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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga By The Numbers

SARATOGA — According to the NYS Department of Labor, the rate of unemployment in Saratoga County – by county of residence – was 7.8% for the month of August.  In comparison, neighboring counties were: 8.5% Warren County; 7.9% Washington County, 8.4% Rensselaer County; 10.3% Schenectady County; 9.0% Albany County.  The August figures were released this week and September figures are anticipated for release Oct. 20, according to the state. 

This week, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce reported:

• January through August 2020, Saratoga County has collected $78.2 million dollars in sales taxes, down 5.4% from the same period in 2019. 
• Sales tax collections in the City of Saratoga Springs are down 14.3% or $1.2 million for this 8-month period in 2020 versus 2019.
• Saratoga County, year to date through August 2020, hotel occupancy is down 31% vs the same time in 2019. 
• Saratoga Springs hotel occupancy is down 26.5% percent for the same time frame. While demand for hotels in the City and the County was up in January and February, it was down every month since, according to the Chamber of Commerce. 

Voter Registration Drive-Thru at SPAC on Sunday

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County and Saratoga Spa State Park will be holding a Drive-Thru Voter Registration in the SPAC main parking lot on Route 50 in Saratoga Springs from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4.

Residents can learn where to find information about polling places, information about registration, answers to general voting questions and pick up voter registration forms to fill out and return to the volunteers or take home. Forms taken home will need to be filled out and mailed to the County Board of Elections. Requests for Absentee Ballot forms will also be available.

The League will conduct one last Voter Registration event before the deadline for voter registration, which will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 at the Saratoga Springs Farmers Market.

Photo of the Week: Fall 2020

PhotoOfTheWeekBanner FallClosed

Week One October 2-8:
Photo by Claire Marcino

Week Two October 9-15:
The Great Sacandaga
Photo by Sue Clark | Sue Photography

Week Three October 16-22:
Family Outing
Photo by Craig Horneck

Week Four October 23-29:
“Hello”
Photo by Sue Clark | Sue Photography

Week Five October 30- November 5:
“Nellie at Saratoga State Park”
Photo by Claire Murphy

Saratoga PLAN: Two New Trails to Open Soon

GALWAY — Two new Saratoga PLAN trails in the Town of Galway are being readied to open to the public. They are: Barkersville Trails, in the hamlet of Barkersville, and Glowegee Creek North and South Trails.

The winding Barkersville trail system was previously grounds for sled-dog training and is a now-conserved 168 acre area. After a season of trail development, from scouting to clearing to trail marking, Barkersville Trails awaits a bridge installation and
kiosk information.

Glowegee Creek Trails, meanwhile, will connect a northern entrance on Old Mill Road to a southern entrance on Route 45. The trail crosses three parcels of conserved land thick with hemlocks, ferns, and wildflowers and winds alongside Glowegee Creek for a portion of the way. The South entrance parking lot awaits a final trash haul, kiosk, and parking lot access. Both Barkersville and Glowegee Creek locations are awaiting entryway signage.

September 26 – October 2, 2020

COURT

Kelly A. Leonardi, 47, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced Sept. 25 to 1.5 to 4.5 years in state prison, after pleading to vehicular manslaughter in the second-degree, and two misdemeanor counts of assault in the third-degree, in connection with charges initiated July 14, 2019 in Malta. 

Edwyn M. Snyder, of Cohoes, pleaded Sept. 23 to attempted rape in the second-degree, in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing Nov. 18. 

Matthew T. Washburn, 31, of Hudson Falls, pleaded Sept. 23 to attempted strangulation in the second-degree, in Saratoga. Sentencing Oct. 26. 

POLICE 

David D. Everetts, age 33, of Canaan, NY, was charged Sept. 28 with two felony counts of burglary in the third-degree, and the misdemeanors: criminal mischief, intent to damage property, petit larceny, and possession of burglar tools. According to Saratoga Springs Police, Everetts is accused of having committed two separate commercial burglaries on Aug. 11, 2019 in the downtown area of Saratoga Springs. One burglary was on Broadway and the other was on Lake Avenue.

