A group of more than 50 trail enthusiasts turned out on Nov. 3 to cut the ribbon at the new entrance to the Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail in Saratoga Springs conducted by Saratoga PLAN. 

The reopening culminates a season of trail renovations including the creation of a new spur trail at Meadowbrook Road, extended bog bridging to avoid wet areas, extensive raising and smoothing of the trail surface, numerous drainage improvements, and new additions to prevent flooding caused by an active beaver population, officials said. 

The trail had been closed since last spring while the renovations were underway.

Many volunteers who worked on the trail attended, along with representatives of business partners, the city of Saratoga Springs, and Saratoga PLAN staff.

By Maureen Werther

Chris Crounse and Darren Van Heusen have opened a new craft brewery and taproom, Hank Hudson’s Brewing Co., at the Fairways of Halfmoon Golf Course.

They are hosting a grand opening, dubbed Hanktoberfest, from 1-4 p.m.  Sunday, Oct. 14.

The taproom is newly constructed in the space between the Fairways clubhouse restaurant and the pro shop. The interior is constructed of reclaimed barn wood from two local farms on nearby Farm to Market Road. The seating consists mainly of long communal tables that facilitate friendly dialogue among fellow beer lovers as they sample pours from the 16 different taps at the bar.

It has a large stone fireplace and sliding glass doors that lead outside to a deck area. Outdoor patio seating is available in front of the taproom.

Key Capture Energy broke ground on Sept. 26 on its KCE NY 1 facility, which represents the commencement of construction on the project.

The KCE NY 1 facility is a 20 megawatt (MW) utility-scale battery storage project located at the Luther Forest Technology Campus in Malta.

The project is the largest lithium-ion battery storage project in New York state and supports he state’s commitment for the state to reach 1,500 MW of energy storage by 2025.

Airosmith Inc., a provider of wireless network support services based in Saratoga Springs, received funding from the Saratoga County IDA to help retain and grow its corporate headquarters.

The Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) led an incentive application that went before the IDA in September.

The company’s services include site acquisition, radio frequency development and field support, systems installation, and trouble shooting and maintenance. It serves wireless service providers, utility service providers, tower companies, OEMs, and system integrators in the Northeast region and across the United States.

Plug Power Inc. , which has a manufacturing plant in Clifton Park, in partnership with the RPI Center for Automation Technologies & Systems (CATS) and the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, is working to develop a first-of-its-kind robotic hydrogen fueling technology for motive power applications.

The immediate goal of the robotic fueling station is to increase the ease and efficiency of fueling hydrogen-powered vehicles in warehouse settings, where every second amounts to more than $1,000 in annual cost impact for medium to large sites officials said.

Six Flags Great Escape Resort in Lake George will rebrand its outdoor water park as Six Flags Hurricane Harbor for the 2019 season

The park will undergo a major expansion with more to see and do than ever before,  including two new attractions; a bright, tropical theming throughout; and a new dining location.

Officials said it will offer guests a bigger, and better experience.

A new Adirondack Welcome Center rest area that the state is calling state-of-the-art opened in September on the Northbound side of the Northway, between exits 17 and 18.

The 8,615-square-foot center cost $16.2 million and is located on a 22-acre lot, just over the Saratoga County line between the Hudson River and Exit 18.

The facility is a comfortable, modern gateway to the Adirondacks region, promoting local attractions and providing a family-friendly respite for travelers heading into New York state’s six-million-acre Adirondack Park, the largest publicly protected park in the contiguous United States.

The Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership has released the first-ever Saratoga County Agricultural Index, which identifies the agriculture sector as a critical component of the county’s economy, generating more than $500 million in annual economic impact.

That figure includes nearly $300 million produced by equine interests, including Saratoga Race Course, and more than $200 million in agricultural products, support services and commodities sold, according to the agency.

Business leaders, farmers and industry stakeholders gathered at Ellms Family Farm in Ballston Spa in September for the unveiling of the inaugural index.