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Ballston Spa, NY

Drunk Driver Who Killed Man Outside Malta Tavern Charged With Vehicular Manslaughter: DA Drunk Driver Who Killed Man Outside Malta Tavern Charged With Vehicular Manslaughter: DA
Drunk Driver Who Killed Man Outside Malta Tavern Charged With Vehicular Manslaughter: DA A Saratoga County woman accused of striking a man outside a popular Malta tavern is now facing a vehicular manslaughter charge after the victim died from his injuries. Morgan Lange, 33, of Ballston Spa, pleaded not guilty in Malta Town Court to the upgraded charge on Wednesday morning, Sept. 24. The case stems from a crash on Monday, Sept. 8, when emergency crews found 30-year-old Joshua “Josh” Soden pinned beneath Lange’s car in the parking lot of Bentley’s Tavern, located at the corner of Route 9 and NY 67. Soden was rushed to Albany Medical Center, where he suffered two cardiac arrests…
Ballston Spa Man Killed In Bar Crash Will Save Lives Through Organ Donation: 'He Is Pure Light' Ballston Spa Man Killed In Bar Crash Will Save Lives Through Organ Donation: 'He Is Pure Light'
Ballston Spa Man Killed In Bar Crash Will Save Lives Through Organ Donation: 'He Is Pure Light' A Ballston Spa man who has been in a coma since being struck by a car outside a Saratoga County tavern is expected to be taken off life support in the coming days, as loved ones rally to honor his life and legacy. Joshua “Josh” Soden, 30, was hit by a vehicle outside Bentley’s Tavern in Malta on Monday, Sept. 8, according to a GoFundMe organized by family friend Brianna Falvey. Soden was pinned beneath the car and rushed to Albany Medical Center, where he suffered two cardiac arrests and has remained unconscious on life support. GoFundMe/Brianna Falvey The driver, identified by Saratoga…
Vandal Targeted Black Victim's Car In Ballston Hate Crime, Police Say Vandal Targeted Black Victim's Car In Ballston Hate Crime, Police Say
Vandal Targeted Black Victim's Car In Ballston Hate Crime, Police Say A 20-year-old Saratoga County man is facing felony hate crime charges after allegedly vandalizing a victim’s car, police said. Deputies responded to a disturbance call on Blue Heron Way in the town of Ballston just before 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators determined that Christopher Brothers, 20, of Ballston Spa, struck the victim’s car with a hammer and jumped on top of it, causing over $1,500 in damage, police said. Deputies alleged he intentionally targeted the victim, who is Black, because of his perceived race. Brothers was arres…
Minor Tries Grabbing Cop's Gun During Arrest In Ballston Spa, Police Say Minor Tries Grabbing Cop's Gun During Arrest In Ballston Spa, Police Say
Minor Tries Grabbing Cop's Gun During Arrest In Ballston Spa, Police Say A minor is facing felony charges after allegedly trying to steal a Saratoga County deputy’s firearm. The incident happened Tuesday, Aug. 5, in Ballston Spa, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. The minor attempted to forcibly remove a deputy’s handgun from its holster while being placed into a patrol vehicle, police said. The suspect also allegedly kicked the deputy in the leg, causing injury. The teen was arrested Friday, Aug. 15, and charged with attempted robbery in the second degree and assault in the second degree, both felonies. They were arraigned in the Youth Part of…
Driver Caught Drinking Beer With Child In Car In Stillwater, Police Say Driver Caught Drinking Beer With Child In Car In Stillwater, Police Say
Driver Caught Drinking Beer With Child In Car In Stillwater, Police Say A Capital Region woman is facing drunk driving charges after she was caught with an open bottle of alcohol with a child in her car, police said. Saratoga County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the Stewart’s on Route 9P in the town of Stillwater for reports of a person drinking alcohol in a vehicle at around 7:20 p.m. Thursday, July 3. Deputies determined that Megan Woodcock, 29, was consuming beer inside the vehicle, where a child under the age of 15 was riding, officials said. Testing revealed that Woodcock had a blood alcohol content of 0.16%, twice the legal limit to drive, according …
Ballston Spa Restaurant Closing After 23 Years: 'It’s Been Our Pleasure To Serve You' Ballston Spa Restaurant Closing After 23 Years: 'It’s Been Our Pleasure To Serve You'
