Skip to main content

SPRING STARTS HERE! New York’s Outdoor Sports, Recreation, and Travel Expo

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

photo provided.

The 20th annual Upstate Sports Summer Expo is back at the Saratoga Springs City Center on Saturday-Sunday, March 14-15 – beat cabin fever and get excited about spring and summer at the gathering of outdoor sports, recreation, health/fitness, and travel enthusiasts!

The free admission, high energy show brings Upstate Sports & Vermont Sports magazines to life with 200 exhibitors covering running, biking, paddling, hiking, triathlon, recreation, health/fitness, and travel. We have many Upstate New York regional destinations represented, including Capital-Saratoga, Adirondacks, Hudson Valley, Catskills, Central NY, 1000 Islands, Finger Lakes, and Western NY. Attendees can also speak with ultralight canoe and kayak builders, local bike shops, camps and retreats, trails and sustainability, outdoor recreation, and health and fitness professionals.

Attendees can buy new clothing, gear, health/fitness and lifestyle products and services, enter to win many Expo prizes; enjoy in-booth demos; and bring the kids of all ages for educational, entertaining and fitness activities. Activities include disc golf, paddling, rowing, a working canal lock, Sunday morning group shakeout run/walk with Neighbor Running with Mizuno shoe demos, and much more! For kids, we’ll have kids on bikes indoor riding, hands-on wildlife displays, and fun interactive games. Plus, we’ll have lunch, snack, and drink options from 9 Miles East, Broadway Coffee, Ben & Jerry’s – and get a complimentary Summer Expo photo printout from Saratoga Photobooth!

The Summer Expo is an annual celebration of active, healthy living with like-minded people in an upbeat atmosphere – ideal to kickoff spring! Expo-goers can speak with local club members and join to get involved, speak with event directors and sign-up with show specials, set realistic health/fitness and wellness goals, and challenge yourself to make it a great year! Plan your next vacation, adventure and travel with our many destination exhibitors representing beautiful lakes, mountains, trails, communities, lodging, attractions, and events/races.

The free admission Upstate Sports Summer Expo is at the Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, on Saturday, 10am-5pm and Sunday, 10am-4pm. For more info and an updated list of exhibitors, visit: upstatesports.fun/summer-expo. For details and updates on the Summer Expo and our magazines, follow or like us on facebook.com/adirondacksports and instagram.com/adirondacksports.

Ballston Spa Mayor Returns from Hiatus

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, News.

In a video posted to Facebook, Ballston Spa Mayor Frank Rossi announced that he is not resigning and will be returning to office after a brief hiatus due to health reasons

After a brief hiatus due to medical reasons, Mayor Frank Rossi announced his to day-to-day duties in Ballston Spa. 

The announcement was made in a speech posted on Facebook on February 26. In the speech, Rossi talked about the reasons he took a leave of absence and said that he was feeling better. 

“I feel a lot better.” Rossi said. “My blood pressure is much better. My sleep schedule and sleep consistency are much improved. I would have said I was perfectly ready to return to work without hesitation.” 

Rossi had previously announced his decision to take a leave of absence in January, citing mental and physical health issues. His announcement came days after a lawsuit was filed alleging that a building owned by the Rossi family had failed to pay water taxes, as first reported in the Times Union. 

In addition, a second lawsuit has been filed seeking to reverse an ethics board decision taking no action after a company Rossi’s brother works for received a contract to renovate Wiswall Park in Ballston Spa. 

In his speech Rossi addressed the two lawsuits, pushing back on the allegations and saying that in both cases, the ethics board ruled in his favor. He also talked about the personal toll, saying that while he doesn’t care about his reputation, he cares about the reputational harm to the village and his family caused by the allegations. 

Rossi announced that he would not be resigning, citing the positive work he’d done over the last four years and the desire to continue not just his own work but that of past mayors and residents. 

