Fulton County Area News

12/05/2025

BROADALBIN-PERTH STUFFS BUS FOR CHRISTMAS

FULTON COUNTY, NY -- Students with the Broadalbin-Perth Elementary School worked to stuff a school bus with new unwrapped toys on Friday. The donations were brought to school by children and staff to help support the 9th Annual Christmas Toy Drive of Fulton and Montgomery Counties on behalf of the The Salvation Army of Gloversville, NY. This year's toy drive is being coordinated through The Romano Acro Dance Academy of Johnstown. Seen while at the County Highway 107 school in Perth from left are Broadalbin-Perth High School Freshman Liliona Andujar, Toy Drive Coordinator Jessica Romano and Salvation Army Captain Wendy Senior.

© Image by Fulton County Area News

12/05/2025

Special thanks to Early Birds Diner of Galway for a stellar breakfast this morning! Thank you for having us. From left are former Fulton County Sheriff Thomas J. Lorey, former Fulton County Undersheriff Thomas L. Daggett and Ryan Lorey of Fulton County Area News.

12/05/2025

GLOVERSVILLE POLICE: S*X OFFENDER FACES ADDITIONAL CHARGES

Subsequent to a Press Release, distributed on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, detailing the arrest of Michael E. Laverdure for the crime of Forcible Touching, Police have identified an additional victim. As a result of that, on Thursday, December 4th, 2025, Michael was arrested and charged with an additional count of Forcible Touching. Police allege that Michael had forcibly touched a female, for the purpose of gratifying his sexual desires. Michael was arraigned in Gloversville City Court and released on his own recognizance.

Michael is a NYS registered level 2 sexual offender, stemming from a 1996 conviction of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, wherein the victims were 6 and 9 years old.

A photograph of Michael is attached to this Press Release. Generally, the City of Gloversville Police Department does not release mugshots of individuals who have been arrested. However, Michael’s mugshot is being released for the purpose of identifying any additional individuals who may have been the victim of a crime.

Members of the public are asked to contact Detective J. Spychalski if they have had any unusual encounters with Michael. Detective Spychalski can be contacted at 518-773-4501, or by email at [email protected].

While there is probable cause for the issuance of this arrest, all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

12/05/2025

A rollover crash involving a fire truck was reported at 30A and Harrison in Gloversville at around 8:20 this morning.

12/05/2025

It was -8° in Vail Mills at 6:30 this morning.

12/04/2025

Tonight's Cold Moon
© Images by Bill Trojan / Fulton County Area News

12/04/2025

GIARDINO NOT RUNNING FOR CONGRESS, DESPITE REPORTS

Statement of Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino on Congressional District NY 21

Since Congresswoman Stefanik announced she would be running for Governor, a number of individuals from the District have asked if I was going to run for the Congressional seat, many others have encouraged me to run with a commitment of their support.

It is an honor to be considered to follow in Congresswoman Stefanik’s path. Especially because of her strong support for Veterans, Law Enforcement, EMS and Fire Personnel, especially with regard to the critical issues involving mental health, PTSD and su***de prevention. As a former police officer, elected District Attorney, a retired Judge and current Sheriff those issues are very important to me, having personally known members of the Public Safety Service who have suffered from all of those issues.

For a variety of reasons this is not the time for me to get into the race for Congress. If I ran I do feel I would have a lot to offer the voters and constituents based on my legal education, my training and experience. I do believe most people want the same things for themselves and their families regardless of their political registration or views. I believe if I ran I could contribute to the dialogue and the development of policies and procedures which could achieve those things.

My unsolicited advice to those running, not only for NY-21, but those running for local, state and federal positions is as follows:

* Remember more than 50% of the public are politically in the center, they (we) are sick and tired of the 25% of both the extreme right and extreme left driving the news, the narrative and their own agendas rather than concentrating on compromise and consensus and what is best for all of society.

* Run a clean campaign discussing your strengths and your positions on the issues, stay out of the gutter. Most people I speak to feel that today’s politicians sound more like junior high schoolers attacking each other rather than mature adults having a civil debate on the issues.

Once elected, remember you are there to serve the best interests of society, not one party or another and certainly not yourself. Those who are old enough or who have studied politics and government remember the great leaders like President Reagan and Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill, they would battle during the day and at night have ci**rs, a couple of drinks and dinner. Another example was the relationship between Justice Antonin Scalia and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg who were on extreme opposites of the political spectrum. They would argue during the day and usually end up on different sides of the legal decisions, but evenings and weekends they and their families would share time including vacations together.

