The New York State Police are continuing their search for Stephen J. Houghton and are seeking assistance from the public.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is now involved in this investigation, and a reward of $25,000 has been offered for information leading to his whereabouts.

On August 18, 2023, Troopers responded to the Villa Motel located on State Route 9 in the town of Ausable regarding a missing person report. Family members informed the State Police that Stephen J. Houghton, from Keeseville, NY, has not been heard from or seen since February 2022. The last known sighting of Houghton was at Stewart’s gas station in Port Henry, NY, on February 20, 2022. At the time he went missing, he was 35 years old. He is a white male, approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing about 225 pounds, with black hair and blue eyes.

Multiple law enforcement agencies have been contacted regarding Houghton’s disappearance. Family and friends are cooperating with law enforcement to provide any information that may help locate him. The State Police continue their investigation, and with the involvement of the ATF, they hope to gather more information about Houghton’s whereabouts.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Stephen J. Houghton is asked to please contact the New York State Police in 518-897-2000.

Downtown Ballston Spa will once again roar to life on Sunday, October 12, from 9 AM to 4 PM as the Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association (BSBPA) presents the 23rd Annual “The Way We Were” Car Show. This community favorite will transform the village into a showcase of classic cars, live entertainment, family fun, and local flavor.

Each year, the show draws well over 400 classic and custom vehicles from across the region, lining Front Street with gleaming chrome and timeless style. In addition to the stunning cars and trucks, the day will feature food and craft vendors, live music, kids’ activities, and a trophy ceremony celebrating standout vehicles.

The show’s name pays tribute to the film The Way We Were, starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford. Several scenes were filmed in downtown Ballston Spa in 1972, making the title a fitting nod to the village’s place in Hollywood history.

“We’re so proud to bring back this fall tradition for its 23rd year,” said Christine Kernochan, Chairperson of the Car Show Committee. “It’s more than just a car show—it’s a celebration of community spirit that draws visitors to Ballston Spa, supports our local businesses, and raises funds for the BSBPA’s year-round programs.”

Car owners may pre-register on the BSBPA’s website through October 3 for $20. Cars can also register the morning of the event for $25 cash. Spectator admission is free. The rain date is scheduled for Sunday, October 19.

The BSBPA thanks its Checkered Flag Sponsors for their generous support: Mangino Chevrolet Buick GMC, Michael’s Automotive, Ballston Spa National Bank, MJP Heating and Cooling, Morris Ford, Pompa Bros and Friend of the BSBPA.

For event details, registration information, or vendor inquiries, please visit www.ballston.org

It was a somber and reflective morning as hundreds of citizens, first responders, elected officials, veterans and sailors gathered to honor the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. 

The ceremony took place at High Rock Park in front of the “Tempered by Memory” sculpture which comprises steel from the World Trade Center. During the Ceremony, speakers recalled the events of the attack and the loss of friends who died in the wars that followed the attack. 

The event started with a moment of silence at 8:46 — the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. It included remarks by Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford, keynote speaker Saratoga Springs Police Department Sargant Christopher Callahan and Captain James R. Diefenderfer Jr. the commanding officer of the Nuclear Power Training Unit in Ballston Spa. 

In his remarks, Callahan, a retired Army Reservist, spoke of the sacrifice of those lost during the attacks and his own experience serving in the Army after 9/11. 

“I’ve yet to get through a 9/11 since 2001 without shedding more than a few tears for all those who lost their lives tragically that day,” Sgt. Callahan said. “I also can’t help but feel a sense of pride for all those who stood up and answered the call when their fellow countrymen needed them.”

Callahan also told the story of Staff Sgt. Dain Venn, a soldier from Port Henry who Callahan met while serving. Venn was killed in a roadside bomb attack in 2012 in Afghanistan.  Callahan described Venn as “instantly likable, one of the funniest, most quick-witted people I’ve ever met,” and spoke about his actions in Afghanistan which earned him a bronze star with v device for valor. 

Similar remarks were echoed by Capt. Diefenderfer who talked about being a midshipman, U.S. Naval Academy at the time of the attacks and how his computer networks professor spent time talking to them about what the attacks would mean for their military careers. 

Diefenderfer also spoke about the personal challenge of what to tell sailors who weren’t alive in 2001 about the attacks. 

“When I speak to them about the events of that day, what do I want them to remember?” Capt. Diefenderfer said.  “I want them to remember the heroes and to be inspired by them. I want them to remember the 343 firefighters and the 72 law enforcement officers who ran into harm’s way to help others, I want them to remember the passengers of flight 93.” 

Capt. Diefenderfer also spoke of the sacrifices of those who were lost during the wars that followed including the professor who gave him the lesson, Marine Lt. Col. Kevin Shea, who was killed in Iraq in 2004. 

On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist hijacked four planes and crashed three of them into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Arlington Virginia. The fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after a passenger revolt forced it down before it could attack its intended target. 

The attacks killed 2,996 people, the majority of them when the North and South Towers collapsed. In the years that have followed, thousands of first responders and residents near the site of the collapse have died from related illnesses. In the wars that followed the attacks, between 897,000-929,000 people were killed — among those 7,052 were US military with another 8,189 serving as US Contractors.