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CNYONLINE.COM | LOCAL NEWS CENTRAL NEW YORK Agritourism is becoming an increasingly important part of Central New York’s rural economy, connecting local farms with visitors looking for fresh food, family experiences and authentic local destinations. From apple orchards and pumpkin patches to farmers markets, farm-to-table restaurants, breweries, wineries, maple producers and farm festivals, agritourism gives people an opportunity to experience agriculture firsthand while supporting locally owned businesses. For farmers, these activities can provide an important additional source of income beyond traditional crop or livestock sales. U-pick operations, farm stores, events, tours and seasonal attractions can help farms diversify while creating stronger connections with consumers. The economic impact can extend well beyond the farm itself. A family visiting a local orchard may also stop at a restaurant, purchase gasoline, shop in a nearby village or visit another attraction. Visitors traveling from farther away may also stay at a hotel, campground or vacation rental. That means money spent at one farm can help support multiple businesses throughout the surrounding community. Farm-to-table dining is another major part of the movement. Restaurants that purchase meat, produce, dairy products and other ingredients from nearby farms help keep more food dollars within Central New York while giving customers a stronger connection to where their food comes from. Central New York is especially well positioned for agritourism because of its combination of farmland, small towns, lakes, outdoor recreation and easy access from larger population centers. The region also offers opportunities throughout the year. Spring can bring maple activities and greenhouses. Summer offers farmers markets, berries and farm festivals. Fall brings apples, pumpkins, corn mazes and harvest events, while winter includes Christmas tree farms, local food products and holiday markets. At a time when farms continue to face rising costs and economic pressures, agritourism can help strengthen family farms while supporting restaurants, shops and other local businesses. Instead of relying on one large attraction, Central New York has the opportunity to turn its farms, food producers, restaurants and rural communities into a connected tourism experience. When people shop local, eat local and visit local farms, the economic benefits can spread throughout Central New York. CNYONLINE.COM | Supporting Local News, Local Businesses and the Communities of Central New York

According to the Oneida County Sheriff, Robert Maciol, on August 9th, 2026, at about 8:05 am, Deputies responded to a call for a motor vehicle accident on Route 69 in the Town of Annsville. Upon arrival, Deputies located a 2016 black Ford F-150 off the roadway. The sole occupant of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene. The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing. At this time, Sheriff's Investigators know that the driver was traveling westbound on State Route 69 toward Camden and had previously been traveling from the Utica area on Route 49, through the City of Rome on Erie Blvd West. Investigators are asking that if you have any information that is relevant to the incident, to please call (315) 736-0141. The Sheriff's Office was assisted on scene by Taberg Fire Department, AmCare Ambulance, NYS Department of Transportation, Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office, and NYSP.

TOWN OF MADISON, N.Y. — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate an apparent double murder-suicide after three people were found dead inside a home on McCormick Road in the Town of Madison. Deputies responded to a residence at 7625 McCormick Road on Friday, August 7, following a welfare complaint from someone who was concerned that something was wrong. When the first deputy arrived, authorities said there was a strong odor of propane gas around the residence and the sound of gas escaping from inside the home. According to investigators, the deputy looked through a first-floor window and saw two adults who appeared to be deceased. After deputies entered the residence, they located a third deceased adult. The surrounding area was temporarily evacuated because of concerns involving the propane gas. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has since identified the two victims as Steve M. Sislo, 76, and Donna M. Walker-Sislo, 72, who lived at the McCormick Road residence. Authorities identified their son, Justin Sislo, 35, as the suspect in the investigation. Sheriff’s investigators said all three individuals suffered gunshot wounds and that a firearm was recovered from the residence. Authorities are investigating the deaths as a double murder-suicide. The Sheriff’s Office has not publicly released a motive, and investigators have not said what role, if any, the propane gas may have played in the incident. The investigation remains active. Officials have said the incident appears to be isolated and that there is no danger to the public. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to contact the Madison County Sheriff’s Office at 315-366-2311. CNYONLINE.COM Local News will continue to follow this investigation and provide updates as additional information is released.