I urge you to follow their example, advocate your positions but be social and get to know people from the other side on a personal level that will foster the ability to listen and form bonds that will lead to compromise and consensus so that everyone succeeds and the public is best served.
Remember the following:

* Most people support and want strong law enforcement within the requirements of the Constitution, that protects their families, their selves and their communities, they want to be safe in their homes, their children to be safe in their schools, their neighborhoods, their workplaces, their places of worship and social venues. They may disagree on how best to achieve those goals but it should be the job of elected officials to formulate policies that work to make all of our lives and property safer.

* Most people want an educational system that spends most of its time educating their children and grandchildren with the necessary subjects to thrive in today’s society without indoctrinating the students with social views not pre-approved by their parents.

* They want a medical system that provides all of our citizens with prevention, diagnosis and treatment equally and affordably.

* They want to humanely treat those with mental health issues (su***des takes more lives that violent acts of others annually) and substance abuse issues (drug overdoses take around 100,000 deaths a year). They don’t want to hear we don’t have counselors available or beds available or there is a waiting list for help. We have an obligation to deliver the best practices to help people change their lives.

* They want to give people a hand up not handouts.

* They want safe borders and they want violent illegal immigrants, gang members, gun runners and child traffickers found and removed from our Country. They do believe there should be a path for illegal immigrants who have been in our Country and have been contributing productive tax payers to become legal citizens.

I urge the elected officials to focus on improving the Criminal Justice System. Government’s first obligation is to keep its citizens safe. Start by readdressing the Bail and Juvenile reforms since we now know many of these changes have done more harm than good. Having been involved in all facets of the Criminal Justice System I have seen firsthand all the failures that at some time end up in the system. The failures of the individuals themselves, failures of their families, which lack the skills to properly raise their children or are unable for a variety of reasons to ask for help, the failures of all the other systems of society from the schools, to the mental health system, the substance abuse treatment system, from social services to the medical systems and even the failures of law enforcement itself and the Courts eventually end up in the criminal justice system. Before any “public safety legislation” is passed the question asked should be; does this law make law abiding citizens and their families any safer?

The Legislature and the government increasingly make decisions without talking to those in the field, the “boots on the ground” if you will. Their decisions and laws they pass often create more problems than they cure. Anyone in the system will tell you we need more resources for treatment of mental health issues, substance abuse issues and issues involving adolescents getting involved with criminal activity.

In closing I want to thank all of the voters of Fulton County who have supported me for District Attorney, Fulton County Court Judge and currently Sheriff. It is been an honor and privilege to serve in all of those positions.

As Fulton County Sheriff I am pleased to report that our Team has accomplished a lot in 10 years including restoring the Navigation and Snowmobile Patrols, adding a Side-Scan Sonar for lake recoveries, a new contract with a full-service medical provider for the Correctional Facility. We have increased training across the board adding 1,000’s of hours a year, we have become one of only a third of Sheriff’s Office in the State that are Accredited Agencies. We have received hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations from families, individuals, businesses and foundations for equipment purchases and major projects. We could not have added much of those items with the strong public support. We have received over a few million and a half dollars in State and Federal Grants.

With the support of the Board of Supervisors we have obtained a 20 year retirement plan which allows us to be competitive with all area law enforcement agencies and almost all of the Sheriff’s Offices in the State. We have added Body cameras for Deputies and a new protective vest rotation program and patrol car rotation. In the most recently completed 2026 budget we have added a Body Scanner for the Correctional Facility and new Handguns to bring us up to date with other agencies. While we have come a long way in ten years we still have more we can do to make Fulton County a safer place and a better work environment for all our employees.

12/04/2025

EARLY MORNING FIRE DESTROYS GLOVERSVILLE HOME

Gloversville Fire Chief Tom Groff updated reporters at about 10:30 am Thursday following an early morning house fire.

Groff said that Gloversville and Johnstown Fire Departments were dispatched to a structure fire at 253 S. Kingsboro Ave. in Gloversville at 5:29 am Thursday.

Groff said that upon arrival Battalion Chief Joe Gillis reported a working fire with fire visible out the windows on two sides.

"BC Gillis immediately requested the Third Battalion for assistance. FF Tyler Cosselman and FF Mark Dolly stretched an attack line into the house to the fire room and knocked down the main body of fire. Johnstown Captain John Roth and FF Nick Meredith assisted in overhaul and checking for extension on the first and second floors. Probationary firefighter David Sagan, fresh from the academy, made his first hydrant successfully," Groff said.

