Amateur Photographers are invited to take some photos and submit them to the Photography Exhibit at the Schuylerville Garden Club’s Annual Standard Flower Show. The show entitled “America the Beautiful” will be held on July 11 and July 12 at the Town Hall, 12 Spring Street in Schuylerville, NY.
The photography section is entitled “Across the Country.” The classes are as follows:
Class 1 “In the Country” – A landscape scene from anywhere in the USA
Class 2 “In the Water” – A water scene from anywhere in the USA
Class 3 “In the Garden” – A close-up of a single flower.
All photos must be the work of the exhibitor. Photos must be 8 x 10 inches matted in a white 11×14 inch mat. Photos must be pre-registered. For details and an entry form, visit www.schuylervillegardenclub.com or call Nancy Derway, Photography Chairman, at 518-796-4797 campderway@yahoo.com.
In past years, the Photo Exhibit has been enjoyed by the Flower Show attendees with prizes being awarded by public voting. In addition to the Photo Exhibit, the show will include Horticulture and Floral Design competition classes, plant, glove and bake sales, a benefit table with prizes and special exhibits. Refreshments and admission to the show will be free.
East Side Rec Park (Track) 226 Lake Ave Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
“Run for the Rosies!” is a 4K FUN RUN honoring all caregivers and volunteers who help families while battling cancer. Rosie’s iconic face and encouraging message of “You Can Do It!” embodies the spirit of rolling up sleeves to join in and get the job done! All proceeds raised will help Saratoga-based cancer support organization floydwarriors.com, a 501 c3 not-for-profit whose driving mission is “Helping Families Cope With Cancer, One Household at a Time” by providing real help in the home by way of meals, cleanings, and gifts for kids.
floydwarriors.com was established in 2009 by cancer survivor, Lisa Morahan. While in treatment for stage 3 cancer she needed help with her baby and realized no cancer support group gave actual real hands-on help in the home. This inspired her to create floydwarriors.com, providing an avenue for individuals who want to help others an easy way to “Log In and Help Out”.
PRIZES FOR BEST ROSIE-LOOK-ALIKE and GOOD OL’ AMERICAN TEAM SPIRIT
$25 to participate
Sponsorships available!
Check-In- 10am-noon
11am- FAST START for Real Runners
Noon- Start for Strollers (literally!) and less competitive walk/joggers
1pm- Awards Ceremony
Contact info@floydwarriors.com for questions. Visit Eventbrite/RunfortheRosies to register as a participant or sponsor today!.
The Saratoga Lake Association (“SLA”), in collaboration with the Environmental Studies Department at Skidmore College, has released a series of new scientific studies documenting the growing impact of winter road salt on the water quality, soils, and aquatic ecosystems of Saratoga Lake and its watershed.
The reports, completed during 2025 and 2026, found elevated chloride and conductivity levels in tributaries and within Saratoga Lake itself, confirming that road salt pollution has become a persistent environmental issue affecting the lake system year-round. The studies also concluded that chloride from road salt accumulates in soils, groundwater, tributaries, and lake sediments over long periods of time and may contribute to the mobilization of heavy metals in aquatic environments.
Importantly, the Saratoga Lake Association emphasized that the studies are not intended as criticism of local highway departments but rather demonstrate the importance of continued collaboration and innovation in balancing public safety with environmental protection.
“Some municipalities in the Saratoga Lake watershed have shown meaningful leadership and a willingness to adopt modern salt reduction technologies and practices,” said John Cashin, Board Member of the Saratoga Lake Association. “These highway departments deserve substantial credit for recognizing the issue and proactively implementing improvements while continuing to maintain safe winter roads.”
The studies highlighted the efforts of the highway departments in the Towns of Wilton, Greenfield, Malta, and Saratoga for adopting or advancing best management practices designed to reduce unnecessary salt use.
Among the accomplishments recognized:
• The Town of Wilton Highway Department under Highway Superintendent Mike Monroe has implemented extensive salt reduction initiatives, including the use of salt brine systems, computerized application technology, GPS-assisted spreading calibration, and “live edge” segmented plow blades that adjust to varying road surfaces and reduce waste. Wilton has also incorporated environmentally safer additives for low-temperature applications.
• The Town of Greenfield Highway Department under Highway Superintendent Darren Barss continues advancing a comprehensive sustainable salt reduction strategy developed with WIT Advisers. Greenfield is transitioning toward liquid applications and installing GPS-integrated metering systems on its fleet. The Town is also upgrading Road Weather Information System (RWIS) stations that provide real-time pavement and atmospheric data to improve application precision.
• The Town of Malta Highway Department under Highway Superintendent Roger Crandall has participated in regional salt reduction initiatives and continues evaluating technologies and operational practices including “live edge” plow blades designed to optimize application rates while maintaining roadway safety.
