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Five Arrested in Biker Attack in Saratoga Springs 

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

Five men associated with the Red Devil’s Motorcycle Club have been arrested and charged in connection with an assault on two individuals that took place near Pavilion Row on April 11. 

Jamal J. Bridges, 28, of Castleton on Hudson, Nolan G. Empringham, 25 of Bowmanville, ON, Jerome Akers, 31, of Hampton ON, Charles J. Collins, 47, of Gansevoort and Jordan X. Prendergast, 31 of Hampton ON all face felony charges related to the assault. 

Akers, Prendergast and Collins were charged with felony 2nd degree attempted gang assault, Empringham was charged with felony tempering with physical evidence, and Bridges was charged with felony 3rd degree criminal possession of a weapon and felony attempted gang assault. 

According to Saratoga Springs Police, the assault began after two men walking between bars on Caroline Street walked by a group wearing clothes identifying the men as members of the Red Devil’s Motorcycle Club. One of the victims asked the alleged gang members what they rode and were told to move along. 

The victims were then allegedly followed to their destination and assaulted by members resulting in injury. Immediately after the attack, several members of the group attempted to conceal clothing which would have identified them as members of the gang. In addition, one of the men was found in possession of brass knuckles, resulting in additional charges. 

“Our officers are the enforcers of law and order on Caroline Street,” Saratoga Springs Police said in a statement. “This community will not tolerate violent, senseless behavior in our bar district or anywhere else in our city. Those coming to enjoy the nightlife Saratoga Springs has to offer should not have to fear being violently attacked. This arrest should serve as a reminder to all who visit our vibrant downtown that you are on camera and will be held accountable for your actions when you break the law.” 

Taking off: New Daily Service from Albany to Denver has its First Flight

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

The inaugural United Airlines flight between Albany International Airport and Denver Airport goes under a water cannon salute. (Aidan Cahill)

A new daily United Airlines flight between Albany International Airport and Denver International Airport has had its inaugural trip on April 30. 

The flight took off at 8:00 a.m. and marked the first time the two airports would be connected by year-round daily service. It’s one of now three airports with non-stop service to Albany through United. 

“This is an exciting day; we’re thrilled to expand our presence in Albany and provide the community with direct service between Albany and Denver,” Kevin Keado, Managing Director, Regional Line Stations at United Airlines, said. “From family vacations, business trips and all the moments in between – this new route makes it easier for our customers in Albany to travel wherever they want to go. Whether that’s to United’s hubs in Denver, Chicago, Washington D.C., to one of the hundreds of destinations that is easily accessible across the U.S. or around the world with convenient one-stop connections from these hubs.”

The flight took off from the newly renovated Concourse A. Passengers were offered donuts and refreshments before getting on the inaugural flight (Aidan Cahill)

The new flight took off from the recently renovated concourse A which has six gates and primarily serves United flights. For the inaugural flight, passengers were treated with donuts and other refreshments. During taxiing, the flight was given a water cannon salute by the airport fire department. 

This is not the first time Albany and Denver will be connected. Currently Southwest Airlines offers seasonal service between the two cities. 

“Today’s inaugural flight to Denver is an exciting milestone for Albany International Airport and for travelers across the Capital Region,” said Peter Stuto, Chief Executive Officer of Albany International Airport. “This new year-round route strengthens our connection to the western United States and gives our passengers more convenient access to destinations across the country. We are proud to celebrate this launch from our newly renovated Concourse A and grateful to United Airlines for its continued partnership and confidence in this market.”

While Albany International Airport may be a gateway to Saratoga, DEN is also known for its love of horses, in this case, mustangs. (Photograph provided courtesy of Denver International Airport.)

Denver International Airport is one of the largest airports in the United States. In 2025, the airport ranked second in both departures and arrivals, according to the Department of Transportation. That year the airport saw 705,469 total flights and served a total of 82,427,962 passengers, according to a report published by the airport. 

The 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes Tour Celebrating its 30th Anniversary Planned for Two Weekends this Fall; Builders Announced!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes Committee is proud to announce this year’s dates and list of builders as of this date. 

Celebrating 30 years of exceptional homes, this annual tradition will be presented over four beautiful fall days on October 3-4 and October 10-11. We will have a spectacular line-up from our region’s finest builders for the area’s premiere new home tour event. 

Thank you to all our generous sponsors and the award-winning builders committed to this year’s event so far; Amedore Homes, Barbera Homes, Belmonte Builders, Kodiak Construction, Kohler Homes, Malta Development, Spa City Builders, Trojanski Builders, Urvalek Builders, Witt Construction and a few more to come! 

