A year full of triumphs, tragedies and changes

January 23, 2024 – Kevin Monahan was convicted of second-degree murder for the tragic death of 20-year-old Kaylin Gillis. In April 2023, Gillis and her friends accidentally pulled into Monahan’s driveway in Hebron. Monahan responded with gunfire, killing her. After deliberating for just two hours, the jury quickly and unanimously reached a guilty verdict. On March 1, Monahan received the maximum sentence: 26 years to life in prison. Although his defense team has said it plans to appeal, no lawsuit has been filed as of December 2024.Verdicthttps://poststar.com/news/local/crime-courts/monahan-driveway-shooter-trial-now-with-the-jury/article_4d3534c2-ba2c-11ee-ba1d-bf4fc3bb27 4e.htmlSentencinghttps://poststar.com/news/local/crime-courts/kevin-monahan-sentenced-25-life/article_44f61f56-d7e6-11ee-8520-87c1558b2ce8.html

April 8, 2024 – A stunning solar eclipse transformed the skies over Warren and Washington counties into a spectacle, drawing thousands of spectators from across the country. Locals and visitors alike flocked to the best viewing spots for the rare celestial event. The Post-Star provided comprehensive coverage, capturing everything from the pre-event preparations to stunning photos and videos of the day. Many praised the area as one of the best solar eclipse experiences in the country.

June 29 – A devastating electrical fire destroyed the Shepard Park Amphitheater, a Lake George landmark and summer concert hub. The loss forced the popular concert series to move to a temporary tent, but the community banded together to keep the music alive. Reconstruction plans are already underway and will ensure the bandstand’s cultural heritage is preserved.https://poststar.com/news/local/lake-george-village-bandstand/article_fe2c01a4-36e4-11ef-ac2b-2bd227a6c88a.html https://poststar.com/news/local/bandstand-fire-update/article_dcb90542-3885-11ef-ae9d-7f8a48301cb1.html

Spring-Summer 2024 – Unruly kids on bikes caused controversy in Glens Falls this year. Social media was abuzz with complaints, city council meetings were flooded with concerns and police responded to numerous reports of reckless driving. Tensions reached a peak when two adults who claimed they had been attacked by cyclists were later arrested for making up their story. The saga underscored the challenge of balancing safety, recreation and community harmony. https://poststar.com/news/local/crime-courts/kids-on-bicycles-are-the-focus-of-concern/article_037041f6-025c-11ef-bfb 7-c7856560ead2.html?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_The_Post-Star&fbclid=IwY2xjawHFYy FleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHRNiwJgrT1LX4Tx8yshKTyB3bcw1q7QfZ68ukPDwQ5xD46F3PMZnjxrhLg_aem_ZFj4TJzoLib6LNiVvLx-bwhttps://postst ar.com/news/local/crime-courts/endangering-child-welfare-glens-falls/article_a4e53e8a-fc1a-11ee-9446-2b951bb58260.html

May-September 2024 – A growing number of homeless people, known as “per diems,” in City Park sparked concerns about safety and support services. Police responded to 145 calls throughout the summer as the public conversation revolved around solutions, resources and compassion. The Post-Star highlighted the complex realities faced by those affected and the systemic gaps that leave many without options.https://poststar.com/news/local/crime-courts/glens-falls-city-park-homeless-population/article_93426efc-8e03-11ef-b0cc-4346904e99f4.htmlhttps://poststar.com/life-entertainment/local/art-theater/glens-falls-homeless-city-park-services-success/article_11d9455e-a053-11ef-800f-872c36299a60.html

September 2024 – Just across the state line in Pawlet, Vermont, a horrific crime shocked the region. Brian Crossman Jr., a Granville man, has been arrested and charged with the brutal murders of his father, stepmother and 13-year-old stepbrother. The case, which spanned state lines, resulted in Crossman being extradited to Vermont, where he now awaits trial. The tragedy shocked both countries.

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