• The Town of Saratoga Highway Department under Highway Superintendent Ryan Campbell demonstrated one of the strongest downward trends in municipal salt purchases over the 2019–2026 study period, suggesting meaningful progress in salt management practices.
The Skidmore studies found that tributaries associated with developed areas and heavily traveled roadways showed the highest conductivity and chloride concentrations. Researchers documented winter runoff spikes at levels considered harmful to aquatic life and warned that chloride pollution can remain in freshwater systems for decades.
The SLA also released a separate analysis of municipal road salt purchase data from the four municipalities contiguous to Saratoga Lake. The data showed that approximately 82,861 tons of road salt were purchased between 2019 and 2026. At the same time, municipal costs for road salt have risen sharply, reinforcing that salt reduction strategies can provide both environmental and financial benefits.
The Saratoga Lake Association stressed that safer and more efficient winter road management practices are achievable through modern technology, calibration, brining, operator training, and better real-time weather data.
“These highway departments are proving that environmental stewardship and public safety are not mutually exclusive,” Cashin said. “Their willingness to innovate should serve as a model throughout the Saratoga Lake watershed and across New York State.”
The Saratoga Lake Association and Skidmore College plan to continue monitoring Saratoga Lake and its tributaries in future winter seasons to better understand long-term chloride accumulation and evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing reduction efforts.
The remains of 44 people who died in a continental Army Hospital in 1776 will pass through Saratoga County on May 20th.
Town of Lake George officials announced recently that the skeletal remains of 44 people believed to have been associated with the Continental Army when they died 250 years ago will be transported in historic U.S. military vehicles on Wednesday, May 20 from the New York State Museum in Albany, where scientists have spent seven years identifying and reconstructing the remains, to Lake George, where they’ll be interred in a new memorial being dedicated Friday, May 22.
On the morning of May 20 at the State Museum, there will be a dignified transfer of wooden caskets to the three vehicles that will transport the remains 60 miles north via Route 9 to Lake George Battlefield Park, site of the nearly $700,000 memorial.
The motorcade for the “Repose of the Fallen” project will include New York State Police leading nine Korean War and Vietnam-era military trucks operated by members of the NY-Penn Military Vehicle Collectors Club. The convoy will include an escort provided by New York members of the Patriot Guard Riders.
The motorcade will depart from the back of the State Museum at approximately 10 a.m. The route north will take it through downtown Albany, the Albany County town of Colonie, the Saratoga County towns of Halfmoon and Clifton Park, Village of Round Lake, Town of Malta, to the city of Saratoga Springs, where the motorcade will halt for a brief patriotic observance in front of City Hall at 474 Broadway.
The procession then will continue north through the Saratoga County towns of Wilton and Moreau and village of South Glens Falls, into Warren County and the city of Glens Falls, where there will be a brief halt at the intersection of Route 9 and Bacon Street for an observance.
From Glens Falls, the motorcade will travel through the town of Queensbury to the town of Lake George. Upon entering the village of Lake George, the motorcade will turn north onto Elizabeth O’Connor Little Boulevard, then head east on Beach Road for a short distance before turning onto Fort George Road and stopping at the memorial site. The estimated time of arrival is noon to 1 p.m.
Upon arrival, most of the caskets will be immediately interred in the memorial. The remaining four caskets will be taken to a nearby church to be safeguarded until the ceremony on May 22. Volunteers will serve as round-the-clock honor sentinels at the church until the morning of the 22nd, when the four caskets will be placed upon a horse-drawn wagon and transported to the memorial site for the formal reinterment ceremony with Federal, State and local officials.
Lisa Anderson, New York State Museum Curator of Bioarcheology, said “We have spent the past seven years painstakingly working to piece together the story of the individuals whose unmarked graves were destroyed. As we close this chapter, it’s hard to put into words the gratitude my team and I have for being part of this project. It has been a privilege to help uncover the story of these veterans and we look forward to them finally having the dignified burial they deserve.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “We pay our deepest honor and respect as 44 Patriots embark on their final resting place, standing as a permanent tribute to their bravery and sacrifice. May we honor their memories with our actions and always be mindful of the heroes that walk among us. Their names and stories will never be forgotten; they forever inspire us to carry on with integrity and courage.”
“We would like to thank the NY-Penn Military Vehicle Collectors Club and the Patriot Guard Riders for providing the transportation of the remains of these early American Patriots to their final resting place at the Lake George Battlefield State Park in an honorable and respectful manner,” said Larry Arnold, a member of the board of trustees of the Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance. “Also, we would like to thank the New York State Police for their cooperation and support during this project.”
