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Milton Marine Inducted into NYS Senate Hall of Fame

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Saratoga County Veterans Services Agency Director Frank McClement and Senator Tedisco presents Col. Douglas and his wife, Susan, with a flag (Courtesy of Senator Tedisco)

Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C-Ballston Lake) recently inducted retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Christopher J. Douglas of Milton into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. Col. Douglas served our state and nation in numerous combat tours in Iraq as well as serving in Afghanistan, Somalia and Haiti.

“Col. Douglas is a great patriot who led Marines in five combat tours to protect our nation and way of life, and he continues to serve our country in civilian life with the U.S. Department of War.  I’m proud to recognize Col. Douglas’s service by inducting him into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame,” said Senator Jim Tedisco.

 Douglas currently serves Deputy to the Commanding General and Highly Qualified Expert to the Office of the U.S. Secretary of War.

 Col. Douglas received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Marist College in 1990, where he played Division III football. From March 1985 to June 1991, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a combat engineer with Company C, 854th Engineer Battalion.

 In 1991, Col. Douglas completed the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School, The Basic School, and the Infantry Officer Course in Quantico, Virginia. He was then assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, where he commanded three platoons, was an executive officer, and was the 3/6 battalion adjutant. During this tour, he participated in Operation Battle Griffin in Norway. He served as part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in Operations Continue Hope in Somalia, Provide Promise and Deny Flight in the Adriatic Sea, and Support Democracy in Haiti.

 In 1995, Douglas transitioned from active military service to the United States Marine Corps Reserve to pursue a career in Law Enforcement. He entered the New York State Police in January 1996 and served as a Trooper, Investigator, and Narcotics Investigator. 

Following the attack on America on September 11, 2001, Douglas would return to active duty to lead Marines on five combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Enduring Freedom (OEF), Inherent Resolve (OIR), and Freedom’s Sentinel.

He retired as a Narcotics Investigator from the New York State Police in March 2020 to return to active service. 

During the withdrawal from Afghanistan, he served as the assistant chief of staff G-5 at U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command, forward-deployed to Qatar to assist with processing evacuees from Afghanistan. He was also the senior Marine in the Pentagon’s investigation into the August 2021 bombing outside the Kabul airport, that killed 13 U.S. service members and about 170 Afghans. He subsequently retired from the Marine Corps in October 2022.

His personal awards include two Legion of Merits, one with a Combat Distinguishing Device, Two Bronze Star Medals, the Purple Heart, Three Combat Action Ribbons, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V,” a Navy, Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Douglas and his wife Susan live in Milton, NY. Their son,1LT John B. Douglas IV now serves as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army.

“When you get a box like this, it looks like Christmas.”  Saratoga Springs VFW Assembles 98 Care Packages for Troops Deployed Overseas

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News, Uncategorized.

The VFW partnered with Adopt a Soldier to send nearly 100 care packages to troops serving abroad. Most of the boxes are destined for the Middle East or Europe (Courtesy of VFW Post 420).

While the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan may be over, Saratoga Springs’ veterans aren’t forgetting those still deployed across the world. 

On May 16, the Saratoga Springs chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) filled boxes with coffee, hygiene products, snacks and other items as part of the VFW’s day of service. The boxes are being sent to troops currently deployed overseas through Operation Adopt a Soldier, a Saratoga Springs based charity that sends care packages to those overseas. 

Over 30 volunteers from the VFW, Boy Scouts, and Espey Manufacturing & Electronics filled 98 boxes to send overseas. The event started at 9:00 a.m. but volunteers worked quickly, only stopping to await more supplies to finish filling the boxes. While it’s unclear which country specifically the boxes will go to, representatives from Operation Adopt a Soldier said that based on zip codes, most will go to the Middle East or Europe. 

To fill the boxes, the VFW collected $2300 in donations and received support of Espey whose donation alone covered the cost of 58 boxes. 

