toga County Career Center in conjunction with the Greater Capital Region Career Centers will hold the following free virtual career workshops during January:
Jan. 7 at 10 a.m. & Jan. 8 at 10:30 a.m.: Resume Development – This workshop presents the basics of a powerful and effective cover letter including formatting, tailoring to the job, and getting through the online application process to land an interview. Please have a rough draft of your resume with you.
Jan. 8 at 11 a.m.: Essential Skills for Success in Any Workplace – Join this workshop to learn about the skills that are most valued by business leaders yet are underdeveloped in employees. Learn why these skills are critically important, how to develop them, and the influence of AI.
Jan. 9 at 11 a.m. & Jan. 15 at 1:30 p.m.: Transferable Skills – Make it easy for employers to see the connection between your qualities and the skillset needed to do the job and market yourself as the solution to an employer’s problem.
Jan. 12 at 10 a.m.: Broadview Financial Well-Being – Find out how to organize what you make, spend, and save; set goals to save up, spend down, look ahead; harness the power of mindful spending; and identify budget tactics that work best for you.
Jan. 13 at 10:30 a.m.: Interview Preparation – Learn how to articulate your strengths, what questions to expect, how to address difficult topics, and ace the interviewing process.
Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. & Jan. 27 at 1:30 p.m.: Goal Setting – In this workshop, we will explain how goal setting works, why goals are important, and take home more helpful resources to get you started.
Jan. 14 at 10:30 a.m.: Civil Service – This session will cover essential steps to secure a civil service job, focusing on the hiring process. Participants will learn about competitive examinations, local government positions, and how to prepare for them.
Jan. 15 at 11 a.m. & Jan. 20 at 10:30 a.m.: Completing Job Applications – Learn how to prepare your online application to get the most visibility from hiring managers.
Jan. 16 at 10:30 a.m. & Jan. 28 at 10:30 a.m.: Networking – Join us for an approachable journey to understanding networking.
Jan. 22 at 1:30 p.m.: Social Media – Learn how to use social media to your advantage in searching for a job and marketing yourself to land the job or career you’ve always wanted.
Jan. 27 at 11 a.m.: Overcoming Barriers – Join an informal discussion about how to overcome potential stumbling blocks to finding a job.
Registration is required for all workshops. Visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/workforce to register.
A new bill signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul will require warning labels to be displayed on any social media platform that offers auto-play or infinite scrolling and other features.
The new law was signed on Dec. 26 and will go into effect sometime in 2026. Under the new bill, platforms would be required to display an un skippable warning when a user initially uses one of the features cited in the law and periodically based on continued use.
“Keeping New Yorkers safe has been my top priority since taking office, and that includes protecting our kids from the potential harms of social media features that encourage excessive use,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers deserve transparency. With the amount of information that can be shared online, it is essential that we prioritize mental health and take the steps necessary to ensure that people are aware of any potential risks.”
The new legislation comes after a 2023 advisory by the U.S. Surgeon General’s Office said that children and adolescents who use social media for more than three hours a day are more than twice as likely to develop mental health symptoms than those who don’t. This was notable as the Surgeon General’s Office placed the average social media usage of those aged 13-17 at 3.5 hours a day.
The legislation cited this advisory and subsequent calls by the Surgeon General’s Office to implement warning labels as the primary motivator behind the bill. While the law is designed to target younger users, it doesn’t specifically require that the warning exclusively target them.
In addition to infinite scrolling and autoplay, the law also targets features such as like counts or push notifications not explicitly requested by the user. The text and scope of the warning was not written into the legislation and will be determined later by the Commissioner of Mental Health in coordination with the Commissioners of Health and Education.
Platforms who violate the law will be subject to a maximum of $5000 or further relief, depending on what the court decides.
New York isn’t the first jurisdiction to target social media platforms. In Oct. 2025, New York City filed a lawsuit in Federal Court against several social media platforms, accusing them of encouraging addiction through their algorithms and engaging in practices akin to gambling through features such as likes and dislikes.
