, the climate-controlled Paddock Suite, learning betting strategies and tips from expert handicappers. Guests will also be treated to a meet-and-greet with Saratoga Race Course’s new track announcer Frank Mirahmadi, along with a rotating cast of on-track talent, personalities and VIPs. Tickets can be purchased through Fevo.

Berkshire Bank Family ZONE 

Fans will enjoy 40 days of the Berkshire Bank Family Zone, an interactive play area for children located near Gate A, which will be supplemented by Berkshire Bank Family Sundays.

Berkshire Bank Family Sundays – Every Sunday:

The popular family-friendly weekly event features a wide variety of free activities, games, attractions and educational experiences from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Berkshire Bank Family Zone, located inside Gate A near the Saratoga Race Course Box Office. For July 23, the theme is Christmas in July and will feature a holiday DIY craft station, giant snow globe, carnival booth and photo opportunities with Santa Claus.

First Responders Day

Thursday, July 27

First Responders Day pays tribute to first responders with free general admission (proper ID required). Special events will include a Police K-9 infield show, performances by the New York State Trooper Pipes and Drums, and demonstrations by several first responder agencies.

SARATOGA LOW ROLLER CONTEST

Every Thursday And Sunday 

Horseplayers can enjoy the Saratoga Low Roller Contest held exclusively on-track every Thursday and Sunday at Saratoga Race Course. Fans can pre-register on contest days outside the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar. There is a $40 buy-in, of which $30 will go to the player’s bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. The winner will receive a Saratoga Low Roller championship T-shirt in addition to the cash prize.

Taste NY Pavilion

Every Thursday – Sunday

New York-made food and beverages will be available for sample and purchase at the Taste NY Pavilion, located inside Gate A at the Top of the Stretch, where fans can enjoy New York craft beer, cider, wine, spirits, cheese, chocolate and gelato. This year marks a decade since the launch of the Taste NY program. 

SARATOGA Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tours

Every Wednesday – Friday 

Expanded for its second year, NYRA is continuing the Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour. Tours this year will be offered Wednesday through Friday throughout the meet. Wednesday tours will travel to Song Hill Thoroughbreds, while Thursday and Friday tours will visit Old Tavern Farm.

Guests will enjoy a buffet breakfast at Saratoga Race Course before taking a CDTA trolley to the designated farm, where they will participate in a 60- to 90-minute guided walking tour of a working thoroughbred breeding farm. Admission to the races in the afternoon is included in the package. Tickets, which are $85 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under, must be reserved in advance at NYRA.com.

SUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE RAIL OF THE 1863 CLUB

Every Sunday 

Fans are invited to enjoy a brunch buffet while experiencing The Rail at the 1863 Club, the first-floor banquet space at the 1863 Club. Tickets start at $100 and include admission, a table seat for the day, brunch buffet, soft drinks, two mimosa or Bloody Mary drink tickets per person, Post Parade program book, tax and gratuity. Reservations are available by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX or online at Ticketmaster.com.

Breakfast at Saratoga

Breakfast at Saratoga welcomes guests to enjoy a morning buffet at The Porch with a view of the thoroughbreds training on the main track. Breakfast is available every live racing day from 7 to 9:30 a.m., excluding Travers Day and Labor Day. 

Fans can also go behind the scenes with a free, guided backstretch tram tour, driven by CDTA. Tram tours run from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and depart from the clubhouse entrance approximately every 15 minutes. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are 45 minutes in length. Tours are available every live racing day with the exception of Travers Day and Labor Day.

Green Mountain Electric Supply Looking at Saratoga for New York Headquarters

Photo by Dylan McGlynn.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Green Mountain Electric Supply is looking to purchase a building in the W.J. Grande Industrial Park to serve as its New York headquarters, according to an application filed with the Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency.

The company is seeking to acquire 10 Skyward Drive, which is currently home to SKS Bottle and Packaging, to serve as its headquarters for the company’s New York management and finance team, and a warehouse for electrical materials and supplies, according to a submitted project description. The building is 143,000 square feet, the documents state.

Green Mountain Electric Supply is a “wholesale supplier of electrical supplies” and has 16 branch locations and two distribution locations in New York, the documents state. Based in Colchester, Vermont, they currently have Capital Region locations in Albany and Queensbury, according to their website.

Green Mountain is seeking tax exemptions from SCIDA for sales, real property, and mortgage recording taxes. Over a five-year span, the company would receive an estimated $91,000 sales tax exemption, an estimated $105,000 mortgage recording tax exemption, and an estimated $1,366,408 real property tax exemption, according to the documents.

The company is being represented by Jeremy H. Speich of Harris Beach PLLC in Albany. Green Mountain would pay $14 million to acquire the building, and approximately $18.2 million in total, the documents state. 

At their meeting on July 11, the industrial development agency voted unanimously to move the application to a public hearing.