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Saratoga County Grand Jury Returns Indictment in Time for Paws Case

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Owner of a Time for Paws has been indicted by a grand jury after a French bulldog Gus died of heatstroke (Courtesy of Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office)

Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby announced today that a Saratoga County Grand Jury has returned an indictment against Yvette Giovanni in connection with the investigation into the Time for Paws case.

The indictment charges Giovanni with Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, and 11 counts of Overdriving, Torturing, and Injuring Animals.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment and the investigation conducted by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office in coordination with the Town of Halfmoon, Yvette Giovanni, the owner and operator of Time for Paws, is alleged to have knowingly maintained animals in conditions that posed a substantial risk to their health and safety. On July 7th and July 8th of 2025, multiple animals housed at the facility were allegedly confined in crates located in areas of excessive heat, without adequate ventilation, sufficient access to water, or appropriate means to cool themselves.

Investigators determined that several of the animals exhibited clear signs of distress consistent with heat exposure, including excessive panting, lethargy, and dehydration. It is further alleged that the conditions within the facility failed to meet minimum standards of care required for animals in a commercial daycare and boarding setting. As a result of these conditions, a French bulldog named Gus suffered fatal heat stroke. The death of Gus, along with the condition of the other animals present, forms the central basis of the allegations contained in the indictment.

“Saratoga County takes allegations of animal abuse extremely seriously,” said District Attorney Brett Eby. “Our office worked closely with the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office throughout this investigation, and both of our agencies have dedicated units that focus on protecting animals and ensuring that individuals who abuse them are held accountable. We remain committed to seeking justice in cases involving cruelty to animals.”

The prosecution of this matter is being handled by Special Victims Bureau Chief Rachael Phelan and Senior Assistant District Attorney Mary Northrup. The investigation was led by Saratoga County Sheriff’s Deputy Leah Howe and Animal Control Officer Victoria Hanna. 

Mike Brandi Steps Down as Chairman of Saratoga Springs Republicans.

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

Mike Brandi has announced his resignation as Chairman of the Saratoga Springs Republican Committee due to a move to Wilton (Courtesy of Michael Brandi)

Mike Brandi, Chairman of the Saratoga Springs Republican Committee has announced his resignation after four years on the job. 

Brandi made the announcement in a Facebook post on March 12. The announcement said his resignation is due to an upcoming move to Wilton. While he may be stepping down from the top job at the committee, he will serve as its Vice Chair. 

“Serving as Chairman has been an honor and a privilege,” Brandi said in the statement. “Together, we strengthened the committee, supported capable candidates, and worked to ensure that voters had principled, responsible choices. Our work promoted transparency, accountability, and professionalism—principles that I hope will continue to guide the committee for years to come.” 

During his time as chair, Brandi saw Republicans gain decisive control of the Saratoga Springs City Council. In 2025, Republicans elected Jessica Troisi for Commissioner of Accounts and JoAnne Kiernan for Commissioner of Finance while reelecting incumbent Mayor John Safford. Safford was first elected mayor in 2023, defeating then Mayor Ron Kim.  

Outside of elections, Brandi initiated a criminal complaint against then Commissioner of Accounts Dillon Moran for failure to comply with New York’s Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). In the subsequent trial, Moran was found guilty of three counts of unlawful obstruction of public records and fined $600 — the first case of a conviction for this offense in New York. 

Brandi testified against Moran in the trial and received acclaim for his actions. In December, he was honored by the New York Coalition for Open Government through its 2025 “Nice List.” Moran meanwhile lost reelection and was placed on the Coalition’s “Naughty List.” 

As for the Saratoga Springs Republicans, attorney Gerard Paris was unanimously elected to serve as chairman going forward. 

AIM Services to Lead New York’s  Supported Decision Making Model

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


AIM Services will be the lead agency responsible for implementing Supported Decision Making Statewide (Aidan Cahill).

Dwight Joyner said that Supported Decision Making has allowed him to live his life independently and safely. (Aidan Cahill). 

A new statewide system to help those with disabilities make their own choices will be led by a Saratoga County-based company. 

AIM Services Inc., located in the Town of Wilton, was awarded a contract to facilitate New York’s Supported Decision-Making (SDM) model for people with developmental disabilities. The model is designed to allow those with developmental disabilities to have control over things like finances and relationships while receiving support from third party organizations. 

AIM Services CEO Chris Lyons said that the SDM approach is a relatively new concept which emerged out of concerns regarding how people with developmental disabilities were traditionally treated under guardianships. 

