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Saratoga County Seeks Volunteers for Gather & Dine Senior Nutrition Program in Saratoga Springs

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – The Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services is seeking volunteers for its Gather & Dine meal site at the Saratoga Springs Senior Center (290 West Ave, Saratoga Springs).

Volunteers will assist the food service helper with setting up the dining room for lunch, serving meals, and clearing tables. This important program helps seniors aged 60 and older receive a delicious meal each weekday and engage with others in the community.

Volunteers can choose a flexible schedule that meets their availability, committing to as little as once a week or as much as five days a week. Volunteer hours are from 11:30AM to 1PM, with meals served at 12PM sharp, Monday through Friday.

Becoming a volunteer is easy. Interested individuals should contact Nutrition Coordinator Christopher Vesic at the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-884-4996. Training and orientation are provided to all volunteers.

The 9th Annual Saratoga Motorcar Auction Returns

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


photo from website

Saratoga Springs, NY – The Saratoga Automobile Museum is proud to announce the return of its signature fundraising event, the 9th Annual Saratoga Motorcar Auction, taking place September 18 through September 21, 2025, on the grounds of the Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Now in its ninth year, the Saratoga Motorcar Auction has become one of the Northeast’s premier collector car auctions, attracting consignors, bidders, and enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. 

More than 350 consignments are expected to cross the block this year, ranging from affordable classics and enthusiast favorites to million-dollar supercars. Alongside the vehicles, attendees will find an outstanding selection of automobilia including restored gas pumps, vintage porcelain signs, neon signs, and other unique collectibles.

The weekend offers more than just the auction. Guests can enjoy an electric atmosphere filled with community spirit, food trucks serving local favorites and gourmet bites, and a wide array of automotive vendors offering parts, accessories, memorabilia, and expert services. As always, 100 percent of proceeds directly benefit the Saratoga Automobile Museum and its mission to celebrate, preserve, and share the rich history of the automobile.

Kicking things off in true style, the Thursday evening Fast Lane VIP Concert features Soul Session performing live on the grounds of the Saratoga Casino, set amongst the cars. This high-energy performance will set the tone for the weekend, combining music, engines, and excitement into one unforgettable night.

In the lead-up to the Auction, consignors are invited to the season’s final Drive In and Consignment event on Wednesday, August 20, from 5–7 PM at the Saratoga Automobile Museum. Prospective consignors can cruise up in their cars, meet one-on-one with an Auction specialist, sign a consignment contract, and have professional images taken of their vehicle all in one evening.

For more information about the exhibition, including ticketing and museum hours, please visit www.saratogaautomuseum.org.

Event Schedule:

Thursday, September 18: Auction Preview (12 PM – 5 PM)

The weekend begins with a chance to stroll the rows, take your time, and get an up-close look at the incredible lineup of consignments.

Thursday, September 18: Fast Lane VIP Concert with Soul Session (6 PM – 9 PM)

An unforgettable evening as Soul Session takes the stage on the grounds of the Saratoga Casino, surrounded by cars and the energy of the Auction weekend.

Friday, September 19: Auction Day 1 (2 PM)

The action launches with consignments crossing the block in a fast-paced afternoon of excitement.

Saturday, September 20: Auction Day 2 (10 AM)

Saturday brings even more horsepower and high-energy bidding, with everything from classics to supercars rolling across the stage.

Sunday, September 21: Post-Auction Sale (10 AM)

Vehicles that did not meet reserve during the live auction may still be available, offering buyers a second chance to make a deal.

Two Arrested for Animal Abuse

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Sheriff’s Office arrested Nancy M. Kenny (age 72) and Rachael N. Furman (age 32) of Wilton and charged them each with 37 counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; failure to provide sustenance (class A misdemeanors).

Kenny and Furman are accused of failing to provide proper sustenance and a cleanliving environment to eight dogs, four cats, two chickens, one duck, one rooster, and a rabbit who were located inside their residence on Louden Road in the town of Wilton.

Additionally, they are accused of failing to provide sustenance to 14 chickens, three ducks, two turkeys, and a pig that were located outside the residence.