Last year $66,000 was raised and over the past 29 years this community event has contributed nearly $1.7 MILLION dollars to our two local charities. Proceeds from the Showcase of Homes benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County www.rtsaratoga.org and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties www.glensfallshabitat.org. For more details on the 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event, please visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com.  

About Saratoga Builders Association 

The Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. (SBA) is a specialized professional trade association representing an industry basic to the well-being and economy of the people of Saratoga County. Its membership includes residential and commercial builders, developers, remodelers, building material suppliers, sub-contractors, financial institutions, architects, engineers, Realtors, attorneys, and other industry professionals. SBA is committed to the continued growth, prosperity, and quality of life in Saratoga County. For more information, please visit www.saratogabuilders.org

District Attorney Brett Eby Announces Indictment in Attempted Murder Case

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office announces that a Saratoga County Grand Jury has returned an indictment against Aaron G. Gookin. The defendant is charged with attempted murder in the second degree, a class “B” violent felony, attempted assault in the first-degree, strangulation in the second degree, two counts of assault in the second degree, and other misdemeanor offenses. 

The indictment alleges that on February 18, 2026, in the Town of Moreau, Gookin attempted to intentionally cause the death of his 77-year-old mother. It is alleged that the defendant strangled the victim and struck her in the head with a piece of wood, causing serious physical injuries. The investigation concluded that the attack occurred after the victim attempted to intervene and protect Gookin from an internet financial scam.

The case is being prosecuted by Special Victims Unit Bureau Chief Rachael Phelan and Assistant District Attorney Emily Williams.

The District Attorney’s Office extends its sincere gratitude to the South Glens Falls Police Department, and in particular Patrolman Michael Gailor, for their diligent and professional work in investigating this matter.

“This was a deeply disturbing and violent attack against a vulnerable member of our community,” District Attorney Brett Eby said. “Our office is committed to supporting the victim and ensuring she is treated with dignity and respect throughout this process. We will continue to work diligently to prepare the strongest possible case and to pursue justice on her behalf.”

Burger Pleads Guilty to Lesser Charges After DWI Arrest

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

Saratoga Springs County Supervisor Sarah Burger has plead guilty to charges of driving while ability impaired. 

Burger had initially been charged with misdemeanor DWI, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 and received a speeding ticket but accepted a plea deal which saw the speeding ticket dropped and the two misdemeanors reduced to driving while ability impaired, an infraction. 

Burger was arrested in the early hours of January 11 by New York State Park Police after an officer observed her 2023 BMW going 41 in a 25 mile per hour zone on Broadway.  Upon being pulled over, the officer observed that Burger had glassy eyes, impaired speech, impaired motor coordination and smelled alcohol, according to court documents. 

Although she denied drinking multiple times to the officer, Burger subsequently failed a field sobriety test and a later breathalyzer test showed a blood alcohol content of .13, according to court documents. 

Burger was sentenced on April 28 to a 90 day driver’s license suspension and a $300 fine. She is also required to attend a DWI victim panel and enroll in New York’s Impaired Driver Program.  

“Public service is built on trust and I remain dedicated to continuing to serve as Saratoga Springs county supervisor with integrity and focus and will continue doing the work the people elected me to do,” Burger said in a statement to media outlets. 

The case was handled by the Schenectady County District Attorney’s Office after the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office recused itself from the case. 

Burger won her seat on the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors this past November and was sworn in on January 1 of this year. In her election, she received the most votes of any candidate running in a competitive race with 5,458 across the One Saratoga and Democratic party lines. 

Two Saratoga County Businesses Busted for Selling Alcohol to Minors

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The New York State Police has announced that two businesses failed a compliance check after they sold alcohol to someone below the ages of 21. 

The Speedway located at 229 Church Ave in the Town of Ballston and Lucky’s Market in the Town of Milton were found not to be in compliance with state liquor laws. The checks resulted in two people being arrested and charged with misdemeanor first degree unlawful dealing with a child. 

