Saratoga Springs has once again been recognized as a leader in local climate action, earning recertification as a Bronze Certified Climate Smart Community (CSC) by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). 

First certified in 2020, the City has expanded its efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen community resilience. With local support from the Capital District Regional Planning Commission, Saratoga Springs completed 24 actions across seven CSC categories to earn recertification. 

Highlights include converting most streetlights to energy-efficient LEDs, adding an electric vehicle (EV) and a dedicated fleet charger, and investing in electric landscaping equipment. These projects—funded in part through the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Clean Energy Communities (CEC) Program—lower energy use and costs while reducing air and noise pollution. 

The city also advanced communitywide projects to reduce transportation emissions, including completing a portion of the Saratoga Greenbelt Trail Downtown Connector and beginning construction of missing sidewalk links. 

To meet growing demand for EV charging, Saratoga Springs partnered with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the City Center Authority to host NYPA Evolve NY fast chargers at the City Center garage and is installing two additional public EV chargers at the Woodlawn Avenue parking garage with NYSERDA CEC funding. 

With DEC grant support, the city recently completed a Municipal Greenhouse Gas Inventory and expects to adopt a Municipal Climate Action Plan this fall. Building on these accomplishments, Saratoga Springs plans to pursue Silver Climate Smart Community certification in the near future. 

“This recertification is a testament to our City’s commitment to sustainability and climate leadership,” said Mayor John Safford. “With the upcoming adoption of our Climate Action Plan and our goal of Silver certification, Saratoga Springs is charting a clear course toward a more sustainable and resilient future for everyone who lives, works, and visits.”  

City of Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Public Works Chuck Marshall announced a new fall leaf pickup schedule allowing residents to predict when DPW will be collecting lawn debris in their neighborhood. The schedule outlines the areas that DPW crews will be working each day during the week, with each section of the City experiencing a one to two-day pickup schedule. There are four street crews each working in one separate area of the city that follow a pattern as they work through different neighborhoods and streets.

“Providing a schedule for when DPW will be coming through your neighborhood to pickup lawn debris is a step in the right direction to assist residents with planning their fall property cleanup,” said Marshall. “My Deputy Commissioner Tad Roemer, worked with DPW Dispatcher Emma Delaney, and reviewed the existing routes operated by the pickup crews, discussed them with the team, and put everything onto a schedule and map.”

There are four street crews working in numbered zones for up to two days of the week. A color-coded map outlines where pickup will occur daily. Residents in zone 1 receive pickup on Monday or Tuesday, for zone 2 it’s Tuesday or Wednesday, in zone 3 pickup is Wednesday or Thursday, and zone 4 is Thursday or Friday.

Marshall recognized the workforce for their efforts in implementing the schedule, “I’m very proud of the DPW supervisors who have committed to trying this schedule in an effort to improve services to the public. It’s important to recognize their dedication and I want to thank Ray Green, Dave Kenyon, Tom McGraw, Rhonda McGourty, and J.J. Nichols.”

The schedule goes into effect on September 29th and residents are able to leave their lawn debris at the curb without containerizing. Unpredictable weather will impact the schedule with rain, wind, or snow requiring announcements on schedule changes. The map is available on the City website and Saratoga Springs DPW Facebook page.

“Since this is the first year, we expect that there will need to be adjustments during the heaviest part of leaf pickup, so we’ll be announcing updates via social media and the City website when changes are necessary,” said Marshall.

Residents can contact DPW Dispatch with any questions about the leaf pickup schedule. 518 -584-3356.

A Corinth man has been arrested for animal abuse after he kept two dogs in “unsanitary” conditions, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. 

Michael Schilling, 36, of Corinth, New York was arrested and charged with overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; failure to provide proper sustenance — a class A misdemeanor. 

Schilling is accused of failing to provide two dogs with sustenance and keeping them in unsanitary conditions. According to the Sherriff’s Office, the animals were seized under court order and taken into the custody of the Saratoga County Animal Shelter. 

