In the ever-evolving landscape of advertising , digital billboards are rapidly gaining ground over their traditional counterparts. These modern marvels offer a host of benefits that make them a preferred choice for marketers seeking effective and dynamic ways to engage audiences. Here’s a closer look at the advantages of digital billboards. Cost-Effective Solutions One of the most significant advantages of digital billboards is their cost-effectiveness. Unlike traditional billboards, which require printing and physical installation, digital billboards can be managed almost entirely remotely. This not only reduces production costs but also minimizes the time spent on logistical details. Unmatched Flexibility Digital billboards provide unparalleled flexibility in terms of placement and content scheduling. Advertisers can strategically position their ads in various locations and change the displayed content at specific times to target different demographics or events. This adaptability allows for a more tailored advertising approach. Quick Turnaround Times In today’s fast-paced market, speed is crucial. Digital billboards allow for quick turnaround times, enabling advertisers to upload new content within hours. This efficiency means that businesses can respond to current events or promotions with agility, keeping their messaging relevant and timely. Enhanced Visibility The visibility of digital billboards is another major advantage. Typically located in high-traffic areas, such as busy intersections, these eye-catching displays are designed to stand out. Their size and strategic placement ensure that they capture the attention of a large audience. Versatility in Content Digital billboards excel in versatility, capable of showcasing everything from static images to dynamic motion graphics and videos. This variety enables advertisers to experiment with creative formats that engage viewers and enhance brand storytelling. Measurable Accountability In an era where data-driven decisions are paramount, digital billboards offer measurable accountability. Advertisers can track various metrics such as foot traffic, in-store sales, app downloads, and web conversions. This ability to analyze performance provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. Eye-Catching Designs The vibrant colors and dynamic effects of digital billboards make them inherently eye-catching. Utilizing moving graphics and videos, these displays are designed to capture attention and hold viewers' interest longer than traditional static billboards. Ideal for Time-Sensitive Messages Digital billboards are perfect for conveying time-sensitive promotions. Advertisers can include live countdowns or updates that create a sense of urgency, motivating consumers to act quickly. This feature is particularly useful for events or limited-time offers. Resilience to Weather Conditions Unlike traditional billboards that may suffer in adverse weather, digital billboards are designed to withstand various environmental conditions. This durability ensures consistent visibility and performance, regardless of the weather. Targeted Audience Engagement Finally, digital billboards enable targeted advertising based on specific audiences. Advertisers can tailor their messages according to context, location, or even the movements of potential customers. This targeted approach maximizes the impact of each campaign, reaching the right people at the right time. Conclusion Digital billboards represent a significant advancement in advertising technology, offering a range of benefits that traditional billboards simply cannot match. From cost savings and flexibility to enhanced visibility and measurable results, it’s clear that digital billboards are a powerful tool for modern marketers looking to make a lasting impression. As the advertising landscape continues to evolve, embracing these digital innovations will be essential for businesses aiming to stay ahead of the competition. Sources: http://www.myupstateny.com/ https://versacreative.com/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-digital-billboard-advertising/ https://www.formetcodigital.com/benefits-of-digital-billboards/#:~:text=Display%20time%2Dsensitive%20messages,countdown%20until%20the%20event%20ends . https://www.primarymedia.com/about/advantages-digital-outdoor-advertising/#:~:text=Not%20only%20are%20you%20saving,the%20attention%20of%20your%20audience .

