Three bid to run landfill
Leaders hope for a decision by end of 2012
Come next year, Saratoga County could be turning over the keys to an unused landfill.
Public input sought on asphalt plant
Ballston Planning Board to hold public hearing on Oct. 24
Members of the public will have a chance to go on the record regarding an asphalt plant proposed in the Town of Ballston during a public hearing Wednesday, Oct. 24.
No tax in C.P. general budget
Town continues highway-only taxing
Clifton Park Supervisor Phil Barrett has released a 2013 town budget that continues a standing tradition of levying no general property tax, and includes a 3 percent increase in highway taxes.
Old Borders to have new tenant
FingerPaint Marketing moves to Division Street and Broadway
The former Borders at the corner of Division Street and Broadway in Saratoga Springs will soon house advertising agency FingerPaint Marketing. The location has been vacant for the last 18 months.
Two towns, one good read
Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library to reveal contending titles
There’s nothing like losing yourself in a good book, but choosing one can sometimes be a dilemma. At the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library, that task is being handed off to not one, but two entire towns.
Totally tech
Elementary students visit TEC-SMART for day of hands-on learning
Kids from area schools took part in an Educational and Interactive Nanotechnology activities day at HVCC’s TEC-SMART Malta Campus on Thursday Oct. 4. From magic sand to polymer worms, they were engaged in activities with an educational component.
A tall glass of fall flavor
Oktobeerfest moves location, features regional and international brewers
The golden hues of autumn are popping up everywhere — in trees, store displays and sunsets. But for beer lovers, fall offers up its own fall display with ales, lagers and stouts, and all will be ready for sampling at Oktobeerfest 2012.
Tree City in the making
Urban forestry study in Saratoga Springs aimed at development of tree plan
Stakeholders hope a Master Tree Plan can be put before the City Council some time in mid-2013. Tom Denny of Sustainable Saratoga is on a steering committee of eight people and said the group has partnered with the city under a grant of $20,000 from the state Department of Environmental Conservation to take an inventory of street trees. The grant was matched by Sustainable Saratoga.
Ballston farmland deal a nonstarter
Cappiello Farm sold to another buyer for $2.7M; town’s price was $600k
A plan for the Town of Ballston to purchase an iconic piece of farmland has failed, much to the chagrin of the landowners and open space advocates.
A gift for the business climate
Consulting Alliance to award prize to one growing organization
The Consulting Alliance located in Voorheesville is sponsoring Roadmap to Results, a regional competition in honor of their 20th anniversary. They’d like to help a growing business in the area by awarding them $24,000 worth of consulting services. Nancy Schultz, president of Consulting Alliance said it’s a way to share the company’s success.
Local businesses look to get Googled
Google photographer makes Capital District trip on unique side job
Getting a bird’s-eye-view of an area via Google Maps is old hat, and even being able to see entire cities from street level has become ho-um. But now Google’s taking its game inside with Google Business Photos, and one of the more than 200 photographers dedicated to making it happen is coming to the Capital District.
Last call at Carney’s
Tavern to close doors after three decades in Ballston
Carney’s Tavern is set to close on Saturday, Oct. 20, with an open house celebration and live entertainment. The closing is to come on the community landmark’s 30th anniversary.
Ballston councilman resigns
The Town of Ballston has a seat to fill effective immediately. According to Supervisor Patti Southworth, Councilman Jeremy Knight sent a certified letter to the town clerk yesterday stating his resignation.
Haunting beauty
Yaddo Garden Association hosts ghost tours of Spa City grounds
Many visitors of the gardens at the Yaddo Artist’s Retreat in Saratoga Springs say there is a “mysteriousness” to the place and that they sometimes don’t feel quite alone there. The Yadoo Garden Association is holding tours this fall to tell the ghostly tales.
Nursing home report paints bleak picture
Maplewood Manor fate yet to be decided while county looks to fill empty beds
Saratoga County officials, facing dwindling reserves and a stubborn recession, are simultaneously faced with decisions regarding both the long-term and short-term future of the Maplewood Manor nursing home.
Nod to the old sod attracts thousands
Irish 2000 Festival to be held at county fairgrounds
On Sept. 14 and 15, the opportunity to get your Irish eyes smilling will present itself at the 16th Annual Irish 2000 Festival. The two-day festival is known to draw tens of thousands of guests and is built around musical artists that this year include Kevin McKrell, Hair of the Dog and the Screaming Orphans.
Senate race too close to call
The new lines delineating the 43rd State Senate District haven’t proven themselves in favor of incumbent Roy McDonald or his challenger Kathy Marchione in the Sept. 13 Republican Primary race for the open seat.
