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Author: Saratoga TODAY

January 30 – February 5, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Police Blotter.

COURT 

Chad M. Cruger, Jr., 21, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded Jan. 26 to felony burglary, and criminal mischief. Sentencing March 23. 

Shawn L. Whitman, 43, of Mechanicville, was sentenced Jan. 26 to two years in state prison, after pleading to felony rape. The initial charge dates to May 7, 2020 in Saratoga Springs. 

Dennis C. Woods, 55, of Corinth, was sentenced Jan. 27 to five years of probation, after pleading in Wilton to felony DWI. 

William D. Bell, 33, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced Jan. 28 to three years in state prison, after pleading in Milton to assault in the second-degree. 

Kelsey A. Irving, 29, of Queensbury, pleaded Jan. 29 to felony DWI in Malta. Sentencing April 16. 

Dennis J. Lescault, II, of Lake Luzerne pleaded Jan. 29 to DWAI, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and resisting arrest in Malta, and attempted assault in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing April 16. 

POLICE 

Swade Shattuck, 43, of Mechanicville, was charged Feb. 1 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, misdemeanor aggravated DWI, having a suspended registration – a misdemeanor, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle – a felony, and no seat belt. 

Abigail Danna, 18, of Ballston Spa, was charged Jan. 30 in Saratoga Springs with criminal possession of a controlled substance, possession of controlled substance in non-original container, and a vehicle equipment violation. 

Jeremy Depasquale, 41, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 31 with harassment in the second-degree. 

Kenneth Hughes, 36, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 25 with misdemeanor criminal trespass. 

Aaron Edwards, 39, of Corinth, was charged Jan. 25 in Saratoga Springs with felony DWI, refusal to take breath test, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, and two driving violations. 

Martin Brook, 41, of Taberg, was charged Jan. 26 in Saratoga Springs with criminal possession of a weapon/ intent to use, criminal mischief, and felony assault. 

Thomas Jackson, 31, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 27 with obstruct governmental administration, a misdemeanor. 

Todd Plummer, 31, of Ballston Spa, was charged Jan. 28 in Saratoga Springs with felony grand larceny, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle – a misdemeanor. 

Kenneth Hughes, 36, of Saratoga Springs, was charged an. 27 with misdemeanor criminal trespass. 

Zachary Houston, 26, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 28 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and operating a motor vehicle without inspection certificate. 

Loren M. Hull, 21, of Halfmoon, was charged Feb. 2 with robbery in the second-degree, a felony. Hull is accused of displaying a handgun and forcibly stealing a laptop computer from a man known to him while purporting to purchase the computer, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office.  The alleged incident occurred on Woodlawn Avenue in the town of Halfmoon, and authorities say the handgun used was later determined to be a BB gun.  Hull was arraigned and sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash, or $2,000 bond. 

Joshua E. Greco, 30, of Gloversville, was charged Jan. 29 with grand larceny in the fourth-degree, a felony, in connection with an alleged incident that occurred in the town of Ballston on Oct. 10.  Greco is accused of stealing property worth more than $1000. According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office,  the investigation is continuing, and more arrests are expected. 

Darren A. Moore, 35, of Clifton Park, was charged with rape in the first-degree, and criminal mischief in the fourth-degree. It is alleged that Moore caused damage to property in connection with a domestic incident and then forced sexual intercourse on the victim using forcible compulsion.  The incident occurred on Jan. 24. Moore was sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash bail, $20,000 secured bond, and $50,000 partially secured bond. A Temporary Order of Protection was issued on behalf of the victim. 

Jimmy L. Smith, 44, of Corinth, was charged Feb. 1 with felony criminal mischief and harassment – a violation, after allegedly shoving a person and causing damage in excess of $250 to a television by punching it.

Larry W. DeVaney

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

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WILTON — Larry W. DeVaney, “The Duke,” passed away peacefully Sunday, January 24, 2021 at Saratoga Hospital. He was 70. 

Born on November 26, 1950 in Gary, IN, he was the son of the late Patricia Kalember and Harold DeVaney. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his son Larry DeVaney II and brother Harold “Buddy” DeVaney Jr.

Raised in Northwest Indiana, Larry went on to attend the prestigious Culver Military Academy graduating with honors in 1969. Larry would go on to attend Valparaiso University. 

Larry had a long, distinguished career that spanned over 30 years with Metlife Auto & Home. Larry retired in 2012 as a Full Vice President and Executive Officer of the firm. He became a mentor to many in the field and will always be remembered and respected for his business intellect and leadership skills. He is fondly remembered by many colleagues, not only for helping shape their careers, but for the respect and sincerity he displayed in his daily interactions. Larry truly loved his chosen career and the opportunity it provided to travel the country visiting 48 of 50 states. 

