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SSPD, County Sheriff’s Office: Several Arrests Regarding Suspected Illegal Narcotics Possession, Sales

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA COUNTY —The Sheriff’s Office’s Special Operations Team and Narcotics Unit in cooperation with the Saratoga Springs Police Department executed two search warrants on Arapaho Path in the city of Saratoga Springs and on Rowland Street in the town of Milton. The warrants were the culmination of a lengthy investigation into illegal narcotics possession and sales in and throughout Saratoga County: 

Jesse T. Spencer (age 30) of Saratoga Springs, was charged with 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance (CPCS) in the 3rd degree (class B felonies) and CPCS in the 5th degree (class D felony). He is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing a narcotic drug with intent to sell it and of knowingly and unlawfully possessing methamphetamine of an aggregate weight of 1/8 ounce or more. Additionally, Mr. Spencer is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing 500 mg or more of cocaine. 

Harold D. Kuchler III (age 25) of Saratoga Springs, was charged with 2 counts of CPCS in the 3rd degree (class B felonies). He is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing a narcotic drug with intent to sell it and of knowingly and unlawfully possessing methamphetamine of an aggregate weight of 1/8 ounce or more. 

Stephanie A. Fitzgerald (age 37) of Saratoga Springs, was charged with CPCS in the 3rd degree (class B felony) and criminal nuisance in the 1st degree (class E felony). She is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing a narcotic drug with intent to sell it. Additionally, she is accused of knowingly and unlawfully conducting or maintaining a premise where persons come or gather for purposes of engaging in the unlawful sale of controlled substances, and deriving a benefit from that conduct. 

Jason E. Horn (age 51) of Milton, was charged with 2 counts of CPCS in the 3rd degree (class B felonies) and criminal nuisance in the 1st degree (class E felony). He is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing a narcotic drug with intent to sell it and of knowingly and unlawfully possessing methamphetamine of an aggregate weight of 1/8 ounce or more. Mr. Horn is further accused of knowingly and unlawfully conducting or maintaining a premise where persons come or gather for purposes of engaging in the unlawful sale of controlled substances, and deriving a benefit from that conduct. 

Keella M. Weaver (age 40) of Milton, was charged with 2 counts of CPCS in the 3rd degree (class B felonies). She is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing a narcotic drug with intent to sell it and of knowingly and unlawfully possessing methamphetamine of an aggregate weight of 1/8 ounce or more. 

Mr. Spencer, Ms. Weaver, Mr. Kuchler, and Mr. Horn were arraigned before the Honorable Timothy M. Brown in the Milton Town Court. Mr. Spencer was released to pretrial services; the other 3 defendants were remanded to the Saratoga County Jail pending further proceedings. Ms. Fitzgerald was arraigned before the Honorable Francine R. Vero in Saratoga Springs City Court where she was released to pretrial services pending further proceedings.

Saratoga Springs Public Library Launches Spanish Language Book Collection

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in News.

A new Spanish Book Collection featuring 130 titles was launched at Saratoga Springs Public Library on Aug. 22, 2024. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Public Library’s Access and Outreach department on Aug. 22 launched a new Spanish Book Collection featuring 130 pieces of fiction and non-fiction consisting of popular contemporary books as well as classics, Spanish language authors and translated works.

“This is a tremendous resource not only in Saratoga Springs but in the county as a whole,” said Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, who was present for the unveiling of the collection alongside The Immigrant Services resource coordinators from Lifeworks Community Action, members of the public and library staff.  

Spanish is the most common non-English language spoken in U.S. homes – 12 times greater than the next four most common languages, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Organizers at the library said the collection will serve to benefit to both – those who are fluent in Spanish, as well as those learning the language.

“The Access and Outreach department of the library looks forward to continuing to support our Spanish-speaking population’s needs for engagement, entertainment, and education, as well as supporting the empowerment of the Saratoga immigrant community,” said literacy Librarian Mary Ann Rockwell.

The launch featured shelved titles penned by Gabriel Garcia Marquez to John Grisham, Isabel Allende to Pedro Almodovar, and included an inviting decorated table with an assortment of cookies, Tres Leches Cake, and Jarritos pineapple soda. 

“One hundred and thirty items are already in the collection, which is going to grow – and it’s impossible to imagine the kind of educational or entertainment experiences that are coming out of each of the items in the collection,” said Terry Diggory, Library Board member and Co-Coordinator, Saratoga Immigration Coalition. “Even for people who may never take anything from the collection, the fact that it exists in this library says something educational about the whole community – that we are diverse, there are Spanish speaking people, or people who are trying to learn Spanish, and that’s a benefit to us all.”   

Through its website and in person, the library accepts requests for book titles that will increase the collection, Rockwell pointed out.    

“Our county is changing, and we are becoming an increasingly more multi-cultural county,” said Assemblywoman Woerner. “It’s wonderful to see our great institutions are making sure that everyone feels that they have a place here and can enjoy the love of reading. The richness that other cultures bring to our community is really enhancing the quality of life here, so, congratulations and… I don’t know how to say ‘Good luck, best wishes’ in Spanish…”  said Woerner. 

