Skip to main content

Author: Saratoga TODAY

Moreau Lake State Park Announces Monthly Hiking Series


The Red Oak Ridge trailhead at Moreau Lake State Park was updated in 2025 with a new trail map, boulders, and a crosswalk to the parking lot. Photo provided by NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

GANSEVOORT — Building on the momentum of the statewide First Day Hikes, all are welcome to join a park educator for free monthly guided hikes at Moreau Lake State Park throughout 2026. Those who complete 10 of the 12 hikes will win a special prize. 

The full list of hikes and each hike’s distance and elevation gain/loss are detailed below. Hikers should assess the difficulty for themselves based on these descriptions.

Sunday, January 11: Lake Bonita to Waterfall: 2.9 miles, +/- 297 feet

Sunday, February 8: Whispering Pines at Big Bend Preserve: 4.2 miles, +/- 53ft. 

Sunday, March 15: Waterfall Trail Loop: 4.6 miles, +/-550 ft. 

Sunday, April 12: Lake Bonita Loop: 1.89 miles, +/- 145 ft. 

Sunday, May 17: Cottage Park Loop: 5.2 miles, +/- 973 ft 

Sunday, June 14: Stonewall Trail: 3.2 miles, +/- 426 ft. 

Sunday, July 12: Baker to Moreau Overlook: 2.5miles, +/- 521 ft.  

Sunday, August 16: Western Ridge Overlook: 3.7 miles, +/- 855ft. 

Sunday, September 6: High Rock Loop: 5.52 miles, +/- 886 ft. 

Sunday, October 11: Spring Overlook: 3.2 miles, +/- 690 ft. 

Sunday, November 15: Mud Pond: 2.5 miles, +/- 155 ft. 

Sunday, December 13: Nature Trail: 3.03 miles, +/- 200 ft. 

All dates are subject to change, and rain dates will be made to account for inclement weather. The hiking pace will match the slowest hiker to accommodate all regardless of the hiker’s ability.  

These hikes are recommended for ages 13+. There is a 25-person limit per hike. Hikers are required to register in advance to reserve a spot by calling 518-793-0511. 

All hikes begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Moreau Lake State Park Office at 605 Old Saratoga Road in Gansevoort, where parking is available. Hikers will then caravan to the respective trailhead together. Hikers are encouraged to be prepared with appropriate clothing for the weather, as well as waterproof hiking shoes, plenty of water, and snacks or a lunch. Moreau Lake State Park will have a limited number of trekking poles, micro spikes, and snowshoes for the winter, as well as sunscreen and bug spray for the warmer months available for hikers to use.  

For more information on Moreau Lake State Park including hiking, events, and camping information, visit parks.ny.gov/parks/moreaulake.

Week of January 9 – January 15, 2026

BALLSTON 

William Overholt sold property at 2 Wendy Lane to Carolyn Berninger for $428,000

Jane McGinn sold property at 213 Church Ave to FSR Holdings LLC for $265,00

Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 24 Tamarack St to Mahesh Pawar for $766,770

Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 39 Tamarack St to Presad Redkar for $766,770

Andrew Triolo sold property at 8 Summerhill Dr to Matthew Ives for $515,000

CHARLTON

Farren Mion sold property at 903 Charlton Rd to Emil Meadors for $596,000

CORINTH

Stephen Conners sold property at 211 Maple St to Hudson River Community Credit Union for $344,000

GALWAY

Macie Brown sold property at 1805 Hermance Rd to Scott McGuiness for $344,000

GREENFIELD

Peter Vieites sold property at L 33.2 N End Rd  to Charles Anderson for $112,500

Thomas Streiff sold property at 543 Middle Grove Rd to Damian Hetsmans  for $365,000

MALTA

Malta Land Company sold property at 4 Admirals Way to Joan Douglas for $674,805

Malta Land Company sold property at 3 Galleon Dr. to Kevin Casey for $945,340

Malta Rt 67 Apts LLC sold property at 750 & 502 Rt 67 East Line Rd to Eastline Apartments LLC for $4,400,000

