SARATOGA SPRINGS — City police announced this week it has been made aware of a public social media account that had posted videos and photographs of female runners in and around Saratoga Springs.
The Investigations Division is currently investigating the matter to determine if any crime has occurred.
Videos and photographs taken in public places where there is no expectation of privacy does not alone constitute a criminal act, police said in a statement issued Aug. 29.
“While the activity on the social media account is recent, those who have recognized subjects of the images and have come forward report that the images are at least 15 years old,” police said in a statement released Aug. 28.
Police Department suggestions: If you are out, be aware of your surroundings and those that may also be in your vicinity. If you are followed to various places while you are out, take notice of who may be following you and what their description is. Additionally, do not wait to call the police if something seems suspicious. As this is occurring, the sooner police can intervene and identify those involved, the easier it is to investigate if a crime has occurred.
Anyone who has determined they are on a social media website regarding the case is asked to contact the Saratoga Springs Police Department at 518-584-1800 to assist in the investigation.
Naloxone Box installed at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Photo provided.
SARATOGA COUNTY—The Saratoga County Department of Health in partnership with Saratoga Performing Arts Center recently launched a program to address the opioid overdose crisis by providing public access to Naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.
SPAC has installed four NaloxBoxes within its premises. These NaloxBoxes are placed in the venue’s restrooms located in The Pines building and The Pinecones building. With these NaloxBoxes in place, this initiative will play a crucial role in increasing public access to Naloxone and providing SPAC’s patrons the tools necessary to assist during potential medical emergencies arising from opioid overdoses.
Inspired by the life-saving concept of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), the NaloxBox serves as a public emergency intervention tool that houses multiple prepackaged doses of nasal naloxone spray. Like an AED, bystanders can freely access the box and its contents to help save the life of someone experiencing an opioid overdose.
Saratoga County is utilizing its Department of Health’s Substance Use Surveillance System for a data driven approach to identify optimal locations for NaloxBox placements throughout Saratoga County. The County’s Department of Health will distribute a total of 35 NaloxBoxes to community organizations, businesses, and towns for installation in public spaces countywide. The program’s cost of $9,134 was paid for with Opioid Settlement Funds.
Saratoga County has received approximately $1,156,700 in Opioid Settlement Funds since last year and has dedicated its use to a multi-agency approach between the Saratoga County Department of Health, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Sheriff’s Office to provide prevention, education, treatment and response services and programs to fight the effects of the opioid epidemic.
To date in 2023, there have been 30 drug-related overdose fatalities in Saratoga County, a 30% increase from this time in 2022. Additionally in 2023, the 12866 zip code (Saratoga Springs), has experienced 109 non-fatal and fatal drug-related overdoses. To view real-time substance use surveillance data, visit the Saratoga County Substance Use Surveillance Dashboard at https://savealifeto.day.
Naloxone, sold under the brand name Narcan, is a safe medication that can save someone’s life by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. It only works on opioids, such as heroin, prescription pain medications and fentanyl, but it is safe to use even if opioids are not present. 911 should always be called after administering Naloxone. New York State’s Good Samaritan Law allows people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having a drug overdose that requires emergency medical care or if they witness someone overdosing.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Aug. 28, State Police of Saratoga arrested Luke A. Fletcher, 41, at his Saratoga Springs home following an investigation and the execution of a search warrant.
Fletcher is accused of possessing images consistent with child sexual exploitation and was charged with possessing a sexual performance by a child, a class “E” felony.
The investigation stemmed from a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and State Police were assisted by the Troop G Computer Crimes Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, Saratoga Springs Police Department and the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce.
Fletcher was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Saratoga Springs City Court on Sept. 7, and released.
Pilar Gamage is our 2023 Fred Sanders Award Recipient. Pilar achieved the highest points by participating in the Saratoga County 4-H Dairy Club, Dairy Bowl, Dairy Judging, and Public Presentation Day. She also exhibited her Dairy Cattle at the Saratoga County Fair and participated in the fitting and showmanship competition. Pilar entered an education animal science poster in the 4-H Building, pushing her to the top for highest points. Congratulations Pilar Gamage!
Fred Sanders grew up showing cattle at the Saratoga County Fair. His individual successes propelled him to show at several fairs and included trips to the NYS Fair where he had his share of memorable times. In a tribute to his 60 years of showing cattle and his passion to see youngsters involved in showing at the fair, a continuing “Fred Sanders Award” was established to begin with the 2012 Saratoga County Fair.