Events Coincide with New York’s Annual Free Fishing Day and National Hunting and Fishing Day! Activities Promote State’s ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ Campaign and Tree Planting Goals  The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) today encouraged New Yorkers to give back to the State lands and sites they treasure and get outdoors by participating in stewardship events for  Fish and Wildlife Day on Saturday, Sept. 28. This summer, Governor Kathy Hochul launched the ‘ Get Offline, Get Outside ’ campaign to encourage New Yorkers to put down their phones and screens and spend time in nature and Fish and Wildlife Day provides a perfect opportunity to participate in fish and wildlife conservation service projects and educational workshops across the state, celebrating New York’s diverse wildlife and habitats. “New York’s abundant and peerless natural resources draw millions of visitors to the outdoors every year, requiring continued efforts to protect and preserve wildlife habitats,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said . “The stewardship opportunities during Love Our New York Lands Fish and Wildlife Day bolster our efforts to protect State lands and sites and are perfect for groups or individuals seeking to give back to nature and the special places they love.” “Love Our New York Lands Fish and Wildlife Day is a great opportunity to give back and promote responsible stewardship by strengthening the community’s connections to our public lands and watersheds,”  State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said. “We look forward to welcoming volunteers and inspiring the next generation of visitors to help maintain and preserve our amazing public lands and to better understand the natural habitats that continue to be protected and preserved in New York.” "Effective conservation is about land protection, but it's more about active stewardship,” Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Paul Steely White said. “On Saturday, September 28, join in one of many opportunities to improve the vital habitats that support the broad array of our treasured fish and wildlife-- from Muskies to Mallards!" Registration is currently open for the first Fish and Wildlife Day. New Yorkers are encouraged to visit  Parks & Trails website to sign up for events and show appreciation for the natural world. Participants can plant native plant species and remove invasives to foster healthy wildlife habitat at a nearby State Park, learn how to build and repair bird houses that will benefit species at a DEC Wildlife Management Area, or pair stewardship efforts with a birding or nature walk that highlights the importance of wildlife conservation. Fish and Wildlife Day is part of the  Love Our New York Lands Stewardship campaign , a series of themed public stewardship events that encourage year-round collaboration and highlight the state’s outdoor recreation assets and the need to safeguard those resources. The series began in April with Canal Clean Sweep, followed by “I Love My Park” Day in May, and the first Adirondack and Catskill Park Day on Sept. 7. The days are offered and organized in partnership with Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), DEC, State Parks, and the New York State Canal Corporation. National Hunting and Fishing Day was designated by Congress in 1972 to encourage people to experience, understand, and appreciate traditional outdoor sports and recreation and our abundant natural resources. This day also recognizes hunters and anglers for their leadership in fish and wildlife conservation.  To encourage year-round stewardship, the goal of  Love Our New York Lands is to help protect the state’s natural resources by providing visitors with the knowledge necessary to reduce their impact, engage users to practice sustainable and safe recreation, and help all visitors feel welcome while visiting State lands. The efforts to enhance New York’s public lands align with Governor Hochul’s plan to plant 25 million trees across New York State by 2033 , announced during her 2024 State of the State. HuntFishNY Events – Workshops to Develop Your Hunting and Fishing Skills For New Yorkers interested in trying out a shooting sport or beginning and advanced fishing programs DEC offers in-person, instructor-led courses which provide hands-on experience in shooting, hunting, trapping and fishing. For hunting-related courses, certified DEC instructors teach these four-hour courses. While hunter education certification is not offered with these courses, they are a great way for new hunters or those interested in becoming a hunter to develop their skills. Check out the  HuntFishNY Events page for currently scheduled programs. DEC also designates several dates throughout the year as  free fishing days , which allows anyone to recreationally fish without a freshwater fishing license in New York State! To complement National Hunting and Fishing Day, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, is designated as a free fishing day. This offers the perfect opportunity to try out fishing for the first time, for getting back into the sport after taking a break, or for taking a friend or the whole family along to fish. Even though a license is not needed, all  fishing regulations apply.  About Parks & Trails New York Parks & Trails New York is New York's leading statewide advocate for parks and trails, dedicated since 1985 to improving our health, economy, and quality of life through the use and enjoyment of green space for all. With thousands of members and supporters across the state, PTNY is a leading voice in the protection of New York's magnificent state park system and the creation and promotion of more than 1,500 miles of greenways, bike paths, river walks and trails. More information can be found on the Parks & Trails website . About the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas , visit the NYS Parks website, download the free  NY State Parks Explorer app ,  or call (518) 474-0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on   Facebook ,   Instagram ,  X (formerly Twitter) and the  OPRHP Blog . Sources: https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2024/9/dec-and-state-parks-encourage-new-yorkers-to-get-outside-get-offline-and-participate-in-fish-and-wildlife-day-events-on-sept-28

