News Staff

People visiting their deceased loved ones at Corinth Rural Cemetery are frustrated at a lack of maintenance to the grounds. The Town is attributing the long grass and weeds to a transitional period, after members of the board that took care of it resigned over the summer. WTEN reports the town wanted to avoid becoming responsible for the cemetery, and the Division said it would work with them to try to see if they can identify new board members and help the cemetery continue operating.

The Saratoga Casino Holding LLC (SCH) has officially purchased the Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel in Natchez, Mississippi. WTEN reports the Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel is located on the Mississippi River and opened in 2012. It boasts over 450 slot machines, 14 table games, a restaurant and bar, a sportsbook and a 141-room hotel located off-site in the heart of the city.

The best friend of the man who was killed outside a Saratoga Springs bar is speaking out about the proposed sentence of one of the attackers. Mark French was killed outside of Clancy’s Tavern in Saratoga Springs in August 2021. His best friend Kevin Gordon tells WNYT the three years in prison drawn by Jordan Garafalo is a sad time for our court system.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that he has secured an additional $1 billion for this year’s low income Home Energy Assistance Program. WNYT reports the program helps New Yorkers across the state afford their heating bills during the winter. In the Capital Region, over 100,000 people received Home Energy Assistance during last winter.

Groundbreaking for the new Flat Rock Park in Saratoga Springs will take place on Monday, October 3. The park will offer a new outdoor gathering place to residents of the area. According to WTEN, the new park will be located at 37 High Rock Avenue, and will offer a small outdoor amphitheater, pathway, sitting benches and picnic tables once completed. Current and former members of the Saratoga Springs City Council will participate in the groundbreaking.

The Saratoga hard cider and donut fest will be held on Saturday, October 8, and will last from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. WTEN reports the event will include a bar hop featuring eight bars and restaurants, discounted alcoholic beverages and over 2,000 free donuts. Those interested in attending can purchase tickets via the event’s eventbrite website, and must register in person at the Night Owl between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Jordan Garafalo is expected to be sentenced to three years this December in connection with the death of 56 year old Mark French outside Clancy’s Tavern in Saratoga in August 2021. Jordan Garafalo was originally charged in a three count indictment with manslaughter in the first degree, manslaughter in the second degree, and assault in the second degree.

State Police of Wilton arrested Shari L. Stephens, 38, of Mechanicville, NY, for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. 36 year old Michael J. Dillard of Corinth, was also arrested for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and an outstanding arrest warrant for Grand Larceny in the Third Degree and Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree. Troopers stopped a vehicle on I-87 in Wilton, NY, for a speeding violation. Dillard had an active warrant for his arrest and was found to possess drugs while being taken into custody. Stephens also possessed drugs and stolen property.

Saratoga Hospital is taking down its COVID testing tent. WNYT reports at the peak of the pandemic, hundreds of people were being tested there. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Richard Falivena says they did 350,000 tests there – roughly one and a half times the population of Saratoga County.

A crew from KPM restoration left Malta late Wednesday morning and headed to Florida. WRGB reports they packed up trucks with supplies. The KPM crew will help with restoration and clean up efforts in the wake of destruction left behind by Hurricane Ian.