The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that State Route 32 in the Village of Schuylerville, Saratoga County, will close to through traffic between Wilbur Road and Dodd Road for approximately eight weeks beginning Monday, September 8, to facilitate a culvert repair project.
During the closure, all properties and businesses in the closure area will remain accessible to residents and emergency responders. Drivers are advised to follow the signed detour route utilizing State Route 4.
Motorists should anticipate travel delays and build extra travel time into their schedule. Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions.
Flight-Medic Kevin Robert died while treating a patient. He was 55. (Courtesy of LifeNet)
First responders across Saratoga County are mourning one of their own this week after a flight medic suffered a fatal heart attack while treating a patient.
Kevin Robert died Aug. 27 after he suffered a heart attack while treating a patient on board a LifeNet 7-13 helicopter, based out of Ticonderoga. The helicopter diverted to Saratoga Hospital however medical crews were unable to revive Robert. He was 55.
“Our priority now is the well-being of our teammates and the continued support of Kevin’s family,” LifeNet said in a Facebook post. “The Ticonderoga base remains on safety stand-down as we allow our team the time and space they need to grieve.”
Robert had been with LifeNet for 15 years, according to his obituary. In addition to his work as a flight medic, he was a founding member of the John Ahearn Rescue Squad in Mechanicville and served in several EMS agencies throughout Saratoga County including the Clifton Park & Halfmoon Emergency Corps, Malta- Stillwater EMS and as a paramedic instructor at Hudson Valley Community College.
Tributes to Robert have poured in from across the county and beyond. In a statement, Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phillip Barrett offered his condolences and said Robert served the county with professionalism and compassion. Similar sentiments were expressed by Clifton Park and Halfmoon Emergency Corps who said he was known for being one of the most talented EMS providers across the region.
Services for Robert were held at St. Edward the Confessor Church in Clifton Park. A Go Fund Me has been set for his family, which as of time of printing has raised over $17,000.
Those looking to donate can find the link in the online version of this story or on the Malta-Stillwater EMS Facebook page.
From left to right: Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus, Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association President Deann Devvit, Public Works Commissioner Chuck Marshall and Discover Saratoga President Darryl Leggieri celebrated the end of paid parking (Photo credit, see byline)
While the horse racing season may have ended the previous day, residents of Saratoga Springs still heard the famous call one more time.
It didn’t come from a race announcer at the track but rather Public Works Commissioner Chuck Marshall who said the famed line while putting a sign on a parking meter marking the end of the paid parking season in Saratoga Springs.
Marshall, along with representatives from the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association and Discover Saratoga highlighted the changes in a media event outside the Woodlawn Avenue Garage.
The event marked the end of program’s second year. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, visitors to Saratoga Springs could either park on the street for free or pay $2 an hour to park in one of the city’s parking garages or flat parking lots. For those parking overnight, the fee was $12.
Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga Chamber, talked about how things have changed with the parking situation over the last 15 years. While in the past, Shimkus said the complaint had been there hadn’t been enough parking in Saratoga Springs, the city has changed that.
“I got emails all summer and in the holiday season from folks around the world who complained about not enough parking,” Shimkus said. “Right here, we’ve got 450 more spaces. You look over at the city center, we’ve got 500 more spaces there. I don’t get those emails and calls anymore. We have enough parking. So, parking for us is really about whether it’s paid or not.”
The paid parking program hasn’t been without its critics. During his campaign, Commissioner Marshall voiced his opposition to the program and maintained that opposition during Tuesday’s event.
“I ran originally as an opponent of paid parking, and I remain an opponent of paid parking,” Marshall said. “We’re looking at revenues now that look to not quite meet the budgeted expectation, but certainly more than they’ve seen in the past. We’ll evaluate, and reconsider as we develop the 2026 budget.”
From Labor Day till Memorial Day, residents and visitors won’t risk a $45 ticket if they don’t pay for parking at the city’s lots and garages (see byline)
In a recent City Council meeting, Marshall had proposed ending the paid parking program two days early; however, that proposal failed with all other members voting against it.
Marshall said that the program had been budgeted to bring in $465,000 in revenue but that actual revenues from the program were just over $400,000. This lack of projected revenue has led to some changes in how the money is distributed, according to Marshall. Deann Devitt, President of the Downtown Saratoga Business Association echoed this and said her organization had been working with the city on alternate strategies.
“Obviously, revenues haven’t been where the city wanted them to be,” Devitt said “The idea of that was to take some of the revenues to put into marketing our downtown. But it hasn’t worked out, so we’ve worked with Chuck to come up with some other really great opportunities for us.”
Some of those ideas include using the revenue for Christmas decorations and covering fees for events.
While paid parking may be gone for most of the city’s lots, there are two notable exceptions. Parking at the library will still require a library-issued permit and parking at the City Center garage will still require payment.
