Free Republic

Since May, dozens of illegal immigrants have been arrested and deported from Saratoga Springs, raising concerns about how increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement action could impact the busy horse racing season. At a town hall meeting on Monday, Saratoga Mayor Joanne Yepsen made it clear that the city's police force would not be initiating or participating in ICE deportation efforts. The declaration was met with applause, WTEN-TV reported.

The Saratoga Springs Police Officer who pepper sprayed a man that gave him the middle finger has been suspended without pay. The chief of police now says he's seeking to fire the officer. Officer Nathan Baker stopped Adam Rupeka back on May 16. At the time, Rupeka had just passed the officer and flashed the obscene gesture. He also had multiple cameras rolling. When the officer asked for license and registration, Rupeka demanded to know what law had been broken. After a back-and-forth of about 30 seconds, he was pepper-sprayed. Rupeka claims while it may not have been nice to...

There will be a lot of people on Saturday at Belmont Park rooting for California Chrome to become the 12th winner of the Triple Crown, and a lot of people who think he has a shot to do it. But there will also be people trying to beat him: his morning line odds of 3/5 aren’t going to offer much in the way of an ROI, and 21 horses have entered the starting gate of the Belmont Stakes with Derby/Preakness wins in hand, only to fall short. A field of 11 will try the test of the champion on Saturday...

This undated sketch portrait of Gen. Benedict Arnold by an unknown artist was provided by the Library of Congress. While most Americans know Arnold as the man who betrayed his nation by trying to turn over the American fortifications at West Point to the British, then joining the redcoats when the plot was uncovered, his heroic actions at the Revolutionary War's Battles of Saratoga are detailed in a new exhibit opening Thursday, May 10, 2012 at Saratoga National Historical Park. ALBANY, N.Y.—Benedict Arnold is a hero again, at least temporarily, at two upstate New York historic sites where his...

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A local resident under threat of arrest if he steps on public housing property will be able to do so after all — to attend a public meeting. A trespass notice had been issued against John Tighe based on a complaint made by Saratoga Springs Housing Authority Executive Director Ed Spychalski, who has been the target of criticism in Tighe’s blog. The banishment also made a controversial January meeting of the authority off-limits. But it turns out such a notice won’t lead to the arrest of someone who is merely attending a public meeting on the property....

One of the most important battlefields of the Revolutionary War is going to be excavated by archaeologists ahead of an EPA cleanup. Back in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, General Electric dumped polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) into the Hudson River near Saratoga, New York. The dumping was banned in 1977 due to risks to public health, and the EPA has ordered GE to dredge up the affected silt from the river. Dredging destroys archaeological sites, though, and has already damaged Fort Edward, a British fort in the area dating to the mid 18th century. Archaeologists are working to excavate the stretch...

GANSEVOORT — There’s been a great deal of debate about the ideal location for Tempered by Memory, the 25-foot-tall sculpture made from World Trade Center steel. Some feel the sculpture should be placed on the lawn of the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center, others at the Lake Avenue firehouse, and others think it doesn’t belong in Saratoga Springs at all. For one day, however, the debate stopped. Saratoga Arts held a private ceremony in Gansevoort Sunday to recognize the efforts of volunteers and donors who made the sculpture possible. Those honored included sculptors John Van Alstine and Noah Savett, local iron...

As the country unites to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Saratoga Springs remains divided over a memorial of that historic and horrific day. A 25-foot-tall sculpture made of twisted steel from the World Trade Center was to be dedicated today at a prominent location on Broadway, the city's main street. Instead, the artwork, "Tempered By Memory," stands in a Gansevoort steelyard, homeless, after objections to where it was to be installed, criticism of its artistic merit, accusations that City Council members were playing politics and heated rhetoric that led to a public apology. The mayor has...

The sculpture that is creating so much controversy is a memorial made out of steel from the World Trade Center. The original plan was to place the sculpture at the Saratoga Springs City Center. But as it was built it became clear that area wouldn't be big enough to display it. Some people suggested it be placed at the fire house instead. "I have a public safety concern because I don't want visitors in the driveway," said Mayor Scott Johnson. Safety concerns were raised by some, size concerns were raised by others. The visitor center lawn was brought to the...

Obtained by NBC news, this video shot by an Italian tourist shows the moment of impact between a Piper Saratoga and a Eurocopter over the Hudson River. The accident killed all nine aboard the two aircraft. >> WATCH <<

Albert P. Carey, President and CEO Frito-Lay North America 7701 Legacy Drive Plano, Texas 75024 Dear Mr. Carey, I would like to make a proposal for Frito Lay to consider. Please bear with me as I 'Lays' the ground work. If your not aware, New York State is offering 1.2 Billion dollar subsidy for a chip fabrication plant to be located in Saratoga New York. We the citizens of New York, are led to believe this is an effort to bring new jobs to the State –roughly 1,400 jobs. The State has been in lengthy discussions with Advanced Micro Devices...

