Skip to main content

Clifton Park Advises Residents Not to Feed Canadian Geese 

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

While some people may find Canadian geese adorable, that is no reason to feed them, at least according to the Town of Clifton Park. 

The bulletin was issued May 27, advising residents not to feed the water fowl, properly dispose of food, and educate others on why feeding is harmful. 

“Please Do Not Feed Canada Geese,” the advisory read. “Feeding wildlife may seem harmless, but it creates serious problems.” 

The advisory listed several issues that feeding the birds can cause such as harm to the bird’s diet, water pollution from bird droppings, damaged lawns and aggressive behavior, disruption of normal behavior and increased road hazards. 

The Canada goose is a common bird in North America, with their habitat stretching from the arctic to northern Mexico, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

While the birds have historically been migratory, most of the geese in New York are residents, spending most of their lives in one location, according to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. The birds mate for life and can live for over 20 years. In New York the resident geese population is around 200,000 with the population growing in winter as their winged brethren from northern Canada migrate south to the comparatively moderate climate. 

The birds are known for being aggressively territorial and attacking humans and others who come too close to their nest. This has led them to be dubbed online as  “cobra chickens”. 

The birds are also known for disrupting air travel. According to the FAA bird strike database, there have been 495 bird strikes involving geese since 1990 when bird strikes started to be recorded. The most famous of these incidents occurred on Jan. 15, 2009 when an Airbus A320 was forced to land on the Hudson River after striking a flock of geese shortly after takeoff. 

Two Injured and One Dead in Plane and Car Crashes at the Saratoga County Airport 

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

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department Deputies block Geyser Road while investigating a car crash (Aidan Cahill)
According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, a Saratoga County Office of Emergency Services pickup truck struck a Jeep SUV while responding to the plane crash (Aidan Cahill)
A Piper PA25, similar to the one seen here, reportedly nosed over during a fatal accident resulting in the pilot’s death (public domain photo).

This story has been updated to reflect information released by New York State Police after the story went to print.

Two people were injured and one person is dead after a plane crash and car accident at the Saratoga County Airport. 

The plane crash occurred on May 26, 2026 at 1:47 p.m. on the runway of Saratoga County Airport while the car accident occurred at 1:55 p.m. at the entrance to the airport at the intersection of Geyser and Greenfield Roads.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) preliminary incident notice, the plane crash occurred during takeoff when a towed glider pitched up causing the towing aircraft to “nose over” and strike the runway.  The crash caused both the aircraft and grass near the accident to catch fire. The glider it was towing detached from the aircraft shortly before the crash and successfully landed nearby without injury to the pilot, according to New York State Police.

The aircraft was identified by both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA as a single engine, single seat Piper PA-25 registered to a local glider club. According to registration information, the aircraft was first manufactured in 1969 and was most recently certified in 2012. 

The pilot of the aircraft, has been identified by New York State Police as James R. Stewart, 58, of Caroga Lake. Stewart was transported to Saratoga Hospital with severe burns. He was later transferred to Albany Medical Center where he succumbed to his injured on later that evening.

The NTSB is currently investigating the incident and will release a preliminary report within the next 30 days. 

According to NTSB data, this model of aircraft has been involved in 116 accidents since 1962. Of these, 30 resulted in fatal injuries, 10 resulted in serious injuries, 21 resulted in minor injuries and 53 resulted in no injuries. The remaining two incidents had incomplete data. The most recent incident listed by NTSB involving the model occurred in February in 2025 in Honduras. 

The plane crash led to a car accident directly outside the airport. According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, a Saratoga County Office of Emergency Services Ford 150 pickup truck responding to the plane crash struck a white Jeep Grand Cherokee, causing the Jeep to roll over.

At the time of the crash, the Jeep was traveling eastbound on Geyser Road while the truck was traveling northbound on Greenfield Avenue.

The driver of the truck was transported to Albany Medical Center while the driver of the Jeep was transported to Saratoga Hospital. Both drivers were transported by Malta-Stillwater EMS with non-life-threatening injuries. The accident is being investigated by the Sheriff’s Collision Reconstruction Unit. 

