VERONA, N.Y. — A dangerous intersection in the Town of Verona is once again at the center of community concern following another heartbreaking crash at Route 365 and Blackmans Corners Road. For years, residents have raised concerns about the safety of the intersection, where high-speed traffic on Route 365 meets cross traffic from Blackmans Corners Road. Community members say there have been multiple serious crashes in the area, including crashes that have taken lives and left families grieving. Now, after the loss of what many describe as an incredible person at that intersection, residents are asking a direct question: When will a full traffic light finally be installed? The state’s current safety response has included enhanced warning lights and a passive cross-traffic alert system. While that system may warn drivers, residents argue it does not physically stop traffic. On a busy, high-speed roadway like Route 365, many believe a flashing warning system is simply not enough. Community members are now calling for a full three-light traffic control signal at the intersection. A traffic light would require vehicles to stop, control the flow of traffic, and potentially prevent drivers from having to make dangerous split-second decisions while crossing or turning onto Route 365. Those supporting the effort say the issue is not about convenience. It is about preventing another tragedy. “This intersection has been a known danger zone for years,” the petition states. “A warning sign is not enough to save lives on a high-speed road like Route 365. We are demanding a full, three-light traffic control signal to physically stop traffic and prevent another family from going through this heartbreak.” The New York State Department of Transportation generally reviews traffic signal requests by studying traffic patterns, vehicle and pedestrian counts, crash history, and whether a signal would improve safety at a specific location. But for many Verona residents, the repeated crashes and the most recent loss have already made the need clear. Supporters of the petition are urging residents, business owners, commuters, and anyone who travels through the area to speak up. The message from the community is simple: flashing lights are not enough. A stop-controlled traffic signal may be the difference between another close call and another life lost. Residents can sign and share the petition here: https://c.org/SDHDm4svYS Community members are encouraged to contact local and state officials, share their experiences with the intersection, and continue pushing for a full safety review and stronger action from NYSDOT.

MECHANICVILLE, N.Y. — The father of four children found dead alongside their mother and grandmother in an upstate New York apartment is speaking out as investigators continue to examine what led to the deaths of six family members. The victims have been identified as 13-year-old Harper Harmon, 11-year-old Hudson Harmon, 10-year-old Gavin Harmon, 10-year-old Gracelynn Harmon, their mother, 44-year-old Sarah Myers, and their grandmother, 64-year-old Amy Steadman. The six were found Tuesday evening, June 23, inside Steadman’s apartment on Harris Avenue in Mechanicville after police were called to conduct a welfare check. Authorities said Myers and her children lived in a separate apartment within the same complex. According to police, the case is being investigated as a criminal matter. Mechanicville Police Chief William Rabbitt has said evidence recovered at the scene, including a handwritten note and medications, suggests Steadman may have been involved in the deaths. Police have said one child suffered fatal sharp-force injuries, while investigators believe the others may have been poisoned. Final rulings on the cause and manner of death are still pending toxicology and medical examiner review. Brady Harmon, the children’s father, told media outlets he had been fighting for years to see his children and was days away from being reunited with them in Utah. Harmon said he had recently secured a court order allowing the children to spend the summer with him from July 1 through September 1. Instead of preparing for that long-awaited visit, Harmon said he is now preparing to bury his children. Harmon said he last spoke with the children during a FaceTime call earlier in June. He described them as happy and said he was counting down the days until they were supposed to travel to Utah. He has since expressed heartbreak, anger and frustration over the years-long custody battle and the tragic way it ended. Investigators have said there is currently no evidence suggesting anyone outside the family was involved, and they do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public. The deaths have shaken the Mechanicville community. A memorial has grown near the apartment complex, and residents have gathered to remember the children. Local officials and school leaders have also made counseling and support resources available to those affected by the tragedy. Police continue to ask anyone with information connected to the case to contact the Mechanicville Police Department. This remains a developing investigation.