“If you have guardianship, despite the well intention of the guardian, you’re not really in control,” Lyons said. “Supported Decision Making gives you legal capacity to make your own decisions that would be recognized by the outside world as your decisions, but you agree to use your supports. They don’t replace or substitute their judgment for yours. They just help you make full, informed decisions.” 

New York’s SDM model was first piloted in 2016 by Supported Decision-Making New York and CUNY Hunter College using funding from Council on Developmental Disabilities. The pilot was expanded in 2021 by the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) using federal funding. In 2022, the framework for SDM was signed into law, granting statewide recognition of the model. 

Under the new contract, AIM services will be the lead agency responsible for implementing and facilitating SDM statewide. 

“Anyone with a developmental disability can reach out to AIM Services and have their assistance in using their natural supports and trusted loved ones in their life to just give them that little extra support in making a decision, giving them the autonomy and the dignity to live their own lives,” OPWDD Commissioner Willow Baer said. 

Both OPWDD and AIM Services stressed the benefits of SDM for those with disabilities and their caregivers. Lyons said the program allows parents with adult children with disabilities to be parents and not just caregivers. Baer emphasized that SDM helps those with disabilities be able to live their lives with dignity. 

“Legal capacity to make decisions,” Baer said.  “It is at the core of our human dignity to enjoy our successes in life, the natural consequences of our choices, our decisions, our experiences, the mosaic of our choices that make us who we are. At the core of our human dignity is our ability to own our own successes, and we can only do that if we’re allowed to own our own failures.” 

One of the people currently benefiting from SDM, Dwight Joyner, spoke about his experience with AIM and SDM. Joyner said that SDM allows him to make his own decisions without having to completely rely on others. 

“Decision making means that I can make my own choices and do the things I want to do,” Joyner said. “Make my own meals, take a walk down the street. Be able to have a relationship without someone telling me I can’t be in the relationship.” 

Matt Jones Named Saratoga County Chamber’s 2026 Joseph Dalton Community Service Award Recipient

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Local Attorney Matt Jones has received the Dalton Community Service Award (Photo Courtesy of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce).

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce announces that Matt Jones is the 2026 Joseph Dalton Community Service Award recipient.

Jones will be presented with this award at the Annual Chamber Celebration Night on Thursday, May 7 at the 1863 Club at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs.

This recognition, created by unanimous vote of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors in 2017, is a community service-focused award to honor an individual who has been faithful and loyal to the Saratoga County community for more than 25 years.

Jones is the Senior Partner at Jones Steves Grassi LLP, concentrating his practice in land use and development matters in Saratoga County, representing clients with major development projects. He has represented GlobalFoundries, Saratoga Hospital, Skidmore College, Regeneron and many more throughout his nearly five decades of practice.

During his career, Jones has played a significant role in the Saratoga Springs community. He has served as a Vice President of the New York State Bar Association and member of its Executive Committee as well as a former President of the Saratoga County Bar Association. In addition, he has served as: President of the Saratoga Springs Board of Education; Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce; President of the Saratoga County YMCA Board of Directors; President of the Saratoga Springs Lions Club Foundation Board of Trustees; Vice Chairman and founding Director of the Saratoga Springs City Center Authority; Chairman of the West Avenue Redevelopment Advisory Committee; Chairman of the Saratoga Springs Committee on Recreation; Member of the Saratoga Springs Charter Review Commission; Member of the Board of Directors of the Leadership Saratoga Advisory Board; Member of the Board of Directors of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation; Chairman of the Blue Streaks Hall of Fame Committee; Co-Founder of the Saratoga County Bar Association Mock Trial Program; and Board Member of the Saratoga Springs Smart City Commission.

In addition to his upcoming receipt of the Chamber’s 2026 Joseph Dalton Community Service Award, Jones has been the recipient of the Leadership Saratoga Distinguished Alumnus Award for Outstanding Service and Achievement to the Community by a Graduate of the Leadership Saratoga program, the YMCA Outstanding Volunteer Service Award for Untiring Devotion to the YMCA, the Community Leadership Association – Distinguished Leadership Award for Exemplary Service, Commitment to the Community, and the 2024 Liberty Bell Award. He was inducted into the Saratoga Springs High School Hall of Distinction in 2022.

“Based upon the activities, involvement, and leadership in the community over the past 47 years,” said past Joseph Dalton Community Service Award recipient L. Clifford Van Wagner in his nomination of Jones, “I can say without reservation that he has proven through his actions to be honorable, ready, relevant, innovative, and versatile while always doing what is right for the community.”

