On September 2, 2026, at approximately 5:30 a.m., members of the New York State Police Troop D Violent Gang & Narcotics Enforcement Team (VGNET), with assistance from the State Police Special Operations Response Team (SORT), K9 Unit, Computer Crimes Technology Unit-North, the Rome Police Department, and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at a residence on West Liberty Street in the city of Rome. As a result of the search, investigators seized approximately six ounces of crystal methamphetamine, approximately $3,546 in U.S. currency, digital scales containing residue, and packaging materials. James Mitchell, age 39, and Jule A. Shaw, age 42, were each charged with: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 2nd Degree, a class A-II felony Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree with intent to sell, a class B felony Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the 2nd Degree Mitchell and Shaw were transported to the Oneida County Jail to await centralized arraignment. Keith R. Westcott Jr., age 42, was also taken into custody on a parole absconder warrant issued by New York State Parole. Westcott is currently on parole for a prior conviction of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd Degree. The investigation remains ongoing.

ROME, N.Y. — The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an industrial accident that injured two employees Thursday morning at Indium Corporation in the City of Rome. According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, the incident occurred on September 3, 2026, shortly before 7:30 a.m. at Indium Corporation, located at 5836 Success Drive. Oneida County Sheriff’s Deputies, members of the Rome Fire Department, and AmCare Ambulance personnel responded to the facility following a report of an industrial accident. An investigation determined that a chemical reaction occurred at the facility, resulting in minor injuries to two employees. Both employees were transported by AmCare Ambulance to Wynn Hospital for treatment. Their injuries were reported to be non-life-threatening. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office remains involved in the investigation. No additional information was immediately available.

On August 29, 2026, at approximately 8:45 p.m., members of the New York State Police responded to MacKay Road in the town of Turin for a reported UTV crash. The investigation determined that Ryan C. Voorhies, age 42, of Blossvale, NY, was operating a UTV southbound on MacKay Road when he exited the west shoulder of the roadway and struck a tree. He served as third-assistant chief for the fire department. Voorhies was pronounced deceased at the scene by responding emergency medical personnel. The passenger, Michael F. Fatiuk Jr., age 22, of Vernon, NY, sustained serious injuries and was transported by helicopter to Upstate Medical University. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The New York State Police were assisted at the scene by Turin Ambulance and Lewis County Sherriff's Office.

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, the deceased individual has been identified as Justin Maxwell age 32 from Verona, NY. At this time, the investigation is still ongoing and additional information may be released at a later time. Original Press Release Listed Below. According to the Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol; On August 26th, 2026, at around 10:30 pm, Road Patrol Deputies were dispatched to Smith Road in the Town of Verona for a report of a motorcycle accident with injuries. Subsequent to an investigation, Deputies determined that a single motorcycle traveling on Smith Rd exited the shoulder of the roadway and collided with a tree. The lone operator of the motorcycle was later pronounced deceased resulting from the collision. The accident is still under investigation at this time. Smith Rd was closed for the duration of the investigation, but has since been reopened to the public. The deceased's name will not be released at this time. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office was assisted on scene by the New York State Police, the Verona Vol. Fire Department, and Vineall Ambulance.