While the paid parking program may face changes in the coming months, Marshall emphasized that for now residents can enjoy over 260 days of free parking in the city.
“Free public parking until Memorial Day of 2026,” Marshall said. “I hope everyone enjoys downtown and all it offers.”
It’s the end of track season which means that one of the biggest headaches, drivers from New Jersey, Maryland and Massachusetts, is mostly gone.
That said, there will still be delays as the city continues its efforts to fix the damage they’ve potentially caused and take away one of their excuses when they inevitably crash.
With that in mind, here is paving update for the week of September 8.
• On Monday Sept. 8, Lakewood Drive from Lake Ave to Roberts Ln will be milled.
• On Monday Sept. 8, Pine Ridge Lane from Lakewood Dr to Wedgewood Dr will be milled.
• On Monday Sept. 8, Stonewood Drive from Longwood Dr. to Lakewood Dr will be milled.
• On Tuesday Sept. 9, Longwood Drive from Lake Ave to #14 Longwood Dr will be milled.
• On Tuesday Sept. 9, Lefferts Street from Forest Ave through the dead end will be milled.
• On Wednesday Sept. 10, Lakewood Drive from Lake Ave to Roberts Ln will be paved.
• On Wednesday Sept. 10, Pine Ridge Lane from Lakewood Dr to Wedgewood Dr will be paved.
• On Wednesday Sept. 10, Stonewood Drive from Longwood Dr. to Lakewood Dr will be paved.
• On Thursday Sept. 11, Longwood Drive from Lake Ave to #14 Longwood Dr will be paved.
• On Thursday Sept. 11, Lefferts Street from Forest Ave through the dead end will be paved.
Work will begin at 6:00 a.m. and should be completed by 4:00 p.m. There is no parking of cars on the street during these hours, and driveway access/egress will be limited with potentially lengthy delays. On the day of paving, the road will be closed to all through traffic until midafternoon.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – The City of Saratoga Springs invites all to a 9/11 Commemoration and Remembrance Ceremony at High Rock Park, 112 High Rock Avenue, Saratoga Springs, on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at the Tempered by Memory Sculpture.
Comprised of five pieces of twisted steel from the 2001 terrorist attacks, the Tempered by Memory sculpture was created by Noah Savett in collaboration with John Van Alstine.
Please arrive at 8:15 am. The ceremony will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.
Moran ( seen here in his official city portrait) also faced censure by City Council after he was found guilty.
Accounts Commissioner Dillon Moran was ordered to pay $660 in penalties after he was found guilty of violating New York State’s Freedom of Information Law (FOIL).
The verdict came after a three-day long bench trial which ended on Aug. 28 and centered on three FOIL requests made by Saratoga Springs Republican Party Chair Mike Brandi. According to prosecutors, Moran purposefully withheld documents subject to FOIL by issuing certificates saying the requested materials didn’t exist.
The three FOIL requests in question were related to messages sent by Moran in relation to the city’s short-term rental legislation which was being considered at the time the messages were sent.
Through the testimony of Anna Smith, an advocate for short term rental owners, Sarah McFee, the FOIL officer for the City at the time the requests were sent, Brandi, the prosecution, showed that messages not only existed but would’ve been subject to FOIL.
In addition, Robert Millis, a local music executive and event organizer, testified that Moran had told him that several of his devices were not subject to FOIL and that he maintained two phones for a reason.
While Brian Hill, Moran’s defense attorney, tried to argue there wasn’t a deliberate effort to conceal the records and some of the records might not have been subject to FOIL, City Court Judge Jeffrey Wait disagreed.
“I first find that the evidence is sufficient to demonstrate that the text messages in question were subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Law,” Wait said in his ruling. “I also find that Commissioner Moran knew this. Furthermore, the evidence shows that he was told by the city’s Freedom of Information Officer and by the assistant city attorney that text messages concerning city business were subject to disclosure, and that this was true, even if they were recorded personally.”
Wait also noted that while he couldn’t find any rulings on officials being charged with violating the FOIL law, the legislative memo clearly states that there needs to be consequences for violating the law.
Following the trial, Hill said that he disagreed we the judge’s verdict that he planned to appeal and that there were several fundamental legal issues with the case.
In addition to the trial and fine, Moran also faced censure by Saratoga Springs City Council. The censure motion was introduced by Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll and also called on Governor Cathy Hochul to investigate Moran’s misconduct.
During a contentious City Council meeting, Moran objected to the censure and called the investigation into him and others politically motivated. Ultimately the measure passed with Coll, joined by Republican Public Works Commissioner Chuck Marshall and Mayor John Safford voting in favor while Moran and fellow Democrat, Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi opposing the measure.
