A Greenfield man has been arrested on several weapons and other charges after he sent threatening text messages to another person. 

Gerald Ovitt, 54, was arrested on March 2, 2026, after he allegedly sent a threatening text message to someone he knew, and resisted arrest when confronted by Saratoga Sheriff’s Deputies. 

According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Ovitt allegedly threatened to kill the victim and sent them a photo of a rifle. When Deputies went to arrest Ovitt, he resisted arrest. 

After his arrest, a search of Ovitt’s residence found the rifle he allegedly sent a photo of and two large-capacity magazines. The investigation by the Sheriff’s Office revealed that Ovitt was legally not allowed to possess weapons due to a prior court order.

Ovitt was charged with felony 2nd degree possession of a weapon, four counts of felony 3rd degree criminal possession of a weapon, misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated harassment, misdemeanor 2nd degree obstructing governmental administration, misdemeanor 2nd degree resisting arrest and misdemeanor resisting arrest. 

Ovitt was arraigned in Greenfield Town Court and remanded into the custody of the Saratoga County Jail pending further proceedings. 

Saratoga Jewish Community Arts, with a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and the sponsorship of Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs, presents a panel discussion of the PBS drama, The Windermere Children. The program is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 at 7 pm on Zoom.

Several books and films have chronicled the 10,000 children rescued out of Europe during World War II on what became known as Kindertransport, the trains that carried the children to safety in Great Britain. 

Lesser known is the smaller, post-war British mission to rescue Jewish orphans who survived the concentration camps and give them a chance to reclaim their lives.

This is the saga told in the drama, The Windermere Children. Located in the Lake District of England, Windermere hosted the refugee children for four months in 1945. They received physical care, emotional support and education from sports coaches, social workers, rabbis and others working together to deal with the children’s traumatized psyches. 

The challenge for screenwriter Simon Block was to strike a balance between history and drama, to accurately represent on screen the children’s collective and the individual experiences. In the camps, they had learned how to survive, but those behaviors didn’t translate well into a civil society where rules existed. The children had to learn a whole new way of life.

Windermere was an extraordinary place, though. During the day, the children could run free, join countless activities, and be unafraid. But nights were different. Many succumbed to horrible nightmares that persisted in some cases throughout their lives.

A number of the survivors whose stories are portrayed appear at the end of the film. They are now the aged orphans who ultimately settled in England, Israel and the U.S. They display the remarkable human capacity for resilience that can lead to productive and even eminent lives. 

In a reunion in Prague a few years ago, hundreds came, generations of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of the original survivors.

“What is message we take from this story?” asks Phyllis Wang, Coordinator of SJCA. “How about the message of welcoming refugees? How about empathy, compassion and understanding? This is in stark contrast to what is happening in this country and all over the world today, where immigrants are greeted with negativity, fear, self-importance, and religious and racial bias. Why is it so hard to accept that so many immigrants have given so much back to the country that took them in?”

Pre-registration is required. To register, enter the URL in your browser: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/kVG1OUi/WindemereChildren

Mannix Marketing is turning 30, and the team is celebrating the only way they know how: by bringing the community together.

“We want to celebrate this milestone with the community that has supported us every step of the way,” said Sara Mannix, Founder and CEO. “For 30 years, our mission has been simple: help local businesses grow. This party is about saying thank you, reconnecting, and looking ahead to the next 30 years.”

The anniversary celebration will take place Wednesday, March 11, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at The Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill in Saratoga.

Founded in 1996, Mannix Marketing has helped thousands of local businesses strengthen their online presence. The company is known for creating and managing popular regional websites like LakeGeorge.com, Saratoga.com, Adirondack.net, GlensFalls.com, Albany.com, and CliftonPark.com, along with providing SEO, web design, social media, and digital strategy services for businesses throughout the region.

The event is free and open to the community. Guests will enjoy light appetizers, great networking, and their first drink on the house.

Whether you have partnered with Mannix Marketing, advertised on one of their sites, or simply want to connect with fellow business professionals, all are welcome.

