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Harsher Penalties for Driving Offenses in New York State

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

The penalty for driving offenses in New York State have increased significantly after a series of new driving regulations went into effect on Feb. 16. 

Under the newly implemented regulations, point penalties for offenses such as DWI and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in

“These updated regulations will have no impact on drivers who follow the rules of the road, but they will have a big impact on dangerous drivers and repeat offenders whose poor choices always put other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk,” said NYS DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder. “Our job is to make sure that New York’s roads are safe for everyone, and if someone chooses to be reckless and unsafe, they do not deserve to be behind the wheel, period.”

The regulations were first proposed in 2023. At the time, the DMV said the goal of the changes was to take reckless drivers off the roads and address aggressive driving. In total, nine violations saw increases with two classes of offenses — DWI and aggravated unlicensed operation — resulting in automatic suspensions. 

In addition to the number of points increasing, they will also last longer. Under the old system, points on a person’s license would last for 18 months, however under the new system, they will last for 24 months. If a driver accumulates 11 points in this stretch, they their license will automatically be suspended. 

Here is a rundown of the updated point totals. 

• Any drug or alcohol offense. Previous point penalty — 0. New point Penalty — 11. 

• Aggravated unlicensed operation. Previous point penalty — 0. New point Penalty — 11. 

• Passing a stopped school bus. Previous point penalty — 5. New point Penalty — 8. 

• Speeding in a construction zone. Previous point penalty — based on speed. New point Penalty — 8. 

• Over-height vehicle or bridge strike. Previous point penalty — 0. New point Penalty — 8. 

• Leaving the scene of a personal injury crash. Previous point penalty — 3. New point Penalty — 5. 

• Failure to exercise due care. Previous point penalty — 2. New point Penalty — 5. 

• Facilitating Aggravated unlicensed operation. Previous point penalty — 0. New point Penalty — 5. 

• Speed contests or races. Previous point penalty — 0. New point Penalty — 5.

The new changes to the point structure aren’t the only recent changes seeking to curb dangerous driving. In 2025, a new regulation was implemented permanently stripping the license of those with four or more drug or alcohol convictions. 

Cyrus Tetreault Sentenced to 11 Years in State Prison for Manslaughter

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

Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby today announced that Cyrus Tetreault was sentenced by the Honorable James R. Davis to an 11-year term of incarceration in New York State Prison following his conviction for Manslaughter in the First Degree, a Class “B” Violent Felony.

On November 5, 2025, Tetreault pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, admitting that he caused the death of Brian Miller following a violent incident in the Town of Malta on May 31, 2024. 

The investigation and prosecution established that on that date, Tetreault traveled to Malta with co-defendant Zachary Christie intending to confront an uninvolved third party regarding an unrelated earlier incident. Tetreault, Christie, and others arrived on Sparrow Drive armed with weapons, where an altercation ensued. During the confrontation, Christie injured Mr. Miller’s partner with a drill.

 As the violence escalated, Mr. Miller attempted to de-escalate the situation and urged the armed individuals to drop their weapons. Ignoring those pleas, Tetreault struck Mr. Miller in the face with a metal pipe wrench, causing blunt force trauma that ultimately resulted in Mr. Miller’s death. 

Tetreault fled the scene and later returned after being driven back to Malta by his father. Co-defendant Zachary Christie was previously sentenced on February 19, 2025, to a three-year term of imprisonment following his plea of guilty to Assault in the Second Degree for causing injury to Mr. Miller’s partner during the incident.

District Attorney Brett Eby praised Senior Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Pratt for her work on the case. 

“Senior Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Pratt demonstrated exceptional professionalism in preparing this case,” Eby said. “Her commitment to seeking justice, coupled with her unwavering advocacy for the victim and his family, ensured that the truth was brought forward and that accountability was secured.”

 “Throughout this incredibly painful process, Brian Miller’s family has shown remarkable courage, dignity, and resilience,” Eby said. “No sentence can undo their loss, but their strength in the face of unimaginable grief has been inspiring.”

Finally, District Attorney Eby extended his gratitude to the law enforcement professionals and victim services personnel whose dedication led to the conviction. 

“This conviction and sentence are the result of tireless investigative work and teamwork,” Eby said “I want to personally thank Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Nicholas Hess, the lead investigator on this case, Investigators Matthew Kavanagh, Kyle Rossi, Joseph Mancini, and Matthew Robinson; and Deputy Nikolaus Miller, who was first on scene and administered CPR in an effort to save Mr. Miller’s life. I also thank District Attorney’s Office Investigator Jack Barney and Victim Advocate Mollie Benware for their critical roles in supporting this prosecution and, most importantly, in standing beside the victim’s family. Their professionalism and dedication were essential in achieving justice.”

Spa Catholic Boys B-Ball Team Captures First-Ever Wasaren League Championship

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

Photo via Saratoga Central Catholic.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Central Catholic boys varsity basketball team made history last Saturday, securing their first league title since joining Wasaren a decade ago.

Spa Catholic eked out a closely-contested victory against Tamarac, 72 to 69. They won as a team—by sharing the rock and turning every player in a Saints uniform into a scoring threat. Five of the newly-crowned champs finished the contest with double digits: David Redgrave Jr. had 18 points, Bryce Peterson netted 16, Reid Knussman contributed 13, Jasyn Thompson added 12, and Thomas Zayac chipped in 11.

But entering the record books wasn’t a walk in Congress Park. The Saints took an early lead against Tamarac, earning an 11-point advantage in the first half. But the Bengals rebounded with a 13-0 run to seize the lead heading into halftime. In the final stanzas, Spa Catholic was able to rally, but they never had more than a 5 or 6-point lead. Ultimately, they won by three at the buzzer.

“I’ve got some gutsy kids that have made big plays for us all year and then made a couple more,” Head Coach Shea Bromirski told Saratoga TODAY.  “We scored 72 points in a championship game and we needed them all.”

Now, the ecstasy of victory is tempered by what’s ahead: a postseason run that is expected to begin on Tuesday, Feb. 24 with a home game. The Saints will likely enter the playoffs somewhere among the top four seeds. They’ll hope to carry their regular season momentum of 10 wins in their last 12 games into sectionals.

“We’re not talking about a championship, we’re kind of just trying to stay in the moment,” Bromirski said. “They have a phrase they use called ‘stacking days’… They’ve done a good job of staying in the moment, making nothing bigger than it needs to be, and just trying to get better daily.”  

Bromirski is in his fourth season with the Saints. As coach, he’s supervised some wildly talented squads. Last year, his boys went 20-3, ending the season with a tough two-point loss to Duanesburg. Bromirski was forced to rebuild his roster a bit after losing last season’s league MVP Tyler Hicks, who averaged nearly 20 points per game. But he had talented players waiting in the wings, ready to fill the void.

“Our depth became a big, big factor as the year went on,” Bromirski said. “We play a little bit faster than we played last year. We have smaller guards, but they’re really quick. We sped people up and tried to wear people down a little bit. It seemed to work as the year went on. It wasn’t cut and dry, what was going to happen. We were 4-4, we were 1-2 in the league, and we finished 10-3. So, it was a learning process.”

Next, the title-holding Saints will try to bring everything they’ve learned into the playoffs.

Ballston Spa Wrestlers Crowned Section 2 Class B Champions

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

Photo via Ballston Spa Wrestling.

BALLSTON SPA — On Feb. 7, the Ballston Spa varsity wrestling team captured the Section 2 Class B championship for the second-straight year. 

Four Scotties also qualified for states: Sean Pausley (285 lbs), James Capasso (175 lbs),Tyler Perkins (165 lbs), and Quinton Warlikowski (144 lbs). Pausley, Capasso, and Warlikowski are all captains.

“Those four guys have been pretty reliable this year,” Ballston Spa Wrestling Coach Jacob Warren told Saratoga TODAY. 

Despite the triumphant finish, the Scotties’ season had a shaky start. Early on, the squad had some holes to fill and suffered a few losses within their Suburban Council. But as the season progressed, fortunes changed. Ballston Spa took third in the dual meet sectional championships, avenging an earlier loss to Niskayuna. Then they captured the Class B title before finishing fourth overall at state qualifiers on Feb. 14. 

Now Warren is tasked with preparing four of his grapplers for the state championships.

“I think all four of them are confident that they can, and I believe that they can, go place in the state,” Warren said. “In the last few weeks, those four especially have honed in on what they need to work on to get to the next level.”

The four boys will compete at states at Albany’s MVP Arena on Feb. 27 and 28. 

THE BALLSTON SPA NYSPHAA SECTION 2 CLASS B CHAMPIONS

285 lbs: Sean Pausley, Champion

215 lbs: Evan Walosin, 4th place

190 lbs: Jacob Thomas, 2nd place

175 lbs: James Capasso, Champion

165 lbs: Tyler Perkins, Champion

157 lbs: Brennan O’Connor

150 lbs: Brian Macri, 4th place

144 lbs: Quinton Warlikowski, Champion

144 lbs: Liam Collins, 2nd place

126 lbs: Gavin Whipple, 2nd place

118 lbs: Steven Bondar, 4th place

110 lbs: John Garcia, 3rd place

103 lbs: Caden Fernandes, 3rd place

Saratoga Schools Education Foundation to Host First-Ever Pizza Wars on March 4

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

The Saratoga Schools Education Foundation is excited to announce its first-ever Pizza Wars, taking place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Saratoga Springs High School Cafeteria from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

This family-friendly event will bring together community members, students, and families for a night of fun, food, and friendly competition. Attendees will sample pizzas from local favorites and vote for Best Sauce, Best Crust, and Best Overall Pizza. Participating restaurants include Pizza Etc, Pope’s Pizza, Caputo’s Pizzeria, West Avenue Pizza, Rustic Pizza and Eats, D’Andrea’s, and 9 Miles East.

Tickets are available for $5 online in advance, with a limited number sold for $7 at the door. Each ticket includes pizza samples from all participating vendors.

Proceeds benefit the Saratoga Schools Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the Saratoga Springs City School District. The Foundation funds innovative programs and grants for educators to enhance student learning and achievement through creative practices.

“Pizza Wars is a delicious way for our community to come together while supporting student success,” said Maura Manny, Director of Community Outreach and Communications. “We are thrilled to feature local restaurants and give attendees the opportunity to vote for their favorites.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit:  https://my.cheddarup.com/c/pizzawars12866/.

NYRA Hosting Belmont Job Fair on Feb. 26

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

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association (NYRA) recently announced it will host a job fair on Thursday, Feb. 26 to recruit employees for the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course.

The job fair will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on the first floor of the 1863 Club. Applicants should enter through the Wright Street entrance (Gate 8) with parking available in the 1863 Club lot.

Prospective workers will be able to meet with NYRA, Dyehard Fan Supply, Integrated Staffing, and Levy Restaurants, among others. Positions will include restaurant hosts and staff, premium experience team, mutuel clerks, cashiers, merchandise clerks, customer service, maintenance and grounds crew, white caps, parking attendants, and security guards.

Applicants must be at least 15 years of age and have New York State Certified Working Papers. Prospective security guards, cashiers and betting clerks must be at least 18 years of age to apply; security guards must have a high school degree or GED. All applicants must present a photo ID and Social Security card or I-9 alternative.

For more information, visit BelmontStakes.com.

Lago by Druthers Opens Free Public Ice-Skating Rink on Saratoga Lake

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

Photo of the new ice rink at Lago by Druthers provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Lago by Druthers has officially opened a free ice-skating rink on Saratoga Lake.

The outdoor rink, measuring 90’ x 120’, is located at 550 Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs and is open to skaters of all ages. Guests are asked to bring their own skates. 

“With such a cold winter, we wanted to give the community a free place to come together and enjoy the season,” said Chris Martell, president of Druthers Brewing Company. “From skating on the lake to warming up by the fire with hot cocoa, it’s all about getting people outside and making the most of the winter in Saratoga.” 

Lago also has multiple outdoor fire pits where guests can enjoy a drink and watch the skaters. In addition to Lago’s full menu, hot cocoa, both boozy and non-alcoholic, will be available for purchase. 

Skating hours will be Monday – Thursday 3-7 p.m., Friday 3-8 p.m., Saturday 12-8 p.m., and Sunday 12-7 p.m. The rink will be open weather permitting.

A Valentine’s Day Love Story: “We Created a Family”

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


Tom and Sue met on a blind date in Rochester in 1955 and married shortly after (The Wesley Community)
70 years after first meeting, Tom and Sue are still married and currently live in The Wesley Community ( The Wesley Community).

“We created a family.”

Those were the first words Tom shared when reflecting on his 70-year marriage to his wife, Sue. Simple words, but they carry a lifetime of devotion, resilience, and love.

Their story began in 1955 with a blind date. Tom had just returned home after being stationed overseas in the Navy for 19 months. A friend had a date in Rochester, New York—and that date happened to have a friend named Sue. Three months and one day later, Tom and Sue were married. As Tom put it best, “When you know, you know.”

Marriage quickly taught them the meaning of commitment. After their wedding, Tom was stationed in Washington, D.C., while Sue remained in Rochester. They stayed connected the old-fashioned way through letters, and Tom would hitchhike during breaks to see her. On one unforgettable trip, Tom hitched a ride while clutching a giant carnival teddy bear thumb out, a bear bigger than the luggage. It wasn’t every day a driver saw a sailor and his oversized passenger headed off in the name of love.