“Buena suerte!” one of the people present interjected. 

“Buena suerte! OK,” Woerner said, “there you have it!”  

CODE BLUE: $3 Million Shelter Sited

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in Featured, News.

Parcel of land at 96-116 Ballston Ave., captured from Finley Street Aug. 21, 2024, with Route 50 visible at left. The existing building in the distance is 96 Ballston Ave. and is included in the county purchase. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos. 

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution during its monthly meeting Aug. 20 to purchase a 1.4-acre parcel at 96 -116 Ballston Ave. (Route 50) in Saratoga Springs for $3 million as the future location of a permanent Code Blue homeless shelter. 

A memorandum of Understanding, or MOU, was also unanimously approved in anticipation of entering into a long-term lease with the Shelters of Saratoga organization to build and operate the cold-weather shelter.     

The goal is to have a facility open on-site by the fall of 2025, said Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett.  

Code Blue protocols are activated when the temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less, including wind chill. As an emergency wintertime shelter, it presents a different setting than a year-round 24/7 low-barrier shelter that has been discussed in Saratoga Springs in recent years. 

“The county has a responsibility that’s mandated by New York State that we need to fulfill,” Barrett said. “We need a permanent location because we’re in a very difficult position year-to-year trying to find a Code Blue shelter. We found a piece of property that can be purchased at a very attractive price – based on the zoning, based on the fact that there’s a building on the property – to be a solution to the problem.” 

The parcel was appraised at approximately $3.2 million, according to the board resolution. It stands directly opposite a commercial strip mall which features a market and other amenities and is along a public bus transport line. 

“The zoning on the parcel allows for a great deal of density, multi-family projects,” Barrett said.

Plans call for the county to purchase the parcel for about $3 million and as owner of the property enter into a long-term lease with Shelters of Saratoga, or SOS, who will presumably use the one existing building on site as well as raise funds to develop the property where a shelter will be constructed. 

“Ground leases of this type are typically over many years, at least 50 years, and there are provisions in there: if the organization were to go defunct, if there were some other circumstances where they were not able to provide the services any longer or no longer fiscally viable, then that building would revert to the county,” Barrett said. “It’s important that the county have some influence over any programs that occur there – and that’s something we will have through an MOU with Shelters, through our ownership of the property, so the county is protected.”

Basically, the county will purchase the land, and SOS will pay for the construction and operational expenses of the shelter, including staffing, utilities, and maintenance.  

The MOU will outline the basic financial arrangements and the County’s general responsibilities, including acquiring the parcel of land, leasing it to Shelters of Saratoga, and exercising final authority over which programs are conducted on the property.

County leadership and S.O.S. are philosophically aligned, Barrett added. “The county doesn’t want a low-barrier shelter, neither does Shelters. The county doesn’t want a safe injection site, or anything of that sort, neither does Shelters.”  

S.O.S. has operated a Code Blue shelter at a variety of temporary locations in Saratoga Springs during the past several years, efforts to site a permanent shelter rejected at every turn by those living close-by or with nearby interests. 

Supervisor Michele Madigan, who represents the city of Saratoga Springs at the county level, thanked her fellow board members for agreeing to the proposal, adding that the securing of a permanent site was a long time coming and is an important step to address a community need. 

“Our first Code Blue Shelter in Saratoga Springs opened in 2013 and in 2016 this became a government mandate,” Supervisor Madigan said.

The Code Blue Saratoga program was born from the tragic death of Nancy Pitts. The 54-year-old mother of two sought shelter on a Williams Street porch during a frigid December night in 2013. She was discovered by police the next morning. Within days of the homeless woman’s death, a cooperative partnership between then mayor-elect Joanne Yepsen, non-profit organizations, and members of the community was initiated and a plan set in motion to site an emergency shelter in the city. A series of cold-weather shelters have followed, each on a temporary winter-to-spring basis. 

The Code Blue program provides people with winter shelter and safety from the cold. In addition to overnight shelter, the organization offers nightly dinners and resource navigation, supportive housing, and linkage to treatment. The 2023-24 winter season included 299 unduplicated guests and was open for 171 nights, with 11,560 meals served donated by local businesses and organizations, according to S.O.S.

WMHT to Premiere New Documentary; Free Public Premiere Screening in Saratoga Springs – Info on How To Register

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — WMHT Public Media has announced the premiere of its latest locally produced documentary, From Land to Legacy: 100 Years of New York State Parks & Preservation. 

The program will traverse a century of New York’s parks, highlighting their history, beauty and grandeur, as well as the importance of preserving these natural treasures for generations to come. It is scheduled to debut on Wednesday, September 11 at 8 p.m.  

A premiere screening will be held on Monday, September 9 at 7 p.m. at the Spa Little Theater in Saratoga Spa State Park. The event is free and open to the public, and registrations for the free screening may be made at: wmht.org/screenings.  