SARATOGA COUNTY, NY – The Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services is hosting a free Double Dutch Jump Rope Clinic for youth, ages 6 to 17, April 7th through April 9th from 10:30am to 3:30pm at Gavin Park in Saratoga Springs.  Saratoga County residents are encouraged to sign up on the County’s website at www.saratogacountyny.gov/DAYS.  Registration is required and ongoing until all 100 slots are filled.

Family, friends and community members are invited to attend a performance on Thursday, April 9th at 2pm in the Christopher Dailey Gym, Gavin Park, when the participants will demonstrate the skills they’ve learned.

This is the third year the County has held the event part of Youth Month. The event aims to promote physical fitness and teamwork among youth. Last year, there were 82 participants from 14 Saratoga County municipalities.

The Double Dutch Jump Rope Clinic is a three-day event during spring break where participants will learn how to Double Dutch or improve their existing skills with nationally recognized Double Dutch trainers from Ms. K and her Swagga Jumpers. Participants will be grouped by age upon arrival and work on a group dance routine and individual Double Dutch skills. 

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, participants are advised to wear comfortable athletic clothing and sneakers.  It is also recommended to bring a water bottle each day and a bagged lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Lunch will be provided on Thursday.

For more information, please contact the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-884-4101 or visit saratogacountyny.gov/DAYS.

A Gloversville man has been arrested and charged with a felony for allegedly being caught with stolen trading cards. 

Stashu Roberts, 29, was arrested on Feb. 22 and charged with felony 3rd degree possession of stolen property and misdemeanor fostering the sale of stolen goods. 

According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Roberts is alleged to have been in possession of 105 Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards when he tried to sell them in Malta on Feb. 1. 

Roberts was arraigned and remanded into custody pending further proceedings. 

For years, the Town of Milton has quietly grown into one of Saratoga County’s most promising markets for business. Nestled west of the I-87 corridor, Milton long functioned as a bedroom community, with residents commuting to Clifton Park, Malta, and Wilton for shopping, dining, and services. But the story of Milton is changing—and local business owners are taking notice.

Population growth has been steady and strong, nearly doubling over the past 50 years. Today, Milton is the third largest town in the County with nearly 19,000 residents, with high median household incomes and a deep appreciation for supporting local businesses. This combination of density and loyalty has made early business investors in Milton’s Town Center remarkably successful, often requiring expansion within just a few years.

Two decades ago, developers and the town’s planning and zoning boards collaborated to create a Town Center concept—essentially a downtown designed to attract commerce while maintaining Milton’s community character. Early businesses discovered that Milton residents were eager to shop locally, and that enthusiasm quickly translated into consistent sales and long-term viability.

Now, Milton is entering a new phase. The recently completed $35 million airport terminal not only serves private aviation and local business travel, but also brings visitors who frequent the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and Saratoga Race Course—natural patrons of local restaurants, shops, and services. McDonald’s has opened a new store in the heart of Town Center, validating the market for national chains, and a major $100 million mixed-use development is underway, bringing new residents, commercial space, and traffic to the area.

For local business owners, Milton represents a unique opportunity: a growing, loyal customer base, proven business success, and strategic infrastructure investments that increase traffic and visibility. Whether you’re a new venture or considering a second location, Milton is ready to welcome your business. The groundwork has been laid, the market is proven, and the community is eager to support your business and make you profitable.

For additional information, click on Economic Development on Milton’s website or contact John Olenik, Director of Economic Planning at jolenik@nycap.rr.com.

On February 17, 2026, State Police arrested Thomas P. Newkirk, 32, of Milton, NY, for:

o Criminal Contempt, 1st, a class “E” felony

o Sexual Abuse, 2nd, a class “A” misdemeanor

o Three counts of Criminal Contempt 2nd, a class “A” misdemeanor

o Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a class “A” misdemeanor

On February 4, 2026, State Police Investigators received information regarding a past sexual assault of a child. The investigation determined Newkirk allegedly sexually assaulted a child under the age of 14 in Milton in the summer of 2025, all while there was an active court-issued order of protection issued against Newkirk protecting the victim. During the course of the investigation, it was also determined that Newkirk reportedly violated an active court-issued stay-away order of protection against Newkirk, protecting three children.  

