BOONVILLE, N.Y. — With the 138th Boonville-Oneida County Fair now officially in the books, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office is thanking the many organizers, volunteers, public safety personnel and community members who helped make this year’s event a success. Throughout the fair, members of the Sheriff’s Office could be seen performing a wide range of duties designed to keep visitors safe and provide helpful resources to local families. Deputies and staff assisted with patrols, event security and general public safety while also speaking with attendees about career opportunities within the Sheriff’s Office. Members provided safety information and issued child identification cards to families during the event. The Sheriff’s Office also participated in demonstrations, provided an Honor Guard and deployed bicycle patrols throughout the fairgrounds. Beyond their official duties, deputies remained available to answer questions, assist visitors and help ensure that everyone attending the fair could enjoy the event safely. The Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to another successful Boonville-Oneida County Fair and said its members are already looking forward to returning next year. The annual fair continues to be one of Oneida County’s most popular summer traditions, bringing together families, agricultural organizations, local businesses, exhibitors and community groups from across Central New York. CNYONLINE.COM will continue to provide local news, community updates and event coverage from across Oneida County and the surrounding Central New York region.

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act officially takes effect on August 5, 2026, giving certain mentally capable, terminally ill adult residents the legal option to request prescription medication that they may choose to self-administer to bring about their death. The law, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul on February 6, 2026, is codified as Article 28-F of the New York Public Health Law. It applies only to qualifying New York residents who have an incurable and irreversible terminal illness or condition expected, within reasonable medical judgment, to cause death within six months. The legislation establishes a detailed review process intended to verify the patient’s diagnosis, decision-making capacity and voluntary consent while protecting healthcare professionals who choose not to participate. Who Is Eligible Under New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act? To qualify, a patient must: Be at least 18 years old. Be a resident of New York State. Have an incurable and irreversible terminal illness or condition expected to cause death within six months, whether or not treatment is provided. Have the mental capacity to understand the nature and consequences of the decision. Make the request personally, voluntarily and without coercion. Be capable of choosing to self-administer the prescribed medication. A healthcare proxy, family member, guardian, power-of-attorney agent or other surrogate cannot make the request on the patient’s behalf. A person also cannot qualify solely because of age or disability. Two Physicians Must Review the Patient’s Case The process requires reviews by an attending physician and a consulting physician. The attending physician must determine that the patient has a qualifying terminal illness or condition and satisfies the law’s other eligibility requirements. A consulting physician, qualified by specialty or experience, must independently review and confirm the diagnosis and prognosis. Patients must also be informed about their medical diagnosis, expected prognosis, the medication’s potential risks and expected outcome, and feasible alternatives such as hospice care, palliative care and pain-management treatment. Mandatory Mental-Health Evaluation Before a prescription can be issued, a qualified mental-health professional must independently evaluate the patient’s decision-making capacity. The evaluator must report the findings in writing to the attending and consulting physicians. A patient who is determined to lack the capacity to make an informed decision cannot qualify for the prescription. That determination applies specifically to the medical aid-in-dying request and does not automatically mean that the patient lacks capacity for other decisions. Oral and Written Requests Are Required A qualifying patient must make both an oral request and a written request to the attending physician. The oral request must be recorded using an audio or video device and permanently stored in the patient’s medical record. A patient who cannot physically speak may use another method of communication familiar to that person. The written request must be signed and dated by the patient and witnessed by at least two eligible adults. The witnesses must attest that the patient appears mentally capable, is acting voluntarily and is not being coerced. Strict Restrictions Apply to Witnesses Neither witness may be: Related to the patient by blood, marriage or adoption. The patient’s domestic partner. Entitled to inherit from the patient. Someone who would otherwise benefit financially from the