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Author: Aidan Cahill

Purse Thief who Put Woman in Hospital Caught in Pennsylvania

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

Hess was arrested by U.S. Marshalls in a hotel in Pennsylvania (Courtesy of U.S. Marshalls)

A Frankfort man who stole a purse and ran over 76-year-old woman in Ballston Spa has been captured in Pennsylvania. 

Joseph Hess, 32, of Frankfort NY allegedly stole a pocketbook from the back seat of a car at McDonalds on Church Street in the Town of Ballston. When confronted by the robbery victim — a 76-year-old woman — he ran back to his vehicle and attempted to flee the scene, hitting the woman in the process. 

The incident occurred on Oct. 16 at around 6:45 p.m. The victim was transported to Albany Medical Center and treated for compound leg fractures where she has remained since the incident.  

After a five-day manhunt, Hess was located on the morning of Oct. 21 in a hotel in Tinicum Township, PA — a small town southwest of Philadelphia next to the airport. He was arrested by U.S. Marshalls and is currently being held in Delaware County awaiting extradition back to Saratoga. 

 “I am incredibly proud of our investigators who worked tirelessly to locate Hess,” said Sheriff Michael H. Zurlo. “I am grateful and relieved that he is off the streets and pray that justice will be served for the innocent victim.”

At the time of the incident, Hess’s vehicle had been reported stolen from Colonie. It was subsequently abandoned behind Mabey’s Moving and Storage on Route 67 with Hess seen fleeing into the woods, according to the Sherriff’s Office. 

Hess was also wanted in Frankfurt on weapons charges. 

The incident and subsequent manhunt caused concerns for the nearby Ballston Spa Central School District. Prior to the start of school, the Saratoga County Sherriff’s Office searched school buildings to ensure Hess wasn’t inside, according to Ballston Spa Mayor Frank Rossi. In addition to the search, the school was also placed on a state of “Secure Lockdown.” 

These concerns didn’t extend to that night’s homecoming football game as it went off without a hitch and resulted in Ballston Spa beating Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake 20-13. 

As for Hess, he currently faces charges of assault in the 1st degree and robbery in the 1st degree — both of them class B felonies. 

Swindling the State: Man Busted for Working Second job in Malta while on the Clock for New York State

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

While working a second job is usually a good way to earn extra money, it’s not a good idea when you’re supposed to be on the clock for the State of New York. 

This is according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office who arrested Mehul Goswami, 39 or Latham who was arrested on charges of grand larceny after he allegedly stole $50,000 by working a second job when he was supposed to be working remotely for the state. 

According to the Sherriff’s Office, Goswami was working in the town of Malta at the same time he was clocked in for the New York State Office of Information Technology Services. The investigation was conducted by both the New York Inspector General’s Office and Sherrif’s Office. 

 “Public employees are entrusted with the responsibility to serve with integrity, and Mr. Goswami’s alleged conduct represents a serious breach of that trust,” said New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang. “Working a second, full-time job while claiming to be working for the State is an abuse of public resources, including taxpayer dollars. My office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold anyone accountable who would undermine the integrity of public service in New York State.”

Goswami was arranged in Malta Town Court and released pending further legal proceedings. 

Taking the Classroom Outdoors: Geyser Road Elementary Unveils New Outdoor Learning Center

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


The Ribbon is cut on the new outdoor learning center built over the summer at the elementary school (Aidan Cahill)

The Saratoga Springs School Central School District has unveiled a new Outdoor Learning Center at Geyser Road Elementary School. 

The new structure was built as part of the city’s participatory budget project where the city solicits ideas for projects that need funding and helps see them through. The new Outdoor Learning Center consists of an outdoor pavilion on a concrete pad surrounded by the existing orchard. 

An official ribbon cutting was held on Friday, Oct. 10. The existing area includes apple and pear trees, benches and a friendship rock garden. The area started its life in 2014 when Albert Pickens, a music teacher at the school, came up with the idea of having a space where students could learn about the natural world and where their food comes from. 

During his remarks at the ribbon cutting, Pickens talked about how the idea grew from a few fruit trees to a fully fenced orchard with benches for learning. The orchard wasn’t without its challenges, however, as the pandemic brought about many challenges which threatened the orchard’s future. 

“Five years ago, the pandemic hit and the orchard that was helping us, our partner orchard, closed down, and the future of the Geyser Road orchard seemed uncertain,” Pickens said. “That’s when I learned something powerful: A good idea, when rooted in a caring community, will grow beyond the seedlings of any one person’s imagination.” 

Pickens also highlighted the continued work of staff members to preserve and expand the outdoor space. He specifically highlighted the work of Alex Fralish, the head custodian of Geyser Road Elementary School who keeps the fruit trees pruned and watered. 