Schilling’s case represents the eighth incident of animal abuse this year in Saratoga County. These eight incidents have resulted in 10 arrests and over 200 charges against residents. 

Schilling’s arrest also comes less than a week after Saratoga County passed a bill that would create an animal abuse registry for those convicted of animal abuse in the county. The bill is set to take effect in mid-December and requires those convicted of animal abuse to register with the district attorney’s office within 10 days of conviction or release from incarceration. 

A bipartisan group of legislators from across the Capital Region gathered in Saratoga County to announce new legislation that would regulate boarding of animals statewide. 

The announcement was made after several high-profile incidents of animal abuse at boarding facilities across the region.  It also comes as over 200 charges have been brought against 10 people across eight incidents of animal abuse. 

The proposed legislation would create state-wide regulations for the boarding of animals in New York State. Under the bill, boarding facilities would be required to get a $150 license and be subject to random inspection by state officials. There would also be requirements for the conditions animals can be kept in. 

New York State Senator James Tedisco, who represents Saratoga County and part of Schenectady, called the current state of animal boarding like the “wild west.”   Tedisco said that some jurisdictions — namely New York City — have implemented regulations but they vary by area. 

“Nobody should be fearful of having to give their dog to a boarding room facility in New York state,” Tedisco said. “For every facility they need put their dog in, they should have a good comfort in feeling that their dog will be treated as safe as they’re treated in their home in that facility.” 

Similar sentiments were expressed by State Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara who will serve as the bill’s sponsor the bill when it is introduced in the State Assembly. Santabarbara said that the bill will bring uniformity to the state and give families peace of mind when boarding. He also asserted that the regulations aren’t designed to hurt businesses. 

“This bill is not about adding burdens,” Santabarbara said. “It’s about creating confidence. Confidence for families. Confidence for responsible business owners, because there’s facilities out there that are doing it the right way. Confidence that tragedies like this can be prevented. We don’t want to ever have to hear about headlines like this anymore.” 

The legislation comes after two high profile incidents of abuse at boarding facilities raised serious concerns in the Capital region and beyond. In July, a French bulldog named Gus died in a Halfmoon boarding facility after suffering from heat exposure. In response, the owner of the facility was charged with several counts of animal abuse and animal cruelty, according to the Saratoga County Sherriff’s Office. 

The second incident occurred in the Washington County town of Argyle in August. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, failure to provide ventilation and water led to the deaths of 21 dogs and charges against the owners of the facility. 

In his remarks, Tedisco asserted that the owners of the Argyle facility said they forgot to turn on the air conditioning at the facility leading to the deaths of the animals and asserted that more monitoring as proscribed by the bill would have potentially prevented the tragedy. 

“I’m not sure that this facility was monitored at all to see what’s taking place,” Tedisco said. “If it was monitored, they might have been shut down before they did something to forget about turning on the air conditioner.” 

Tedisco and Santabarbara were joined by Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, Washington County District Attorney J. Anthony Jordan, Saratoga Sherriff Michael Zurlo and Undersheriff Jeff Brown and Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chair Phillip Barrett, among others. 

The elected officials were joined by the families of those who had died at the facilities. One of those who spoke at the conference, Cody Shields, lost his three dogs, Brutus, Brunhilda and Loki at the Argyle facility. Shields said the night he got the news, he started working on trying to get legislation to prevent future tragedies and urged the passage of the legislation. 

“The Safe Boarding Act must become law, not just for Brutus, Brunhilda and Loki, but for every pet and family who deserves safety and peace of mind,” Shields said.  “I ask you to stand with us. Stand with the families of the 21 dogs who can no longer be here. Together, we can make sure their lives were not lost in vain.” 

Discover Saratoga is proud to announce that Saratoga County has placed seventh out of ten destinations for “10 Best Spots in the US to visit this Fall” in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This recognition highlights the treasures of Saratoga County, such as the vibrant seasonal foliage, breathtaking boat tours and autumnal events that attract visitors year after year. The list of 20 nominees was selected by an expert panel, and the final results were determined by public vote.  