patient’s death. An owner, operator, employee or contractor of the healthcare facility where the patient is receiving treatment or resides. The patient’s healthcare proxy or power-of-attorney agent. The attending physician, consulting physician or mental-health professional involved in the evaluation. Similar restrictions apply to interpreters, although healthcare-facility employees who routinely provide interpreter services may be permitted in limited circumstances. Five-Day Waiting Period Before the Prescription Can Be Filled The law establishes a mandatory five-day waiting period between the writing of the prescription and the time it may be filled. An exception may apply when the attending physician determines that the patient is likely to die before the waiting period expires. The waiting period was among the additional safeguards negotiated before Governor Hochul signed the legislation. Even after completing the process, a patient is never required to fill or use the medication. The patient may withdraw the request or decide not to take the medication at any time. Participation by Healthcare Professionals Is Voluntary Doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals are not legally or contractually required to participate. A provider who is unwilling to take part must, at the patient’s request, transfer or arrange to transfer relevant medical records to a new healthcare provider. The law protects reasonable, good-faith decisions both to participate and to decline participation. Those protections are not absolute. They do not shield negligence, recklessness or intentional misconduct, and violations of the law may lead to professional discipline or other penalties. Religious and Private Healthcare Facilities May Opt Out A private healthcare facility may prohibit prescribing, dispensing or self-administering medical aid-in-dying medication on its premises when the restriction is based on formally adopted religious beliefs or moral convictions. The facility must disclose its policy to patients before admission or as soon as reasonably possible. When a patient requests access, an opting-out facility must arrange a prompt transfer to another reasonably accessible facility willing to permit the process. The statute also states that an institutional policy cannot prevent a patient living at home from accessing care under Article 28-F. This provision is particularly relevant to patients receiving hospice or other healthcare services in their private residences. A Major Change in New York End-of-Life Law Supporters describe the Medical Aid in Dying Act as a compassionate option for terminally ill patients experiencing intolerable suffering. They argue that it gives mentally capable adults greater autonomy and control during the final stage of a terminal illness. Opponents and disability-rights advocates have raised concerns about possible coercion, unequal access to healthcare, inaccurate prognoses and whether vulnerable patients could feel pressured because of financial or caregiving burdens. New York lawmakers responded by including residency requirements, independent medical reviews, a mandatory mental-health assessment, recorded requests, restricted witnesses, a waiting period and penalties for violations. The law does not replace hospice, palliative care or conventional end-of-life treatment. Instead, it creates an additional legal option for a narrowly defined group of qualifying terminally ill adults. Patients and families considering any end-of-life decision should speak directly with licensed healthcare professionals and review current guidance from the New York State Department of Health. Editor’s note: This article is intended for general news and educational purposes and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Individual eligibility and procedural requirements must be evaluated by qualified New York healthcare professionals.

On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, members of the New York State Police Troop D Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (VGNET), Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in Oneida, Canine Unit, and uniform patrol executed a search warrant at a camper located at 3505 Oswego Road in the town of Vienna. The execution of the search warrant resulted in the seizure of more than one-half ounce of crystal methamphetamine packaged for sale, a quantity of fentanyl, several OxyContin pills, a loaded .22 caliber revolver, a loaded .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol, a cutting agent, drug packaging materials, a digital scale, and body armor. As a result of the investigation, Bret J. Relyea, 33, of Blossvale, NY, was arrested and charged with: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree – Intent to Sell (Class B Felony)Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 4th Degree – Weight Greater Than One-Half Ounce (Class C Felony)Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree – Loaded Firearm (Class C Felony)Criminal Possession of a Firearm (Class E Felony)Unlawful Purchase of Body Armor (Class A Misdemeanor) Relyea was transported to the Oneida County Jail, where he is being held pending centralized arraignment.

