NEW YORK — Millions of New Yorkers are beginning to receive one-time energy rebate checks of up to $200, as state leaders promote the program as relief for families struggling with rising utility costs. But an important question remains: How much difference will $100 or $200 actually make — and what happens to small businesses facing many of the same rising energy expenses? New York began mailing its new Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate, or POWER, checks on September 21, with approximately 8.2 million households expected to receive payments over the coming months. The $1 billion program was approved as part of the 2026-27 state budget and is intended to provide relief from rising household energy costs. Checks will continue to be mailed through December. Under the program, married couples filing jointly with 2024 income of $150,000 or less are eligible for $200. Joint filers earning more than $150,000 but no more than $300,000 will receive $150, while eligible single, head-of-household and married-filing-separately taxpayers earning $150,000 or less will receive $100. Eligible taxpayers do not need to apply; the state says checks will be mailed automatically. Governor Kathy Hochul has said the payments are intended to put money directly back into the pockets of New Yorkers struggling with higher household energy expenses. The administration has also pointed to broader state energy-affordability programs aimed at reducing utility costs for qualifying households. But Will $100 or $200 Really Make a Difference? For a family struggling to keep up with electricity, natural gas, groceries, gasoline, housing, insurance and other everyday expenses, any additional money may be welcome. But the size of the payment raises another question: Is a one-time $100 or $200 check enough to meaningfully address the underlying problem of increasingly expensive energy? Unlike an ongoing reduction in utility rates, the POWER payment is a one-time rebate. Once that check has been spent, families will still be responsible for their monthly electric and gas bills. New York's Public Service Commission has acknowledged the broader affordability problem. The state's Energy Affordability Program is designed to reduce the energy burden on qualifying residential customers, and New York expanded assistance in 2026 to reach additional low- and moderate-income households. That means the POWER checks should be viewed as one component of the state's affordability strategy — not as a permanent reduction in what customers pay for electricity or natural gas. What About Small Businesses? There is another side of the energy-cost discussion that receives considerably less attention: the small businesses paying commercial utility bills every month. The POWER rebate program is based on individual New York income-tax returns. It does not provide an equivalent statewide $100-to-$200 POWER check directly to businesses to offset their commercial utility bills. That distinction matters. Restaurants must keep refrigerators, freezers, ovens and ventilation systems running. Convenience stores operate coolers and freezers around the clock. Auto repair shops run lifts, compressors, lighting and heating systems. Retail stores, offices, manufacturers and countless other businesses rely on electricity and natural gas simply to open their doors. When those operating expenses rise, business owners generally have only a limited number of options: absorb the increased expense and accept lower margins, reduce other costs, improve efficiency — or increase prices. And when businesses raise prices to compensate for higher operating expenses, those costs can ultimately reach the same consumers the state is attempting to help. That creates an important economic question: If families receive a $100 or $200 rebate but continue paying higher prices for goods and services because local businesses are absorbing higher operating costs, how much lasting relief has actually been created? Business Assistance Exists But It's Different New York does offer energy-related programs for businesses, but they are not necessarily comparable to simply receiving a rebate check for current utility expenses. For example, NYSERDA offers financing programs that can help qualifying small businesses make energy-efficiency improvements. Its On-Bill Recovery Financing program allows eligible businesses with 100 employees or fewer to finance qualifying improvements and repay the loan through their utility bills. Businesses generally must first receive a qualifying energy assessment and meet financing requirements. There have also been programs and regulatory settlements that affect certain small commercial customers. In April, for example, the Public Service Commission approved a settlement involving nine affiliated energy service companies that included billing adjustments for certain residential and small commercial customers. Those programs, however, operate very differently from the POWER checks being mailed directly to millions of New Yorkers. For a small business owner worried about this month's electric bill, financing a future efficiency project is not necessarily the same thing as immediate assistance with today's operating expenses. The Bigger Affordability Question The debate therefore goes beyond whether families should receive assistance. Few would dispute that households struggling to pay their utility bills could use relief. The broader question is whether temporary rebates address the reason those bills have become difficult to afford in the first place and whether small businesses should receive greater attention when policymakers discuss energy affordability. Small businesses occupy a critical position in that equation. They are energy consumers themselves, but they also sell goods and services to households. When their electricity, heating, insurance, labor, supplies and other expenses rise, those costs do not simply disappear. Eventually, at least some of those expenses can be reflected in what customers pay. So as millions of POWER checks arrive in mailboxes across New York this fall, perhaps the bigger conversation shouldn't end with: "When will my check arrive?" It should also include: Will $100 or $200 provide meaningful long-term relief for struggling families? What is being done about the underlying cost of energy? And what relief is available for the small businesses struggling with those same energy costs before they are forced to pass more of those expenses along to consumers? Those may be some of the most important questions in New York's continuing affordability debate.

