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“Gotta Catch ‘em all” Man arrested for Stolen Pokémon Cards

A Gloversville man has been arrested and charged with a felony for allegedly being caught with stolen trading cards. 

Stashu Roberts, 29, was arrested on Feb. 22 and charged with felony 3rd degree possession of stolen property and misdemeanor fostering the sale of stolen goods. 

According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Roberts is alleged to have been in possession of 105 Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards when he tried to sell them in Malta on Feb. 1. 

Roberts was arraigned and remanded into custody pending further proceedings. 

Milton Economic Director: “Town is Open for Business”

For years, the Town of Milton has quietly grown into one of Saratoga County’s most promising markets for business. Nestled west of the I-87 corridor, Milton long functioned as a bedroom community, with residents commuting to Clifton Park, Malta, and Wilton for shopping, dining, and services. But the story of Milton is changing—and local business owners are taking notice.

Population growth has been steady and strong, nearly doubling over the past 50 years. Today, Milton is the third largest town in the County with nearly 19,000 residents, with high median household incomes and a deep appreciation for supporting local businesses. This combination of density and loyalty has made early business investors in Milton’s Town Center remarkably successful, often requiring expansion within just a few years.

Two decades ago, developers and the town’s planning and zoning boards collaborated to create a Town Center concept—essentially a downtown designed to attract commerce while maintaining Milton’s community character. Early businesses discovered that Milton residents were eager to shop locally, and that enthusiasm quickly translated into consistent sales and long-term viability.

Now, Milton is entering a new phase. The recently completed $35 million airport terminal not only serves private aviation and local business travel, but also brings visitors who frequent the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and Saratoga Race Course—natural patrons of local restaurants, shops, and services. McDonald’s has opened a new store in the heart of Town Center, validating the market for national chains, and a major $100 million mixed-use development is underway, bringing new residents, commercial space, and traffic to the area.

For local business owners, Milton represents a unique opportunity: a growing, loyal customer base, proven business success, and strategic infrastructure investments that increase traffic and visibility. Whether you’re a new venture or considering a second location, Milton is ready to welcome your business. The groundwork has been laid, the market is proven, and the community is eager to support your business and make you profitable.

For additional information, click on Economic Development on Milton’s website or contact John Olenik, Director of Economic Planning at jolenik@nycap.rr.com.

State Police Arrest Milton Man Following Milton Sexual Assault Investigation

On February 17, 2026, State Police arrested Thomas P. Newkirk, 32, of Milton, NY, for:

o Criminal Contempt, 1st, a class “E” felony

o Sexual Abuse, 2nd, a class “A” misdemeanor

o Three counts of Criminal Contempt 2nd, a class “A” misdemeanor

o Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a class “A” misdemeanor

On February 4, 2026, State Police Investigators received information regarding a past sexual assault of a child. The investigation determined Newkirk allegedly sexually assaulted a child under the age of 14 in Milton in the summer of 2025, all while there was an active court-issued order of protection issued against Newkirk protecting the victim. During the course of the investigation, it was also determined that Newkirk reportedly violated an active court-issued stay-away order of protection against Newkirk, protecting three children.  

Newkirk was arrested at his Milton residence and was transported to SP Saratoga for processing. He was arraigned at the Milton Town Court, where he was released on his own recognizance.

Saratoga Springs History Museum Reopens March 7 with Groundbreaking AI Historical Tour Guides

The Saratoga Springs History Museum proudly announces its reopening on March 7, unveiling an innovative new addition that brings the past to life in a way never before experienced in the region: AI-powered Historical Tour Guides.

Beginning on opening day, visitors will have the opportunity to engage directly with digital avatars of historical figures who shaped Saratoga Springs and the Museum itself. Through their smartphones, guests can chat with these AI personalities, asking questions, exploring stories, and diving deeper into the city’s remarkable past. In select exhibits, visitors will also be able to speak directly to portrait-based avatars, creating an immersive, face-to-face experience with history.

The AI Tour Guide software was created in-house by L.F. Leon, Director of Communications for the Museum, as part of an initiative to combine innovation with accessibility. The platform supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Arabic, ensuring that visitors from around the world can fully engage with and understand Saratoga’s history. This multilingual capability reflects the Museum’s commitment to making local history more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all.

These AI Guides are thoughtfully designed to reflect the voices, perspectives, and documented histories of influential figures from Saratoga’s past. Among them:

• John Morrissey, founder of the Canfield Casino (now home to the Museum) and creator of the Saratoga Race Track, who helped establish Saratoga as a premier destination in American culture.

