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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Meet Baby Girl

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Baby Girl came to us with her buddy, Tut, after her owner passed away. The two kitties don’t seem to be bonded and she seems to be a little bossy. She definitely does not enjoy visits from the other kitties at the center. Because of this, she will probably do best as an only kitty in a quieter home. Baby Girl is about 7 years old, loves to chat and is an expert pet receiver.  Baby Girl is ready to find her forever home with someone who will have daily conversations with her and give her all of the attention she demands.

The HOPE Pet Adoption Center is located in Wilton Mall and is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4 or by appointment. Online adoption applications can be found online at www.hopeanimalrescue.org.

 Peggy Joan Paquette

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

QUEENSBURY, NY – Peggy Joan Paquette, 85, passed away on December 12, 2025. A Funeral Home Service will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, December 19 at Burke Funeral Home, 628 N Broadway. A Celebration of Life is from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 

Rob will forever remain in our hearts.

Memorial donations in Rob’s name may be made to Joseph’s House, 74 Ferry St. Troy, NY 12180. 

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

Robert W. Sponzo Jr.

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

CLIFTON PARK, NY- It is with immeasurable sorrow that we share the passing of Robert W. Sponzo Jr., a beloved son, father and friend on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the age of 57.

Rob was born on January 17, 1968 in Boston, MA and grew up in the greater upstate New York area.  He attended Albany Academy for Boys and Boston College.  He founded the Health Care Company Saramed, worked as a paramedic and most recently a Paralegal. 

Rob had many interests including golf, horse racing, travel and video games, but most of all his family and children.  Rob and his father were best friends and did many things together.  Rob was so proud of his children and their accomplishments, big or small.  He was a caring and compassionate man.

Rob is survived by his parents, Robert W. Sponzo MD and stepmother, Barbara, his children, Emma Sponzo and Nicolas Sponzo (fiancé Sage Brouilette).  He is also survived by his sister Amy (Rob) Kudla and stepsisters, Nicole (Jeff) Shakow and Karen Demyan.

He was predeceased by his mother, Donna Tofflemier.

Rob had a large extended family and group of friends who will miss him dearly.

Services will be private.  A Celebration of Rob’s life will be held in the Spring of 2026.  Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 

Rob will forever remain in our hearts.

Memorial donations in Rob’s name may be made to Joseph’s House, 74 Ferry St. Troy, NY 12180. 

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

Accessible Kayak Launch To Be Installed at Hudson Crossing Park

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Hudson Crossing Park is thrilled to announce that a brand-new accessible kayak launch will be installed in spring of 2026, representing a major step forward in making outdoor recreation available to visitors of all ages and abilities. The launch will be professionally installed by BoardSafe, a national leader in adaptive waterfront access, ensuring that paddlers with mobility challenges can enter and exit the water with comfort, stability, and confidence.

Hudson Crossing Park is also excited to share that it has received four adaptive kayaks–two tandem and two single–from Rochester Accessible Adventures. These kayaks, designed specifically for individuals who need additional support, will allow more members of the community to the recreational opportunities available while paddling on the Champlain Canal. Announcements will be made in the spring about opportunities to use these new kayaks.

This project was made possible through generous grant support, including a $7,500 Trail Grant from Saratoga County, $24,999 Quality of Life Grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, and $15,000 from AARP. Hudson Crossing Park extends its deepest appreciation to these partners for their commitment to expanding inclusive recreation opportunities in our region.

The addition of the accessible kayak launch will have a meaningful and lasting impact on the community. It opens the door for individuals with mobility disabilities, older adults, and anyone who benefits from extra stability to enjoy independent or assisted kayaking. Families, adaptive athletes, and visitors of all abilities will now be able to share the water together, strengthening social connections and improving access to healthy, outdoor experiences. The launch also enhances local tourism by providing a unique adaptive amenity that will attract paddlers seeking inclusive adventures along the Champlain Canal. Most importantly, this project reinforces Hudson Crossing Park’s ongoing commitment to ensure that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can explore, learn, and recreate in a welcoming environment.

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s Quality of Life Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis. Since the Quality of Life Grants Program’s inception, more than 4,000 grants totaling $48 million have been awarded. Funding for this program was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living (ACL grant #90PRRC0006-04).

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all as we age. Through advocacy, information, and service at both the national and state levels, AARP champions positive social change. Guided by a vision of a society where every person can live with dignity, purpose, and the opportunity to fulfill their goals and dreams, AARP works to create a more inclusive and livable future for all generations.

Hudson Crossing Park is centered on Champlain Canal Lock C5 Island just north of the Village of Schuylerville along Historic Route 4. A 501C3 not-for-profit organization, Hudson Crossing Park’s mission is to tie environmental responsibility to economic revitalization, and to engage people of all ages in making informed choices for a sustainable future. Learn more about this and other upcoming events at www.HudsonCrossingPark.org. 

Week of December 19 – December 25 , 2025       

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

Blotter Report 

Dec. 11, 2025. 12:46 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the Town of Clifton Park on three misdemeanors — DWI- first offense, operation of a motor vehicle with blood alcohol content of .08 of 1% or higher- first offense and aggravated DWI blood alcohol content .18 of 1% or higher- no priors. Appearance ticket issued

Dec. 11, 2025. 8:56 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of making graffiti and 2nd degree criminal mischief.

Dec. 11, 2025. 9:11 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on Broadway on charges of criminal contempt- violation within the last five years and aggravated family offense, more than one offense within the last five years. 

