Looking back on the year, it has been packed with a multitude of significant events and news related to our region. A range of stories unfolded in 2024, each leaving its mark on our local history and community. Here are ten of these notable incidents, presented without ranking their significance.
Among the grim events was the sentencing for the distressing killing of Kaylin Gillis. A terrible misunderstanding resulted in Gillis and her friends arriving in Hebron resident Monahan’s driveway in April 2023. The overreaction from Monahan was shockingly lethal, the consequence of which was Gillis losing her life. When the case was presented to the jury, it only took them two hours to unanimously convict Monahan.
Adding details to this narrative, Monahan was handed the harshest penalty on March 1 – 26 years to life imprisonment. Monahan’s defense team was vocal about their intention to appeal, yet as the year drew to a close, no documents hinting at an appeal was filed.
In a stark contrast of events, the year also saw a widely-celebrated solar eclipse casting its shadow over Warren and Washington counties. The awe-inspiring event had drawn countless onlookers not just from the local vicinity, but from across the entire nation. Known prime viewing locations became a melting pot of local and out-of-towners, all joining in to bear witness to this rare spectacle.
In the aftermath, the impression in general consensus deemed that these counties offered one of the finest eclipse viewing experiences across the nation. The eclipse event stood out as a highlight for many, genuinely captivating those fortunate enough to witness it.
Another event of significance was the ProcellaCOR trial run, wrapping up the intense debate over the use of herbicides in Lake George. Furthermore, the Saratoga Biochar project had proposed a new location in Moreau, which caused controversy but ultimately, the proposal was rejected.
In grim news, the summer witnessed an unfortunate incident involving a serious electrical fire at Shepard Park Amphitheatre in Lake George. Known for being a magnet for summer concerts, its destruction was a huge blow to the local community.
Temporarily, the series of concerts had to be shifted under a sheltered tent due to the aforementioned loss. However, the resilient community took the adversity in stride and ensured that the music played on. Plans to rebuild the amphitheater and preserve its rich cultural heritage have been set into motion.
Genuinely surprising was the confusion over the ownership of a tree that fell in Hudson Falls. This relatively simple incident rapidly escalated, leaving residents baffled.
Controversy also spiked regarding the growing number of homeless individuals known as ‘day spenders’ in the Glens Falls city park. Their presence stirred up several concerns regarding public safety as law enforcement received 145 calls throughout the summer season.
The issue brought about an exploration of potential solutions, need for adequate resources, and the necessity for empathy as the city struggled to balance safety and public discourse. A spotlight was shone on the underlying issues including system gaps that leave many vulnerable and without options.
In another distressing event, a terrifying murder case sent ripples through the local communities across Vermont. In Pawlet, a small town located just across the state border, Brian Crossman Jr., a local man from Granville, was implicated in an gruesome crime.
Crossman was accused of horrifically taking the lives of his father, stepmother, and stepbrother who were only 13-years-old. The multistate investigation led to Crossman being extradited to Vermont to face a court of law.
He now awaits the commencement of his trial in Vermont. This horrifying event shook multiple communities and reminded us of the proximity of human tragedy.
This retrospective of the past year consists of only a few of the countless stories that have taken center-stage in recent times. Each event, individual, and the implications thereof have shaped our community in a myriad of ways – some by bringing joy, while others by delivering harsh lessons. Here’s hoping the upcoming year is full of growth, understanding, and compassion.