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol a Corrections Officer and Inmate have both been arrested following a Prison Contraband Investigation. In late August, 2026, Corrections Officers assigned to the Jail Intelligence Unit discovered the possibility of contraband being brought into the Oneida County Correctional Facility by a Corrections Officer. Due to the nature of the investigation a member of the Criminal Investigation Unit was also assigned to assist with the investigation. On September 18, 2026, as a result of the investigation Corrections Officer Teresa Crim, age 29, of Ilion, was arrested and charged with one count Official Misconduct, a class A misdemeanor, one count Promoting Prison Contraband, in the Second Degree, a class A misdemeanor, and one count of Conspiracy in the Sixth Degree, a class B misdemeanor. At this time Crim is currently suspended from work and the termination process is pending. Crim was hired as a Corrections Officer in 2023. On September 21, 2026, charges were also filed against the inmate. Johnathan Franklin, age 28, of Utica, is to be arraigned on one count Promoting Prison Contraband, in the Second Degree, a class A misdemeanor, and one count of Conspiracy, in the Sixth Degree, a class B Misdemeanor. Due to Franklin currently being incarcerated he will be arraigned in CAP Court at a later time. Sergeant Brandon J. Rutledge Oneida County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Unit

On Thursday, September 17, 2026, at approximately 05:00 AM, the Rome Police Department Special Investigations Unit, with the assistance of the New York State Police Special Operations Response Team, Troop D VGNET, K9 Unit, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit, and Patrol Division, executed a search warrant at 7653 New Floyd Road Apt. 3, in the Town of Floyd. As a result, a loaded handgun, scales, packaging materials, approximately 17.59 grams of cocaine, and approximately 1.93 grams of crack cocaine were seized. 35-year-old Antoine D. Williams, of Floyd, is subsequently charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree (Intent to sell/ Aggregate Weight), both B-Felonies, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree, a C-Felony. Williams was processed at Rome Police Headquarters and will be transported to the Oneida County Correctional Facility for Centralized Arraignment Part Court.

According to Oneida County Sheriff, Robert Maciol, a man from the City of Utica was arrested following an investigation into a grand larceny complaint. On June 13th, 2026, Deputies were dispatched to an address in the City of Rome for a larceny complaint. Through the Deputies investigation they learned the victim had paid a contractor, back on May 26th, 2026, $1,500.00 using a personal check so that the contractor could purchase items to work on her property. It was further learned no work had been completed, and the property owner was out $1,500.00. Due to the nature of the incident, the investigation was turned over to members of the Oneida County Criminal Investigative Unit (CIU). Investigators located the contractor, 54-year-old Thomas Locorini, and charged him with one count of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a Class E Felony pursuant to section 155.30(1) of the New York State Penal Law. Locorini was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Rome City Court on a later date and time.