The arrests were the result of a lengthy investigation that began with several loose dog complaints. 

“I am absolutely sickened by this situation and the spate of similar calls we’ve handled recently,” said Sheriff Michael H. Zurlo. “Let me be crystal clear – if you abuse animals, we will arrest you and charge you to the fullest extent of the law. This has to stop. Now.”

The animals were seized pursuant to a court order and relocated to safe environments where they are receiving proper care. The Saratoga County Hazmat Team was called to the scene due to the presence of high ammonia levels inside the residence which was subsequently condemned by the Town of Wilton Building Inspector once the animals were removed.

Kenny and Furman were released on appearance tickets pending further proceedings in the Wilton Town Court.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, Saratoga County Hazmat Team, Wilton Fire Department, Wilton EMS, Wilton Building Inspector, Granville Veterinary Service, Milton Animal Control, and Malta Animal Control.

Saratoga Lake Homeowners Launch Website Demanding NYS DOT Honor Six-Year-Old Promise

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Four homeowners who lost their only safe access to their private lakefront property during a 2019 state emergency road repair have launched a website to pressure New York State to fulfill its written promise to restore their access.

The website, NYSDOT-BrokenPromises.com, details how the New York State Department of Transportation (NYS DOT) demolished the homeowners’ stairs to their docks while constructing an emergency retaining wall on Route 9P, then failed to replace them despite documented assurances.

“Six years ago, we cooperated fully when the state needed to address a dangerous road collapse,” said Peter Hopper, president of the Spruce Ridge Association, the neighbors’ HOA. “NYS DOT promised in writing to replace our stairs. Today, we still can’t safely access our own property.”

The emergency began in 2018 when large sections of Route 9P pavement broke away and slid 20 feet onto the homeowners’ docks below. After Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner alerted NYS DOT to the hazard, the agency constructed a 12-foot-high, 200-foot-long retaining wall in May 2019, destroying the existing stairs in the process.

Despite multiple meetings and correspondence over six years, NYS DOT has offered only a fraction of the replacement cost and insists the homeowners—all retirees—manage the complex engineering and construction on the steep terrain themselves.

“We’re not engineers or construction experts,” Hopper said. “The state has the expertise and resources to rebuild what they destroyed. We’re simply asking them to keep their word.”

The homeowners have contacted Governor Hochul and NYS DOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez, requesting their intervention. Those efforts generated no significant response. 

“We’ve exhausted all other options,” said neighbor Charlie Murphy. “We’re four middle-class retirees in an exhausting fight with New York State, hoping public pressure will finally make them do the right thing.”

For more information, visit NYSDOT-BrokenPromises.com.

National Grid Increases Rates as Lawmakers and Governor Push Back

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

Sunrise with an electricity pylon and nature

The New York State Public Service Commission recently approved a rate proposal by National Grid which would see rates for electricity go up by 11% and rates for gas go up by 10%. 

The Commission approved the proposal on Aug. 14. The proposal was signed by multiple agencies, companies and other organizations including the US Department of Defense, Walmart, The New York Solar Energies of New York, The New York Geothermal Energy Organization, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union No. 97 — among others. 

Under the proposal, rates across the areas National Grid serves would go up for residential customers by around 11- 12% for year one, five percent for year two and three percent for year three. In terms of gas expenses, National Grid states in its proposal that rates will go up by around eight percent across all three years it covers. 

The rate increase comes after over a year of negotiations between National Grid and various stakeholders. 

Under the initial proposal rates would’ve increased electricity rates for residential consumers by 15% and gas rates for residential consumers by 20%. These rates were reduced through the negotiating process to where they are in the current proposal. 

Under the approved proposal, revenues for National Grid from electricity would increase by $167.3 million in year 1, $297.4 million in year 2 and $243.4 million in year 3. 

“The main rate drivers of the recommended increases are due to increases to operations and maintenance (O&M) expense, return on and return of (i.e., depreciation expense) capital investments, and a change in the return on equity to reflect market conditions offset by lower than previously forecast property taxes and a forecasted increase in revenue,” The proposal said. 