The remains were discovered during a construction project on private property on Courtland Street in Lake George in February 2019. Subsequent recovery and scientific analyses led by the New York State Museum and the Department of Environmental Conservation determined that they are American soldiers or associated personnel who likely died in 1776, when a large Continental Army hospital was located near the lake’s southern end. Ultimately, 44 distinct people were determined to be among the remains, though current methodology to ascertain their individual identities has not been available for this effort to date.
Hundreds of Continental Army soldiers who fought in the failed invasion of Canada launched in late 1775 are known to have died from smallpox in 1776 at Lake George. They were buried in unmarked cemeteries in and near what is now the village of Lake George. Although the identities of those uncovered at the Courtland Street site are unknown, several uniform buttons found with the remains indicate that at least one of them served in the 1st Pennsylvania Battalion, known to have fought in the Quebec campaign.
Construction of the reinterment memorial began last October on a knoll along the east side of Fort George Road in Lake George Battlefield State Park. The design includes several secured columbaria for the final resting place of these early patriots, seating, interpretive signage and a new memorial plaza.
The “Repose of the Fallen” project, funded through the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative and private donations, will be formally dedicated on May 22, beginning at 11 a.m.
On May 8, 2026, State Police of Clifton Park, with the assistance of the Troop G Computer Crimes Unit, the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, arrested William J. Peters, 53, of Halfmoon, NY, for Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child, a class “D” felony, and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, a class “E” felony.
Peters is accused of promoting and possessing images consistent with child sexual exploitation. The investigation stemmed from a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Peters was arrested and processed at SP Clifton Park. He was then arraigned at the Halfmoon Town Court where he was remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 cash, $20,000 bond, or a $150,000 partially secured bond.
On May 7, 2026, State Police of Wilton arrested Roger K. Flemming, 29, of Queens, NY, for Grand Larceny 3rd and Attempted Grand Larceny 3rd.
On May 6, 2026, Troopers received a complaint from an elderly Saratoga County resident reporting they had been the victim of a scam. The investigation determined the victim had been contacted via phone and advised that a family member had been arrested following a vehicle collision and that they needed money for bail. Flemming reportedly traveled to the victim’s home on May 6th, where he collected more than $3,000 cash related to the scam. Flemming then returned to the victim’s home on May 7th to attempt to collect additional cash related to the scam.
Flemming was arrested and transported to SP Wilton for processing. He was then arraigned at the Wilton Town Court, where he was remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility without bail.
On May 7, 2026, State Police of Wilton arrested Roger K. Flemming, 29, of Queens, NY, for Grand Larceny 3rd and Attempted Grand Larceny 3rd.
On May 6, 2026, Troopers received a complaint from an elderly Saratoga County resident reporting they had been the victim of a scam. The investigation determined the victim had been contacted via phone and advised that a family member had been arrested following a vehicle collision and that they needed money for bail. Flemming reportedly traveled to the victim’s home on May 6th, where he collected more than $3,000 cash related to the scam. Flemming then returned to the victim’s home on May 7th to attempt to collect additional cash related to the scam.
Flemming was arrested and transported to SP Wilton for processing. He was then arraigned at the Wilton Town Court, where he was remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility without bail.
An improvement project at Saratoga Springs Station is on track to be completed in June 2027 (Courtesy of Amtrak)
Amtrak is making significant progress and recently completed several key milestones on its station and platform improvements at Saratoga Springs Station (SAR), which is served daily by the Adirondack and Ethan Allen Express, and received nearly 38,000 Amtrak guests in Fiscal Year 2025. Demolition and track work have officially started, highlighting the biggest step of the project to date.
“The upgrades to Saratoga Springs Station remain on track and are just a few stops away for our customers to start experiencing,” said Amtrak Vice President, Chief Accessibility Officer Dr. David Handera. “These improvements support Amtrak’s goals to enhance the customer experience, make travel for families easier, and bring greater integrated and comprehensive accessibility to our stations all across the country.”
The Saratoga Springs Station project will include the following upgrades in coordination with the Capital District Transportation Authority:
• A new 600’ long, level boarding platform featuring an integrated snow melt system and accessible paths of travel to and from the station building.
o Customers will no longer require steps to get on or off a train for a more seamless and safer experience due to the new platform sitting 4 feet above the top of the rail.
• LED light fixtures that provide full coverage lighting at the platform.
• Yellow-painted safety detectable warning system at the platform edge.
• New station and wayfinding signage.
• A new microphone and speaker system for the ticket counter inside the station.
This project represents a total $12.5 million federal investment administered by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The Saratoga Springs Station improvements are on track for completion in summer 2027.
These upgrades represent Amtrak’s broader effort to improve travel for families and bring integrated, comprehensive accessibility to stations nationwide, ensuring a more inviting and inclusive travel experience for all customers. Across the Amtrak network, 19 stations were brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act in the twelve months ending Sept. 30 (Fiscal Year 2025) and another 50 stations are targeted for completion this fiscal year (2026) at a forecasted investment of $311 million.
