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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Urging All NY-21 Families to Complete the 2020 Census

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.

This Spring has proven to be a challenging time for our communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us, but it has also highlighted the North Country’s exceptional public health officials, healthcare workers, first responders, law enforcement personnel, and community leaders as our community has risen to meet the unique needs of our region. 

Amidst this crisis, it is critical to highlight the role that the 2020 Census plays in funding our hospitals, emergency services including police forces and fire stations, schools, roads, and more. I am writing to personally urge all my constituents to fill out the Census. 

The 2020 Census will distribute federal resources to our businesses, community leaders, and elected officials to help them make informed decisions on how to serve you. This funding is especially important for communities who rely on USDA Rural Development funding to support local businesses and expand broadband access, EPA funding to protect the natural waterways of the Adirondacks, HUD assistance for homeless programs, and funding for telehealth and distance learning services, which are all so important to communities in our region. 

Now more than ever, it is critical that the North Country is accurately counted. As we recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 crisis, we must consider the substantial needs our region is counting on. An accurate and complete census count is the first step in making sure the North Country receives funding to make critical decisions. Given the current public health crisis, it is recommended that citizens respond to the 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail. 

In mid-April, the Census Bureau began mailing the paper questionnaire to homes that have not yet responded online or by phone. If you receive mail through a P.O. Box, a Census Bureau worker may deliver a questionnaire, leave information about responding, or interview you.

You can complete the census online at my2020census.gov. You can also call the Census Bureau at (844)-330-2020. The U.S. Census Bureau is bound by law to keep all of your reported information confidential. 

If you have any questions or need more information about how to complete your 2020 Census, please visit my website at Stefanik.house.gov, or reach out to any one of my offices. I will continue to advocate for the North Country to receive critical funding and resources at the federal level, and I encourage all my constituents to complete the 2020 Census to ensure all are accurately counted.

– Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21)

Let’s Dine on Broadway in Saratoga Springs

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.

Governor Cuomo has allowed sidewalk dining in Saratoga Springs. This should turn out to be a win-win for its residents, tourists and the finances of our city, provided our Covid-19 cases remain suppressed. According to most health experts, gathering outside as long as masks are worn before being seated and social distancing is abided by is considered low-risk of getting Covid-19. Now Saratoga is considering letting restaurants basically take over some sidewalks on some side streets and creating walkways on the streets with cement “jersey barriers” as safety buffers. 

So why stop there?

Let’s ask permission from the State to let S.S. have one of the two travel lanes of Broadway for parking (as a safety buffer) so tables can be put where the parking is now. They will hardly impede traffic flow as one lane will remain open in both directions and there will be minimal loss of on-street parking.  Deliveries can be made at a few designated parking spots for trucks only.

In other words, it will repurpose existing curb side parking lanes as expanded pedestrian and public space so Broadway restaurants and other businesses so the winning would be HUGE for all.

– Charlie Samuels

City Splash Pads Open for Summer

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — City owned splash pads, located at the recreation center and Geyser recreation fields, are open for public use, Department of Public Works Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco announced June 18. 

Following all guidance for social distancing is required while using the splash pads and additional cleaning protocols will be implemented by DPW. Residents who are sick or have COVID-19 symptoms should not use the splash pad.

The Recreation center splash pad is located at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue and the Geyser splash pad is located in Veterans Memorial Park on Geyser Road. East and West Side Rec splash pads are currently closed due to construction by the Saratoga Springs School District. Reopening of these splash pads is dependent upon approval by the district. Residents with questions can contact DPW dispatch at 518-584-3356.

NYRA Donates Social Distancing Tables to Congress Park

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Approximately one dozen picnic tables donated for temporary use to the city by NYRA have been set up in Congress Park. “In this time of social distancing, we trust that these tables will expand the enjoyment of Congress Park,” NYRA CEO David O’Rourke wrote, in a letter dated June 10 and addressed to city Mayor Meg Kelly. 

Saratoga Springs Moves to Celebrate Juneteenth as a Holiday in 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In recognition of the official emancipation of African-Americans throughout the United States, city Mayor Meg Kelly of Saratoga Springs has proposed making Juneteenth a holiday for city employees, beginning in 2021.

On June 19, 1865, two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, African-Americans across the state of Texas became aware of their emancipation and their fundamental rights as free men. This day has become known as “Juneteenth,” a day that celebrates and commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and the beginning of a new era of brotherhood, acceptance, and the recognition of shared human rights no matter one’s race or heritage. 

Last week, state Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced he is advancing legislation to make Juneteenth an official state holiday next year. 

“I fully support Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order,” Mayor Kelly said in a statement. “We are going to work with our unions to make Juneteenth a holiday for our employees for 2021. I am thrilled that this historically significant day is becoming more recognized across the state, country, and right here in Saratoga Springs.”   

