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Author: Aidan Cahill

Burn Ban in Effect as Fire Risk Temporally Goes Up

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Featured, News.


Graphic by Julia Ettkin

While Saratoga residents have had to deal with smoke from the north this past summer, a much closer threat caused concern for state officials leading to a state-wide burn ban. 

The ban came after much of the state saw the fire risk in much of the state raised to high — the third highest wildfire alert level in the state. By Oct. 8, however, this risk had dropped to moderate. The ban also comes at a time when much of New York is under a drought watch with some regions seeing drought warnings.

Under the ban, brush and debris clearing fires as well as uncontained camp and cooking fires were banned, however contained campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length are allowed. 

“The ongoing nice weather is great for watching fall foliage or gathering with friends, but it also presents a higher risk for fires that put homes, businesses and our brave first responders at risk,” New York Governor Cathy Hochul said. “Many regions are already in a drought watch or warning due to the dry conditions, and with the fire risk rising in some parts of the state, it is important to keep everyone safe by implementing this temporary burn ban.”

In comparison to other states, New York doesn’t see many wildfires. In 2024, New York saw 125 fires resulting in 6,496 acres burned, according to the National Inter Agency Fire Center. This accounted for less than 1 percent of the 64,897 fires in the United States and much less than that in terms of the proportion of acres burned in the US. 

Of the 125 New York fires, only three were caused by lightning, resulting in only an acre being burned, with the rest being caused by humans. 

While fires out west tend to occur in the summer months, wild and brush fires in the northeast tend to occur in the spring and fall, according to the National Wildfire Coordination Group.

 Back in March, a state of emergency was declared in New York due to fires on Long Island which burned 600 acres. Those fires were reportedly caused by someone trying to make smores in their backyard. 

As for current conditions, the governor’s office said in a statement that since August there have been 64 wildfires in New York. 

Business Leader Arrested for Trying to Solicit a Minor

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

A Saratoga County Business Leader has been arrested by the FBI after he allegedly tried to solicit sex from someone he believed was a 15-year-old girl. 

Peter Bardunias, 59 of Clifton Park was arrested and charged by federal prosecutors with attempted enticement of a minor, according to court documents filed on Oct. 7. 

Bardunias was charged after an investigation conducted by the FBI showed that he repeatedly messaged the supposed 15-year-old with violent sexual fantasies and traveled to Warrensburg to meet with the girl. 

Instead of meeting with the girl, however, Bardunias was arrested Oct. 6 by FBI agents who he had been unknowingly communicating with from the start. The investigation began in late September when an FBI agent posing as the 15-year-old first made contact with Bardunias in a private chat room. 

According to court documents, despite learning the age of the supposed girl, he continued to converse with the supposed girl and expressed his desire to meet with her and told her that he wanted to “strangle” and “torture” the girl — among other sexually charged and violent messages. 

“I want to see you scream and be in pain, I want you to struggle but its too late and cant get free….nobody will ever find you, Princess,” Bardunias is alleged to have said in one of the messages. 

While Bardunias tried to claim to agents that he had no intention of carrying out the acts, court documents claim the evidence says otherwise. 

“Based on my training and experience, I know that individuals who travel long distances to meet with someone they believe to be a minor often claim under questioning that they were not serious about their sexual desires, even when those desires have been previously expressed in writing,” an FBI agent wrote in the federal complaint. 

In addition to the messages, agents found a candy bar he allegedly planned to give to the 15-year-old as well as other items he allegedly said he would bring to the meeting. A later search of his home found items consistent with the message he had sent the undercover agent including items to build a “torture chamber,” which included restraints and a knife. 

According to the complaint, Bardunias admitted these items were his. 

“As alleged in the federal criminal complaint filed today, Peter Bardunias attempted to engage in what can only be described as heinous, unspeakable, and violent actions against a minor,” Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said. “I am thankful that the FBI intervened to ensure that he was unable to follow through in any of this horrific activity with a real minor, and our community is safer tonight because Bardunias is behind bars.”

Pamela Bondi, current U.S. Attorney General said the case highlighted the need for parents to be vigilant regarding what their kids do online. 

