Union Station, a historic landmark built in 1814, has a rich and chilling history of reported hauntings. Over the years, there have been numerous accounts of accidental deaths along the railways, leading to a pervasive sense of unease and ghostly phenomena at the station. Witnesses have reported seeing mysterious 'ghost lights' gliding along the tracks, apparitions of phantom passengers in the train cars, spectral conductors pacing the platforms, and unsettling echoes of tragic events that linger in the late-night hours. These haunting occurrences have contributed to the station's reputation as a place where the past seems to linger in unsettling ways. Sources: https://www.oneidacountytourism.com/directory-map/business-listing/attractions/union-station/

On September 11, 2024, State Police arrested Robert D. Hollum , age 49, from Mohawk, NY, for one count of Failing to Store a Firearm safely (class A misdemeanor). Hollum was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Town of German Flatts Court on September 30, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. On July 18, 2024, State Police were dispatched to an unoccupied disabled vehicle in a ditch on Warren Road in the town of German Flatts. Troopers observed a long gun (.22 caliber) in the rear passenger floorboard and 500 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition nearby. Troopers secured the gun and responded to the registered owner's address who stated he ran out of fuel. The registered owner and owner of the gun is Robert Hollum , who is the Chair of the Herkimer County Legislature. A special prosecutor from the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office has been assigned to the case. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-arrest-herkimer-county-man-failing-store-firearm-safely

Louis LaPolla Stole Nearly $40,000 in Scholarship Donations SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Louis LaPolla, age 79, of Utica, New York, was sentenced today in federal court in Syracuse to 3 years of probation, after previously pleading guilty to mail fraud for soliciting and then stealing donations intended for a scholarship fund in his late wife’s name. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), announced the guilty plea. In pleading guilty previously, LaPolla admitted that he set up a scholarship fund in honor of his late wife, Andrea LaPolla, after she passed away in 2018, with the stated intention of benefitting Utica City School District students who planned to pursue post-secondary education in health-related fields. LaPolla further admitted that he received nearly $40,000 in donations intended for the scholarship fund from individuals and businesses and that he spent nearly all the donated money on himself rather than depositing it into the scholarship fund. LaPolla served as the mayor of Utica from 1984 to 1995, and he served as President of the Utica City School Board from 2018 to 2022, following 21 years of service as a member of the board. As part of his sentence, LaPolla will pay restitution in the amount of $38,616, and he will separately owe a forfeiture money judgment in the same amount. Earlier this year, LaPolla pled guilty in Oneida County Court to a misdemeanor petit larceny charge after admitting that he used envelopes, stamps, and mailing labels belonging to the Utica City School District to send out fundraising flyers relating to the scholarship. In that case, LaPolla was sentenced to 60 days of house arrest, 3 years of probation, and ordered to pay $3,100 in restitution. The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the New York State Police and the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry prosecuted the case. Sources: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/former-utica-mayor-and-school-board-president-sentenced-mail-fraud-scheme

According to Oneida County Sheriff, Robert Maciol, on September 12, 2024, at about 2:20 AM, Deputies responded to State Route 8 in the Town of Deerfield for a reported one car personal injury motor vehicle accident. Upon arrival, Deputies determined that Harry Snow, 39, of Cold Brook, NY was operating a red 2004 Toyota Tacoma northbound on State Route 8 in the Town of Deerfield. Snow hit a deer that entered the roadway, causing him to lose control of the vehicle, entering a ditch on the eastern shoulder, where he then struck a road sign, ultimately causing the vehicle to come to rest, where the vehicle caught on fire. Snow, along with his dogs were out of the vehicle at the time the vehicle caught on fire. Snow was transported to Wynn Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office was assisted on scene by Poland Fire Department, Kuyahoora Ambulance, New York State Police, and, Nimey’s Towing. Sources: https://oneidacountysheriff.us/news/66e2c35e984c98213f0a2cf6/

On September 9, 2024, State Police members arrested Thomas P. Kalenak , age 68, from Clay, NY, for Menacing a Police Officer (class “D” felony), Criminal Mischief 3rd degree (class “E” felony), and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th degree (class “A” misdemeanor). On September 9, 2024, at about 4:14 p.m., SP North Syracuse responded to 8263 Trevi Lane in the town of Clay for a report of a criminal mischief complaint. A preliminary investigation revealed Kalenak damaged a neighbor’s vehicle with a 4 x 10 board. Patrol attempted to contact Kalenak , who exited his residence brandishing a knife and made threatening comments towards patrol before retreating into his residence. Kalenak barricaded himself inside the residence and refused to exit. After a standoff and discussion with a Crisis Negotiator and Special Operations Response Team, Kalenak voluntarily exited the residence and was taken into custody at 11:06 p.m. New York State Police executed a Criminal Search Warrant of the residence, and a Temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order was filed under the state’s Red Flag Law. Kalenak was processed at SP North Syracuse and transported to the Onondaga County Justice Center pending Centralized Arraignment. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/new-york-state-police-arrest-barricaded-subject-town-clay

According to the Oneida County Sheriff, Robert Maciol, on September 8, 2024, at approximately 6:10 p.m., Deputies responded to a report of an unknown motor vehicle accident on Route 69 in the Town of Camden. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that Trevor Sheffer, 29, of Rome, was operating a 2013 Jeep SUV Eastbound on Route 69 when Sheffer failed to keep right, crossing the double solid lines and subsequently leaving the northern shoulder of the roadway, striking a utility pole. Sheffer's vehicle sustained heavy damage as a result of the incident. Passengers in the were Trent Fuller, 18, of Parish, a 2-year-old, and a 4-year-old. Sheffer, Fuller, and the 2-year-old reported no injuries. The 4-year-old suffered a minor injury to the thumb and was transported to Rome Memorial Hospital. Sheffer was issued a traffic citation for failure to keep right for the Town of Camden Court. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office was assisted on the scene by the New York State Police, Camden Police, Camden Ambulance, Camden Fire Department, and The Shop Collision tow company. Sources: https://oneidacountysheriff.us/news/66decc198413273ff50818c6/

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, a Town of Verona man was arrested following a DWI Investigation that occurred in the Town of Verona. On September 6th, 2024 at around 9:30 pm, Deputies conducted a stop of an E-Bicycle on Oneida Street in the Town of Verona after observing NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. Deputies identified the operator of the E-Bicycle as Timothy Worden, age 58 of Verona. While Timothy was stopped, he attempted to flee on his E-Bicycle before he was quickly apprehended by Deputies. Deputies ultimately determined that Timothy was operating a motor vehicle in an intoxicated condition and Timothy was subsequently charged with Obstructing Governmental Administration in the 2nd Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor, Driving While Intoxicated, and several other traffic violations. Timothy was transported to the Kurt B. Wyman Law Enforcement Building for processing and turned over to the Oneida County Jail pending his arraignment. Deputies were assisted on scene by members of the Sylvan Beach Fire Department and Vineall Ambulance. Sources: https://oneidacountysheriff.us/news/66dc35c6dfcc4583370bad04/

On Saturday, August 31, at about 10:17 p.m., Schoharie EMS responded to Main Street in the village of Cobleskill to assist a woman who was suffering from a diabetic emergency After the patient was loaded into the ambulance, Adam C. Cole, 25, of Schenectady, told the two EMS personnel that there was a second medical emergency nearby. As the two EMS personnel got out of the ambulance, Cole got into the driver’s seat and drove off.  A short time later, a Schoharie County Sheriff’s Deputy spotted the ambulance traveling east on I -88 and attempted to make a traffic stop, but Cole failed to comply. State Police patrols responded and joined the pursuit. At this time, it was believed that the female patient from the original medical call was still inside the ambulance. As the pursuit left Schoharie County, State Police patrols took the lead. The ambulance continued onto the NYS Thruway, I-890, and then entered the city of Schenectady. Cole was traveling on Eastern Avenue when he entered the intersection with Brandywine Avenue and crashed into a 1988 Nissan 300Z. The operator of the Nissan, Jesus Espinal Jr., 24, of Utica, suffered serious injuries in the crash and was transported to Albany Medical Center where he is in critical condition.  Cole was the only person in the ambulance at the time of the crash and was not seriously injured. He remains in custody and multiple charges are pending. Cole also has an active arrest warrant out of the Schenectady County Sheriff’s Office for Grand Larceny 3rd degree. During the investigation, it was learned that shortly after taking the ambulance, Cole pulled over on Route 7 in Cobleskill and the medical patient got out at a Speedway gas station. She was transported in a private vehicle to a hospital where she was treated and released. The Schenectady and Rotterdam Police Departments, as well as the Schenectady Fire Department, assisted with this incident. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/pursuit-stolen-ambulance-ends-crash

