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Ballston Spa National Bank Announces Merger: $1.3 Billion Bank Being Created

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business, Featured.

BALLSTON SPA — Ballston Spa Bancorp, holding company for Ballston Spa National Bank (BSNB), and NBC Bancorp, holding company for The National Bank of Coxsackie (NBC), jointly announced on Wednesday morning a merger whereby the banks will combine forces and create a $1.3 billion community bank serving the greater Capital District and surrounding markets.

The combined bank will conduct business under the BSNB charter, with the NBC locations known as “Coxsackie Bank, a division of Ballston Spa National Bank.”

“In addition to the elevated presence in our communities, the combined company will have a larger market capitalization, greater lending limit and increased visibility and liquidity, unlocking value for both sets of shareholders,” said Christopher R. Dowd, president and CEO of BSNB, in a news release. “Consumers and businesses in the Capital Region have a demonstrated need for personalized service, greater flexibility and diversity in products. Together, we can address those needs faster and more effectively.”  

“Both our banks have similar cultures, values and philosophies,” said John A. Balli, president and CEO of NBC. “Joining forces will expand our combined footprint, create a larger, more competitive institution in the Capital Region and open the door to new opportunities for lending, investment and community partnerships.”

The combined company’s Board of Directors will consist of nine directors from BSNB and four directors from NBC. Richard P. Sleasman, the current Chairman of BSNB’s Board of Directors, will serve as Chairperson of the Board of the combined company and the combined bank.

Christopher R. Dowd, the current President and CEO of BSNB, will serve as Chief Executive Officer, and John A. Balli, the current President and CEO of NBC, will become President of the combined bank. James Dodd, current EVP and Chief Financial Officer of BSNB, and Jim Conroy, EVP and Chief Banking Officer of BSNB, will remain in their current positions. Caitlin McCrea, SVP and Chief Financial Officer of NBC, will become SVP of Finance and Treasurer for the combined bank.

The Boards of Directors of both companies have unanimously approved the transaction, and all board members from both sides have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the merger. Completion of the merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval of the banking agencies and shareholders of both companies, and closing is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2026. The combined holding company will be known as Ballston Spa Bancorp, Inc. and trade under its existing symbol of BSPA. Ballston Spa Bancorp, Inc. currently trades on OTCPK and intends to apply to be quoted on the OTCQX in anticipation of closing.

Founded in 1838, Ballston Spa National Bank (“BSNB”) is the wholly owned subsidiary of Ballston Spa Bancorp, Inc. As of June 30, 2025, BSNB manages approximately $912 million in total assets and serves individuals, businesses, organizations and families through 13 full-service branches across Albany and Saratoga Counties in New York State.

Established in 1852, The National Bank of Coxsackie (“NBC”) is the wholly owned subsidiary of NBC Bancorp, Inc. As of June 30, 2025, NBC holds $525 million in total assets and serves its community through 8 full-service branches across Albany, Greene, and Schoharie Counties in New York State, with an additional commercial loan production and administrative office in Latham.

Lake George Man Arrested for Trying to Sell Counterfeit Labubu at Wilton Mall

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, News.

The sale of fake dolls leads to charges for a Lake George man and has elicited concern from regulators ( Courtesy of CPSC)

A Lake George man was arrested in Wilton after he tried to sell counterfeit Labubu at the Casual Girl store in Wilton Mall. 

Steven Solimanto, 75, was arrested on the afternoon of Sept. 21 after the Saratoga Sherriff’s Department received a complaint of counterfeiting from the store. 

Solimanto allegedly tried to sell over $1000 worth of the counterfeit plush dolls. He was charged with 2nd degree trademark counterfeiting and was released on an appearance ticket. 

The dolls Solimanto is accused of counterfeiting are made by Chinese company Pop Mart and were designed by Hong Kong born, Dutch raised, designer Kasing Lung. Based on European folklore, the dolls were first designed in 2015 and later licensed to Pop Mart in 2019, according to design media firm The Art Gorgeous. In 2025 alone, the line of dolls and other merchandise has brought in over $500 million for the company, according to an earnings report from June. 

While the dolls’ unique appearance may seem like the biggest threat, the prominence of fake dolls and keychains — referred to by some as “Lafufu” — led to an urgent warning from U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in August. 

“These fakes, sold both as plush figures and plush keychains, are small enough for a child to fit the doll in their mouth and block their airway,” the warning said. “CPSC has also received reports of fake Labubu dolls that break apart easily, releasing small pieces that can become choking hazards.” 

In light of the fakes, the CPSC recommends consumers to the following to ensure they’re purchasing authentic dolls. 