This is the second fatal plane crash near in Saratoga County in less than a year. In October 2025 a Mooney M20E crashed just after takeoff after suffering an engine failure, according to an NTSB preliminary report. 

Prior to October, Saratoga County hadn’t experienced a fatal plane crash since 2014 when a pilot crashed in Gansevoort while attempting to pick up a towable banner, according to the NTSB. The last non-fatal accident occurred in 2023 when a student and instructor were forced to make an emergency landing in a field after running out of fuel. 

Hopkins Sentenced to 32 Years to Life for Abuse of a Child

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Brian Hopkins is led away after being sentenced to 32 years to life in prison. (Aidan Cahill)
Brian Hopkins won’t be released until at least 2058 after being convicted of two felony child abuse charges (Courtesy of Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office)

A Saratoga County man has been sentenced to 32 years to life in prison for sexual abuse of a child. 

Brian Hopkins received the maximum sentence in after being convicted in February of predatory sexual assault of a child and 2nd degree course of sexual conduct against a child. 

The maximum sentence for the first charge is 25 years to life in prison while the max sentence for the second charge is seven years in prison followed by up to 15 years supervised release. 

Hopkins received an enhanced sentence due to a 2000 conviction for physically assaulting a one-year-old child.

“At its simplest, this case is about a man who sexually abused a young boy from the age of six through 13 in Saratoga County,” prosecutors said during the sentencing hearing. 

In his sentencing, Judge James Davis followed the recommendation of the prosecutor to have the sentences run consecutively. In addition, orders of protection were issued preventing contact between Hopkins and protected individuals in the case. 

“It’s unconscionable, and that’s why I sentenced you to the maximum penalty available under the law,” Davis 

During the sentencing hearing, the victim gave a statement advocating for the maximum sentence so that Hopkins would be prevented from abusing anyone else. Hopkins did not speak at the sentencing hearing. 

The earliest Hopkins can be released is 2058, when he will be around 77 years old. 

After the hearing, Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby praised the decision. 

 “This defendant is a pedophile who deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison for the horrific abuse he inflicted on a child,” said District Attorney Eby. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that Saratoga County will relentlessly pursue justice for child victims and hold predators fully accountable.” 

As for the victim, Eby praised his courage in coming forward. 

“The victim just showed a remarkable strength in not only protecting this community, but protected children from this pedophile,” Eby said. 

Regional Juried Exhibition “Saratoga: Town & Country” Opens at Eden Compton Gallery

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Eden Compton Gallery is announced the opening of Saratoga: Town & Country, a regional juried exhibition featuring artists within a 100 mile radius of Saratoga Springs including the greater Capital Region and central Adirondacks. 

The exhibition opens with a public reception and awards presentation on June 6th, 4-7 p.m., and will showcase a diverse collection of paintings, drawings, mixed media, and fine art inspired by the unique character of Saratoga Springs and its surrounding areas. 

The exhibition was juried by Ann Larsen, a nationally recognized painter and Master Artist with the American Impressionist Society. She is also previous President of American Women Artists. 

Known for her luminous landscapes and expressive use of color, Larsen brought a discerning eye to the selection process, choosing works that demonstrate technical excellence, originality, and a strong sense of place. 

Located in the heart of Saratoga Springs’ arts district, Eden Compton Gallery is known for exhibiting the contemporary and representational fine art of both local and nationally recognized artists. 

The gallery continues to expand its role as a cultural destination for both residents and visitors with a variety of events, special exhibits and group shows. Awards for the exhibition are generously supported by local sponsors including Discover Saratoga, Soave Faire, and Source Tek (national supplier of fine art panels), whose contributions help recognize artistic excellence while strengthening the connection between the arts and local business community. 

The opening reception on June 6 will provide an opportunity for the public to meet participating artists, view the award-winning works, and celebrate the creative vitality of the Saratoga region. 

The show will be on view until July 17, 2026. Please refer to website for hours.