Post Commander Jon Cheico. who served in the Navy on an aircraft carrier during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield said that the packages help boost morale for troops deployed overseas by giving them a little taste of home and let them know they’re not forgotten. 

“These are things that soldiers or sailors would really appreciate being deployed for such a long time overseas,” Cheico said.  “When you get a box like this, it looks like Christmas.” 

While the majority of U.S. military personnel are stationed at home in the United States, an estimated 213,315 active duty, reserve and National Guard Troops are stationed overseas, according to data from the Defense Manpower Data Center. This number does not include those on temporary assignments or deployments in support of contingency operations. 

Cheico said the decision to support Operation Adopt a Soldier came due to the War in Iran, officially named “Operation Epic Fury” by the Department of War. This Operation has killed 14 American troops — seven due to enemy action, six due to accidents and one due to illness — and injured an additional 406 service members. 

As for the VFW, The Saratoga Springs post serves 380 members, with 300 being locals and around 80 or 90 being part-year or out-of- town members. 

Looking ahead to other events, on June 24, at 6 p.m. the organization is hosting a meeting of the Saratoga County Peer to Peer Group, Saratoga County Veteran Support Officers and other VFW posts to help veterans with any issues they may have with VA benefits and claims. 

 Sheriff’s Office Warns of Scams Targeting the Elderly after Funds Intercepted

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

A Sheriff’s Office investigator and a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent recently conducted a welfare check of an elderly resident in the town of Moreau after it was discovered that she had attempted to ship $20,000 hidden in books to an address in California. When the elderly resident answered the door, she appeared to be distressed and told the law enforcement officers she was expecting to get picked up by a friend. She asked the investigators if she could speak with them later. The investigator and special agent noticed the woman had a cellular phone at her side and that she appeared to be on a live call. 

They quietly advised the woman that they believed she was being scammed and the victim informed them that someone was coming to pick up $20,000 in cash from her at any moment. She explained that she had received a notification through her email regarding a PayPal account charge for a purchase she had not made and contacted the number on the email to rectify the situation. 

The scammers – posing as PayPal employees – convinced the woman to download a remote access app on her computer and mobile phone – which allowed them to view and change things on her computer and see through her web camera – and convinced her that they had mistakenly given her too much money when refunding the bogus purchase. As a result, they convinced the victim to ship $20,000 hidden in books to California, as well as drive to a virtual cryptocurrency machine in Massachusetts where she was directed to deposit $20,000. 

Luckily, that transaction could not be completed, and the victim drove back home. After the failed cryptocurrency purchase attempt, the scammers arranged for a courier to come pick up $20,000 from the woman’s residence. Fortunately, this plan fell apart because of the Sheriff’s Office and HSI’s prompt response and commitment to preventing fraud and swiftly contacting victims to prevent loss. 

It was later discovered that the courier had shown up soon after the arrival of the investigator and special agent and left the area before being detected. The investigation is ongoing. 

This case is just one example of the fraudulent activity targeting our elderly residents. The Sheriff’s Office and HSI are committed to preventing citizens from becoming victims, and this is just one example of how the partnership has disrupted fraudulent activity in Saratoga County. Last month, their joint efforts were able to intercept and return over $433,000 in stolen scam funds to two residents of Saratoga County. This includes a $245,000 wire transfer being sent from a resident of Halfmoon to what they believed was a title company, and a $188,000 bank teller check being sent from a resident of Clifton Park to what they believed was the Federal Trade Commission. In both cases, the scams were foiled, and the funds were recovered and returned to the victims. In the coming months, several community outreach programs educating the residents of Saratoga County will be occurring throughout the county presented jointly by the Sheriff’s Office and HSI. Currently they have scheduled the following: 

•Wednesday June 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Halfmoon Senior Center, 287 Lower Newtown Road, Waterford.

•Tuesday June 30, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Clifton Park Elks Lodge, 695 Mac Elroy Road, Ballston Lake.