“We’re thrilled to have landed in the top 10 of best places to visit in the fall for the second year in a row,” said Darryl Leggieri, president of Discover Saratoga, Saratoga County’s official tourism promotion agency. “This recognition demonstrates all that Saratoga County offers as an exceptional autumn getaway. Not only does the season make us think of outdoor beauty, but delicious flavors. Discover Saratoga is excited to support some tasty annual events in the coming months.”

Hosted by Discover Saratoga, Saratoga’s 8th Annual Wing-Off will take place on Oct. 18, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the 20th Anniversary of Saratoga County’s Original Restaurant Week, will happen Nov. 3-9, 2025. Enjoy three-course dinners for $25 or $35 and lunch specials for $15 (plus tax & tip) at participating Saratoga County restaurants during Restaurant Week.

Visitors to Saratoga County have numerous fall-themed activities to enjoy, including soaking in the season’s colorful scenery at Mountain Airstrip Farm, picking apples and friendly animals at Bowman Orchards or taking a fall train ride on the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway. For more information about fall fun in Saratoga County, visit: www.discoversaratoga.org.

A Saratoga Springs man has died after being struck by a drunk driver earlier this month in Malta. 

Joshua Soden, 29, died Sept. 20 at Albany Medical Center where he was being treated for injuries that came after he was struck by a drunk driver and pinned beneath a vehicle on Sept. 8. 

Soden was struck by Morgan Lange of Glennville at 10:15 p.m. in a parking lot on Hemphill Place in Malta, according to New York State Police. After striking Soden, Lange stayed on scene and contacted authorities. State Police allege that she tried to remove an open container from her vehicle and dispose it. Lange was arrested at the scene and found with a blood alcohol content of .12% — well above the legal limit of .08%. 

Lange was initially charged with Vehicular Assault in the second degree, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Driving While Intoxicated, and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. On Sept. 24, she was additionally charged with Vehicular Manslaughter in the second degree. 

According to State Police, Lange surrendered herself, was processed and released on her own recognizance. Her next court date is Oct. 9. 

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Clerk’s Office at 40 McMaster St., Ballston Spa, will host a Passport Night from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 2, by appointment only. 

The Clerk’s Office is offering these extended hours as a convenience to those whose schedules make it difficult to visit the office to apply for a passport during regular business hours. 

This is the third time the office has offered a Passport Night in the early fall. “This event is a great opportunity for busy families and individuals to come in and apply for a passport,” Saratoga County Clerk Craig A. Hayner said. “In addition to offering convenience, our office provides a comfortable environment and knowledgeable staff to guide people through the process.” 

To book an appointment, call the County Clerk’s office at 518-885-2213. 

Application forms will be available, and photos can be taken on site. Those planning to attend also can download a copy of the passport application at www.travel.state.gov and fill them out in advance. However, the applications must be signed in front of an acceptance agent at the Clerk’s Office. 

Applicants should bring: 

• An original or a certified copy of their birth certificate with a raised seal (including parents’ names on the certificate) and, if possible, a photocopy (front and back) 

• Their photo ID and, if possible, a photocopy (front and back) 

• A check or money order (one per passport application) made out to the Department of State to cover the application fee (See below for details.) 

• Cash or separate check to cover the processing fees and passport photos (if having them taken on site) 

Children younger than 18 must have both parents present when applying. 

Passport fees are as follows: 

• Passport books — $130 for adult applications and $100 for children under the age of 16. 

• Passport cards — $30 for adults and $15 for children under the age of 16. (Note that they are only good for land travel.) 

• Processing fee — $35 for each application 

• Passport photos — $10 

• Expedited service — $60 per applicant 

According to the U.S. Department of State, current processing times are about 4-6 weeks or about 2-3 weeks for expedited applications. Processing times can vary, however. 

Passport renewals for those who were issued a 10-year passport previously must be mailed by the applicant. However, the required new photo can be obtained at the County Clerk’s Office. 

Regular hours for passport services are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.