Milton Marine Inducted into NYS Senate Hall of Fame

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Saratoga County Veterans Services Agency Director Frank McClement and Senator Tedisco presents Col. Douglas and his wife, Susan, with a flag (Courtesy of Senator Tedisco)

Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C-Ballston Lake) recently inducted retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Christopher J. Douglas of Milton into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. Col. Douglas served our state and nation in numerous combat tours in Iraq as well as serving in Afghanistan, Somalia and Haiti.

“Col. Douglas is a great patriot who led Marines in five combat tours to protect our nation and way of life, and he continues to serve our country in civilian life with the U.S. Department of War.  I’m proud to recognize Col. Douglas’s service by inducting him into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame,” said Senator Jim Tedisco.

 Douglas currently serves Deputy to the Commanding General and Highly Qualified Expert to the Office of the U.S. Secretary of War.

 Col. Douglas received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Marist College in 1990, where he played Division III football. From March 1985 to June 1991, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a combat engineer with Company C, 854th Engineer Battalion.

 In 1991, Col. Douglas completed the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School, The Basic School, and the Infantry Officer Course in Quantico, Virginia. He was then assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, where he commanded three platoons, was an executive officer, and was the 3/6 battalion adjutant. During this tour, he participated in Operation Battle Griffin in Norway. He served as part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in Operations Continue Hope in Somalia, Provide Promise and Deny Flight in the Adriatic Sea, and Support Democracy in Haiti.

 In 1995, Douglas transitioned from active military service to the United States Marine Corps Reserve to pursue a career in Law Enforcement. He entered the New York State Police in January 1996 and served as a Trooper, Investigator, and Narcotics Investigator. 

Following the attack on America on September 11, 2001, Douglas would return to active duty to lead Marines on five combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Enduring Freedom (OEF), Inherent Resolve (OIR), and Freedom’s Sentinel.

He retired as a Narcotics Investigator from the New York State Police in March 2020 to return to active service. 

During the withdrawal from Afghanistan, he served as the assistant chief of staff G-5 at U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command, forward-deployed to Qatar to assist with processing evacuees from Afghanistan. He was also the senior Marine in the Pentagon’s investigation into the August 2021 bombing outside the Kabul airport, that killed 13 U.S. service members and about 170 Afghans. He subsequently retired from the Marine Corps in October 2022.

His personal awards include two Legion of Merits, one with a Combat Distinguishing Device, Two Bronze Star Medals, the Purple Heart, Three Combat Action Ribbons, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V,” a Navy, Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Douglas and his wife Susan live in Milton, NY. Their son,1LT John B. Douglas IV now serves as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army.

“When you get a box like this, it looks like Christmas.”  Saratoga Springs VFW Assembles 98 Care Packages for Troops Deployed Overseas

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

The VFW partnered with Adopt a Soldier to send nearly 100 care packages to troops serving abroad. Most of the boxes are destined for the Middle East or Europe (Courtesy of VFW Post 420).

While the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan may be over, Saratoga Springs’ veterans aren’t forgetting those still deployed across the world. 

On May 16, the Saratoga Springs chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) filled boxes with coffee, hygiene products, snacks and other items as part of the VFW’s day of service. The boxes are being sent to troops currently deployed overseas through Operation Adopt a Soldier, a Saratoga Springs based charity that sends care packages to those overseas. 

Over 30 volunteers from the VFW, Boy Scouts, and Espey Manufacturing & Electronics filled 98 boxes to send overseas. The event started at 9:00 a.m. but volunteers worked quickly, only stopping to await more supplies to finish filling the boxes. While it’s unclear which country specifically the boxes will go to, representatives from Operation Adopt a Soldier said that based on zip codes, most will go to the Middle East or Europe. 

To fill the boxes, the VFW collected $2300 in donations and received support of Espey whose donation alone covered the cost of 58 boxes. 

Post Commander Jon Cheico. who served in the Navy on an aircraft carrier during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield said that the packages help boost morale for troops deployed overseas by giving them a little taste of home and let them know they’re not forgotten. 

“These are things that soldiers or sailors would really appreciate being deployed for such a long time overseas,” Cheico said.  “When you get a box like this, it looks like Christmas.” 