Three other states — California, Colorado and Minnesota — enacted similar legislation this year while outside the US, Australia outright banned social media for anyone under 16.
It’s unclear what legal hurtles the New York law run into. Soon after Colorado passed it’s law requiring platforms to tell users about the dangers of social media, a lawsuit was filed by industry group NetChoice.
As a result, their law was struck down by a federal judge in a preliminary injunction. It has since been appealed.
“The Court fully appreciates Colorado’s legitimate effort to protect the children and adolescents of our state from the impacts of social media use on their health and wellbeing,” Judge William J. Martínez wrote in his ruling. “The Court concludes, however, that it is substantially likely NetChoice will succeed on the merits of its claims that Colorado may not pursue this laudable goal by compelling social media companies to speak its expressive messages.”
On December 26, 2025, State Police arrested Richard J. Marcella, 61, of Ballston, NY, for Assault 2nd and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd.
On December 26, 2025, at about 10:30 p.m., Troopers responded to a home in Ballston for the report of an altercation with a weapon. The investigation determined that Marcella was in a verbal altercation with a known neighbor when he allegedly stabbed the victim in the arm and hand with a knife. The victim was transported to Saratoga Hospital for treatment of their non-life-threatening stab wounds.
Marcella was arrested at the scene and transported to SP Saratoga for processing. He was then arraigned at the Malta Town Court, where he was remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility without bail.
Cari Scribner became an advocate for more regulation of the substance Kratom after her son, Nickolas, died in 2024 from the substance (Courtesy of Governor Kathy Hochul’s Office).
Nearly a year after the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution imploring the state to pass regulations on Kratom, their request has been answered.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed two bills into law which would require warning labels on all Kratom products sold in New York and prohibit selling it to those under 21 — on par with the minimum age for substances like alcohol tabaco and cannabis.
“Warning. This product has not been approved by the FDA. Side effects may include nausea, agitation, hallucinations, difficulty breathing, liver damage, and death,” the label is required to read. In addition, advertising or packaging stating, suggesting or implying that Kratom is all natural is banned under the new law.
The law restricting age of sale of Kratom takes effect immediately while the law requiring the new labels will take effect in one year. Retailers and manufacturers who violate the new laws are subject to a maximum fine of $500 for the first offense, with manufacturers receiving a max fine of $1000 for any subsequent offenses.
“Kratom is a commercial substance that is commonly labeled an “all-natural herb”, leading people to believe it’s completely safe — but the reality is it can be extremely dangerous and unfortunately, in some cases, lethal,” Governor Hochul said. “No parent in New York should have to endure the loss of a child to a substance simply because they didn’t know what was in it. This legislation ensures transparency and strengthens our public health laws so that information about the ingredients and potential harmful risks associated with kratom are clear.”
Kratom or Mitragyna speciosa comes from a tree in Southeast Asia, according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) — which has placed it on its “Drugs of Concern” list. In low doses, the substance has a stimulant effect while at high doses, the substance has the opposite effect, according to the DEA.
Kratom (pictured here) is not currently regulated by the FDA or DEA. As of publication it and Kratom derived products can easily be purchased in the United States — including in Saratoga County ( Courtesy of the DEA)
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are no drugs, dietary supplements, or food additives approved for use in the United States. Both the FDA and DEA have warned against use of the substance due to health concerns and the high potential for addiction. Both agencies have also acknowledged a lack of research on the matter.
While there hasn’t been any federal action on the matter, some states have implemented regulations on the substance. According to the Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association, 24 states plus D.C. have regulated the substance with six states (Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin) plus D.C. classifying it as a controlled substance.
New York’s laws were prompted by the Nov. 2024 death of Saratoga County Sewer District worker, Nickolas Scribner and the subsequent advocacy of his mother, Cari. In Feb. 2025, she addressed the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors about her son’s death and the actions needed on the matter.
