New Single-Span Structure Will Enhance Safety and Resiliency Along Vital Connector Linking Oneida and Madison Counties New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced that work is getting underway on a $4.3 million project to replace the bridge carrying State Route 46 over Oneida Creek, linking the City of Oneida, Madison County, with the Town of Verona, Oneida County. The project will replace the existing two-span bridge, which was built in 1957 and has reached the end of its service life, with a modern, single-span structure that will enhance safety and resiliency along an important route for the flow of people and goods in the region. State Route 46 is also part of the landmark Empire State Trail, which joins with the highway just north of the bridge and continues on along the roadway for several miles. “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State continues to make investments in our infrastructure that enhance public safety and create more resilient roads and bridges that are better able to withstand the challenges of climate change,” Commissioner Dominguez said.  “The replacement of the State Route 46 bridge over Oneida Creek will reduce long-term maintenance costs, strengthen a key connector between Madison and Oneida counties and also help preserve access to one of the region’s great recreational treasures, the Empire State Trail.” The project, which is being funded with a mix of federal and state dollars, will construct a 170-foot-long span with a concrete deck that will be longer than the original structure and will not require a center pier in the Oneida Creek. The single span structure will be less vulnerable to scour and erosion from the creek while the absence of a center pier will create more hydraulic capacity under the bridge and help prevent instances of flooding during severe weather. In addition to the bridge replacement, the project also includes the repaving of State Route 46 from the intersection with State Route 316 and County Route 63 to the intersection with County Route 48, new signs, and guide rail replacement. During construction expected to begin July 29, motorists will be advised to follow a posted detour utilizing State Route 46, State Route 31, and State Route 316. Accommodations will also be made during construction to ensure pedestrians and cyclists can use the Empire State Trail uninterrupted. The project is expected to be complete by the end of November. Senator Joseph A. Griffo said, “As a member of the Senate’s Transportation Committee, I understand and recognize the importance of having resilient and reliable infrastructure, which is why I am pleased that this bridge replacement project has started. This new bridge will enhance safety, improve connectivity and help to drive economic opportunity and tourism in the region.” Assemblyman Brian Miller said, "Investing in the replacement of the State Route 46 bridge over Oneida Creek is a vital step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities.  This $4.3 million project will provide a modern, resilient structure that not only enhances safety but also supports economic growth by maintaining a critical transportation link. The new bridge will be better equipped to handle severe weather and environmental challenges, reflecting our dedication to building robust and sustainable infrastructure for the future. Thank you to New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Dominguez and all involved in ensuring our safety.” Madison County Administrator Mark Scimone said, “Thank you to everyone who secured the funding and has worked hard to make this project a reality.  The replacement of the State Route 46 Bridge Over Oneida Creek is a much-needed infrastructure project.  It connects our two communities, Madison, and Oneida Counties.  We appreciate the thought that was put into this project to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors, connect people to the Erie Canal Trail, and mitigate flooding.” About the Department of Transportation It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment, and supports the economic well-being of New York State. Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers! For more information, find us on Facebook , follow us on X , regional X or Instagram , or visit our website . For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app. Sources: https://www.dot.ny.gov/portal/page/portal/news/press-releases/2024/2024-07-24

On September 14, 2024, State Police of Granville, NY, arrested Rebecca A. Beaupre , 24, of Milton, VT, for ten counts of Overdriving, Torturing, and Injuring Animals. On July 11, 2024, at about 5:30 p.m., Troopers responded to a home in Whitehall, NY, for reports of ten puppies abandoned there. The investigation determined Beaupre  allegedly removed the puppies, which were less than four weeks old, from the mother (dog) without the owner’s permission or knowledge. She then brought the puppies to the Whitehall home in kennels and left them without water or food. The owner was located and the puppies were returned. Beaupre was arrested in Hartford, NY, and transported to SP Granville for processing.  She was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Whitehall Village Court on September 23, 2024, and released.   https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-arrest-vermont-woman-abandoning-puppies-outside-whitehall-home