The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office would like to inform the public of an ongoing "Jury Duty Scam" targeting community members. How the Scam Works: Scammers are calling individuals, falsely claiming to be from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. The caller often uses the name "Seth Copeland" and claims that Jury Duty has been missed and that a subpoena had been issued and it was never answered. At times they will use a "spoofed phone number", spoofing is where a fake caller ID (it may even appear as a local number or Oneida County) is used to attempt to trick you into answering, or confuse you. They then may instruct the victim to immediately report to the Sheriff's Office to turn themselves in or send money, sometimes specifying payment apps such as Cash App, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, or providing a physical location for payment, and often become high pressure and demand that you make the decision immediately. Important Facts to Remember: * The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office will NEVER call you to demand payment, nor ask you to send money using payment apps. * Fines are assessed and collected only through the Court system in the appropriate jurisdiction. * Bail is paid directly at the booking department via cash, cashier's check, or bond, with proper identification in person at the Facility. * The Sheriff’s Office Civil Division collects money for court-ordered civil judgments and income executions only as directed by a Court Order, and never through unsolicited phone calls. What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call: * Do NOT provide personal or financial information over the phone. * Ask the caller for their name, contact number, and the address they are calling from. * Tell them you need to verify their identity before continuing and that you will call them back. * Report any suspicious calls to law enforcement by calling 315-736-0141. Wait until the end of the recording to speak with a dispatcher. Stay Safe: Scammers can sound convincing and may possess some of your personal details. Trust your instincts if something feels off, it probably is. Protect your information and verify before taking any action.

Small businesses across the region are changing the way they operate as rising costs, long-overdue technology upgrades and local approval processes become harder to ignore. From digital advertising and stronger online visibility to advanced cybersecurity solutions, many business owners are investing in tools that help them compete in a faster-moving economy. What was once considered optional — updated websites, social media marketing, secure computer systems and data protection — is now becoming essential for daily operations. At the same time, high energy rates continue to put pressure on already-tight budgets. Business owners say increased utility costs are forcing them to find smarter ways to operate, cut waste and become more efficient wherever possible. Adding to the challenge, many small businesses must also work through local municipalities, planning boards and zoning boards when trying to expand, renovate or bring new ideas into a community. While those boards play an important role in responsible development, some business owners say the process can be difficult when local officials or residents are hesitant about change. For many small businesses, the challenge is balancing new technology investments, rising overhead, and the time-consuming process of getting local approvals. But owners say adapting is no longer a choice it is a necessity. By embracing digital tools, improving cybersecurity, managing costs more carefully, and working through local regulations, small businesses are doing what they have always done: finding a way forward, serving their communities, and building a stronger future in a difficult economic environment

Details: Celebrate Independence Day at Utica's annual Fourth of July Parade. Watch community groups, marching bands, and patriotic displays make their way through the city before concluding at Roscoe Conkling Park. Parade Route: Genesee Street near St. Elizabeth Medical Center → Memorial Parkway → Parkway Recreation Center at Roscoe Conkling Park Utica, NY, USA July 04, 2026 10:00 am - 11:00 am EDT Public details - https://events.yodel.today/y/event/Visit-Oneida-County--NY/Utica-4th-of-July-Parade/6a270399bf5774b55a00d5a4

Vernon Downs Independence Carnival 📅 July 2–4, 2026 📍 Vernon Downs Casino Hotel Celebrate Independence Day weekend with three days of family fun at the Vernon Downs Independence Carnival! Enjoy exciting rides, thrilling attractions, carnival games, delicious fair food, and fun for all ages. Bring the whole family and experience favorites like the Ferris wheel, giant fun slide, Zero Gravity ride, and more as Vernon Downs transforms into a festive summer carnival filled with lights, laughter, and patriotic spirit. Carnival Hours 🎡 Thursday, July 2: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM 🎡 Friday, July 3: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM 🎡 Saturday, July 4: 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM Special Independence Day Fireworks 🎆 Cap off your Fourth of July celebration with a spectacular fireworks display beginning at 9:45 PM on Saturday, July 4. Whether you're looking for family-friendly entertainment, thrilling rides, tasty treats, or a memorable way to celebrate America's birthday, the Vernon Downs Independence Carnival has something for everyone. Admission: Please check with Vernon Downs for ride ticket and admission details. Don't miss one of Central New York's favorite Independence Day celebrations! 🇺🇸🎡🎆 Sources: https://events.yodel.today/y/event/Visit-Oneida-County--NY/Vernon-Downs-Independence-Day-Celebration/6a3abe79e63cd29922227d32