He also highlighted the work of Brooke Cannie, a speech and hearing teacher at the school, whose idea for a dedicated outdoor learning space inspired the new learning space. 

Cannie said in her remarks that the idea for the learning center came while teaching a student outside near the playground. She said that the thought came to her that it would be amazing to have a quiet space in nature for outdoor learning without distraction. Cannie said the work of Pickens with the orchard inspired her to pursue the funding needed for the project.

She also highlighted the community’s effort to develop the outdoor space. 

“This outdoor classroom is more than just a structure,” Cannie said.  “It’s a symbol of community, of shared vision and what we can accomplish when we all come together for our students.”

Funding for the project came from the city’s participatory budget process. Under the process, proposals for improvements were sought by the city from citizens. After review, those proposals were voted on with the winners receiving the funds to complete the project. 

The Geyser Road Elementary School Project was one of six projects to receive funding under the 2024 vote. Jeff Altamari said he was impressed by the work that went into the project and the care of those involved. 

“I was just awed by the enthusiasm and passion that they had for converting this empty space out here into something beautiful for all of you to really use, for the community to use,” Altamari said. 

Altamari said that the project showed that if you have an idea and are smart about it, you can accomplish anything. 

Students Honor Saratoga Springs Dead as City Prepares to Celebrate 80 Years Since World War Two Ended.

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.


A Trumpeter plays taps to honor those from the area killed the line of duty during the World War II. 
( Aidan Cahill)

It has been over 80 years since World War II ended, and Saratoga Springs High School students are making sure the memory of those who fought in the war is remembered. 

The students gathered in the Saratoga Springs City Council room to read the names of 77 men from the city who were killed during the conflict. They were led by social studies teacher Timothy O’Brien.

The reading took place a week before the city celebrates 80 years since the end of World War II. Two different dates mark the end of the conflict, depending on where in the world the fighting took place. In Europe, V-E Day, Victory in Europe Day, was celebrated May 8, 1945 — commemorating victory over Germany. Meanwhile in Asia, V-J Day, Victory over Japan Day, was celebrated September 2, 1945. 

The war was one of the deadliest in world history with over 15 million military personnel killed across all sides and over 38 million civilians killed, according to the Department of Defense. On the U.S. side, over 16 million troops were mobilized with casualties totaling 405,399 dead and 670,846 wounded in the conflict. Of the Americans who died, over 37,000 came from New York, according to the U.S. Army.  

O’Brien said part of the reason for the reading was to keep the living memory of the conflict alive even as veterans and others who lived through it pass away. 

“It’s just tough,” O’Brien said. “You lose connections and friends you’ve been working with for so long. That’s the kind of the downside of this. But to have their stories to tell is really what matters.” 

O’Brien said reading the names was their way of putting a human face to the conflict. He said that even if they don’t have the full story behind the person’s life and death, just having the name acknowledges that there is a story and a person behind it. 

Similar sentiments were echoed by one of the students who read the names, Olivia Howe. Howe said she volunteered in part because of the service of her grandfather who served in the military. She said she hopes students continue to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. 

“It’s something that should never be forgotten, and I don’t think will ever be forgotten,” Howe said. 

In addition to the 77 lost in the war, O’Brien highlighted the work of veterans who came home and contributed to the community. Over 300 World War 2 veterans were connected with Saratoga County at one time or another, O’Brien said. Many of them brought back the skills they learned from the service or took advantage of the GI Bill to get an education and further improve their communities, according to O’Brien. 

Saratoga Springs is home to the New York State Military Museum, a former armory that hosted many National Guard companies throughout its history. During World War II it hosted L company of the 105th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division. The regiment fought in the Pacific against the Japanese in the Battles of Makin, Saipan and Okinawa, according to a unit history. 


One of the ways troops got home from the war was on a ship named for Saratoga,
the USS Saratoga 
( Courtesy of the US Navy)

In addition, the army history, a ship which draws its name from the region, the USS Saratoga (CV-3), also served with distinction, according to the U.S. Navy. Commissioned in 1927, the aircraft carrier served in many battles and operations across the Pacific during the war, earning seven battle stars for her service. 

Her most notable achievement, however, arguably came after the war when she helped ferry over 29,000 personnel home after the war as part of Operation Magic Carpet. She also held the record at the time for landing the most planes on her deck of any aircraft carrier at over 98,000 landings. 

In addition to the reading of names, a festival celebrating the end of the war will take place on Sat. Oct. 18 at the Military Museum. The event will feature reenactors, a USO-style show and World War II era films and media. 