Please stay tuned for additional course locations. PayPal is not suspected to have been involved in, associated with or affiliated with the scam described herein in any way. 

Snapshot: Convoy Carrying the Remains of 44 Individuals Affiliated with the Continental Army Rolls Through Saratoga

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

A convoy carrying the remains of 44 people found at the site of a Continental Army Hospital in Lake George made it’s way through Saratoga County enroute to be reburied in Lake George. 

The convoy was comprised of retired military vehicles, police from various agencies and bikers from the Patriot Riders. It arrived in Saratoga Springs on the morning of May 20 and stopped briefly in front of city hall before continuing to Lake George. 

It was met by members of the public and various civic organizations. While stopped, reenactors and veterans were asked to gather for a group photo. 

Here is a look at the convoy as it made its way North. 

District Attorney Eby Announces Guilty Plea in Major Narcotics and Ghost Gun Trafficking Case 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Saratoga County District Attorney Brett R. Eby announced today that Tamaryn H. Bennett (DOB: January 1, 1999) has pled guilty in Saratoga County Court before the Honorable James R. Davis to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a Class “A-II” Felony in violation of New York State Penal Law Section 220.18(2), and Criminal Manufacture, Sale, or Transport of an Undetectable Firearm, a Class “D” Violent Felony in violation of New York State Penal Law Section 265.50(2). 

The guilty plea is the result of a lengthy investigation into the trafficking of large quantities of crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin, as well as the manufacture and sale of undetectable firearm components, commonly referred to as “ghost guns.” The investigation also uncovered the manufacture and distribution of machine gun conversion devices capable of converting semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons. 

The criminal activity occurred within the City of Saratoga Springs and the Town of Day. Over the course of a four-month investigation, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, in coordination with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, conducted numerous controlled purchase operations targeting the defendant. Upon completion of these operations, law enforcement executed search warrants at the defendant’s residences in Saratoga Springs and Day. 

These searches resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of crystal methamphetamine, heroin, and additional controlled substances in pill form. Authorities also recovered numerous 3D-printed high-capacity magazines, 3D-printed Glock-style lower receivers, and 3D-printed machine gun conversion devices commonly used to produce ghost guns. Additional items seized included two assault rifles, a silencer, ammunition, 3D printers, and computer software and hardware used in the manufacturing of ghost gun components. 

“This case demonstrates the early success of our newly established Special Investigations and Narcotics Bureau led by Chief Meghan Horton, which was specifically created to dismantle large-scale drug and weapons trafficking operations in Saratoga County,” said District Attorney Eby. “Through proactive investigations and strong partnerships with our law enforcement agencies, we are already making a measurable impact in removing dangerous individuals and illegal contraband from our communities.” District Attorney Eby added, “Those who traffic in deadly narcotics such as crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin, while simultaneously manufacturing and distributing illegal ‘ghost guns,’ pose an extraordinary threat to public safety. My office remains committed to seeking significant state prison sentences for these offenders to hold them accountable and to deter others from engaging in this dangerous and unlawful conduct.” 

This case was prosecuted by Special Investigations and Narcotics Unit Chief Meghan A. Horton, with assistance from District Attorney Investigator Mark Sauter. The investigation was led by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, with critical support from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

Tamaryn H. Bennett is scheduled to be sentenced on July 15, 2026, and is expected to receive a determinate sentence of 12 years in New York State Prison before the Honorable James R. Davis.

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Announces the Return of the Belmont Pledge: Dedicated Trainers Commit a Portion of Belmont Festival Earnings to Support Retired Racehorses

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), the nation’s oldest and largest Thoroughbred retirement organization, proudly announces the return of the Belmont Pledge, an initiative led by a dedicated group of trainers committed to supporting retired racehorses beyond their racing careers.

Trainers Michael McCarthy, George Weaver, Whit Beckman, and Amelia Green have once again pledged a portion of their earnings from the Belmont Festival to benefit the TRF and its mission of providing dignified lifetime care to retired Thoroughbreds.