From semiconductor plants in Central New York to advanced electronics and food-production facilities across the state, New York is reclaiming its place as a center of American innovation, industry and opportunity. For generations, manufacturing helped build New York. Factories, mills and machine shops created dependable careers, strengthened local businesses and gave working families a path into the middle class. Communities from Buffalo and Rochester to Syracuse, Utica, Rome and the Mohawk Valley grew around men and women who knew how to design, build, operate and repair things. Then came decades of factory closures, overseas competition and lost jobs. Today, New York is beginning to write a different story. Major investments in semiconductors, electronics, defense technology and food production are helping bring renewed attention to the state’s manufacturing economy. New workforce programs are also being developed to prepare residents for the highly skilled careers these industries will require. The comeback is not complete, and success is not guaranteed. However, recent developments show that New York has a genuine opportunity to become one of the driving forces behind a new era of American manufacturing. New York Manufacturers Report Stronger Activity Manufacturing activity across New York strengthened considerably in July 2026, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Empire State Manufacturing Survey. The survey’s general business conditions index rose 10 points to 15.6. New orders and shipments increased sharply, while employment rose and the average workweek edged higher. The new-orders index reached 22.2, and the shipments index climbed to 24.4—its highest level in four years. The monthly survey is a snapshot based on responses from participating manufacturers rather than a complete measurement of every factory in the state. Still, the July results offer an encouraging indication that New York manufacturers experienced stronger business activity, production demand and hiring. Micron Is Transforming Central New York The centerpiece of New York’s manufacturing resurgence is Micron Technology’s massive semiconductor project in the Town of Clay, Onondaga County. Micron plans to invest more than $100 billion over roughly two decades to construct a four-factory semiconductor manufacturing campus. State officials describe it as the largest private-sector investment in New York history and the largest planned semiconductor facility in the United States. The project officially broke ground in January 2026. By early August, construction had advanced from site preparation to vertical construction, with workers beginning to pour the first foundations for the campus. The Micron campus is expected to create approximately 9,000 direct company jobs and tens of thousands of additional construction, supply-chain and regional jobs over the life of the project. Those positions will not arrive all at once. The campus will be constructed in phases over many years. Nevertheless, the potential economic impact is enormous. Micron will need engineers, technicians, electricians, construction workers, equipment specialists and production employees. Its suppliers and contractors will require transportation, maintenance, technology, professional services and specialized components. Housing, restaurants, stores, child care providers and other local businesses could also benefit as the workforce and regional economy expand. For Central New York, this is more than a single construction project. It is an opportunity to become part of one of the most strategically important industries in the world. New Manufacturing Jobs Are Already Arriving New York’s manufacturing momentum is not limited to projects still under construction. In June 2026, TTM Technologies officially opened a new advanced-manufacturing facility in DeWitt, Onondaga County. The company is investing up to $130 million in the operation and plans to create approximately 400 additional jobs, bringing its Central New York workforce to roughly 1,000 employees. The facility will manufacture ultra-high-density interconnect printed circuit boards used primarily in United States defense applications. The company is also investing in research and development involving advanced circuit-board and semiconductor-supporting technologies. The project demonstrates how Central New York’s manufacturing economy is becoming increasingly connected to national security, advanced electronics and high-technology production. These are not simply traditional assembly-line jobs. Modern manufacturers need engineers, machinists, quality-control specialists, computer operators, equipment technicians and workers who understand robotics, automation and highly precise production systems. The Mohawk Valley Can Share in the Growth Although Micron and TTM are located in Onondaga County, their economic influence could extend throughout Oneida, Herkimer and Madison counties. The Mohawk Valley already has a strong manufacturing history, an experienced workforce, established industrial properties and access to major transportation routes. The region is also home to semiconductor-related development at the Marcy Nanocenter site and a network of manufacturers serving the aerospace, defense, electronics and transportation industries. Local companies could become suppliers, fabricate components, repair equipment, provide transportation or support larger manufacturers throughout the expanding semiconductor and advanced-electronics supply chains. Communities such as Utica, Rome, Marcy, Oneida and surrounding towns do not necessarily need to attract another enormous factory to benefit. Economic growth can also come from smaller manufacturers, machine shops, contractors, trucking companies, technology firms and locally owned service businesses supporting the larger industrial network. The Mohawk Valley’s location between major manufacturing investments in Central New York and the Capital Region could become an important competitive advantage. Manufacturing Growth Reaches Beyond Semiconductors New York’s manufacturing resurgence is not dependent on a single company or industry. In May 2026, Barilla announced a two-phase expansion of its pasta-manufacturing operation in Avon, Livingston County. The first