On Friday September 13th, 2024 at approximately 11:00am a New Hartford Police Officer made a vehicle and traffic law stop on State Rt 8 of a vehicle after observing the occupants of the vehicle to be in violation of The New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, section 1229(C)(3), being a passenger in a motor vehicle and not wearing a seatbelt. Upon the stop of the vehicle it was found that the driver did not have a valid driver license as well. While interviewing the passenger of the vehicle who was in violation of the seatbelt law it was determined that the passenger had two outstanding Arrest Warrants. The passenger ultimately identified as 30-year-old, Christopher Hamilton was wanted by The Utica Police Department on warrants for Grand Larceny, a class E Felony, and Petit Larceny, a class A Misdemeanor. As police officers attempted to take Hamilton into custody he fled on foot, running from the vehicle and across the driving lanes of State Route 8. Hamilton jumped over the guardrail and down a steep embankment. Hamilton continued his flight eventually running into and across the Sauquoit Creek heading towards the Oneida St. area. Hamilton was caught by New Hartford Police Officers who were able to take him into custody in the wooded area between the creek and Oneida St. Hamilton was treated for a minor injury at The Wynn Hospital and released. Hamilton was then transported to the New Hartford Police Department where he was charged with; 1) 1 Count of NYS VTL 1229(c)(3) - No Seatbelt (Violation) 2) 1 Count of PL 195.05 - Obstructing Governmental Administration(Class A Misdemeanor) 3) 1 Count of PL 205.30- Resisting Arrest (Class A Misdemeanor) 4) 1 Count of PL 190.23-False Personation(Class B Misdemeanor) Hamilton was issued appearance tickets to answer these charged in Town Court at a later date then turned over to The Utica Police Department for arraignment on the outstanding warrants. Traffic along Rt 8 was briefly interrupted as police collected items from the roadway that were dropped when Hamilton fled. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0nrNHYdLxYzszSES7Re8Coc3tsy2vM6PaUVGt2bqTNY1hwPBzFnLekAmWdvd2Jk9El&id=100064364722662

A Utica man was arrested and charged with multiple felonies, following an investigation into the fraudulent use of a victim’s credit card.  On September 16th, the New Hartford Police Department received a report regarding numerous unauthorized credit card transactions that were made fraudulently, and without the consent of the account holder within The Town of New Hartford. Through the investigation it was determined that the victim’s credit card was used to complete unauthorized purchases at Walmart in New Hartford and several other unauthorized purchases at smoke shops in The City of Utica. On September 17th, 2024 with the assistance of The Utica Police Department and The New York State Division of Parole Jamare L. Blanco, age 20, of Utica, N.Y. was taken into custody and charged in connection to this case. Blanco was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the fourth degree, an E Felony, Identity theft in the second degree, an E-Felony and one count of petit larceny, class A Misdemeanor, for purchasing a television from the New Hartford Walmart with the stolen credit card. Mr. Blanco was processed and released to New York State Parole Officers who obtained a warrant for him for violating the terms of his conditions of his parole Mr. Blanco is scheduled to return to the Town of New Hartford Local Criminal Court later this month to answer these charges. The Utica Police Department assisted in the investigation of this case. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0gkrVyMdPabxz6fSADzQhJxjdrih6Z9KDJHkxP9h76hK7ELn316jvC2EMDdAAjx3Nl&id=100064364722662

On Thursday, September 5, 2024, at approximately 2:55 pm, Rome Police Department’s Patrol Division responded to the 700 block of Union Street for a report of a stabbing. Upon the officer’s arrival, they located a 36-year-old male lying in the grass. The male had injuries that appeared to have been caused by a sharp object to his hand and his abdomen. Officers provided medical assistance until paramedics arrived and he was taken to an area hospital for treatment. The victim has sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The victim is uncooperative with this investigation. The responsible parties have been identified. This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Rome Police Department’s TIP line at (315) 339-7744, or Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers at 1 (866)730- 8477 or www.p3tips.com .  All tips will remain anonymous.

On September 19, 1965, Trooper Charles S. Dorrian, 34, was killed in a motorcycle accident. Trooper Dorrian was on routine patrol when he lost control of his motorcycle on rain-slick Route 22 near the Kenisco Dam. Despite immediate first aid, Trooper Dorrian died without regaining consciousness. Trooper Dorrian joined the Division on August 2, 1956, and was assigned to Troop G SP East Greenbush. He volunteered for motorcycle duty and was transferred to Troop K in May 1957, serving at SP Dover Plains. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=835717808751935&set=a.153499116973811

Federal Awards will Support the Northeast as a Department of Defense Innovation Hub and Spur Development of a Domestic Microelectronics Manufacturing Industry Strengthens Direct Pathway to Commercialization from “Lab to Fab” for Cutting-Edge Research and Development in New York State Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated $30 million in awards from the federal Department of Defense (DoD) for the Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub (NORDTECH), the New York State-headquartered hub for the U.S. Microelectronics Commons program . Four innovative projects by hub participants have been selected in the technical areas of Quantum Technology and Commercial Leap Ahead Technology, which includes power electronics, magnetics, and integrated photonics. The dedicated work on these advanced projects is already underway. “This significant investment for NORDTECH will provide a major boost to our economy and further establish New York as a global leader in technology,” Governor Hochul said . “I want to thank the Biden-Harris administration, Majority Leader Schumer, and all of our federal partners who passed the CHIPS and Science Act, which has helped build the next generation of semiconductor and microelectronic research, manufacturing, and job training right here in New York.” NORDTECH Technical Director Nicholas Fahrenkopf said, “NORDTECH is honored to have our projects selected by the Department of Defense to accelerate the maturation of novel microelectronics technologies. These newly funded research collaborations consisting of more than 20 different government and academic experts underscore our collective strength and dedication to meeting the Department of Defense's needs with high-end technological solutions.” The Microelectronics Commons was formed to create a direct pathway to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign microelectronics and safeguard the nation from supply chain risks. NORDTECH is a regional consortium of government labs, defense companies, academic institutions, and technology manufacturing organizations in New York State and one of eight hubs composing the U.S. Microelectronics Commons program. NORDTECH’s five founding members, who comprise the hub’s leadership team and governance committee, include the New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering, and Science (NY CREATES), the University at Albany College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering (CNSE), Cornell University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), and IBM. A full list of funded projects led by NY CREATES, AIM Photonics and Cornell University, Cornell, and Rochester Institute of Technology, respectively, can be found here: www.nordtechub.org/nordtech-news/dod-award . Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said, “Upstate NY is leading the future of innovation for America’s national security in the chip industry. Upstate NY’s top research institutions from Cornell and RIT to NY CREATES and more are now partnering with the Department of Defense to make the technology that will drive this industry for the next century. This significant $27+ million puts Upstate NY in the driver’s seat for the discoveries that the chip and defense industry say will be pivotal to the future of this technology. I crafted my CHIPS & Science Law with Upstate NY as my north star, because I knew that with targeted federal investments communities across New York could bring this industry back from overseas to America. Now from the Capital Region to Central NY to Western NY that is happening and this major award from the Department of Defense will help us seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive new innovation and to train our workers to make sure major breakthroughs for the future of this technology are discovered and made here in the Empire State.” Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “This $30+ million in federal funding for NORDTECH will not only advance the cutting-edge research and development that is happening in New York State but will also provide a major boost to our national security,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am thrilled to see DoD making this vital investment and will continue to fight to secure federal support to boost the microelectronics manufacturing industry in New York State.” Representative Paul Tonko said, “When I fought to get our CHIPS and Science Act through Congress and signed into law, investments like this one were exactly what I had in mind. With this significant influx of federal funding, our state will continue to serve as a global hub for advanced technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence — creating good-paying jobs and strengthening our local economies while also bolstering our national security. I’m grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration for providing NORDTECH with the resources it needs to advance these groundbreaking projects, and I remain committed to ensuring that New York continues to lead on the world stage by driving innovation and growth in the emerging microelectronics industry.” Representative Joe Morelle said, “This $30 million award is yet another example of New York State’s leadership in semiconductor innovation and manufacturing, and I’m grateful to the Department of Defense and the Biden Administration for recognizing our region’s immense potential. Paired with our historic Regional Technology Hub designation, this award for NORDTECH will help ensure our competitiveness on the national and global stages. I look forward to working with NORDTECH and all my partners to continuing challenging what we know to be possible and writing the next chapter of our innovation story.” Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “I am thrilled that the Department of Defense has awarded $30 million to NORDTECH projects, this extraordinary investment marks a transformative moment for New York's role in advancing the future of defense technology. Under my leadership the New York Senate Majority has made significant investments to support the growth of New York's microelectronics manufacturing from the expansion of the Excelsior Jobs program to the Green Chips program and our ongoing support of NY CREATES, as well as the University at Albany College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering (CNSE). We are committed to continue fostering an atmosphere of entrepreneurship and technological advancement to ensure that New York continues to lead the nation with innovative research collaborations that will have a transformative impact in our burgeoning domestic microelectronics manufacturing industry.” NY CREATES' Vice President of Research Dr. Satyavolu Papa Rao said, “We are grateful that the Department of Defense has recognized the groundbreaking potential of this project, and the excellence of the team that will deliver the results. This selection for a federal award is a testament to the cutting-edge research at NY CREATES toward creating scalable quantum technologies, and the leadership of the team members in the many aspects of qubit design and fabrication. We are excited to start executing on this important effort, to pave the way for significant advancements in quantum technologies by a vibrant and growing quantum community. We are committed to the hard work required to make a lasting impact that will enhance national security and drive improvements in the field of quantum computing.” AIM Photonics Development Manager Dr. Lewis Carpenter said, “AIM Photonics’ proposal is in response to the DoD’s growing interest in quantum photonic technologies as specified in the Microelectronics Commons project calls. Quantum Ultra-broadband Photonic Integrated Circuits and Systems (QUPICS) offers a quantum photonic platform that would give capability for commercial and DoD applications that could significantly enhance the types of chip-scale quantum optoelectronic systems working in the visible, near infrared, and infrared. QUPICS will enable the integration of key technologies, which will be a game changer for trapped ion, neutral atom, and photonic quantum technologies.” Cornell Vice President for Research and Innovation Dr. Krystyn Van Vliet said, "This first round of the Microelectronics Commons' technical research projects selected by the Department of Defense through NORDTECH marks the beginning of a new opportunity to move great new ideas more nimbly from lab to fab to prototype. Out of many compelling proposals