On June 20, 2026, New York State Police arrested Jonathan R. Carr, age 29, of Westmoreland, NY, and charged him with three counts of Agriculture and Markets Law § 353, Torturing or Injuring Animals/Failure to Provide Sustenance (Class A Misdemeanor). On June 20, 2026, at approximately 8:20 p.m., State Police received a complaint from Oneida County 911 regarding the welfare of several dogs at a residence on Bartlett Road in the town of Westmoreland. Upon arrival, Troopers were directed to a roll-off dumpster covered with wooden boards. Troopers observed two dogs inside the dumpster that appeared to be severely emaciated. Witnesses on scene reported that a third dog had been found deceased inside the dumpster earlier that day. The investigation revealed the deceased dog had been partially consumed by the surviving dogs. Further investigation determined the dogs belonged to Carr. Troopers observed living conditions consisting of garbage, feces, and general filth. No food or fresh water was found inside the enclosure. Carr was arrested and processed at SP Marcy before being released with an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Westmoreland Court on July 8, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. State Police were assisted by the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, Animal Control, and Harmonious Pack LLC, who assisted with securing and transporting the surviving dogs to safe housing.

Press Release UPDATE: The second individual who was located deceased within the residence has been identified as Allison L. Enwright, 52. The investigation into the cause and origin of the fire remains ongoing. UPDATE: On April 16, 2026, at approximately 12:40 p.m., the New York State Police in Somers, along with the Lewisboro Police Department, were dispatched to 27 Old Shop Road in the town of Lewisboro for a reported structure fire with possible entrapment. Upon arrival, officers and the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in Somers were advised that two individuals were located within the residence. One individual, identified as Noel M. Rae, 93, was transported to a local medical facility, where he later succumbed to his injuries. A second individual was located deceased inside the residence, with identification pending further investigation. Three additional residents were able to exit the home and were transported to a local medical facility for evaluation. The investigation into the cause and origin of the fire remains ongoing. The New York State Police were assisted at the scene by the Lewisboro Police Department, Westchester County Police Department, Bedford Police Department, North Salem Fire Department, South Salem Fire Department, Bedford Hills Fire Department, Westchester County EMS, the Westchester County Medical Examiner’s Office, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, and the Westchester County Fire Investigation Unit. ORIGINAL: The New York State Police are investigating a residential structure fire on Old Shop Road in the town of Lewisboro. Motorists are advised to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to operate safely. At this time, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Additional information will be released when it becomes available.

At a time when many Upstate New York businesses were closing or relocating, the Oneida Nation made a bold investment in regional tourism by opening Ska:na: Spa. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the award-winning spa has become one of the most highly regarded resort spas in the country. At a time when many Upstate New York businesses were closing or relocating, the Oneida Nation opened Ska:na: spa, which is now recognized as one of the leading resort spas in the country. To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Ska:na: is giving guests special gifts, ranging from product to complimentary services and also introducing a new commemorative spa package. Ska:na:, Turning Stone’s award-winning spa located in The Lodge, is celebrating its 10th anniversary throughout the month of December. For 10 incredible years, Ska:na: has offered guests world-class amenities and treatments, while honoring Oneida and Native American cultural traditions. The high level of guest service, expert recommendations and luxurious amenities has made Ska:na: an integral part of The Lodge experience, a Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond resort within a resort experience, which features all-suite accommodations, as well as Wildflowers, one of Turning Stone’s renowned signature restaurants. Differentiating itself by honoring Oneida and American Indian culture, Ska:na: has held its own among top U.S. and international resort spas, as evidenced by the spa’s numerous awards, including being ranked the #3 spa in the world by Spas of America and receiving a designation as a top spa for adventure seekers from SELF Magazine. Ska:na: pays homage to Oneida and American Indian cultural themes through décor, ambiance, treatments and gracious hospitality. “As the first American Indian themed spa in the Northeast, Ska:na: has played an integral role of transforming Turning Stone into the world-class destination resort it is today,” said Oneida Nation Representative and Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter. “With cultural touch points delicately woven into elements throughout the spa, treatments deeply-rooted in Oneida traditions, exemplary guest service and a truly customized spa experience, Ska:na: will continue to be an industry leader for many years to come.” To celebrate the milestone, from December 5 – 11, Ska:na: guests will receive a special anniversary gift, ranging from Ska:na: product to complimentary services. Guests who receive treatments during Ska:na:’s anniversary week will also be eligible to win a grand prize of an overnight stay at The Lodge, Turning Stone’s Forbes Four Star property, and a rejuvenating Ska:na: spa day. Ska:na: is also introducing, for a limited time, the new Oneida Turquoise Package, a commemorative spa package with treatments that honor the Oneida culture: Sage and White Pine Hot Towel Massage, a Strawberry Sugar Scrub and the Ska:na: Signature Facial. Sage has been used by the Oneidas for centuries to promote clarity and deep relaxation; White Pine is culturally respected as the Great Tree of Peace; the Oneidas consider strawberries an important leader in plant medicine with the annual ripening indicating the official start of summer. First opening on December 6, 2006, Ska:na: offered guests an luxury experience typically reserved for spas found in major cities. At opening, Ska:na: also created jobs at a critical time when many businesses were closing or relocating out of Central New York. An unsteady economy and challenging landscape for luxury services didn’t prove to be an issue for Ska:na:, which in its first year created 100 new jobs and established itself as a celebrated Central New York tourism influence, receiving praise and accolades from national magazines including Condé Nast Traveler and Spa Magazine. Sources: https://www.turningstone.com/press/news/resort/turning-stones-skana-spa-celebrates-10-years-of-world-class-guest-service-and-honoring-oneida-and-american-indian-cultural-traditions