As millions of students, teachers, and faculty across the nation head back to school, Congressmen Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) today reintroduced their Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Schools Act, bipartisan legislation that protects public health from poor indoor air quality (IAQ). In particular, the legislation would establish an updated nation-wide assessment of indoor air quality in schools and childcare facilities to improve IAQ conditions.
Studies have shown that indoor contaminants can be 2-5 times—and occasionally 100 times—higher than outdoors. Despite this, and the fact that more than 3 million people globally die prematurely from indoor pollution each year, efforts to address indoor air quality have been largely unacknowledged and underfunded.
“No one should have to suffer the consequences of poor indoor air quality, least of all our kids and students seeking an education at school,” Congressman Tonko said. “Our bipartisan Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Schools Act protects the health of our communities by establishing science-based guidelines and delivering effective tools and best practices to minimize indoor health risks. I’m proud to be joined by Congressman Fitzpatrick in pushing this legislation forward to protect the health and wellbeing of our kids and communities.”
“We wouldn’t tolerate toxic air in our homes—why would we accept it in our schools?” said Fitzpatrick. “Clean air isn’t optional—it’s essential for every student and educator in Pennsylvania’s First District and across the nation. That’s why Congressman Tonko and I are driving this bipartisan effort forward: to deliver the tools, oversight, and urgency our schools and students deserve. This is not a partisan issue—it’s a public health imperative, and one we must meet with unity and resolve.”
This bipartisan legislation is supported by numerous groups and organizations, including: 1Day Sooner; Allergy and Asthma Network; American Academy of Pediatrics; American Federation of Teachers; American Industrial Hygiene Association; American Lung Association; ASHRAE; Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America; Austin Air Systems, Ltd.; Brown University Pandemic Center; Change the Air Foundation; Corsi-Rosenthal Foundation; EcoMadres; Healthy Schools Network; International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART); International WELL Building Institute; Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security; Medify Air; Moms Clean Air Force; National Air Duct Cleaners Association; National Education Association; National Institute of Building Sciences; Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA); U.S. Green Building Council; and WE ACT for Environmental Justice
The Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Schools Act would ensure that EPA has the authority and resources necessary to better protect public health from poor indoor air quality. Specifically, the bill:
• Updates, expands, and codifies the work of EPA’s Indoor Environments Division;
• Requires EPA to establish and regularly update a list of significant indoor contaminants, and develop health-based, voluntary guidelines to reduce exposure risks to these contaminants;
• Directs EPA to develop or recognize one or more voluntary certifications for buildings designed, built, operated, and maintained to prevent or minimize indoor air health risks; and
• Establishes a regularly updated national assessment of IAQ in schools and childcare facilities, and supports development of technical assistance, guidelines, and best practices to improve the IAQ conditions of these facilities.
On Saturday September 13, the Moreau and South Glens Falls Historical Society will hold its second craft and antique fair at Parks-Bentley Place.
Titled “Treasures on the Lawn”, the outdoor event will include booths manned by area crafters and vendors with items for sale including jewelry, wood crafted décor, books, vintage housewares, and other handmade and vintage items. In addition, there will be antiques, quilted bags, handmade greeting cards and vintage glassware. Parks-Bentley Place will have its own booth with one-of-a-kind crafts and other items donated by local crafters and Historical Society members. The South Glens Falls Fire Department will provide food for sale throughout the day and there will be homemade baked goods available for purchase at the Parks-Bentley table.
Visitors to the craft fair will also have the opportunity to tour the current exhibition of Victorian clothing titled “What They Wore” on its closing day. A raffle will also be held for a handmade teddy bear in Victorian dress.
Treasures on the Lawn opens at 9:00 am and runs until 3:00 pm. The event will be held rain or shine, and entry is free to the public, although donations are appreciated.
Funds raised will go toward programs and building renovations at the historic Ferry Boulevard house that serves as the Society’s headquarters. Of the three oldest buildings in South Glens Falls, Parks-Bentley is the only one open to the public.
The new artwork celebrates Southwest Airlines presence in the region (Courtesy of Albany International Airport)
Albany International Airport (ALB) and Southwest Airlines are proud to celebrate 25 years of Southwest service to the Capital Region with the unveiling of a new large-scale sculpture titled Treasure Map by Hudson Valley artist Ruby Palmer. The work was created through Southwest’s Repurpose with Purpose initiative, which promotes sustainability through creative upcycling of aircraft seat leather acquired from aircraft renovations and retirements.
A public event celebrating both the anniversary and new artwork will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM next to the Southwest ticket counter, where Treasure Map is installed. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Palmer and enter prize drawings to win an original artwork by the artist – plus 25 roundtrip tickets to any Southwest destination.