Ballston Spa Restaurant Closing After 23 Years: 'It’s Been Our Pleasure To Serve You' A neighborhood favorite in Saratoga County is saying goodbye after 23 years of serving comforting meals and lasting friendships. Abeel’s Restaurant, a family-run spot in Ballston Spa known for its warm atmosphere and elevated comfort food, will officially close its doors on Tuesday, Sept. 30, owners Tony and Julie Abeel announced in a heartfelt message to customers on Facebook. “After 27 wonderful years in business, we’ve made the heartfelt decision to retire,” the post read. “It’s time for us to begin a new chapter and enjoy more time with our families and friends.” Tony and Julie have op…
Several Hurt After Gas Station Fire Erupts Near Busy Intersection In Ballston Spa Several Hurt After Gas Station Fire Erupts Near Busy Intersection In Ballston Spa
Several Hurt After Gas Station Fire Erupts Near Busy Intersection In Ballston Spa A large fire at a Capital Region gas station sent multiple agencies rushing to the scene and shut down two major roadways. Emergency crews in Saratoga County responded to the USA Gas, located at the intersection of state routes 50 and 67 in Ballston Spa, for a fire Friday morning, June 6. The area is commonly referred to as “V-Corners.” Flames tore through the gas pump area, charring several vehicles and destroying the station’s canopy. Photos from the scene show heavy damage, with the roof above the pumps scorched and partially collapsed. Though several people sustained minor injuries, no…
Driver With 26 License Suspensions Busted In South Glans Falls Let Go With Tickets, Police Say Driver With 26 License Suspensions Busted In South Glans Falls Let Go With Tickets, Police Say
Driver With 26 License Suspensions Busted In South Glans Falls Let Go With Tickets, Police Say A New York man was pulled over for a busted plate light — and what deputies say they uncovered next was a jaw-dropper. Jason Stover, 45, of Ballston Spa, was behind the wheel in the village of South Glens Falls just after midnight Monday, April 28, when deputies stopped him for a routine equipment violation, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office. Stover’s driver’s license had a staggering 26 active suspensions, including 23 for failing to answer summonses — all spread out across 10 different dates, deputies said. He was arrested and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation …
How Crappy: Inmate Vandalized Toilets At Saratoga County Jail, Police Say How Crappy: Inmate Vandalized Toilets At Saratoga County Jail, Police Say
How Crappy: Inmate Vandalized Toilets At Saratoga County Jail, Police Say A criminal defendant is accused of vandalizing multiple toilets at a Capital Region jail. Michael Vinciguerra Jr., 32, of Burnt Hills, was re-arrested Wednesday, April 9, for alleged vandalism that occurred at the Saratoga County jail in Ballston Spa. An investigation found that Vinciguerra, who was being held at the jail pending a criminal case, purposely damaged toilets on three different occasions in February and March, according to sheriff’s officials. The cost of repairs exceeded $1,500. Vinciguerra was arraigned in the Milton Town Court and returned to the Saratoga County jail while …
Dunkin' Donuts Manager Steals Thousands In After-Hour Heists In Ballston Spa: Police Dunkin' Donuts Manager Steals Thousands In After-Hour Heists In Ballston Spa: Police
Dunkin' Donuts Manager Steals Thousands In After-Hour Heists In Ballston Spa: Police A Dunkin’ Donuts manager is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from her store. Heidi Howe, 46, of Ballston Spa, was arrested Tuesday, Feb. 10, following an investigation into multiple thefts reported at a Ballston Spa Dunkin’ store, New York State Police said. Troopers concluded that Howe, who managed the location, entered the store after hours without authorization on several occasions in December 2024 and January 2025, police said. Altogether, she stole more than $3,000 in cash, according to police. Howe was located by Washington County Sheriff’s deputies and turned over to St…
Second Daycare Worker Charged After Toddler Abused In Clifton Park, Police Say Second Daycare Worker Charged After Toddler Abused In Clifton Park, Police Say