Tom went on to earn his teaching degree through the GI Bill at SUNY Brockport while Sue worked for the Rochester Telephone Company. Later, Tom earned his master’s degree in social work and transitioned from a career in teaching to a career in social work with the New York State Department of Social Services. In 1972, Tom’s work brought them to the Albany area, where they settled in Clifton Park and purchased a new home. The excitement of that moment —especially seeing the fireplace—has stayed with Tom all these years, a symbol of the life they were building together.

Together, Tom and Sue raised three children, Jeannie, John, and Jeff. Building a family was deeply meaningful to them both. Sue had been raised by her aunt and uncle after losing her parents at a young age, and Tom grew up with divorced parents, with his father living far away. Creating a close, loving home was something they truly cherished.

While raising their children, Sue also built a successful career selling Avon, a job she found both rewarding and fulfilling. Tom eventually retired from the New York State Education Department, where he led a staff of 50 in the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, helping individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment. In his free time, Tom enjoyed golfing and proudly scored a hole-in-one, but just as meaningful to him was volunteering with Hospice, where he offered comfort and kindness to those in need.

Their life together was filled with seasons of joy. Winters were spent in Florida, and summers were enjoyed at their camp on Sacandaga Lake, a place still treasured by their family today. Eventually, with encouragement from their children, Tom and Sue moved to Woodlawn Commons so they could have additional support as they aged.

As Sue’s health needs increased, she transitioned to Wesley Health Care Center. Tom visits her, holding her hand, reminiscing about their journey, and reflecting on the family and life they built together.

Marriage, Tom shared, isn’t always easy. “It has its ups and downs,” he said. “You keep working on it, and you don’t give up on one another.”

This Valentine’s Day, Tom and Sue’s story reminds us that love isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s about showing up, holding on, and building a life together, one day at a time. 

NYRA announces stakes schedule, logo and Prices for the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival

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

The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will run from June 3 through June 7th

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced the stakes schedule for the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, which will be held at Saratoga Race Course from Wednesday, June 3, through Sunday, June 7.

Highlighted by the 158th edition of Grade 1, $2 million Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets on Saturday, June 6, the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will include 10 Grade 1 races among 18 graded stakes across five days of world class competition.  

With a new and re-imagined Belmont Park to open for live racing on September 18, 2026, the Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets will return to their Long Island Home beginning in 2027.

Tickets and hospitality offerings for the final edition of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga will go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. EST on Thursday, February 12 at BelmontStakes.com. 

Pricing for Belmont Stakes Day general admission tickets is unchanged from 2025: $75 for adults and $20 for children ages 4 to 12. Admission is $30 for adults on Friday, June 5, and $10 on all other festival days. Admission is free for children 12 and under on each day other than Saturday, June 6.

Fans may purchase a five-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival admission bundle for $120 at a combined savings of more than 10 percent.

A blockbuster Belmont Stakes Day at Saratoga awaits fans on Saturday, June 6, with a program to include six Grade 1 events among seven graded stakes headlined by the Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets and featuring the Grade 1, $1 million Hill ‘n’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap; the Grade 1, $1 million Resorts World Casino Manhattan; the Grade 1, $500,000 Jaipur; the Grade 1, $500,000 Woody Stephens presented by Mohegan Sun; the Grade 1 $500,000 Just a Game presented by Resolute Racing and the Grade 3, $400,000 True North. 

As in 2025, NYRA will raise the curtain on the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival with an Opening Day dedicated to New York-breds on Wednesday, June 3. The special New York Showcase Day program will offer six $200,000 events exclusively for horses foaled in the Empire State, including the Mike Lee, the Bouwerie, the Commentator, the Critical Eye, the Kingston and the Mount Vernon. 

In total, the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will offer 25 stakes races worth $11,075,000 million in purses. For additional details and the full stakes schedule, visit BelmontStakes.com/schedule.

FOX Sports is the television home of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, providing viewers across the country with its Eclipse Award-winning coverage of all five days of the Festival. 

The Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets will once again be contested at 1 1/4 miles in 2026 rather than the traditional 1 1/2 miles due to the configuration of Saratoga’s main track.

NYRA unveiled the official logo for the race on Feb. 10. The logo builds on the visual foundation established over the prior two years. Centered around the Marylou Whitney Entrance at Saratoga, the image features three flags to acknowledge the conclusion of an unprecedented period when Saratoga played host to the Belmont Stakes.