A 26-year-old Clifton Park man has been charged with sexual abuse in the first-degree and assault in the second-degree in connection with an incident that allegedly occurred on the Zim Smith Trail in Malta on Sept. 25. Tyler J. Gaston is accused of attacking a female jogger and “subjecting her to sexual contact by forcible compulsion,” according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office.  The victim suffered facial injuries and was treated on scene by Malta EMS.  Gaston was arraigned and sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of bail or bond, “to await further proceedings on the matter,” according to authorities.

Anthony E. Deschaine, 27, was charged Sept. 27 with second degree assault in connection with an alleged incident that occurred inside the Saratoga County Jail on Sept. 14. 

Phillip C. Ramsey, 46, of Ballston Spa, was charged Sept. 25 in Saratoga Springs with 2 felony counts criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third-degree; 3 felony counts criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third-degree, and one misdemeanor count criminal possession of marijuana.  Ramsey is suspected of selling cocaine in and around the city of Saratoga Springs on more than one occasion during the earlier part of 2020, according to police. The investigation was conducted by members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit.

Daijon Griffin, 23, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 18 with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and criminal possession of marijuana – both misdemeanors. 

Amanda Preece, 30, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 19 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and failure to stop at a stop sign. 

John Moran, 60, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 19 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. 

David Lolik, 50, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 19 with criminal trespass misdemeanor.

Kara Montville, 29, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 19 with harassment in the second-degree, and resisting arrest – both misdemeanors. 

Michael Gilliard, 52, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 19 with criminal mischief, and obstruct governmental administration – both misdemeanors. 

Leana Jarratt, 32, of Middle Grove, was charged Sept. 20 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI and aggravated DWI, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and three driving/vehicle related violations. 

Kathryn Cartini, 41, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 20 with misdemeanor DWI, unlawful possession of marijuana, and two driving violations. 

Shane Dingman, 19, was charged Sept. 10 with criminal contempt in the second-degree. 

Terrance Rudes, 29, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 21 with criminal trespass, a misdemeanor. 

Roy “Jim” St John

JimStJohn

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Roy “Jim” St John, age 75, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2020 at Saratoga Hospital with his family at his side.

He was born on August 20, 1945 in Brodhead, Wisconsin, the son of the late Roy St John and Mary St John.

Jim was a supervisor in the Food Service Department at Skidmore College for many years prior to retiring. Jim was an avid Golfer; he was a Charter Member of the Old Firehouse Golf League that was started in 1985. He was League Champion Golfer in 1986. He loved going to the racetrack, but his 15 years living in Key West were the most fun and memorable times he cherished. Jim will be forever remembered for his caring heart and unconditional strength for 34 years while dealing with health issues. 

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Nanci St John, brother, Bill St John (Carol), sister Jane St John, many nieces, nephews and friends who will miss him dearly.

At the family’s request there will be a private Celebration of Life for Jim at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jim can be made to the Estherville Animal Shelter, 100 Russell Rd, Greenfield Center, NY 12833.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jim St John, please visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Donald R. Lawton 

SCHENECTADY — On Monday, September 28, 2020, Donald R. Lawton, loving father of four children, passed away at the age of 85 of Parkinson’s Disease. Calling hours were October 1 at Burke Funeral Home followed by a funeral home service and burial at Greenridge Cemetery. Visit burkefuneralhome.com.

Mary Rose Roberts 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mary Rose Roberts peacefully passed away on July 7, 2020 of natural causes. She was 90 years young. Graveside service will be held Saturday, October 3 at 12 p.m. in the North Milton Cemetery. Social distancing will be followed, face masks/face coverings must be worn. Visit burkefuneralhome.com.

Jeanne Anne Crooks

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Jeanne Anne Crooks, 78, of Lakewood Drive passed away on September 23, 2020 with her husband, James, by her side. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on September 29, 2020 at St. Clement’s Church by the Very Reverend James Ebert. Visit burkefuneralhome.com

Thomas A. Gucciardo

LATHAM — Thomas A. Gucciardo, 70, passed away peacefully September 25, 2020 at home. Calling hours were September 30 at Burke Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, October 2 at 10:30 a.m. at Mary’s Nativity – St. Ann Parish, Queens. Burial in Mount St Mary’s Cemetery, Queens. Memorial donations to The Community Hospice.Visit burkefuneralhome.com.