Saratoga TODAY Newspaper

01/14/2026

KOS, New York’s first public floating sauna, celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today on Saratoga Lake.

The sauna can be found floating in the marina near Lago by Druthers.

🎥: Jonathon Norcross

01/09/2026

01/08/2026

BREAKING: According to ESPN, Saratoga native Anthony Weaver has at least 3 interviews lined up for vacant NFL head coaching jobs.

Friday: Arizona Cardinals
Saturday: Atlanta Falcons
Monday: Baltimore Ravens

ESPN also reported this morning that Miami Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel has been fired. Weaver is currently Miami's defensive coordinator.

01/05/2026

All Things Gluten-Free, a Ballston Spa-based bakery, has reached the top 5 of a national “Greatest Baker” competition.

“This journey is a tribute to my late father,” said Shannon Welch, the bakeshop’s owner. “He was my biggest supporter, and I bake every batch in his memory."

Welch is competing to win $10,000 to build a “backyard bake shed" to expand her business, while also raising money for childhood cancer research.

The next elimination deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 7.

To learn more or to vote for All Things Gluten-Free, click the link below: https://greatestbaker.org//shannon-welch-ebvo

01/01/2026

Capital Region native Ally the Piper performs at tonight’s New Year’s Eve festivities in Saratoga

12/31/2025

New Year’s Eve fireworks tonight in downtown Saratoga

12/31/2025

BREAKING: Gaffney’s on Caroline Street has been sold for $3.5 million, Roohan Realty announced in a press release this morning.

The property was purchased by an LLC controlled by Scott and Kristine Grodsky.

The new owners have already begun repairs and improvements to bring the building up to code for residential tenants.

Gaffney’s is expected to reopen this spring under new ownership, the release stated.

12/30/2025

Malcolm “Butch” Arpei, Sr.

Saratoga Springs – Malcolm “Butch” Arpei, Sr., age 90, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, at Saratoga Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on November 4, 1935, in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late Peter and Helena (Parish) Arpei. Malcolm proudly dedicated many years of service to the New York State Department of Transportation before retiring.

Butch was the “go to guy,” he was always willing to help anyone that asked with nothing expected in return. He enjoyed talking with anyone, you could be a stranger and start a conversion with him.

Butch had a deep appreciation for history, particularly black powder cannons which he competed in many events. He held a strong interest in religion. He was thankful to St Clements Church for sending someone to his home weekly to give him communion and good conversation.

He also enjoyed camping and traveling, especially the many trips he shared with his beloved wife (Ginny) and family. He particularly enjoyed their trips to Italy where they visited the Vatican and their trip to England. Time spent with family was his greatest joy. When his beloved wife became ill, he was by her side 24/7 to the end.

He is preceded in death by his wife Virginia of 64 years, daughter Ann Marie, grandson Patrick, son-in-law Doug, brothers John, Tom, Joe and sisters Mary and Kate.

He is survived by his sons, Peter Arpei (Bonnie) and Malcolm Arpei, Jr. (Dawn); daughters, Dianna Narbon (Jeff), Susan Arpei, and Lisa Maisal; sisters, Madeline Caprara and Joan Rogers; 13 grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren, all of whom will cherish his memory.

The family would like to thank the many neighbors, especially Susan, Rick, and Jenny. Maggy his Postal Carrier for always watching out for Butch. The nurses on D2, Ella and David and Tiffany, ICU. As well as, St Clements Church, Deacon Frank for their kindness and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Alzheimer’s Disease Research at https://donate.brightfocus.org/adr/give

Calling hours will be held Friday January 16, 2026 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm immediately followed by funeral service at 12:00 pm at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY. Burial will follow at St Peters Cemetery, West Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY.

For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

12/30/2025

Laureen “Laurie” Kyne (Boege)

Laurie passed away peacefully, and surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, December 15th, 2025, at age 67, after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in Harvey, IL on May 1, 1958, to Robert and Marjorie Boege, she spent her youth in Braidwood, IL where she loved her horses, before moving to Saratoga Springs upon the untimely death of her father in 1970.

She attended and graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1976. Soon after, she met and married Michael Kyne, her husband of 48 years, and had three sons; Christopher, Stephen, and Robert, all of whom survive her. In life, she had many jobs, but only one career: raising her family. It was important to her that her boys never came home from school to an empty home. She loved her time spent boating on Saratoga Lake and the Hudson River, as well as sitting on the beach sand at Long Beach Island, NJ. Since retirement, she and Michael have lived in Ocala, FL.

In addition to her husband and sons, she is survived by her mother, two sisters, two brothers, three grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Her family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and Community Hospice at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL for their compassionate care during her final days and hours. They did what they could, but God had other plans; He wanted her home.

A private family remembrance will be held in the new year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Laurie’s name to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at this link: http://support.pancan.org/goto/Laurie-Kyne.

12/30/2025

Albert Frank Callucci

Saratoga Springs - Albert Frank Callucci, 82, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025. He was born on August 14, 1943, in Utica, New York, where he spent his early years and graduated from Proctor High School.

Albert was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who placed his family at the center of his life. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol (née Latella), and his cherished children: Lisa Brady (Pat), Frank Callucci, and Christine Joyce (Brian). He was a proud grandfather to Daniel, Patrick, and Erin Brady, and Kevin, Brendan, and Kate Joyce, each of whom brought him immense joy.

In his younger years, Albert had a deep love for music and especially enjoyed playing the piano, a talent he possessed by ear. Music remained a fond and lasting part of who he was.

Albert dedicated much of his professional life to the McDonald’s Corporation, where he worked for many years. He later continued his career with the J&J Corporation. In 2012, he was appointed as a member of the City of Saratoga Springs Housing Authority Board. Throughout his career, he earned the respect of colleagues through his strong work ethic and reliability.

Above all else, Albert will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle whose charismatic personality, infectious laugh, and wonderful sense of humor brightened every room he entered. His warmth, kindness, and laughter left a lasting impression on all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed by family and friends alike.

Relatives and friends may call from 11am-12 Noon on Friday, January 2 at St. Clement’s Church (231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 Noon.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

12/23/2025

Letter to the Editor:
Commissioner Minita Sanghvi Owes Mayor John Safford a Public Apology
In a recent interview with the Schenectady/Daily Gazette, Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi suggested that Mayor John Safford was experiencing some form of mental or cognitive decline. These remarks are hurtful, bigoted, and should be condemned by everyone in our community. They are classless, unprofessional, and untrue. In substance, such comments reflect ageism, which is a form of discrimination.
Mayor Safford is a veteran who served our country with distinction. He understands the meaning of honor and integrity and has represented the City of Saratoga Springs with dignity and respect.
In contrast to Commissioner Sanghvi, Mayor Safford is usually the first person to arrive at City Hall and often the last to leave. He has never missed a meeting due to illness or for any other reason.
While it is perfectly acceptable to disagree professionally with members of the Council, the behavior displayed by Commissioner Sanghvi crosses a line. Her remarks represent a failure of the most basic courtesy we expect from elected officials.
Tim Coll
Public Safety Commissioner

12/19/2025

A look at the newly-opened AC Hotel Saratoga Springs.

📸: Jonathon Norcross