Second Daycare Worker Charged After Toddler Abused In Clifton Park, Police Say A second employee is facing charges after a toddler was allegedly abused at a Capital Region daycare. Tia Sauvie, 33, of Johnsonville, was arrested Friday, Feb. 7, after she witnessed her colleague physically abuse a toddler at the SmartEarly Learning Centers in Clifton Park and failed to intervene, New York State Police said. Sauvie surrendered to State Police on a charge of endangering the welfare of a child. She was issued an appearance ticket to Clifton Park Town Court and released from custody. Her arrest came days after troopers apprehended SmartEarly employee Amy Henninger, 48, of B…
Daycare Worker Abused Toddler In Clifton Park, Police Say Daycare Worker Abused Toddler In Clifton Park, Police Say
Daycare Worker Abused Toddler In Clifton Park, Police Say A daycare worker is facing charges and a second employee was fired after the woman allegedly abused a toddler at a Capital Region daycare. Amy Henninger, 48, of Ballston Spa, was taken into custody on suspicion of assault and related charges on Thursday, Jan. 30. It came a week after troopers were notified that a toddler had suffered injuries while in the care of SmartEarly Learning Centers in Clifton Park, New York State Police said. The child was left at the facility for about five hours on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Later that evening, the parent noticed injuries on the child and brought them t…
Love At First Sip: Stewart’s Shops Debuts 'Sweetheart Shake' Ahead Of Valentine's Day Love At First Sip: Stewart’s Shops Debuts 'Sweetheart Shake' Ahead Of Valentine's Day
Love At First Sip: Stewart’s Shops Debuts 'Sweetheart Shake' Ahead Of Valentine's Day Love is in the air – and in your cup– at Stewart’s Shops. New York’s hometown convenience store chain introduced its new Sweetheart Shake in honor of Valentine’s Day. The limited-edition frosted treat combines customer fave Cherry Loves Chocolate ice cream with dark chocolatey flakes, juicy red cherries, and a decadent chocolate drizzle to make every sip a love story in the making. Whether you’re treating a special someone or just treating yourself, this creamy, dreamy shake is only around for a short time. It's love at first sip! 😍🥤 Say hello to your newest crush, the limited editio…
Road Rage: Ballston Spa Man Displays Weapon During Incident In Capital Region, Police Say Road Rage: Ballston Spa Man Displays Weapon During Incident In Capital Region, Police Say
Road Rage: Ballston Spa Man Displays Weapon During Incident In Capital Region, Police Say A Capital Region man was nabbed for road rage after allegedly displaying a weapon to another driver. Saratoga County resident Justin R. Maetzel, age 24, of Ballston Spa, was charged on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at his home for the incident on Route 7 in Albany County near Colonie. According to New York State Police Trooper Stephanie O'Neil, an investigation determined on Route 7 near the I-87 interchange in Colonie, Matzel allegedly displayed what appeared to be a handgun inside his vehicle during a road rage dispute.  Maetzel fled the location while the victim contacted 911. He was later loc…
Man Forces Way Through Door To Rape, Assault Victim In Capital Region, Police Say Man Forces Way Through Door To Rape, Assault Victim In Capital Region, Police Say
Man Forces Way Through Door To Rape, Assault Victim In Capital Region, Police Say A man from the region is facing sexual assault charges after reportedly forcing his way through a door to reach his alleged victim. Saratoga County resident Anthony Collins, age 42, of Ballston Spa, was arrested Saturday, June 8, on rape and related charges. According to sheriff’s officials, deputies were called to a Milton home on Lilith Fair on Friday, June 7, for a sexual assault. Investigators found that Collins pushed his way through a door, injuring the victim’s finger, before forcibly raping them, deputies said. Additional details, including the victim’s gender and age, were not i…
Back In Business: Capital Region Diner Reopens After Health Inspector's Closure For Insects Back In Business: Capital Region Diner Reopens After Health Inspector's Closure For Insects
Back In Business: Capital Region Diner Reopens After Health Inspector's Closure For Insects This story has been updated. A troubled restaurant in the region is back open days after state health inspectors shut it down over an insect problem. Saratoga County’s Route 50 Diner – located in Ballston Spa at 2002 Doubleday Avenue – was closed Thursday, May 30, after a New York State Department of Health inspector uncovered a cockroach infestation, according to the agency’s report.  The report added that the business, which opened in 2017, is working with a pest control company “for ongoing treatment” to mitigate the issue. Owner Brian Hyra confirmed the development in a defi…
Leandra's Law: Drunk 27-Year-Old Crashes In Capital Region With Child In Car, Police Say Leandra's Law: Drunk 27-Year-Old Crashes In Capital Region With Child In Car, Police Say
Leandra's Law: Drunk 27-Year-Old Crashes In Capital Region With Child In Car, Police Say A 27-year-old woman from the region is accused of causing a drunk-driving crash involving a child. The Saratoga County incident happened at around 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, in the town of Ballston. Sheriff’s officials said Haley Czwakiel, of Ballston Spa, had a blood alcohol content (BAC) greater than .08 percent when she caused a property damage crash on Saratoga Road. At the time of the crash, she was traveling with a child under the age of 15, deputies said. Neither Czwakiel nor the child were injured. Czwakiel was arrested on suspicion of aggravated DWI (felony) and operating a motor…
Campground Kidnapping: Man Gets Decades For Abduction, Sexual Assault Of NY 9-Year-Old Campground Kidnapping: Man Gets Decades For Abduction, Sexual Assault Of NY 9-Year-Old
Campground Kidnapping: Man Gets Decades For Abduction, Sexual Assault Of NY 9-Year-Old A confessed kidnapper who abducted a 9-year-old girl from a New York state park before sexually abusing her in a case that garnered national attention could spend the rest of his life behind bars. Saratoga County resident Craig Ross Jr., age 47, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced to 47 years to life in prison in Saratoga County Court on Wednesday, April 17. It followed his guilty plea to kidnapping and related charges in which he admitted to abducting the child as she rode her bike in Moreau Lake State Park in September 2023. Earlier Report: Campground Kidnapping: Man Admits Abducting, …
Inmate Found Dead In Capital Region Jail Cell Days After Arrest Inmate Found Dead In Capital Region Jail Cell Days After Arrest
Inmate Found Dead In Capital Region Jail Cell Days After Arrest An inmate was found dead at a jail in the region days after his arrest. Saratoga County Sheriff’s officials said Derek Labutta, age 43, of Schenectady, was found unresponsive in his cell at the county jail in Ballston Spa on Monday evening, March 18. Labutta, who was alone in the cell at the time, was pronounced dead at the scene. His death came just two days after Saratoga Springs Police arrested him in a public parking garage on Woodlawn Avenue on Saturday morning, March 16. Police said patrol officers spotted Labutta and another individual entering a vestibule and smoking an illegal su…
'Inexcusable': Owner Of Capital Region Deli Admits Abandoning Cat In Sub-Freezing Temps 'Inexcusable': Owner Of Capital Region Deli Admits Abandoning Cat In Sub-Freezing Temps
'Inexcusable': Owner Of Capital Region Deli Admits Abandoning Cat In Sub-Freezing Temps The owner of a popular restaurant in the region will avoid jail time after confessing that he abandoned a woman’s cat in sub-freezing temperatures. Saratoga County resident Anthony Gargano, age 49, of Gansevoort, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of violating the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law in Milton Town Court on Tuesday, March 5. Sheriff’s officials said Gargano – who owns Spring Street Deli & Pizzeria in Saratoga Springs – left the cat outside of the Saratoga County Animal Shelter after hours on the night of Thursday, Jan. 4. Temperatures at the time hovered aroun…
Inmate Assaults Corrections Officer At Capital Region Jail, Police Say Inmate Assaults Corrections Officer At Capital Region Jail, Police Say
Inmate Assaults Corrections Officer At Capital Region Jail, Police Say An inmate at a local jail is facing more charges after allegedly assaulting a corrections officer. The incident happened Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Saratoga County jail in Ballston Spa. Sheriff’s officials said Jose Guity, age 25, of Queens, kicked the officer in the ribs, injuring them. The officer was treated at an urgent care facility in Malta and was released. On Tuesday, Feb. 27, Guity was arraigned in Saratoga Springs City Court on one count of second-degree assault, a felony. He was returned to the county jail without bail.
