On May 8, 2026, State Police of Clifton Park, with the assistance of the Troop G Computer Crimes Unit, the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, arrested William J. Peters, 53, of Halfmoon, NY, for Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child, a class “D” felony, and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, a class “E” felony.
Peters is accused of promoting and possessing images consistent with child sexual exploitation. The investigation stemmed from a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Peters was arrested and processed at SP Clifton Park. He was then arraigned at the Halfmoon Town Court where he was remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 cash, $20,000 bond, or a $150,000 partially secured bond.
On May 7, 2026, State Police of Wilton arrested Roger K. Flemming, 29, of Queens, NY, for Grand Larceny 3rd and Attempted Grand Larceny 3rd.
On May 6, 2026, Troopers received a complaint from an elderly Saratoga County resident reporting they had been the victim of a scam. The investigation determined the victim had been contacted via phone and advised that a family member had been arrested following a vehicle collision and that they needed money for bail. Flemming reportedly traveled to the victim’s home on May 6th, where he collected more than $3,000 cash related to the scam. Flemming then returned to the victim’s home on May 7th to attempt to collect additional cash related to the scam.
Flemming was arrested and transported to SP Wilton for processing. He was then arraigned at the Wilton Town Court, where he was remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility without bail.
On May 7, 2026, State Police of Wilton arrested Roger K. Flemming, 29, of Queens, NY, for Grand Larceny 3rd and Attempted Grand Larceny 3rd.
On May 6, 2026, Troopers received a complaint from an elderly Saratoga County resident reporting they had been the victim of a scam. The investigation determined the victim had been contacted via phone and advised that a family member had been arrested following a vehicle collision and that they needed money for bail. Flemming reportedly traveled to the victim’s home on May 6th, where he collected more than $3,000 cash related to the scam. Flemming then returned to the victim’s home on May 7th to attempt to collect additional cash related to the scam.
Flemming was arrested and transported to SP Wilton for processing. He was then arraigned at the Wilton Town Court, where he was remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility without bail.
An improvement project at Saratoga Springs Station is on track to be completed in June 2027 (Courtesy of Amtrak)
Amtrak is making significant progress and recently completed several key milestones on its station and platform improvements at Saratoga Springs Station (SAR), which is served daily by the Adirondack and Ethan Allen Express, and received nearly 38,000 Amtrak guests in Fiscal Year 2025. Demolition and track work have officially started, highlighting the biggest step of the project to date.
“The upgrades to Saratoga Springs Station remain on track and are just a few stops away for our customers to start experiencing,” said Amtrak Vice President, Chief Accessibility Officer Dr. David Handera. “These improvements support Amtrak’s goals to enhance the customer experience, make travel for families easier, and bring greater integrated and comprehensive accessibility to our stations all across the country.”
The Saratoga Springs Station project will include the following upgrades in coordination with the Capital District Transportation Authority:
• A new 600’ long, level boarding platform featuring an integrated snow melt system and accessible paths of travel to and from the station building.
o Customers will no longer require steps to get on or off a train for a more seamless and safer experience due to the new platform sitting 4 feet above the top of the rail.
• LED light fixtures that provide full coverage lighting at the platform.
• Yellow-painted safety detectable warning system at the platform edge.
• New station and wayfinding signage.
• A new microphone and speaker system for the ticket counter inside the station.
This project represents a total $12.5 million federal investment administered by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The Saratoga Springs Station improvements are on track for completion in summer 2027.
These upgrades represent Amtrak’s broader effort to improve travel for families and bring integrated, comprehensive accessibility to stations nationwide, ensuring a more inviting and inclusive travel experience for all customers. Across the Amtrak network, 19 stations were brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act in the twelve months ending Sept. 30 (Fiscal Year 2025) and another 50 stations are targeted for completion this fiscal year (2026) at a forecasted investment of $311 million.
The Amtrak ADA Stations Program is advancing 134 station designs and 100+ station construction projects as part of Amtrak’s ongoing commitment to providing accessibility by working toward 100% completion by 2029 using funds provided by Congress through the Federal Railroad Administration.
Reactions:
“These upgrades and enhancements to the Saratoga Springs Rail Station will provide residents with greater accessibility and an improved experience when they catch an Amtrak train or visit our beautiful Spa City, Saratoga County and the 44th Senate District,” said Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C-Ballston Lake), Ranking Member of the NYS Senate Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation.
“It’s incredibly encouraging to know that timely progress is being made at the Saratoga Springs train station,” Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake) said. “The upgrades – from improved lighting and winterized platforms to enhanced systems and signage – represent a real commitment to safety and user experience. Just as importantly, Amtrak’s focus on accessibility ensures that travelers of all abilities will be able to navigate travel with more ease. This is exactly the kind of thoughtful, inclusive investment our communities deserve.”
“It is hard to underestimate the iconic and practical value of our train station in Saratoga Springs,” said Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford. “Thank you for continuing to improve this valuable service to our community.”
“The new high-level platform at Saratoga Springs will speed boarding and alighting and slightly shorten travel time for customers using the Adirondack and Ethan Allen trains. The Empire State Passengers Association is excited to see Amtrak advancing this project in Saratoga,” said ESPA Executive Director Steve Strauss.