”I am heartened by the support from Michael, George, Whit and Amelia,” said, Maggie Sweet, Executive Director. They were all eager to take this pledge for the second year in a row, which shows their awareness of aftercare as a natural part of a racehorse’s lifecycle. We hope other forward-thinking trainers, owners, and jockeys will join our pledge.” 

The TRF currently provides dignified lifetime care for hundreds of retired Thoroughbreds across the country, many of whom live two decades or more beyond their racing careers. 

The TRF invites additional trainers, owners, and jockeys to become part of the Belmont Pledge and stand behind the long-term responsibility of Thoroughbred aftercare.

Amateur Photographers Invited to Submit Photos

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Amateur Photographers are invited to take some photos and submit them to the Photography Exhibit at the Schuylerville Garden Club’s Annual Standard Flower Show. The show entitled “America the Beautiful” will be held on July 11 and July 12 at the Town Hall, 12 Spring Street in Schuylerville, NY.  

The photography section is entitled “Across the Country.”  The classes are as follows:

Class 1 “In the Country” – A landscape scene from anywhere in the USA

Class 2 “In the Water” – A water scene from anywhere in the USA

Class 3 “In the Garden” – A close-up of a single flower.

All photos must be the work of the exhibitor.  Photos must be 8 x 10 inches matted in a white 11×14 inch mat. Photos must be pre-registered. For details and an entry form, visit www.schuylervillegardenclub.com or call Nancy Derway, Photography Chairman, at 518-796-4797 campderway@yahoo.com. 

 In past years, the Photo Exhibit has been enjoyed by the Flower Show attendees with prizes being awarded by public voting.  In addition to the Photo Exhibit, the show will include Horticulture and Floral Design competition classes, plant, glove and bake sales, a benefit table with prizes and special exhibits. Refreshments and admission to the show will be free. 

“Run for the Rosies!” 

Written by floydwarriors.com on . Posted in News.

June 14 from 10am to 2pm EDT

East Side Rec Park (Track) 226 Lake Ave Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

“Run for the Rosies!” is a 4K FUN RUN honoring all caregivers and volunteers who help families while battling cancer. Rosie’s iconic face and encouraging message of “You Can Do It!” embodies the spirit of rolling up sleeves to join in and get the job done! All proceeds raised will help Saratoga-based cancer support organization floydwarriors.com, a 501 c3 not-for-profit whose driving mission is “Helping Families Cope With Cancer, One Household at a Time” by providing real help in the home by way of meals, cleanings, and gifts for kids.

floydwarriors.com was established in 2009 by cancer survivor, Lisa Morahan. While in treatment for stage 3 cancer she needed help with her baby and realized no cancer support group gave actual real hands-on help in the home. This inspired her to create floydwarriors.com, providing an avenue for individuals who want to help others an easy way to “Log In and Help Out”.

PRIZES FOR BEST ROSIE-LOOK-ALIKE and GOOD OL’ AMERICAN TEAM SPIRIT

$25 to participate 

Sponsorships available!

Check-In- 10am-noon

11am- FAST START for Real Runners

Noon- Start for Strollers (literally!) and less competitive walk/joggers

1pm- Awards Ceremony

Contact info@floydwarriors.com for questions. Visit Eventbrite/RunfortheRosies to register as a participant or sponsor today!.

New Saratoga Lake Studies Show Road Salt Threat to Water Quality — Local Highway Departments Recognized for Leadership and Innovation

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Saratoga Lake Association (“SLA”), in collaboration with the Environmental Studies Department at Skidmore College, has released a series of new scientific studies documenting the growing impact of winter road salt on the water quality, soils, and aquatic ecosystems of Saratoga Lake and its watershed.