September 16, 2026 Mobile sports betting has quickly become New York state’s second largest source of gaming revenue, trailing only the lottery. In State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2026, mobile sports betting generated $1.3 billion in state revenues from taxes on gross gaming revenues, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The report also notes that the increased wagering activity led to a 8.5% increase in calls to the state’s problem gambling hotline in 2025 since 2020. “While the legalization of mobile sports betting in New York has boosted state revenues, the rise in problem gambling, particularly among young people, is a major concern,” DiNapoli said. “The rapid proliferation of the prediction markets, which generate significant revenue based on sports activities, only makes it easier to get hooked on these online platforms. I was encouraged by the state’s decision to double funding for problem gambling services from $6 million to $12 million, but this is a drop in the bucket compared to the billions being wagered. We need to do much more to identify how mobile sports betting is impacting New Yorkers and ensure consumers are protected.” Gaming Overview in New York There are six different forms of statutorily authorized gaming in New York: horse racing, the lottery, video lottery terminals (VLTs), casinos (commercial and tribal), sports betting (mobile and in-person), and interactive fantasy sports. Each of these provide a source of revenue for the state, most of which is used for education purposes. In SFY 2026, the state collected over $5.1 billion in gaming revenues, $1.3 billion (33%) higher than in SFY 2016. However, excluding mobile sports wagering, gaming revenues from all other forms declined by 0.8%. The lottery remains the state’s largest source of gaming revenue with average annual growth of 1.8% from SFY 2010 to SFY 2023; however, these revenues were nearly 10% lower in SFY 2026 than peak collections in SFY 2023. Through July of SFY 2027, lottery revenues were up only 0.6% ($4.4 million) from the same period last year. Mobile Sports Wagering Collections from the tax on gross gaming revenue increased by 78.4% between SFY 2023 ($727.4 million) and SFY 2026 ($1.3 billion). Since its implementation in January 2022 through the end of SFY 2026, over $91.2 billion in mobile sports bets have been placed, generating gross gaming revenue of $8.3 billion. According to a recent joint report from the New York State Gaming Commission and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), there were 7.2 million unique mobile sports wagering accounts in New York in 2025. The average amount wagered per account that year was $3,500, with an average amount per wager of $42. In 2025, five sports accounted for over 90% of all mobile sports wagers. Basketball had more than $9 billion in wagers, leading all sports. The total amount wagered, and the resulting gross gaming revenue and tax receipts vary during the year, driven in part by major sporting event schedules. For example, betting activity rises from October to March due to the World Series, the Super Bowl, and the NCAA’s “March Madness” basketball tournament. In June 2026, betting activities across all authorized mobile sports wagering platforms increased by over $604 million (36.6%) year-over-year, but gross gaming revenues decreased nearly $90 million (43.5%). These results were influenced by the New York Knicks – considered underdogs with high sportsbook odds – winning the 2026 NBA Championship. During the first two weeks in June, over $1 billion in mobile sports bets were made, but gross gaming revenues reflected a net loss of $14.4 million as a result of winning wagers paid out exceeding wagers received. During the World Cup, June 11 to July 19, 2026, excluding the NBA Finals week, gamblers placed $2.5 billion in bets, which was $775.5 million (45.7%) more than same period in 2025. Prediction Markets Prediction markets, such as Kalshi and Polymarket, are financial platforms where users can place bets on the outcome of real-world events, including sporting events. Since sporting events were added, global trading on these platforms increased significantly, $24 billion and $27.1 billion in 2025 for Kalshi and Polymarket, respectively. Through July, total trading volume for both was $208.6 billion. The majority of the global trading volume on both platforms is related to sporting events - 79.8% on Kalshi and 51.2% on Polymarket. In October 2025, the New York State Gaming Commission sent a cease-and-desist letter to Kalshi for “illegally operating, advertising, promoting, administering, managing, or otherwise making available an unlicensed mobile sports wagering platform in New York state in connection with any sports event.” On July 31, the Governor and Attorney General announced that New York has sued Kalshi for running an illegal gambling operation in the state and to order Kalshi to forfeit all alleged illegal gains. In addition, a coalition of 44 state attorneys general, including New York, sent a letter stating that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission lacks authority to regulate sports-related event contracts. Problem Gambling Problem gambling remains a significant concern. According to the recent report from the Gaming Commission and OASAS, there were 2,545 calls to the state’s HOPEline, up 8.5% from 2020. The proliferation of prediction markets, their availability to participants younger (age 18) than those allowed for mobile sports wagering (age 21), and their being subject to fewer advertising restrictions could exacerbate problem gambling. Although the most recent report has provided additional insight into how mobile sports betting has affected problem gambling, additional information is needed, particularly in terms of the demographics of problem gamblers. New Gaming Commission regulations requiring improved data collection took effect on Feb. 28, 2026. DiNapoli said policymaking in this area will benefit from improved data collection and timely reporting.

