“Luther Forest ~ Looking out my back door”
Photo by Denise Rutledge
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Oreo is a big fellow with an even bigger heart. He is so sweet and wants a lap to call his own. His owner had to go into long-term care and unfortunately the family was allergic. He had been living in the empty home for a few weeks, and someone would come feed him and give him attention. Because of this, he is eager for pets and companionship. He will be your best friend. He is roughly 10 years old (but definitely doesn’t look or act it), is up to date on vaccines and is declawed. We recently had senior blood work done and he is as healthy as can be. Come meet Oreo and see if he is a perfect fit for you!
On January 7, 2026, State Police of Saratoga arrested Jasmine R. Barber, 20, of Champlain, NY, Emily R. Ferdinandi, 20, of Champlain, NY, and two 18-year-olds each for Falsely Reporting an Incident in the third degree.
On January 7, 2026, at about 1:00 p.m., Troopers received a report that a vehicle was traveling southbound on I-87 Northway in Saratoga County with a passenger who was reportedly displaying a handwritten sign stating “help!! being kidnapped!!”. During a significant law enforcement response, a vehicle matching the caller’s description was located on I-87 Northway in Malta, NY, and was stopped, causing a temporary shutdown of I-87 southbound. The 18-year-old driver and passengers Barber, Ferdinandi, and an 18-year-old were removed from the vehicle and detained. Further investigation determined that all individuals in the vehicle were aware that the sign was displayed as an alleged “joke” and no kidnapping had occurred.
All four were arrested and transported to SP Saratoga for processing. Each was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Malta Town Court on February 5, 2026, and released.
State Police wants to emphasize that falsely reporting a kidnapping is not a prank or a mistake; it’s a serious crime with real consequences.
When a false any false emergency report is made, emergency responders rush into action, diverting police, medical, and rescue resources away from people who may genuinely need help. Families and communities experience fear and trauma, and in some cases, false reports can even put officers and bystanders in danger.
The Saratoga Torch Club will welcome Greg Veitch, former Saratoga Springs Police Chief and leading historian of the city’s underworld past, as its featured speaker Monday evening, January 26, at the Saratoga Springs Holiday Inn.
Veitch’s talk will draw from his extensive research into Saratoga Springs’ long history of gambling, organized crime, and civic corruption, the subject of his two acclaimed books, All the Law in the World Won’t Stop Them and A Gangster’s Paradise.
Blending original archival research with the instincts of a career law-enforcement officer, Veitch has become the foremost chronicler of a complex chapter in Saratoga’s past—one that shaped the city far beyond its elegant public image.
The Saratoga Torch Club is a civic forum dedicated to thoughtful conversation on history, public affairs, science, and the arts. Veitch’s remarks are in keeping with the club’s tradition of talks designed to spark informed discussion among members and guests.
For the presentation only, which will start at 7 p.m., the suggested donation is $5.
For dinner, seats are $40, payable at the door by cash or check, starting with a cash bar at 5:30 p.m. Make reservations by Friday, January 23, by contacting Richard Lynch at torchman999@gmail.com.
Blotter Report
January 7, 2026- January 13, 2026
January 7, 2026. 1:15 p.m.- New York State Police arrested four individuals — two residents of Champlain, one resident of Mooers Forks and one resident on West Chazy — in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree falsely reporting a crime/ catastrophe/emergency. Appearance tickets issued.
January 7, 2026. 3:05 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Waterford resident in the Village of Waterford on 19 felony charges: six counts of 3rd degree criminal possession of an assault weapon, six counts of criminal possession of a firearm- unregistered assault weapon and seven counts of 3rd degree criminal possession of a weapon- ammunition feeding device. Appearance ticket issued.
January 7, 2026. 8:50 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Mechanicville resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle: 3 or more suspensions. Appearance ticket issued.
January 8, 2026. 12:40 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Bronx resident in Suffolk County for an incident that occurred in the Town of Wilton. They were charged with felony 3rd degree grand larceny. Released on own recognizance.