The reports, completed during 2025 and 2026, found elevated chloride and conductivity levels in tributaries and within Saratoga Lake itself, confirming that road salt pollution has become a persistent environmental issue affecting the lake system year-round. The studies also concluded that chloride from road salt accumulates in soils, groundwater, tributaries, and lake sediments over long periods of time and may contribute to the mobilization of heavy metals in aquatic environments.

Importantly, the Saratoga Lake Association emphasized that the studies are not intended as criticism of local highway departments but rather demonstrate the importance of continued collaboration and innovation in balancing public safety with environmental protection.

“Some municipalities in the Saratoga Lake watershed have shown meaningful leadership and a willingness to adopt modern salt reduction technologies and practices,” said John Cashin, Board Member of the Saratoga Lake Association. “These highway departments deserve substantial credit for recognizing the issue and proactively implementing improvements while continuing to maintain safe winter roads.”

The studies highlighted the efforts of the highway departments in the Towns of Wilton, Greenfield, Malta, and Saratoga for adopting or advancing best management practices designed to reduce unnecessary salt use.

Among the accomplishments recognized:

• The Town of Wilton Highway Department under Highway Superintendent Mike Monroe has implemented extensive salt reduction initiatives, including the use of salt brine systems, computerized application technology, GPS-assisted spreading calibration, and “live edge” segmented plow blades that adjust to varying road surfaces and reduce waste. Wilton has also incorporated environmentally safer additives for low-temperature applications.

• The Town of Greenfield Highway Department under Highway Superintendent Darren Barss continues advancing a comprehensive sustainable salt reduction strategy developed with WIT Advisers. Greenfield is transitioning toward liquid applications and installing GPS-integrated metering systems on its fleet. The Town is also upgrading Road Weather Information System (RWIS) stations that provide real-time pavement and atmospheric data to improve application precision.

• The Town of Malta Highway Department under Highway Superintendent Roger Crandall has participated in regional salt reduction initiatives and continues evaluating technologies and operational practices including “live edge” plow blades designed to optimize application rates while maintaining roadway safety.

• The Town of Saratoga Highway Department under Highway Superintendent Ryan Campbell demonstrated one of the strongest downward trends in municipal salt purchases over the 2019–2026 study period, suggesting meaningful progress in salt management practices.

The Skidmore studies found that tributaries associated with developed areas and heavily traveled roadways showed the highest conductivity and chloride concentrations. Researchers documented winter runoff spikes at levels considered harmful to aquatic life and warned that chloride pollution can remain in freshwater systems for decades.

The SLA also released a separate analysis of municipal road salt purchase data from the four municipalities contiguous to Saratoga Lake. The data showed that approximately 82,861 tons of road salt were purchased between 2019 and 2026. At the same time, municipal costs for road salt have risen sharply, reinforcing that salt reduction strategies can provide both environmental and financial benefits.

The Saratoga Lake Association stressed that safer and more efficient winter road management practices are achievable through modern technology, calibration, brining, operator training, and better real-time weather data.

“These highway departments are proving that environmental stewardship and public safety are not mutually exclusive,” Cashin said. “Their willingness to innovate should serve as a model throughout the Saratoga Lake watershed and across New York State.”

The Saratoga Lake Association and Skidmore College plan to continue monitoring Saratoga Lake and its tributaries in future winter seasons to better understand long-term chloride accumulation and evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing reduction efforts.

Remains of 44 Fallen Patriots Will be Transported on May 20 from Albany to Lake George Through Saratoga County

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

The remains of 44 people who died in a continental Army Hospital in 1776 will pass through Saratoga County on May 20th.

Town of Lake George officials announced recently that the skeletal remains of 44 people  believed to have been associated with the Continental Army when they died 250 years ago will be transported in historic U.S. military vehicles on Wednesday, May 20 from the New York State Museum in Albany, where scientists have spent seven years identifying and reconstructing the remains,  to Lake George, where they’ll be interred in a new memorial being dedicated Friday, May 22.