While the majority of U.S. military personnel are stationed at home in the United States, an estimated 213,315 active duty, reserve and National Guard Troops are stationed overseas, according to data from the Defense Manpower Data Center. This number does not include those on temporary assignments or deployments in support of contingency operations. 

Cheico said the decision to support Operation Adopt a Soldier came due to the War in Iran, officially named “Operation Epic Fury” by the Department of War. This Operation has killed 14 American troops — seven due to enemy action, six due to accidents and one due to illness — and injured an additional 406 service members. 

As for the VFW, The Saratoga Springs post serves 380 members, with 300 being locals and around 80 or 90 being part-year or out-of- town members. 

Looking ahead to other events, on June 24, at 6 p.m. the organization is hosting a meeting of the Saratoga County Peer to Peer Group, Saratoga County Veteran Support Officers and other VFW posts to help veterans with any issues they may have with VA benefits and claims. 

 Sheriff’s Office Warns of Scams Targeting the Elderly after Funds Intercepted

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

A Sheriff’s Office investigator and a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent recently conducted a welfare check of an elderly resident in the town of Moreau after it was discovered that she had attempted to ship $20,000 hidden in books to an address in California. When the elderly resident answered the door, she appeared to be distressed and told the law enforcement officers she was expecting to get picked up by a friend. She asked the investigators if she could speak with them later. The investigator and special agent noticed the woman had a cellular phone at her side and that she appeared to be on a live call. 

They quietly advised the woman that they believed she was being scammed and the victim informed them that someone was coming to pick up $20,000 in cash from her at any moment. She explained that she had received a notification through her email regarding a PayPal account charge for a purchase she had not made and contacted the number on the email to rectify the situation. 

The scammers – posing as PayPal employees – convinced the woman to download a remote access app on her computer and mobile phone – which allowed them to view and change things on her computer and see through her web camera – and convinced her that they had mistakenly given her too much money when refunding the bogus purchase. As a result, they convinced the victim to ship $20,000 hidden in books to California, as well as drive to a virtual cryptocurrency machine in Massachusetts where she was directed to deposit $20,000. 

Luckily, that transaction could not be completed, and the victim drove back home. After the failed cryptocurrency purchase attempt, the scammers arranged for a courier to come pick up $20,000 from the woman’s residence. Fortunately, this plan fell apart because of the Sheriff’s Office and HSI’s prompt response and commitment to preventing fraud and swiftly contacting victims to prevent loss. 

It was later discovered that the courier had shown up soon after the arrival of the investigator and special agent and left the area before being detected. The investigation is ongoing. 

This case is just one example of the fraudulent activity targeting our elderly residents. The Sheriff’s Office and HSI are committed to preventing citizens from becoming victims, and this is just one example of how the partnership has disrupted fraudulent activity in Saratoga County. Last month, their joint efforts were able to intercept and return over $433,000 in stolen scam funds to two residents of Saratoga County. This includes a $245,000 wire transfer being sent from a resident of Halfmoon to what they believed was a title company, and a $188,000 bank teller check being sent from a resident of Clifton Park to what they believed was the Federal Trade Commission. In both cases, the scams were foiled, and the funds were recovered and returned to the victims. In the coming months, several community outreach programs educating the residents of Saratoga County will be occurring throughout the county presented jointly by the Sheriff’s Office and HSI. Currently they have scheduled the following: 

•Wednesday June 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Halfmoon Senior Center, 287 Lower Newtown Road, Waterford.

•Tuesday June 30, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Clifton Park Elks Lodge, 695 Mac Elroy Road, Ballston Lake.

Please stay tuned for additional course locations. PayPal is not suspected to have been involved in, associated with or affiliated with the scam described herein in any way. 

Snapshot: Convoy Carrying the Remains of 44 Individuals Affiliated with the Continental Army Rolls Through Saratoga

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

A convoy carrying the remains of 44 people found at the site of a Continental Army Hospital in Lake George made it’s way through Saratoga County enroute to be reburied in Lake George. 