Campground Kidnapping: Man Admits Abducting, Sexually Assaulting 9-Year-Old NY Girl Campground Kidnapping: Man Admits Abducting, Sexually Assaulting 9-Year-Old NY Girl
Campground Kidnapping: Man Admits Abducting, Sexually Assaulting 9-Year-Old NY Girl The man accused of kidnapping a 9-year-old girl from a New York state park and later sexually abusing her has formally confessed. Craig Ross Jr., age 47, pleaded guilty to kidnapping with intent to collect ransom and predatory sexual assault against a child as part of a plea deal in Saratoga County Court on Wednesday, Feb. 21. New York State Police said Ross abducted the child as she rode her bicycle in Moreau Lake State Park on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Earlier Report: New Update: Kidnapping Suspect Craig Ross Jr. Probed In Milton Murders Of 2 Women, Report Says Her mother called…
Owner Of Capital Region Deli Abandons Woman's 'Sweet' Cat In Sub-Freezing Temps, She Claims Owner Of Capital Region Deli Abandons Woman's 'Sweet' Cat In Sub-Freezing Temps, She Claims
Owner Of Capital Region Deli Abandons Woman's 'Sweet' Cat In Sub-Freezing Temps, She Claims Calls to boycott a restaurant in the region are growing amid allegations that its owner abandoned a woman’s cat in sub-freezing temperatures. Saratoga County eatery Spring Street Deli & Pizzeria, located in Saratoga Springs, has disabled its Facebook comments, deleted its Instagram account, and is receiving a barrage of angry reviews on Yelp. The backlash comes after owner Anthony Gargano reportedly grew fed up with the “sweet” ginger cat, named Kane, showing up to his Spring Street eatery, where it was “loved by many” and often fed by employees, according to a GoFundMe. On the night o…
Drunken, Snapchatting Driver Sentenced For Fiery Crash That Killed NY College Student Drunken, Snapchatting Driver Sentenced For Fiery Crash That Killed NY College Student
Drunken, Snapchatting Driver Sentenced For Fiery Crash That Killed NY College Student An admitted drunk driver who caused a fiery crash on a New York highway, killing a beloved college student, is heading to prison. New Jersey resident Vasu Laroiya, age 24, of Iselin in Middlesex County, was sentenced to 8 ⅓ to 25 years behind bars in Albany County Court on Friday, Jan. 26, after pleading guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide in the death of Katie Fisher. Laroiya admitted that he was Snapchatting while driving drunk at 156 miles per hour on I-87 in Colonie when his Tesla struck Fisher’s Honda Civic on the night of May 28, 2022. Earlier Report: Drunken Driver G…
'With Heavy Heart,' Restaurant In Capital Region Closes 'With Heavy Heart,' Restaurant In Capital Region Closes
'With Heavy Heart,' Restaurant In Capital Region Closes A well-reviewed restaurant in the region is shutting down after three years in business. Saratoga County eatery Nani’s Indian Kitchen – located in Ballston Spa at 256 Milton Avenue – permanently closed on Saturday, Dec. 30. “With a heavy heart, we wanted to let all our customers know today is our last day,” owner Nafeesa Koslik said on Facebook. “We are very grateful for the support and love we received over the previous three years. We have met fantastic people through our little restaurant and will forever cherish these relationships.” Opened in 2020, Nani’s served a number of Indian d…
$1M Lottery Prize Claimed By Capital Region LLC $1M Lottery Prize Claimed By Capital Region LLC
$1M Lottery Prize Claimed By Capital Region LLC Happy new year, indeed. The lucky player or players behind an LLC in the region have claimed a massive, seven-figure lottery prize. In Saratoga County, the BH NY Partnership Limited Liability Company (LLC) of Ballston Spa has claimed a second-prize Powerball jackpot worth $1 million. New York Lottery officials said the winning ticket was purchased in Ballston Spa at the Stewart’s Shops located at 2467 Route 9. It matched the first five numbers drawn on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023. The LLC opted to take the one-time lump sum payment totaling $651,000 after taxes.