• Beware of bargains — deep discounts can signal fake products.

• Authentic Pop Mart Labubu dolls feature a holographic Pop Mart sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart site, and (on newer editions) a subtle UV stamp on one foot.

• Fakes often have overly bright colors or the wrong number of teeth (authentic dolls have nine).

• Know your seller — purchase only from trusted stores or online marketplaces.

• Check safety labeling — for toys with small parts, look for choking hazard warnings and independent safety certification marks.

100 Years of Service and Counting: Park Named for McTygue Family

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Featured, News.

On the west side of Saratoga Springs is a neighborhood known for Greek and Victorian style buildings intermixed with modern shops and market. 

While the Franklin Square neighborhood used to be the site of hotels and the city’s rail stop, the area is filled with small businesses and residences. Among the old and new is a small park with colorful fountain, trees and benches. 

Now the park will bear the name of a McTygue family, a family who’s lineage includes a city judge, several Public Works Commissioners and a legacy and a legacy that can be seen by all residents across the city. 

“If there’s a family name that deserves to have a plaque and a little park in their name, it’s the McTygues,” said Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford. 

The park was officially renamed in a ceremony held on Sept. 20 at the park after the Saratoga Springs City Council unanimously approved the renaming back in December 2024. Funding for the name plaque came from local developer Robert Israel and Builder Sonny Bonacio who worked with Thomas McTygue in developing the area and creating the park. 

Thomas McTygue served as Public Works Commissioner from 1972-1978 and from 1982-2008. Isreal said that prior to the park’s creation, there were traffic and safety concerns stemming from the unused piece of roadway in the spot where the park now stands. While there had been plans to create something, it wasn’t until Thomas’ gave his go ahead that the plan went ahead. 

“He [ Thomas] said, Bob, you put up the money, I’ll put up all the men,” Isreal said in reference to a conversation he had with Thomas. “I gave the money for the initial park, and two weeks later, he had his entire crew here; digging up the street, planting trees, putting water lines, putting in the plants, and installing the fountain. We never had a dedication because probably everyone thought it was going to turn into a weed plot, but it turned out really great.”

Bonacio told a similar story of running into Thomas when he first started his work in the area. According to Bonacio, he was looking at a property in Franklin Square when Thomas pulled up in a city truck and asked what he was doing. When Bonacio told Thomas he was looking to follow Isreal’s lead in buying and restoring a building in the neighborhood, Thomas cracked a joke but encouraged Bonacio to go for it. 

“He looked at me and shook his head,” Bonacio recalled “He goes, ‘Bob’s nuts, you know. But I’m hoping that you will do that so that me, you and Bob can actually do the park across the street.’” 

In addition to Thomas’ work as Comissioner of Public Works, several other members of the family have played key roles in the history of the city. It started with Michael McTygue who served as City Judge from 1918-1924 and continued with Charles McTygue, Thomas’ father who also served as Commissioner of Public Works from 1947-1965 and his brother William McTygue who served as Deputy Commissioner and Director of Public Works from 1999-2010. 

William continues to serve the city as a member of the city’s planning board. 

Beyond just the park, the McTygue family was also instrumental in the preservation of the Canfield Casino, and Kaydeross Park Carousel — among other projects.

In her remarks, Lisa McTygue, Thomas’ daughter, thanked those who made the park happen and for recognizing the work of her family. She also expressed hope that people would continue to use the park. 

“We hope this park will continue to be a place of gathering, reflection and joy,” Lisa said. 

Bugs 2025 Boston Terrier Parade

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured.

Bug’s 13th Boston Terrier Parade will commence at 11am on Sunday, September 21 from the Spirit of Life statue in Congress Park with a stroll down Broadway and a pup after party at Bailey’s!  Donations are requested to help support Northeast Boston Terrier Rescue. Sign up will begin at 10:15 and all dogs are welcome!

Scores and Highlights: Blue Steaks and Black Horses Undefeated

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

Saratoga Springs field hockey standout Mia Khazin, seen here playing for ADK. Photo via Khazin’s recruiting profile.

All They Do is Win: Blue Streaks Football Team Starts Season 2-0

The Saratoga Springs football squad dominated Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake last Friday, 41 to 7. The team scored at least one touchdown per quarter, putting the squeeze on Burnt Hills and never loosening the grip. For the Blue Streaks, quarterback Bobby Morris threw for 183 yards and 2 touchdowns; running back Benjamin Coryea rushed for 115 yards in 19 carries, reaching the endzone 3 times; wideout Gavin Lafrance caught 3 balls for 121 yards and a touchdown; and receiver Jaden Lockrow caught two passes for 40 yards and a TD. On the defensive end, free safety Hayden Passaretti shut down Burnt Hills with 1 sack and 8 total tackles, while Brady Varian, Caleb Brilling, and Tasiah LaDore each added 6 tackles apiece. With a 2-0 record, Saratoga will now host the Christian Brothers Academy at home on Friday, Sept. 19.