Local Seniors Enjoy Drive-In Museum

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The residents at Prestwick Chase celebrated Father’s Day by hosting their own car show. John Rowe, director of marketing at Prestwick, said they invited individuals in the community to show off their cars to the residents at Prestwick. “It was a nice drive-in museum for the residents to come and take a look at,” Rowe said. To ensure social distancing, each car brought in was placed at minimum six-feet apart. They also hosted a golf shootout for the individuals who brought their car to the drive-in museum. Food and drinks were provided. “We wanted the residents to enjoy the cars and have a nice Father’s day,” Rowe said

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Remembers Patrol K9

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — It is with the greatest sadness that the Sheriff’s Office announces the passing of their retired K9 Gunner Monday, June 22. Gunner served the citizens of our county gallantly from 2008 to 2016 as a narcotic detection and patrol K9. Rest in peace partner. End Of Watch June 21, 2020.

June 20 – June 26, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Police Blotter.

POLICE

Shawn Soderberg, 45, of Saratoga Springs, was charged June 20 with aggravated family offense – a felony; criminal contempt in the first-degree: violate order of protection – a felony, and three misdemeanors: stalking, aggravated harassment: communicate threat by phone, and coercion. 

Luciano Antinelli, 18, of Saratoga Springs, was charged June 20 with criminal tampering, and third degree assault- both misdemeanors, and possession of a forged instrument – a felony. 

Andrew Rocco, 29, of Saratoga Springs, was charged June 17 with criminal contempt in the second-degree – a misdemeanor, and aggravated family offense – a felony. 

Kevin Savard, 43, of Saratoga Springs, was charged June 18 with criminal trespass,
a misdemeanor. 

David Tenace, 52, of Schenectady, was charged June 18 in Saratoga Springs with menacing in the second-degree: weapon – a misdemeanor, and burglary in the first-degree: displays what appears to be a firearm – a felony. Tenace was arrested on a warrant. 

Kory Willis, 30, of Saratoga Springs, was cited June 17 with trespassing. 

Joseph Murray, 44, of Saratoga Springs, was charged June 14 with second degree robbery – a felony, and unlawful imprisonment – a misdemeanor. 

Justin Sherman, 35, of Saratoga Springs, was charged June 14 with second degree robbery – a felony, and criminal mischief – a misdemeanor. 

Andrea Smith, 33, of Saratoga Springs, was charged June 15 with making graffiti – a misdemeanor, and trespassing. 

Carly Premo, 37, of Clifton Park, was charged June 15 in Saratoga Springs with two misdemeanor counts of stalking in the fourth-degree.   

Angela M. Duross, 37, of Corinth, was charged June 23 with assault in the second-degree, a felony. According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, in connection with a domestic incident in the village of Corinth, Duross is accused of striking a person known to her with a broom, resulting in injury to that person’s head and facial area. She was sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of bail. 

Christina N. Pickett, 34, of Ballston Spa, was charged June 16 with operating motor vehicle impaired by drugs, aggravated DWI, child less than 16 (Leandra’s Law) and endangering the welfare of a child. She is accused of operating a motor vehicle in the town of Milton while under the influence of drugs and having had four children under the age of 16 in the vehicle with her at the time.

Richard C. Currier, II, 32, of Ballston Spa, was charged June 22 with felony DWI and aggravated DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, failure to observe a police officer, and three driving and vehicle equipment violations, after allegedly operating his vehicle with a missing tire and striking a traffic sign in Niskayuna. He was eventually stopped on Kingsley Road in the town of Ballston, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office.   

Levi J.S. Tripp, 38, of Fort Edward, was charged on a warrant for failure to report an address change as a sex offender, and sent to Warren County Jail. 

Jake I. Hodgdon, 39, of Swanton, Vermont, was charged June 15 with criminal mischief in the second-degree, and grand larceny in the fourth-degree – both felonies, and auto stripping – a misdemeanor. Hodgdon is accused of entering onto a victim’s property in the town of Malta and removing a catalytic converter from their vehicle. The victim, who was on the property at the time, observed Hodgdon on their security system and confronted him, according to State Police. Hodgdon jumped in his vehicle and fled. An arrest warrant was obtained for Hodgdon, who was located by state police in Saratoga and taken into custody. He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in Malta Town Court on Aug. 13. 

SPEED WEEK

New York State Police announced that Troopers issued 24,980 total traffic tickets during the special “Speed Week” traffic enforcement campaign. “Speed Week” –  conducted from Thursday, June 11, to Wednesday, June 17 – targeted speeding and other unsafe driving behaviors, including distracted driving and violations of the Move Over Law. 

Troopers issued 13,131 tickets for speeding, 574 for distracted driving, 294 for Move Over law violations, and arrested 186 people for drunk and impaired driving. State Police also responded to 158 personal injury crashes, including three fatal crashes.

In the Capital Region specifically, 966 tickets were issued, and 20 DWI charges made. During the June 2019 Speed Week detail, State Police overall issued 25,097 total tickets, including 13,055 for speeding.

Gary Paul Willette

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Gary Paul Willette, 73, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2020. Services were private. A special thanks go out to the staff of Community Hospice in Saratoga.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gary’s memory to the Community Hospice. Visit burkefuneralhome.com.

William H. Covell

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

GREENFIELD CENTER — William H. Covell passed away unexpectedly on June 16, 2020. Calling hours for family and friends will be held on Saturday, June 27, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Tunison Funeral Home, 105 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs. Online condolences may be made at tunisonfuneralhome.com