On Saturday, June 20, 2026, at approximately 12:23 p.m., officers with the New Hartford Police Department responded to a report of a larceny from a vehicle in the parking lot of Consumer Square on Commercial Drive. Arrest made of Suspect in Larceny from Special Needs Victim. On Saturday, June 20, 2026, at approximately 12:23 p.m., officers responded to a report of a larceny from a vehicle in the parking lot of Consumer Square, on Commercial Dr. The reporting person explained to arriving New Hartford Police Officers that he had briefly left his adult son, who has mobility impairments and who uses a wheelchair, inside a parked vehicle while he briefly entered a nearby business. Upon returning, he was informed by his son that an unknown adult male had approached the vehicle and reached through an open window, removing a gold chain necklace from the center console before running off on foot. The complainant and victim provided a description of the suspect and advised that the suspect arrived with a female companion and a young child and may still be in the immediate area. Due to the quick response by New Hartford Police Officers in the area, police were able to immediately begin to conduct a search of the surrounding areas. While doing so Police Officers located an individual matching the provided description inside a nearby retail store who began to try and hide himself from Police when Officers approached. After further investigation New Hartford Police have charged Gino Placanica, age 29 of Utica, with the following crimes: NYS PL 155.25 – Petit Larceny, a Class A Misdemeanor. NYS PL 260.25(1) - Endangering the Welfare of Physically Disabled Person, a Class E Felony. While processing Placanica on the above charges, it was discovered that Placanica is currently under the Supervision of The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision – Division of State Parole. New Hartford Police worked with State Parole Officials who were able to quickly issue a Parole Revocation Warrant for Placanica due to this incident. Placanica was able to be held at this time in The Oneida County Jail on the Parole Warrant. Placanica is on Parole stemming from a Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance Conviction.

On Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 the Rome Police Department Patrol Division was dispatched to The Rome Dog Control building in regard to an animal abuse complaint. An investigation revealed that two dogs were left tied to the fence of the Rome Dog Control building and they were extremely emaciated and uncared for. After numerous tips from the public, a suspect was identified as 34-year-old Ebony I. Shim. On June 18th, 2026, Shim was interviewed regarding the abuse and was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of NYS Agriculture and Markets Law 353 (Torturing or Injuring Animals/Failure to Provide Sustenance) and two counts of NYS Agriculture and Markets Law 355 (Abandonment of Animals). She was transported to the Rome Police Department, where she was processed and issued an appearance ticket returnable to Rome City Court. The Rome Police Department would like to thank the public for their assistance with this investigation. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1433334818834856&set=a.302652858569730

On June 21st, 2026 at approximately 8:00PM Utica Police units were dispatched to the1500 block of Neilson St regarding a large fight and possible shots fired call. Upon arrival officers noticed a large altercation occurring and they exited their vehicles in an attempt to break up the fight. Officers attempted to detain one of the main combatants, and this party began to actively resist their attempts and arresting him. After a brief struggle the officers were able to handcuff this party. However, as this was occurring a female came from behind one of the officers and broke a glass beer bottle over his head. Although suffering from a laceration and pain, the officer was still able to get to his feet and begin to assist other officers with taking this female into custody. While attempting to do so, she too began to resist efforts at arresting her, and ultimately she was taken to the ground and placed into handcuffs. The officer later sought treatment at Wynn Hospital, and is not expected to be placed out of work. Both this female, Johanna Colon age 44 of Utica, and the male Osvaldo Colon age 37 of Utica were transported to the Utica Police Department and charged with: O. Colon: Disorderly Conduct Resisting Arrest J Colon: Assault in the second degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the fourth degree Obstructing Governmental Administration in the second degree