“Would me resigning tonight resolve these issues and solve the problems the village is facing?” Rossi said  “No in fact, resigning would exacerbate the problems and the harm, in my view, it would derail what we’ve worked so hard to achieve, not just in these four years, but during Christine Fitzpatrick’s time, Larry Woolbright’s time, John Romanos time, Jim Capasso’s time, Burke Grandon’s time and Jim Capasso’s father’s time as mayor.” 

Saratoga County Career Center Announces March Virtual Workshops Schedule

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Saratoga County Career Center in conjunction with the Greater Capital Region Career Centers will hold the following free virtual career workshops during March:

March 4 at 10AM and March 5 at 10:30AM: Resume Development – This workshop presents the basics of a powerful and effective cover letter including formatting, tailoring to the job, and getting through the online application process to land an interview. Please have a rough draft of your resume with you. Facilitated by Rensselaer, Columbia-Greene, and Schenectady.

March 9 at 10AM: Broadview Financial Well-Being – Your budget is a key that opens doors, guiding you to your money goals. Get ready to take control of your finances and your future! Find out how to organize what you make, spend, and save; set goals to save up, spend down, look ahead; harness the power of mindful spending; and identify budget tactics that work best for you. Facilitated by Broadview and Schenectady.  

March 10 at 10:30AM: Interview Preparation – Learn how to articulate your strengths, what questions to expect, how to address difficult topics, and ace the interviewing process. Facilitated by Schenectady.

March 11 at 10AM and March 24 at 1:30PM: Goal Setting – Goals are what take us forward in life. They are the first step in every journey we take. In this workshop we will explain how goal setting works, why goals are important, and take home more helpful resources to get you started. Remember: “If you aim for nothing, you’ll hit it every time.” Find out how to reach your dreams. Facilitated by Washington, Albany, and Schenectady.

March 12 at 11AM: Essential Skills for Success in Any Workplace – Join this engaging workshop to learn about the skills that are most valued by business leaders yet are underdeveloped in employees. Learn why these skills are critically important, how to develop them, and the influence of AI. Facilitated by Albany.

March 17 at 10:30AM and March 19 at 11AM: Completing Job Applications – Statistics show approximately 50% of mid-sized companies and almost all large corporations use an applicant tracking system to screen candidates for job opportunities. Learn how to prepare your online application to get the most visibility from hiring managers. Facilitated by Schenectady, Saratoga, and Washington.

 March 19 at 1:30PM and March 26 at 10AM: Transferable Skills – Transferable skills are qualities you have already acquired which can be used in a different job. Make it easy for employers to see the connection between your qualities and the skillset needed to do the job and market yourself as the solution to an employer’s problem. Learn ways to research the employer’s needs, then identify and show them that you have these skills. Facilitated by Warren, Washington, and Schenectady.

March 20 at 10:30AM and March 25 at 10:30AM: Networking – Networking is your strategic tool for cultivating lasting relationships, fostering professional growth, and unlocking opportunities. Join us for an approachable journey to understanding networking. Facilitated by Albany, Warren, and Schenectady.

March 24 at 11AM: Overcoming Barriers – Join an informal discussion about how to overcome potential stumbling blocks to finding a job. Whether you’re facing transportation needs, childcare needs, prior justice system involvement, inexperience, health concerns or more, this workshop will provide you with resources and strategies to help you meet your goals. Facilitated by Fulton-Montgomery-Schoharie.

March 26 at 1:30PM: Social Media – Your social media presence can make or break your ability to find a job. Learn how to use social media to your advantage in searching for a job and marketing yourself to land the job or career you’ve always wanted. Facilitated by Schenectady.

Registration is required for all workshops. Visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/workforce to register or call the Saratoga County Career Center at (518) 884-4170 for more information. 

The workshops are offered as part of the Saratoga County Career Center’s WorkPays! workforce education campaign. The Saratoga County Department of Workforce Development provides comprehensive training and employment services to residents through its Career Center and works with local businesses to attract and retain the local workforce.

Kim to Takeover as Interim Leader of Saratoga Springs Democrats

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, News.

Former Mayor Ron Kim will lead the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee as interim chairman (Photo: Saratoga Springs Democrats Facebook page.)

The Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee has announced that former mayor Ron Kim will take over as interim chairman of the committee. 