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, members of the Criminal Investigative Unit determined the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, being operated by Darrel Gray Jr, age 52, from West Lyden New York, was traveling eastbound on State Route 294 near Gleasman Road in the Town of Ava. While traveling east, Gray moved from his lane and entered the opposite lane of travel subsequently striking the front end of a 2019 Mack Truck, which was traveling west, that was being operated by Erik Rowland, age 46, from Woodgate New York. As a result of the collision, Gray’s vehicle had come to rest along the southern shoulder of the roadway whereas the Mack Truck had struck a guardrail and had come to rest along the northern shoulder of the roadway. Darrel Gray and his passenger 17-year-old Eleanor (Nora) Gray were located and pronounced deceased at the scene. Rowland was airlifted to Upstate Medical Center for what appears to be non-life-threatening injuries. At this time, the investigation is still ongoing, and additional information may be released at a later time. Both Darrel and Eleanor (Nora) were part of the Adirondack Central School District. The district will have counselors available for students and staff. Additionally, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the members of the Oneida County 911 Center for their assistance with coordinating with Mercy Flight who assisted with transporting Rowland to the hospital. Original Press Release listed below. According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, on August 27, 2026, at around 07:00 AM, Road Patrol Deputies were dispatched to State Route 294 near Gleasman Road in the Town of Ava for a reported serious motor vehicle accident. Due to the nature of the incident members of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigative Unit and Forensic Identification Unit responded to the scene. A preliminary investigation showed that one of the vehicles, a Volkswagen SUV, was traveling in an easterly direction of State Route 294 when they moved from their lane and entered the opposite lane of travel. At this time, a single cab Mack tractor trailer, which was hauling a load of material, was traveling in a westerly direction and was struck by the Volkswagen SUV that was traveling easterly. The two individuals who were the occupants of the Volkswagen were pronounced deceased at the scene. The operator of the tractor trailer was airlifted to Syracuse SUNY Upstate Medical Center for further treatment by Mercy Flight for what appears to be non-life-threatening injuries. The accident is still under investigation and the names of the parties involved will not be released at this time. State Route 294 will be closed for cleanup but will soon be reopened to the public. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the New York State Police, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, NYS Dept of Transportation Grower’s Collision and Towing, Shufelt’s Garage, Mercy Flight, Boonville Ambulance and Fire Department, West Lyden Ambulance and Fire Department, and Rockers Automotive Rescue Inc.

A new 3D-printing project is drawing attention to the growing debate over artificial intelligence, privacy, and surveillance cameras. A 3D-printing enthusiast known online as SquidInk has created what they call the “Flock Sock”—a removable cover designed to block the view of Flock Safety license plate-reading cameras without permanently damaging the equipment. The concept is simple: the cover fits over certain camera models and can be removed without glue, screws, paint, or other permanent modifications. According to descriptions of the project, it can be positioned using a long handle to reach cameras mounted on elevated poles or traffic infrastructure. The printable design has reportedly been shared online, with versions being developed for several commonly used Flock camera models. A Sarcastic Name With a Serious Message The project comes with a tongue-in-cheek explanation suggesting the cover protects cameras from the “harmful radiation of the sun.” But the real purpose is not difficult to understand. The Flock Sock is intended to prevent the cameras from recording license plates and monitoring passing vehicles. Flock Safety cameras have become increasingly common in communities across the United States. The systems use automated technology and artificial intelligence to identify license plates and recognize characteristics such as vehicle make, model, color, and other details. Law enforcement agencies argue that the technology can be an important investigative tool, helping officers locate stolen vehicles, missing persons, and criminal suspects more quickly. But the rapid expansion of these camera networks has also sparked significant privacy concerns. Critics argue that widespread automated license plate readers can create an extensive surveillance network capable of documenting where vehicles travel and when they pass through certain locations. For some residents, the concern is not simply whether the technology can solve crimes—but how much information is being collected, who can access it, and what safeguards are in place to prevent misuse. Concerns About Misuse and Mistaken Stops The debate has intensified following reports of alleged misuse of license plate databases and cases in which errors or incorrect information have contributed to innocent drivers being stopped or questioned. Those incidents have fueled calls for stronger oversight, stricter access controls, and greater transparency surrounding how automated license plate reader data is collected and shared. In some communities, public pressure has led officials to reconsider or cancel contracts involving the camera systems. In other places, the opposition has taken a more direct—and sometimes destructive—approach, with cameras reportedly being covered, spray-painted, or damaged. The Flock Sock represents a different type of protest: one centered around technology, 3D printing, and a removable design rather than permanent destruction. Removable Does Not Mean Legal While the design may avoid permanently damaging a camera, that does not necessarily make using one legal. Placing an unauthorized object over a surveillance or public safety camera could potentially result in criminal or civil consequences depending on where it occurs and the specific circumstances. Charges could include allegations involving tampering, obstruction, criminal mischief, or other violations under local or state law. The legal distinction between temporarily blocking a camera and physically destroying one may matter, but neither should be assumed to be consequence-free. More Than Just a 3D-Printing Project Whether viewed as a clever act of protest, a privacy statement, or a controversial attempt to interfere with surveillance technology, the Flock Sock highlights a much larger issue. The debate over AI-powered surveillance is no longer limited to city council meetings, privacy organizations, or technology conferences. It is increasingly becoming a public confrontation over how much monitoring people are willing to accept in everyday life. As communities continue installing automated cameras and expanding access to vehicle-tracking technology, the pushback is likely to grow as well. And the Flock Sock may be one of the clearest examples yet of how that debate has moved from policy discussions and public hearings into garages, workshops, and 3D printers. The bigger question remains: Where should communities draw the line between public safety and personal privacy—and who gets to decide?