“Nick had a very common affliction: insomnia. Since he was a child, he could not sleep,” his mother, Cari Scribner said, as previously reported by Saratoga TODAY. “A friend told him about an herbal, all-natural energy enhancer to overcome fatigue with no side effects. This substance was kratom. Of all the adults that I’ve talked to about it about 10% have heard of it; of all the kids I’ve talked to about it, it’s 100%.”
According to Scribner, her son did not mix the substance with other drugs or alcohol and asphyxiated from the contents of his own stomach while sleeping on his back. After the death of her son Scribner began pushing for more regulations on Kratom in order to prevent other parents from going through what she went through.
These efforts worked. By the time Scribner addressed the board, four pieces of legislation had been introduced at the state level to regulate Kratom. The next month, the Saratoga Country Board of Supervisors passed a resolution urging the state to take action on the substance.
In signing the bills into law, Governor Hochul thanked Scribner for her efforts championing the legislation.
“Given the choice to retreat into the pain and the anguish of the unspeakable loss of a child, or to turn around and try to save other families from knowing the pain that she and her family have experienced because of the loss of her beloved son, she [Scribner] became a fierce advocate,” Governor Hochul said.
Scribner also spoke at the signing and thanked the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors and state legislators for their support in passing regulations. She said in going to legislators, she received nothing but empathy and respect.
“I am grateful for all the support of these new laws restricting kratom and protecting people from potentially serious and lethal side effects,” Scribner said. “We are spreading the word about kratom being a drug, not an herb, to keep other families from suffering the loss my family underwent.”
Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly listed the effective date of the laws at January 1. This has been updated with the correct information.
Major Robert McConnell will take over command of New York State Police Troop G — which includes Saratoga County — after the former commander was promoted ( Courtesy of NYSP).
The New York State Police announced that Superintendent Steven G. James appointed Major Robert J. McConnell Jr. as the 40th Troop Commander of Troop G. Major McConnell previously served as Captain of the Troop G Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Major McConnell entered the New York State Police Academy on February 14, 2005, and upon graduation, was assigned to Troop F, SP Catskill. In 2010, he was promoted to Sergeant and was again assigned to Troop F, SP Catskill. In 2015, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and served many roles including the Office of Emergency Management, Professional Standards Bureau, the New York State Intelligence Center (NYSIC), and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).
In 2021, Major McConnell was promoted to Captain and returned to the New York State Intelligence Center before transferring to serve as the Troop G- Zone 1, Zone Commander.
In this role, he oversaw the daily operations of uniformed personnel, ensuring effective law enforcement and public safety throughout Albany and Rensselaer Counties. In 2024, he transitioned to the role of Captain of the Troop G Bureau of Criminal Investigation. In this role, he led Troop G’s investigative units, managing high-profile investigations, and fostering collaboration among various law enforcement agencies.
Major McConnell grew up in the Averill Park area. He obtained a master’s degree in public administration from Marist College in 2019. He served in the Air National Guard from 2001 – 2007, assigned to the 109th Air Lift Wing Security Forces Squadron. During that time, he was mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He is married with three children and currently resides in Albany County.
“It is an honor to be promoted to Major and assigned as the Troop Commander for Troop G. I look forward to leading our dedicated team of sworn and civilian personnel,” Major McConell said. “I am committed to working with our law enforcement partners and community leaders, to ensure the communities we serve remain safe places to live, work, and raise a family.”
Troop G has 24 stations, serving the public in 10 counties, including Albany, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Washington, and Warren.
Major McConnell’s appointment to Troop Commander was effective December 18th, 2025. He replaces Major Christopher T. Gilroy, who was promoted to the rank of Staff Inspector- Field Command.
