NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. — A bat found in New Hartford has tested positive for rabies, according to the Oneida County Health Department. The bat was submitted to the New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center for testing on July 27, 2026. Positive test results were reported on July 31. Three people were exposed to the bat and are receiving post-exposure treatment, health officials said. Rabies is a serious viral disease that can infect people and animals through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite or scratch. Anyone who may have had physical contact with a bat should contact the Oneida County Health Department immediately, even when no visible bite is present. Health officials advise residents not to release a bat found inside a home when a possible human or pet exposure may have occurred. The bat should be safely contained, without direct contact, so officials can determine whether testing is necessary. Residents should also avoid approaching wild or stray animals that appear unusually aggressive, confused, unusually tame, unable to move normally, or are drooling or foaming at the mouth. Pet owners are urged to make sure their dogs, cats, and ferrets remain current on their rabies vaccinations. New York State law requires those animals to receive rabies vaccinations, including regular booster shots. Anyone who believes a person or pet may have been exposed to a bat or another potentially rabid animal should contact the Oneida County Health Department at 315-798-5064. The county’s rabies exposure line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. CNYOnline.com Local News will provide additional information if it becomes available.

According to the City of Utica Police Department On July 29th, 2026 at approximately 11:40PM officers assigned to the Tactical Unit conducted a vehicle stop on the 700 block of South St regarding NYSV&TL violations. During the course of the stop a quantity of suspected methamphetamine was located and two individuals were arrested and transported to the Utica Police Department. One of the individuals provided the booking officer with a name that they were subsequently booked, fingerprinted, and photographed under. When the fingerprint results were returned, it was learned that the name provided was in fact not the name provided to the officers. At this time it was learned that the true identity of the individual was Branden Ward age 33 of Morris, NY. At the conclusion of the incident, Ward was charged with: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree Forgery in the second degree

SOUTH BROOKFIELD, N.Y. — The National Weather Service has confirmed that a brief EF-0 tornado touched down in South Brookfield during Wednesday afternoon’s storms. The tornado developed at approximately 1:54 p.m. on July 29 along Beaver Creek Road, about 2,000 feet south of Lamb Road. It remained on the ground for roughly two minutes before lifting near Morgan Road at approximately 1:56 p.m. According to the National Weather Service damage survey, the tornado produced estimated peak winds of 70 mph. Its path measured approximately 0.87 miles long and reached a maximum width of about 50 yards. No injuries or fatalities were reported. Survey crews documented broken tree limbs, an uprooted hardwood tree and minor tree damage along the storm’s path. A sawmill and several sheds or small storage buildings were also damaged or tipped over, scattering debris across a residential property. The tornado traveled south along Beaver Creek Road, crossed the roadway near Chesebro Road and moved across a small pond. The final damage was observed at a cemetery along Morgan Road, where several large tree limbs were snapped before the tornado lifted. An EF-0 is the lowest classification on the Enhanced Fujita Scale and is assigned to tornadoes with estimated winds between 65 and 85 mph. Even tornadoes rated EF-0 can damage trees, sheds, roofs and other structures. The National Weather Service thanked Madison County Emergency Management, local media organizations and residents who provided storm reports and eyewitness accounts. The findings remain preliminary and could be updated following a final review of the storm.

VERONA, N.Y. — Big changes are coming to the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School District beginning in the fall of 2026, and many parents and students are beginning to consider how the new school structure will affect their daily routines. Under the district’s reconfiguration plan, students will attend school based on grade level instead of having multiple elementary grade levels in each community school. New VVS School Configuration for Fall 2026 Pre-K through Grade 1: J.D. George Elementary Grades 2 through 4: E.A. McAllister Elementary Grades 5 and 6: W.A. Wettel Elementary Grades 7 through 12: Grades 7–12: VVS Middle/High School (re-established as a unified 7–12 campus) All four VVS school buildings will remain open. However, students may attend a different building than the one closest to their home. A Major Adjustment for Students For some students, the change may bring excitement, including the opportunity to meet new classmates and participate in programs designed specifically for their age group. For others, leaving a familiar school, teacher, or routine could be difficult. Students may need time to adjust to a new building, bus route, daily schedule and larger group of classmates. Families With Multiple Children Could Face New Challenges Parents with children in different grades may experience the biggest changes. One family could have a first grader at J.D. George, a third grader at E.A. McAllister, a sixth grader at W.A. Wettel and a high school student at the VVS Middle/High School campus. That could mean different bus schedules, arrival and dismissal times, parent conferences, concerts, sporting events, and emergency pickup locations. Families who drive their children to school may also need to coordinate drop-offs and pickups at multiple buildings. Childcare arrangements and work schedules could be affected depending on when each school day begins and ends. Communication Will Be Important As the fall 2026 transition approaches, parents will likely be looking for clear information about bus routes, school hours, classroom assignments, before- and after-school care, orientations and building procedures. The reconfiguration represents a significant change for the entire VVS community. How could this affect your family’s bus schedules, childcare, work hours, drop-offs, school events and daily routine? Are you excited about the change, concerned about it or still waiting for more information?