January 8, 2026. 11:05 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of felony 2nd degree bail jumping. Released on own recognizance.
January 9, 2026. 9:55 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.
January 9, 2026. 11:33 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Fort Edward resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of felony 3rd degree criminal mischief: damage to another person’s property amount over $250. Central Arraignment.
January 11, 2026. 7:35 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the Town of Saratoga on charges of misdemeanor criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and attempted misdemeanor 3rd degree assault. Released on own recognizance.
January 12, 2026. 7:48 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schuylerville resident in the Town of Malta on charges of 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation: 3 or more open suspensions, 3 or more separate dates.
January 12, 2026. 9:29 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Village of Ballston Spa on charges of misdemeanor resisting arrest. Appearance ticket issued.
January 12, 2026. 9:39 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree criminal impersonation, attempted felony 2nd degree grand larceny: extort by public service and felony 1st degree identity theft- assume other’s identity to commit or attempt a felony. Released on own recognizance. Arrest stems from incident that occurred in the Town of Wilton on Jan. 2.
January 12, 2026. 1:45 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Corona, NY resident in the Village of Harrison on charges of misdemeanor petit larceny. The arrest stemmed from an incident that occurred in the Town of Wilton in August 2025. Central Arraignment.
January 12, 2026. 2:58 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Middle Grove, NY resident in the Town of Milton on charges of felony 4th degree grand larceny: property greater than $1000. Released on bail/bond.
January 13, 2026. 3:00 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of three counts of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor 2nd degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia: scales, misdemeanor 2nd degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia: package, felony 4th degree criminal passion of a narcotic drug and felony 3rd degree criminal possession of a controlled substance: intent to sell narcotics. Released on own recognizance.
January 13, 2026. 2:19 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park juvenile in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. Released to third party. Arrest stems from incident that occurred January 8 in the Town of Halfmoon.
January 13, 2026. 2:20 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schuylerville resident in the Village of Victory on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with bac of .08 or more- first offense, misdemeanor aggravated DWI- BAC of .18 or higher- no priors and felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle: committed under influence of drugs or alcohol. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest stems from crash that occurred in the Town of Saratoga in August 2025.
January 13, 2026. 3:00 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Fort Edward resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree bail jumping. Held- no bail.
January 13, 2026. 3:00 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Fort Edward resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and 2nd degree criminal impersonation. Appearance ticket issued.
January 13, 2026. 3:22 p.m.- New York State Police arrested two Queensbury residents in the Town of Moreau on charges of misdemeanor imitation controlled substance- manufacture/sell- 1st violation and misdemeanor 3rd degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. The other was arrested on charges of two counts of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance tickets issued.
January 13, 2026. 3:48 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Watervliet resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of 2 counts of misdemeanor reckless driving and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle when license or registration suspended under article 7. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest stems from crash that occurred in March 2024 in the Town of Halfmoon.
January 13, 2026. 4:39 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Troy resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of felony 4th degree criminal possession of stolen property, value exceeds $1000 and misdemeanor unlawful possession of certain ammunition feeding devices: not in home/ first offense. Arrest stems from incident that occurred in November 2025.
BALLSTON SPA – Patricia A. Willson, 83 passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026. Calling hours are 4 – 7pm, January 21, at Burke Funeral Home. Mass is 11 am, January 22, at St. Clement’s followed by burial in St. Peter’s cemetery. Memorial donations to St. Peter’s Hospice or Gateway House of Peace. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Cecilia Monaco, 96, passed away Friday, January 9, 2026 at home. She was 96 years old. Born on January 26, 1929, in Saratoga Springs, NY. Burial will be private at St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave. Online remembrance may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Raymond V. Kelleher, age 84, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Saratoga Hospital with his family by his side. At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service at this time. For online condolences, please visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
MECHANICVILLE – On Monday January 5, 2026, at approximately 11:00 a.m. Thomas A. Guilianelli passed away suddenly and peacefully at Saratoga Hospital after being stricken at the Wesley where he had been undergoing rehab from a recent illness that had impacted his Parkinson’s. He was 85 years old.