'She Was Always Kind': 19-Year-Old College Student From Capital Region Dies After Cancer Battle 'She Was Always Kind': 19-Year-Old College Student From Capital Region Dies After Cancer Battle
'She Was Always Kind': 19-Year-Old College Student From Capital Region Dies After Cancer Battle Friends and family are mourning the loss of a beloved college student from the region following her death from cancer. Saratoga County resident Sophia John, of Ballston Spa, died Monday, Dec. 18, at the age 19 after a short battle with leukemia, according to her obituary. John graduated from Shenendehowa High School in 2022 and was a sophomore at Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts, where she was majoring in corporate finance and accounting. At Bentley, she was a member of the Zeta Rho Chapter of Alpha Phi and held a spot in its recruitment team. Relatives described John as an a…
'Gave It My All': Capital Region Eatery's Closing Is Cautionary Tale Of Business Realities 'Gave It My All': Capital Region Eatery's Closing Is Cautionary Tale Of Business Realities
'Gave It My All': Capital Region Eatery's Closing Is Cautionary Tale Of Business Realities Stacie Blair spent two years selling baked goods at farmers markets and craft fairs before fulfilling her dream of opening a brick-and-mortar shop. Just two years later, her Saratoga County business, The Sugar Fairy Bakes in Malta, will permanently close on Sunday, Dec. 24. “It is with an extremely heavy heart and swollen tear filled eyes, that I announce Christmas Eve 2023 will be our last day in business,” Blair announced on Facebook. But she wants her customers to know it’s not for a lack of trying. “Those who have supported me over the past 4 years, as well as those who are just meet…
Inmate Assaults, Injures Corrections Officer At Capital Region Jail, Police Say Inmate Assaults, Injures Corrections Officer At Capital Region Jail, Police Say
Inmate Assaults, Injures Corrections Officer At Capital Region Jail, Police Say A jail inmate in the region is accused of attacking a corrections officer, leaving them with injuries requiring medical attention. The incident happened Monday, Dec. 4, at the Saratoga County Correctional Facility in Ballston Spa. Sheriff’s officials said Godfrey Waldron, age 44, of Saratoga Springs, assaulted a corrections officer, injuring the officer’s face. The officer was treated at the scene before being taken to Malta Med Emergent Care for further treatment. Waldron was arraigned in Milton Town Court and was ordered held at the jail without bail. 
Drunken Driver Going 156 MPH Admits Snapchatting Before Fiery Wreck Killing UAlbany Student Drunken Driver Going 156 MPH Admits Snapchatting Before Fiery Wreck Killing UAlbany Student
Drunken Driver Going 156 MPH Admits Snapchatting Before Fiery Wreck Killing UAlbany Student More than a year after a beloved New York college student was killed in a fiery, drunk-driving crash in the region, the man responsible has formally confessed. New Jersey resident Vasu Laroiya, age 24, of Iselin in Middlesex County, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide in Albany County Court on Tuesday, Nov. 28, in the death of Katie Fisher. Laroiya admitted that he was Snapchatting while driving drunk at 156 miles per hour on I-87 in Colonie when he struck Fisher’s Honda Civic on the night of May 28, 2022. Earlier Report: 22-Year-Old Killed In Colonie Crash Remembered Fo…
Winning Lottery Ticket Worth $50K Sold At Capital Region Convenience Store Winning Lottery Ticket Worth $50K Sold At Capital Region Convenience Store
Winning Lottery Ticket Worth $50K Sold At Capital Region Convenience Store A winning lottery ticket worth $50,000 was sold at a convenience store in the region. The third-prize-winning Powerball ticket was sold in Saratoga County at the Stewart’s Shops in Ballston Spa, located at 448 Geyser Road. It was sold for the drawing held on Saturday, Nov. 4, New York Lottery announced. Winners have one year from the drawing date to claim their prize money. Players can check their numbers on the New York Lottery website.