Fun on the farm awaits visitors
Self-guided tour features a variety of Clifton Park farming operations
What has become an annual tradition to recognize the changing of the seasons in Clifton Park will be taking place Friday, Sept. 14, through Sunday, Sept. 16. Farm Fest will see area farms opened to the public for a self-guided tour of the town’s agricultural offerings. Activities include animal rides, hayrides, farm tours and food samplings.
The forum with an empty seat - Updated
On Thursday, Sept 6, The League of Women Voters hosted a Meet the Candidates Public Forum for those seeking the Senate seat in the 43rd District. The venue was the Maple Avenue Middle School and the event took place at 7 p.m.
Keeping up with the farmers next door
Milton seeks Farmland Protection Plan
The Milton Farmland Protection Committee has been working on a plan for over a year. Milton’s previous Town Supervisor, Frank Thompson had approached Sanford Becker, president of the committee and owner of Winterwood Horse Farm to set up the group. There are five board members on the committee, including Jaime O’Neill of the Saratoga County Planning Department.
Planned Parenthood cleared for return to Shen
Group was banned from sex ed last year, abstinence advocates decry decision
On Tuesday, Aug. 28, the board adopted a Comprehensive Sexual Health Curriculum that clears the way for Planned Parenthood representatives to return to the classroom as guest speakers. That was a recommendation returned by the district’s Health Advisory Council.
Dashing through the woods
Malta 5K has grown over three years to an event for the whole community
The Third Annual Malta Business and Professional Association 5K will kick off on Saturday, Sept. 8, at 8:30 a.m. The race is the brainchild of the BPA’s Paul Loomis and has grown into a full day of activities, including a parade and exposition.
Back to school for Shen students [photo gallery]
Students embarked on their first day back to schoolwith filled backpacks and smiles to boot at Karigon Elementary School in the Shenendehowa School District. Shen schools started back on Wednesday, September5.
Consumers turn to professional organizers
Industry experts say business is growing as life becomes more complicated
“The industry is growing because of the need for organizing services,” said Mary Dykstra, member director for NAPO based in Mount Laurel, N.J. “Too much stuff, too much information, too many activities, downsizing of businesses and more to do in less time are not going away.”
Fired up for Hero Rush
National firefighter themed adventure race comes to Saratoga County
On Saturday, Sept. 8, the Ellms Family Farm at 448 Charlton Road in Ballston Spa will host Hero Rush, a 5K race with up to 20 obstacles simulating scenarios presented at emergencies. Gates open at 8 a.m. with the first run set for 9 a.m. Adult races ($74 entrance fee) and a Junior Hero’s Race ($15) are slated along with entertainment, food and a midway. Spectators can watch for free.
Community gathering to benefit Kenya kids
In Kenya, a harambee can be as simple as a community gathering. The name comes from the Swahili word meaning “together pushing forward.” One local group is looking to embody that spirit and help Kenyans at the same time through an event at Village Pizzeria in Middle Grove on Friday, Sept. 7.
Group hopes to grow success
Annual Saratoga Stroll supports the Epilepsy Foundation
Four years ago, the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York organized a fundraising walkt hrough Saratoga’s Spa State Park, hoping to draw about 100 people. Organizers were blown away by the response.
Portion of park opens
Years after grand plans presented, only small portion completed
The lower portion of a 4.6-acre city-owned property on Saratoga Lake was opened to picnicking, fishing and non-motorized boat use. Though city officials applauded the move, the facilities are a far cry from what was originally proposed in 2008 development plans that called for a three-phase plan complete with a public beach, pier/dock, an amphitheater, a beach area and picnic areas.
There’s no place like home
Local director makes Ballston Spa the backdrop of third film
Tennyson Bardwell could have staged his next motion picture on a distant soundstage, but instead he decided to bring his close-to-home thriller film to his own home.
Malta tackles growing pains
Officials fine tuning new downtown zoning code, gazebo will stay put
Officials in the Town of Malta have spent the last few months tackling a zoning initiative that would set the way forward for the downtown area, and plans are starting to come into focus.
25 years of Mail ‘N’ More
Burnt Hills business keeps up with changing times
Mail ‘N’ More ships an average of 40 packages every day using UPS, DHL, Federal Express and others, excluding the U.S. Postal Service. During the winter holiday season that number rises to about 350.
Details on plane crash will have to wait
National Traffic and Safety Board heads investigation
A single-engine plane crashed in a residential area near Van Vranken Road in Clifton Park on Wednesday, Aug. 15, killing one and badly injuring another. The National Traffic and Safety Board is conducting an investigation.
New tests lessen ImPACT of concussions
Many local schools already using new protocols for high school athletes
At the start of their high school careers, all eligible student athletes in Shenendehowa, Ballston Spa and Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake are given the ImPACT test. It’s administered on a computer and takes about 40 minutes to complete.
Usage fees eyed for Saratoga Lake
Improvement district says over use, cost of managing lake at issue
Members of the SPLID introduced draft legislation in July that calls for owners of motorized boat and docks to register with the district every year and for boaters to pay for day or week use passes.
Motorcyclist dies after collision
According to reports, the bus involved was a 2010 Supreme Van and was turning left on Old Wolf Road from Albany Shaker Road in front of Arpei who was driving a 2006 Honda motorcycle.
The home stretch
New yoga venue in Malta welcomes holistic concept
Julie Lindenbaum opened The Yoga Studio at the Beauty Society Salon at 123 Dunning St. in June after teaching the activity for more than a decade at other venues, including the Malta Community Center. She’s also a psychology professor at Russell Sage College, and as such, brings a holistic concept to the practice of yoga.
A night at the Spa
Police officers wear many hats when patrolling the evening crowds in downtown Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs hasn’t always had the bustling downtown it has today, but these days, it’s a city to envy. While the secret to its success isn’t any one thing, one major factor may have something to do with those who keep it safe.
Districts get an education in nutrition
Updated school food rules arriving this fall at a cafeteria near you
School districts across the country are integrating new food rules based on federal nutrition standards introduced by First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsak back in January.
Good clean learning
Ballston Spa High School and others to benefit from NYSERDA award
Nearly 100 high school students participating in the CleanTechnologies & Sustainable Industries Early College High School located at the Hudson Valley Community College Campus in Malta will have some more hands-on technology when the new school year starts up.
Paddling toward a cure
Kayaking event to benefit research for mesothelioma
Wells wound up with a handful of folks willing to hit the Hudson River with him for Kayaking 4 a Cure, and this year he aims to change that number in a big way. The event, which will be held Saturday, Sept. 22, will benefit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Alexandria, Va.
Plane crash in Clifton Park claims at least one life
New York State Police reported a single-engine plane crash in the Van Vranken Road area of Clifton Park on Wednesday, Aug. 15. The accident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m.
Library budget pokes above $4M
Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library seeks five for trustee positions
Voters residing in the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library District borders will have a chance to vote on their library’s 2013 budget this Primary Day, Sept. 13.
Scholarships remember community favorites
This year’s Daniel Ward scholarship also recalls Bob Carney
Years after the fact, the Ballston community’s giving spirit is still benefiting students. Three recent high school graduates are heading to school this fall with a little extra help thanks to scholarships funded by community donations.
Supervisor’s records vanish
Ballston coordinates with police over missing personnel file
Southworth said a Freedom of Information Law request submitted by The Spotlight for hours she reported working to the state Comptroller’s Office led to her discovery that her personnel file was missing.
Few days off from Ballston drama
Councilman questions supervisor’s hours worked
In the space of a week, a Ballston councilman publicly called into question the hours worked by the town supervisor and then backed off his challenge.
Saratoga County GOP must replace longtime leader
Jasper Nolan to retire after 27 years heading party
John ‘Japser’ Nolan may be retiring after a 27 year run as the Saratoga County Republican Committee chairman, but he hopes to remain on board in an advisory role. Whom he’ll advise will be determined when the committee elects its new chairman on Sept. 29.
A backpack filled with hope
In a few weeks, children will be heading back to classrooms, including those whose lives are in turmoil because of domestic violence. One local group is looking to make sure they at least have the tools they need to succeed, though.
Ballston passes solar restrictions
Ballston residents wishing to erect a freestanding solar array will have fewer options now that the town has adopted a law restricting their placement.
GloFo to expand Fab 8
$2.3 B project driven by high demand for fab’s wafers
The 90,000-square-foot expansion of Module 1 at the Fab 8 campus was announced on Tuesday, July 24, the third anniversary of the project’s original groundbreaking. The company said the module will be the final piece of the Fab 8 campus.
Solar panel debate heats up in Ballston
Vote likely next week on legislation that would limit use of freestanding arrays
A running debate on solar panels in the Town of Ballston caught a few rays of public opinion Tuesday, July 31, when the Town Board held a public hearing on a local law that would put limits on freestanding solar panel arrays.
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