Press Release On Sunday night, a State Trooper was assaulted while trying to keep holiday weekend travelers safe.  It is fortunate that the Trooper, who has since been released from the hospital, wasn't seriously injured or killed.  The State Police is seeking the assistance of the public in locating the suspect who is still at large. On September 1, 2024, shortly after 10:15 p.m., a Trooper attempted to stop a vehicle that was speeding across multiple lanes of traffic westbound on the Southern State Parkway in the vicinity of the Meadowbrook State Parkway.  The Trooper pursued the vehicle when it fled and was able to pull in front of it when it stopped in traffic near the Eagle Avenue exit.  As the Trooper attempted to exit his car, the suspect vehicle deliberately accelerated, struck the Troop car door, injuring the Trooper, and again fled.  The Trooper was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Nassau University Medical Center and later released.  The suspect vehicle is described as a black, four-door, BMW 540.     This is an ongoing investigation, and the New York State Police is asking any witnesses and anyone with information regarding this incident to please call Investigators at 631-756-3300.  Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-trooper-assaulted-during-pursuit

Press Release On August 31, 2024, at approximately 6:13 p.m., New York State Police at Ithaca arrested Jusa K. Haygood , age 23 of Syracuse, NY for the misdemeanors of Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle.   A Trooper on Peruville Road in the town of Lansing observed a vehicle speeding and attempted to initiate a traffic stop but the vehicle failed to comply.  The driver continued to accelerate his speed and make numerous vehicle and traffic violations in an attempt to evade the Trooper.  The vehicle ultimately pulled into an apartment complex on Robins Way and the driver was taken into custody.  He was identified at Jusa K. Haygood.  The Trooper then located two children, ages two and seven in the backseat.  The children were turned over to a family member and Haygood was transported to SP Ithaca for processing.  Haygood was issued appearance tickets to the Lansing Town Court on October 15, 2024.