The Amtrak ADA Stations Program is advancing 134 station designs and 100+ station construction projects as part of Amtrak’s ongoing commitment to providing accessibility by working toward 100% completion by 2029 using funds provided by Congress through the Federal Railroad Administration.
Reactions:
“These upgrades and enhancements to the Saratoga Springs Rail Station will provide residents with greater accessibility and an improved experience when they catch an Amtrak train or visit our beautiful Spa City, Saratoga County and the 44th Senate District,” said Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C-Ballston Lake), Ranking Member of the NYS Senate Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation.
“It’s incredibly encouraging to know that timely progress is being made at the Saratoga Springs train station,” Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake) said. “The upgrades – from improved lighting and winterized platforms to enhanced systems and signage – represent a real commitment to safety and user experience. Just as importantly, Amtrak’s focus on accessibility ensures that travelers of all abilities will be able to navigate travel with more ease. This is exactly the kind of thoughtful, inclusive investment our communities deserve.”
“It is hard to underestimate the iconic and practical value of our train station in Saratoga Springs,” said Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford. “Thank you for continuing to improve this valuable service to our community.”
“The new high-level platform at Saratoga Springs will speed boarding and alighting and slightly shorten travel time for customers using the Adirondack and Ethan Allen trains. The Empire State Passengers Association is excited to see Amtrak advancing this project in Saratoga,” said ESPA Executive Director Steve Strauss.
Mayor John Safford addresses a community meeting regarding proposed changes the Saratoga Spring’s UDO (Aidan Cahill)
It was a packed house on May 11 as members of the community gathered at the Spring Street Gallery to go over proposed changes to Saratoga Springs’ Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
The changes were proposed by Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford and primarily focus on the city’s Design Review Board (DRB) which reviews exterior designs in the historic and architectural review districts.
The meeting was organized by Patty Morrison, a former member of the Planning Board and a self-described concerned citizen. It was originally set to be held at the Saratoga Springs Library but was moved to the Gallery due to space concerns.
Over 100 people packed into the room to discuss the proposed changes. It was the second of two meetings, the first being held May 5.
During the meeting Safford defended the proposed changes to the DRB, saying they were part of a larger effort to improve the planning office and make things easier for builders and homeowners. During this process, Safford said he’s heard multiple complaints from people regarding the DRB, prompting the proposed changes.
Many of the proposed changes specifically deal with the architectural review district, one of the two areas covered by the DRB. The area covers the downtown core of Saratoga Springs and approaches the city — such as the ones along Union Ave, Route 50, Washington Street, Route 9 and West Ave, among others. Safford described homes along some of these streets as “bargains” for people to buy and fix up. The problem, according to Safford, is that when they buy the homes they run into issues getting approvals to make repairs.
Safford cited a specific example where a couple bought a house with a leaky roof and were told by the DRB that they had to use slate in order to repair the roof due to historic significance, something that was cost prohibitive.
“They asked, they begged, and there was no recourse to that,” Safford said. “Now they have a leaky roof that they can’t replace because they can’t afford a slate roof.”
The proposal is not without controversy. During the meeting, members of the community brought up several concerns about the proposed changes including mandating that historic significance not be a factor in demolition decisions in the architectural review district, limiting the ability of the DRB to control mass and scale and creating an appeals process that would grant applicants the ability to appeal decisions to the Zoning Board of appeals.
Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, spoke at the meeting and laid out some of the possible issues seen by the organization. While she agreed with Safford that there was room for improvement, specifically in the appeals process and in how historic standards are applied, she argued that removing the ability of the DRB to deny demolition on historic grounds could ruin the gateways to the city as the only protected buildings would be those with landmark status.
“That is a significant change that could dramatically change how our gateways feel,” Bosshart said. “We have the gateways with a sign that says, health history and horses. Well, if all those lovely older homes are demolished with new construction, it’s not going to be much of an introduction to our downtown historic core.”
It’s unclear when the new changes will be voted on by city council. While Safford had been aiming for a June passage of the reforms, due to community feedback, it’s now expected to go to a vote sometime in July or August.
The American Legion Post 234 is counting down to their 100th year celebration, set for June 2027. To kick-off the countdown, they are inviting the public to join a special Open House immediately following the Ballston Spa Memorial Day Parade on May 23 from 11 am – 1 pm at 23 Pleasant St., Ballston Spa. The Open House will include food, games, a 50/50 and basket raffles. Learn about the vital role the American Legion plays in supporting our local veterans and community. For more information contact the American Legion Post 234 at 518-885-7236 or email billiehelman@gmail.com. In addition, the American Legion Auxiliary will be hosting their annual Poppy Program Memorial Day weekend. They will be distributing poppies with a donation request to raise funds for veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families. To learn more about donation options visit ALAforveterans.org