to move great ideas in microelectronics materials and devices from lab to fab, these teams including several co-led or partnered with Cornell researchers were selected to sprint and pressure test this national experiment to accelerate and stabilize microelectronics manufacturing innovation in the US. These new project teams of industry, academia, and federal labs -- will also have access to equipment in expertly staffed facilities like those at Cornell that are part of NORDTECH's ecosystem. I am looking forward to all that Cornell researchers and their project partners across New York and the U.S. will contribute to NORDTECH and the Microelectronics Commons. Projects like the one co-led by Cornell's Dr. Karan Mehta to advance quantum technology, and the one led by Cornell's Dr. Debdeep Jena on materials-enabled advances key to powering electronics can show the power of diverse research teams in action. Not only will these project teams aim to demonstrate leap-aheads on technical challenges in microelectronics materials and devices using the NORDTECH ecosystem, these project teams will also foster the next generation of ambitious, creative US talent pipeline that better connect the dots between lab to fab, between discovery and utility, and between societal need to societal benefit.” Rochester Institute of Technology Vice President of Research and Associate Provost Dr. Ryne Raffaelle said, “RIT takes great pride in being at the forefront of microelectronics and information science since their inception. Working with our partners in the DoD Microelectronic Commons NORDTECH Hub and the Air Force Research Lab on future quantum networks ensures that we will continue to play an important role in these areas and the future of our nation’s industrial base in these critical technologies. I am tremendously excited about using our, and the other chip fabrication infrastructure in our region and state, to help realize the promise of quantum tech and increase U.S. competitiveness and economic impact for our nation.” Governor Hochul’s Innovation Agenda This federal award builds on Governor Hochul’s commitment to driving innovation across New York State to attract major employers and create good-paying, 21st century jobs. As part of her FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a $275 million investment in Empire AI, a consortium of seven founding institutions that will create and launch a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence computing center in Buffalo that will put New York State at the cutting-edge of AI research. Governor Hochul also signed New York’s historic Green CHIPS legislation to drive semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing in New York State and announced a $10 billion partnership to bring next-generation chips research to NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex. By leveraging federal CHIPS and Science Act incentive opportunities with state funding, the Governor's initiatives have unlocked historic investments from the semiconductor industry, including a $100 billion investment from Micron to build a world-class chipmaking facility and create 50,000 jobs in Central New York, as well as investments from GlobalFoundries, IBM, TTM Technologies, Menlo Micro and other semiconductor and supply chain businesses. In addition, the Governor has continued to advance a $620 million Life Science Initiative to support innovation in biomedical research. And through strategic investments like the $113.7 million Battery-NY initiative, Governor Hochul has fueled the growth of the sustainability, green technology, and energy storage economies in New York State. The Governor’s innovation agenda has catalyzed major public and private investments, transforming New York’s economy and creating good-paying jobs of the future. GlobalFoundries recently announced an $11.6 billion investment to expand its chip manufacturing campus in New York’s Capital Region, creating 1,500 direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs. In 2022, Micron announced a 20-year, $100 billion investment to create a megafab campus in Central New York, creating 50,000 new direct and indirect jobs and unlocking hundreds of millions of dollars in community benefits. The Governor’s Life Science Initiative helped to solidify New York’s selection for the $300 million Chan Zuckerberg Biohub New York, a biomedical research hub in New York City, and significant investments from Schrödinger, Inc., Deerfield Discovery and Development, and other life sciences businesses. Earlier this year, the National Science Foundation also announced a $160 million investment in Binghamton University’s New Energy New York Storage Engine to establish a hub for innovation, technology translation, and workforce development to grow the capacity of the domestic battery industry. About the Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub (NORDTECH) NORDTECH is a regional coalition of public and private sector experts in the Microelectronics Commons region in and around New York State, established in September 2023 as part of the first major award from the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act. NORDTECH’s five founding members who compose the leadership team and governance committee of the hub include: the New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering, and Science (NY CREATES), the University at Albany College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering (CNSE), Cornell University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), and IBM. NORDTECH’s board is advised by diverse participating member organizations, including small and medium semiconductor manufacturing companies, universities and community colleges, and major corporations that are service providers and leaders in semiconductor device design, fabrication and production. Learn more at nordtechub.org . Sources: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-celebrates-more-30-million-awarded-us-department-defense-nordtech-research