Kim was elected to the interim position following the resignation of chairman Ottis Maxwell during the Feb 21 meeting, according to a press release issued by the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee. 

Kim previously served as Mayor from 2022- 2023 before being defeated by current Mayor John Safford in 2023. Prior to that, he served as Commissioner of Public Safety from 2005-2009. 

“Our local Democrats have spoken, and we need to prove that we hear them,”  Kim said in the release. “A local committee’s role has always been about building power and resources to help our candidates succeed, and moving forward, the SSDC is doubling down on this critical mission. While I may be a familiar face around city politics, I’m doggedly committed to recruiting and empowering new voices with the energy and expertise that can lead our candidates to victory, while keeping voters engaged and informed.” 

In the release, the Committee also announced that former Commissioner of Finance and current County Supervisor Minita Sanghvi and Former Accounts Commissioner Dillon Moran had both resigned their positions on the executive committee — among other resignations. 

The resignations come after the committee suffered major setbacks in the 2025 elections. While Democrats defeated Republicans Chuck Marshall for control of the Department of Public Works and George Ehinger for supervisor, they lost control of the Finance and Accounts Department while failing to unseat Safford for the Mayor’s seat. 

The press release addressed these losses and said they conducted surveys into what Democratic voters wanted to see from the party moving forward. According to the Committee, voters wanted to see new leadership and commitment to winning state races. 

As for Kim, he will serve in an interim capacity until a new Chairperson can be elected sometime later this year. 

Hadley Man in Critical Condition after Snowmobile Crash

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

A Hadley man was rushed to the hospital on March 2 after an unwitnessed snowmobile crash on Sacandaga Lake in the Town of Day. 

Ryan Looman, 67, of Hadley was airlifted to Albany Medical Center after his snowmobile crashed while he rode on Lake Sacandaga, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. 

A preliminary investigation by the Sheriff’s Office found that Looman was about 1,000 yards offshore when he crashed. While the crash wasn’t witnessed, another rider who had been riding behind him discovered the crash. 

Looman was transported to Albany Medical Center in serious condition with life-threatening injuries. The crash is still under investigation. 

Fraudulent EZPass Activity Investigation Leads to Felony Arrest

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

On February 26, 2026, State Police of Clifton Park, with the assistance of the Schenectady Police Department, arrested Mazin S. Kakoum, 27, of Clifton Park, NY, for three counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 2nd, a class “D” felony.

On February 25, 2026, State Police received a complaint from a Rensselaer County resident reporting fraudulent activity on their EZPass account. The investigation led to the discovery of a vehicle on River Crest Drive in Clifton Park that displayed a forged New York State license plate. The forged plate matched the victim’s legitimate registration. Kakoum allegedly owned and operated multiple vehicles while displaying the forged plate he reportedly purchased online, resulting in misallocated tolls on the victims’ EZPass account. In addition, two more fraudulent plates in his possession were located and seized.

Kakoum was arrested at his home and transported to SP Clifton Park for processing. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Clifton Park Town Court on March 18, 2026, and released. 

State Police arrest Moreau Man Following Arson Investigation

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

On February 23, 2026, State Police of Wilton arrested Brian A. Lemery, 69, of Moreau, NY, for:

o Arson, 3rd, a class “C” felony

o Burglary 3rd, a class “D” felony

o Criminal Mischief 2nd, a class “D” felony

On December 3, 2024, troopers responded to the report of a garage fire on Jackson Road in Moreau. The investigation determined that Lemery allegedly entered the garage without permission and intentionally started the fire that eventually caused more than $1,500 worth of damage to the structure.

Lemery was arrested at his home and transported to SP Wilton for processing. He was arraigned at the Saratoga County Court, where he was released under the supervision of the Saratoga County Probation Department.

Congregation Shaara Tfille/Jewish Community Center Announces Retirement of Office Manager

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Congregation Shaara Tfille /The Jewish Community Center of Saratoga Springs announces the retirement of Carole Leakakos, marking the conclusion of 30 years of devoted service to the congregation and the Saratoga Springs community.