On December 21, 2025, State Police of Saratoga arrested Kevin R. Kelly, 35, of Ballston Spa, NY, and Nicholas J. Murtlow, 36, of Middle Grove, NY, each for:
o Burglary 2nd, a class “C” felony
o Conspiracy 4th, a class “E” felony
o Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 5th, a class “A” misdemeanor
o Possession of Burglar Tools, a class “A” misdemeanor
Murtlow was also charged with a vehicle and traffic law violation.
On December 21, 2025, at approximately 1:55 p.m., Troopers responded to a home on Rowland Street in Milton for reports of suspicious activity. On arrival, Murtlow and Kelly were located on the property actively removing items from a house and placing them in a vehicle. The investigation determined that neither man had permission to enter the home or to remove items that did not belong to them. Further investigation discovered a burglar tool in the vehicle the pair were using.
Murtlow and Kelly were arrested at the scene and transported to SP Saratoga for processing. Both were arraigned at the Milton Town Court. Kelly was remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional facility in lieu of $10,000 cash, $20,000 bond, or a $100,000 partially secured bond. Murtlow was remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional facility without bail.
Acting Saratoga County District Attorney Jennifer L. Buckley announced that Jaiden A. Ildefonso pled guilty in the Saratoga County Court to Murder in the Second Degree, a Class “A-1” Felony in violation of New York State Penal Law Section 125.25.
The Defendant had been charged in connection with a fatal May 31, 2025, stabbing in suburban Ballston Lake. The 20-year-old victim, Simon Brault, had intervened in a physical altercation between his underage brother and another minor outside his home. During the group altercation, the Defendant quickly approached and stabbed Brault- piercing his aorta. The Defendant and other minor then fled the scene.
Members of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and EMTs arrived almost immediately at Brault’ s home and rushed him to the Albany Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators from the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office were able to track the Defendant’s vehicle nearly 50 miles away to Schoharie County. Thanks to their training and professionalism, they were able to quickly arrive in Schoharie County, gather invaluable physical and electronic evidence, as well as take the Defendant into custody without any further issue.
The 18-year-old Defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on March 13, 2026, to 15 years to Life in State Prison. At the conclusion of his State Prison sentence, he will remain under Parole Supervision for the remainder of his natural life. The Defendant will also be given Full Stay Away Orders of Protection for the maximum period of time for surviving family members.
“Our son Simon was a beautiful person and everyone who knew him will tell you how nice and kind he was,” said the victim’s father, Bernard Brault. “This tragedy is senseless. We are relieved that Jaiden has admitted his role and that he is being held accountable. Nothing will bring Simon back, but we want to thank the Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney’s Office for bringing justice.”
The Brault Family has indicated that they have started a scholarship fund at the Hudson Valley Community College in memory of their son named the “Simon Brault Memorial Second Chance Scholarship.”
The scholarship is meant to help students that have overcome hardship and need financial aid. More information concerning the scholarship may be found at the Hudson Valley Community College Foundation’s Web site.
The case was prosecuted by General Felony Unit Bureau Chief Joseph A. Frandino, Assistant District Attorney Gabrielle Treiling, and District Attorney Investigator Timothy Sicko.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has announced more than $23 million has been awarded through the 2025 Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Initiative to 15 innovative projects that will reduce statewide carbon emissions through innovative technologies and energy efficiency upgrades.
The projects, six of which are located in disadvantaged communities, were selected by NYSERDA to participate, subject to successful execution of contracts, in the Building Cleaner Communities Competition or the Commercial and Industrial Carbon Challenge. Today’s announcement advances community and economic development across New York State while reducing energy usage, increasing comfort, and promoting cleaner air and environment.
“These innovative projects will make a significant impact across New York State by redefining how our buildings and infrastructure are designed, operated, and powered,” NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “By upgrading existing structures with energy efficient technologies and advancing clean energy construction, New York is leading our communities toward a cleaner and healthier future.”
Commercial and Industrial Carbon Challenge Awards
The Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Carbon Challenge is a competitive program that provides funding to large energy users such as manufacturers, colleges, universities, health care facilities, and office building owners in New York State to implement clean energy projects that reduce carbon emissions. Projects may utilize a combination of energy or manufacturing process efficiency strategies, carbon capture technology, low-carbon fuel utilization, renewable generation, or energy storage.
