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Saratoga Springs Mayor John F. Safford, Commissioners, and Supervisors to Deliver 2026 State of the City Address 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Mayor John F. Safford, the City Commissioners, and Supervisors will present the 2026 State of the City Address, which will detail the overall status of City operations and accomplishments for 2025, as well as the opportunities, goals, and objectives for the upcoming year. 

The event is open to the public and will be held on Tuesday, January 27 at 7:00 p.m. 

Those who wish to watch it live can attend in person at the Saratoga City Music Hall, City Hall-474 Broadway, 3rd Floor or via live stream on the City of Saratoga Springs website https://www.saratoga-springs.org.

District Attorney Brett Eby Announces Creation of Narcotics and Special Investigations Bureau

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

Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby today announced the creation of a new Narcotics and Special Investigations Bureau, a specialized unit dedicated to aggressively combating narcotics trafficking, illegal firearms, sex trafficking, and human trafficking throughout Saratoga County. 

The Bureau will be led by Chief Meghan A. Horton, an experienced prosecutor with a proven record of success in complex investigations and high-stakes felony trials. 

The Narcotics and Special Investigations Bureau will focus on dismantling criminal enterprises that profit from the sale of controlled substances, the illegal possession and trafficking of firearms, and the exploitation of victims through sex and human trafficking. The Bureau will work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to conduct long-term investigations, utilize advanced investigative techniques, and ensure the most dangerous offenders are held fully accountable. 

“This Bureau reflects our commitment to taking an aggressive, intelligence-driven approach to some of the most serious crimes facing our communities,” said District Attorney Eby. “Drug trafficking, illegal guns, and human trafficking threaten public safety and devastate families. This Bureau is designed to confront those threats head-on.”

Chief Horton brings extensive experience in narcotics, firearms, violent felony, and sexually motivated offense prosecutions. She serves on the Tri-County Narcotics Task Force. Chief Horton has successfully tried numerous cases to verdict. Horton also has extensive experience drafting search warrants, devising operation strategy, obtaining trace orders and leading investigations. She is also cross designated as a Special Assistant United States Attorney. “Chief Horton’s exceptional courtroom abilities, sharp investigative skills, relentless work ethic, and aggressive prosecutorial style will lead this Bureau to success,” said District Attorney Eby. “She is one of the most talented prosecutors in Upstate New York, and I have complete confidence in her leadership.” Chief Horton’s courtroom successes include:

• People v. Shahid Smith — Secured guilty verdicts on multiple counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, resulting in a 31½-year state prison sentence.

• People v. Ryan Jewett — Obtained a conviction for Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child and a 29-year sentence of incarceration.

• People v. Michael Zakrzewski — Achieved guilty verdicts for Kidnapping in the Second Degree, Strangulation in the Second Degree, and Criminal Contempt, resulting in a 34-year state prison sentence.

• People v. Sean Cherven — Won a jury trial resulting in a conviction for Rape in the First Degree and a sentence of 18 years in state prison.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead the Narcotics and Special Investigations Bureau,” said Chief Horton. “I am ready to take on this responsibility and to work aggressively with our law enforcement partners to protect the public, pursue justice for victims, and hold dangerous offenders accountable.”

Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby Announces Sentence in Violent Felony Sexual Assault Case

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Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby announced that David Bodenstab has been sentenced following his conviction for multiple violent felony offenses. On January 16, 2026, Bodenstab was convicted of Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree, a Class B Violent Felony in violation of New York Penal Law §130.50(1), and Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D Violent Felony in violation of New York Penal Law §120.05(6). 

District Attorney Eby praised the dedication and advocacy of the prosecutors who handled the case. 

“This sentence reflects the gravity of the defendant’s actions and the steadfast commitment of our office to protecting victims of violent crime,” Eby said. “I want to commend Assistant District Attorney Emily Williams and Senior Bureau Chief Michele Schettino for their tireless efforts and strong advocacy on behalf of the victim. Their work pushed for accountability and justice every step of the way.” 

District Attorney Eby also emphasized the extraordinary strength of the victim.

 “Most importantly, I want to recognize the victim in this case,” Eby said. “Her courage, resilience, and determination throughout this process were truly remarkable. Because of her strength, a dangerous individual has been held accountable.” 

The Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office extends its sincere gratitude to the law enforcement professionals and advocates whose outstanding work helped secure this conviction, including but not limited to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department, Investigator Brandon August, Investigator Nicholas Hess, Investigator Samuel Speziale, Deputy Justin Sicko, Crime Victim Advocate Mollie Benware, DA Investigator Mark Sauter and the New York State Police Forensic Video Multimedia Services Unit. 