MILTON

Richard Briggs sold property at 641 Geyser Rd to Nathan Tinney for $393,000

Gary Capasso sold property at 22 Fenwick St to Agila NY Holdings LLC  for $200,000

SARATOGA

Connor Casabonne sold property at 8 Ferry St to Christopher Ciccarelli for $230,000

Jeremy Sanders sold property at 20 Herkimer St to Brittany Clark for $188,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Elizabeth Mullan Life Estate sold property at 3 Jordan Dr North to Jean Llewellyn for $385,000

LoFranco Homes LLC sold property at 4 Gilbert Rd to Melissa Bellew for $500,000

Meghan Partridge sold property at 2 Magnolia Dr to Christian Ruckert for $1,050,000

Russell Pittenger sold property at 19 George St to Anna Knapp for $1,100,000

Jane Loftus sold property at 70 Railroad Pl #207 to William DeVita for $900,000

William Cleaver sold property at 20 Beekman St to Thomas Fox Jr. for $880,000

Scott Blasi sold property at 326 #3 Ballston Ave to John VanThaden for $435,000

WILTON

McPadden Builders sold property at 11 Avalon Way to Richard Cummings for $875,865

SCH Communities LLC sold property at 113 Jones Rd to Jarod Sauschuck for $465,000

Robert Lugrezia sold property at 61 Claire Pass to Gregory Perry for $460,000

Karel DeGennaro sold property at 16 Hopeful Lane to Aaron Hinman for $402,000

Forest Grove LLC sold property at 53 Daintree Dr to Robert Bates for $667,900

Mary Lee sold property at 25 Nicklaus Dr to James Pavoldi for $440,000

Jonathan Rigot sold property at 14 Northern Pines Rd to Aaron Gwaltney for $363,100

Sworn in and Ready to Serve

City of Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Public Safety Tim Coll is one of only two members of City Council to return in 2026. (Aidan Cahill).
Bahram “BK” Keramati is sworn in as Commissioner of Public Works after defeating incumbent Chuck Marshall in the General Election. (Aidan Cahill)
Mayor Safford’s former deputy JoAnne Kiernan was sworn in as Commissioner of Finance, taking over a seat vacated by Minita Sanghvi (Aidan Cahill)
The other incumbent returning to City Council, Mayor John Safford was reelected mayor for his second term in the role (Aidan Cahill).
Jessica Troisi is the new Commissioner of Accounts, defeating incumbent Dillon Moran for the position (Aidan Cahill).
Clifton Park Supervisor Phillip Barrett will remain as Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. He was voted into his fourth term in the role 21-1. (Aidan Cahill)
Minita Sanghvi will continue her career in public service, after being elected Supervisor. She and Burger replaced the retiring Matt Veitch and outgoing Michelle Madigan (Aidan Cahill)
Lawyer Sarah Burger was sworn in for her first term as supervisor. She and Sanghvi will take over for outgoing Supervisors Madigan and Veitch (Aidan Cahill).
Town of Saratoga Supervisor Ian Murray was sworn in as Vice Chair of the Board of Supervisors. He was voted into the position by a unanimous vote (Aidan Cahill).

Local Catering and Hospitality Company Expands Footprint to the Berkshires

Photo of the Lake House Guest Cottages of the Berkshires by Mazzone Hospitality.

CLIFTON PARK — Mazzone Hospitality, a catering and hospitality services company based in Saratoga County, recently announced a partnership with Lake House Guest Cottages of the Berkshires, owned by builder and entrepreneur Eric Taylor. Mazzone will be the exclusive caterer and managing partner of the luxury retreat and wedding venue located in Lanesborough, Massachusetts.

“The Lake House is a one-of-a-kind, four-season retreat and wedding venue and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with Eric Taylor, a highly respected local builder and developer, to help grow this destination property,” said Vice President of Mazzone Hospitality Tim Vennard. “Having previously catered an event at the Lake House Cottages, we have always been interested in returning to the Berkshires to serve local clientele.”

