Skip to main content

Author: Saratoga TODAY

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park Fundraising Event Oct. 17

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

WILTON — Wild About Blue, a fundraising event for the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be taking place 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 17.

At this year’s event, the Preserve & Park will also be celebrating its 25th anniversary. Founded in 1996, it has become a leader in the community in environmental education, outdoor recreation, and its work supporting its partners in the conservation of important habitats, including that of the endangered Karner blue butterfly.

The Metamorphosis Award honors individuals who have helped create dramatic changes in their communities, just as the Karner blue butterfly and other species go through remarkable transformations in their life cycles. This year’s award will be presented to Bob Rice – longtime Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park board member, treasurer, co-founder of the Wilton Rotary, and a Town of Wilton Board Member. 

Tickets for Wild About Blue are available for $75 per person and can be purchased by calling the Preserve & Park office at 518-450-0321 or via email at info@wiltonpreserve.org. All attendees are being asked to provide proof of vaccination in order to protect the health of the community.

Saratoga’s Star Radio Honored for Serving the Community

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — At the recent “Serving New York Awards” and Excellence in Broadcasting Awards” luncheon in Albany, a handful of Capital Region Radio and Television stations were recognized for the extraordinary efforts of New York State’s Broadcasters in serving the public interest every day. 

Saratoga’s Star Radio 93.3 FM, 1160 AM, and streaming starsaratoga.com were honored for their dedication to serving the community through the months of the pandemic. They were recognized for their enter-to-win $10,000 Marketing Campaign Contest created to help local business advertise their company’s reopening, their ‘COVID-19 – A Special Broadcast’ in partnership with the Saratoga County Chamber Commerce, and their daily COVID-19 Special Reports working with the Saratoga County Health Department. 

Accepting the NYSBA Award for Loud Media Group, Walt Adams said, “It was an honor to be recognized by the NYSB Association. This was a shining example of the important role local radio can play in the community.” 

Star Radio is part of the Loud Media LLC Group that includes stations serving Saratoga, Glens Falls, South Glens Falls, Queensbury, parts of Warren and Washington Counties, as well as Lake George. 

Read the full brief on Saratoga Business Report www.saratogabusinessreport.com

Final Saratoga Spa State Park Bike Tour of the Season

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS—Join the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation for this season’s final bike tour of the Saratoga Spa State Park on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 10:30 a.m.  Bike along the old roads, carriage paths, and trolley lines to explore the progressive story of National Historic Landmark Saratoga Spa State Park. Tickets are $20 for SSPF members and $25 for non-members. Tour meets in front of the National Museum of Dance, Hall of Fame & School of The Arts, 99 South Broadway. The bike tour lasts approximately three hours, attendees must bring or rent their bike, and space is limited to 20.

Upcoming Autumn Sunday Strolls include the return of Pups for Preservation on Oct. 17 where dogs and their humans stroll North Broadway as well as a tour of the Gut neighborhood on Oct. 24. All Sunday morning strolls last approximately 90 minutes and require walking and standing on varied terrain. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. Tours are limited to 30 people and tickets must be purchased in advance. Members who have received complimentary stroll passes should contact the Foundation directly to reserve their ticket.

For more information or to purchase tickets to upcoming tours visit www.saratogapreservation.org 

Saratoga County: Contest to Rename Meal Program

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Office for the Aging is holding a contest to rename its Congre-gate Meal Program. The program offers seniors socialized dining opportunities at sites throughout the county. 

The public is asked to think of creative and unique names that will encompass the purpose of the program, which is to provide area seniors with a space to gather with friends, meet new people, and enjoy a nutritious meal. The winner will receive a $25 Walmart gift card. 

Submit name suggestions via Facebook Messenger @SaratogaCountyOFA, email to aging@saratogacountyny.gov, or mail to Saratoga County Office for the Aging ATTN: Renaming Contest, 152 W. High St, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. The winning name will be announced on Oct. 31.

October 2 – October 8, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Police Blotter.

COURT

Natalie S. Andersen, 40, of Gansevoort, was sent3enced Sept. 30 to 5 years of probation, after pleading to felony DWI in Saratoga Springs, in connection with an incident in December 2020. 

Harold C. Stevenson, 47, of Schenectady, pleaded Sept. 30 to felony criminal possession of a controlled substance, in Moreau. Sentencing Dec. 7. 

Miles H. Latimer, 26, of Schenectady, pleaded Sept. 30 to felony burglary, in Clifton Park. Sentencing Dec. 9. 

John C. Heidrich, of Halfmoon, was sentenced Sept. 29 to 25 years-to-life, following a July jury verdict regarding a series of crimes he committed in January 2020 at his residence, according to a statement by Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen. Heidrich was found guilty by jury of 16 counts. The charges include: kidnapping, rape, sexual abuse, and assault. From Jan. 7-11, 2020, Heidrich held a 57-year-old Boston area against her will while physically and sexually abusing her, Heggen said. Heidrich met the victim via a phone dating service. 