Mayor John Safford addresses a community meeting regarding proposed changes the Saratoga Spring’s UDO (Aidan Cahill)
It was a packed house on May 11 as members of the community gathered at the Spring Street Gallery to go over proposed changes to Saratoga Springs’ Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
The changes were proposed by Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford and primarily focus on the city’s Design Review Board (DRB) which reviews exterior designs in the historic and architectural review districts.
The meeting was organized by Patty Morrison, a former member of the Planning Board and a self-described concerned citizen. It was originally set to be held at the Saratoga Springs Library but was moved to the Gallery due to space concerns.
Over 100 people packed into the room to discuss the proposed changes. It was the second of two meetings, the first being held May 5.
During the meeting Safford defended the proposed changes to the DRB, saying they were part of a larger effort to improve the planning office and make things easier for builders and homeowners. During this process, Safford said he’s heard multiple complaints from people regarding the DRB, prompting the proposed changes.
Many of the proposed changes specifically deal with the architectural review district, one of the two areas covered by the DRB. The area covers the downtown core of Saratoga Springs and approaches the city — such as the ones along Union Ave, Route 50, Washington Street, Route 9 and West Ave, among others. Safford described homes along some of these streets as “bargains” for people to buy and fix up. The problem, according to Safford, is that when they buy the homes they run into issues getting approvals to make repairs.
Safford cited a specific example where a couple bought a house with a leaky roof and were told by the DRB that they had to use slate in order to repair the roof due to historic significance, something that was cost prohibitive.
“They asked, they begged, and there was no recourse to that,” Safford said. “Now they have a leaky roof that they can’t replace because they can’t afford a slate roof.”
The proposal is not without controversy. During the meeting, members of the community brought up several concerns about the proposed changes including mandating that historic significance not be a factor in demolition decisions in the architectural review district, limiting the ability of the DRB to control mass and scale and creating an appeals process that would grant applicants the ability to appeal decisions to the Zoning Board of appeals.
Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, spoke at the meeting and laid out some of the possible issues seen by the organization. While she agreed with Safford that there was room for improvement, specifically in the appeals process and in how historic standards are applied, she argued that removing the ability of the DRB to deny demolition on historic grounds could ruin the gateways to the city as the only protected buildings would be those with landmark status.
“That is a significant change that could dramatically change how our gateways feel,” Bosshart said. “We have the gateways with a sign that says, health history and horses. Well, if all those lovely older homes are demolished with new construction, it’s not going to be much of an introduction to our downtown historic core.”
It’s unclear when the new changes will be voted on by city council. While Safford had been aiming for a June passage of the reforms, due to community feedback, it’s now expected to go to a vote sometime in July or August.
The American Legion Post 234 is counting down to their 100th year celebration, set for June 2027. To kick-off the countdown, they are inviting the public to join a special Open House immediately following the Ballston Spa Memorial Day Parade on May 23 from 11 am – 1 pm at 23 Pleasant St., Ballston Spa. The Open House will include food, games, a 50/50 and basket raffles. Learn about the vital role the American Legion plays in supporting our local veterans and community. For more information contact the American Legion Post 234 at 518-885-7236 or email billiehelman@gmail.com. In addition, the American Legion Auxiliary will be hosting their annual Poppy Program Memorial Day weekend. They will be distributing poppies with a donation request to raise funds for veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families. To learn more about donation options visit ALAforveterans.org
Each year taking place across the nation and around the world, the VFW sets aside one day as a “Day of Service” showcasing veterans banding together to make a difference in their communities.
This year Gurtler Brothers VFW Post 420 is partnering with Adopt a Soldier to gather needed items for our troops overseas as they serve this great nation. Volunteers are needed and will pack and ship boxes on Saturday, May 16th at VFW Post 420, 190 Excelsior Avenue beginning at 10:00 am. If you would like to volunteer, you’re welcome to help.
It costs a minimum of $19.00 to ship a package of needed items to our troops overseas. VFW Post 420 is collecting donations to purchase needed items and ship them. YOU can help by making a donation. If you would like to make a donation, make your check payable to VFW Post 420 and drop it off at the Post or mail it to: VFW Post 420, PO Box 209, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. All donations are tax deductible.
For more information you can call Post Commander Jon Chieco at (518) 649-2190 or Post Quartermaster Gene Ratigliano at (518) 796-4338.
Sheriff Jeffrey R. Brown announced today that the Sheriff’s Office will begin a targeted education campaign surrounding electric scooters and bicycles with electric assist – also known as “E-Scooters” and “E-Bikes.”
“In many cases, people who ride these devices simply don’t know the law,” Brown said. “First and foremost, we want to make sure our citizens are safe while at the same time respecting the rights of other people using the roadways with them.”
Some key points pertaining to class one and class two E-Bikes and E-Scooters:
• No person less than 16 years of age may operate an E-Bike or E-Scooter.
• Helmets are required for riders aged 16 and 17.
• These devices are only lawful to use on highways with a posted speed limit of 30 mph or less.
