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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Week of March 6 – March 12, 2026

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

Blotter Report

February 26, 2026. 7:10 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Rexford resident in the Town of Clifton Park on three counts of felony 2nd degree possession of a forged instrument. Appearance ticket issued. 

February 26, 2025. 10:24 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Malta on charges of 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

February 26, 2026. 12:55 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Queensbury resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.

February 27, 2026. 10:01 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, felony criminal possession of a firearm, and two counts of felony criminal possession of a weapon- 3rd: previous conviction. Released on own recognizance.

February 27, 2026. 5:24 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Carthage resident on charges of felony 3rd degree burglary: illegal entry with intent to commit a crime and misdemeanor petit larceny. Released on own recognizance. 

February 27, 2026. 6:56 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Waterford resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree unlawful imprisonment, attempted misdemeanor 3rd degree assault: with intent to cause physical injury, misdemeanor criminal mischief-4: disable equipment to prevent emergency call, misdemeanor menacing: weapon, and criminal possession of weapon: intent to use. Appearance ticket issued.

February 27, 2026. 8:43 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Lake resident in the City of Saratoga Springs of charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

February 27, 2026. 9:33 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Nassau resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of DWI- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

February 28, 2026. 3:32 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of DWI- first offense, aggravated DWI: BAC of .18 or higher- no priors and 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest stemmed from an accident on Route 9 in the Town of Halfmoon. 

February 28, 2026. 5:50 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a South Glens Falls resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of felony making a terroristic threat. Released on own recognizance. 

February 28, 2026. 4:18 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Gloversville resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

February 28, 2026. 6:44 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Gansevoort resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and felony criminal possession of controlled substance- 5th: cocaine, 500 milligrams. Released on own recognizance. 

February 28, 2026. 7:13 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued, arrest stemmed from a two-vehicle accident on Route 9. 

March 1, 2026. 3:18 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Summerville, SC resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor aggravated unlicensed operation and 3 counts of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance ticket issued. 

March 1, 2026. 5:53 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.

March 1, 2026. 7:33 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Corinth resident in the Village of Corinth on charges of attempted misdemeanor criminal contempt: disobey court and felony criminal mischief: damage to another person’s property amount over $250. Central Arraignment.

March 1, 2026. 1:15 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Gansevoort resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of aggravated 3rd degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.

March 1, 2026. 3:12 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor petit larceny. Appearance ticket issued. 

March 1, 2026. 7:23 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the Town of Greenfield on charges of misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest stemmed from an a two-vehicle accident on Daniels Road in Greenfield. 

March 1, 2026. 11:25 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher- 1st offense, misdemeanor aggravated DWI: BAC of .18 or higher- no priors and misdemeanor DWI- first offense. 

March 1, 2026. 11:35 p.m.- New York State Police arrested an Albany resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of aggravated 3rd degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

March 2, 2026. 10:59 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schuylerville resident in the Town of Morea on charges of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, felony 4th degree criminal possession of a narcotic drug, 4th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance: methamphetamine, and felony criminal possession of a controlled substance- 3rd: 1/8 oz of meth- intent to sell. 

Arrested in the same incident was a Fort Edward resident who was charged with three counts of 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Bruce Bradigan

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS  – Bruce Bradigan passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, CLC, surrounded by his loving family and the compassionate caregivers who had become like family to him.

Born on November 9, 1945, in Fort Worth, Bruce was the son of Betty Lou Harris Bradigan and Floyd John Bradigan. He was the eldest of six children and grew up in Forestville, NY.

Bruce proudly served his country as a Special Forces Officer in the United States Army, leading an A-Team in combat during the Vietnam War. He represented the 6th Special Forces Group in the Iron Man competition on Okinawa and was High Altitude–Low Opening (HALO) qualified and a Jump Master. He held a Top-Secret clearance, attended Cambodian Language School in Washington, D.C., obtained his pilot’s license and earned a Purple Heart for his bravery. His service reflected extraordinary courage, discipline, and commitment.

Bruce dedicated 26 years to public service with the Office of Mental Health, concluding his tenure as Deputy Director of the Central New York Psychiatric Center. He later served as CEO of Bethel, a senior healthcare facility in Westchester.

Bruce served as Chairman of the Board of the Shriners Hospital for Children in Boston. A member of MENSA, Bruce possessed a brilliant and curious mind. He also had a passion for high-performance cars and served as President and instructor for the Northeast Chapter of the Audi Club of North America (NEQ). He was especially proud to serve as a Co-Event Master at Watkins Glen alongside his daughter, Carly, an experience that brought him tremendous joy and pride.

In 1998, Bruce’s life changed forever when he married Laura Horan and embraced her two children. Bruce was a proud and devoted father to Carly Connors (Dalibor Ritopecki) and Christopher Connors (Lindsey Wilhelm), but it was his role as “Papa” that brought him his greatest joy. He was the adoring grandfather of Nik Bradigan Ritopecki and Brooke and Brian Connors, and nothing made him happier than time spent with them.