Since joining the synagogue three decades ago, Carole has been a constant and welcoming presence at the heart of synagogue life. As Office Manager, she served as the primary point of contact for congregants, clergy, the Board of Directors, and the broader Saratoga Springs community. Her professionalism, leadership, and genuine warmth made her an indispensable member of the Congregation Shaara Tfille family.

The congregation expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Carole for her many years of dedication and extends its warmest wishes for health, happiness, and fulfillment in her well-deserved retirement.

Deputies injured in Ramming Incident

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

A Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office vehicle was struck by James McMahon after he fled from officers attempting to pull him over ( Courtesy of Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office)

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office has arrested man who they allege rammed into them while they attempted to pull him over. 

James McMahon, 42, of Milton, has been charged with felony 2nd degree criminal mischief, 2nd degree assault, and  1st degree reckless endangerment. He was also charged with 3 misdemeanor charges. The incident occurred on Feb. 19, 2026. 

According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, deputies attempted to pull McMahon on Route 9 in the Town of Corinth when he fled. He then struck the back of the of a Sheriff’s patrol car with his 2024 Dodge Ram, damaging the patrol car and forcing it off the road. 

McMahon continued to evade officers and eventually pulled over on Spier Falls Road in Moreau. McMahon then exited his and ran at law enforcement while attempting to punch them. This resulted in two deputies receiving facial lacerations, which were treated on scene by Moreau EMS. 

McMahon was arraigned in Corinth Town Court and released on bond. 

Assemblywoman Walsh Calls for Energy Affordability and Grid Stability at Capitol Press Conference

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Assembly and Senate Republicans in the Senate Parlor at a press conference addressing recent NYSERDA memo indicating skyrocketing energy costs ( Courtesy of Mary Beth Walsh)

Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C–Ballston) stood alongside fellow lawmakers from the Senate and Assembly Minorities at the state Capitol today to address the growing energy affordability crisis affecting families and businesses across New York caused by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

Representing Saratoga, Schenectady and Fulton counties, Walsh said residents throughout the Capital Region are feeling the strain of rapidly rising electricity and heating costs.

“Families in my district are seeing dramatic increases in their monthly utility bills, and they deserve answers,” Walsh said. “When residential electricity prices have risen 47.1% since 2019 and we continue to hear warnings about grid reliability, it’s clear we must reassess our current path.”

Walsh also pointed to a recent internal memo from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) outlining potential cost increases associated with the state’s climate mandates. According to the memo, compliance with the CLCPA could significantly raise fuel costs in the coming years, including projected increases of more than $2.23 per gallon for gasoline, $2.41 per gallon for diesel, and $16.96 per MMBtu for natural gas by 2031.

At the same time, The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has raised concerns about grid reliability in the near future, underscoring the need for a balanced and responsible energy strategy.

At the press conference, Walsh joined her colleagues in outlining proposals aimed at providing immediate financial relief while strengthening the long-term reliability of New York’s energy system. These proposals include:

• Income-based rebate checks of up to $400 for utility ratepayers

• Returning surplus clean energy funds from NYSERDA’s Climate Investment Account directly to ratepayers as utility bill credits

• Halting the natural gas ban and zero-emission school bus mandate

• Reinvestment in natural gas plants that were forced into retirement under current policies.

• Expansion of the POWER UP grant program to incentivize the quick build-out of reliable energy

“I speak with members from across the state who are reporting the same thing: energy costs are unsustainable for working families, seniors on fixed incomes and small businesses,” Walsh said. “We can pursue environmental progress, but it must be done responsibly and transparently, with affordability and reliability at the forefront.”

Walsh emphasized that New York must adopt a practical, all-of-the-above approach that protects ratepayers, strengthens grid capacity and ensures stability for communities statewide instead of passing crazy mandates such as the gas stove ban and repealing the 100-foot rule.

“Our goal should be clear,” Walsh concluded. “Reliable power, reasonable costs and policies grounded in reality, not mandates that outpace our infrastructure or our families’ ability to pay.”