Taylor built the Lake House Guest Cottages of the Berkshires in 2015-2016. The resort today largely serves as a premier weekend wedding destination for guests from across the United States and as far away as Europe, Asia, and Australia.

“My goal has been to expand our current capabilities and to elevate this beloved property into more of a year-round destination. Once I started to research Mazzone Hospitality, I was immediately impressed with their own evolution,” said Taylor. “Mazzone has built a stellar reputation for serving premier guests and properties, and I firmly believe they will be great stewards of the Lake House and a welcome addition to the local community.”

Located one hour from Albany, two hours from Boston, and minutes from Tanglewood, the all-season cottage resort is situated on Pontoosuc Lake in the foothills of the Berkshires with Mount Greylock, the highest peak in the state, as a prominent backdrop to the west. Its lodging features seven cottages, ranging from two to four bedrooms.

Mazzone Hospitality currently serves numerous venues in Saratoga Springs, including the Saratoga National Golf Club, the Hall of Springs, and the 1863 Club at Saratoga Race Course.

Meet Looney Tunes

Looney Tunes has only known one owner- her 96 year old mom who unfortunately had to change living situations that would not allow her to bring her kitty. She was obviously confused at first but has really blossomed in her foster home. She is sweet and purrs when she is pet. She needs a quiet home with no other pets or young children. Looney Tunes would be a great addition for the person who is missing that something special in their home. She is also an expert at following her person from room to room, so you will always have a buddy with you. She is 8 years old, up to date on her vaccines and is microchipped. DUE TO HER FOSTER MOM STARTING A NEW JOB AND RELOCATING, SHE WILL NEED AN ADOPTER OR NEW FOSTER BEFORE 1/23/25. 

Online foster and adoption applications can be found on the HOPE website at www.hopeanimalrescue.org. For any questions give us a call at 518-450-7013.

“Racing at the Dawn of the United States” Exhibition Opens at Racing Museum

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Coinciding with the United States of America’s national celebration of the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will mark the occasion with a special exhibition, Racing at the Dawn of the United States. The exhibition opens Saturday, Jan. 10 at the Museum’s Link Gallery.

The exhibition explores the foundation of thoroughbred racing in America from the colonial period to the emergence of the United States as a new republic in the early 19th century. The exhibition will invite visitors to learn about the early history of the sport, highlighting key figures, racecourses, and horses of the time. It will feature selections from the Museum’s collection and will be enhanced with loans from Keeneland Library and other collections.

The exhibition will be open through December.

Week of January 9 – January 15, 2026

Blotter Report

Dec. 31, 2025- Jan. 6, 2026

Dec. 31, 2025. 7:42 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Queensbury resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor false personation. The case was originally reported in the Town of Moreau on June 5, 2025. Held without bail. 

Dec. 31, 2025. 3:23 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a 102-year-old resident of Gansevoort in the City of Saratoga Springs on four misdemeanor charges: 2nd degree reckless endangerment, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense, DWI- first offense and aggravated DWI- BAC of .18% or higher. Appearance ticket issued. 

Dec. 31, 2025. 4:15 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a resident of Saratoga Springs in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of DWI- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

Dec. 31, 2025. 7:48 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

Dec. 31, 2025. 9:30 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Johnsonville man in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of attempted misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher- first offense and misdemeanor DWI- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

Dec 31, 2025. 10:38 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Cape Coral Florida resident in the Town of Malta on charges of DWI- first offense. Released to third party. 

Jan. 1, 2026. 12:13 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a South Glens Falls resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher. The arrest stemmed from a single vehicle accident on Reservoir RD. Appearance ticket issued. 

Jan. 1, 2026. 12:46 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police Department arrested a Greenfield center resident on charges of 5th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, cocaine 500 milligrams. 

Jan. 1, 2026. 12:57 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

Jan. 1, 2026. 2:30 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Mechanicville resident on charges of misdemeanor 4th degree criminal mischief- disabling equipment to prevent emergency call to first responders. Released on own recognizance. 

Jan. 1, 2026. 3:32 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police Department arrested a Rensselaer resident on charges of disorderly conduct: fight/violence. 