Born on May 14, 1940, in Mechanicville to Thomas and Rose Canonica Guilianelli, he was the youngest of four children. His father was an Italian immigrant, who came to this Country for a better life where he and Rose raised their four children with love and respect for one another. Tom’s father passed down the work ethic that he and his siblings carried through the rest of their lives, and his mother Rose provided a loving home that Tom always looked backed on with great memories, especially of Canonica Family gatherings, where great food and times were had by all. In later years good times were spent at family functions with in-laws and friends. Tom was a proud graduate of Mechanicville High School Class of 1958.
In 1958 he met the love of his life, Diane F. Dwyer, who he spent the next 68 years of his life with. They would have celebrated their 64th anniversary on February 4th. Their union produced two sons, Thomas F. and David P. (Hoover) Guilianelli, their Irish twins. Tom’s family was the most important thing in his life, if it was help coaching Hoover’s little league team or a father son bowling tournament with Tommy, or a school function he was always there for his two sons. That was even more evident, when Tommy took ill and passed away on October 27, 2021. It was a void he could never fill, but he soldiered on. He was also a dedicated Dad to his loyal Samoyed-Maverick, who he loved very much and who was always by his side, even visiting him during his stay at Wesley. Maverick will miss him very much.
Outside of his family, he was a loyal and dedicated employee well over 50 years for Mechanicville Price Chopper, where he was the receiver and was recognized numerous times for his stellar work. He was well respected and considered the best at his job. He made many friends and relationships in all those years, one of his bread vendors even nicknamed him the “Governor”. He worked until he was almost 79 years old with illness, finally forcing him into retirement. He also worked at Korrell Mfg. and as a teenager he also liked to help his neighbor out at G.A. Bove Fuels unloading the coal cars that came into the yard.
Outside of work it was about spending time with his family and sports. He liked nothing more than summer vacations at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire or Kennebunkport, Maine with Diane or the two of them taking trips to casinos to Atlantic City with friends or short rides to the Racino with his in-laws Nancy and Andy Burke. He also would enjoy his summers on his front porch with his two sons and neighbors, Carmine and Anthony. When it came to sports, he was a diehard Yankee and NY Giants fan. He always enjoyed watching Yankee games with his family and always remarked how on his 54th Birthday he attended Dwight (Doc) Gooden’s no hitter. His last full day on earth was watching with Hoover from his room at Wesley, his Giants beat Hoover’s Cowboys. Hoover believes he could finally pass on now that his Giants finally beat the Cowboys – Dad see you on the other side where we can take this conversation up again. He was also, for many years, the pitcher for the Mechanicville Police Department Softball Team, in which he liked to brag that they never lost a game. The officers were all his buddies, and he always enjoyed playing alongside them. He continued well into his early 50’s playing in pickup games. He also liked telling his sons how he hit the first HR at Mechanicville-Stillwater Little League.
In addition to Tommy and his parents; he was predeceased by his siblings, Anna and Anthony (Bubbles) Cimino, Nancy and Julius (Fatty) Marcelle, Anthony (Nookie) and June Guilianelli and his in-laws Francis (Chick) and Eleanor Donnelly Dwyer, Andrew (Andy) Burke, Colleen Dwyer Wong; his special uncle and aunt Alphonse (Fonzi) and Lil Canonica and his loyal and faithful canine companions Pumpkin, Princess, Natasha and Allie.
In addition to his wife Diane and son David and also Maverick, he was survived by his sister-in-law Nancy M. Burke. Also surviving are in-laws, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, way too numerous to mention.
The family would like to thank Clifton Park Halfmoon Ambulance, Saratoga Fire Department/EMT’s, the Doctors and Nurses at Saratoga Hospital both the ER and Third Floor, Dr. Stephen Sgambati, Jr., Dr. Robert Benton, Dr. Seth Cappello, Dr. Joseph Larosa and a big thank you to Dr. Era Hanspal at Albany Med Neurology, and all their family, friends, neighbors and Hoover’s co-workers at DeCrescente Distributing.