Black Horses Win Close Contest 

After annihilating Broadalbin-Perth 57 to 0 in their first game, the Schuylerville varsity football team faced closer competition in week two, managing to defeat Johnstown 27 to 21. For the Horses, quarterback Ben VanVegthen had a slow night, completing half of his passes for 20 yards. But the rushing game was utterly dominant, with Ernie DaCosta running for 189 yards at a whopping 12.6 yards per carry. His longest carry of the night was 57 yards and he reached the endzone 3 times. Blake Cumm also scored a touchdown and netted 40 rushing yards. Sophomore Ethan Lavender impressed on defense, earning 1 sack and 5 tackles. Schuylerville will hope to keep their early success rolling when they face Hudson on Friday at home.

Saratoga Field Hockey Team Undefeated

On Sept. 8, the Saratoga Springs varsity field hockey team earned its third win of the season, beating Shaker 5-0. For the Blue Streaks, Mia Khazin had 3 goals and 1 assist; Madison Finn and Esther Lodico each earned 1 goal; Ryann Ginley contributed 1 assist; and Alexis Georgeadis had 1 save. Saratoga took 36 shots while Shaker had none.

On Sept. 10, the squad remained undefeated, earning their fourth win of the year by defeating Niskayuna 5-0. In that contest, Mia Khazin had 3 goals and 1 assist; Madison Finn, Esther Lodico, and Andi Schiffer each added 1 goal apiece; and Emilia Hall added 1 assist. The Blue Streaks had 34 shots in the game, while Niskayuna had none.

The Blue Streaks then kept their streak alive after besting Greene 4 to 1 last Saturday. For Saratoga, Mia Khazin had 3 goals and 1 assist; Cece Carroll earned 1 goal; Esther Lodico and Andi Schiffer both contributed 1 assist each; and Alexis Georgeadis had 1 save. Saratoga had 26 shots overall, while Greene had just 6. With the victory, Saratoga improved to 5-0 on the season.

Schuylerville Boys Soccer Beats South Glens Falls

Schuylerville and South High opened up their Foothills Council play last Friday. The Horses got on the board 3 minutes in on a Dean Barraclough goal assisted by Colden Harrison. Schuylerville scored their second as Thomas Tyler would find the net midway through the first half. South would begin to gain some momentum and press the back line for the final few minutes of the half. The second half saw things tighten up as Schuylerville would find their own goal to make it 2-1. Anthony Cooper and Jack Doyle were dangerous all night but the Horses would continue to string some passes together and finally broke through as Barraclough’s direct kick was initially saved but Tyler was there to finish it for the 3-1 final score.

Scotties Trounced by Shaker

The Ballston Spa football team lost badly to Shaker, 44 to 8, last Friday. The Scotties put all of their points on the board in the third quarter, when they completed a 25-yard pass for a touchdown and then rushed for the two-point conversion. B-Spa will hope to have better odds when they travel to Amsterdam for their next game on Friday night.

Spa Catholic Volleyball Falls to Hoosic Valley

On Sept. 10, the Saratoga Central Catholic volleyball team lost to Hoosic Valley 3-0. For the Saints, Catharine Crowe earned 13 assists while Emery Moser had 8 kills and 6 aces.

Skidmore Women’s Tennis Team Launches Season

The Skidmore College women’s tennis team kicked off the fall 2025 season with a solid opening weekend of competition at the Middlebury Panther Challenge from Friday to Sunday. The Thoroughbreds picked up a pair of singles victories against Colby on Saturday, with freshman Ginevra Muratori defeating the Mules’ Kat Lowry and sophomore Maggie English defeating Colby’s Abby Hess. During Sunday’s competition, the Skidmore doubles duo of Amelie Gonzalez and Muratori defeated Colby’s Isabella Suk and Lowy, 7-5. The Thoroughbreds also took home a doubles victory against Middlebury, with Gonzalez and Muratori defeating the Panthers’ Gusty Beveridge and Elizabeth Doak, 6-2. Up next, the Thoroughbreds will host the 2025 ITA Regionals in two weekends, Sept. 26 to 28, at the McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center.

New Saratoga Hotel Set to Open Next Month

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business, Featured.