Courtney L. Curley, 31, of Ballston Lake, was sentenced to 5 years of probation, after pleading to felony DWI, in Ballston. 

Michael A. Thomas, 58, of Levittown, pleaded Sept. 29 to felony DWI, in Ballston. 

Tori Spina, 33, of Ballston Spa, pleaded Sept. 29 to felony DWI, in Charlton. 

David J. Hayes, 31, of Fort Edward, was sentenced Sept. 28 to 60 days incarceration consecutive to 30 days incarceration, after pleading to aggravated family offense, a felony. 

Kenneth Tambasco, 49, of Lake Luzerne, was sentenced to a 3-year conditional discharge, after pleading to felony criminal mischief, in Corinth. 

Tieberius T. Rozier, 22, of Ballston Lake, pleaded Sept. 28 to rape in the third-degree, in Malta. Sentencing Dec. 2. 

Paul F. Haggerty, 39, of Northumberland, pleaded Sept. 28 to reckless endangerment in the first-degree, a felony, in Greenfield. Sentencing Oct. 20. 

POLICE

Brandon J. Dugan, 25, of Ticonderoga, was charged Sept. 30 with felony burglary, and felony criminal mischief. He is suspected of forcing entry into the Jolley Mobil Convenience Store located on Clifton Country Rd in the town of Clifton Park on Sept. 3 and stealing several items from the store. 

On September 29, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit arrested Deborah M. Willson, 44, of Schuylerville, and Jacob A. Boldt, 32, of Gansevoort. Willson and Boldt are accused of having been in possession of crack cocaine and crystal methamphetamine that were packaged for sale and distribution. Willson was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third-degree, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth-degree, all felonies. Boldt was charged with one felony and one misdemeanor count criminal possession of a controlled substance. Willson was also wanted on a Saratoga County Superior Court Bench Warrant for failure to appear for sentencing on an unrelated narcotics charge. Both were arraigned by Judge Coseo of the Wilton Town Court. Willson was sent to the Saratoga County Jail without bail and Boldt was released to pre-trail services. 

Justin W. Jones, 29, of Malta, was charged Sept. 29 with failure to report as a sex offender. He was sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of bail, or bond. 

Ivan E. Joy, 53, of Fort Edward, was charged Sept. 26 in Moreau with aggravated family offense, criminal contempt, assault, and criminal mischief. Joy is accused of taken a phone from a person as they attempted to call 911 and striking them with it, causing physical injury, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. He is also accused of violating a court order of protection in the process. 

Matian McCaskill, 48, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 21 with criminal contempt. 

Desmond Wilson, 26, of Troy, was charged Sept. 17 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. 

Tiemogo Sangare, 20, of Clifton Park, was charged Sept. 21 with unlawful imprisonment – a misdemeanor, and disorderly conduct. 

Julian Soto, 24, of Troy, was charged Sept. 21 with felony forgery. 

Shelley Green, 25, of Independence, Mo., was charged Sept. 22 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor assault. 

Joshua Willimott, 34, of Waterford, was charged Sept. 23 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, and speeding. 

Dustin Quirion, 37, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 24 with aggravated unlicensed operation, operating motor vehicle without a license, and a suspended registration. 

Saratoga Hospital Awarded $25,000 to Help Patients Transition from Hospital to Home

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Hospital has received a $25,000 grant from Mohawk Valley Medical Associates and MVP Healthcare to help high-risk older patients make the transition from hospital to home.

 The grant, for Saratoga Hospital’s Inpatient Transition Program, recognizes the program’s high patient satisfaction rate, success in reducing readmissions and Emergency Department visits, and adoption of telemedicine to provide timely follow-up care.

The program serves older patients who have complex, chronic conditions and could benefit from additional support. Inpatient transition providers meet with patients and their family members within days after discharge to assess patients, answer their questions, help them update and organize their medications, schedule appointments with specialists, and arrange for in-home support services.

“The extra attention to patients’ needs and wishes has a significant positive impact on their physical and emotional health and their quality of life,” said Dr. Richard Falivena, vice president and chief medical and physician integration officer at Saratoga Hospital. 

The $25,000 grant is the second awarded to the Inpatient Transition Program under MVMA’s Program Excellence & Innovation initiative, which recognizes programs that go above and beyond to address the needs of a specific population. Last year, the Inpatient Transition Program received $10,000 in seed money.

For more information visit  www.SaratogaHospital.org 

Luigi (Lou) Soave

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Luigi (Lou) Soave, 64, passed into eternal rest, with his loving wife, Donna Kenney Soave by his side on September 30, 2021. 

At Luigi’s request there will be no calling hours.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Burke Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway. 