The convoy was comprised of retired military vehicles, police from various agencies and bikers from the Patriot Riders. It arrived in Saratoga Springs on the morning of May 20 and stopped briefly in front of city hall before continuing to Lake George. 

It was met by members of the public and various civic organizations. While stopped, reenactors and veterans were asked to gather for a group photo. 

Here is a look at the convoy as it made its way North. 

District Attorney Eby Announces Guilty Plea in Major Narcotics and Ghost Gun Trafficking Case 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Saratoga County District Attorney Brett R. Eby announced today that Tamaryn H. Bennett (DOB: January 1, 1999) has pled guilty in Saratoga County Court before the Honorable James R. Davis to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a Class “A-II” Felony in violation of New York State Penal Law Section 220.18(2), and Criminal Manufacture, Sale, or Transport of an Undetectable Firearm, a Class “D” Violent Felony in violation of New York State Penal Law Section 265.50(2). 

The guilty plea is the result of a lengthy investigation into the trafficking of large quantities of crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin, as well as the manufacture and sale of undetectable firearm components, commonly referred to as “ghost guns.” The investigation also uncovered the manufacture and distribution of machine gun conversion devices capable of converting semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons. 

The criminal activity occurred within the City of Saratoga Springs and the Town of Day. Over the course of a four-month investigation, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, in coordination with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, conducted numerous controlled purchase operations targeting the defendant. Upon completion of these operations, law enforcement executed search warrants at the defendant’s residences in Saratoga Springs and Day. 

These searches resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of crystal methamphetamine, heroin, and additional controlled substances in pill form. Authorities also recovered numerous 3D-printed high-capacity magazines, 3D-printed Glock-style lower receivers, and 3D-printed machine gun conversion devices commonly used to produce ghost guns. Additional items seized included two assault rifles, a silencer, ammunition, 3D printers, and computer software and hardware used in the manufacturing of ghost gun components. 

“This case demonstrates the early success of our newly established Special Investigations and Narcotics Bureau led by Chief Meghan Horton, which was specifically created to dismantle large-scale drug and weapons trafficking operations in Saratoga County,” said District Attorney Eby. “Through proactive investigations and strong partnerships with our law enforcement agencies, we are already making a measurable impact in removing dangerous individuals and illegal contraband from our communities.” District Attorney Eby added, “Those who traffic in deadly narcotics such as crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin, while simultaneously manufacturing and distributing illegal ‘ghost guns,’ pose an extraordinary threat to public safety. My office remains committed to seeking significant state prison sentences for these offenders to hold them accountable and to deter others from engaging in this dangerous and unlawful conduct.” 

This case was prosecuted by Special Investigations and Narcotics Unit Chief Meghan A. Horton, with assistance from District Attorney Investigator Mark Sauter. The investigation was led by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, with critical support from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

Tamaryn H. Bennett is scheduled to be sentenced on July 15, 2026, and is expected to receive a determinate sentence of 12 years in New York State Prison before the Honorable James R. Davis.

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Announces the Return of the Belmont Pledge: Dedicated Trainers Commit a Portion of Belmont Festival Earnings to Support Retired Racehorses

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), the nation’s oldest and largest Thoroughbred retirement organization, proudly announces the return of the Belmont Pledge, an initiative led by a dedicated group of trainers committed to supporting retired racehorses beyond their racing careers.

Trainers Michael McCarthy, George Weaver, Whit Beckman, and Amelia Green have once again pledged a portion of their earnings from the Belmont Festival to benefit the TRF and its mission of providing dignified lifetime care to retired Thoroughbreds.

”I am heartened by the support from Michael, George, Whit and Amelia,” said, Maggie Sweet, Executive Director. They were all eager to take this pledge for the second year in a row, which shows their awareness of aftercare as a natural part of a racehorse’s lifecycle. We hope other forward-thinking trainers, owners, and jockeys will join our pledge.” 

The TRF currently provides dignified lifetime care for hundreds of retired Thoroughbreds across the country, many of whom live two decades or more beyond their racing careers. 

The TRF invites additional trainers, owners, and jockeys to become part of the Belmont Pledge and stand behind the long-term responsibility of Thoroughbred aftercare.