County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced today that a sediment and debris management study commissioned by the Oriskany Creek Watershed Commission has identified several strategies to mitigate flooding. “This comprehensive flood study addresses the impacts and root causes where sediment and debris build-up contribute to flooding risk along Oriskany Creek and identifies and evaluates mitigation strategies,” Picente said. “One of its primary goals is to reduce flooding by lowering surface water elevations caused by undersized infrastructure, excessive deposition, and debris, uncontrolled sediment sources, head cutting or downcutting of the channel and loss of natural floodplains.” Oriskany Creek, a tributary to the Mohawk River located in Oneida and Madison counties, is approximately 33.5 miles long with a drainage area of 147 miles. The headwaters flow south then east/northeast through Madison County and the Towns of Stockbridge and Madison. Oriskany Creek enters Oneida County in the Village of Oriskany Falls and the Town of Augusta flowing north/northeast then continues through the Towns of Marshall, Kirkland, Westmoreland, and Whitestown before emptying into the Mohawk River. The watershed suffers from both open water flooding and erosion and sedimentation issues in different reaches along its path. Open water flooding is primarily associated with undersized infrastructure crossing the waterway (i.e., roads and railroads) creating hydraulic pinch points, which cause backwater flooding. Several locations were identified in the study as being susceptible to open water flooding, including: In the vicinity of Van Hyning Road, downstream of Oriskany Falls At the Norton Avenue Bridge in Kirkland Along Valley Road in Whitestown In the vicinity of the Little League field in Oriskany In the vicinity of Dugway and Lumbard roads near the confluence of Turkey Creek in Clinton Erosion and sedimentation are naturally occurring processes that can be exacerbated by human activities within the floodplain. When this process is disrupted or imbalanced, erosion can severely degrade banks and contribute sediment and woody debris to downstream areas of Oriskany Creek that can restrict channel and infrastructure flow capacities. The study identified the following areas with bank erosion and/or sediment deposition: Downstream of the dam in Whitestown adjacent to Oriskany Right bank downstream of Valley Road in Whitestown Downstream of NY-5 in Kirkland Downstream of Norton Avenue in Kirkland in the vicinity of the Skenandoa Golf Club In the vicinity of College Street in Kirkland The study broke the Oriskany Creek watershed out into five zones and proposed the following flood mitigation and stream stabilization strategies: Zone 1 - Town of Madison Removal of Madison Power Company Dam upstream of Solsville Road Zone 2 - Town of Augusta/Village of Oriskany Falls Removal of in-channel piers upstream of Division Street Floodplain bench upstream of Division Street Zone 3 - Town of Marshall Restore the hydraulic capacity of the NY-315 bridge along Oriskany Creek Zone 4 - Town of Kirkland Increase the hydraulic capacity of the NY-5 bridge along Oriskany Creek Remove Clarks Mills Dam Remove the abandoned railroad bridge downstream of Main Street Zone 5 – Town of Whitestown Removal of Oriskany Falls Dam (Alternative #5-2) The Oriskany Creek Watershed Sediment & Debris Management Study was conducted by Ramboll in cooperation with the Oneida County Department of Planning and its Flood Mitigation Grant Program. Following a meeting with all stakeholders on November 16, 2023, field data collection took place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, 2023, and again on July 29, 2024. The full report can be accessed here . The findings of the report will be presented to the public at the Oriskany Creek Watershed Commission meeting at 4:30 p.m. on August 15 at the Waterville Village Offices located at 122 Barton Avenue. Sources: https://ocgov.net/news/oriskany-creek-watershed-sediment-and-debris-management-study-released/

County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. today announced a Family Daycare Startup Grant Program that would provide $250,000 to create new home daycare businesses and help existing home daycares expand. “The inadequate supply of childcare is a major hurdle faced by families and employers across Oneida County,” Picente said. “The startup costs associated with creating a family daycare is a barrier that many cannot overcome. This grant program will alleviate that burden, and in turn, expand childcare capacity by strengthening the workforce pipeline, generating jobs, and giving more options to families looking for affordable daycare.” The Family Daycare Startup Fund is a direct result of the recommendations given in a recent report from the Oneida County Childcare Taskforce that Picente formed after his 2022 State of the County Address. One of the major barriers the task force identified with starting a family daycare is the initial cost, which currently is the financial responsibility of the daycare provider. Startup costs can include diapers, playpens, various toys, educational materials, sleeping mats or cribs, and a variety of other equipment designed to improve the safety and quality of the environment for the children being supervised. Those costs can be prohibitive to lower-income families interested in starting up their own family daycare and prevent some individuals from becoming New York State-certified providers. Existing providers also face the same cost barrier when in need of equipment to expand their capacity to be able to provide services to more parents. According to the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), there are currently 67 licensed family daycare homes, 51 licensed group family daycare homes, and 34 licensed daycare centers in Oneida County. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County (CCE) currently provides technical support to individuals interested in opening a family daycare within their own home. This support includes providing access to state-required orientations and trainings, assistance with completing the NYS Childcare application packet, and assistance with maintaining compliance with all OCFS regulations. Following the completion of this licensing process, individuals are permitted to begin operating their own family daycare facility. Oneida County will partner with CCE to execute the Family Daycare Startup Grant Program. The $250,000 fund allocated by the County will be administered by CCE and not exceed $2,500 per individual daycare. Benchmarks will be set for recipients and quarterly reports on program results will be submitted to the County by CCE. The program fund could create up to 100 new daycares and slots for up to 1,000 additional children. Oneida County is also providing CCE with $42,500 to fund a Childcare Navigator position that will help individuals seeking childcare connect with daycares and assist those who want to start daycare businesses. “I applaud County Executive Picente for recognizing the impact that a lack of quality childcare has on children, families, and the economy in Oneida County and for starting the Childcare Taskforce to identify solutions that address this challenge,” said CCE Executive Director Mary Beth McEwen. “Cornell Cooperative Extension is happy to work with the County Executive and Oneida County Government to assist and encourage the creation of new childcare businesses throughout the County. Adequate quality childcare is an integral part of a thriving economy, and even more importantly, investing in quality childcare invests in the future of the children, building the foundation that they need to succeed in school and throughout their lives.” To apply for the Family Daycare Startup Grant Program, email CCE at earlycareandlearning@cornell.edu or call 315-736-3394 ext.243. The Oneida County Childcare Taskforce Report was released in July. The recommendations it made to improve childcare worker employment, training and retention; expand capacity, and identify and eliminate access barriers, can be viewed here . Sources: https://ocgov.net/news/picente-announces-family-daycare-startup-grant-program/