Larry thoroughly enjoyed cooking for his family, spending time with his grandchildren and torturing himself as a lifelong Notre Dame football fan, attending many home games while living in Indiana. After moving to Saratoga Springs in 1991, he found a love of horse racing at the historic Saratoga Flat Track, often bringing family, friends and colleagues to enjoy the fun. 

After retiring Larry and his wife Joan pursued their love of travel and spent winters in their second home in Las Vegas which made it easy to drive and enjoy many places out west. 

Larry will be most remembered for his generosity and kindness that extended far beyond his family, this included friends, co-workers to mere acquaintances. 

Survivors include his loving wife of 20 years, Joan DeVaney of Wilton; his 3 children, Jamie (Marco) DeVaney, Heather Wolfe, Randall (Meredith) DeVaney; stepdaughter Cassandra Reilly; 4 grandchildren, Emma, Ryan, Evan and Charlotte; 2 brothers Randy (Janet) DeVaney, Terry (Deborah) DeVaney and former wife, Bridget DeVaney. Larry also is survived by several nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. 

Due the current situation with Covid-19, there will be a private family service. A celebration of life will be planned for summer of 2021. 

For those who wish, please consider a donation in Larry’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Rd. Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

John Leon Riley

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

RileyJohn

SARATOGA SPRINGS — John Leon Riley, 87, died suddenly at home on January 30, 2021. He was born October 11, 1933 in Watkins Glen, NY, to the late Myron and Ruth Everingham Riley. He graduated from Watkins Glen High School, and from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Architecture degree.

After graduating from Cornell, he had a long career in architecture, becoming a partner in the firm Russell, Gibson, vonDohlen located in West Hartford, CT, designing many schools, churches, and office buildings. He pursued his lifelong interest in music by serving first on the board of The Hartford Symphony Orchestra and later the board of the Albany Symphony Orchestra. He was a loyal alumnus of Cornell, serving on the Cornell University Council and the Advisory Committee for the College of Architecture, Arts, and Planning.

Wherever he went, he was well-respected and well-liked. He had a love of the great outdoors, from boating as a child on Seneca Lake to sailing on Sebago Lake in Maine. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, canoeing, hiking, and skiing. He built his own Adirondack guide boat after moving to Saratoga Springs.

He is survived by his wife, Almeda (A.C.) (Church Dake) Riley; his children, Alison Riley-Clark (Tom – deceased), Kagan Wolfe, and Susan Shelby (Evan); their children Emily, Stephen, and Brenden Clark and Dylan Shelby; stepchildren Laura Dake Roche (John), Gary Dake (Aimee), Glen Dake, and Renee Dake Wilson (Brian); their children Morgan, Will, and Carolyn Roche, Charlie (Brigid) and Zak (Desiree) Dake, and Silas, Collette, and Vaughn Wilson; and great grandchildren Eve and Lily Dake.

Along with his parents, he was pre-deceased by his first wife, Carolyn Dudley Riley and son David Riley.

Due to Covid, services will be at the convenience of the family at a later time. Memorial gifts may be made to The Wesley Foundation, 131 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or the Saratoga Hospital Foundation, 211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com 

Richard Earle Mealy

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Richard Earle Mealy, 69, died January 15, 2021 at Saratoga Hospital following a long illness. His family will be hosting a celebration of life at Lake George this summer to honor his memory. He will be greatly missed. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

Betty (Boyer) Platt

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Betty (Boyer) Platt, 98, passed away January 29, 2021. Private service was held at Burke Funeral Home. Burial with military honors was also private at The Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial donations to Community Hospice or Saratoga Hospital. Visit burkefuneralhome.com

Beatrice Smith Braim

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Beatrice Smith Braim, 86, passed away on January 31, 2021 peacefully alongside loving family. Due to COVID restrictions, services will be private.Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Visit burkefuneralhome.com.

Patricia Boyce

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SCOTIA — Patricia (Patti) Boyce, passed away peacefully on Jan. 30, 2021. A graveside service will be held in Saratoga Springs this spring. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Visit burkefuneralhome.com.

It’s That Time of Year: Valentine’s from Impressions | Saratoga Candy Co

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Valentine’s & Saratoga Porch Packages

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse Mercantile are spreading love this Valentine’s Day through cards and Saratoga Porch Packages.

The “Thinking of You” Card Project allows you to to choose from over 500 different greeting cards to write and mail right at Impressions or the Dark Horse. 

Co-owner Maddy Zanetti explains “We have tried to make it fun and easy for everyone. A station is set up with free pens, cards, a mailbox, and even a few prompts to help people think of what to say. Small gestures like cards help to bring smiles and a little brightness during these cold winter days. We have even been writing to friends, past employees, customers, and family.” 