Reporting for Duty: Saratoga County Gets New Hazmat Truck

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.


The new Hazmat Unit truck passes through a water curtain as it starts it’s career serving Saratoga Springs ( Aidan Cahill)

The Saratoga County Hazmat team is getting an upgrade this week as the county officially unveiled its brand-new Hazmat truck in a wetting down ceremony at the county’s fire training center. 

The new truck was first ordered back in 2023 and expands the capabilities of the County Hazmat team with more equipment space, mobile testing apparatus and command and control equipment. It replaces an older truck that first entered service in 2001. 

“This new Hazmat truck represents a major investment in community safety,” Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett said. “When hazardous materials are involved, every second matters. This vehicle ensures the Saratoga County Office of Emergency Management, Saratoga Springs Fire Department and the countywide Hazmat team have the right equipment to respond quickly and effectively to protect the public.”

The new truck will be maintained and staffed by the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. It will be based out of Station 3 on Henning Road, just east of the Oklahoma Training Track in Saratoga Springs. 

Mike Stanley, the Fire Coordinator for Saratoga County, said he was grateful to the Board of Supervisors for helping get the project off the ground as well as the numerous responders throughout the county. Stanley said the full team responds about four times a year to hazmat incidents with the majority coming from instances of leaks or accidents in transit. In addition, the Hazmat team also has commanders who help advise local fire departments on what to do when they encounter materials in the field. 

The new truck aids in this mission by allowing the hazmat team to carry all their gear in a single vehicle rather than in a truck with a separate trailer to supplement it, Stanley said. The new truck also includes a new set of spectrometers to help identify the material at the scene and new protective equipment to help keep responders safe. 

“This new vehicle enhances our collective ability to contain and mitigate complexity and safety,” Stanley said.  “It gives our responders the best tools and technology available to protect the life property and the environment of every citizen in Saratoga County. This investment is proof that when career and volunteer, city and county work together, we build a truly resilient system.”

After the remarks, the truck went through it’s “wetting down” ceremony, in which it drove through a curtain of water provided by the Malta Ridge Fire Department. 

As for what’s next, the county hopes to upgrade it’s fire training center in the near future. 

First Annual 5k Raises over $15,000 for Cancer Advocacy

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.


The first runners take off down the trail as the 5k begins. It only took the front runners 15-20 minutes to finish the five kilometer course through the scenic Saratoga Park (Aidan Cahill)

Humans weren’t the only ones participating in the event as several K-9s from the daycare and training school Dog Logic made the trek with their humans. (Aidan Cahill)

Traffic cones, superheroes and all matter of witches and bats could be seen this past weekend in Saratoga Spa State Park. 

They were part of the first annual “Spook Out Cancer” 5k held the morning of Oct. 5.  The event was held to raise money for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network — the nonpartisan political advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society. 

Dozens of runners and walkers took to the course, many in costumes ranging from superheroes to cones, witches and everything in between. The course ran through parts of the Saratoga Spa State Park, starting near the Orenda Pavillion, past the Saratoga Automobile Museum, and the golf course before turning back on itself and returning to the start/finish line. 

Olivia Mannion, the organizer of the 5k, said that planning for the charity run started back in May after she attended an event by the American Cancer Society which encouraged grass roots activism. Mannion, herself, a survivor of stage four cancer, said she got the idea for the 5k after seeing the impact of a similar one that took place in Vermont. 

Despite this being the first year of the event, the turnout was high. 395 people took part in the event with over $15,000 raised to support the American Cancer Society. 

Mannion said she was excited by the unexpectedly large turnout and said it speaks to the “incredible” community both in terms of participants as well as sponsors who donated items to be raffled off. 

“It’s just so amazing to see everyone come out,” Mannion said. “I’m just so excited to see everyone come together for an important cause.” 

In addition to the run, there was also a costume contest where winners would get a basket donated by sponsors. It wasn’t just humans dressing up either. Several dogs sported costumes and walked with their humans at the event. Mannion joked that although she loved the dog costumes, she hoped humans would receive the prizes as many of them included candy. 

Cancer — the common name for a group of diseases caused by uncontrolled cell growth — was the second leading cause of death in the US behind only heart disease in 2023, according to the CDC. These deaths accounted for nearly 20% of the total number of deaths in the US that year. 

For 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates that over 9 million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year with over 600,000 expected to die from the disease.

Mannion highlighted this impact as part of the reason she put on the 5k. 

“Cancer is something that affects every single person,” Mannion said. “Whether you’re a survivor or a caregiver, everyone has a cancer story.” 

Correction: An earlier version of the story listed the amount raised as over $5,000. The actual number was over $15,000.

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.