Poor Electric Bus Performance, Manufacturer’s Limited Capacity, Put Brakes on Transition of Nation’s Largest Bus Fleet August 19, 2026 The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is unlikely to meet its 2040 target for replacing its 5,800-bus fleet with zero-emission buses, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. “The MTA has set an ambitious goal to transform the nation’s largest bus fleet to 100 percent zero-emission,” DiNapoli said. “Unfortunately, this audit identified multiple challenges that have put its 2040 target in jeopardy. It is encouraging that the MTA has announced steps to address these issues.” The MTA’s four-stage plan called for a one-for-one replacement of its entire fleet with zero-emission buses. The authority received its first 15 new electric buses in 2019, followed by 60 more in 2024-2025. It was supposed to receive 485 of the next 500 buses by the end of Stage 1 in 2024, but only one bus had been delivered by June 2025. The MTA subsequently reduced its Stage 2 order from 1,000 buses to 500. The audit found that the MTA’s progress has been hampered by several factors. Its reliance on a single manufacturer with limited capacity (the only one that currently meets its standards) led to backlogs. The cost of an articulated electric bus increased from about $1.4 to $1.8 million by 2024, about 60% more than comparable-sized diesel buses. The MTA estimates fully replacing its fleet would cost $11.9 billion. The zero-emission buses the MTA purchased during earlier pilot programs were prone to breakdowns and reliability issues that took them out of service. Because these buses must be at least 70% charged to be deployed and return to the depot when they reach 30%, they were generally put on shorter routes and remained in service less than 60% of the time MTA had planned. Delays in upgrading depot power capacity as bus orders were reduced have further limited charging capacity. Auditors interviewed representatives of six public authorities (four in New York, two out-of-state) experienced with electric bus operation. These agencies reported similar challenges with buses from the manufacturer including limited range, frequent maintenance-related downtimes, and recalls linked to batteries, and other issues. DiNapoli’s audit made several recommendations, including: Developing a contingency plan to address the possibility it does not meet its target and to address the milestones that have not been met. Evaluating alternative technologies that could improve the range and performance of its zero-emission buses. Considering the timeline for zero-emission bus purchases and deployment in the next phase of its transition plan. Establishing clearer priorities and monitoring controls to help ensure outcomes align with goals. MTA officials generally agreed with the recommendations to improve transition tracking, strengthen contingency planning, and refining procurement targets. Officials said that they are evaluating approaches to bus deployment, exploring alternative technologies, and working with manufacturers to improve bus range and performance. The MTA’s full response is included in the audit.

August 19, 2026 Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. today signed into law legislation prohibiting the sale of kratom and kratom-derived products throughout Oneida County. The action comes after a public hearing on the local law was conducted Wednesday. The signed legislation has been submitted to the New York State Secretary of State in accordance with state requirements. “Today, this important legislation becomes law, and with it comes a clear message: Oneida County will not stand by while products that pose serious risks to our residents are sold in our communities,” Picente said. “Kratom and kratom-derived products have no place on store shelves in Oneida County. We are taking decisive action to protect our residents, our families and our neighborhoods from the harmful effects of these substances, and this law gives us the authority to hold those who violate it accountable.” Kratom, also known by its scientific name Mitragyna speciosa, is commonly sold as teas, powders and capsules. Health officials warn that kratom can affect the brain similarly to opioids and has been associated with risks including abuse, addiction and other adverse health effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved kratom for medical use. Picente first announced his intent to ban the substance during his State of the County Address on May 8, 2026, identifying kratom as an emerging public health concern and calling for local action to address the growing availability of products with opioid-like effects. A public health order banning the sale of kratom and kratom-derived products was then issued by the Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) and went into effect on June 5th. Picente proposed the local law on June 30th. It was unanimously approved by the Oneida County Board of Legislators on August 12th. The public health order remains in effect until New York State officially files the law the county submitted Wednesday. Both the order and law cite concerns regarding mitragynine, the primary psychoactive alkaloid found in kratom, and the ability for compounds derived from it to be altered into substances that pose heightened public health concerns. OCHD officials and law enforcement agencies are authorized to conduct compliance checks and confiscate products at businesses and retail establishments throughout the county. “Enforcement is active and ongoing,” Picente said. “Businesses should take immediate steps to ensure these products are removed from shelves and are no longer offered for sale. Our goal is compliance and protecting the health and safety of the community.” Under the public health order and local law: The sale or offer for sale of kratom, products containing kratom and products derived from kratom is prohibited throughout Oneida County. Compliance checks may occur during routine inspections, in response to complaints or as part of criminal investigations. Prohibited products will be confiscated and destroyed in accordance with OCHD policy. Under the proposed local law, violations will result in the following: Civil penalty of $500 for the unlawful distribution or sale of kratom. Each subsequent violation will result in a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 per item confiscated. The order and law apply to any person or business in Oneida County where kratom or kratom-derived products are sold. This prohibition does not apply to the sale or distribution of FDA-approved Kratom and/or Kratom dispensed by a licensed pharmacist consistent with a prescription from a licensed physician. Businesses seeking additional information regarding compliance may contact the Oneida County Health Department at 315-798-5064 or environmentalhealth@oneidacountyny.gov.