Oneida County Sheriff candidate Jared Pearl has been endorsed by the New York State Troopers PBA and the N.Y. State Police Investigators Association. Pearl began his accomplished career with the New York State Police in 2003. He recently retired at the rank of Senior Investigator. Jared was also a Deputy with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department, assigned to the Mounted Unit and as a Special Deputy in the Oneida County Jail. Pearl currently serves in the Maynard Volunteer Fire Department, and his leadership positions have included: Chief, Assistant Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, and President. He also has served as President of the Oneida County Fire Chiefs Association and as a member of their board of directors for eight years. “I’m honored to receive the full trust and support from the New York State Troopers PBA and the New York State Investigators. These unions together represent thousands of hardworking and dedicated members of law enforcement who keep our communities safe every day. I pledge to work hard every day alongside these individuals to hold criminals accountable and restore public safety to Oneida County. We need change, and I’m ready to deliver that change for residents,” said Jared Pearl. Jared Pearl is running on the Republican and Conservative ballot lines. The General Election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

The New York State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a woman suspected of using stolen credit and debit cards to make fraudulent purchases at businesses in the town of New Hartford. The investigation began after a victim reported that their wallet was lost or stolen on June 17, 2026, after visiting a business on Commercial Drive. The wallet contained multiple credit and debit cards, along with other personal identifying documents. Later that evening, the victim discovered several unauthorized transactions on their accounts, including purchases at Target and GameStop totaling more than $1,500. The New York State Police are asking anyone who recognizes the individual pictured or has information regarding this investigation to contact SP Oneida at (315) 366-6000. Please reference case number NY2600766305.

SYLVAN BEACH, N.Y. — One of Central New York’s biggest gatherings for Jeep enthusiasts is returning to the shores of Oneida Lake this weekend. Jeeps At The Beach will take place Sunday, August 2, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Sylvan Beach. The rain-or-shine event will feature Jeeps of all styles, live music, vendors, raffles and family-friendly activities throughout the day. From stock daily drivers to heavily modified off-road vehicles, all Jeep models are welcome to participate. Only registered Jeeps will be permitted to park inside the main show area, but spectators and passengers may attend free of charge. Online vehicle pre-registration is $30. Day-of registration will be available for $40 cash until 2 p.m., according to event organizers. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early due to the popularity of the annual event. The event is also dog-friendly. Organizers ask guests to keep dogs leashed, clean up after them and provide plenty of water, especially during warm weather. A Central New York Tradition With a Charitable Mission Jeeps At The Beach was founded in 2012 and has raised more than $140,000 for charitable causes. Beginning this year, the event is being managed by the Maguire Foundation, which plans to continue supporting local organizations while preserving the gathering’s community-focused traditions. The event began as a fundraiser benefiting Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital and has since grown into one of the region’s signature summer attractions for Jeep owners and fans. Organizers say support for the children’s hospital will continue as fundraising efforts expand to assist additional community organizations. Whether you own a Jeep, enjoy custom vehicles or are simply looking for a family-friendly event near the lake, Jeeps At The Beach offers another reason to visit Sylvan Beach this weekend. Event Information Event: Jeeps At The BeachDate: Sunday, August 2, 2026Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Location: Sylvan Beach, New YorkSpectator admission: FreeDay-of Jeep registration: $40 cashWeather: Rain or shine