UTICA, NY — The Utica Police Department is investigating an armed robbery involving a juvenile victim and several masked juveniles, after officers recovered a loaded handgun during the investigation on September 16. According to Utica Police, at approximately 4:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block of Sunset Avenue for a reported robbery. Police said a juvenile male was at the location when he was approached by several other juveniles wearing masks and dark clothing. The victim reported that one of the males brandished a handgun and ordered him not to move, while another member of the group stole his e-bike. As investigators began reviewing surveillance footage and conducting real-time monitoring of available systems, members of the Utica Police GIVE Unit observed a group matching the description of the suspects on Noyes Street near Schuyler Street. Investigators notified patrol units, who attempted to stop the group. According to police, when a supervisor attempted to conduct the stop, all members of the group fled on foot. Officers were able to detain two individuals in a rear yard on Walnut Street. During a frisk of the two individuals, officers located a loaded .40-caliber handgun on one of them. Police said the individual was subsequently determined to be a 14-year-old juvenile. The firearm was secured. Other members of the group were also apprehended, detained and identified, according to police. 14-Year-Old Charged At the conclusion of the initial investigation, the 14-year-old juvenile was charged with: Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree Criminal Possession of a Firearm Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, involving an extended magazine Police said the juvenile was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Oneida County Family Court/Probation and was released into the care of a guardian. The investigation into the reported robbery remains ongoing, and police said additional arrests are expected. Handgun Linked to Other Investigations Utica Police also said investigators believe the recovered handgun may have been involved in multiple shots-fired incidents reported over the past several weeks. Police said that information is still awaiting confirmation and that those investigations remain active and ongoing. Because the investigation is continuing, additional charges and arrests may follow. This article is based on information provided by the Utica Police Department. The charges described are allegations, and individuals accused of crimes are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Press Release: Arrest Blotter September 4 - 9, 2026 · September 4, 2026: - Timothy W. Finster, of Camden, was issued an appearance ticket for criminal trespass third-degree. - Michael T. Henderson, of Oneida, was arrested for criminal contempt second-degree: disobey court order and harassment second-degree: alarm or annoy. - Tyler C. Musacchio was arrested for criminal trespass second-degree, obstructing governmental administration second-degree and endangering the welfare of a child < 17. - Trevor L. Showalter was arrested for grand larceny fourth-degree: property from person (EF), aggravated family offense (EF), forcible touching- intimate parts, criminal mischief fourth-degree: prevent emergency call, obstructing governmental administration second-degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance seventh-degree and harassment second-degree: physical contact. - Nathan L. Whaley, of Vernon, was arrested on an arrest warrant for two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance seventh-degree and failure to stop at a stop sign. ------------------------------------------ · September 5, 2026: - Isiah C. Mosley, of Utica, was issued traffic tickets for unlicensed operator, aggravated unlicensed operation second-degree: 3 > open suspensions and no head lights. ------------------------------------------ · September 6, 2026: - Monique C. Almonte, of Oneida, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree and no/single license plate. - Lance E. Hart, of Oneida, of Oneida, was arrested for reckless endangerment second-degree and endangering the welfare of a child. - Trisha N. Lightcap, of Canastota, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree and no/insufficient tail lamps. - Jeremy L. Zimmer, of Oneida, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree and operating an uninspected motor vehicle. ------------------------------------------ · September 7, 2026: - Tiffeny J. Boyles, of Mohawk, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation second-degree: 3 > open suspensions, aggravated unlicensed operation second-degree, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, no/single license plate, unlicensed operator, operating an unregistered motor vehicle and operating an uninspected motor vehicle. - Brian P. Grems, of Oneida, was arrested on an arrest warrant for petit larceny. He was also arrested for criminal possession of a controlled substance seventh-degree. ------------------------------------------ · September 9, 2026: - Monique C. Almonte, of Oneida, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation second-degree: 3 > open suspensions. ------------------------------------------ ***𝘚𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢 𝘋𝘐𝘚𝘊𝘓𝘈𝘐𝘔𝘌𝘙***: 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘢𝘸. ***𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘯𝘦𝘪𝘥𝘢 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘺𝘦𝘦𝘴. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘢𝘸

ONEIDA, N.Y. — The competition for Oneida’s morning coffee and breakfast customers is heating up, but the growing number of businesses along the Genesee Street corridor is also raising an important question: How much additional traffic can the area comfortably handle? Five businesses are now competing for a share of the city’s coffee and breakfast market: Dunkin’, The Blend, McDonald’s, Burger King and the newest arrival, 7 Brew Coffee. Construction has been underway on a new 7 Brew drive-thru at 216 Genesee Street, following approval from the City of Oneida’s Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. The location places the rapidly growing coffee chain directly in an already busy commercial area. CNYOnline.com previously reported on the project. Just across the corridor, Dunkin’ operates at 213 Genesee Street, while McDonald’s is located nearby at 274 Genesee Street. Burger King also serves coffee, breakfast & lunch customers on Genesee Street. The locally operated Blend adds another competitor to the growing coffee market. For customers, the competition could mean more choices, faster service, competitive prices and new menu options. For the businesses, however, it creates a fight for the same morning commuters, hospital employees, local workers, students and residents. A Busy Commercial Corridor Coffee and breakfast businesses are not the only traffic generators in this section of the city. Oneida Health’s main campus is located at 321 Genesee Street and includes a 101-bed acute-care hospital and a 160-bed extended-care and rehabilitation facility. That means ambulances, patients, employees, visitors and delivery vehicles regularly travel through this corridor. Oneida Health confirms its main campus location and facilities. The area also includes Silver City Tire, Popeyes, Burger King, Arby’s and numerous other restaurants, retailers and service businesses. Popeyes is located at 200 Genesee Street, while Arby’s operates at 246 Genesee Street—placing several high-traffic businesses within a relatively short distance of one another. Popeyes Oneida location and Arby’s Oneida location. Each business depends on convenient access, but every driveway introduces additional turning movements. Vehicles slowing to enter parking lots, waiting to turn across traffic or attempting to reenter Genesee Street can cause backups—especially during the morning rush, lunchtime and evening commuting hours. Drive-Thru Traffic Could Add Pressure Drive-thru businesses are designed for convenience, but their success can also create traffic challenges. If vehicles waiting for service exceed the available stacking space on private property, traffic could back up near driveway entrances. Even when vehicles remain completely off the public road, frequent entrances and exits may slow traffic and create additional conflict points. The concern is not simply the number of vehicles visiting one business. It is the combined effect of customers entering and leaving several nearby restaurants and businesses during the same busy periods. Motorists could encounter: More vehicles slowing or stopping before turning into businesses. Longer waits for drivers attempting to turn left across traffic. Increased congestion around traffic signals and commercial driveways. More vehicles attempting to exit parking lots during peak hours. Possible delays for hospital employees, patients, visitors and emergency traffic. Greater risks for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers navigating multiple entrances. These are potential impacts, not confirmed traffic-study findings. The actual effect will depend on customer volume, driveway design, signal timing, vehicle-stacking capacity and how successfully each business manages its traffic. Growth Is Good But Planning Matters New businesses can create jobs, increase consumer choice and bring additional sales-tax revenue into the community. A busy commercial district can be a positive sign for Oneida’s economy. However, economic growth and responsible traffic planning must go together. As 7 Brew prepares to join Dunkin’, The Blend, McDonald’s and Burger King in competing for Oneida’s coffee and breakfast dollars, city officials and business owners may need to closely monitor traffic flow along Genesee Street. If backups or unsafe turning conditions develop, possible responses could include adjusted signal timing, improved driveway markings, additional directional signs, better traffic circulation between adjoining properties or changes to entrance and exit patterns. The real test will come after the new business opens and drivers settle into their regular routines. Oneida residents will soon have more choices for their morning coffee and breakfast—but will those choices also mean longer waits on Genesee Street? What do you think? Will increased competition benefit Oneida, or will the additional traffic create more problems along an already busy commercial corridor?