“I worked very closely with Matt the year he chaired the Chamber’s Board of Directors and his advice, and counsel was always based on what was best for the community,” said Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “He’s given his time, talent, and treasure to so many vital parts of our community for decades, and he is one of those leaders everyone respects for the positive difference he makes. The City Center, Saratoga Hospital, the Saratoga Springs School District, and the Saratoga Regional YMCA just to name a few are all better because of Matt’s leadership.”

In addition to its annual recipient, the award recognizes Joseph Dalton, who served as the President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce from 1970 to 2010. During his tenure, the Chamber’s membership, influence, and impact grew significantly as a direct result of Dalton’s leadership, passion, and commitment to establishing Saratoga County as a great place to live, work and play.

Past recipients of the Joseph Dalton Community Service Award include: Steve Sullivan (2018); Tom Roohan (2019); John Munter, Sr. (2020); Julie Stokes (2021); L. Clifford Van Wagner (2022); Dr. William Long (2023); Cindy Hollowood (2024); and Colleen Carlson (2025).

Milton Man Arrested for Rape of a Child

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

A Milton man has been arrested after he allegedly raped a child. 

Chad Walco, 48, of Milton was arrested by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office on March 6 and charged with felony 3rd degree rape, misdemeanor first degree unlawfully dealing with a child and misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child. 

Walco is alleged to have had sexual contact with someone under the age of 17 and providing alcohol to those under 21. The incident is alleged to have occurred at the Kayadeross Acres Mobile Home Park in Milton on Nov. 28, 2025. 

Walco was arraigned in the Milton Town Court and placed in the Saratoga County Jail pending further charges. 

Clifton Park Woman Arrested for Hitting a Child

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

A Clifton Park woman has been arrested after she allegedly hit a child with part of a vacuum. 

Lakiesha DeVaughn, 45, was arrested by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office on March 6 and charged with felony 2nd degree assault and misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child. The incident occurred on Huntridge Drive in the Town of Clifton Park. 

According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, DeVaughn allegedly hit a seven-year-old child with a plastic vacuum component on the night of March 5. The child suffered several bruises and swelling on their arm as a result of the alleged assault. 

DeVaughn was arranged in the Clifton Park Town Court and released on her own recognizance.

Malta Man Arrested for Animal Abuse

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

The Saratoga Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Malta man after he is alleged to have abused two dogs in the Town of Malta. 

Joseph Landry IV, 40, was arrested on March 5. He was charged with two counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals, and two counts of failure to provide sustenance. All counts are class A misdemeanors. 

The dogs— a Maltese and Yorkshire terrier —were found on Jan. 9, 2026, at Landry’s residence on Route 9 in Malta. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the terrier was found with facial hair sticking to its eyes, overgrown nails, sores on its back and severe dental disease. The Maltese, meanwhile, was found with severe crusting of the eyes, ocular discharge, fur matting around its eyes, a flea infestation and a dewclaw growing on the pad of its paw. 

The dogs were transported to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter for treatment and Evaluation. The house was condemned by Malta Code Enforcement. 

Landry was arraigned in Malta Town Court and returned to the Warren County Jail where he was being held on other charges. 

Saratoga County Clerk Craig A. Hayner Announces 9th Annual Yellow Ribbon Day Donation Drive

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

A simple box of snacks and personal care items can mean far more than its contents to a servicemember deployed far from home. Saratoga County Clerk Craig A. Hayner today announced plans for the ninth annual Yellow Ribbon Day Donation Drive, aimed at filling “Freedom Boxes” for local troops serving overseas.

The drive will run from March 14 through April 6. Donations of individual-sized snacks and personal care items will benefit Blue Star Mothers of America NY-2, who assemble and ship the packages. The effort coincides with New York State’s Yellow Ribbon Day on April 9, a day dedicated to honoring active-duty military members and their families.

Collection boxes will be located at municipal offices throughout Saratoga County, as well as at Hannaford stores across the county.

County Clerk Hayner said the drive offers residents a meaningful way to show their support. “For nearly a decade, this community has stepped up to remind our deployed men and women that they are not alone,” Hayner said. “These Freedom Boxes deliver more than everyday essentials — they deliver encouragement from home. As we launch our ninth year, I’m confident Saratoga County will once again answer the call.”

Donna Abare, president of Blue Star Mothers of America NY-2, said the annual Yellow Ribbon drive plays a vital role in helping the organization meet growing demand. “What we receive through the generosity of this collection will help us send hundreds of boxes in May to troops who truly look forward to them.”