He treasured Brooke’s creativity and loved admiring her artwork and proudly sharing her latest creations. With Brian, Bruce delighted in conversations about dinosaurs and their love of chocolate, especially M&M’s. Bruce loved watching Nik compete on the football and lacrosse fields, following every play with pride and enthusiasm. He rarely missed an opportunity to talk about Nik’s determination and teamwork.  His grandchildren brought out his gentlest, most joyful side; his eyes would light up at the mere mention of their names.

He is survived by his brother, Bob Bradigan (Madelyn), and his goddaughter and niece, Karen Bradigan Smith, and her son, Brayden Smith; and cousin, Kevin Burke.

In his final years at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, Bruce found camaraderie among fellow veterans, sharing stories and wisdom. His family is deeply grateful for the exceptional care he received and the meaningful friendships he formed there.

Family and friends attended a reception at Saratoga Golf and Polo Club on Wednesday, March 4. Bruce will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, with the honor befitting his devoted service to his country.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take the time to thank a veteran for their service and pause to listen to their story. There is no greater tribute to Bruce’s life than honoring those who have served.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

Shirley A. Coonradt

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

GANSEVOORT – Shirley A. Coonradt passed away February 28, 2026.  A graveside service will be held at 11 am on Friday July 24, 2026, at Maplewood Cemetery, corner of Weibel and Louden Road, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online condolences, www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Erika A. Wenger

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Erika A. Wenger passed away February 18, 2026.  Calling hours were held on February 27 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs, New York.  Online condolences, www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Dolores Alonzo

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Dolores Alonzo, 88, passed away on February 18, 2026.

Born September 23, 1937, in Saratoga Springs, NY, she was the eldest child of Joseph and Dorothy Alonzo. A graduate of Saratoga Springs High School, she married William Diggins and raised her family while simultaneously putting herself through college.

She went on to become a registered nurse, starting her career with New York State at Mount McGregor Psychiatric Hospital and later at the Wilton Developmental Center. As a nurse supervisor, she dedicated her career to caring for her clients with deep compassion and respect. Following her retirement, she traveled and lived for a time in Washington, where she earned a degree in theology from Washington State. She later moved to Florida, where she built many friendships and enjoyed her daily swims.

Dolores enjoyed volunteering; As a young mom she was a Cub Scout leader and after retirement she served meals at soup kitchens, worked food pantries, and cared for people at Mary’s Haven.  She was a fierce Scrabble player and was known as the “queen of two-letter words”. She loved spending time with her sister, Loralee, going for drives, thrifting and enjoying coffee.

She was predeceased by her parents; her beloved son, David Diggins; her brother, Joseph Alonzo; and her former husband and father of her children, William Diggins.

She is survived by her children, Deborah Merchant (Brian), William Diggins (Kathy), Denise Woodcock (Richard), Patrick Diggins (Lora), and Loralee Diggins; 14 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Loralee Vanhorne; her brother, Phillip Alonzo; her sister and brother-in-law, Michele and Ernest Hammond; her favorite sister-in-law, Elaine Alonzo; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dolores showed her love quietly. She may not have always had the words to express it to those closest to her, but her love was felt.  Her memory will live on in her family and friends who loved her deeply, and she will be truly missed.

Dolores’ family has chosen to honor her privately.  In her memory, we ask those who wish to honor her to take a moment each day to be kind to someone they meet: help someone in need, volunteer, or just do something to make someone smile. 

For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Saratoga Jewish Community Arts Announces Panel Discussion of the film ‘The Windermere Children’

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Saratoga Jewish Community Arts, with a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and the sponsorship of Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs, presents a panel discussion of the PBS drama, The Windermere Children. The program is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 at 7 pm on Zoom.

Several books and films have chronicled the 10,000 children rescued out of Europe during World War II on what became known as Kindertransport, the trains that carried the children to safety in Great Britain. 

Lesser known is the smaller, post-war British mission to rescue Jewish orphans who survived the concentration camps and give them a chance to reclaim their lives.

This is the saga told in the drama, The Windermere Children. Located in the Lake District of England, Windermere hosted the refugee children for four months in 1945. They received physical care, emotional support and education from sports coaches, social workers, rabbis and others working together to deal with the children’s traumatized psyches. 

The challenge for screenwriter Simon Block was to strike a balance between history and drama, to accurately represent on screen the children’s collective and the individual experiences. In the camps, they had learned how to survive, but those behaviors didn’t translate well into a civil society where rules existed. The children had to learn a whole new way of life.

Windermere was an extraordinary place, though. During the day, the children could run free, join countless activities, and be unafraid. But nights were different. Many succumbed to horrible nightmares that persisted in some cases throughout their lives.

A number of the survivors whose stories are portrayed appear at the end of the film. They are now the aged orphans who ultimately settled in England, Israel and the U.S. They display the remarkable human capacity for resilience that can lead to productive and even eminent lives. 

In a reunion in Prague a few years ago, hundreds came, generations of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of the original survivors.

“What is message we take from this story?” asks Phyllis Wang, Coordinator of SJCA. “How about the message of welcoming refugees? How about empathy, compassion and understanding? This is in stark contrast to what is happening in this country and all over the world today, where immigrants are greeted with negativity, fear, self-importance, and religious and racial bias. Why is it so hard to accept that so many immigrants have given so much back to the country that took them in?”