District Attorney Eby concluded, “This case demonstrates what can be accomplished when prosecutors, law enforcement, and victim advocates work together with professionalism and determination to seek justice for victims of violent crime.”

Three Arrested in South Glens Falls Drug Bust      

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Sheriff’s Office’s Special Operations Team executed a search warrant Sunday at 11:45 p.m. at 12 Prospect St. in the village of South Glens Falls. The warrant was a joint operation between the Sheriff’s Office and the South Glens Falls Police Department and was the culmination of a lengthy investigation into illicit narcotics possession and sales in the village. As a result of the investigation and warrant execution, Khalil A. Danielson, 45, of Brooklyn, N.Y., Nicole L. Wray, 49, of South Glens Falls, N.Y., and Kevin A. Cottone, 37, of South Glens Falls, N.Y., were arrested. 

Danielson was charged with four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree and two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (class B felonies). He is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing a narcotic drug with intent to sell it and a narcotic drug that had an aggregate weight of one-half ounce or more. Danielson was also charged with knowingly and unlawfully selling a narcotic drug. 

Wray and Cottone were each charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (class B felonies) and criminal nuisance in the 1st degree (class E felony). They are accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing a narcotic drug with intent to sell it and a narcotic drug that had an aggregate weight of one-half ounce or more. Both were also charged with maintaining a premise where persons gathered for the purpose of engaging in the unlawful sale of controlled substances and of obtaining a benefit from it. 

All three were arraigned before the Honorable Jeffrey B. McCabe in the Moreau Town Court. Danielson was remanded to the Saratoga County Jail while Wray and Cottone were released to pretrial services pending further proceedings in that court. 

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.

Association for Community Living Responds to Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget Proposal

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The Association for Community Living (ACL) today acknowledged Governor Kathy Hochul’s Executive Budget proposal and expressed appreciation for her continued support of mental health and supportive housing programs, even as the State confronts a challenging fiscal year marked by expiring funding sources and overall spending constraints.

Among the proposals most impactful to ACL and its member agencies are a 1.7 percent Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII) for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services, and $71 million in funding to increase rates for Office of Mental Health (OMH) and Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) supported housing programs.

ACL views this investment in supported housing rates as a positive and meaningful signal of the Governor’s recognition of the growing financial pressures facing mental health housing providers. The Association anticipates these funds will support long-needed updates to Scattered Site Supportive Housing rates, as well as stipend increases for community residence and supported program single-room occupancy, (CR-SRO and SP-SRO) programs.

“Governor Hochul has long been a champion for mental health and supportive housing, and we are grateful for her continued commitment during a difficult budget cycle,” said Emil Slane, Executive Director of the Association for Community Living. “The proposed $71 million for supported housing rates is an important step toward strengthening programs that serve some of New York’s most vulnerable residents.”

The Governor’s proposed 1.7 percent Targeted Inflationary Increase, which would apply broadly across provider budgets, represents a shift from prior years when increases were partially restricted to specific cost categories, such as staffing. ACL noted that while this proposal offers helpful flexibility, it falls short of the 2.7 percent increase tied to the Consumer Price Index that ACL and behavioral health advocates have urged to fully reflect current inflationary pressures.

“While a 1.7 percent increase is certainly preferable to no increase at all, it still represents a gap relative to inflation and the real-world costs of operating these essential programs,” Slane added. “Providers continue to face outdated funding models, significant workforce shortages, and an urgent need to offer wages that reflect the complexity and intensity of care being delivered every day.”

ACL emphasized that it remains hopeful that, as budget negotiations continue, the Governor and Legislature will be able to close the remaining gap and make additional adjustments in the final enacted budget.

“We look forward to continuing to work with policymakers ahead of our advocacy day on March 4, to ensure that New York’s mental health housing system is adequately resourced, sustainable, and able to meet the growing needs of individuals and communities across the state,” Emil said.

With more than 100 member agencies supporting nearly 50,000 individuals with serious mental illness, ACL remains committed to strengthening New York’s mental health housing system through advocacy, partnership, and community engagement. 

For more information about ACL visit, https://aclnys.org/. 

Discover Saratoga Announces 27th Annual Chowderfest

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

Discover Saratoga is proud to announce the return of its signature winter event, the 27th Annual Chowderfest, taking place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Saratoga County.

Presented by DeCrescente Distributing Company, Coors Banquet, Saranac, and Surfside, this beloved community event invites locals and visitors alike to sample 4 oz. servings of chowder for $2 each from roughly 80 Saratoga County restaurants and businesses.