Authorized by: Steven Lowell, Chief of Police Date: August 7th, 2026 ONEIDA, NY – The City of Oneida Police Department arrested Izaya J. Miles, 21, an unhoused individual, following an investigation into the reported sexual assault of a child under the age of 13 which occurred at a homeless encampment in the City. Following a joint investigation conducted by the City of Oneida Police Department and the Madison County Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), investigators charged Miles with the following offenses • Two Counts of Rape in the First Degree a Class A Felony • Endangering the Welfare of a Child a Class A Misdemeanor • Unlawfully Dealing with a Child a Class A Misdemeanor On August 4, 2026, Oneida Police located and arrested Miles. During the arrest and subsequent investigation, investigators also developed information alleging that Miles had provided alcoholic beverages to additional underage individuals. It is important to note the victim was known to Miles prior to the alleged offenses. Miles was arraigned in Oneida City Court and remanded to the Madison County Jail on $50,000 cash bail, $100,000 bond, or a $250,000 partially secured bond. At this time, investigators have not identified any additional victims related to the incident under investigation and do not presently believe there are any. However, based upon information developed during the investigation, and because Miles was unhoused and did not have a known fixed residence, investigators are seeking to determine whether there may be additional victims or witnesses connected to other, unrelated incidents who have not yet come forward. Anyone with information related to this investigation, or anyone who believes they may have information regarding Miles or prior interactions involving him, is encouraged to contact the City of Oneida Police Department at (315) 363-2323. This investigation remains active. Additional information may be released as appropriate. See lessO

VERNON PROPERTY HEADED TO TAX AUCTION AGAIN, LOT #0061 Another local property is listed in the tax auction, this one located right in the Village of Vernon again. 📍 5261 E. Seneca Street, Vernon, NYLot #0061 The property is a two-story brown building located near the corner of Seneca Street and Verona Street and is currently classified as an apartment property. Here are some of the property details listed: • Municipality: Town of Vernon – Village of Vernon• Tax ID: 323.016-1-60• School District: VVS School District• Frontage: Approximately 32 feet• Year Built: 1900• Stories: 2• Property Class: Apartment (411)• Water: Public• Sewer: Public• Utilities: Gas and electric 💰 Assessment Information:Land Assessment: $3,000Total Assessment: $75,000Listed Full Market Value: $193,299 👇 What would YOU like to see happen with this property?Apartments? A restaurant or other new local business? OR simply torn down.. One of the problems we noticed is limited to no parking for tenants and looks to be in great disrepair 💬 Let us know in the comments. 📲 Follow CNYONLINE.COM Local News for more Vernon, Oneida County, and Central New York news and community updates.

On August 6, 2026, at approximately 11:54 a.m., a New York State Trooper conducting patrol on Interstate 81 in the town of Homer observed a 2013 Subaru Legacy committing vehicle and traffic law violations and initiated a traffic stop. An investigation determined that the Subaru did not have a valid inspection. Department of Motor Vehicle records showed the vehicle’s inspection had expired in 2024. However, the vehicle displayed what appeared to be a valid inspection sticker affixed to the windshield. Upon further inspection, the Trooper determined that the inspection sticker was fraudulent. The Trooper also determined that the operator’s driver’s license was revoked. The operator, Otis Lavon Tillie, 32, of Syracuse, was issued traffic tickets for Forged Inspection Certificate and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the 2nd degree, both misdemeanors. The Subaru was impounded. The inspection sticker on the left is fake, the one on the right is real.

MADISON, N.Y. — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a double murder-suicide after three adults were found dead inside a Town of Madison home on Friday, August 7, 2026. According to information released by authorities, deputies responded Friday morning to a residence at 7625 McCormick Road for a welfare complaint. The Sheriff’s Office said the first deputy arriving at the residence detected a strong odor of propane or gas in the area and could hear gas escaping from the home. While looking through a first-floor window, the deputy observed two adults who appeared to be deceased. Deputies subsequently entered the residence and discovered a third deceased adult inside. Identities Have Not Been Released Authorities had not publicly released the names of the three deceased individuals or their relationships to one another as of Friday night. Madison County Sheriff’s Lt. A.J. Silverman said investigators were still working to positively identify the deceased and ensure that next of kin were notified. The bodies were expected to be transported to the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office. Law enforcement remained at the McCormick Road property into Friday evening as the investigation continued. CNY Central reported that nearby residents said they were temporarily evacuated Friday morning because of concerns involving propane or gas at the residence. No Danger to the Public, Sheriff’s Office Says The Madison County Sheriff’s Office said the incident is believed to be isolated and there is no danger to the public. Additional details surrounding the deaths had not been released as the investigation continued. This remains a developing story. CNYOnline.com will provide updates as additional information is released by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