• Frank Leslie, pioneering publisher and advocate for women’s suffrage, whose legacy helped shape national conversations around women’s rights…

and many more historical personalities whose stories are deeply intertwined with Saratoga Springs’ evolution.

Rather than reading about history, visitors can now converse with it, asking questions about daily life in the 19th century, the founding of the racetrack, the transformation of the Canfield Casino, or the fight for women’s voting rights. Each interaction is designed to deepen understanding while making history accessible, dynamic, and engaging for all ages.

“This reopening marks an exciting new chapter for the Saratoga Springs History Museum,” said Executive Director James Parillo, “We are honoring our past while embracing the future, using innovative technology to create meaningful connections between our visitors and the people who shaped this city.”

The AI Tour Guides are included with Museum admission and available to all guests beginning March 7. 

Visitors are invited to experience history in conversation and to rediscover Saratoga Springs through the voices of those who lived it.

Date: Starting on March 7th, the museum will be open Wednesdays through Sundays. 

Tickets: 

Adults $15 

Seniors (60+) $12 

Students (Any Level) $8 

Children Under 12, & Members Free

The museum was closed during the winter season and is now reopening with this exciting new launch.

Local Initiative Seeks to Combat Sudden Cardiac Arrest

A community health initiative is underway in Saratoga County to promote awareness and use of the PulsePoint Respond app and improve response to sudden cardiac arrest. 

The project is being led by Maclaine Matties, a registered nurse and Doctor of Nursing Practice/Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP/FNP) student at Sacred Heart University, in collaboration with EMS Coordinator Mike McEvoy.

PulsePoint Respond is a free smartphone application that alerts CPR-trained individuals when a suspected cardiac arrest occurs in a nearby public location, helping to bridge the critical gap between the onset of a cardiac emergency and the arrival of emergency medical services. The application connects trained responders to nearby emergencies, supporting faster intervention when every minute matters.

This project focuses particularly on encouraging nurses in the community to enroll in the application, while also welcoming participation from all Saratoga County residents trained in CPR. Although nurses are well-prepared to respond in emergency situations, fewer than thirty registered nurses in the community are currently signed up to receive PulsePoint alerts. Expanding participation among healthcare professionals and community members can strengthen emergency response and improve cardiac arrest outcomes.

PulsePoint is a public, nonprofit foundation that develops mobile applications designed to increase community involvement in emergency response and improve public safety awareness.

Sudden cardiac arrest affects more than 300,000 people outside of hospitals each year in the United States. Early CPR can significantly improve survival, but many victims do not receive immediate bystander assistance before emergency responders arrive.

More information and instructions for signing up are available at:

https://lnk.bio/pulsepoint

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Enacts Legislation to Reduce Property Tax Burden for Low-Income Seniors

The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors on Thursday, February 19, 2026, passed legislation to help reduce low-income seniors’ property tax burden. The Board increased the maximum exemption percentage from 50% to 65% for qualifying seniors in Saratoga County, the maximum exemption percentage allowed in New York State. 

“Providing this targeted property tax exemption for eligible seniors is a responsible way to deliver meaningful relief to Saratoga County residents living on fixed incomes who may be feeling the pressure of New York State’s rising cost of living,” Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett (Clifton Park) said,  “This important change at the county-level will help eligible residents maintain their quality of life and help them remain in their homes, close to family and friends, which ultimately strengthens our communities and reenforces the values that make Saratoga County such a special place to live.”

Over the past three years, the Board of Supervisors has significantly reduced the tax burden on property owners age 65 and older, increasing the qualifying income level by 50% and, by this latest action, increasing the maximum exemption percentage by 30%. 

Saratoga County has the lowest property tax rate in New York State at $1.77 per thousand of assessed value.

The Board’ s action follows a recent change in state law allowing for these increased exemption rates at the local level.  A public hearing was held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 4:30PM.

The Local Law takes effect immediately.

District Attorney Brett Eby Announces Guilty Verdict Against Brian Hopkins in Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child Jury Trial

Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby announced today that a Saratoga County jury has found Brian Hopkins guilty of Predatory Sexual Assault of a Child, a Class A-II felony, following a jury trial in Saratoga County Court.

“This verdict is a powerful affirmation of the courage and truth of a young victim who endured unimaginable trauma,” said District Attorney Eby. “We are profoundly grateful to the victim and the victim’s family for their tremendous strength in standing up to a dangerous individual. Their bravery made this conviction possible and has ensured that this defendant will no longer be able to harm others.”