On May 16, 1981, at approximately 1:00 a.m. twenty-year-old Dawn Marino of Westtown was last seen outside of the Corner Tavern in Pine Island, NY. The next day she was reported missing. State Police began an investigation into her disappearance. On October 31, 1987, over six years later, the skeletal remains of Dawn Marino were located in a cistern in the Town of Warwick, NY. Over the last 43 years, the New York State Police with the assistance of the Town of Warwick Police Department and more recently the Federal Bureau of Investigation, have investigated the murder of Dawn Marino. During this time numerous leads and interviews have been conducted. Due to recent developments, anyone with information in this case is asked to contact the State Police Bureau Criminal of Investigation (BCI) at 845-344-5300 and reference SJS number 910113. The following numbers can also be used to file a report: NYSP Tip Line at 845-344-5370, Warwick PD Tip Line at 845-986-3344 or FBI Tip Line at 212-384-1000. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-continue-investigate-murder-dawn-marino

On September 24, 2024, at approximately 8:13 a.m., State Police were called to I-90 east near Exit 41 in the town of Tyre for a report of an accident involving two box trucks. An investigation determined that a box truck, driven by Justin Rice, 42, of Clyde, collided with another box truck driven by Stephen J. Kettler, 39, of Masury, Ohio, from behind, causing the truck to go off the south shoulder and overturn. Rice then went off the north shoulder of the roadway, striking a guide rail. Kettler was taken to Upstate Hospital with minor injuries. Rice was also taken to Upstate Hospital with serious injuries. New York State Police were assisted at the scene by the Thruway Authority, North Seneca Ambulance, Lifenet and Tyre Fire Department. No charges have been filed at this time. The investigation is ongoing. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-investigating-crash-involving-two-box-trucks-town-tyre

On September 16, 2024, at about 12:00 p.m., State Police responded to State Route 12F in the town of Watertown for a stolen vehicle complaint of a 2022 Chevrolet C/K 1500. State Police in Watertown are attempting to identify the suspect who was captured on surveillance camera exiting the vehicle and entering Best Buy in Salmon Run Mall in Watertown. Anyone who recognizes the individual in the photo is asked to contact State Police at (315) 366-6000 and reference case #NY2400676236 Contact Troop D Public Information Officer: Trooper Jennifer Jiron Troop D Commander:  Major Robert J. Simpson Contact us by phone: Troop D PIO 315-366-6077 Contact us by email: jennifer.jiron@troopers.ny.gov

Press Release On September 24, 2024, at approximately 2:09 p.m., troopers from SP Churchville attempted a traffic stop on a stolen 2013 Chevrolet Equinox in the city of Rochester when the vehicle failed to comply, and a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit traversed several city streets until the Equinox struck an uninvolved 2024 Kia Forte at the intersection of Nester Street and Klein Street and subsequently struck a tree. The suspect driver of the Equinox, Austin S. Scaife, age 44, of Rochester, NY, sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital, where he is critical but stable. The passenger, Marissa L. Bauer, age 27, sustained minor injuries and was also transported to Strong Memorial Hospital. The driver of the Kia, Maria A. Vazquez-Carrion, age 57, of Rochester, NY, sustained minor injuries and was taken to Urgent Care. This is an ongoing investigation.  Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/troopers-pursue-stolen-vehicle-rochester-resulting-serious-collision

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging LUIS FILPO with racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and murder through the use of a firearm.  These charges relate to FILPO’s alleged membership in a street gang known as “the 200s,” operating in and around upper Manhattan.  As alleged, on January 31, 2019, FILPO and other 200s members shot and killed Roberto Vasquez, an innocent bystander who was mistaken for a gang rival.  FILPO, who was in New York State custody, was transferred to federal custody yesterday and made his initial appearance in federal court in Manhattan.  The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Luis Filpo murdered Roberto Vasquez after mistaking him for a gang rival.  Thanks to the hard work of the prosecutors in this Office and our law enforcement partners, Filpo will finally be held to account for this heinous crime. We hope that these charges bring some measure of comfort to Mr. Vasquez’s family and make clear that this Office and our law enforcement partners will never stop investigating those who commit violence on our streets.” According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed yesterday in Manhattan federal court [1] and other court documents: From at least in or about 2016 up to and including March 2022, in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere, FILPO was a member of the 200s street gang.  In order to fund the gang, protect its territory, and promote its standing, members of the 200s engaged in, among other things, narcotics trafficking and other acts of violence, including murder.  Members of the 200s sold narcotics in the gang’s territory and engaged in shootings as part of their gang membership.  In particular, on January 31, 2019, FILPO shot and killed Roberto Vasquez, an innocent bystander mistaken for a rival gang member, in the vicinity of 158th Street and Broadway Avenue, in Manhattan, New York.                                  * FILPO, 25, of New York, New York, is charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum term of life in prison; one count of murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a mandatory minimum term of life in prison or death; and one count of causing death through use of a firearm, which carries a maximum term of life in prison or death. The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and New York City Police Department. The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mathew Andrews and Patrick Moroney are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.       [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.  Contact Nicholas Biase, Shelby Wratchford(212) 637-2600 Sources: https://justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/200s-gang-member-charged-2019-murder-innocent-bystander