The increased rate isn’t without controversy. The report detailed how in hearings across the state during the year of negotiations, 62 individuals spoke up about the rates and nearly 9,000 people submitted written comments. 

“Many speakers opposed the proposed rate increases, stating that bills are already unaffordable and suggesting that executive compensation and shareholder dividends be reduced prior to raising rates,” the proposal stated “Others noted that the requested rate increases outpace inflation and suggested that there should be methods for funding necessary infrastructure improvements without rate increases.”

Despite these comments, The Commission ultimately decided to approve the rate increases. 

“While reflecting a considerable reduction from National Grid’s original request, the Joint Proposal nonetheless provides sufficient funding for the Company to maintain safe, adequate and reliable utility service at just and reasonable rates; thus, the Joint Proposal appropriately balances the interests of ratepayers, the Company, and its investors,” The Commission stated. 

The approval was met with swift backlash from many New York lawmakers and other politicians. Governor Kathy Hochul released a statement criticizing the decision. 

“While I appreciate that the New York Public Service Commission worked to significantly lower the outrageously high initial rate proposals, it’s still not enough,” Governor Hochul said.  “I have been crystal clear that utilities must make ratepayer affordability the priority.”

In response to the rate hike, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, whose represents parts of Schenectady and Amsterdam, announced he would introduce legislation which would allow the legislature to review any rate hike by the Public Service Commission. 

“Utility costs are already a significant burden for New Yorkers,” Santabarbara said. “This bill makes sure that when major decisions like this are made, elected representatives have the chance to step in on behalf of the people they serve – even if the PSC has already approved it. In this case, we still have time to review and potentially reverse this increase before it becomes permanent.”

This isn’t Santabarbara’s first time introducing legislation to exert legislative control over the Public Service Commission. Back in January, Santabarbara proposed legislation which would require legislative consent on all proposed rate hikes. The same bill was proposed in the senate by Senator James Tedisco, who represents all of Saratoga County and parts of Schenectady and Kevin Parker who represents parts of Brooklyn. 

The legislation was referred to committee in both houses and no action has been taken since. 

Galway Man Charged with Harassing Slain CEOs Family

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


Shane Daley of Galway is alleged to have harassed the family of Brian Thompson, pictured here ( United Health Care)

A Galway man has been charged in federal court for allegedly harassing the family of Brian Thompson, a health care CEO killed in 2024.  

Shane Daley, 40, of Galway was charged with cyberstalking after he allegedly placed multiple calls to a phone line used by a member of Thompson’s family. Daley allegedly made the calls between Dec. 4 and Dec. 7, 2024, with the first calls starting just hours after Thompson’s death.  

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Daley expressed satisfaction over Thomspon’s death and said his family and children deserved a similar fate.  

“Daley threatened and harassed a grieving family in the immediate aftermath of a loved one’s murder,” Jay Clayton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said. “These selfish, harmful, and callous actions undermine public safety and will not be tolerated. This Office, together with our law enforcement partners, will pursue and prosecute those who seek to intimidate victims and their families.” 

At the time of his death, Brian Thompson was the CEO of United Health Care, one of two subsidiaries of United Health Group. United Health Care is one of the largest health insurance companies with over 50 million people served according to an outlook release by the company. In 2024, United Health Care alone brought in over $400 billion in revenue.  

On the morning of Dec. 4, 2024, Thompson was killed while visiting New York City. Luigi Mangione of Towson, MD was arrested and charged for the murder although he has pleaded not guilty and as of Aug. 13, a trial date hasn’t been set.  

As for Daley, he was arraigned in Albany before US Magistrate Judge Daniel Stewart. If convicted, he will potentially face a maximum of five years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and term of supervised release of up to three years.  

“The recurrent calls and messages in the days following Brian Thompson’s murder were more than callous and cold-hearted harassment – they were threatening and terrified a family already suffering following the violent death of their loved one,” Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Office of the FBI said. “The FBI will continue to bring to justice any individual attempting to stalk and harass innocent Americans.”

Truck Leaks Chemicals in Saratoga Springs

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

Fire fighters in Saratoga Springs recently responded to a chemical spill at the Grande Industrial Park. 

The spill occurred on Friday Aug. 8 around 4:20 p.m. and involved a chemical later identified by the Saratoga Springs Fire Department as copper sulfate. The fire department said the incident was isolated and posed no hazard to the public. 

According to the fire department, the spill originated from a truck traveling to the industrial park and was first reported by an off duty first responder who noticed a blue liquid spilling from the truck heading North on Interstate 87. The fire department said that the responder had also contacted State Police regarding the matter. In addition, hazmat teams from Saratoga and Schenectady Counties were also requested on scene. 

On social media, multiple people complained about eye and throat irritation around the time and area of the leak. The fire department said they first became aware of these reports when someone came into a station complaining of eye irritation which started in the area of the Grande Industrial Park, however, the department said they couldn’t confirm or assess the cause of the symptoms. 

Copper sulfate is a compound comprised of copper and sulfuric acid which is used in a variety of applications, according to the National Institute of Health. Its uses include pesticides, dyes, medications, fertilizers and many others. 

The chemical is considered an irritant with short term exposure potentially resulting in irritation to the eyes, skin and respiratory system. According to NIH, first aid for these symptoms includes getting rest and fresh air if inhaled and washing impacted areas if one comes into contact with it. 

Water Woes: Saratoga Springs Asks Residents to Reduce Water Usage

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

Are you planning on running your sprinkler every day or washing your car this month? If so, then the City of Saratoga Springs is asking you to reconsider. 

The city is implementing voluntary water restrictions on outdoor watering due to increased strain on the water system, lower than average rain and inadequate rain forecasted in the future. The public works department said the restriction was a precautionary measure to decrease water usage. 

Under the restrictions, residents are asked to only run water on landscaping every other day based on their house numbers — with odd numbered houses watering on odd numbered days and even numbered houses watering on even numbered days. For example, someone who lives at house number 201 would water on August 13, 15, 17, 19, etc. — while some at 210 would water on August 12, 14, 16, 18, etc.

In addition, the city is asking all residents not to water or wash cars between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. due to increased evaporation rates which the city says can represent a loss of 30%. 

The Department of Public Works said the restrictions do not apply to handheld watering devices, however, they did ask residents to ensure water remains on lawns and gardens and not on paved areas. 

“Help from residents to conserve water will go a long way to preserve the reservoir levels until it’s replenished with some heavy rainstorms,” Department of Public Works Commissioner Chuck Marshall said.  “This is a precautionary measure to reduce the volume of water being used for landscape watering and we appreciate the public’s cooperation.”

According to the Department of Public Works, the city’s water treatment plant pumped 5.2 million gallons of water per day in June and 6.6 million gallons of water per day in July, an increase from the 4.3 million gallons of water per day averaged in 2024. 

Saratoga Springs isn’t the first jurisdiction to implement voluntary water restrictions. The Town of Ballston implemented similar water restrictions on July 16, and the Town of Charlton implemented the measures on July 17. In addition, the Town of Moreau issued a water restriction order on Aug. 12 — although this notice was due to repairs to the water supply in Queensbury.

The voluntary water restrictions come at a time when Saratoga Springs has seen higher than average temperatures with steady or below average precipitation. According to the National Weather Service, June saw 4.41 inches of precipitation, compared to the average of 4.18 inches while July saw 3.91 inches compared to an average of 4.24 inches. 

Meanwhile in terms of temperature, Saratoga Springs saw an average temperature of 71.4 degrees in June, compared to the average of 67.2 overall, and an average temperature of 77.3 — the highest average  temperature for July on record —  compared to the typical average of 71.8 degrees. 

Saratoga County to hold Narcan Training and Distribution

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Saratoga County will hold free Countywide Narcan training and distribution events on Tuesday, August 26th, 2025. A total of 29 events will be held throughout the day to bring awareness to overdose prevention and in recognition of the upcoming International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31st).