phase includes a $145 million investment, construction of a new 52,000-square-foot building, one additional production line and three new packaging lines. The expansion highlights the continuing importance of food manufacturing to New York’s economy. New York’s farms, transportation infrastructure, skilled workforce and proximity to major population centers give the state significant advantages in agriculture and food production. Semiconductors may receive much of the public attention, but food processors, metal fabricators, machine shops, electronics manufacturers and other producers remain essential parts of New York’s industrial economy. A strong manufacturing comeback will require all of them. Modern Factories Require Modern Skills The factory floor of today looks very different from the factory floor of 50 years ago. Workers increasingly operate computerized machinery, program automated systems, analyze production data, and maintain equipment worth millions of dollars. Artificial intelligence and robotics are changing how products are manufactured, but skilled workers remain essential to designing, operating, repairing and improving those systems. This creates an important opportunity for young adults who may not want to follow a traditional four-year college path. Apprenticeships, trade schools, community colleges and specialized certificate programs can provide pathways into well-paying careers in machining, welding, electrical work, engineering technology, equipment maintenance and advanced manufacturing. Schools, colleges, labor organizations and employers will need to work together to ensure that New Yorkers have access to practical and affordable training. Factories cannot grow without qualified workers, and local residents cannot benefit from the growth unless they are prepared for the jobs being created. Manufacturing Can Strengthen Main Street A manufacturing job supports more than the worker who reports to the factory. Manufacturers purchase materials, hire contractors, use trucking companies and depend on maintenance, technology and professional-service providers. Their employees buy homes, visit restaurants, shop at local stores and support community organizations. When a factory expands, its economic impact can spread throughout an entire region. That multiplier effect is especially valuable in Upstate New York communities that have spent decades attempting to replace lost industrial employment. New factories and supply-chain businesses can support local tax bases, increase demand for housing and give younger residents more reasons to remain in the communities where they were raised. The opportunity is not simply to create more jobs. It is to rebuild strong local economies around skilled workers, stable careers and businesses that produce tangible products. Challenges Cannot Be Ignored New York’s manufacturing opportunity is significant, but it comes with serious challenges. Businesses continue to face high energy expenses, taxes, regulatory costs, labor shortages and intense international competition. Communities preparing for large developments must also address housing availability, traffic, water systems, electrical capacity, transportation, child care and increased demand for local services. Public incentive packages must be monitored carefully to ensure that promised investments and jobs are delivered. Small businesses and existing residents must also have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the growth rather than being pushed aside by it. Automation presents another challenge. Modern factories can often produce more goods with fewer workers than the labor-intensive facilities of previous generations. For New York to receive the full benefit, manufacturing expansion must be matched by workforce training, infrastructure improvements, housing development and a business climate that allows both large corporations and small employers to succeed. New York Has an Opportunity to Build the Future For too long, the decline of American manufacturing was treated as inevitable. New York is helping demonstrate that production can return—but the new manufacturing economy will look different from the one many communities remember. It will be more advanced, more automated, and more closely connected to semiconductors, electronics, defense technology, food production, and highly specialized supply chains. The factory floor may have changed, but the pride remains the same. It is the pride of creating something valuable. It is the security of knowing that critical products and technologies can be manufactured here at home. It is the opportunity for working families to build stable lives without leaving Upstate New York. Most importantly, it is the belief that the words “Made in New York” can once again represent craftsmanship, innovation and a stronger future for communities across the Empire State. New York helped build America once before. Now, the Empire State has an opportunity to help build America’s future.

On August 3, 2026, the New York State Police arrested Kelvin Tanksley, 43, of Syracuse, following an investigation into a series of threatening telephone calls made to the New York State Police Troop D communications center in Oneida on the evening of August 2, 2026. The investigation determined that Tanksley placed multiple telephone calls to the Troop D communications dispatch center during which he repeatedly threatened to kill a New York State Trooper, a State Police Communications Specialist, and a protected party who is the subject of a valid New York State Order of Protection against him. During the calls, Tanksley also allegedly directed threatening and derogatory statements toward the victims because they were white. As a result of the investigation, Tanksley was charged with: Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree as a Hate Crime (Class E Felony) Criminal Contempt in the First Degree (Class E Felony) Aggravated Family Offense (Class E Felony) Tanksley was located in the city of Syracuse by members of the Troop D VGNET Unit, taken into custody without incident, and transported to SP Oneida for processing. He was arraigned in Madison County CAP Court and remanded in lieu of $10,000 cash bail or a $50,000 secured bond. The investigation remains ongoing.