New York’s SAFE for Kids Act will restrict addictive feeds, overnight notifications and require stronger age verification beginning in January 2027 ALBANY, N.Y. — New rules are coming to social media platforms in New York that will change how children and teenagers under the age of 18 receive recommended content and notifications. Governor Kathy Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the final regulations for the state’s Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation, or SAFE for Kids Act, on Tuesday, July 28. The rules are scheduled to take effect on January 25, 2027, giving covered social media companies approximately six months to prepare for the new requirements. What Will Change for Children Under 18? Under the new rules, social media companies will generally be prohibited from automatically giving users under 18 an algorithmically personalized feed unless parental consent is obtained. These feeds commonly recommend an endless stream of posts, videos and other content based on information collected about a user’s viewing habits, clicks, searches and previous online activity. Without parental consent, minors will instead be shown content from accounts they intentionally follow or select. That content may be presented in chronological order or another predetermined sequence rather than being chosen by an engagement-based algorithm. The restrictions do not mean teenagers will be completely banned from social media. Young users will still be able to search for content, follow accounts and access the platform’s general features. Overnight Notifications Will Be Restricted Covered social media platforms will also be prohibited from sending minors notifications connected to addictive feeds between midnight and 6 a.m. Eastern Time unless the child and parent complete the required consent process. State officials say late-night notifications can interrupt sleep and encourage children to repeatedly return to social media platforms. The New York Attorney General’s Office says the law was created in response to concerns that excessive social media use may contribute to depression, anxiety, sleep problems and other negative mental-health outcomes among young people. Social Media Platforms Must Determine Users’ Ages Companies covered by the law will be required to use an approved age-assurance process before giving users access to restricted features. Possible verification methods may include: An uploaded image or video Verification through a phone number or email address Cross-checking other account information that may indicate a user’s age A government-issued identification document However, platforms cannot require government identification as the only option. At least one alternative age-verification method must be available. The rules also require platforms to collect only the minimum information necessary to determine a user’s age. Information collected for age verification or parental consent must be deleted or de-identified after it has served its intended purpose. How Parental Consent Will Work A minor who wants access to an algorithmically personalized feed or overnight notifications must actively request the feature and agree to have a parent or guardian notified. The parent will then be required to complete an age-assurance process before permission can be granted. Both the parent and the child must be allowed to withdraw their consent later. A platform cannot completely block a young person from using its service simply because parental consent was not provided. Which Social Media Companies Are Covered? The law applies to what New York defines as an “addictive online platform.” This includes qualifying platforms that display user-generated content and where users spend at least 20% of their time viewing an algorithmically personalized or addictive feed over a six-month period. The exact experience may vary from one app to another depending on whether the platform falls under the state’s definition and how it chooses to comply. Companies Could Face Significant Penalties The New York Attorney General’s Office will be responsible for enforcing the SAFE for Kids Act. Companies found to be violating the law could face civil penalties of up to $5,000 for each violation, along with court orders requiring the company to stop the prohibited conduct. What Central New York Families Should Know Parents throughout Oneida County and Central New York may begin seeing social media platforms introduce new age checks, parental permission requests and account-setting changes before the January 2027 deadline. Families should also be aware that the law primarily regulates how covered platforms deliver personalized feeds and notifications. It does not replace parental supervision, household technology rules or conversations with children about privacy and responsible online behavior. The final rules are part of a broader effort by New York to regulate children’s use of technology. The state has also adopted restrictions on smartphones during the school day, protections involving children’s personal information and requirements addressing other potentially harmful online features. When Do the New Rules Take Effect? The final regulations were scheduled for publication in the New York State Register on July 29, 2026. The SAFE for Kids Act will officially take effect 180 days later, on January 25, 2027.

A federal appeals court has revived a proposed class-action lawsuit accusing New York-based yogurt manufacturer Chobani of misleading consumers by marketing one of its products as containing “zero sugar.” The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the lawsuit involving Chobani Zero Sugar yogurt may move forward after previously being dismissed by a federal judge in Illinois. The case was brought by Jason and Abigail Franco, who alleged that they purchased the yogurt believing it was sugar-free. The product reportedly contained four grams of allulose per serving, a naturally occurring sweetener found in small amounts in foods such as figs and raisins. Court Examines Definition of Sugar Federal regulations generally prohibit companies from labeling food as “zero sugar” or “sugar free” unless it contains less than one-half gram of sugar per serving. The central issue in the case is whether allulose legally qualifies as sugar under federal food-labeling regulations. The appeals court determined that the federal definition of “total sugars” includes all monosaccharides, a category that includes allulose. The three-judge panel also found that the consumers had plausibly alleged that Chobani’s labeling could be deceptive. The ruling reverses a previous decision by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. That court had dismissed the lawsuit after relying on Food and Drug Administration guidance that allows allulose to be excluded from the total-sugar amount shown on Nutrition Facts labels. The appeals court said that guidance represented the FDA’s current enforcement policy but did not formally change the federal regulation defining sugar. Chobani Defends Its Labeling Chobani has defended the product’s labeling, describing allulose as a naturally occurring sweetener that is metabolized differently from traditional sugars. The company said the yogurt’s Nutrition Facts panel accurately lists zero grams of total sugar and zero grams of added sugar. The appeals court did not rule that Chobani is liable or that consumers were definitively misled. Instead, the ruling allows the plaintiffs to continue pursuing their claims and attempt to prove them in federal district court. The case will now return to a federal judge in Chicago for additional proceedings. What the Decision Means The ruling could have broader implications for food manufacturers that use allulose and other alternative sweeteners while promoting products as sugar-free. Questions concerning how consumers interpret terms such as “zero sugar,” “no sugar” and “sugar free” are likely to remain an important issue as companies introduce more foods made with alternative sweeteners. No class has yet been certified, and the allegations against Chobani have not been proven in court.