Jan. 1, 2026. 9:33 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police Department arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of 4th degree criminal possession of a weapon with intent to use and menacing a police officer. 

Jan. 1, 2026. 6:56 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Glens Falls resident in the Village of South Glens Falls on charges of misdemeanor petit larceny and two counts of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance ticket issued. 

Jan. 1, 2026. 9:04 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police Department arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of 2nd degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia and 4th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance: stimulants. 

Jan. 1, 2026. 9:41 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Troy resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

Jan. 2, 2026. 2:36 a.m.- Saratoga Police department arrested an Avalon, NJ resident on charges of operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs- first offense, operating a motor vehicle with unsafe tires and moving from lane unsafely. 

Jan. 2, 2026. 3:09 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a South Glens Falls resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of felony 3rd degree criminal mischief: damage to another person’s property above $250, felony 1st degree criminal contempt: violating an order of protection- damage property over $250 and misdemeanor acting in a manner to injure a child less than 17. Held, no bail. 

Jan. 2, 2026. 8:48 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

Jan. 2, 2026. 11:09 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police Department arrested a Saratoga Springs resident with making a terroristic threat. 

Jan. 2, 2026. 2:52 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of felony 3rd degree grand larceny value exceeds $3000 and felony 4th degree criminal possession of stolen property- possession of stolen credit card. Appearance ticket issued. 

Jan. 2, 2026. 3:05 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Hampton resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of 2nd degree misdemeanor aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. 

Jan. 2, 2026. 4:09 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

Jan. 3, 2026. 12:21 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Gansevoort resident in the Town of Greenfield on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

Jan. 3, 2026. 2:35 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Lake resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Released to 3rd party. 

Jan. 3, 2026. 3:21 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor motor vehicle violation: registration suspended. Released on own recognizance. 

Jan. 3, 2026. 7:15 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated harassment, communicating threats by phone, mail or computer. 

Jan. 3, 2026. 8:05 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Village of Ballston on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher and felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

Jan. 3, 2026. 10:23 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the Town of Stillwater on charges of misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher and felony DWI: previous conviction in last ten years. Released to third party. 

Jan. 3, 2026. 11:46 a.m. and 10:42 p.m.- New York State Police arrested two Albany residents in a single incident that occurred in the Town of Northumberland. The first individual was charged with misdemeanor 3rd degree assault with intent to cause physical injury, felony 3rd degree criminal mischief: damage to another person’s property greater than $250, misdemeanor criminal mischief, felony 2nd degree robbery and misdemeanor criminal mischief: disabling equipment to prevent calls to first responders. The second individual was charged with misdemeanor false personation and misdemeanor criminal mischief: disabling equipment to prevent calls to first responders. The first individual was released on own recognizance and the second was issued an appearance ticket. 

Jan. 4, 2026. 1:54 and 4:36 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police Department arrested a Schenectady resident for DWI- first offense, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense and moving unsafely from a lane. Later they were arrested for 2nd degree harassment: physical contact. 

Jan 4, 2026. 10:21 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of 3rd degree misdemeanor unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

Jan. 4, 2026. 1:09 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor petit larceny. Appearance ticket issued. 

Jan. 4, 2026. 10:37 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Latham resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

Jan. 5, 2026. 1:36 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a South Burlington, VT resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor 1st degree operation of a motor vehicle impaired by drugs and misdemeanor 7th degree possession of a controlled substance. Appearance ticket issued. 

Edward C. Smith

GREENFIELD – Edward C. Smith passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025.  A service will be held at Wyoming Baptist Church, Wyoming, NY on June 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with interment following at the Wyoming Village Cemetery.  Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Karen Herrera

GANSEVOORT – Karen Herrera passed away December 21, 2025.  Family and friends are invited for calling hours on January 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs, followed by a service at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Robert “Bob” L. Frey, Sr.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Robert “Bob” L. Frey, Sr., passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025, at Albany Medical Center.  Interment with military honors was held at 11:00 a.m. on January 5, at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871.  For online condolences, please visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.