Dec. 11, 2025. 11:30 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested an individual on charges of 4th degree grand larceny, property value greater than $1000 and 4th degree grand larceny, credit card. 

Dec. 11, 2025. 3:00 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Troy resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of felony possession of stolen property, fourth: property exceeds $1000 and misdemeanor unlawful possession of certain ammunition feeding device: not in home/ first offense. Released on own recognizance. 

Dec. 11, 2025. 3:04 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Waterford resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor petit larceny and felony 3rd degree burglary. The original incident occurred July 15 in the Town of Clifton Park. Held, no bail. 

Dec. 11, 2025. 4:05 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Mechanicville resident in the Town of Halfmoon on three misdemeanors — 4th degree assault with intent to cause physical harm, resisting arrest and acting in a manner to injure a child. 

Dec. 12, 2025. 1:51 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Troy resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

Dec. 12, 2025. 7:59 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs – first offense and 3rd degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, both misdemeanors. Released to third party. 

Dec. 12, 2025. 10:46 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Malta resident in the town of Malta on charges of DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with blood alcohol content of .08 of 1% or more- first offense, both misdemeanors. Appearance ticket issued. 

Dec. 13, 2025. 12:22 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Gansevoort resident on Caroline Street on charges of 3rd degree assault with intent to cause physical injury. 

Dec. 13, 2025. 1:29 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Hudson Falls resident on Marion Avenue for 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and other violations. 

Dec. 13, 2025. 2:23 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Troy resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

Dec. 13, 2025. 4:54 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Gansevoort resident on charges of DWI- first offense, operating a motor vehicle with .01 of 1% or more blood alcohol content- first offense, aggravated DWI BAC of .18 of 1% or more- no priors and a traffic violation. 

Dec. 13, 2025. 9:20 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Waterford resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 of 1% or higher and DWI- first offense, both misdemeanors. Appearance ticket issued. 

Dec. 13, 2025. 11:14 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Lake resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 of 1% or higher and DWI- first offense, both misdemeanors. Appearance ticket issued. 

Dec. 14, 2025. 1:16 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested an Albany resident on Caroline Street on charges of 3rd degree assault with intent to cause physical injury. 

Dec. 14, 2025. 2:22 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Mechanicville resident on William Street on charges of driving while impaired by the consumption of alcohol and several moving and equipment violations.

Dec. 14, 2025. 2:42 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Glenville resident at the intersection of E West Road and Route 9 on charges of DWI- first offense, operating a motor vehicle with .08 of 1% or more alcohol in blood and a traffic violation. 

Dec. 14, 2025. 2:50 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Fort Edward resident in the Village of South Glens Falls on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

Dec. 14, 2025. 10:05 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Hudson Falls resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

Dec. 14. 2025. 7:37 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Fonda resident on Caroline Street on charges of 3rd degree assault with intent to cause physical injury.

Dec. 14, 2025. 7:40 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Corinth resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of felony 5th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance- 500 milligrams of cocaine. Turned over to other agency. 

Dec. 14, 2025. 10:53 a.m.- New York State Police arrested two Rutland, Vermont residents on charges of felony 4th degree grand larceny- property greater than $1000. Booked into central arraignment. 

Dec. 15, 2025. 2:20 a.m.- Saratoga Springs police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on South Broadway on charges of DWI- first offense, operating a motor vehicle with .08 of 1% alcohol in blood and several motor vehicle violations. 

Dec. 15, 2025. 9:09 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Clifton Park for charges of driving with registration suspended. Appearance ticket issued. 

Dec. 15, 2025. 9:25 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Ballston. The arrest stemmed from an incident that occurred on Dec. 1 in the Town of Malta. 

Dec. 15, 2025. 3:57 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Fort Edward man in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

Dec. 16, 2025. 7:45 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Hadley resident in the Town of Wilton on misdemeanor driving with a suspended license. Appearance ticket issued. 

Dec. 16, 2025. 5:10 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor 1st degree unlawful dealing with a child: alcohol. Appearance ticket issued. 

Dec. 16, 2025. 10:17 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Corinth resident in the Town of Corinth on charges of 2nd degree misdemeanor reckless endangerment, 2nd degree menacing with a weapon and felony 3rd degree criminal possession of a weapon- previous conviction. Held, no bail. 

Thomas Francis Hornbach

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Thomas Francis Hornbach passed away peacefully at home on December 9, 2025. A gathering to celebrate his life will be held January 10, at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs, followed by a reception at 11:30 a.m. at the Italian American War Veterans Hall.  Condolences visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

 Robert F. DeVoe, Jr.

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

WILTON – Robert F. DeVoe, Jr., 81, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. At this time there are no funeral services scheduled. Condolences visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

 James P. Morrissey

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – James P. Morrissey, 93, passed away on December 12, 2025. Visitation was on Thursday December 18 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 149 Lake Ave. followed by a funeral service and burial in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd. please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.

 Lynne M. Cassidy

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

Saratoga Springs – Lynne M. Cassidy, age 60, passed away on December 12, 2025, at Albany Medical Center. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 12 – 2PM at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.  Online condolences may be made at compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Theresa Twomey

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

Wilton – Theresa Twomey, 89, passed away on December 11. Calling hours were held Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, Saratoga Springs. A funeral service followed at 12:30 p.m., with graveside services at 1:30 p.m. at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.