Fred had a passion for showing cattle and enjoyed watching the local 4-H’ers showing their cattle at the fair. Each year, in his honor, the winner will receive a $250 cash award and an individual plaque presented in the show ring to the Saratoga County 4-H’er.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation will host its Annual Meeting of Membership & Board of Directors, from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13 at Saratoga Music Hall.
The program is free and open to the public.
The Recognition Ceremony will highlight projects within the city that have preserved the architectural heritage of Saratoga Springs. Preservation Award recipients will be honored at this ceremony with the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation staff and Board.
“The Annual Meeting and Preservation Recognition Awards is one of my favorite events of the year because we are able to thank those in our community who are committed to preserving our city’s historic buildings and resources,” said Executive Director Samantha Bosshart in a statement.
To RSVP, go to saratogaspringspreservationfoundation.org, or contact Marcy Dreimiller, Administrative Assistant, at admin@saratogapreservation.org with your name and the number of people attending.
ALBANY — World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and Cold War veterans can register for a free one-day excursion on Friday, Oct. 6 to visit war monuments, historic sites in Washington, D.C. as well as the Arlington National.
The Capital District Patriot Flight, a hub of the National Honor Flight Network, will fly the veterans and their guardians on a Southwest Airlines aircraft from the Albany International Airport to Baltimore-Washington International Airport. They will then board two buses that will transport them to the nation’s capital. Wheelchairs will be provided.
Veterans and their guardians will visit the Navy Memorial, the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam War (Wall) Memorial, Women’s Military Memorial, Air Force Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial.
More guardians are needed to assist veterans, especially disabled ones. Each guardian is assigned to a veteran or several veterans to provide assistance and serve as the veterans’ guides. Some will push veterans in wheelchairs.
Veterans are free. Each guardian pays a $450 fee the helps offset flight, meal, transportation and other expenses. Veteran and guardian applications can be downloaded from PatriotFlight.org.
For more information, contact Jennifer Lyons at (518) 872-0812 or jenniferlyons63@yahoo.com.
Inside Saratoga County’s new Mobile Command Vehicle. Photo provided.
The question of modern urban parking is answered by pairing the Saratoga Springs City Center’s three-story parking structure with the adjacent Flat Rock Park.
Maximizing parking spaces and green spaces within a city are often conflicting ideals. In Saratoga Springs, the odd pairing equals success.
Saratoga has been grappling with how to add more parking spaces downtown for at least thirty years, said Saratoga Springs City Center Executive Director Ryan McMahon.
Plans have come and gone since then, but the one that gained enough momentum to reach fruition was spearheaded by former City Center President Mark Baker beginning in 2015, at the end of his 33-year career.
Championed by Joe Dalton, Chairman of the Saratoga Springs City Center Authority Board, then Mayor Meg Kelly, and others; in 2018 the plan for the parking garage and adjoining park was approved.
Resilient By Design
In 2020, Saratoga Springs City Center parking structure construction was completed. Built of precast concrete, this durable material is not even in the same world as the asphalt used in surface lots, said McMahon.
“Blacktop is a soft material that needs repaving and constant attention. Concrete is a lot more resilient,” he said, which keeps maintenance costs at a minimum.
The structure’s three levels steadily accommodate 620 vehicles in a pay-to-park system; the first hour is free, parking costs $2/hour after that, for a maximum of $15/day.
During peak times, from 8am – 6pm daily, and during events, usage exceeds 14,000 transactions/month. Average usage equals 8,000 transactions/month.
Smart Parking
In addition to protection from the weather, lighting, signage, and other safety measures let customers know they (and their property) will remain safe.
The largest operating expense of the City Center’s $17 million project is the security services provided by US Security. In addition to full-time, overnight building and parking structure security, they monitor the pedestrian bridge and loading docks, two elevators and multiple exits; provide crowd control and services at events with alcohol. The facility’s approximately 35 cameras are monitored remotely, and their blue emergency telephones are directly connected to the Saratoga Springs Police Department.
Originally built in 1984, today’s expanded City Center and adjoining Saratoga Hilton boast a combined 58,000 sq. ft. of multi-functional leasable space. A positive economic engine for downtown Saratoga Springs, the unique conference complex hosts conventions, corporations, New York State associations, trade groups, northeast regional organizations, and more. Direct economic impacts from visitor spending, as well as indirect and induced economic impacts from business-to-business activity and growth of personal income for residents, result.