Today was a momentous occasion as we celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated West Side Center in Utica. The transformation of the Center, made possible with the support of Oneida County, marks a significant achievement in providing a space that caters to the specific needs of our older adults. The revamped West Side Center is not just a physical space but a symbol of expanded opportunities. It will now offer evening programs tailored for working seniors and will house a state-of-the-art technology lab, aimed at narrowing the digital gap within the community. He extends my warmest congratulations to our partners at 50 Forward Mohawk Valley as they unveil this revitalized center. It is more than just a building; it is a beacon of connection, knowledge, and well-being that will benefit countless generations to come. Sources: Anthony J. Picente Jr. - https://www.facebook.com/AnthonyPicenteCE

On September 23rd, 2024 at approximately 9:00PM Utica Police units were dispatched to 1400 Genesee St regarding a shots fired investigation. While en route it was learned that a bullet had traveled through a wall into an adjacent apartment. Thankfully, no one was injured, however there was a hole in the wall and a bullet located within the apartment. Upon arrival officers secured the scene and began to speak with individuals in both apartments. A search waiver was granted for the apartment where the shots were believed to have originated and with the assistance of K9 Vigo, a firearms and explosive detection dog, a long gun and safe ultimately containing a handgun were located inside the apartment. After further investigation a male that was in the apartment was detained and transported to the Utica Police Department. The male, Davante Greer age 29, was charged last night with: Criminal Possession of a Firearm Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree Outstanding Harassment Warrant The investigation is still on-going and additional charges may be levied. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0P1szfhdfCUxRdrQuXATVYj9E6NvRZhWv1F5YvSQD99sReU2pdYBSQbdroZBSDEKnl&id=100064802073577

The New York State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Kaleb J. Hicks, age 17; he was last seen on Snell Hill Road in the town of Bath, Steuben County, NY. Kaleb is 5’10”, approximately 250 lbs, and was last seen wearing a grey T-shirt, black “Marvel” branded pajama pants, and a dark sweatshirt. He may be traveling to Rochester, NY. Anyone with information, please contact the New York State Police at 585-398-4100

On September 21, 2024, at about 8:31 p.m., State Police responded to 3232 US-11 in the town of Lafayette for reports of a motor vehicle striking a pedestrian.  The preliminary investigation determined that 30-year-old Joshua D. Conway, of Syracuse, NY, was in the roadway talking to the driver of a vehicle on the driver's side when a dark-colored SUV struck him and fled the scene.  Conway was taken to Upstate University Hospital with serious injury to his lower extremities.  If anyone has any information regarding this investigation is asked to contact State Police in Oneida at (315-366-6000) and refer to case # NY2400695837. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-seeking-publics-assistance-identifying-suv-striking-pedestrian Contact Troop D Public Information Officer: Trooper Jennifer Jiron Troop D Commander:  Major Robert J. Simpson Contact us by phone: Troop D PIO 315-366-6077 Contact us by email: jennifer.jiron@troopers.ny.gov

On September 25, 1925, 24-year-old Trooper Phillip E. Gonterman tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident at the intersection of Jefferson and Hubble Streets in the village of Pulaski. Trooper Gonterman, a dedicated and experienced officer with two years of service, was in hot pursuit of a stolen vehicle when a second car unexpectedly emerged from a side street, obstructing his path. In a split-second decision to avoid a collision, Trooper Gonterman skillfully swerved his motorcycle, but unfortunately lost control and collided with a tree. The impact was fatal, and Trooper Gonterman was killed instantly. This heartbreaking incident serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers and sacrifices that law enforcement officers face in the line of duty. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/ https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=840038591653190&set=a.153499116973811