County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced today that the Oneida County Department of Mental Health (OCDMH) has awarded over $1 million to five local organizations to fund projects addressing the opioid crisis. “Oneida County is deeply committed to addressing the opioid crisis through targeted and impactful solutions,” Picente said. “This funding will support our partners in this fight by implementing innovative projects to focus on critical areas that will create lasting positive impacts. These investments are crucial to not only reducing suffering but also improving the overall well-being of our community.” Oneida County issued an Opioid Response Request for Proposal in 2023 to fund local projects that improve the system of behavioral services integration to best treat co-occurring disorders, service equity, and meaningful evaluation that demonstrates reduced suffering and positive impacts on the social determinants of health that have been affected by the opioid crisis. The RFP’s goal was to establish projects whose priority areas include harm reduction, treatment investments across the service continuum, priority populations, housing, recovery, prevention, transportation, public awareness and research. The funds for this RFP were made available through Opioid Settlement Funds received by Oneida County. The awardees for the projects are as follows: Center for Family Life and Recovery Amount Awarded: $99,000 Project Summary: The center for Family Life and Recovery (CFLR) requested funding to enhance the pre-existing Peer Alliance to address priority areas across the service continuum, priority populations, and recovery/prevention. This project will improve the capacity of the peer alliance and hire three Certified Peer Advocates to facilitate groups and provide training, support, anti-stigma, campaign messages, outreach, and more. CFLR will provide structured wellness activities to encourage individuals to engage in recovery services and show them that life can be fun without the use of addictive substances. Helio Health, Inc. Amount Awarded: $183,955 Project Summary: Helio Health, Inc. requested funding to expand Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) services to target rural regions of Oneida County. Specifically, Helio Health will offer full-time Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and dually diagnosed SUD/mental health clinic services in Camden, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) via Telehealth, and full-time Peer Support Services. Integrated Community Alternatives Network (ICAN) Amount Awarded: $420,000 Project Summary: ICAN requested funding to provide intervention in youth opioid use through school-based training and support for students in grades 6-12 in high-risk schools in Oneida County. These interventions will include four core evidence-based components: 1) In-school training for up to 4,000 students from the evidence-based Opioid Lifeline This is Not About Drugs Training Program; 2) Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) training for school staff and community-based service providers; 3) Overdose Lifeline School Naloxone Opioid Overdose Training for up to 400 school staff including nurses at high-risk schools and 4) Individualized training and technical assistance to school administrators to address opioid misuse in their schools. ICAN also requested funding to facilitate educational preventative programming to focus on the social, emotional, and behavioral health and well-being of young people in Oneida County. Partnership to End Addiction Amount Awarded: $16,977 Project Summary: Partnership to End Addiction requested funding to pay for, manage, and promote small incentives for Oneida County residents to sign up for the Partnership’s EndODNY automated text program, especially those at risk of overdose, their loved ones, and the people who work to keep them safe. Registrants receive educational texts, so they are better equipped to prevent or respond to overdoses and “spike alerts” when overdoses occur in Oneida County. Upstate Caring Partners Amount Awarded: $299,970 Project Summary: Upstate Caring Partners (UCP) requested funding to support/expand peer-recovery centers, which may include support groups, social events, computer access or other services for persons with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and any co-occurring SUD/MH conditions and provide/support transportation to treatment or recovery programs or services for persons with OUD and any co-occurring SUD/MH conditions within the support people in treatment for and recovery from OUD and any co-occurring SUD/MH conditions approved use. The target population includes individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability, those transitioning from carceral settings, and those moving from crisis stabilization, withdrawal services, or inpatient rehabilitation services, through the development of a walk-in center located at 1427 Genesee St., and co-located with planned Crisis Respite and Residential Services. The goals include promoting prevention, stabilization, and recovery services for the targeted population; providing integrated care addressing social determinants of health (SDOH), and enhancing accessibility to community-based Behavioral Health services. “Opioid addiction and drug overdoses remain a serious health crisis facing our community,” said Oneida County Commissioner of Mental Health Ashlee Thompson. “With this funding, we will address the multiple crises that have stemmed from the opioid epidemic. These investments will help Oneida County expand and build upon initiatives that save lives and provide support and services to those who need it.” For more information on the OCDMH’s Opioid Response Fund, please contact Commissioner Thompson, at mentalhealth@ocgov.net or (315) 768-3660.