Abare said the impact goes beyond the items inside. “When servicemembers receive a Freedom Box, they know someone took the time to think of them,” she said. “The reminder that they are not forgotten means everything.”

Frank McClement, director of the Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency, said the impact is personal. “When you’re deployed, something as simple as a package from home can reset your whole outlook,” McClement said. “It lifts morale and reinforces that your community values your service. I hope everyone will take part in keeping this tradition strong.”

Donations can include non-perishable items like cookie and cracker snack packages, microwaveable soup cups, fruit snacks, granola bars and beef jerky, as well as personal care items such as insect repellent wipes, body wash (small), lip balm, puzzle books and more. 

Donated goods can be dropped off at the following locations during regular business hours:

• DMV offices in Saratoga County (located in Ballston Spa, Clifton Park and Wilton)

• Saratoga County Clerk’s Office, 40 McMaster St., Ballston Spa

• Veterans Service Agency, 2144 Doubleday Ave., Suite 15, Ballston Spa

• Saratoga County Hannaford stores

• Various town and village offices in Saratoga County (Call to see if your local municipality has a collection box).

Monetary donations are also accepted. As a reference, it costs $18 postage to send each “Freedom Box”. The cost to fill one box is about $45, so a $63 donation covers the cost of filling and sending one box. Checks can be made payable to Blue Star Mothers of America-NY 2 and sent to PO Box 243, Delmar, NY 12054. Please write “In honor of Yellow Ribbon Day” in the memo section. To donate through PayPal, go to www.paypal.com/fundraiser/hub and search “Blue Star Mothers of America-NY2”.

All items collected during the drive will be presented to the Blue Star Mothers during a Yellow Ribbon Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 9, at Halfmoon Town Hall in Halfmoon. The public is welcome to attend, and donations also can be brought to this event.

For more information, please visit the Saratoga County Clerk’s Facebook page, @saratogacountyclerk, which will be updated throughout the donation drive.

Schenectady men Arrested on Drug and Weapon Charges in Wilton

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Two Schenectady men have been arrested on drug and weapon charges in the Town of Wilton after they were pulled over on I-87. 

Stacy J. McDuffie, 52, and Eric Q. Parker were arrested after a traffic stop on Interstate 87. According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, the traffic stop occurred during the afternoon of March 10 after deputies witnessed the vehicle making an unsafe lane change.

McDuffie was charged with felony 3rd degree criminal possession of a weapon, misdemeanor DWI, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher and moving from lane unsafely. Parker meanwhile was charged with misdemeanor 4th degree criminal possession of a weapon and 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

Both men were found in possession of stun guns and controlled substances. Mcduffie had a previous criminal conviction, resulting in felony possession. According to the Sheriff’s Office, McDuffie failed a field sobriety test administered on scene and was later found to have a BAC of .11. 

The men were arraigned in the Wilton Town Court with Parker being released on appearance tickets and McDuffie being remanded into the Saratoga County Jail pending further proceedings. 

Simpson Joins Bipartisan Rally to Demand CHIPS Funding Boost Amid Inflation and EV Bus Mandate Costs

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Adirondack) joined a bipartisan group of state legislators and highway superintendents from across New York to advocate for increased funding under the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) in the final 2026-27 state budget.

 The event highlighted the severe pressures facing local governments, including unprecedented inflation in highway construction costs and additional burdens imposed by the state’s All-Electric School Bus Mandate under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

 Preliminary data from highway superintendents indicates that heavier electric school buses cause faster subgrade rutting and reduce road life by about 20% (from a typical 10 years to eight years). This forces municipalities to shift from affordable resurfacing ($20,000–$50,000 per mile) to full reconstruction (around $550,000 per mile). The increased maintenance costs primarily impact towns and villages.

 “Local roads may be the most essential service the government offers,” Simpson said. “They connect rural communities in the Adirondacks and across Upstate New York, keep families safe, support businesses and ensure first responders and school buses can reach every corner.” 

 Despite record inflation driving up material and labor costs, Gov. Hochul’s executive budget maintains flat CHIPS funding with only a $50 million local add-on, failing to address an annual shortfall of $2.69 billion needed to maintain these critical assets.

“Standing here with highway superintendents and colleagues from both parties makes it clear that Albany’s flat funding and unfunded mandates are dumping massive new costs onto local taxpayers,” Simpson said. “We support cleaner transportation, but the state must step up with real resources to prevent devastating burdens on our towns and villages.”