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com 

John T. O’Connor, Sr.

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — John T. O’Connor Sr., 71, passed away unexpectedly September 26, 2021 at Albany Medical Center. Calling hours were October 4, 2021 at Burke Funeral Home. Mass was October 5, 2021 at St. Clement’s Church. Memorial donations to Saratoga Automobile Museum, or the Saratoga Race Track, any betting window will do ;). www.burkefuneralhome.com 

George Herrick West and the (not so) Secret Law and Order League

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in History.

George Herrick West died 85 years ago this month. While not nearly as well known as the “Paper Bag King” George West, GHW was a representative of the progressive era in local politics.

When in the 1870’s the realization of the need for social reform swept across the nation, Law and Order Leagues, as well as other similar organizations, sprang up to address evils as varied as social disorder, drink, and gambling. Forty years later, concerned members of the Ballston Spa community formed The Secret Law and Order League to address these same evil influences on society. The leader of this organization was G. H. West, the son of Galway farmer Matthew West. George West had been elected to the New York Assembly where he served from 1899 to 1900. 

The first evil that the Law and Order League addressed was white slave trafficking, with West drafting a bill that was introduced in the 1909 New York State Legislative session. That bill was not acted upon, but when George West again introduced his anti-white slave trafficking bill in 1910, he had the added advantage of support from Senator Edward T. Brackett of Saratoga Springs and Assemblyman George H. Whitney of Mechanicville. The Brackett-Whitney bill passed in both branches of the legislature and in 1910 it was signed into law. 

That same year the league attempted to stamp out gambling in the Saratoga County village of Mechanicville. Represented by Ballston Spa attorney Hugh Whalen, the group filed a citizen’s complaint requesting that an investigation be made to determine if the crime of keeping a gambling establishment was being committed in Mechanicville. In their complaint, they alleged that gambling houses were “running full blast” on both Railroad Street and Park Avenue. 

By December of 1910 indictments had been brought against Mechanicville residents William O’Rourke, Barney Patrick, and Edward O’Neil. When the question of whether “keeping a gambling house” was in the penal code, the cases were put over to the next court term. In response to this setback, Mr. West continued to press his case for social reform in Mechanicville, this time to the village trustees. It was his view that local police were failing in their duty to prevent the sale of liquor to minors, gambling, and “profanity on the streets.” 

In the March 1911 term of the Saratoga County Court, the cases against O’Rourke, Patrick & O’Neil for keeping a gambling house finally came before a judge. As the trial proceeded, witness after witness was called, but when none could recall when they played poker at these establishments, all the cases were quickly dismissed. 

That same year, efforts to halt gambling across the state were in full swing, with one of the most sweeping changes when the New York State Legislature outlawed the placing and recording of bets, effectively shutting down all horse racing in the state. 

Possibly due to the strong anti-gambling push across the state, the Secret Law and Order League again started investigations into gambling in Mechanicville. This time the League focused on Deputy Sheriff Albert B. Houseworth, bringing a charge of “repeated neglect of duty” against the officer in January of 1914. When interviewed by the Mechanicville Mercury, Houseworth stated that the charges against him were for allowing violations of the Sunday laws forbidding the sale of liquor & the playing of baseball, as well as allowing gambling establishments to flourish in the village. In his response, he said he was no longer the “goat for the glided reformer and never supposed that a Deputy Sheriff of Saratoga County had to act as a private detective for the Secret Law and Order League.” 

The Law and Order League responded by reminding everyone that they had written Deputy Sheriff Houseworth on numerous occasions over the previous year informing him of the business places in Mechanicville with gambling machines, and two active gambling places in the village. Once they saw that Houseworth was not willing to enforce the anti-gambling laws, they notified the County Sheriff of the existing situation and asked for him to intervene. 

On January 3, 1914, the Mechanicville Mercury reported that Deputy Sheriff Housworth was at risk of being removed from his position as Deputy Sheriff. At risk also was his $65 a month job as a patrolman for the village of Mechanicville. A week after the charges were brought against Houseworth, Saratoga Sheriff Clarence L. Grippin sent deputies to Mechanicville to shut down the places that were alleged to be involved in gambling. Though no charges were filed against these establishments, their doors were closed to business and the gambling machines removed. 

The Secret Law and Order League’s successful campaign against gambling in Mechanicville was the last time any of their activities were reported in local newspapers. George Herrick West continued to work on social reform as superintendent of the New York Civil League’s Law and Order Department in Albany, New York. He passed away in 1936 at the age of 81 and is buried in Ballston Spa Cemetery. 

Dave Waite is a resident of Blue Corners, Saratoga County and has written many articles on upstate New York history. When not researching or playing with his cat Gus, he and his wife Beth seek solitude on remote ponds in the Adirondack wilderness. Dave can be reached at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com