The Chief confirmed that two occupants of the residence were able to escape the fire without injury, and no injuries were reported to firefighters.

The home is owned by Ann Avery of First Ave. in Gloversville.

The fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes and the home sustained significant fire, water and smoke damage throughout the residence, Groff said.

"The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Gloversville Fire Dept. Fire Investigation Team and members of the Johnstown Fire Investigation Team."

Groff said Firefighters were assisted by the Gloversville Police Dept, Gloversville DPW, Fulton County Emergency Management, National Grid and Lake Valley EMS.

© Image by Fulton County Area News

12/04/2025

One of our followers is asking where to turn for a dental service that will accept DentaQuest.

12/04/2025

JOHNSTOWN POLICE CONFIRM ARRESTS FOR NOVEMBER, OFFICERS ANSWERED 513 CALLS

Darlene J. Stumbrice, a 35-year-old female from Gloversville, was charged with DWI and DWI: BAC >.08%.

Talon A. Clark, a 26-year-old male from Gloversville, was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the third degree.

Robert A. Kronk, a 54-year-old male from Gloversville, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree.

William R. Morrison, a 31-year-old male from Johnstown, was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended Registration.

Isaiah J. Rodriguez, a 20-year-old male from Gloversville, was charged with Displaying a Forged Inspection Certificate.

Brooke M. Vanalstine, a 27-year-old female from Amsterdam, was charged with Criminal Impersonation in the second degree and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the second degree.

Louis J. Nowakowski, a 43-year-old male from Amsterdam, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree.

Alessi M. Semprivivo, a 36-year-old female from Johnstown, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree.

Laura B. Mason, a 47-year-old female from Johnstown, was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the third degree.

Mary F. Daley, a 52-year-old female reported to be homeless, was charged with Trespass and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree.

Duane C. McGraw, a 58-year-old male from Gloversville, was charged with Falsifying Business Records in the first degree, Petit Larceny, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree.

Lexi T. Bohringer, a 25-year-old female from Gloversville, was charged with Grand Larceny in the fourth degree, Petit Larceny, and Criminal Mischief in the fourth degree.

Rebecca L. Sawyer, a 40-year-old female from Johnstown, was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the third degree.

Jason L. Elson, Jr., a 33-year-old male from Gloversville, was charged with Harassment in the second degree, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, and Aggravated Family Offense.

William T. Salmons, III, a 74-year-old male from Broadalbin, was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the third degree.

Christopher J. Ponzi, a 51-year-old male from Fort Plain, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree.

Michael H. Laue, a 62-year-old male from Gloversville, was charged with Petit Larceny.

Shane S. Ward, a 31-year-old male from Gloversville, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree.

Kristin R. Hayes, a 40-year-old female from Gloversville, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree.

Emmanuel Perez, a 35-year-old male from Rochester, was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the second degree.

Jennifer L. Garrett, a 52-year-old female from Broadalbin, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

Zachary S. Jones, a 33-year-old male from Johnstown, was charged with Petit Larceny.

Zachary M. Bailey, Sr., a 34-year-old male from Gloversville, was charged with Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle in the third degree.

Omar E. Rivera, a 44-year-old male from Gloversville, was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the third degree.

Colleen M. Ioele-Decristofaro, a 61-year-old female from Johnstown, was charged with DWI and DWI: BAC >.08%.

Stephan L. Chase, a 28-year-old male from Edinburg, was charged with Petit Larceny.

Rizel T. Sims, a 36-year-old male from Johnstown, was charged with Assault in the third degree and Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation.

Two (2) people were taken into custody under the Mental Hygiene Law of the State of New York.

All individuals listed have not been convicted of any crimes and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

During November Officers responded to 513 calls for service, which included investigations into 34 motor vehicle accidents, 19 domestic violence incidents, and 0 drug overdoses. There were 69 traffic tickets and 8 parking tickets issued during the month.

12/03/2025

CHRISTMAS COLLECTION REMINDER

Our Salvation Army volunteers will begin picking up all toy-box collections starting December 9th, which means we have one more week to fill those boxes to the top! 🎁❤️

A very special thank you to all of our incredible volunteers for making this season unforgettable. You continue to raise the bar year after year, and we are so grateful for your time, dedication, and heart.

To all of the surrounding businesses, schools, and every single person who participated in the convoy and Stuff the Bus — you are a true blessing to our community. Your generosity is making a real difference for families right here in Fulton and Montgomery Counties.

Let’s finish strong and make this final week our best yet! 🎄✨