• E-Bikes may not travel faster than 20 mph.
• E-Scooters may not travel faster than 15 mph.
• E-Bikes and E-Scooters may not be operated on sidewalks except as authorized by local law or ordinance.
• All E-Bikes must be 36” wide or less, have an electric motor of no more than 750 watts and be equipped with operable pedals.
• No operation on public lands except where posted for such travel.
• Municipalities can further regulate the time, place and manner of operation of these devices.
• E-bikes and E-Scooters are granted all of the rights and are subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle and the rider of a bicycle.
• A parent may be issued a traffic summons under certain circumstances for a person less than 16 years of age operating these devices.
• Operation in violation of the laws may result in civil or criminal liability to parents of minor riders.
•Operation in violation of the laws may result in civil or criminal liability to parents of minor riders.
Many of the complaints brought to the Office’s attention involve so-called E-Dirt Bikes which are classified as off-highway motorcycles under New York law. They are not legal on public roads, sidewalks, bike paths or parks unless fully registered, insured and otherwise street legal. Most recreational models do not meet these requirements.
“We will be out there educating our communities and enforcing where necessary,” Brown said. “I also want to make it clear that parents need to be aware of what their minor children are operating and the way they are doing so. I can’t emphasize it enough – these are not toys, and incorrect usage of them can result in very serious consequences.”
The New York State Police has announced that they successfully intercepted $10,000 sent by a Saratoga County man destined for scammers.
The scam was a continuation of a previous attack by scammers on the man which occurred in March.
According to New York State Police, the incident occurred when the man was contacted over the phone by alleged scammers claiming to be from their financial institution. The scammers claimed that they were following up on an investigation into compromised accounts. The alleged scammers instructed the man to send $10,000 to address in The Bronx.
While the man complied and sent the money, the next day he realized it likely a scam and contacted State Police on April 24. Working with United Parcel Service (UPS), the State Police were able to locate and intercept the money in Yonkers and return it to the man.
In light of the scam, the State Police offered the following advice from the FDIC :
• Do not open emails from people you don’t know. If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.
• Be careful with links and new website addresses. Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.
• Secure your personal information. Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.
• Stay informed on the latest cyber threats. Keep yourself up to date on current scams. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) can provide you with Alerts.
• Use Strong Passwords. Strong passwords are critical to online security. Review CISA guidance on Choosing and Protecting Passwords (PDF).
• Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs. Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.
• Update the operating systems on your electronic devices. Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.
On Friday May 1, students at Caroline Street, Lake Ave, and Division Street Elementary Schools hopped on their bikes and pedaled into school with the Toga Bike Bus. Last year, after seeing how much fun students had when biking to school at Lake Avenue’s Bike to School Day a group of moms got together to brainstorm how to make it a regular thing… and Toga Safe to School was formed. Now the group is growing their Bike Bus to include more routes, schools, and most importantly, more kids on bikes!
“At the end of the 2025 school year we had four routes for Lake Avenue and a small route at Caroline Street, now we have officially added two Caroline Street and one Division Street routes as well,” Maddy Zanetti said. “We are working to get a route for Geyser, and if there are other schools interested and we can the volunteers we will make it happen.”
What is a Bike Bus? It is simple! A group of students who cycle to school together along a set route with designated stops/times and adult supervision. Bike buses promote a healthy lifestyle as well as community engagement and reduces traffic. It is a way to teach bike safety to both riders and drivers plus advocates for mixed use paths, safer roadways, and a more bike friendly city.
Katie Roque says “The Bike Bus is a way to give our kids a piece of childhood that many of us remember. It empowers kids to get themselves to school in a healthy, active way, while also building a sense of community. We are lucky to join the ride! It’s something simple, but deeply meaningful.”
Toga Safe to School has been incredibly fortunate to have the support of Bikeatoga, a non-profit dedicated to “pedaling toward a brighter future… by making functional cycling more convenient, accessible, and safe for all members of our community.” Riders from Bikeatoga have been present each ride to lead, trail, advise, and provide minor bike fixes. The Bikeatoga group has helped build awareness and given the Toga Safe to School crew invaluable advice.
“The Bike Bus has been a great way to bond with my girls and do something fun with them without the modern-day distractions like being on my phone. And I have to get them to school safely anyway, so it might as well be fun!” said Lindley Hickox
Bicycle Benefits, Stewarts Shops, and Trek Saratoga have donated coupons and prizes for riders. While local businesses and families have made donations that were used to buy lawn signs that you may have seen popping up around town reminding drivers “WHOA… SLOW DOWN”. The signs were first meant to mark only the Bike Bus routes but after many requests from people all over the community they are showing up wherever people feel cars need to hit the brakes.
“I joined the Bike Bus because I want kids to experience the fun and freedom of life on two wheels,” Erin Crowe Conklin said “I envision my kids growing up and biking all around Saratoga Springs – to school, the park, library, downtown, the list goes on!”
To check out the current routes visit TogaSafeToSchool.com where you can see the times, routes, and other Bike Bus information. There is no RSVPing needed, if you see a stop on a route that works for your student and schedule hop in on Fridays!