“Parents need to be hyper-aware of conversations their children are having via text or online — predators often lurk behind screens,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said. “This man’s alleged crimes are shocking, and our prosecutors will ensure he faces severe consequences for his evil conduct towards an innocent child.”

Bardunias is local businesses leader in the Capital Region. Prior to his arrest he served as Senior Vice President for Community Advancement with the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce — an organization he’d been with for over five years, according to his LinkedIn profile. Prior to that, he served as president of one of its affiliate organizations, the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County for over 8 years. 

In response to his arrest, the Chamber put out a statement to media acknowledging it and offering no further comment. 

“The Capital Region Chamber is aware that Peter Bardinuas has been taken into custody. He has been placed on unpaid suspension pending investigation,” the statement read “At this time the Chamber will not be making any additional comments on this investigation.”

If convicted, Bardunias potentially faces life in prison with a minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a supervised release period of at least five years.

Two Injured in Bonfire Gone Wrong

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

An explosion on Starks Knob Road in Northumberland sent two people to the hospital — one severely injured enough to require transport to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse. 

The explosion occurred the night of Saturday Sept. 27 around 8:41 p.m., according to the Saratoga County Sherriff’s Office. 

The explosion occurred at a bonfire. According to the Sherriff’s Office, a metal drum containing a combustible material exploded causing the injuries. Investigations have thus far shown that the drum and its contents were not known to the hosts of the fire. 

The two victims were driven by personal vehicle to Saratoga Hospital with a subsequent transfer of one victim to the Clark Burn Treatment Center at Upstate University Hospital by EMS. 

The investigation into the explosion is still ongoing. 

Corinth Man Arrested for Animal Abuse

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

A Corinth man has been arrested for animal abuse after he kept two dogs in “unsanitary” conditions, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. 

Michael Schilling, 36, of Corinth, New York was arrested and charged with overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; failure to provide proper sustenance — a class A misdemeanor. 

Schilling is accused of failing to provide two dogs with sustenance and keeping them in unsanitary conditions. According to the Sherriff’s Office, the animals were seized under court order and taken into the custody of the Saratoga County Animal Shelter. 

Schilling’s case represents the eighth incident of animal abuse this year in Saratoga County. These eight incidents have resulted in 10 arrests and over 200 charges against residents. 

Schilling’s arrest also comes less than a week after Saratoga County passed a bill that would create an animal abuse registry for those convicted of animal abuse in the county. The bill is set to take effect in mid-December and requires those convicted of animal abuse to register with the district attorney’s office within 10 days of conviction or release from incarceration. 

100 Years of Service and Counting: Park Named for McTygue Family

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Featured, News.

On the west side of Saratoga Springs is a neighborhood known for Greek and Victorian style buildings intermixed with modern shops and market. 

While the Franklin Square neighborhood used to be the site of hotels and the city’s rail stop, the area is filled with small businesses and residences. Among the old and new is a small park with colorful fountain, trees and benches. 

Now the park will bear the name of a McTygue family, a family who’s lineage includes a city judge, several Public Works Commissioners and a legacy and a legacy that can be seen by all residents across the city. 

“If there’s a family name that deserves to have a plaque and a little park in their name, it’s the McTygues,” said Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford. 

The park was officially renamed in a ceremony held on Sept. 20 at the park after the Saratoga Springs City Council unanimously approved the renaming back in December 2024. Funding for the name plaque came from local developer Robert Israel and Builder Sonny Bonacio who worked with Thomas McTygue in developing the area and creating the park. 

Thomas McTygue served as Public Works Commissioner from 1972-1978 and from 1982-2008. Isreal said that prior to the park’s creation, there were traffic and safety concerns stemming from the unused piece of roadway in the spot where the park now stands. While there had been plans to create something, it wasn’t until Thomas’ gave his go ahead that the plan went ahead. 

“He [ Thomas] said, Bob, you put up the money, I’ll put up all the men,” Isreal said in reference to a conversation he had with Thomas. “I gave the money for the initial park, and two weeks later, he had his entire crew here; digging up the street, planting trees, putting water lines, putting in the plants, and installing the fountain. We never had a dedication because probably everyone thought it was going to turn into a weed plot, but it turned out really great.”