Rendering of The Ambler Hotel, formerly known as the St. Charles Motel. 
Image via Weekender Hospitality, LLC.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Ambler Hotel will celebrate its grand opening early next month, according to the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

The Ambler is the renamed, renovated, redesigned, and rebranded structure at 188 South Broadway that formerly housed the St. Charles Motel.

Keir Weimer, the founder and CEO of Weekender, told Saratoga TODAY last year that the creative concept of The Ambler was “Palm Springs meets an urban New York market.” The brick exterior has been painted white and the rooms will feature some bold pops of color. The hotel will also be a smart one, meaning it’ll offer WiFi-enabled keyless doors that allow guests to check in at any hour, large-screen TVs loaded with apps, and WiFi thermostats.

As a brand, Weekender prides itself on creating rooms that function as basecamps for adventurers. The Ambler will be within walking distance of downtown Saratoga Springs, allowing its guests to explore the vibrant Spa City on foot.

Saratoga County Adopts Animal Abuse Registry

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Featured, News.

The Board of Supervisors adopted legislation creating an animal abuse registry in a unanimous vote 
( Aidan Cahill)

At the most recent Board of Supervisors meeting, Saratoga County passed legislation that would create a county wide animal abuse registry. 

Under the law, someone would have to register with the District Attorney if they are convicted of one of 17 offenses related to animal abuse within 10 days of conviction or release from incarceration. Those convicted are required to provide a head shot, name, alias and address to the registry. 

For first time offenders, their name will be on the registry for 15 years while any subsequent offenses will result in permanent admission to the registry. If someone is on the registry, then they are barred from purchasing or adopting any animals in Saratoga County. Failure to follow the law can result in a $1000 fine for both the abuser and those who sell animals to them. 

The bill was passed unanimously by the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. In his remarks, Chairman of the Board, Phillip Barrett from Clifton Park called the move a “critical first step” in addressing the issue of animal abuse and encouraged the state and other counties to adopt similar legislation. 

The registry also received heavy support from Republican District Attorney Candidate Brett Eby, one of three people who spoke during a Sept. 10 public hearing on the bill. He, alongside Mechanicville Animal Control Officer Lynn Meager spoke in favor of the legislation and talked about the issue of animal abuse. 

Meager told a heart-breaking story about finding a great dane in a moving truck that only weighed 30 pounds — far below the normal weight of between 110-175 pounds. 

The legislation comes after several high-profile incidents in Saratoga County. This year alone there have been at least seven incidents of animal abuse in the county resulting in Saratoga County residents being charged with over 200 counts of abuse. 

Saratoga County isn’t the first county to implement an animal abuse registry. 20 counties —including Albany and Rensselaer — plus New York City all maintain registries of animal abusers. 

On the state level, there is currently a bill introduced that would create a state registry of animal abusers. The bill is sponsored by Senators Pete Harckham (D, WF- 40) of South Salem and Anthony Palumbo (R- 1) of New Suffolk and was referred to committee in May. 

In addition, Sen. James Tedisco — who represents Saratoga County — also proposed several bills in January which would strengthen New York’s animal abuse law known as “Buster’s Law.” All of those bills have been referred to committee with no action taken since January.

Legen-dairy: Stewart’s Shops Performs Well at World Dairy Expo

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, News.

Some of the products which scored in the top three at the 
World Dairy Expo ( Aidan Cahill)

A staple of life in the Upstate New York, Ballston Spa’s own Stewart’s Shops is known for its milk and ice cream. 

While this complete and udder excellence is common knowledge for residents, it’s now been recognized as being in the top 3 best dairy products 17 times — including top honors for sherbert, gelato, lactose free milk, open class flavored milk and strawberry milk — at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. 

“These awards are a testament to the skill and dedication of the 21 family farms, who supply our milk, and the partners, who are committed to producing the highest quality milk and ice cream at our plant in Greenfield, New York,” the company said in a press release. 

For frozen treats, Stewart’s rainbow sherbert took home top honors in the category, while mango dragon fruit came in second. For Gelato, the top three was all Stewart’s with Pistachio coming in first while salty caramel and milk chocolate followed behind. In addition, Stewart’s French vanilla came in second place in the French vanilla category while their chocolate came in second for that category, Bark in the Dark came in third for dark chocolate, maple walnut came in second for ice cream with nuts, peanut butter pandemonium came in third for peanut butter ice cream and dirt cake came in third for open class. 

In addition to Stewart’s, Schuylerville’s King Brothers Dairy came in second for the open class ice cream with caramel for their just take my money ice cream and second for peanut butter with their PBOMG! ice cream. 

The World Dairy Expo will be held in Madison Wisconsin from Sept. 30 – Oct. 3.