According to Robert Maciol, a Herkimer County woman was arrested late Friday night following a traffic stop in the Town of New Hartford. On April 3, 2026, at approximately 10:57 p.m., a Oneida County Sheriff’s Office DWI Patrol deputy was traveling on State Route 840 when several vehicle and traffic violations were observed on a 2015 Dodge Ram traveling in a southeasterly direction. The deputy initiated a traffic stop and identified the driver as Hannah Coffin, 26, of Poland, New York. During the stop, the deputy observed signs of impairment. After administering standardized field sobriety tests, Coffin was taken into custody. Further investigation led to the discovery of an illegal AR-15–style, unserialized “ghost gun” rifle inside the vehicle, which was seized as evidence. Coffin was transported to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, where she was charged by patrol deputies with Driving While Intoxicated and multiple traffic infractions. She was also charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, a Class A misdemeanor, due to the rifle’s frame and receiver lacking a serial number. Following additional investigation by a Sheriff’s Office investigator, Coffin was further charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D felony, based on possession of an assault weapon with a detachable magazine and other prohibited components. After processing, Coffin was held for arraignment in CAP Court. Bail was set at $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in New Hartford Town Court at a later date. All charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

On April 5, 2026, at approximately 4:59 p.m., New York State Police at Oneonta responded to a report of a car into a house in the town of Oneonta. An investigation at the scene revealed that a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze was traveling west at an unsafe speed while on State Highway 23 in the town of Oneonta when the vehicle went off the roadway and struck a house. The 18-year-old male operator from Schenevus was transported to A.O. Fox Hospital to be treated.  Impairment was not a factor in the crash. Two residents inside the home at the time of the crash were not injured.  https://troopers.ny.gov/news/car-crashes-house-oneonta

The New York State Police are currently investigating a homicide that occurred on March 31, 2026, at approximately 8:29 p.m. in the Village of Ellenville. State Police are the lead agency in this investigation. At this time, there is no threat to the public. The victim has been identified as 29-year-old Nicole Izabella Perez, of Ellenville. This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/new-york-state-police-investigating-homicide-ellenville

On March 31, 2026, members of the New York State Police Troop D Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (VGNET), Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit (CTIU), and the United States Border Patrol Smuggling/Targeting Unit (TU) conducted a targeted enforcement detail in Jefferson and Oswego Counties focused on proactive patrols, traffic enforcement, and intelligence-led policing to deter criminal activity. At approximately 4:40 p.m., State Police observed a gray 2024 Ford F-350 towing an enclosed trailer traveling southbound on Interstate 81 near the Central Square exit. The vehicle failed to comply with New York State’s Move Over Law, and a traffic stop was initiated. The operator was identified as Fabian M. Hart, age 67, of Bombay, New York. During the investigation, a United States Border Patrol K9 conducted an exterior scan of the vehicle and trailer and alerted to the presence of contraband. A subsequent search revealed approximately 874,000 untaxed cigarettes contained in multiple cardboard boxes. Hart was charged with: • New York State Tax Law § 1814 C2 (Class D Felony) • New York State Tax Law § 1814 A1 (Class E Felony) He was processed and transported to the Oswego County Correctional Facility, where he was being held pending arraignment. The seized cigarettes are estimated to have a street value of $350,000, with an associated tax evasion value of $500,000. The investigation remains ongoing. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-seize-untaxed-cigarettes-following-i-81-traffic-stop

Consumers are being urged to check their freezers after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert involving certain frozen dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets sold at Walmart stores nationwide. Federal officials say the affected product may contain unsafe levels of lead. The alert applies to 29-ounce bags of Great Value Fully Cooked Dino Shaped Chicken Breast Nuggets with a “Best If Used By” date of February 10, 2027 , lot code 0416DPO1215 , and establishment number P44164 printed on the back of the bag. Officials say the product was shipped to Walmart locations across the country. According to reports on the federal alert, testing found the nuggets could contain lead levels as much as five times higher than the FDA’s interim reference level for children , which is 2.2 micrograms per day . A recall was not issued because the product is no longer being sold in stores, but federal officials are concerned some families may still have it sitting in their freezers at home. Consumers are being told not to eat the nuggets and instead throw them away or return them to the place of purchase . Health officials warn that lead exposure is especially dangerous for young children, infants, and pregnant women . The CDC says lead can damage the brain and nervous system, slow growth and development, and lead to learning, behavior, hearing, and speech problems in children. The agency also says no safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Federal officials say the contamination issue was discovered during routine surveillance sampling conducted by a state partner , and the investigation is still ongoing. Additional products could be added to the alert if more concerns are identified. For parents and caregivers, this is another reminder that even foods marketed toward children can sometimes become the subject of major health alerts. Anyone who believes a child may have been exposed should contact a healthcare provider for guidance. CDC guidance says a blood lead test can help determine whether exposure has occurred.  https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-frozen-dinosaur-shaped-ready-eat-chicken-nuggets-due

***FULL RELEASE 2:10PM*** On April 2nd, 2026 at approximately 9:15AM a call was placed to John F. Kennedy Middle School in which the caller stated that several bombs were placed around the school and would detonate at a particular time. Based on the threats the Utica City School District made a determination to evacuate students and staff to the Redeemer Church on Herkimer Rd. Through the entirety of the evacuation process staff and students maintained an amazing degree of composure and control until they ultimately reached the church. Once there again JFK Principal Mr. DeJesus and his staff, kept the students safe, calm, and accounted for. After the evacuation determination was made the Utica Police Department, and many Federal and local partners, arrived at JFK Middle School and took control of the incident dealing with the threat as well as the safety and security of all involved. Preliminarily we conducted an interior sweep to ensure no additional people were inside, and then specialized K-9 explosive detection teams conducted a sweep on the building and grounds to ensure no devices were on the property. It was ultimately determined that there were no explosives on premise, and no immediate threat to the building or students was present. Once the sweep was concluded, School District and Police coordinated a return to JFK via bussing the students back. This was completed seamlessly and once back at school the educational day proceeded as normal. The Utica Police Department Criminal Investigations Division along with offered assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, has commenced an investigation into the call and its origins. We would like to thank all the partnerships today, along with the staff, students, and parents for their cooperation and understanding during this stressful time. We would also like to give a huge thank you to Redeemer Church, who without question or complaint opened their doors to nearly a thousand people at a moment’s notice and gave the students and staff a space to feel safe during this event. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JKBoNQNzW/

New Hartford, NY — A Sunday afternoon vehicle collision on Valley View Road resulted in injuries and a temporary road closure, according to the New Hartford Police Department. Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Sunday, March 29, at the intersection of Valley View Road and Cascade Drive. Upon arrival, officers determined that a utility pole had been severed during the collision, prompting the closure of the roadway for a period of time to ensure public safety and allow crews to complete emergency repairs. Investigators reported that a Chevrolet SUV was traveling northbound on Valley View Road when the driver lost control while negotiating a slight curve. Police indicated the driver appeared to overcorrect, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and strike a utility pole along the shoulder. The driver, identified as Dalal Teiah, age 22, of Utica, was transported by Edwards Ambulance to Wynn Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. As a result of the investigation, Teiah was issued a traffic citation for moving from a lane unsafely, in violation of New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1128(a). The New Hartford Fire Department and crews from National Grid assisted police at the scene with traffic control and utility repairs. Authorities remind motorists to use caution when traveling roadways with curves and to adjust speed and vehicle handling to roadway conditions, particularly during early spring weather patterns.

BOONVILLE, N.Y. — A 22-year-old Town of Ava man was injured Monday evening in a one-vehicle motor vehicle accident in the Town of Boonville, according to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol. Sheriff Maciol reported that on March 31, 2026, at approximately 7:45 p.m., Road Patrol Deputies were dispatched to a cell phone crash notification on Jackson Hill Road in the Town of Boonville. Following an investigation at the scene, deputies determined that Michael Crofoot, 22, of Ava, was operating a 2009 Chevrolet pickup truck when the vehicle exited the roadway and struck a tree. Crofoot was transported by Boonville Ambulance to Wynn Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. A deputy from the Sheriff’s Office STOP-DWI Unit responded to assist with the investigation, which remains ongoing. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the New York State Police, the Boonville Fire Department, and Boonville Ambulance.

Press Release On March 25, 2026, New York State Police arrested Michael Lacross, age 43, of Crown Point, and Jacqueline A. Lacross, age 57, of Crown Point, in connection with a landlord-tenant dispute in the town of Burke. Michael Lacross was charged with Criminal Trespass in the 2nd Degree and Unlawful Eviction. Jacqueline A. Lacross was charged with Unlawful Eviction. On March 17, 2026, at approximately 11:50 a.m., troopers responded to a residence on State Route 11 in the town of Burke for a reported landlord-tenant dispute. An investigation determined that Michael and Jacqueline Lacross were the landlords of an apartment that was occupied by a tenant under a valid one-year lease agreement. During the tenancy, the tenant reported multiple issues within the residence, including a lack of heat and concerns that the landlords were entering the apartment without notice and without the tenant present. Further investigation revealed that the landlords entered the premises without legal authority and removed the tenant’s belongings. It was also determined that the tenant had not violated the terms of the lease. Both Michael and Jacqueline Lacross were arrested and processed at SP Malone. They were issued appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Burke Court at a later date in April 2026.

As winter conditions ease across Upstate New York, homeowners are being encouraged to inspect their roofs for damage caused by months of snow, ice, wind, and fluctuating temperatures. Roofing professionals say early spring is one of the most important times of year to identify issues before they lead to costly repairs. Here are five key areas experts recommend checking now: 1. Missing or Damaged Shingles Freeze-thaw cycles and high winter winds can loosen or crack shingles. Homeowners should look for shingles that are curled, broken, or missing entirely, as these can allow water to penetrate the roof system. 2. Signs of Ice Dam Damage Ice dams are a common winter issue in the region. Even after snow has melted, damage may remain beneath shingles along roof edges. Staining, lifted shingles, or granule loss can indicate water intrusion caused by ice buildup. 3. Flashing Around Chimneys and Vents Metal flashing seals roof penetrations such as chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes. Winter weather can cause flashing to separate or corrode. Gaps or loose flashing are a frequent source of springtime leaks. 4. Gutters and Drainage Clogged or damaged gutters can prevent proper drainage, causing water to back up onto the roof or pool near the foundation. Debris, sagging sections, and loose fasteners should be addressed before spring rains intensify. 5. Interior Signs of Roof Leaks Homeowners are also advised to check attics and upper ceilings for water stains, mold, or damp insulation. These interior warning signs often indicate roof damage that may not be immediately visible from the ground. Roofing professionals note that small issues discovered in spring are often far less expensive to repair than problems left unaddressed into summer or fall. Many recommend scheduling a professional inspection if any concerns are found or if the roof is more than 10 years old. With another Upstate New York winter in the rearview mirror, early maintenance can help extend the life of a roof and prevent unexpected repairs during the wetter months ahead. If winter did a number on your shingles, don’t wait until leaks start. Get it done right the first time with CNY’s best roofer. Quality materials. Skilled workmanship. No shortcuts. Trust Roofing King to protect your home and your investment. https://www.facebook.com/Roofing.King.CNY/

On March 24, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m., New York State Police responded to 7905 Areopagitica Avenue in the town of Cicero for a reported structure fire. Mark Smith, age 41, of Bridgeport, NY, was inside the residence at the time of the fire and was transported to Upstate University Hospital in critical condition. The investigation into the cause and origin of the fire is ongoing. At this time, preliminary findings do not indicate foul play. New York State Police were assisted at the scene by the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Bridgeport Fire Department, Minoa Fire Department, Onondaga County Department of Emergency Management Fire Investigation Unit, Cicero Fire Department, Clay Fire Department, South Bay Fire Department, East Syracuse Fire Department, Fayetteville Fire Department, and North Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps. The investigation remains ongoing. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-investigate-residential-fire-cicero

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced that hunters harvested an estimated 1,759 black bears during the 2025-26 hunting seasons. According to DEC’s  tracking of the annual bear harvest since 1955 (PDF), the 2025 statewide bear harvest was second only to the 2003 season and Southern Zone estimates set a new harvest record. "The recovery and growth of New York’s bear population is testament to DEC’s vigilant wildlife management efforts,” said Commissioner Lefton. “New York’s big game management plans help maintain populations at levels that are acceptable for local communities and provide sustainable hunting opportunities.” Statewide, hunters harvested approximately 4% more bears than the 2024 season and 18% above the 10-year average. The Southern Zone take included an estimated 1,202 bears taken, including the 10 heaviest bears recorded for the year. The Northern Zone harvest estimate of 557 bears was slightly lower than 2024, but still above the 10-year average. The record-setting bear season in the Southern Zone is the culmination of a long-term pattern DEC documented in New York’s bear populations. In the 1950s, bears only occupied the most remote and mountainous regions of New York, such as the Adirondack, Catskill, and Allegheny mountains. Over the past 70 years, bears gradually expanded their range in the State, and DEC began opening new areas for bear hunting. Bears now occupy most areas of the state except Long Island and New York City, and all areas of the state are  open to bear hunting except Long Island and areas closed to big game hunting. The expansion of bear range was particularly notable in the Southern Zone. The Southern Zone bear harvest exceeded the Northern Zone for the first time in 1998 and accounted for most of New York’s bear harvest for the past 20 years. While bear populations and hunting opportunities increased in the Southern Zone, the Northern Zone remains a traditional destination for many New York bear hunters. Northern Zone bears typically grow slower in the wilderness ecosystems of the Adirondacks but tend to survive to older ages than their Southern Zone counterparts. All but one of the  oldest bears on DEC record were taken in the Northern Zone. Notable Numbers from the 2025 Bear Season:   74:  The number of Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), out of 88 open to bear hunting, with reported 2025 bear harvests. 562 pounds:  The dressed weight of the heaviest 2025 reported bear, harvested in the town of Olive, Ulster County, WMU 3C. 668:  The number of harvested bears from which DEC received pre-molar teeth to determine the bear’s age in 2025. 26 years:  The age of the oldest bear harvested in 2024 (the most recent year for which age data are available). The bear was harvested in the town Mooers, Clinton County, WMU 5A. 21:  Bears harvested per 100 square miles in WMU 3C, the highest harvest density of any WMU for the 2025 seasons. Black bear harvest data are gathered from two main sources: harvest reports required of all successful bear hunters, and the physical examination of bears by DEC staff, cooperating taxidermists, and meat processors. Harvest estimates  are made by cross-referencing these two data sources and determining the rate at which hunters report their bear harvests in each zone. In fall 2026, DEC will send a commemorative 2025 Black Bear Management Cooperator Patch and a letter confirming each bear’s age to all hunters who reported their bear harvest and submitted a tooth for age analysis. DEC’s  2025 Bear Harvest Summary report (PDF) provides tables, figures, and maps detailing the bear harvest around the state. Past harvest summaries are also available on DEC’s website. DEC’s  Black Bear Management Plan  (PDF) provides information on how DEC determines black bear population objectives throughout the state. Sources: https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2026/3/dec-announces-record-breaking-2025-bear-harvest-estimates