The New York State Police have arrested David Relyea Jr., age 40, of Blossvale, NY, following a months-long investigation into the theft of bronze cemetery plaques and memorial markers from multiple cemeteries throughout Oneida County. The investigation was conducted by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) at SP Oneida. Investigators reviewed salvage records, conducted interviews, and pursued numerous investigative leads that identified Relyea as a suspect. Records obtained from SIMS Metal Management in Rome showed that Relyea completed dozens of brass transactions between December 2025 and June 2026, selling approximately 1,470 pounds of brass. Investigators determined that the brass sold included stolen cemetery plaques and memorial markers removed from cemeteries throughout Oneida County. As a result of the investigation, Relyea was arrested and charged on August 6, 2026, for: Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree (Class D felony) Relyea was transported to the Oneida County Centralized Arraignment Part (CAP) for arraignment and released on his own recognizance. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Original Press Release April 28, 2026: The New York State Police are currently investigating a cemetery desecration incident that occurred at 5655 East Main Street in the town of Verona. During the investigation, it was determined that two bronze veteran plaques were forcibly removed and stolen from headstones within the cemetery. The plaques, which honor military service, are considered both historically and sentimentally significant.

Press Release: Arrest Blotter Oneida City Police Department August 1 - 6, 2026 · August 1, 2026: - Lana L. Lucero, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for assault second-degree: with intent to cause physical injury with a weapon (DF), reckless endangerment second-degree and disorderly conduct: fight/violent behavior. ------------------------------------------ · August 2, 2026: - Lawrence W. Chase II., of Vernon, was arrested on an arrest warrant for seven counts of grand larceny fourth-degree: credit card (EF). - Giannah D. Guiliano, of Rome, was issued traffic tickets for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration and speed in zone. ------------------------------------------ · August 3, 2026: - Cody M. O’Brien, of Oneida, was issued traffic tickets for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration and inadequate muffler. ------------------------------------------ · August 4, 2026: - Arabella M. Baker, of Clark Mills, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree and operating an uninspected motor vehicle. - Ericka L. Bielby, of Hamilton, was issued a traffic ticket for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration. - Paul J. Haley II., of Oneida, was issued a traffic ticket for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree - Izaya J. Miles was arrested for rape first-degree: oral sex by forcible compulsion (BF), rape first-degree: oral actor 18 or > with a person < 13 (BF) and endangering the welfare of a child < 17. - Sara L. Wean, of Oriskany Falls, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration. ------------------------------------------ · August 5, 2026: - Parish T. Gibson, of Oneida, was arrested on a bench warrant for criminal possession of a stolen property fourth-degree (EF). - Brian D. Farley, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for a local law charge of open burn. - Izaya J. Miles was arrested for endangering the welfare of a child and unlawfully dealing with a child first-degree: alcohol. - A Juvenile male was issued an appearance ticket for petit larceny. ------------------------------------------ · August 6, 2026: - James E. Cook, of Oneida, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree, unlicensed operator and no seat belt. - Matthew A. Gould, of Oneida, was arrested on an arrest warrant for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle: without owner consent. - Michael E. Saxe, of Rome, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree and operating an unregistered motor vehicle. - Stephen M. Turo, of Altmar, was issued an appearance ticket for petit larceny. ------------------------------------------ ***𝘋𝘐𝘚𝘊𝘓𝘈𝘐𝘔𝘌𝘙***: 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘢𝘸.

On August 6, 2026, at approximately 5:06 p.m., the New York State Police responded to a fatal motor vehicle crash on Liberty Road in the town of Montague, Lewis County. The investigation determined that two UTVs were stopped northbound on Liberty Road due to one 2023 Yamaha being disabled due to a broken belt. The operator of the second UTV, a 2024 Polaris, turned around and attempted to assist with towing the disabled UTV. While doing so, the 2024 Polaris was struck by a northbound 2023 Ram pickup truck operated by Lucas J. Goutermout, 26, of Copenhagen, NY. The impact caused the UTV to spin and overturn. The operator of the 2024 Polaris, Michael E. Rounds, 61, of Carthage, NY, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Following the collision, the operator of the pickup truck attempted to veer left into the southbound lane and struck a third UTV, a 2017 Polaris, operated by John I. Failing, 80, of Pearl River, NY. Failing and Goutermout reported no injuries and remained at the scene. A Drug Recognition Expert conducted standardized field sobriety testing on Goutermout, and no signs of impairment were observed. The investigation remains ongoing. New York State Police were assisted at the scene by Lewis County Search and Rescue and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