Of the 21 businesses checked in the sweep, 19 were found to be in compliance of the law. Those 19 were:

• Valero, 1324 NY 50 Ballston Spa, NY 12020

• Runway Express, 1402 Saratoga Rd Ballston Spa, NY 12020

• Cumberland Farms, 75 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

• Citgo Yazzy’s Market, 252 Milton Ave Ballston Spa, NY 12020

• Gulf Union Food Mart, 2 South St Ballston Spa, NY 12020

• Sunoco, 2135 Double Day Ave, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

• CVS, 2027 Double Day Ave, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

• Post Time Wine and Spirits, 170 South Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

• Sunoco, 154 South Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

• Stewarts, 210 South Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

• Spa City Wine & Liquor, 129 Ballston Spa Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

• Dollar General, 44 Spring St Schuylerville, NY 12871

• Cumberland Farms, 19 Spring St Schuylerville, NY 12771

• Stewarts, 208 Broad St Schuylerville, NY 12871

• Sunoco, 75 Hudson Ave Stillwater, NY 12170

• Del’s Wine & Spirits, 1 Price Chopper Plaza Mechanicville, NY 12118

• Dollar General, 1 Price Chopper Plaza Mechanicville, NY 12118

• Walgreens, 27 Round Lake Rd Ballston Lake, NY 12019

• Saratoga Wine Exchange, 43 Round Lake Rd Ballston Lake, 12019

During the sweeps, New York State Police utilized a plainclothes trooper and an underage operative. 

SLICFiber Announces Launch of 100% Fiber Internet in City of Saratoga Springs

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SLICFiber, the fastest growing internet service provider in Upstate New York, today announced the launch of the first 100% fiber-optic internet and phone service in Saratoga Springs, strengthening the city’s economic competitiveness. 

The company announced this major milestone in connectivity alongside elected officials and business leaders in the Spa City at a press conference at Saratoga Springs City Hall to showcase the economic impact of 100% fiber-optic infrastructure and the difference this service makes in providing faster speeds to accommodate the city’s growing economy. 

“We’re pleased to invest in Saratoga Springs and bring our 100% fiber optic service to the area, offering consumers another choice,” said SLICFiber Chief Executive Officer Kevin Lynch. “This is new technology, not the legacy technology utilized by existing providers in this area. Fiber is the infrastructure that will support communities long into the future, and we’re ‘future-proofing’ Saratoga Springs by having it here.” 

Unlike traditional cable or hybrid networks, SLICFiber delivers 100% fiber-optic connections directly to homes and businesses, offering symmetrical upload and download speeds, increased reliability during peak usage times, and long-term scalability. This means faster internet service that is unaffected when the power goes out, and more reliable internet service that doesn’t crash when there is high community usage. 

Local business and economic development leaders also highlighted the broader impact of fiber infrastructure on the region.

“SLIC represents another choice for our residents and businesses,” said Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford. “They’ve taken the time to work with us every step of the way, and their commitment to serving the community sets them apart. Importantly, this investment comes at no cost to the City and will add to our tax base, providing additional value to taxpayers.” 

“The presence of broadband fiber is an important asset for this community,” said Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “It strengthens our ability to retain and attract businesses, supports our existing employers, and helps position Saratoga Springs for long-term growth.” 

“Reliable, fast internet is of utmost importance to our businesses and retailers who are already here, as well as those who want to start businesses here,” said Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) President / CEO Greg Connors. “Fiber also helps us attract people who want to live here but, in the past, have been tied down to other locations because of better connectivity.” 

SLICFiber’s investment in Saratoga Springs represents more than three years of planning, collaboration, and infrastructure development. The company worked closely with city leadership and local partners to ensure a thoughtful, community-driven approach to building out its network. Residents and businesses may remember promises of fully fiber-optic internet four years ago. Those plans were never realized, leading to SLICFiber studying the area and deciding to build here. 

SLICFiber also announced that Saratoga Springs is the latest community to participate in its #FiberofHope initiative, which donates $25 to local cancer charities for every new customer installation. Custom pink drop fiber optic cable was developed to provide a powerful visual for this initiative. In Saratoga Springs, SLICFiber will partner with Kelly’s Angels, a nonprofit organization supporting children and families affected by cancer and other serious illnesses. 

“We work with each community to identify a local beneficiary for our #FiberOfHope give-back effort, ensuring donations stay local and support those affected by cancer,” Lynch said. 

SLICFiber is now actively serving portions of Saratoga Springs, with continued expansion planned. Residents and businesses can check service availability and sign up through the company’s website, slicfiber.com.

New York State Police Introduces Ford Mustang Patrol Vehicles

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

The State Police have revealed several new Ford Mustangs which are being rolled out across the Capital Region (Courtesy of NYSP)

The New York State Police recently announced the addition of new Ford Mustang GT patrol vehicles to its fleet, marking a strategic investment to modernize traffic enforcement capabilities and enhance roadway safety across the state.

A total of 19 Mustangs has been acquired, including a prototype that has been used for training and evaluation, and will begin its initial patrol deployment in Troop G (Capital Region) this week.

The rest of the Mustangs are in the process of being outfitted with emergency lighting, communications, and safety equipment before being deployed statewide in the coming weeks.