Bonacio told a similar story of running into Thomas when he first started his work in the area. According to Bonacio, he was looking at a property in Franklin Square when Thomas pulled up in a city truck and asked what he was doing. When Bonacio told Thomas he was looking to follow Isreal’s lead in buying and restoring a building in the neighborhood, Thomas cracked a joke but encouraged Bonacio to go for it. 

“He looked at me and shook his head,” Bonacio recalled “He goes, ‘Bob’s nuts, you know. But I’m hoping that you will do that so that me, you and Bob can actually do the park across the street.’” 

In addition to Thomas’ work as Comissioner of Public Works, several other members of the family have played key roles in the history of the city. It started with Michael McTygue who served as City Judge from 1918-1924 and continued with Charles McTygue, Thomas’ father who also served as Commissioner of Public Works from 1947-1965 and his brother William McTygue who served as Deputy Commissioner and Director of Public Works from 1999-2010. 

William continues to serve the city as a member of the city’s planning board. 

Beyond just the park, the McTygue family was also instrumental in the preservation of the Canfield Casino, and Kaydeross Park Carousel — among other projects.

In her remarks, Lisa McTygue, Thomas’ daughter, thanked those who made the park happen and for recognizing the work of her family. She also expressed hope that people would continue to use the park. 

“We hope this park will continue to be a place of gathering, reflection and joy,” Lisa said. 

Saratoga Springs Man Dies After Being Struck by a Drunk Driver

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

A Saratoga Springs man has died after being struck by a drunk driver earlier this month in Malta. 

Joshua Soden, 29, died Sept. 20 at Albany Medical Center where he was being treated for injuries that came after he was struck by a drunk driver and pinned beneath a vehicle on Sept. 8. 

Soden was struck by Morgan Lange of Glennville at 10:15 p.m. in a parking lot on Hemphill Place in Malta, according to New York State Police. After striking Soden, Lange stayed on scene and contacted authorities. State Police allege that she tried to remove an open container from her vehicle and dispose it. Lange was arrested at the scene and found with a blood alcohol content of .12% — well above the legal limit of .08%. 

Lange was initially charged with Vehicular Assault in the second degree, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Driving While Intoxicated, and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. On Sept. 24, she was additionally charged with Vehicular Manslaughter in the second degree. 

According to State Police, Lange surrendered herself, was processed and released on her own recognizance. Her next court date is Oct. 9. 

Saratoga County Adopts Animal Abuse Registry

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Featured, News.

The Board of Supervisors adopted legislation creating an animal abuse registry in a unanimous vote 
( Aidan Cahill)

At the most recent Board of Supervisors meeting, Saratoga County passed legislation that would create a county wide animal abuse registry. 

Under the law, someone would have to register with the District Attorney if they are convicted of one of 17 offenses related to animal abuse within 10 days of conviction or release from incarceration. Those convicted are required to provide a head shot, name, alias and address to the registry. 

For first time offenders, their name will be on the registry for 15 years while any subsequent offenses will result in permanent admission to the registry. If someone is on the registry, then they are barred from purchasing or adopting any animals in Saratoga County. Failure to follow the law can result in a $1000 fine for both the abuser and those who sell animals to them. 

The bill was passed unanimously by the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. In his remarks, Chairman of the Board, Phillip Barrett from Clifton Park called the move a “critical first step” in addressing the issue of animal abuse and encouraged the state and other counties to adopt similar legislation. 

The registry also received heavy support from Republican District Attorney Candidate Brett Eby, one of three people who spoke during a Sept. 10 public hearing on the bill. He, alongside Mechanicville Animal Control Officer Lynn Meager spoke in favor of the legislation and talked about the issue of animal abuse. 

Meager told a heart-breaking story about finding a great dane in a moving truck that only weighed 30 pounds — far below the normal weight of between 110-175 pounds. 

The legislation comes after several high-profile incidents in Saratoga County. This year alone there have been at least seven incidents of animal abuse in the county resulting in Saratoga County residents being charged with over 200 counts of abuse. 