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol a Trenton man was arrested for entering the Holland Patent High School and stealing property. On July 28th, 2026, a Deputy with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the Holland Patent High School for a burglary complaint. Due to the nature of the call, this investigation was turned over to the Oneida County Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU). The Investigator assigned to the case learned that on July 25th, 2026, during the early morning hours, an 18-year-old man had illegally entered the Holland Patent School and while inside the school stole property that did not belong to him. On August 4th, 2026, Investigators located the 18-year-old male at his residence and subsequently took him into custody. The male was charged with one count of Burglary in the Third Degree and one count of Petit Larceny. After processing the male was escorted to the Oneida County Correctional Facility where he was to be arraigned in CAP court later in the afternoon. Due to the age of the male, no name or photograph will be released.

Oneida NY Arrest Blotter July 17 - 31, 2026 · July 17, 2026: - Georgietta Johnson, of Oneida, was arrested for assault second-degree: intent to cause physical injury with a weapon (DF), reckless endangerment second-degree, menacing second-degree: weapon and criminal possession of a weapon fourth-degree: intent to use. - Trisha N. Lightcap, of Lenox, was issued an appearance ticket for petit larceny. - Jason G. Voelker, of Durhamville, was arrested for DWI- 1st offense, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 of 1% or more- 1st offense, failure to stop at a stop sign and operating out of class. ------------------------------------------ · July 18, 2026: - Molly S. Hawkinson, of Oneida, was issued traffic tickets for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration, aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree, moved from lane unsafely and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. - Matthew L. Klein, of Oneida, was issued a traffic ticket for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree. - Nathan L. Whaley, of Vernon, was issued an appearance ticket for criminal possession of a controlled substance seventh-degree. ------------------------------------------ · July 19, 2026: - Tiffeny J. Boyles, of Mohawk, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation second-degree and operating an uninspected motor vehicle. - Rylan P. Doherty, of Canastota, was arrested for criminal tampering third-degree, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration second-degree, disorderly conduct and harassment second-degree: physical contact. - Parish T. Gibson, of Oneida, was arrested for burglary third-degree: illegal entry with intent (DF) and petit larceny. - Elizabeth R. Waldron, of Durhamville, was issued an appearance ticket for criminal possession of a controlled substance seventh-degree and petit larceny, ------------------------------------------ · July 20, 2026: - Sara R. Arntson was issued an appearance ticket for a local law charge of violating park curfew. - Laura A. Coston, of Oneida, was arrested for aggravated harassment second-degree- injure family and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. - Dustin J. Forward, of Bouckville, was arrested for criminal tampering third-degree. - David J. Panzica, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for assault third-degree: intent to cause physical injury, criminal mischief fourth-degree: intent to damage property and menacing third-degree. ------------------------------------------ · July 21, 2026: - Jerry A. Mansir was issued an appearance ticket for a local law charge of possession/consumption of alcohol in public. - John M. Marchetti, of Sylvan Beach, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree, unlicensed operator and failure to stop at a stop sign. - Scott H. O’Neill, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for a local law charge of possession/consumption of alcohol in public. - James D. Odom, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for a local law charge of possession/consumption of alcohol in public. ------------------------------------------ · July 22, 2026: - Evelyn R. Buell, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for a local law charge of unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under 21. - Caleb E. Chesebro, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for a local law charge of unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under 21. - Robert A. Harp, of Oneida, was arrested for criminal possession of a weapon third-degree: previous conviction (DF) and harassment second-degree: physical contact. - Lana L. Lucero, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for obstructing governmental administration second-degree, harassment second-degree: physical contact, disorderly conduct: fight/violent behavior and a local law charge of possession/consumption of alcohol in public. - Izaya J. Miles was issued an appearance ticket for trespass. - Cody E. Muir, of Oneida, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree, circumventing an ignition interlock device and speeding in school zone. - Samantha M. Ross, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for