County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. introduced two new local laws today that will crack down on the unlicensed sale of cannabis and regulate the retail of tobacco and nicotine smoking paraphernalia. “In my State of the County Address earlier this year, I vowed to shut down the illegal cannabis shops that are plaguing communities across Oneida County and to regulate how smoke shops sell the tobacco and nicotine paraphernalia that are targeting our youth,” Picente said. “These two new local laws will put the power back in our hands to take control of this untenable situation and improve public health for all.” The first local law authorizes the Oneida County Health Department to combat the unlicensed sale of cannabis. It will enable the County to conduct regulatory inspections of unlicensed cannabis retailers, issue violation notices, impose fines and penalties, seize illicit cannabis and issue orders to shut down unlicensed cannabis businesses. The fines and penalties for the unlawful sale of cannabis will be $2,500 each day for a first violation, $5,000 each day for a second violation and $10,000 each day for a third or subsequent violation, with a maximum penalty of $25,000 per each unique instance of violation. “It is estimated that there are more than 1,000 illicit cannabis shops doing business in New York State,” Picente said. “These illegal, unregulated shops pose a public health, safety and welfare risk and are not paying the required taxes or fees. We must eliminate them.” There are currently only two cannabis shops licensed by the New York State Office of Cannabis Management in Oneida County. That does not include any cannabis businesses operated by the Oneida Indian Nation. The second local law, known as the Smoking Paraphernalia Retail Control Act, is a first-of-its-kind legislation that will establish a comprehensive system for licensing and inspection of smoking paraphernalia retailers. Any retailer selling pipes, waterpipes, hookahs, rolling papers, leaf (such as tendu leaves), electronic pipes, electronic cigarettes and electronic tank-devices, or any other device, equipment or apparatus designed for the inhalation of tobacco or nicotine, will be required to obtain a license from the Oneida County Health Department. The license fee is $2,500 and must be renewed every two years. Separate licenses will be required per location and retailers must be 1,000 feet or farther from any school, park, daycare, or playground. They must also be spaced more than a quarter mile from any other smoking paraphernalia retailer. The Health Department will conduct inspections to ensure compliance with the law. It may seize paraphernalia and/or issue a notice of violation and order to cease the violation, with penalties. Additionally, it may issue orders to seal any premises selling smoking paraphernalia in violation of the law. Retailers selling the aforementioned products without a license, selling them to a person under 21 years of age or employing a minor to sell smoking paraphernalia, will be subject to civil penalties of up to $500 per day. “The use of tobacco and nicotine is one of the greatest public health threats of our time, as it is linked to 13 types of cancer and 25 chronic diseases,” Picente said. “While the use of cigarettes has fallen, the use of vapes and waterpipes has skyrocketed, particularly among young people. Studies show that smoking shops increase the use of tobacco and nicotine products, especially when they are located near schools. Cracking down on this access will go a long way to protecting our children.” In order to give retailers the opportunity to comply with the law and apply for a license, the new law will take effect 180 days following its filing with the NYS Secretary of State. Picente’s proposed laws will be presented to the Oneida County Board of Legislators on Oct. 9, 2024. You can view the recorded live stream of the press conference here . SOURCES: https://ocgov.net/news/picente-introduces-laws-to-shut-down-illegal-cannabis-shops-and-regulate-tobacco-and-nicotine-paraphernalia/

Tahawus stands out as a unique example of a "ghost" town, as it doesn't just sit abandoned, but has vanished entirely. Established in the early 1940s as a mining community, Tahawus was a bustling hub for families, miners, a school, a fire department, and various entertainment venues. However, after 23 years, it was revealed that the very ground beneath the town was rich in iron and titanium, the minerals the town was built to extract. As a result, the entire town was relocated 12 miles away, with 87 houses, two churches, a store, and five apartment buildings being moved to a new location. The remnants of Tahawus now leave only a haunting impression of a once vibrant community, with its past life preserved in the eerie footprint it left behind. Sources: https://www.adirondacksusa.com/story/2017/adirondack-hauntings-mountain-spirits?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR26y5Xk_qZmBSNBNxD5zVr2lgPRH5EesN8yE4LcqgXM1awHsGzesjxVOZQ_aem_gOWoflGg91AoUnWYEd0cDw