“These vehicles represent a thoughtful and strategic addition to our fleet,” said Superintendent Steven G. James. “Our goal is to provide troopers with the tools they need to safely and effectively carry out their mission. The Mustang enhances our ability to conduct traffic enforcement while reinforcing our commitment to protecting the public on New York’s roadways.”

The Mustang patrol vehicles are being introduced as part of the Division’s ongoing effort to adapt to evolving traffic enforcement challenges.  As the State Police transitions its patrol fleet to SUVs for their improved visibility, safety, and all-weather capability, the Mustangs’ performance and maneuverability will provide an effective tool for addressing aggressive driving, excessive speeding and other hazardous driving behaviors that put public safety at risk.

The Mustangs, which cost about 30% less than the patrol SUVs, will be deployed in a targeted manner in each State Police Troop on highways to support high-visibility enforcement details and complement existing patrol vehicles. Their introduction is expected to improve enforcement effectiveness and officer safety, and to serve as a visible deterrent to dangerous driving.

Saratoga National Historical Park Kicks off 2026 Special Events Schedule 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Saratoga National Historical Park kicks off its 2026 schedule of special events in May with the following offerings: 

Saratoga Battlefield Guide Tour 

Saturday, May 2 at 9 a.m. 

Visitor Center 

Join the Official Saratoga Battlefield Guide for a free, one hour tour on a topic of his choice related to the Saratoga Campaign. This week’s focus is the Battle of Freeman’s Farm. Meet at the Visitor Center. Participants will then travel in their own vehicles to the tour location. 

B.A.R.K. Ranger Program Lauch 

Saturday, May 9 at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

1 p.m. Fashion Show 

Schuyler Estate 

Saratoga National Historical Park invites you and your pup(s) for the launch of our new and improved B.A.R.K. Ranger Program at the Schuyler Estate in Schuylerville, NY. You will find restrooms, access to water and pet friendly trails nearby. Learn what it means to be a B.A.R.K Ranger, explore the history of dogs at the Schuyler Estate, visit with park rangers, and get your pup officially certified! 

The event will feature Lucky Puppy Rescue, Out of the Pits, and Saratoga County Animal Shelter sharing their work to help animals in our community and information about their adoptable animals. Friends of Fort Hardy Park and the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield join us to discuss more dog-friendly recreation opportunities in the area. 

The highlight of the day will be the B.A.R.K. Ranger fashion show at 1 p.m. Show off your pet’s style. Bonus points for American Revolution themed outfits! Remember, the best accessories your pup can wear when visiting Saratoga NHP is a six-foot leash with a poop bag dispenser attached.

Saratoga Battlefield Guide Tour 

Saturday, May 16 at 9 a.m. 

Visitor Center 

Join the Official Saratoga Battlefield Guide for a free, one hour tour on a topic of his choice related to the Saratoga Campaign. This week’s focus is the Battle of Bemus Heights. Meet at the Visitor Center. Participants will then travel in their own vehicles to the tour location. 

History Caravan 

Saturday, May 23 at 9:30 am 

Meet in the Visitor Center 

Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. 

In Memoriam 

Monday, May 25 at 1:00 pm 

Visitor Center 

Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer reveals newly discovered stories of the lives – and deaths – of Americans who perished in the Battles of Saratoga. 

A complete list of events can be found at go.nps.gov/saraevents.

Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office Honored for Excellence in Impaired Driving Enforcement and Victim Advocacy

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office is proud to announce that sev- eral members of its team have been recognized with presti- gious Recognition of Excellence Awards presented by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), STOP-DWI New York, and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

Assistant District Attorney Robert Conklin, along with Crime Victim Specialists Mollie Benware, Ashley Kitts, and NicoleLichva,werehonoredfor their outstanding dedication to impaired driving enforcement, prosecution, and victim support services. These awards recognize

law enforcement professionals, prosecutors, and agencies that demonstrate exceptional com- mitment to reducing impaired driving and supporting victims impacted by these crimes.

The honorees were selected for their tireless efforts in pros- ecuting impaired driving cases and for providing compassion- ate, comprehensive assistance to victims navigating the crim- inal justice system. Their work plays a critical role in promot- ing public safety and ensur- ing accountability for those who endanger others through impaired driving.

“I am incredibly proud of the dedicated individuals we have

working in this office,” Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby said “Their commitment to victims and their pursuit of justice is evident in everything they do. They approach each case with professionalism and compassion, to hold offenders accountable while supporting those impacted by these crimes.”

The Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office remains steadfast in its mission to combat impaired driving and to advocate for victims, work- inginpartnershipwithorgani- zations like MADD, STOP-DWI New York, and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to make local communities safer.