disorderly conduct: obscene language/gestures. - Curtis J. Wilson Jr. was issued an appearance ticket for petit larceny. ------------------------------------------ · July 23, 2026: - Holly A. Hall was arrested on an arrest warrant for criminal possession of stolen property fifth-degree. ------------------------------------------ · July 24, 2026: - Curtis J. Wilson Jr. was issued an appearance ticket for petit larceny. - Breanne L. Findlay, of Oneida, was arrested for criminal contempt first-degree: physical contact (EF), endangering the welfare of a child and harassment second-degree: physical contact. ------------------------------------------ · July 25, 2026: - Dennis D. Gelatt, of Utica, was arrested for DWI- 1st offense, DWAI combined drugs/alcohol, criminal possession of a controlled substance seventh-degree, use of alcohol/cannabis in motor vehicle on highway, failure to keep right, driving left of pavement markings, improper left turn and illegal signal. - David L. Havener was arrested on an arrest warrant for criminal trespass third-degree. ------------------------------------------ · July 26, 2026: - Kelly S. Tornatore, of Oneida, was arrested for endangering the welfare of an incompetent/disabled person first-degree (EF). ------------------------------------------ · July 28, 2026: - Jeremy M. Jaegers, of Oneida, was arrested for strangulation second-degree (DF) and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. ------------------------------------------ · July 29, 2026: - Jake M. Becraft, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for harassment second-degree: physical contact. - Jacob A. Scheid, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for criminal possession of stolen property fifth-degree. - Patrick G. Seeber, of Canastota, was issued a traffic ticket for aggravated unlicensed operation second-degree: 3 or more open suspensions. - Amber L. Wilcox, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for petit larceny. ------------------------------------------ · July 30, 2026: - Sara R. Arntson was issued a criminal summons for trespass. - Courtney R. Hall, of Oneida, was arrested on a superior court bench warrant for criminal possession of stolen property fourth-degree and petit larceny. - Lana L. Lucero, of Oneida, was issued a criminal summons for a local law charge of possession/consumption of alcohol in public. ------------------------------------------ · July 31, 2026: - Andre R. Coss Jr., of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for criminal trespass second-degree. - Douglas W. Gorton, of Oneida, was arrested for DWI- 1st offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 of 1% or more- 1st offense. - A Juvenile male was issued an appearance ticket for providing a false written statement. - Christofel Torres-Roman, of Oneida, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree and operating an unregistered motor vehicle. ------------------------------------------ ***𝘋𝘐𝘚𝘊𝘓𝘈𝘐𝘔𝘌𝘙***: 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘢𝘸.

ROME, N.Y. — The City of Rome Police Department recently recognized the advancement of three officers and welcomed five new recruits during a promotional and swearing-in ceremony. The ceremony was held Thursday, July 23, 2026, to celebrate the professional achievements of current department members and officially introduce the newest recruits beginning their law-enforcement careers. Officers Promoted The department announced the following promotions: Alexzandra Carletta was promoted to lieutenant. George Gebo III was promoted to sergeant. Zachary Hadasz was promoted to sergeant. Five New Recruits Join the Department The Rome Police Department also welcomed five recruits from communities across Central New York: Morgan Zike of Camden Eric Mendiola of Rome Rafael Ventura of Utica Joshua Bruce of Utica Gage Fay of Rome Department officials congratulated each officer and recruit on reaching the important milestone and wished them continued success as they serve the department and the Rome community. The ceremony reflects an ongoing investment in department leadership and the next generation of officers serving residents of the City of Rome.

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, a Barneveld woman has been arrested for entering an apartment and stealing property. On July 16, 2026, Sheriff’s Road Patrol received a complaint from a male who reported that someone had entered his apartment on College Street in the Village of Clinton while he was out of town and stolen property. After taking the complaint and due to the felony level crime that was reported, the case was turned over to the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Unit for further investigation. The Investigator assigned to the case learned that on July 15, 2026, Sara M. Cloe, age 34, had entered the victim’s apartment without his knowledge or permission, and stole property that did not belong to her. On August 3, 2026, Cloe turned herself in to the Sheriff’s Office, where she was charged with one count of Burglary in the second degree, a class C felony, and petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor. After processing, Cloe was taken to the Sheriff’s correctional facility, where she was to be arraigned at CAP Court later in the afternoon.