Newkirk was arrested at his Milton residence and was transported to SP Saratoga for processing. He was arraigned at the Milton Town Court, where he was released on his own recognizance.

The Saratoga Springs History Museum proudly announces its reopening on March 7, unveiling an innovative new addition that brings the past to life in a way never before experienced in the region: AI-powered Historical Tour Guides.

Beginning on opening day, visitors will have the opportunity to engage directly with digital avatars of historical figures who shaped Saratoga Springs and the Museum itself. Through their smartphones, guests can chat with these AI personalities, asking questions, exploring stories, and diving deeper into the city’s remarkable past. In select exhibits, visitors will also be able to speak directly to portrait-based avatars, creating an immersive, face-to-face experience with history.

The AI Tour Guide software was created in-house by L.F. Leon, Director of Communications for the Museum, as part of an initiative to combine innovation with accessibility. The platform supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Arabic, ensuring that visitors from around the world can fully engage with and understand Saratoga’s history. This multilingual capability reflects the Museum’s commitment to making local history more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all.

These AI Guides are thoughtfully designed to reflect the voices, perspectives, and documented histories of influential figures from Saratoga’s past. Among them:

• John Morrissey, founder of the Canfield Casino (now home to the Museum) and creator of the Saratoga Race Track, who helped establish Saratoga as a premier destination in American culture.

• Frank Leslie, pioneering publisher and advocate for women’s suffrage, whose legacy helped shape national conversations around women’s rights…

and many more historical personalities whose stories are deeply intertwined with Saratoga Springs’ evolution.

Rather than reading about history, visitors can now converse with it, asking questions about daily life in the 19th century, the founding of the racetrack, the transformation of the Canfield Casino, or the fight for women’s voting rights. Each interaction is designed to deepen understanding while making history accessible, dynamic, and engaging for all ages.

“This reopening marks an exciting new chapter for the Saratoga Springs History Museum,” said Executive Director James Parillo, “We are honoring our past while embracing the future, using innovative technology to create meaningful connections between our visitors and the people who shaped this city.”

The AI Tour Guides are included with Museum admission and available to all guests beginning March 7. 

Visitors are invited to experience history in conversation and to rediscover Saratoga Springs through the voices of those who lived it.

Date: Starting on March 7th, the museum will be open Wednesdays through Sundays. 

Tickets: 

Adults $15 

Seniors (60+) $12 

Students (Any Level) $8 

Children Under 12, & Members Free

The museum was closed during the winter season and is now reopening with this exciting new launch.

A community health initiative is underway in Saratoga County to promote awareness and use of the PulsePoint Respond app and improve response to sudden cardiac arrest. 

The project is being led by Maclaine Matties, a registered nurse and Doctor of Nursing Practice/Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP/FNP) student at Sacred Heart University, in collaboration with EMS Coordinator Mike McEvoy.

PulsePoint Respond is a free smartphone application that alerts CPR-trained individuals when a suspected cardiac arrest occurs in a nearby public location, helping to bridge the critical gap between the onset of a cardiac emergency and the arrival of emergency medical services. The application connects trained responders to nearby emergencies, supporting faster intervention when every minute matters.

This project focuses particularly on encouraging nurses in the community to enroll in the application, while also welcoming participation from all Saratoga County residents trained in CPR. Although nurses are well-prepared to respond in emergency situations, fewer than thirty registered nurses in the community are currently signed up to receive PulsePoint alerts. Expanding participation among healthcare professionals and community members can strengthen emergency response and improve cardiac arrest outcomes.

PulsePoint is a public, nonprofit foundation that develops mobile applications designed to increase community involvement in emergency response and improve public safety awareness.

Sudden cardiac arrest affects more than 300,000 people outside of hospitals each year in the United States. Early CPR can significantly improve survival, but many victims do not receive immediate bystander assistance before emergency responders arrive.

More information and instructions for signing up are available at:

https://lnk.bio/pulsepoint