Project Includes the Complete Replacement of the 150-foot bridge Structure and the Reconstruction of More Than 17,000 Square Feet of Bridge Decks and Highway Approaches Multi-Year Project To Be Completed in Phases To Limit Disruptions to Traffic on the Thruway and Oriskany Boulevard Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of a $9.3 million bridge replacement project on the New York State Thruway (I-90) in the Village of Whitesboro, Oneida County. The approximately 150-foot-long bridge is located on I-90 and carries Thruway mainline traffic in both directions over Oriskany Boulevard (Route 69) at milepost 238.22 between exit 31 (Utica - I-790 - NY Routes 8 & 12) and exit 32 (Westmoreland - Rome - NY Route 233). More than 23,000 vehicles travel the bridge each day in both directions. The span opened to traffic in 1955 and is among the 75 percent of Thruway bridges that are more than 60 years old. “New York State remains committed to developing a modern and resilient infrastructure system that aims to improve the quality of life for residents and travelers alike,” Governor Hochul said. “The Thruway Authority's investments throughout the State are focused towards modernizing and enhancing the 70-year-old Thruway system, as well as job creation and boosting local economies that depend on safe, reliable roads to reach their destinations.” Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “The Thruway Authority is committed to reinvesting toll dollars strategically to modernize and transform the 70-year-old Thruway system. The replacement of the bridge over Oriskany Boulevard in Oneida County will enhance safety and improve the overall driving experience for the thousands of motorists who travel the area each day.” The project will be completed in three stages to limit disruptions to traffic on the Thruway mainline and Oriskany Boulevard. A traffic shift will be used to maintain two travel lanes in both directions on I-90, and a minimum of one lane of traffic will remain open in each direction on Oriskany Boulevard. The first stage is underway and includes preparing the median crossover areas leading up to and just after the bridge for construction in 2025. In the spring of 2025, all westbound traffic on I-90 near the bridge will be shifted onto the eastbound structure to facilitate the removal and rebuilding of the eastbound structure. Traffic will be shifted back to the original configuration for the winter. Stage three is expected to begin in 2026 when all eastbound traffic is scheduled to be shifted onto the newly rebuilt westbound span, and crews will remove and replace the existing eastbound bridge. Traffic will be shifted back to the original configuration once all work is complete by the end of 2026. The new bridge girders and other structural steel components will be metalized, which coats the steel to prevent rust and corrosion. Tioga Construction of Herkimer, NY is the project contractor following a competitive bidding process . The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2026. Work is weather dependent and dates are subject to change. During construction, motorists may encounter lane closures or brief overnight traffic stoppages on the Thruway and Oriskany Boulevard (Route 69). All scheduled lane closures and stoppages will be posted on digital highway signs and the Thruway’s website. A Public Information Session on the project was held in August 2024. A project fact sheet can be found at thruway.ny.gov . State Senator Joseph A. Griffo said, “I am pleased that the project replacing the bridge carrying the New York State Thruway over Oriskany Boulevard in Whitesboro has started. Once completed, this new bridge will improve connectivity, enhance safety and help to drive economic opportunity in the region and across the State.” Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon said, “Our community deserves the much-needed infrastructure upgrades to ensure the safety of all traveling through our communities. I look forward to continuous progress on this much needed structure.” Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said, "Replacing the aging bridge on the New York State Thruway in the Village of Whitesboro is a critical investment in our infrastructure that will enhance safety and reliability for the thousands of vehicles that pass through this vital corridor daily. This $9.3 million project supported by New York State, reflects our commitment to ensuring the longevity and integrity of our transportation networks. As this bridge has served our community for nearly 70 years, its modernization is essential to support the economic vitality and connectivity of Oneida County for decades to come." Village of Whitesboro Mayor Glenn W. Hopsicker said, “The Village of Whitesboro has worked closely with the NYS Thruway Authority since the project bid was awarded. The bridge's conditions and the traveler's safety are always top priority. The village will be happy to assist the NYS Thruway Authority throughout the replacement of the bridge. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for spearheading this important project.” About The Thruway Authority The Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway, built in the early 1950s, is one of the oldest components of the National Interstate Highway System and one of the longest toll roads in the nation. The maintenance and operation of the Thruway system is funded primarily by tolls. The Thruway Authority does not receive any dedicated federal, state or local tax dollars and is paid for by those who drive the Thruway, including one-third of drivers from out-of-state. The Thruway is considered one of the safest roadways in the country with a fatality rate far below the nationwide index, and toll rates are among the lowest in the country compared to similar toll roads. The Thruway’s base passenger vehicle toll rate is less than $0.05 per mile, compared to the Ohio Turnpike ($0.06 per mile), the New Jersey Turnpike ($0.11 and $0.31 per mile) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike ($0.14 per mile). The Authority’s 2024 Budget invests a total of $451 million to support its Capital Program, which is expected to invest $2.4 billion into capital projects over the next five years — a $500 million increase following the enacted toll adjustment that went into effect on January 1, 2024. The increased investment will lead to work on approximately half of the Thruway’s more than 2,800 lane miles as well as projects on approximately 90 of Thruway’s 817 bridges. Sources: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-start-93-million-bridge-replacement-project-nys-thruway-over For up-to-date travel information, motorists are encouraged to download the mobile app  which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Travelers can also visit the Thruway Authority's interactive Traveler Map  which features live traffic cameras. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert  e-mails, which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway. For more information, follow the Thruway on Facebook , X and Instagram , or visit thruway.ny.gov .

Yesterday, September, 1st, 2024, K-9 Handlers, Sergeant Brainerd and Officer Kittelberger (and their spouses) took part in the 2024 Fallen K-9 Memorial Ruck which was held at Riseform Brewery, in Marcellus, New York. This 5k ruck was held in honor of fallen K-9s nationwide. September, 1st, is National Police K-9 Day! On this day we celebrate the brave K-9s who serve alongside our police force and we honor the K‐9s that gave the ultimate sacrifice in the protection of others. K-9s, like SPD's own K-9 Freddie and K-9 Halk serve our communities with loyalty, courage, and distinction. These incredible dogs are more than just partners; they're vital members of the SPD team. Please join us in recognizing their hard work and dedication. Let's give a round of "paws" for these unsung heroes, and thier handlers! #SPDK9  #NationalPoliceK9Day   #policek9   #policedog   #germanshepherd   #SPDProud Sources: https://www.facebook.com/SyracusePolice/posts/pfbid02Zc4huhTBQegccGvmqjXmtNRzgqfffK5BKbGNkX4PCb2eQpYJ9xvzfcbysWrFArc8l