Saratoga Porch Packages are presented in a reusable Saratoga tote and filled with locally made food products and Saratoga items. There are “pre-assembled” Saratoga Porch Packages that can be viewed at ImpressionsSaratoga.com or call to create your own.

Fun new Saratoga Porch Packages include “BEE my Valentine,” “You’re the Bomb,” “Hugs & Kisses,” as well as packages for dog, cat and horse lovers.

Stop in, call 518-587-0666, or order at ImpressionsSaratoga.com. Both stores are offering in-store shopping, curbside pickup and local delivery. For more details call 518-587-0666 or email at impressions@impressionssaratoga.com

 

Truffles, Heart Boxes, Gift Baskets & Chocolate Covered Strawberries

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Candy Co. is celebrating its 23rd year of business, and oh, what a year it has been since the last Valentine’s Day, says Candy Company of Saratoga owner Dawn Oesch, located at 5 Washington St. 

This year, with safety precautions in place, the longtime Spa City shop is offering a variety of methods to secure their goodies, including curbside pickup, limited people inside at a time for pick up, and local delivery from Feb. 12-14 within 15 miles of Saratoga Springs.

What better way to spoil the one you love or to give a friend a well-deserved pick-me-up then to have goodies delivered (person is masked & gloved!) to their door. 

For more information, go to: saratogasweets.com/loving-our-locals   

High Risk Sports Get the Green Light

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Local COVID Rates Drop, Hospital Capacity Increases,
County to Decide on Potential Return of High-Risk Sports

BALLSTON SPA — Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Jan. 22 that as of February 1, high-risk school sports had been given the green light to return as long as certain conditions were met and that the decision would be left up to individual county health departments. 

Among those sports believed to fall under the high-risk category in New York State are football, wrestling, ice hockey, rugby, basketball, contact lacrosse, volleyball, martial arts, competitive cheer. There are one dozen school districts in Saratoga County with 1,100 school winter athletes.

Among the conditions was a community COVID-19 positivity rate of 4% or under. At the time of the governor’s announcement, the seven-day rolling average infection rate in Saratoga County was 7.4%. 

On Jan. 29 – when the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors announced it was approving higher-risk K-12 sponsored school sports to resume on Feb. 1 in conjunction with similar conditions, that average rate of infection had fallen to 4.7%. and on Feb. 3 had fallen to 4% – the first time it had done so in Saratoga County since Dec. 2, when the post-Thanksgiving Day infection surge was on its rise. The infection rate had previously been at or near, and often below 1% from Memorial Day weekend through Halloween. 

Hospital capacity is another condition, with a low of 15% availability being a particular danger sign. The Capital Region – the eight-county region which includes Saratoga – is the worst of the state’s 10 designated regions for percent of hospital beds available. However, its 27% availability rate has trended in a good way, climbing in positivity in recent days, and nearing the statewide average of 34% bed availability.   

“While the seven-day positivity rate has dropped substantially in just the last two weeks, it is imperative that we do not lower our guard and leave our communities and hospitals vulnerable to another surge in cases,” said Dr. Daniel Kuhles, Commissioner of Saratoga County Public Health Services, adding that he had been directed by Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Theodore Kusnierz to study NCAA protocols to determine if they can be adapted to high school athletics.

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The Board of Supervisors called for a special meeting to take place Feb. 4 to consider the recommendations of Dr. Kuhles on high school high-risk sports. 

Pending updates which may emerge from the special meeting Feb. 4, Saratoga County had recently put additional guidelines in place for schools to proceed. 

• If the school is closed for in-person education due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, school-sponsored sports must be suspended until in-person education is resumed; however, this restriction does not apply to schools that are conducting only remote instruction. 
• Sports-related travel outside the Capital Region, North Country and Mohawk Valley is strongly discouraged and travel to, or from, any area that has been designated by NYSDOH as a red or orange zone is not permitted. Participation in multiteam events or tournaments is not recommended. To minimize contact, pod/bubble mini-leagues could be created.
• Weekly COVID-19 testing for each student-athlete, coach, manager, referee/official, or other individual associated with the higher-risk sport, unless the individual has documentation of a positive COVID-19 test within the previous 90 days.
• It is also suggested that coaches and student-athletes sign pledges acknowledging that what they do outside of practice and games can affect their teammates, opponents, and their community, as well as directly impact the future of the sports season.

Cuomo’s announcement came a few days after the New York State Athletic Administrators Association – representatives of the over 780 Athletic Administrators in the state – sent a letter to the governor, imploring his reconsideration of a decision to forego ‘high-risk’ sports for the winter and potentially the remainder of the school year, and to permit play to return immediately. The letter cited surrounding states keeping school sports programs operating while identifying mental health and increasing the socio-economic gaps as potential factors in cases of student depression and lower grades while engaged in some form of virtual learning.