“We’ve had a generally positive reaction to the plan and now, our closest neighbors are supportive and are experiencing the benefits,” said McMahon.
Flexible Green Space
Last October, Flat Rock Park, at 37 High Rock Ave, officially opened, providing an additional outdoor venue in an advantageous downtown location with easy access to amenities.
A downtown connector to the Saratoga Greenbelt Trail (a planned 24-mile walking and biking path looping through Saratoga) this public green space offers recreational opportunities while also creating a wildlife corridor connecting nearby High Rock Park with Congress Park. The plantings naturally control water, reduce air pollution and the urban heat island effect.
“It’s a great addition to the area, and a great place to eat lunch,” said McMahon.
Expanded Event Offerings
In addition to its environmental and health benefits, Flat Rock Park contributes to the city’s economic vitality by hosting events in conjunction with the City Center parking garage.
In July, when a monumental storm poured down on the Celebrate Saratoga! events (welcoming people downtown for Saratoga Race Course’s Opening Day) the party moved from the Flat Rock Park outdoor stage to the parking garage’s sheltered lower level.
On July 4th and New Year’s Eve, the third-floor parking deck is used for the city’s fireworks displays, giving everyone in the area a terrific view of the festivities.
Beginning Sunday, September 3rd, Saratoga Springs’ first Cannabis Growers Showcase will host licensed growers and retailers selling cannabis products. Running Tuesdays and Sundays from 12 noon until 6pm, the Showcase will continue through the end of the year.
On September 23rd, from 9am – 4pm, the Saratoga Giant PumpkinFest, a free family-friendly event, returns to the Saratoga Springs City Center parking garage and Flat Rock Park.
For more information, go to https://www.saratogacitycenter.org
Inside Saratoga County’s new Mobile Command Vehicle. Photo provided.
BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga County officials last week unveiled a Mobile Command Vehicle featuring state-of-the-art technology that they said provides First Responders a unified incident command space and allows for more effective and efficient coordination of response efforts in the field.
“During an emergency response incident, having effective, efficient command and communications capabilities is critical for public safety and successful response efforts,” Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo said, in a statement. “This new Mobile Command Vehicle will provide us the flexibility to bring the full capabilities of the Sheriff’s Office anywhere in the County, allowing us to engage in operations that might otherwise be impossible.”
The MCV will serve as an on-scene command post, allowing for surveillance, communications support, and mobile dispatching during incidents requiring long term deployment of emergency resources. These may include natural or man-made disasters, missing persons searches, hazmat responses, and similar incidents. The vehicle can also be used for special security events, emergency service exercises, and community outreach events.
The vehicle can be deployed anywhere in the county and is equipped with everything emergency management staff need to do their jobs effectively from the field.
The MCV was paid for by a $250,000 grant facilitated by Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner. Saratoga County was provided a State and Municipal Facilities Program (SAM) grant from the NYS Dormitory Authority for the specific purpose in purchasing a new Mobile Command Vehicle. In 2021, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution to purchase this 2022 Mercedes Mobile Command Vehicle for $241,815. The remainder of the grant was used to outfit the MCV to make it fully operational.
The MCV’s High Power User Equipment (HPUE) provides a range of features that staff can use to increase communications coverage, improve data speed, and enhance security during an emergency.
Additional features include: Radio with the ability to talk on marine, aircraft, on primary and back-up talk groups, and on national inter-op channels; Three computer positions outfitted with video conferencing and access to computer-aided dispatch; Ability to collect and share real-time video and photograph information from a scene; Mast-mounted camera allowing for situational awareness.
HOME spells out near the main entryway atop a kitchen island of the new SunRISE Retreat intensive crisis residence in Saratoga Springs. The soon-to-open retreat will be the second of its kind in N.Y. State, and the first in the greater Capital Region. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —A decorative planter rests easily atop the kitchen island, greeting all who enter with letters that spell: H-O-M-E.
The two-story haven, which stands at Kirby Road near Washington Street, will serve as the SunRise Retreat – an intensive crisis residence that is the first of its kind in the greater Capital Region and the second one sited in the entire state.
“It is a short-term retreat for people experiencing a mental health crisis,” explained RISE Executive Director Sybil Newell, offering a tour of the building during a ceremonial ribbon-cutting Aug. 24. The residence is expected to be open and fully operational in a few weeks.