Saratoga County isn’t the first county to implement an animal abuse registry. 20 counties —including Albany and Rensselaer — plus New York City all maintain registries of animal abusers. 

On the state level, there is currently a bill introduced that would create a state registry of animal abusers. The bill is sponsored by Senators Pete Harckham (D, WF- 40) of South Salem and Anthony Palumbo (R- 1) of New Suffolk and was referred to committee in May. 

In addition, Sen. James Tedisco — who represents Saratoga County — also proposed several bills in January which would strengthen New York’s animal abuse law known as “Buster’s Law.” All of those bills have been referred to committee with no action taken since January.

Saratoga Remembers: Annual 9/11 Ceremony Held in Saratoga Springs.

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

An honor guard from the Saratoga Springs Fire and Police Departments place flags behind the podium at the start of the ceremony. ( Aidan Cahill)

It was a somber and reflective morning as hundreds of citizens, first responders, elected officials, veterans and sailors gathered to honor the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. 

The ceremony took place at High Rock Park in front of the “Tempered by Memory” sculpture which comprises steel from the World Trade Center. During the Ceremony, speakers recalled the events of the attack and the loss of friends who died in the wars that followed the attack. 

The event started with a moment of silence at 8:46 — the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. It included remarks by Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford, keynote speaker Saratoga Springs Police Department Sargant Christopher Callahan and Captain James R. Diefenderfer Jr. the commanding officer of the Nuclear Power Training Unit in Ballston Spa. 

In his remarks, Callahan, a retired Army Reservist, spoke of the sacrifice of those lost during the attacks and his own experience serving in the Army after 9/11. 

“I’ve yet to get through a 9/11 since 2001 without shedding more than a few tears for all those who lost their lives tragically that day,” Sgt. Callahan said. “I also can’t help but feel a sense of pride for all those who stood up and answered the call when their fellow countrymen needed them.”

Callahan also told the story of Staff Sgt. Dain Venn, a soldier from Port Henry who Callahan met while serving. Venn was killed in a roadside bomb attack in 2012 in Afghanistan.  Callahan described Venn as “instantly likable, one of the funniest, most quick-witted people I’ve ever met,” and spoke about his actions in Afghanistan which earned him a bronze star with v device for valor. 

A trumpet player plays taps at the conclusion of the ceremony
 ( Aidan Cahill)

Similar remarks were echoed by Capt. Diefenderfer who talked about being a midshipman, U.S. Naval Academy at the time of the attacks and how his computer networks professor spent time talking to them about what the attacks would mean for their military careers. 

Diefenderfer also spoke about the personal challenge of what to tell sailors who weren’t alive in 2001 about the attacks. 

“When I speak to them about the events of that day, what do I want them to remember?” Capt. Diefenderfer said.  “I want them to remember the heroes and to be inspired by them. I want them to remember the 343 firefighters and the 72 law enforcement officers who ran into harm’s way to help others, I want them to remember the passengers of flight 93.” 

Capt. Diefenderfer also spoke of the sacrifices of those who were lost during the wars that followed including the professor who gave him the lesson, Marine Lt. Col. Kevin Shea, who was killed in Iraq in 2004. 

Captain James Diefenderfer spoke about being a midshipman on 9/11 and talking to new sailors about the attacks (Aidan Cahill)

On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist hijacked four planes and crashed three of them into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Arlington Virginia. The fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after a passenger revolt forced it down before it could attack its intended target. 

The attacks killed 2,996 people, the majority of them when the North and South Towers collapsed. In the years that have followed, thousands of first responders and residents near the site of the collapse have died from related illnesses. In the wars that followed the attacks, between 897,000-929,000 people were killed — among those 7,052 were US military with another 8,189 serving as US Contractors. 

Ballston Spa Man Arrested for Hate Crime

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Featured, News.

A Ballston Spa Man has been charged with a crime after attacking a vehicle with a hammer. 

Christopher Brothers was arrested Sept. 7 in the Blue Herron Trail Apartment Complex in the Town of Ballston after deputies from the Saratoga County Sherriff’s Office were dispatched there around 2 pm for domestic disturbance. 