On August 24, 2026, at approximately 6:33 a.m., New York State Police at Homer responded to Interstate 81 north in the town of Homer for a commercial vehicle crash. A preliminary investigation determined that a water truck was traveling northbound when it experienced a tire failure. The vehicle subsequently left the roadway near mile marker 58.6 and rolled. The 34-year-old operator was transported by ambulance to SUNY Upstate Medical Center by ambulance for injuries sustained in the crash. The right lane remains closed for cleanup. Motorists are urged to use caution while traveling through the area. The investigation remains ongoing. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/troopers-respond-crash-involving-water-truck-i-81-homer

The New York State Police Troop D Community Stabilization Unit (CSU), in partnership with the Troop D Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (VGNET),and uniformed members, conducted a three-day Organized Retail Theft enforcement detail as part of National Blitz. The enforcement detail was conducted August 6 through August 8, 2026, in all three Troop D zones in response to requests for assistance from multiple retail Asset Protection personnel. Troop D members conducted enforcement details on August 6 in Zone 3 in the town of Watertown, August 7 in Zone 1 in the city of Utica, and August 8 in Zone 2 in the city of Syracuse. During the three-day operation, Troop D members partnered with Asset Protection personnel from Walmart, TJ Maxx, Price Chopper, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Kohl’s, and Destiny USA. THREE-DAY ENFORCEMENT RESULTS During the three-day detail, Troop D members arrested 19 individuals on 68 charges, including 31 felony charges and 37 misdemeanor or violation charges. The investigations involved $11,650.60 in reported stolen merchandise, of which $6,396.44 was recovered and returned to the stores. The arrests included charges for Grand Larceny, Burglary, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Conspiracy, Criminal Possession of an Anti-Security Item, and Falsifying Business Records. During the Zone 3 detail in the town of Watertown, Troopers arrested four individuals who had traveled from Syracuse to Watertown with the intention of stealing merchandise from multiple local businesses before immediately leaving the area to avoid identification and apprehension. In two separate cases, stolen property from four different local businesses was identified and recovered from the suspects’ vehicles following their arrests. Additionally, one of the individuals arrested was positively identified as a previously unidentified suspect in an open larceny investigation being conducted by the New York State Police at SP Watertown. During the Zone 2 detail in the city of Syracuse, Troopers arrested a prolific retail larceny suspect who had been identified in numerous retail theft investigations throughout Onondaga and Oswego Counties. The individual had been actively avoiding apprehension and had five outstanding arrest warrants related to retail theft offenses. State Police were also assisted by the City of Syracuse Police Department. The three-day operation is part of the New York State Police’s continued efforts to combat organized retail theft and hold individuals accountable for crimes affecting businesses and communities throughout Troop D. The New York State Police will continue working with retail businesses, Asset Protection personnel, and local law enforcement agencies to investigate retail theft, identify repeat offenders, recover stolen property, and prevent future offenses. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/new-york-state-police-conduct-three-day-organized-retail-theft-enforcement-detail-across-troop