UPSTATE NEW YORK — The first signs of autumn are beginning to appear across Upstate New York, marking the start of one of the most colorful and anticipated seasons of the year. From the Adirondack forests surrounding Old Forge to the rolling hills, lakes, waterfalls and country roads of Oneida and Madison counties, Central New York offers countless opportunities to experience the changing leaves. New York’s fall foliage season typically begins in the higher elevations before gradually moving south and into lower areas. Colors generally begin appearing during September, with many locations reaching their strongest displays from late September through October. The state’s official weekly foliage reports launch September 16 and track changing conditions throughout New York’s 11 vacation regions. Because temperatures, elevation, rainfall and wind can affect the timing, travelers should check the latest report before leaving home. View the current I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report. Old Forge Offers an Adirondack Head Start Old Forge is often among the first nearby destinations to show noticeable fall color because of its northern location and higher elevation. The drive north toward Old Forge provides its own fall experience. Routes 12 and 28 carry travelers through communities including Barneveld, Remsen, Alder Creek and Forestport before reaching the heart of the Adirondacks. Visitors can enjoy views of colorful forests surrounding the Fulton Chain of Lakes, walk through the village or travel farther along Route 28 in search of additional scenic overlooks. One of the area’s most recognizable foliage experiences is the scenic chairlift at McCauley Mountain. The ride provides elevated views of Old Forge, Gray Lake and the Fulton Chain of Lakes. On a clear day, visitors may also see distant Adirondack peaks. McCauley Mountain scenic chairlift information. Those planning a chairlift trip should confirm operating dates, hours and weather conditions before traveling. Oneida County’s Roads, Lakes and Wooded Hills Residents do not have to travel deep into the Adirondacks to find impressive fall scenery. Oneida County’s mixture of farmland, river valleys, wooded hills and historic communities creates a wide variety of foliage-viewing opportunities. A drive north on Route 12 toward Boonville and Remsen offers broad views of the changing hillsides. From there, motorists can continue toward Forestport and Old Forge or explore the quieter back roads connecting the county’s rural communities. Delta Lake State Park and the surrounding Rome and Westernville area provide views of autumn colors reflected across the water. The wooded grounds and trails around Hamilton College in Clinton also offer a quieter setting for a seasonal walk. Southern Oneida County features rolling countryside around Vernon, Verona, Westmoreland, Clinton and the surrounding towns. Route 20 and nearby country roads pass farms, wooded ridges and open landscapes that become increasingly colorful as the season progresses. Oneida County Tourism recommends Route 20, the Boonville area and the drive along Route 12 as fall destinations, noting that the county’s landscape transforms into shades of red, orange and gold. Explore Oneida County’s fall attractions. Madison County’s Rolling Hills and Waterfalls Madison County offers a different but equally impressive fall landscape. The county is known for rolling hills, scenic byways, historic villages and picturesque small towns. Routes connecting Oneida, Canastota, Chittenango, Cazenovia, Morrisville, Hamilton, Madison and Bouckville provide miles of changing scenery. Chittenango Falls State Park is one of the county’s most dramatic destinations. The 167-foot waterfall is surrounded by wooded hills that produce a colorful backdrop during the fall season. Cazenovia Lake is another popular destination, offering waterfront views near the village and several public-access areas. The roads around Cazenovia, Nelson and Fenner provide sweeping views across farms, hills and wooded valleys. Travelers can also explore Route 20 through Madison and Bouckville, the countryside surrounding Lake Moraine or the trails and forests near Brookfield. Madison County contains more than 30,000 acres of state forest land, more than 15 ponds and lakes and hundreds of miles of trails. Madison County Tourism highlights its waterfalls, forests and outdoor destinations. A Season That Supports Local Communities Fall foliage is more than a natural display. It is also an important tourism season for local restaurants, shops, farm markets, orchards, lodging properties and other small businesses. A day trip can easily include breakfast at a local diner, a stop at a farm stand, lunch in a village restaurant and shopping at locally owned stores. Visitors are encouraged to plan extra time, support businesses along their route and avoid stopping along busy roads to take photographs. Scenic pull-offs, parks and designated parking areas provide safer places to enjoy the view. Drivers should also watch for pedestrians, cyclists, wildlife and slow-moving vehicles—particularly during peak foliage weekends when popular routes may experience heavier traffic. The Colors Will Continue Moving South Fall foliage does not arrive everywhere at once. Old Forge and the higher Adirondack elevations usually change first. The display then progresses into the lower elevations of Oneida and Madison counties, giving residents several weeks to follow the colors across the region. Wind and heavy rain can shorten peak conditions, while cool nights and sunny days can help produce more vivid reds, oranges and yellows. Whether viewed from a mountain chairlift, beside a waterfall, along a lake or from a quiet country road, Upstate New York’s fall foliage remains one of the region’s greatest natural attractions. The season is beginning—and some of the best views may be only a short drive from home.