Treasure Map features a vivid network of linear pathways reminiscent of a bejeweled landscape. Created entirely from aircraft seat leather donated by Southwest’s Repurpose with Purpose program, the piece is the first sculpture completed through the initiative. Palmer is known for her inventive use of materials – including paper, wood, and canvas – and now adds repurposed leather to her toolkit, pushing the boundaries of color, form, and scale.
“Ruby’s material sensibilities were key to meeting this very specific challenge,” said Kathy Greenwood, Director of the Airport’s Exhibitions and Programs. “Her integrative approach to sculpture and painting, and openness to experimentation have resulted in this remarkable new work.”
“There were many exciting possibilities with this unusual opportunity,” said Palmer. “I decided to utilize what I’ve learned from making cut paper pieces so that I would be in familiar territory with the overall design concept, since working with the material was new to me. I played around with samples of the ELeather and found that it was relatively easy to cut and paint. When doubled in thickness it had the right weight for a large, perforated wall sculpture. Overall, I wanted the effect to be buoyant, map-like and eye catching, something that uplifted the room with color and whimsy. In the process, I had the idea of titling it Treasure Map, which links it to travel, flying, discovery, and adventure.”
While travelers have relied on Southwest’s destinations and service at ALB since 2000, Treasure Map adds a new dimension to their experience by highlighting both the airport and airline’s shared commitment to sustainability. The Repurpose with Purpose initiative partners with social impact organizations to upcycle aircraft seat leather from retired or refurbished planes. Since its inception in 2014, the program has donated more than $2 million in grants and 1.4 million pounds of leather, providing job training, employment opportunities, and social benefits around the globe.
“Ruby has created a singular design from upcycled materials that boldly reflects her vision of the landscape,” said Ana Schwager, Senior Corporate Responsibility Program Manager at Southwest Airlines. “As Southwest marks its 25 years of service to Albany International Airport, we are delighted to honor Ruby’s work as we mark this exciting milestone in the Capital Region.”
Since 2000, Southwest has increased its flights and destinations based on growing demand and enthusiasm from Capital Region travelers and today offers up to 14 departures a day to eight cities.
“For a quarter century, Southwest Airlines has been a trusted and valued partner of Albany International Airport,” said Sam Fresina, Chair of the Albany County Airport Authority Board. “This creative project is a fitting celebration of our long-standing partnership and shared commitment to sustainability. We look forward to the next 25 years of working together to deliver the highest quality air travel to the Capital Region.”
Anne Clothier, Assistant to the Saratoga County Historian, and Russ Van Dervoort, Waterford Town Historian received this year’s Public History Award ( Courtesy of the Saratoga County History Center)
The Saratoga County History Center Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the winners of the fourth annual Saratoga County Public History Awards.
The award recognizes individuals that have made a significant contribution to extending knowledge and understanding of the history of Saratoga County. A celebratory event will be held at Brookside Museum on Tuesday, September 30, beginning at 6 pm with a reception on the front porch of the Museum, 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa.
The 2025 recipients of the award are Anne Clothier, Assistant to the Saratoga County Historian, and Russ Van Dervoort, Waterford Town Historian.
They were selected by a committee of previous winners Carol Godette and Jim Richmond, joined by Willam Allerdice, Vice Chair of the History Center’s Board of Trustees, Michelle Isopo, Director of the Saratoga Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, and Lynda Bryan, Halfmoon Town Historian.
Anne Clothier currently serves as Assistant to the Saratoga County Historian where she plays a leading role in the Saratoga 250 initiative, designing programs and presenting living history at a wide range of community events. Previous to her 2024 appointment, Anne was Director of Education at Brookside Museum where she created multiple hands-on school and senior programs. She has also worked at the Shaker Heritage Society, and the Farmer’s Museum in Cooperstown. Charlene DuBuque, current Education Director at Brookside, praised Anne’s selection for this award, saying “Anne is an engaging historian who has spent her life not only preserving history, but also bringing it to life as a reenactor and living historian. Her recently published book. Overhearing History brings the early years of the Revolution to life for a new generation.”
Russ Van Dervoort, Waterford Town Historian since 2018, has dedicated his life to sharing the history of his community. Central to his achievements has been the gathering and retelling of the stories of Waterford. As President of the Waterford Canal and Towpath Society since 2005, he has made the canals that weave through Waterford the centerpiece of his contributions. “It is not an empty statement to say that the Champlain Canal runs through Russ’ veins, as for over 100 years his Van Dervoort line has lived and worked on the canals in Waterford” says Dave Waite who has worked with Russ on several video projects. Van Dervoort has written numerous articles and several books, most recently Dear Mother, I am the only one left!, based on the Civil War Letters of Waterford resident Charles Shepard.
The public is encouraged to honor Anne and Russ by joining in the September 30 celebration.
Pre-registration is encouraged at brooksidemuseum.org