CNYOnline.com | Local & New York News NEW YORK — New Yorkers are paying some of the highest residential electricity prices in the country, with newly released federal data showing the Empire State now ranks third-highest nationwide. According to the latest figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, New York’s average residential electricity price reached 29.93 cents per kilowatt-hour in May 2026. Only Hawaii, at 52 cents per kilowatt-hour, and California, at 33.25 cents, were higher. That means residential electricity prices in New York were higher than those in 47 other states during the month. The national residential average stood at 18.44 cents per kilowatt-hour, meaning New Yorkers were paying roughly 62% more than the national average. Electricity Costs Continue Rising in New York The latest numbers continue a trend highlighted by the Empire Center for Public Policy, an Albany-based public policy research organization that has closely tracked energy prices using U.S. Energy Information Administration data. The Empire Center reported earlier this summer that New York residential electricity prices averaged 29.45 cents per kilowatt-hour in April, approximately 56% above the national average at the time. The organization also found that New York electricity prices had increased nearly 68% since 2019. May's newly released federal data show prices moved even higher, reaching 29.93 cents per kilowatt-hour. In May 2025, New York's average was 26.69 cents, representing an increase of roughly 12% in one year. New York vs. Neighboring States The difference is especially noticeable when New York is compared with several neighboring states. In May 2026, residential electricity averaged: New York: 29.93 cents per kWh New Jersey: 23.27 cents Pennsylvania: 21.55 cents Vermont: 24.89 cents Connecticut: 27.37 cents Massachusetts: 28.82 cents New York was also substantially more expensive than large states such as Texas, where residential electricity averaged 16.44 cents per kilowatt-hour, and Florida, where the average was 15.17 cents. What Is Driving Higher Electric Bills? Electric bills are affected by more than the wholesale cost of generating electricity. What customers ultimately pay can include electricity supply costs, transmission and distribution expenses, utility infrastructure investments, taxes, fees and other charges. New York is also in the midst of a major transformation of its energy system as the state works toward its renewable-energy and emissions-reduction goals. The Empire Center has been critical of the state's energy strategy and argues that New York policymakers need to place greater emphasis on affordability and reliability. In July, Empire Center President Zilvinas Silenas said New York's electricity prices showed that the state's energy policies were not delivering affordable power, pointing out that consumers in many other states continue to pay considerably less. That represents the Empire Center's policy position rather than an independent determination of what is causing New York's higher rates. Electricity prices are influenced by a combination of regional energy markets, infrastructure, fuel supplies, utility investments, government mandates, taxes and regulatory decisions. The Impact on Central New York For families and businesses across Oneida County, Madison County and the Mohawk Valley, higher electricity prices can translate directly into increased monthly expenses. The effect can be particularly significant for households relying heavily on electricity for heating and cooling, as well as restaurants, manufacturers, retailers, farms and other businesses operating energy-intensive equipment. Higher operating costs can also have a broader economic impact when businesses are forced to absorb those expenses or pass a portion of them on to consumers through higher prices. The Numbers Tell a Growing Story The trend is difficult to ignore. New York's residential electricity price has moved from 26.69 cents per kilowatt-hour in May 2025 to 29.93 cents in May 2026, while the latest national average stands at 18.44 cents. With New York now ranking behind only Hawaii and California in the latest monthly federal residential electricity data, affordability is likely to remain a major issue for homeowners, businesses and state policymakers. CNYOnline.com will continue following New York utility rates and how rising energy costs are affecting families and businesses throughout Central New York.

BOONVILLE, N.Y. — With the 138th Boonville-Oneida County Fair now officially in the books, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office is thanking the many organizers, volunteers, public safety personnel and community members who helped make this year’s event a success. Throughout the fair, members of the Sheriff’s Office could be seen performing a wide range of duties designed to keep visitors safe and provide helpful resources to local families. Deputies and staff assisted with patrols, event security and general public safety while also speaking with attendees about career opportunities within the Sheriff’s Office. Members provided safety information and issued child identification cards to families during the event. The Sheriff’s Office also participated in demonstrations, provided an Honor Guard and deployed bicycle patrols throughout the fairgrounds. Beyond their official duties, deputies remained available to answer questions, assist visitors and help ensure that everyone attending the fair could enjoy the event safely. The Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to another successful Boonville-Oneida County Fair and said its members are already looking forward to returning next year. The annual fair continues to be one of Oneida County’s most popular summer traditions, bringing together families, agricultural organizations, local businesses, exhibitors and community groups from across Central New York. CNYONLINE.COM will continue to provide local news, community updates and event coverage from across Oneida County and the surrounding Central New York region.