On September 14, 2026, at approximately 6:32 p.m., members of the State Police from SP Herkimer conducted a traffic stop involving a 2001 Honda on State Route 5S in the town of Frankfort for vehicle and traffic law violations. The operator was found to have a suspended driver’s license. During an inventory of the vehicle prior to it being impounded, troopers located suspected drug evidence inside the vehicle. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, troopers located cocaine, ketamine, MDMA, suspected LSD, psilocybin, a digital scale containing residue, packaging materials, and $1,600 in U.S. currency. The Troop D Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (VGNET) assisted with the investigation. All occupants denied knowledge of the items found inside the vehicle. The following individuals were each arrested and charged with one count of each of the following: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (Class B felony) Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree (Class C felony) Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree (Class D felony) Dessereah L. Casey, age 29, of Syracuse Jynelle V. Coker, age 25, of Syracuse Jamie P. Fox, age 36, of Albany Izayiah E. Haynes, age 24, of Syracuse Emily E. Phillips, age 21, of Syracuse All five defendants were transported to the Town of German Flatts Court, where they were arraigned and released on their own recognizance.

According to the Oneida County Sheriff's, a man from the Town of Westmoreland was arrested following an investigation into a grand larceny complaint. On September 5th, 2026, Deputies were dispatched to an address in the Town of Vernon for a larceny complaint. Through the deputies' investigation, they learned the victim had paid an individual, back on June 15th, 2026, $2,500.00 in cash to purchase items so that he could fix a Chevrolet 3500 pickup truck. It was further learned that no work had been completed, and the vehicle owner was out $2,500.00. Due to the nature of the incident, the investigation was turned over to members of the Oneida County Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU). Investigators located the paid individual, 59-year-old John Feketa, and charged him with one count of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a Class E Felony, pursuant to section 155.30(1) of the New York State Penal Law. Feketa was then escorted to the Oneida County Correctional Facility to await CAP Court.

According to the Oneida County Sheriff's, on September 14th, 2026, Sheriff's Investigators and Task Force members assigned to the United States Marshals’ Service New York / New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force – Utica Division arrested Sherrieff Bradley, age 44 of Verona, New York on an active bench warrant that was issued out of Oneida County Court. The United States Marshals Service New York / New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force – Utica Division is a multi-agency federal fugitive task force comprised of members from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Utica Police Department, Oneida County Probation Department, New Hartford Police Department, and New York State Police. These charges stem from a domestic incident that occurred in June of 2026 in the Town of Kirkland. It is alleged that Bradley was involved in a domestic dispute with a female victim on scene. During the domestic, it is alleged that when a third party individual on scene attempted to intervene, they were struck in the head with the “butt” of a firearm causing injury. It is further alleged that Bradley also struck a juvenile on scene causing injury as well. Following the initial incident, an arrest warrant was issued out of the Town of Kirkland Court. On July 4th, 2026, Bradley was taken into custody without incident by members of the Utica Police Department on the arrest warrant issued for the charge(s) of criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, assault 2nd, menacing (x2), endangering the welfare of a child, and harassment 2nd (x3). Bradley was ultimately turned over to members of the Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and arraigned on his warrant. Due to New York State bail reform laws, Bradley was released on his own recognizance. Through further court process, the case was presented to an Oneida County Grand Jury and Bradley was indicted on the charge(s) of Burglary 1st – Class B Felony, Assault 2nd – Class D Felony, Menacing 2nd (x2) – Class A Misdemeanor, Endangering the welfare of a child – Class A Misdemeanor, and Harassment 2nd (x3) – Violation. On September 10th, 2026, a Superior Court Bench Warrant out of Oneida County Court was issued for Bradley’s arrest in relation to the above charges after he failed to appear on September 8th, 2026. On September 14th, 2026, while conducting an investigation into the whereabouts of Bradley, Task Force members observed Bradley as a passenger in a vehicle in the City of Utica. With the assistance of the Utica Police Department Uniform Patrol Division and K-9 Unit, a vehicle stop was conducted on North Genesee Street and Auert Avenue in the City of Utica. Bradley was taken into custody without incident. Following a search incident to Bradley’s arrest, a quantity of cocaine was located on his person. Bradley was transported to the Oneida County Jail where he was turned over to members of the Corrections Division to be held pending his arraignment in Oneida County Court. As a result of the cocaine being located, members of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit charged Bradley with the additional offense of: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree (CPCS 4th) – Class C Felony in violation of New York State Penal Law Section 220.09 Subdivision 1. Bradley will be arraigned at the Central Arraignment Part of the Oneida County Jail on his new charges.