NYSERDA awarded over $5 million for two projects located in the Finger Lakes and Capital Region:
• Finger Lakes Health will implement seven greenhouse gas emissions reduction projects over the next three years at Geneva General Hospital in Geneva and Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital in Penn Yan, replacing aging systems, improving HVAC system resilience, and reducing energy use.
• The Saratoga County Sewer District will modify existing processes at the County’s existing wastewater treatment plant to provide a long-term, cost-saving solution for biosolids management that produces renewable fuels and reduces the environmental impact of operations.
“Sustainable building practices are key elements in the state’s economic, energy and environmental future,” New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “Our partnership with NYSERDA on our Downtown Revitalization Initiative and the State Energy Plan is creating green buildings and projects throughout the State, and our mutual commitment to communities identified as disadvantaged further ensures that our transition to a green economy is both just and equitable. We look forward to expanding that partnership into the future as we implement the Governor’s visionary and practical energy goals.”
The announcement builds on the success of these two programs. Through the Building Cleaner Communities Competition, 70 projects have leveraged nearly $1.3 billion in public and private investment since 2018 to implement carbon neutral or net zero energy performance solutions. Through the C&I Carbon Challenge since 2018, NYSERDA has made awards that will cumulatively reduce 7.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of removing more than 1 million cars from the road annually.
Funding for this program was included in the 2025 Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. The REDC process continues to support and empower regional stakeholders in developing strategic plans and funding priorities that meet local economic needs. Regional Councils reviewed projects from this program and provided scores that reflect how well a project aligns with a region’s goals and strategies.
Applicants utilized New York’s Consolidated Funding Application, the state’s single application for state resources, which includes programs for numerous agencies. It is designed to provide expedited and streamlined access to a combined pool of grant funds and tax credits from dozens of existing programs.
The Saratoga Springs City Council voted at its November 18 meeting to remove the 2.25% discount offered for payment in full of property taxes on or before March 1.
The decision is expected to yield over $280,000 in additional revenue for the city. The City’s Charter Commission had looked into removing the discount as part of a broader update effort.
2026 Taxes are due on March 1st, June 1st, September 1st and December 1st. If payment falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date will be the following business day. Payments may be made online at www.saratoga-springs.org, in person at City Hall, 474 Broadway, or mailed to the address below:
Alpin Haus, one of the Northeast’s largest outdoor recreation retailers, will host its annual Saratoga RV Show from Thursday, January 8, through Sunday, January 11, at the Saratoga City Center, 522 Broadway.
The four-day event is expected to attract thousands of visitors, providing a boost to downtown restaurants, shops, and attractions during the winter season.
Admission is free. Show hours are Thursday 2–8 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–7 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
“Our Saratoga RV Show is more than an opportunity to browse RVs; it’s a four-day event where visitors can explore the latest models, compare top brands, meet campground experts, and take advantage of show-only deals and giveaways,” said Alpin Haus President Andy Heck. “It’s a great way for families and adventure-seekers to plan their next trips while enjoying everything downtown Saratoga Springs has to offer.”
The show will feature a wide selection of new and pre-owned RVs, including top 2026 models.
Spotlight models include fifth wheels such as the Keystone Cougar Half-Ton, Grand Design Reflection 100 Series, and Grand Design Solitude, as well as travel trailers like the Forest River R-Pod Un-Mapped, Travel Lite Rove Lite Sport, Grand Design Imagine XLS, and Keystone Walkabout.
Visitors can explore the latest designs, compare top brands, meet local campground representatives, and take advantage of exclusive show pricing and giveaways, including new RVs available for under $150 per month.
For more information about the Saratoga RV Show, visit www.saratogarvshow.com.
For more information on Alpin Haus, visit AlpinHaus.com.