• Ballston Lake EMS: 1123 Ballston Lake Rd. Ballston Lake, NY 12019; 10AM-6PM

• Ballston Spa Police Department: 78 Thompson St. Ballston Spa, NY 12020; 10AM-6PM

• Catholic Charities – Schuylerville Office: 120 Broad St. Schuylerville, NY 12871; 10AM-6PM

• Clifton Park-Halfmoon EMS: 15 Crossing Blvd. Clifton Park, NY 12065; 10AM-6PM

• Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library: 475 Moe Rd. Clifton Park, NY 12065; 10AM-6PM

• Community Emergency Corps EMS: 519 Geyser Rd. Ballston Spa, NY 12020; 10AM-6PM

• Day Town Hall: 1650 N. Shore Rd. Hadley, NY 12835; 10AM-6PM

• Edinburg EMS: 30 N. Shore Rd. Northville, NY 12134; 3PM-6PM

• Galway EMS: 2175 Galway Rd. Galway, NY 12074; 10AM-6PM

• Greenfield Town Hall: 7 Wilton Rd. Greenfield Center, NY 12833; 10AM-6PM

• Halfmoon Fire: 315 Middletown Rd. Waterford, NY 12188; 10AM-6PM

• Healing Springs: 125 High Rock Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; 9AM-8PM

• Malta-Stillwater EMS (out of Stillwater Public Safety Center): 266 County Rt. 76 Stillwater, NY 12170; 10AM-3PM

• Mechanicville Senior Center: 178 N. Main St. Mechanicville, NY 12118; 10AM-4PM

• Meme’s Florist & Gifts: 118 Main St. Corinth, NY 12822; 10AM-6PM

• Moreau EMS: 1583 U.S. 9 Fort Edward, NY 12828; 10AM-6PM

• O’Brien Pharmacy: 4 Front St. Ballston Spa, NY 12020; 10AM-6PM

• Saratoga County Mental Health & Addiction Services: 135 S. Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; 10AM-6PM

• Saratoga Hospital Community Health Center: 24 Hamilton St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; 10AM-6PM

• Saratoga Hospital Galway Primary Care: 5344 Sacandaga Rd. Galway, NY 12074; 10AM-5PM

• Saratoga Hospital Main Location: 211 Church St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; 9AM-4PM

• Saratoga Hospital Malta Med Emergent Care: 6 Medical Park Dr. Malta, NY 12020; 10AM-2PM

• Saratoga Hospital Malta Primary Care: 8 Medical Park Dr. Malta, NY 12020; 10AM-5PM

• Saratoga Hospital Wilton Primary Care: 3065 NY-50 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; 10AM-5PM

• Saratoga Hospital Wilton Urgent Care: 3040 NY-50 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; 10AM-6PM

• Saratoga Springs Police Department: 5 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; 10AM-6PM

• Saratoga Springs Public Library: 49 Henry St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; 10AM-6PM

• Waterford EMS: 46 4th St. Waterford, NY 12188; 10AM-6PM

• Wellspring: 2816 U.S. 9 Malta, NY 12020; 10AM-5PM

  • Town of Wilton Gavin Park: 10 Lewis Dr. Saratoga Springs; 10AM-6PM

Paving Update for the Week of Aug. 18

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Major road work continues in Saratoga Springs as the battle to not have dozens of potholes rages on. 

Here is the paving update for the next week. 

• On Monday Aug. 18, Elm Street from West Circular St to Washington St will be milled

• On Monday Aug. 18, Oak Street from Elm St to Beekman St will be milled

• On Tuesday Aug. 19, Walnut Street from West Circular St to Washington St will be milled

• On Tuesday Aug. 19, Bensonhurst Avenue from Division St to Washington St will be milled

• On Wednesday Aug. 20, Elm Street from West Circular St to Washington St will be paved

• On Wednesday Aug. 20 Oak Street from Elm St to Beekman St will be paved

• On Thursday Aug. 21 Walnut Street from West Circular St to Washington St will be milled

• On Thursday Aug. 21 Bensonhurst Avenue from Division St to Washington St 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 thru traffic until midafternoon.