RHINEBECK -- A 70-year-old Catholic priest who struggled with depression for years committed suicide by jumping off the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge about 1 p.m. Wednesday, authorities said. The Rev. John Kiwus, a Kingston native, was dead when he was recovered from the Hudson River by a crew from the Ulster Hose fire company, said Bill McDermott, chief of the East Kingston Fire Department. Rhinebeck is approximately 92 miles south of Saratoga Springs. Kiwus, a Redemptorist priest, was stationed at the St. John Neumann Residence on Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs, said the Rev. Patrick Woods, provincial of the Redemptorist order in...

The Silicon Valley Young Republicans Federated would like for you to attend this event this August.This is a funraiser to help raise funds for many Pro Troop causes. SVYRF Club Socials SVYRFC Annual BBQ Location: Sanborn Skyline County Park, Saratoga When: August 12, 2006 Registration: starts at 3pm Food: 4pm Program/Speakers: 5pm Clean-up: 8pm Confirmed Speakers: Claude Parrish, BOE member and Republican candidate for State Treasurer Mike Wasserman, Los Gatos town councilman, former Los Gatos mayor Elsie Gufler, Republican candidate for CA Assembly District 19 Larry Hileman, Republican candidate for CA Assembly District 24 Rob Smith, Republican candidate for CA...

The Silicon Valley Young Republicans Federated would like for you to attend this event this August.This is a funraiser to help raise funds for many Pro Troop causes. SVYRF Club Socials SVYRFC Annual BBQ Location: Sanborn Skyline County Park, Saratoga When: August 12, 2006 Registration: starts at 3pm Food: 4pm Program/Speakers: 5pm Clean-up: 8pm Confirmed Speakers: Claude Parrish, BOE member and Republican candidate for State Treasurer Mike Wasserman, Los Gatos town councilman, former Los Gatos mayor Elsie Gufler, Republican candidate for CA Assembly District 19 Larry Hileman, Republican candidate for CA Assembly District 24 Rob Smith, Republican candidate for CA...

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton visited Saratoga Race Course on Saturday where she discussed the importance of promoting rural economies. Clinton, who is seeking re-election in November, also visited Day Star Technologies at the Saratoga Technology & Energy Park in Malta. She's slated to deliver a speech on Monday in Niagara County about rural economic development. 'A lot of people don't realize how rural New York state is,' she said. Clinton, D-N.Y., entered the track at the Clubhouse Gate and held a brief press conference, accompanied by Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings. From there she worked her way through...

It is long past time to speak the undiluted truth in response to Congressman John Murtha (D.-Pa.), Senator John Kerry (D.-Ma) and any of their cohorts on Capitol Hill who continually strive to demoralize Americans in the War on Terror by demanding unconditional retreat. They are not “patriotic” nor are they voices of the “loyal opposition,” for they can be neither patriotic nor loyal when “carrying the water” for the mortal enemies of America. A reality check is once again in order, since the realities of the past five years have been completely abandoned by the left. America was attacked,...

Native American items found, but little evidence of British uncovered at Victory Woods VICTORY MILLS -- Native American artifacts used thousands of years ago were found by archaeologists who examined the Victory Woods battlefield where British soldiers suffered their most decisive defeat in the American Revolution. Advertisement Among the finds was a 6,000-year-old roasting pit used to cook acorns located just a few feet beneath the surface of the forest floor. The dig also turned up darts and spear points that date from 1500 B.C. and 500 A.D. The National Park Service commissioned an archaeological study of Victory Woods, which...

Clinton greeted by anti-war protesters A group of anti-war demonstrators gathers outside the Hall of Springs in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2005, as U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., attends a luncheon inside. (AP Photo/Tim Roske) SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton was greeted by anti-war protesters today at a local Democratic fundraiser in Saratoga Springs. More than a dozen Iraq war protesters waved signs and called on her to support an immediate withdrawal of troops. Barbara Murphy, a retired state worker from Clifton Park, said she voted for Clinton in 2000. But she said she won't...

Friends of Missing in Action/Captured Captain Michael Scott Speicher, who was captured in the First Gulf War, and Family of Missing in Action/Captured Keith "Matt" Maupin, who was captured in Operation Iraqi Freedom, come together to send message of unity in bringing both men home. Keith and Carolyn Maupin, parents of Matt Maupin, will be guest speakers. Other speakers will include POW from Operation Iraqi Freedom, Chief Warrant Officer Ronald Young, Jr. and author of military fiction Robert Gandt. i-Newswire, 2005-01-03 - On January 17th, 2005 Friends Working to Free Scott Speicher will host a prayer/candle vigil at Lake Shore...

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. ...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel...