Brought to you by My Upstate NY Marketing Summer is heating up, and Central New York is packed with events the whole family will love! Whether you’re into antiques, thrill rides, or wild animal encounters — these upcoming events should be at the top of your to-do list. 🎡 1. Set Sail for Adventure at the Herkimer County Fair 📍 Frankfort, NY 📅 August 12–17, 2025 This year’s Herkimer County Fair theme is “Set Sail for Adventure”  — and they mean it! Expect a jam-packed week of: 🎢 Thrilling rides 🎶 Live entertainment 🍗 Irresistible fair food 🐄 Animal exhibits and demonstrations 🎯 Games and activities for all ages Grab your crew, mark your calendars, and head to the fairgrounds for one of the biggest summer traditions in the Mohawk Valley!🔗 herkimercountyfair.org 🪑 2. Madison-Bouckville Antique Week: NY’s Largest Antique Show 📍 Bouckville, NY 📅 June 6–8, 2025 (Spring Show) 📅 August 10–16, 2025 (Main Summer Show) Whether you're a seasoned collector or just love browsing vintage finds, Madison-Bouckville Antique Week  is the place to be! Thousands of vendors line Route 20 offering everything from rare treasures to rustic farmhouse décor. It’s the ultimate destination for antiquers and pickers alike. 🐯 3. FREE Admission Nights at the Utica Zoo 📍 Utica, NY 📅 Monday, July 28 & Monday, August 25 🕓 4 PM – 8 PM Back by popular demand — the Utica Zoo is offering two evenings of free admission  this summer! Take a sunset stroll through the exhibits, grab a bite from Polly’s food truck , and enjoy the ROAR-some Dinosaurs at Dusk  display. 🚌 Free shuttles will run from 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM from MVCC’s Payne Hall and the Parkway Rec Center.⚠️ Only admission is free — food, gifts, and extras available for purchase.🔗 uticazoo.org/freenight 🎨 4. Bonus: Stay in the Loop with Local Events! These four are just a sample  of what Central New York has to offer this season. From live music and cultural festivals to pop-up markets and food truck rallies, there's something exciting happening every weekend. 🗓️ Be sure to follow CNYOnline.org  to stay up-to-date on local events, business highlights, and digital billboard opportunities throughout the region! Need help promoting your event or business? 📲 Contact My Upstate NY Marketing  — your local partner for advertising, digital billboards, social media, and more! Let me know if you'd like a version formatted for a blog or Facebook post too!

Brought to you by My Upstate NY Marketing In today’s competitive landscape, standing out as a small business isn’t just important—it’s essential. With limited budgets and local audiences, small business owners need smart, cost-effective advertising strategies that actually deliver results. Here are the top 3 advertising strategies that are helping small businesses across Upstate NY thrive: 1. Digital Billboards in High-Traffic Areas Nothing grabs attention like a bright, bold digital billboard. With tens of thousands of daily impressions, digital signage offers one of the best returns on investment for local businesses. Locations like the new digital billboard on State Route 5 in Vernon (right by The Spot Venue and Utica-Rome Speedway) see over 300,000 views per month , making it a powerful way to reach your community directly. With other locations reaching upwards of a million cars a month! Tip: My Upstate NY Marketing offers this location starting at just $350/month—and includes free ad design and bonus digital promos. https://www.myupstateny.com/pricing 2. Social Media Advertising in Local Groups Advertising where your audience already scrolls is a no-brainer. Facebook groups, community pages, and Instagram reels allow you to target locals with content that feels native to their feed. Whether it’s a flash sale, new product, or special event, your message can travel fast through the right channels. Pro Tip: Local marketing agencies often offer bundled posting across 65+ Local groups—saving you time and effort. 3. Local News + Banner Ads Consumers trust local news sources—and placing your business on trusted platforms like CNYOnline.org , GoExploreNY.com , or sponsoring community articles can build credibility fast. Banner ads, when placed on regional websites, also offer long-term visibility and support brand recognition in your target zip codes. Final Thoughts: As a small business, you don’t need a massive budget—you need smart exposure . By combining billboard visibility, local social media reach, and trusted banner ads, you create a consistent brand presence that drives traffic and sales. This article was brought to you by My Upstate NY Marketing  – helping local businesses grow through digital billboards, social media, and custom marketing solutions tailored for Upstate New York. 👉 Learn more at MyUpstateNY.com

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, two men have been arrested in connection with a burglary investigation involving stolen property from storage units in the Town of Westmoreland. The case began on July 31, 2025, when Sheriff’s Patrol Deputies responded to a report of a burglary at the Route 233 Storage Units in Westmoreland. Upon arrival, Deputies discovered that three storage units had been forcibly entered and various items had been stolen. The investigation was turned over to the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU), who conducted a detailed follow-up. During the course of their investigation, Sheriff’s Investigators were able to locate some of the stolen items in the possession of two individuals: Anthony Barber, 51, and Davin Hines, 33, both residents of Rome. As a result, Barber and Hines were arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property , a Class A Misdemeanor. Both men were transported to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, where they were processed and later released on appearance tickets. They are scheduled to appear in Rome City Court  in late August. The burglary investigation remains ongoing, and Sheriff Maciol noted that additional charges are possible as the case continues to develop. Sources: https://sheriff.oneidacountyny.gov/news/6891260720831861590c9084/

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol a Georgia man has been arrested on a weapons charge stemming from an incident in the Town of Westmoreland. On August 4th, 2025, at about 8:30 AM, Patrol Deputies responded to a residence in the Town of Westmoreland in regard to a menacing complaint. During their investigation Deputies learned that 25-year-old Jordi Pena from Lawrenceville Georgia was in possession of an unregistered handgun which was not licensed in the State of New York. Pena, who did not have a New York State Pistol Permit, was arrested and transported to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office in the Town of Whitestown. At this time, members of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Unit (CIU) became involved. Investigators charged Pena with one count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, which is a Class E Felony. Deputies also charged Pena with one count of Illegal Discharge of a Firearm which falls under the Environmental Conservation Law. Pena was then released on appearance tickets. He is to return to Westmoreland Town Court on a later date and time. Sources: https://sheriff.oneidacountyny.gov/news/68910f77f84353939e023c15/

On August 4, 2025, at approximately 2:00 p.m., State Police from the Rhinebeck barracks were dispatched to the New Horizons Resources Inc. residential facility, located at 201 Cream Street in the Town of Hyde Park, for a report of a 26-year-old male resident who was found deceased in a transportation van owned by New Horizons Resources Inc. The van was parked at the facility at the time. The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, in coordination with the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office, is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. The cause of death remains under investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

On August 2, 2025, at approximately 2:09 p.m., State Police were advised of a RV roll over on I-90 eastbound near Exit 43 in the town of Manchester. When Troopers arrived a motorhome, driven by Travis S. Hileman , 42, along with one passenger, Samantha M. Hileman , 36, both of Altoona, PA, was observed rolled over on its roof with S. Hileman entrapped underneath. An investigation determined that an unknown vehicle was traveling in the left lane when it missed its exit and came to a quick stop, causing traffic in the same lane to stop suddenly. Traffic in the left lane merged to the right lane, causing traffic in the right lane to slow suddenly. The RV, traveling in the right lane, could not stop in time and moved to the shoulder causing it to overturn due to its weight. Both occupants were transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for evaluation, no serious injuries were reported. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-respond-rv-rollover-town-manchester

Press Release On July 29, 2025, State Police responded to the report of a crash with serious injuries on State Route 145 in Middleburgh, NY.   On July 29, 2025, at about 1:30 p.m. Troopers responded to the report of a two-car crash on State Route 145 at the intersection of Schoharie Hill Road in Schoharie, NY. The investigation determined that a southbound vehicle attempting to make a left turn onto Schoharie Hill Road was struck by a vehicle traveling northbound. Melissa L. Guest , 49 of Jefferson, NY who was the front seat passenger in the turning vehicle sustained severe injuries during the crash and was declared deceased at the scene. The driver of both vehicles and four passengers within the other vehicle were transported to Albany Medical Center with what is believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.  State Route 145 was closed in both directions for the ongoing investigation and collision reconstruction. The roadway was reopened at approximately 5:45 p.m. on July 29, 2025. SOURCES: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-investigate-fatal-middleburgh-crash-0

Godfrey Point, NY – July 27, 2025 - According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, a potentially tragic boating incident on Oneida Lake was averted thanks to life jackets—and a pair of good Samaritans. At approximately 2:25 p.m., the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit responded to a distress call reporting a capsized vessel near Buoy 117, off Godfrey Point. Upon arrival, deputies learned that a good Samaritan had already pulled one of the boat’s occupants from the water and onto their vessel. A short time later, a second good Samaritan located and rescued the second occupant, who had also been adrift in the water. The individuals rescued were identified as Joseph Davis, 77 , and Brian Palmer, 66 , both of whom had been fishing that morning in a 16-foot Starcraft vessel. Investigators determined that around 8:30 a.m. , the boat began to take on water and partially capsized due to mechanical failure and rough lake conditions. Remarkably, both Davis and Palmer spent more than five hours  in the water before being discovered. Both men were wearing life jackets, which Sheriff Maciol emphasized were crucial in preventing a tragedy . “This incident could have ended very differently if not for their life jackets and the quick actions of the individuals who stopped to help,” said Sheriff Maciol. After being brought ashore, Davis and Palmer were evaluated by EMS personnel as a precaution. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted on the scene by the Cleveland Fire Department , Sylvan Beach Fire Department , and Vineall Ambulance . Authorities extended a special thank-you to the courageous good Samaritans  whose swift actions made all the difference.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Terence Butler, age 36, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced yesterday to 96 months in prison for conspiring to distribute controlled substances and money laundering. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Michael McCarthy, Special Agent in Charge of the Newark Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement. Butler previously admitted to directing multiple people to meet up with a drug distributer in Beverly Hills, California, to obtain drugs to ship back to various Schenectady addresses.  On January 4, 2023, investigators seized a package containing 1.65 kilograms of cocaine that Butler had shipped from California to Schenectady.  On August 3, 2023, investigators seized another Schenectady-bound package containing approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills and 5,000 methamphetamine pills before it could be delivered in Schenectady.  Butler also admitted to having two people funnel $35,0000 in drug proceeds back to his supplier over a three-week period in December 2022 and January 2023.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “Terence Butler brought a significant amount of lethal drugs into the Capital District. Now he will be serving a significant amount of prison time for his crimes. Every day, with our law enforcement partners, we work to intercept drugs bound for the Northern District of New York, and to investigate and prosecute those would seek to bring this poison into our communities.” HSI Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy stated: “Terence Butler orchestrated a bold and dangerous operation, trafficking highly lethal drugs, including fentanyl, into the northeast from across the nation. He has now been held accountable for his reckless disregard for public safety. I commend HSI Newark’s Opioid Border Enforcement Security Task Force and our dedicated law enforcement partners for their unwavering commitment to protecting the community and prioritizing the public’s wellbeing above all else.” United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a 4-year-term of supervised release and ordered the forfeiture of $77,427 in drug proceeds.  HSI investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner prosecuted. Sources: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/schenectady-man-sentenced-96-months-drug-trafficking-and-money-laundering

UPDATE: On July 26, 2025, Austin E. Leonard , age 28, of LaFayette, NY, has succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse. ______________________________________ LaFayette, NY – The New York State Police are investigating a serious motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle and two tractor-trailers that occurred on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at approximately 7:38 a.m. on Interstate 81 northbound.   The preliminary investigation revealed that Sean M. Ayers , age 42, of Dundee, NY, was operating a 2001 Peterbilt tractor-trailer in the driving lane when he experienced a tire blowout. Ayers began to decelerate while attempting to locate a safe area to pull off the roadway.  At the same time, Barbara L. Armstrong , age 66, of Creston, IA, was driving a 2024 Peterbilt tractor-trailer in the passing lane and was in the process of overtaking Ayers’ vehicle.  As the two tractor-trailers occupied both lanes, a 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycle operated by Austin E. Leonard , age 28, of LaFayette, NY, approached from behind and attempted to pass between the two trucks.  After passing the trucks, Leonard lost control of the motorcycle, struck the guide rail along the west shoulder, and was ejected. He was transported to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, where he remains in critical condition.  The crash remains under investigation. Additional details will be released as they become available. SOURCES: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/update-state-police-investigate-motorcycle-crash-i-81-lafayette

Sherrill, NY – On July 27, 2025, New York State Police from SP Oneida conducted a traffic stop on a 2024 Nissan Altima in the city of Sherrill after receiving a BOLO from Madison County 911 regarding a vehicle operating erratically in the city of Oneida. The operator, identified as Edwight LaFlair , age 27, of Syracuse, was exhibiting signs of impairment and failed Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. He was taken into custody for Driving While Intoxicated . During an inventory of the vehicle, troopers discovered narcotics, a loaded handgun with a defaced serial number, and other drug-related paraphernalia. LaFlair later provided a breath sample at SP Oneida, which registered a .12% BAC . A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of the following: Approximately 139.8 grams of cocaine Approximately 12.4 grams of fentanyl Two Glock handguns (Models 17 and 40) A 33-round high-capacity magazine Ammunition Additional drug-related items As a result of the investigation, LaFlair was arrested and charged with: Driving While Intoxicated (Misdemeanor) Willful Defacement of a Firearm (Class D Felony) Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd Degree (Class C Felony) Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree (Class D Felony) Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree (Class B Felony) Numerous Vehicle and Traffic Law violations LaFlair was transported to the Oneida County Jail pending arraignment at CAP Court . The investigation was conducted by SP Oneida Uniform and BCI members, with assistance from the Troop D Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (VGNET). SOURCES: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/syracuse-man-arrested-following-traffic-stop-oneida-county

On July 19, 2025, New York State Police at Oneonta arrested Kenneth A. Friedlander , age 62 of Oneonta, NY for the class “D” felony of Reckless Endangerment, the class “E” felony of Criminal Mischief in the third degree and the misdemeanors of Menacing in the second degree and Resisting Arrest. Troopers were dispatched to Oneida Village Mobile Home Park in the town of Oneonta for a report that Friedlander was attempting to set a trailer on fire and threatening to kill people.  An investigation determined that Friedlander placed several people in fear after he attempted to start a trailer on fire with a paper bag that he had lit on fire.  After he was unsuccessful, he barricaded himself in a bedroom.  When the Troopers made contact with him, he charged at the Troopers with a pair of scissors.  Friedlander continued to resist arrest, even after a taser was deployed but was ultimately placed in handcuffs.   Friedlander was processed at SP Oneonta and later transported to the Otsego County Jail for Central Arraignment.  Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/oneonta-man-arrested-after-attempting-light-trailer-fire