Suspect arrested after multiple retail thefts. The New Hartford Police Department has arrested a suspect following an investigation into multiple reports of retail theft occurring at Walmart on Commercial Dr. On July 23, 2026, New Hartford Police officers responded to Walmart on Commercial Dr., for a reported larceny in progress. Upon arrival, police officers located a suspect as she exited the store with merchandise that had not been paid for, according to Walmart Staff. When police officers attempted to place the suspect under arrest, the suspect actively resisted arrest. Officers took the suspect into custody after a brief struggle, and the stolen merchandise was recovered. During the investigation, New Hartford Police Officers worked closely with Walmart Loss Prevention staff and reviewed surveillance footage related to other reported larcenies. Officers also coordinated with the Mohawk Valley Crime Analysis Center, the Rome Police Department, and the New York State Police, Lee Center, whose assistance helped identify the suspect in regard to previously committed thefts. As a result of the investigation the suspect, identified as Katie Fonda, 46 who provided a Rome, NY address, was not only charged with Petit Larceny in violation of NYS PL 155.25, and NYS PL 205.30, Resisting Arrest for the July 23rd incident, but she also charged with Misdemeanor Petit Larceny in regards to a Larceny that occurred at Walmart on Commercial Dr. on July 17th 2026. Following processing, Fonda was issued appearance tickets related to the above charges and then subsequently transferred to the custody of the New York State Police who had open Arrest Warrants for her on other active Larceny Cases being investigated by SP Lee Center.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Lomere Holliman, 23, of Syracuse, New York, was sentenced July 8th 2026, to 75 months in prison for possessing and distributing fentanyl and carrying a firearm during those crimes. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Bryan DiGirolamo and Syracuse Police Chief Mark Rusin made the announcement. As part of his earlier plea, Holliman admitted that, from March to September 2025, the defendant repeatedly sold firearms, ammunition, high-capacity magazines, and fentanyl in Syracuse. He further admitted that he used his firearm sales to foster his drug trafficking business. U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of New York Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/syracuse-man-sentenced-75-months-gun-and-drug-trafficking-offenses

UTICA, N.Y. — Homelessness increased by 12.2% across the Utica-Rome, Oneida County and Madison County region, according to a newly released report from the New York State Comptroller’s Office. The increase comes despite an overall statewide decline in homelessness and highlights the growing housing challenges facing many communities outside New York City. According to State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, New York’s homeless population declined by 7.9% between the January 2024 and January 2025 federal point-in-time counts. However, homelessness increased in 17 of the state’s 25 regional Continuums of Care, including the region covering Utica, Rome, Oneida County and Madison County. The report found that 11 regional areas experienced increases of more than 10%, showing that homelessness remains a growing concern across much of Upstate New York. Death Reported During Utica Encampment Sweep The release of the state report follows a tragic discovery at a homeless encampment in Utica. On July 20, 2026, Utica Police officers were assisting Oneida County Sheriff’s deputies with a sweep of an encampment off Burrstone Road when they found an individual lying on the ground. Police reported that the person was deceased. The incident was reported by the Utica Police Department and local news outlets. No arrests connected to the encampment sweep have been confirmed. The discovery has drawn additional attention to the dangerous conditions faced by people living outdoors, including exposure to extreme weather, medical emergencies and limited access to health care, shelter and other essential services. Construction Begins on 102 Affordable Apartments State and local leaders are also moving forward with a major affordable and supportive housing project in Utica. On July 23, 2026, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the start of construction on THRIVE Cornhill, an approximately $80 million development featuring 102 affordable apartments in Utica’s Cornhill neighborhood. The project will consist of two newly constructed buildings and will include affordable housing, supportive services and community spaces. Nineteen apartments will be reserved as supportive housing for eligible seniors with disabilities and young adults transitioning out of foster care. The development is also expected to include two community centers offering health, wellness, recreation, employment and social services. State officials said the development is designed to expand access to stable housing while supporting the continued revitalization of the Cornhill neighborhood. Homelessness Increasing Outside New York City While the statewide homeless population declined, the comptroller’s report showed that the improvement was largely driven by reductions in New York City. Many regions outside the city experienced significant increases, placing additional pressure on local governments, shelters, nonprofit organizations and emergency-service providers. Housing advocates have argued that addressing homelessness requires more than clearing encampments. Long-term solutions often include additional affordable housing, emergency shelter capacity, mental-health care, addiction treatment, rental assistance and employment support. The 12.2% regional increase shows that homelessness is becoming a more visible and urgent concern across Oneida and Madison counties. As the THRIVE Cornhill project moves forward, local leaders will continue facing questions about whether housing and support services can expand quickly enough to meet the region’s growing needs. CNYOnline.com Local News will continue following developments involving homelessness, affordable housing and support services throughout the Mohawk Valley.