District Attorney Eby praised the extraordinary efforts of the prosecution team. “Senior Bureau Chief Michele Schettino is one of the top prosecutors in the State of New York. She worked exceptionally long hours for months, leaving no detail uncovered and no stone unturned, to ensure justice for this victim. Alongside her was Assistant District Attorney Alexander Brennan, who also worked tirelessly and was an invaluable asset at trial in securing this just result.”

District Attorney Eby also extended his gratitude to the dedicated members of the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office who contributed to securing the conviction: Crime Victim Advocate Ashley Kitts, Special Victims Bureau Chief Rachael Phelan, Senior Attorney Andreanna Diliberto, Investigator Michael Hourigan, Investigator Mike Wells, Investigator Jack Barney, Investigator Joseph Iwaniec, Investigator Mark Sauter, Investigator Tim Sicko, and legal intern Audrey Fountain.

“We are equally grateful to our partners in law enforcement whose professionalism and commitment were instrumental in this case,” Eby said. “We thank the New York State Police, including Investigator Michael Menges, Investigator Roger Lind, Lieutenant Shane Larkin, Investigator Cecile LeBarron, Senior Investigator Matthew Britten, and Investigator John Montesano for their thorough investigation and steadfast dedication to protecting children in our community.”

“Our office will seek the maximum punishment allowable under the law,” District Attorney Eby stated. “Predatory sexual assault of a child is among the most heinous crimes prosecuted in our courts. We will continue to stand with victims, pursue justice relentlessly, and ensure that those who prey upon children are held fully accountable.”

Sentencing will be held before the Honorable James R. Davis at a later date.

Sheriff’s Office Announces New Website

The Sheriff’s Office launched a new website on February 25

Saratoga County Sheriff Jeffrey R. Brown announced the launch of the newly designed Sheriff’s Office website Wednesday. 

The website has been completely revamped and allows citizens the opportunity to learn about all five of the Sheriff’s Office’s divisions and the units that make them. Additionally, it provides information regarding pistol licensing, how to obtain reports, submitting tips and requesting a house check, among other things. 

“I am incredibly proud of the men and women who make up this agency and am excited to bring the public behind the scenes to see what our capabilities really are,” Brown said. “The newly designed website is the culmination of a lot of hard work, and I am hopeful the public will find it to be as interesting and helpful as we intended.” 

The Sheriff’s Office wishes to extend its sincerest thanks to the Saratoga County Information Technology Department for its assistance in constructing the website. 

The new website can be located at www.saratogacountysheriff.gov.

2026 Annual Saratoga Showcase of Homes Dates Announced: October 3-4 & October 10-11! 

The 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes Committee has already begun planning for this year’s edition of the area’s premiere new home tour. 

Celebrating its 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY, this annual community tradition has contributed nearly $1.7 million dollars to our local charities. 

We are excited to announce this year’s dates and look forward to presenting an outstanding line-up of magnificent homes on display this fall. The 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event will be held on 4 days over two spectacular weekends this fall on October 3-4 & October 10-11 featuring the regions’ finest, award-winning builders showcasing their new construction. 

The Showcase of Homes Committee will have an extensive marketing and promotional campaign, which will include official media sponsors in newspapers, magazines, television, online, social media and more! If you are interested in entering a new home in the event or becoming a showcase sponsor, please contact Barry Potoker, Executive Director at 518.366.0946 or bpotoker@saratogabuilders.org. 

The 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event proceeds will benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. Last year, $66,000 was raised for these two important organizations. Through this event, the Saratoga Builders Association has now contributed nearly $1.7 million to our local charities. 

For more information, please visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. 

Aldi Issues Recall of Contaminated Meatballs

Food seller Aldi has issued a product recall for thousands of pounds of contaminated meatballs. (Courtesy of USDA)

News- Bad Balls2 – Food seller Aldi has issued a product recall for thousands of pounds of contaminated meatballs. (Courtesy of USDA)

Food seller Aldi has issued a recall for Bremer Italian Style Meatballs after they were found to have metal in them. 

The recall was issued on Feb. 22 and applies to 32-oz. packages of meatballs with a best-buy date of Oct. 30, 2026 and a print time of 17:08- 18:20. According to the US Department of Agriculture, 9,462 pounds of meatballs produced on July 30, 2025  were possibly contaminated. The meatballs are made by Rosina foods in West Seneca, NY and packaged as “Bremer Family Size Italian Style Meatballs.”  

According to Aldi, the meatballs were sold in 37 states and territories across the US — including New York. Consumers who have purchased the meatballs are advised to throw them away or bring them back to Aldi for a refund. 

The USDA said that there have been no confirmed injuries or illnesses related to the contaminated meatballs.