“For nearly three decades, Chowderfest has been one of those events that truly defines winter in Saratoga,” said Discover Saratoga President Darryl Leggieri. “It brings people together during the quieter season, supports our local businesses, and reminds visitors that Saratoga County is vibrant year-round. We’re excited to welcome everyone back for another unforgettable day.”

“Chowderfest is one of the best days of the year to go out with friends and enjoy some great tasting chowder and beverages,” said Vice President of DeCrescente Distributing Company Carmine DeCrescente. “Saranac Brewery will be kicking off its seasonal Blueberry Blonde Ale at this year’s event, and you can find it, along with Surfside and Coors Banquet, at bars and restaurants throughout Saratoga County. Cheers to drinking responsibly and may the best chowder win!”  

In addition to chowder tastings, attendees can enjoy live entertainment and family-friendly activities throughout Saratoga. To enhance the experience and ensure pedestrian safety, Broadway will be closed to vehicular traffic from Lake Avenue to Washington Avenue from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Free shuttle service will once again be provided, with four shuttles running continuously between Saratoga Casino Hotel and downtown from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Official Chowderfest merchandise—including long-sleeve t-shirts, knit beanies, and the Chowderfest spoon—will be available for purchase at the Saratoga Hilton Lower Lobby and the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center.

Voting will take place through the Discover Saratoga mobile app, with one vote permitted per device. Voting closes at 4:30 p.m., and winners will be announced at 6:00 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center.

Participants who vote in the app will be entered to win $1,000 in Saratoga-area gift cards, redeemable at local businesses and restaurants.

“We encourage visitors to turn Chowderfest into a full weekend experience,” Leggieri added. “With special hotel rates, dining, shopping, and winter activities, there’s so much to enjoy beyond the event itself.”

For event details, participating vendors, hotel specials, and shuttle information, visit DiscoverSaratoga.org/Chowderfest or call (518) 584-1531.

Special thanks to our sponsors, including DeCrescente Distributing Company, Coors Banquet, Saranac, Surfside, Westminster Bakers Co., Saratoga Springs City Center, T-Shirt Graphics, Saratoga Hilton, The Daily Gazette, Graves Brothers Home Improvement, Market 32 by Price Chopper in partnership with Old Bay, iHeartMedia, Yankee Home, Nemer CJDR of Saratoga, Upstate Transit of Saratoga, Saratoga Casino Hotel, Saratoga Bridges, Renewal by Andersen, Romeo Ford & Subaru, Saratoga.com, DePaula Auto Group, Townsquare Media, Purdy’s Discount Wine & Liquor, Saratoga Today, Albany Broadcasting, Another Day Another Diner, Reliable Onsite Services, Saratoga Automobile Museum, Julie & Co. Realty, LLC, Saratoga Escape Rooms, Mostly Modern Festival, Adirondack Trust & Amsure, and Impressions of Saratoga.

DMV Offices to Close for Statewide Technology Upgrade

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Saratoga County Department of Motor Vehicles, along with all DMV offices in New York state, will undergo a large-scale system upgrade next month that will require its three locations to alter their operating hours.

In February, the New York State DMV is implementing the initial phase of a multi-year project to replace and modernize its aging technology systems. To bring the first part of the new system online, the three Saratoga County DMV locations — Ballston Spa, Clifton Park and Wilton — will close early on Friday, February 13, as all DMV operations statewide must cease by 2 p.m. The Saratoga County offices will adjust their closure times according to customer volume that day to ensure the last transaction is complete prior to 2 p.m.

The offices will remain closed Monday, which is the Presidents Day holiday, and Tuesday (February 16-17).

During this time, the state DMV will migrate about 30 million records to the new system and complete the transition to bring the first phase of the upgrade online. No DMV transactions will be able to be completed during this period, including through the state DMV website.

The state DMV’s implementation timeline calls for offices to be operational and open for customer transactions beginning Wednesday, February 18. Saratoga County DMVs plan to open at 8 a.m. that day. Any changes to that will be posted on the county website and the Saratoga County DMV Facebook page.

“While it’s not ideal to close to the public, we look forward to the positive outcome these changes are expected to bring in the long-term for our customers and our hardworking DMV clerks,” Saratoga County Clerk Craig A. Hayner said.

Walsh Honors Cottrell Paper Company’s Inclusion on the Historic Business Preservation Registry

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh presented a proclamation celebrating the inclusion of the Cottrell Paper company in the Historic Business Preservation Registry (Courtesy of Mary Beth Walsh).

Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R, C-Ballston) presented a New York State Assembly proclamation to Cottrell Paper Company yesterday to celebrate its induction into the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry following Walsh’s nomination. 

Receiving the awards were owners Jimmy Cottrell and Josh Cottrell. During her time in office, Walsh has recognized numerous local businesses and organizations, including Morris Ford, Curtis Lumber Co., Stewart’s Shops, Bowman Orchards and Ballston Spa National Bank.

The New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry program is administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation and highlights businesses that have been in operation for at least 50 years and have contributed to their community’s history.

“It was an honor to celebrate this well-deserved achievement with Cottrell Paper, especially as they marked their biggest week in sales history this week, too,” said Walsh. “They are customer focused with everything they do. They say it themselves—they’ll design exactly what you need.”

Cottrell Paper continues to innovate, including working to develop paper straws and unveiling a new brand, Mill 26, under which they sell products made fully from hemp. They are the only business in the industry to produce 100% heavy hemp paper bags.

“Having held a record of excellence for nearly 100 years and still going strong—now operating seven days a week with 51 employees producing 100,000 to 250,000 pounds of paper per week—is nothing short of remarkable. I wish them all the best and continued success,” concluded Walsh.

Barrett Not Running for Reelection in 2026

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

Phil Barrett announced that 2026 will be his last year on the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. He has been in office as Clifton Park Town/County Supervisor for 26 years. (Aidan Cahill)

For 26 years, Clifton Park has been consistently represented at the county level by one man: Republican Phil Barrett. 

In that time Saratoga County’s population went from 200,635 when he started to 240,360 today, while the GDP went from $5,461,772 in 2001, the earliest year available to $14,870,710 in 2023, the last year available.

Throughout all this growth and subsequent change, Barrett has represented Clifton Park in the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors and served as its chair on four separate occasions. 

In 2027, however, that will change. 

On Jan. 12, Barrett announced that this term will be his last. Barrett made the announcement on his personal blog in a post entitled “Never a Good Time,” in which he talked about his career and some of the challenges he faced. 

“I will not be seeking a 15th term as Town/County Supervisor in 2026,” Barrett said in the post. “I agreed to run in 2025, knowing the new term would be a one-year term as opposed to the historical two-year term. Although I completely disagree with the altering of the election schedule, it was a more enticing time frame based on my personal interests.” 

The former Army officer and Commercial Lender began his tenure in the position in 1999 and was subsequently elected 14 times. In 2010, he passed Henry J. Kinns for longest tenured supervisor in town history. During his tenure in office, he was only primaried once however his opponent, Dale Kelley, dropped out before the primary. 

Barrett is currently serving his fourth term as Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors — his third consecutive after a previous term in 2007. 

In the blog post Barrett talked about his longevity in office and said he always viewed the position as a job with two-year contracts given to him by the voters. 

“I have always viewed this position as a job,” Barrett said.  “It’s an important job and a public job, but at the end of the day it’s a job. The voters have provided me the opportunity to do the job on a series of 14 two-year contracts. Perform and you may earn another contract. If you don’t perform the short-term contract may expire, permanently.” 

Barrett’s announcement comes at a time when Clifton Park will see many changes. Democrats swept all the elections they contested in 2025 in Clifton Park, leaving Barrett in the minority in the Town Board. Meanwhile, a state law goes into effect shifting elections for most jurisdictions from odd numbered years to even numbered ones — resulting in a shortened one-year term. 

As for what’s next, Barrett didn’t offer specifics but said he would still be around and won’t be leaving the area. 

Malta Police Chase ends in a Creek

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

A Malta man has been charged with several traffic offenses after trying to hide in a creek while feeling from a DWI. 

Bradley Crannell of Malta was charged with felony DWI, felony unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, misdemeanor fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, speeding, improper plates, uninspected motor vehicle, uninsured motor vehicle, failing to keep right and passing a red light. 

According to Saratoga County Sheriff’s Deputies, Crannell was initially stopped for erratic driving on East High Street in Malta. While he initially stopped for Deputies, he is alleged to have fled the area. He later abandoned the car at the former location of Spa Brahuas Restaurant on High Street and fled into the woods. 

The Sherriff’s Office subsequently deployed a drone with a thermal camera and spotted Crannell lying next to a creek. He was subsequently taken into custody without further incident. 

Crannell’s DWI was elevated to a felony due to a prior conviction. He was arraigned in Malta Town Court and remanded into the Saratoga County Jail pending further proceedings.