Pre-registration is required. To register, enter the URL in your browser: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/kVG1OUi/WindemereChildren

Saratoga County DPW To Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Roundabout at Route 50/Northline Road Intersection in Milton

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, News.

A public hearing has been set for a proposed roundabout at the intersection of Route 50 and Northline Road in Milton. ( Photo Courtesy of Jonathan Norcross)

Saratoga County Department of Public Works (DPW) and CHA Consulting, Inc. (CHA), in cooperation with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 6PM at the Saratoga County Fire Training Center, 6010 County Farm Rd, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

The purpose of this meeting is to provide information about the NYS Route 50 (Doubleday Avenue) at Northline Road (County Route 45) Intersection Improvement Project in the Town of Milton. 

Individuals in attendance will be given the opportunity to provide oral and/or written comments about the project. Representatives of CHA will be available to discuss the project one-on-one. Additionally, details will be provided to show proposed highway right-of-way modifications involving property acquisitions, per the Eminent Domain Procedure Law.

The goals of this project are to enhance traffic flow, improve the safety of the intersection, and to upgrade pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2027. This project is 80% federal and 20% county funded. 

Members of the public who are unable to attend the meeting may submit comments no later than March 30, 2026, to Eric Williams, P.E., Senior Project Manager, CHA Consulting, Inc., 3 Winners Circle, Suite 100, Albany, NY 12205.

Mannix Marketing Celebrates 30 Years of Boosting Local Businesses With Anniversary Event in Saratoga Springs

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Mannix Marketing is turning 30, and the team is celebrating the only way they know how: by bringing the community together.

“We want to celebrate this milestone with the community that has supported us every step of the way,” said Sara Mannix, Founder and CEO. “For 30 years, our mission has been simple: help local businesses grow. This party is about saying thank you, reconnecting, and looking ahead to the next 30 years.”

The anniversary celebration will take place Wednesday, March 11, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at The Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill in Saratoga.

Founded in 1996, Mannix Marketing has helped thousands of local businesses strengthen their online presence. The company is known for creating and managing popular regional websites like LakeGeorge.com, Saratoga.com, Adirondack.net, GlensFalls.com, Albany.com, and CliftonPark.com, along with providing SEO, web design, social media, and digital strategy services for businesses throughout the region.

The event is free and open to the community. Guests will enjoy light appetizers, great networking, and their first drink on the house.

Whether you have partnered with Mannix Marketing, advertised on one of their sites, or simply want to connect with fellow business professionals, all are welcome.

Community Compost Program Returns For Second Year

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Pitney Meadows Community Farm, in partnership with Sustainable Saratoga, recently announced the return of the Saratoga Springs Community Compost Program for a second season.

What began as a resident-supported initiative through Saratoga Springs’ Participatory Budgeting process has grown into an example of community-led climate action, following a successful pilot year. Registration is now open for the 2026 season, welcoming up to 150 households into a shared, hands-on effort to reduce waste, restore soil, and strengthen the local food system.

In its first season, the Saratoga Springs Community Compost Program served 107 households (equivalent to 268 community members) and diverted more than five tons (over 10,000 pounds) of food scraps from the landfill.

That compost is used directly on Pitney Meadows’ Community Garden and agricultural fields, where food is grown for public programming, local families, food pantries, senior centers, and shelters, creating a closed-loop system that connects daily household habits to tangible community outcomes.

More than 160 people expressed interest in the 2025 pilot program, exceeding the program’s initial capacity. Multiple onboarding phases welcomed new participants, each including required compost training, system tours, and educational sessions.

Throughout the season, the program extended beyond food scrap collection. Educational offerings included a backyard composting workshop, school and student tours, professional development visits, tabling at community events, and the creation of a public-facing educational video about this program. The season concluded with a community Pumpkin Smash, a hands-on event designed to divert seasonal waste while inviting families to engage directly with the composting process.

Based on participant feedback and operational success, the 2026 program includes: 

• Expanded capacity: Up to 150 households

•Extended season: mid-April to mid-November

• Home food scrap collection bin provided to every household 

• Expanded accepted materials: Meat and dairy now included

• Flexible drop-off hours: Tuesday–Saturday, dawn to dusk

• Annual registration fee: $80 per household

• Free scholarships available to ensure accessibility

• Participation is open to all, regardless of city residency 

All participants are required to attend a compost training at the start of the season, covering accepted materials, home collection tips, and the environmental impact of composting.

Registration for the 2026 Saratoga Springs Community Compost Program is now open and will remain available until all 150 spots are filled.

Saratoga Muay Thai Fighter Wins Pro Main Event in Thailand via KO

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Photo provided by James Bruchac.

GREENFIELD CENTER — On Feb. 10, Saratoga native Marcus Davis won the biggest fight of his life at STC Siam: Real Combat 10.

Having recently turned pro while living and training in Thailand, Davis scored an impressive third round KO against a tough opponent from Serbia. 

With more fights on the horizon, including in the U.S., Davis is expected to return home in March to continue his training and coaching at Saratoga Academy of Elite Martial Arts in Greenfield Center.