According to the Sherriff’s Office, Brothers allegedly jumped on the vehicle and struck it with a hammer causing more than $1,500 in damage. Brothers allegedly selected the victim — who the Sherriff’s Office said is Black — based on perceived race. 

Brothers has been arrested for criminal mischief in the second degree as a hate crime, a class C felony and first-degree criminal contempt, a class E felony. The Sherriff’s Office said that in carrying out the attack, Brothers Violated an order of protection. Brothers was arraigned and released to pre trial services.  

Residents Push Back Against Saratoga Arts Venue

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

Water, noise, traffic and preservation were the words on everyone’s lips this week as a proposed arts venue in the Town of Saratoga had a hearing before the Town of Saratoga Town Board on Sept. 8. 

Over 40 people spoke at nearly three hour long public hearing regarding the proposed studio and performance space. While a couple of people affiliated with the performing arts spoke in favor of the project, the vast majority of those who spoke said they didn’t want the project to move forward. 

The hearing started with a presentation by property owners Victoria and Robert Paterson and representatives from Finey construction. In her remarks, Victoria Paterson talked about her and her husband’s background in the music industry and why they chose the Town of Saratoga. She also tried to assuage some of the fears residents had about the proposed facility. 

“The scope and the scale of this recording studio is small,” Paterson said.  “It is meant to be low impact on the natural beauty that we all love here. We estimate one to two events per month. For the majority of the year, the number one use of this space is a recording studio that is 100% soundproof.” 

Paterson also pushed back against the use of the term “amphitheater” to describe the outdoor music space — despite documents and past meeting notes showing use of the term by other members of the project. 

“There is no Amphitheater in the Greek sense,” Paterson said.  “I think many use that word amphitheater, but that really implies hundreds or 1000s of people. It really is a simple grassy area where about 40 to 80 people at the most, can sit.” 

During their presentation, members of the Phinney Group showed the project, talked about the design changes and the project to this point and highlighted a sound study conducted by audio engineers and town officials. According to the presentation, with a speaker playing at 92 decibels at the point of the outdoor music space, the decibel level at the property line would be around 62 decibels — around the range of normal conversation or office building, according to a chart published by Yale University. 

Despite these assurances, residents were strongly opposed to the plan. Many called into question the noise study, spoke about traffic concerns and said the plan was inconsistent with zoning laws and the character of the area. 

Such concerns were expressed by Susan Rivers, a resident of Burke Road who’s property borders the site of the proposed venue. She said she had welcomed the Pattersons to the neighborhood when they first moved in and supported the Mostly Modern charity. Rivers said she hadn’t heard about the project until Aug. 13 a neighbor called about the project — something she described as a “gut punch.” 

“Had the Pattersons approached us with the details of this project in the developmental stage, I would have told them it’s a great idea, which it is, but not appropriate for our property,” Rivers said.  “It would adversely affect the neighborhood in a myriad of ways. A projected three to five years’ worth of construction, culminating in a year-round performance venue, could have devastating effects on nearby property values.”

Another neighbor, Christian Denison expressed similar concerns. While, Denison said he initially supported the project when first proposed, he opposed the current plans’ size and scale for safety reasons. Denison said he bought his home to raise a family and spoke about the impact it would have on his five-year-old child. 

“This was never to be a rental or an investment, this was to be my forever home,” Denison said, speaking of his home. “If this project goes forward, I will never allow my child to play in his own yard alone, ever. This robs my child of the rural environment I intended.” 

A common theme of those who spoke was support for the arts but a desire to see the project moved to a designated commercial area like Schuylerville or Victory Mills. There was also concern that first responders wouldn’t be able to reach the site, traffic would make the road impassable and cause crashes and environmental impacts given the project’s location atop a hill. 

Despite the impassioned discussion, no action was taken that night — something made very clear by Supervisor Ian Murray from the beginning. 

“There will be no board action taken tonight, and we’re a long way from a vote on this,” Murray said. “We’re going to take our time and we’re not going to rush this application.”

An open house on the property itself was scheduled for Sept. 17 from 5-7 to allow residents to view the project and get a sense of the noise conditions on the property.