Diane and David would like to extend their most heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Wesley at 2 Hathorn who took great care of their husband and father and who were by his side when his condition took a sudden turn for the worse. We are forever grateful knowing he was not alone. A thank you just isn’t enough.
Calling hours were Sunday January 11, 2026, at the Chase-Smith Family Funeral Homes, 319 Park Ave, Mechanicville.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, January 12 at All Saints on the Hudson South Church, (St. Paul’s), 121 N. Main St. Mechanicville.
Burial took place in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Harris Ave. where he will join his beloved Tommy in the family plot.
Memorial donations may be made in Thomas’ name to The Wesley Foundation c/o Eileen Nash, 131 Lawrence St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or at www.thewesleycommunity.org/wesley-foundation.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
The Saratoga County officials today announced a comprehensive health and wellness program for participants in its Veterans Service Agency’s Peer Connection Program, in partnership with Saratoga Regional YMCA. This initiative offers a special YMCA membership focused on physical health and overall well-being in a supportive environment.
Eligibility requires veterans to be Saratoga County residents, use a Saratoga Regional YMCA at least three times a week, and attend one monthly meeting at the Saratoga Springs YMCA. This program is being offered at a 75% discounted rate for the membership.
“On Behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I am proud to support the Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency in their initiative to promote physical health as an essential component of veterans’ overall wellbeing,” Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett (Town of Clifton Park) and former Army Officer said. “Those who have served our country deserve the best care and support as they embark on their journeys toward wellness. Thank you to the Saratoga Regional YMCA for their invaluable partnership in providing essential resources. Together, we are building a strong foundation for the mental and physical health of our veterans.”
“As a Navy Veteran, I wholeheartedly support the initiative of this program, which directly addresses the mental and physical health needs of our veterans,” Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Ian Murray (Town of Saratoga) said. “I want to emphasize the immense sacrifices our veterans have made for our country. It’s our duty to ensure they have access to the comprehensive resources they have earned and truly deserve. This offers an innovative solution to the challenges faced by those in crisis, focusing on their strengths to foster resilience.”
“We recognize that physical health is a vital protective factor in suicide prevention of veterans,” Frank McClement, Director of the Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency said, “By focusing on minimizing risks and enhancing the protective factors for our veterans, we aim to foster an environment that supports personal growth and goal setting. We are committed to prioritizing physical health and wellbeing for our veterans, ensuring they have access to the resources they need to succeed.”
“Through this partnership with Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency, the Saratoga Regional YMCA is proud to support those who have served by providing greater access to programs that foster health, connection, and belonging,” Allison D’Antonio, CEO of the Saratoga Regional YMCA said. “This initiative is about more than just access — it’s about honoring veterans with opportunities to thrive as part of our community.”
Membership to the Veterans Health and Wellness Program begins upon application approval, submission of financial details, and issuance of a YMCA card, lasting until December 31, 2026. The YMCA will cover 50% of the membership costs, while the Peer Connection Program will contribute an additional 25%. Veterans will be responsible for the remaining 25%.
The Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency assists Veterans and their families with securing earned benefits and services. The Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency office will be having an informational session and presentation tabling event on January 27th from 1:30-5:00pm at the Saratoga Regional YMCA location and on February 25th from 2-5pm at the Glens Falls YMCA location.
The Peer Connection Program is a New York State-funded Private First-Class Joseph P. Dwyer program, that provides opportunities for local veterans who have readjusted to civilian life to form relationships with veterans in need. It provides one-on-one mentoring, learning opportunities, social events, presentations, entertainment, volunteer/service opportunities, and more.
For more information, interested veterans should contact Peer Connection Program Coordinator Erin Cassidy at 518-605-2899 or visit www.veteranspeertopeer.org