On the morning of May 20 at the State Museum, there will be a dignified transfer of wooden caskets to the three vehicles that will transport the remains 60 miles north via Route 9 to Lake George Battlefield Park, site of the nearly $700,000 memorial.

The motorcade for the “Repose of the Fallen” project will include New York State Police leading nine Korean War and Vietnam-era military trucks operated by members of the NY-Penn Military Vehicle Collectors Club. The convoy will include an escort provided by New York members of the Patriot Guard Riders.

The motorcade will depart from the back of the State Museum at approximately 10 a.m. The route north will take it through downtown Albany, the Albany County town of Colonie, the Saratoga County towns of Halfmoon and Clifton Park, Village of Round Lake, Town of Malta, to the city of Saratoga Springs, where the motorcade will halt for a brief patriotic observance in front of City Hall at 474 Broadway.

The procession then will continue north through the Saratoga County towns of Wilton and Moreau and village of South Glens Falls, into Warren County and the city of Glens Falls, where there will be a brief halt at the intersection of Route 9 and Bacon Street for an observance.

From Glens Falls, the motorcade will travel through the town of Queensbury to the town of Lake George. Upon entering the village of Lake George, the motorcade will turn north onto Elizabeth O’Connor Little Boulevard, then head east on Beach Road for a short distance before turning onto Fort George Road and stopping at the memorial site. The estimated time of arrival is noon to 1 p.m.

Upon arrival, most of the caskets will be immediately interred in the memorial. The remaining four caskets will be taken to a nearby church to be safeguarded until the ceremony on May 22. Volunteers will serve as round-the-clock honor sentinels at the church until the morning of the 22nd, when the four caskets will be placed upon a horse-drawn wagon and transported to the memorial site for the formal reinterment ceremony with Federal, State and local officials.

Lisa Anderson, New York State Museum Curator of Bioarcheology, said “We have spent the past seven years painstakingly working to piece together the story of the individuals whose unmarked graves were destroyed. As we close this chapter, it’s hard to put into words the gratitude my team and I have for being part of this project. It has been a privilege to help uncover the story of these veterans and we look forward to them finally having the dignified burial they deserve.” 

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “We pay our deepest honor and respect as 44 Patriots embark on their final resting place, standing as a permanent tribute to their bravery and sacrifice. May we honor their memories with our actions and always be mindful of the heroes that walk among us. Their names and stories will never be forgotten; they forever inspire us to carry on with integrity and courage.”

“We would like to thank the NY-Penn Military Vehicle Collectors Club and the Patriot Guard Riders for providing the transportation of the remains of these early American Patriots to their final resting place at the Lake George Battlefield State Park in an honorable and respectful manner,” said Larry Arnold, a member of the board of trustees of the Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance. “Also, we would like to thank the New York State Police for their cooperation and support during this project.”

The remains were discovered during a construction project on private property on Courtland Street in Lake George in February 2019. Subsequent recovery and scientific analyses led by the New York State Museum and the Department of Environmental Conservation determined that they are American soldiers or associated personnel who likely died in 1776, when a large Continental Army hospital was located near the lake’s southern end. Ultimately, 44 distinct people were determined to be among the remains, though current methodology to ascertain their individual identities has not been available for this effort to date.

Hundreds of Continental Army soldiers who fought in the failed invasion of Canada launched in late 1775 are known to have died from smallpox in 1776 at Lake George. They were buried in unmarked cemeteries in and near what is now the village of Lake George. Although the identities of those uncovered at the Courtland Street site are unknown, several uniform buttons found with the remains indicate that at least one of them served in the 1st Pennsylvania Battalion, known to have fought in the Quebec campaign.

Construction of the reinterment memorial began last October on a knoll along the east side of Fort George Road in Lake George Battlefield State Park. The design includes several secured columbaria for the final resting place of these early patriots, seating, interpretive signage and a new memorial plaza.

The “Repose of the Fallen” project, funded through the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative and private donations, will be formally dedicated on May 22, beginning at 11 a.m.