“Experiencing a mental health crisis can mean different things to different people,” Newell said. “We will be providing stabilization services, treatment on-site, and discharge planning so that people can return safely to the community.
“We know that people often experience mental health distress where they may not immediately meet criteria to be in the hospital, but, without additional support and oversight they continue to deteriorate and eventually do end up needing hospitalization,” Newell said. “We hope that SunRISE Retreat will fill that gap and give people the extra support they need to avoid going to the hospital, or to give them the extra time they need to get solidly on their feet after hospitalization.”
The two-story building houses approximately 12 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and 6 showers. The bedrooms offer a living space about 15 feet long, 15 feet wide, and site a bed, desk, dresser and closet space. There is a multi-purpose kitchen with a free-standing island where meals will be prepared for those in residence, as well as a dining area, conference room, offices for staff and a large living room fitted with multiple couches, a TV, and a fireplace.
The program is open to everyone with or without a diagnosis and there is no long referral process to get into the facility, Newell said. “If you, or someone you know is in a mental health crisis – whatever that looks like – you can call here and we will have 24/7 availability, to be assessed by a professional to determine whether or not they are appropriate for this level of care.”
“The wonderful thing is that it’s for everybody and anybody: your brothers and sisters, your mothers and fathers, your kids, for all of us,” said NYS Office of Mental Health Deputy Commissioner Moira Tashjian, who attended last week’s ceremony. She was joined by local and regional political dignitaries or their representatives, and health specialists. “Hopefully it will be a safe haven for individuals who are in a behavioral health crisis,” Tashjian said. The project has been in the planning stages for nearly five years.
Administered by RISE, SunRISE Retreat will host short-term voluntary program residencies up to 28 days for those who are in mental health distress or experiencing symptoms of a mental health crisis. The program provides stabilization services and features four nurses currently on staff with additional nurses to be hired. A nurse practitioner acts as medical director.
The center, available to those aged 21 and over, has contracted with managed care organizations in the area regarding insurance and accepts Medicaid, as well as being open to people who do not have the ability to pay.
“We have some state funding to cover individuals who have no insurance, but this is primarily a service billable through health insurance,” Newell said. “The maximum stay is up to 28 days, but it really is individuals for what a person needs. Sometimes they just need a couple of days to get away from their lives to get things back together, sometimes individuals need a longer-term stay.”
While located in the city of Saratoga Springs proper, SunRISE Retreat is a licensed office of the New York State Office of Mental Health.
“Someone just has to call here, see if there is space, and come in and be assessed by a medical professional to determine whether person is appropriate for this level of care,” Newell said. On-site treatment such as individual and group therapy, family interaction is offered. Discharge planning will specify where the person will go after being stable.
What the facility won’t provide is a hospital’s level of care, but it will offer an intensive treatment model for individuals who are in need of additional stabilization after an inpatient mental health hospitalization, or need a diversion from inpatient hospitalization but do not need that level of care or are currently in distress.
“The need is significant, particularly for folks in acute mental health crisis, behavioral health crisis,” said Dr. Michael Prezioso, Saratoga County Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services Commissioner. “Not all those folks meet criteria for admission to a hospital setting but we do need an intensive setting for them to get some relief from the symptoms they are suffering from. This is a needed addition to the continuum of care we have in the county.”
The retreat is located within a building owned by RISE that was previously functioning as Kaydeross House, a home for adolescent girls. RISE Housing and Support Services is a human service agency that has served people in Saratoga and the surrounding counties since 1978. What’s in the SunRISE name? “We wanted to come up with a name that indicates hope,” Newell said. “Hope and calm.”
A joint investigation is being conducted by FBI Albany and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office.
BALLSTON SPA — The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for deliberately tampering with a portion of the Saratoga Corinth and Hudson Railroad in Corinth.
The FBI’s Albany Field Office was contacted after a railroad employee conducting a routine safety inspection noticed a portion of the rail line in Corinth had been tampered with.
The joint investigation between FBI Albany and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office has identified evidence that the tampering is indicative of an attempt to derail a train and occurred in early June of 2023.
A derailment on this line could have resulted in serious injuries, or even fatalities. The Saratoga Corinth and Hudson Railroad offers scenic tours for passengers of all ages, to include field trips for young children.
“While we’re thankful the worst-case scenario was avoided, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will not stand by while someone tries to cause harm to our communities and destroy our small businesses,” said Janeen DiGuiseppi, special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albany Field Office.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or submitting a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