Produced by WMHT Content & Engagement Manager Nicole Van Slyke in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation (OPRHP), the one-hour documentary will explore the history of New York’s park system, including the figures key to its development; examine the importance of conservation efforts in preserving these vital spaces; and discuss what can be done to ensure a vibrant and sustainable future.

From Land to Legacy navigates a host of historical landscapes, from the first American conservation efforts at Niagara Falls to the multicultural narratives of Sojourner Truth and Roberto Clemente State Parks. It will also feature Jones Beach in Long Island, Johnson Hall State Historic Site in Johnstown, and Ganondagan State Historic Site near Rochester. And, OPRHP Chief Diversity Officer Yolanda Bostic Williams will discuss efforts to ensure that all New Yorkers, regardless of socioeconomic background, race or disability, have access to state parks and their amenities.

 For additional details on From Land to Legacy: 100 Years of New York State Parks & Preservation, visit wmht.org/nystateparks. 

Travel Advisory: State Route 29 Closure In Schuylerville 

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in News.

SCHUYLERVILLE — The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that State Route 29 (Ferry Street) will be closed to traffic between Canal Street and Reds Road in the Village of Schuylerville for approximately three weeks beginning 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26, to accommodate a culvert repair.

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.

The three-week project was initially announced to begin Friday, Aug. 16; the change to an Aug. 26 start was announced one day later. The Washington County Fair, typically attended by more than 100,000 people, takes place Aug. 19-25 and Route 29 provides a well-travelled passage to the fair from Saratoga County and other points west.  

Drivers are advised to use the following signed detour routes: 

-Passenger vehicle detour utilizing Saratoga Street and Reds Street.

-Truck detour utilizing State Routes 32, 197 and 4, and River Road (Washington County Route 113).

Nipper Knolls Equine Center To Host Cornhole Tournament Sept. 14

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA COUNTY—Nipper Knolls Equine Center, Inc. will host its second annual cornhole tournament on Saturday, Sept. 14, starting at 1 p.m., at Gladrags Saloon located at 29 Holmes Road, Porters Corners. All proceeds will benefit Nipper Knolls Equine Center, Inc. and the Alfred Z. Solomon Veterans Program. 

Registration for the charity tournament is $40 per team (2 players) with prizes for teams finishing first through third place. Refreshments are included and a cash bar will be available. There will also be basket raffles; community members are invited to partake in, along with the tournament players. 

Teams can register online by visiting www.nipperknolls.com under “Fundraising and Events” or by calling 518-338-8016. Walk-ins the day of the event will be welcome. 

The Nipper Knolls Equine Center, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 providing people of different abilities the opportunity to experience the benefits and joys of horsemanship. It is also home to the Alfred Z. Solomon Veterans Program; a free 8-week program for veterans in a peer-to-peer setting. Veterans learn basic horsemanship, horse training, and wagon driving. There are no administrative costs or salaries paid. This is a 100% volunteer organization. To learn more about the program visit www.nipperknolls.com or www.facebook.com/nipperknolls.  

Outdoor Performance 9/1 at Saratoga Arts Celebrating New Album Release 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Longtime musical collaborators Jonathan Moritz and Mike Pride  will be staging an outdoor performance at Saratoga Arts Center, 6:30 – 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 1. 

The pair have worked together for more than two decades, sharing a deep love for experimentation and free improvisation. The Sept. 1 performance celebrates the release of their second album, “Summertime” (Neither / Nor Records 2024), described as an amalgam of avant-garde jazz, lo-fi, sound collage, improv, field recording, with a touch of psychedelic production. 

“The record is all improvised sax and drums duets that we recorded organically in 2020 and 2021 over weekends in Mike’s back yard, studio and near a stream during our family vacation in Maine,” Moritz says.  “The laughter and screaming of our children, the stream gurgling, the splashes of rocks were not added afterwords but in the background during the recordings, an ode to our daily life. I feel this record is a culmination of our improvised, joyful adventures together.”

Location: Outdoor performance at Saratoga Arts Center, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. RSVP (suggested donation of $10-$20, pay what you can for the artist community). For more information, go to: https://improvspaces.wordpress.com/. 

Saratoga County Approves Agreement with Vermont Firm for Election Results Consolidation and Reporting Software

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA— At its monthly meeting on Aug. 20, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the execution of an agreement with Sage Smith Consulting of Vermont, for the provision of election results reporting and management software.

The 4-year agreement serves as a renewal to an agreement first initiated in 2020, and calls for $30,148 in costs for the first year, and $16,909 annually for licensing, maintenance, and support for three additional years starting with the second year of the agreement.   

“Elections needs to be able to provide timely and accurate reporting of election results to the general public as well as to candidates and campaigns following elections,” according to the resolution, which also cites the need of the county Board of Elections of accurate and reliable election results software to help canvass votes.

In all, the agreement extends the current software license to Sept. 3, 2028 at a total cost of $30,148 and continuing the hosting and support for 2025-2028 at a total cost of $67,636, according to the resolution.