Press Release On August 6, 2026, State Police of Brunswick arrested Emmanuel Johnson, 23, of Albany, NY, for Grand Larceny 3rd, a class “D” felony. On August 5, 2026, at about 3:22 p.m., Troopers responded to the area of Hoosick Road in Brunswick for the report of a stolen vehicle. The investigation determined that Johnson reportedly entered an unoccupied vehicle in the parking lot and drove away. The vehicle was later located unoccupied and recovered at approximately 4:45 p.m. on Lincoln Avenue in Albany. Johnson was located and arrested in Troy with the assistance of the Rensselaer County Probation Department and the East Greenbush Police Department. He was transported to SP Brunswick for processing. Then he was arraigned at the Brunswick Town Court, where he was remanded to the Rensselaer County Correctional Facility in lieu of $25,000 cash, $50,000 bond, or a $100,000 partially secured bond.

ONEIDA, NY — Forget Yankees vs. Red Sox. Forget Coke vs. Pepsi. Oneida may soon have a rivalry far more serious: Who makes the coffee that gets you through Monday morning? The battle lines are being drawn along Genesee Street, and the weapons of choice are espresso shots, iced coffees, breakfast sandwiches, flavored energy drinks, and drive-thru lanes. Oneida already has some serious caffeine competitors. Dunkin’ is firmly planted at 213 Genesee Street, complete with drive-thru and mobile ordering. Just down the road, McDonald’s at 274 Genesee Street brings McCafé coffee, plus the considerable strategic advantage of being able to throw an Egg McMuffin and hash brown into the deal. Then there’s the hometown contender, The Blend, whose main café and drive-thru operation is at 264 Genesee Street. And now a new challenger is preparing to enter the arena. 7 Brew Coffee is under construction at 216 Genesee Street, adding another drive-thru coffee option to what is quickly becoming one of the most caffeinated stretches of road in Central New York. No official opening date had been announced in the latest construction update. ROUND 1: DUNKIN’ — THE VETERAN Dunkin’ enters the competition like the experienced prizefighter. It has the name recognition. It has the loyal customers. It has donuts. And perhaps most importantly, half the population appears capable of ordering their Dunkin’ drink using a sentence containing approximately 37 words without taking a breath. Advantages: Established customer base, drive-thru convenience, and people who would probably defend their Dunkin’ order in court. ROUND 2: McDONALD’S — THE SLEEPER Never underestimate McDonald’s. You may pull in thinking: "I'll just grab a coffee." Three minutes later, you're leaving with a coffee, two hash browns, a breakfast sandwich, and somehow you're enrolled in McDonald’s Rewards. McDonald’s secret weapon isn't necessarily having the fanciest coffee. It's this: You're already there because you wanted breakfast. That makes the Golden Arches a dangerous opponent in the Oneida Caffeine Championship. ROUND 3: THE BLEND — THE HOMETOWN FAVORITE Then we have The Blend. The locally established contender. The Blend doesn't have to introduce itself to Oneida. It has already built its own following, and its menu stretches beyond traditional coffee into specialty beverages and other café offerings. In a town where people like supporting local businesses, that hometown advantage matters. The Blend's battle cry: "Why go corporate when your neighbor can make your latte?" ROUND 4: 7 BREW — THE NEW KID And entering from the corner... 7 BREW! The newcomer specializes in the drive-thru beverage model, with coffee joined by drinks such as teas, energy drinks, smoothies and lemonades at its locations. That could make the new Oneida location especially attractive to younger customers and anyone who believes coffee should contain enough flavor combinations to require its own instruction manual. 7 Brew also has one huge advantage: It's new. And if there's one thing people love doing when a new business opens, it's sitting in a drive-thru line for 40 minutes so they can tell everyone afterward: "The line was ridiculous." SO WHO WINS? Dunkin’ has loyalty. McDonald’s has breakfast. The Blend has the hometown crowd. 7 Brew has the excitement of being the newcomer. But there may actually be another winner: Coffee drinkers. Competition usually means more choices, businesses working harder for customers and enough caffeine options on Genesee Street to keep the entire City of Oneida awake until sometime around 2029. One thing is certain: When 7 Brew opens, The Great Oneida Coffee War will officially be underway. The only question left is... ☕ WHO GETS YOUR VOTE? Dunkin’? McDonald’s? The Blend? Or are you waiting to try 7 Brew? Drop your choice in the comments — and please keep it civil. This is coffee, people. Not politics. CNYONLINE.COM Local News