The New York State Police in Watertown are investigating a Scheme to Defraud and Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument involving the use of counterfeit $100 bills at multiple retail locations throughout the North Country. On July 25, 2026, the New York State Police responded to the Dollar General, located at 28525 State Route 3 in the village of Black River, for a report of counterfeit currency. The investigation determined that on July 25, 2026, at approximately 11:43 a.m., an unknown male entered the store and requested that $500 be loaded onto an online gift card account. The individual provided five $100 bills as payment. After the transaction was completed and the individual left the store, an employee noticed that two of the bills had identical serial numbers. Upon further examination, it was determined that all five bills were counterfeit. Further investigation has determined that the same unidentified individual has targeted multiple Dollar General stores throughout the North Country. A similar incident involving the same suspect occurred at a Dollar General in the city of Watertown and is being investigated by the Watertown Police Department. On July 28, 2026, the suspect also entered the Dollar General in the village of Hannibal, Oswego County, and attempted to use counterfeit currency to load funds onto an online account; however, the transaction was declined and reported to State Police. The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 20 to 30 years old, standing between 5 feet 4 inches and 5 feet 6 inches tall, with a slim build. At the time of the incidents, he was wearing a black durag, white tank top, black sweatpants, and red sneakers. He is believed to be driving a gray four-door sedan. Anyone with information regarding this investigation or who recognizes the suspect is asked to contact the New York State Police in Watertown at (315) 782-2112 and reference case NY2600915189. Contact Troop D Public Information Officer: Trooper Jennifer Jiron Troop D Commander: Major Marc A. Barbera Contact us by phone: Troop D PIO 315-366-6000 Contact us by email: dpio@troopers.ny.gov

By CNYOnline.com Local News New York State has officially established the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway, creating a nearly 177-mile route connecting historic sites from Auburn to Niagara Falls. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the legislation on June 13, 2026, formally adding the route to New York’s Scenic Byways System. The first phase passes through eight counties and links 22 locations associated with Harriet Tubman, freedom seekers and the Underground Railroad. The route begins in Auburn and travels through portions of Cayuga, Seneca, Ontario, Wayne, Monroe, Orleans, Erie and Niagara counties before reaching Niagara Falls. The New York State Department of Transportation is expected to install signs directing motorists toward historical landmarks and communities along the corridor. State officials believe the byway could strengthen heritage tourism by encouraging visitors to stop at historical attractions, restaurants, shops, lodging establishments and other locally owned businesses. The governor’s office said the route will also connect travelers with African American neighborhoods, recreational resources and businesses located throughout Central and Western New York. What the Designation Means for Billboard Companies While the scenic byway could generate new tourism and economic activity, it also creates concerns for outdoor advertising companies ranging from large regional operators to small, locally owned billboard businesses. Federal regulations prohibit the construction of most new off-premise advertising signs along designated scenic byways that are part of the Interstate, National Highway System or former Federal-aid primary highway system. New York’s Scenic Byways Program requires participating communities to acknowledge that prohibition as part of the corridor-management process. An off-premise sign generally advertises a business, organization, service or product that is not located on the same property as the sign. These signs include many traditional and digital billboards used by businesses to reach motorists away from their physical locations. The restriction does not mean every billboard along the entire route must be removed. Lawfully established signs may remain subject to their existing permits, applicable grandfathering protections, and continuing compliance with state and local regulations. Businesses may also continue using qualifying on-premise signs located on the same property where the advertised activity takes place. New York State defines on-premise signs as signs located on property that is integral to the business or activity being advertised. However, the scenic byway designation could significantly reduce opportunities for billboard companies to construct new off-premise advertising displays along affected sections of the corridor. Smaller Billboard Companies Could Feel a Greater Impact Large outdoor advertising companies frequently operate hundreds or thousands of displays across multiple regions. A restriction affecting one corridor may represent only a small portion of their overall inventory. For small local billboard companies, however, a limited number of locations may represent a substantial percentage of the company’s revenue and available advertising space. Small operators often serve local customers that cannot afford large television, radio, or statewide advertising campaigns that sometimes bring much smaller returns on the advertising budget. Their clients may include: Local restaurants and coffee shops Contractors and home-service companies Retail stores and family-owned shops Farms, markets and seasonal attractions Nonprofit organizations Volunteer fire departments Food pantries and charitable organizations Community festivals and fundraisers Local tourism destinations Small professional-service businesses Digital billboards can rotate multiple advertisers through the same display, allowing businesses and nonprofit organizations to share the cost of reaching thousands of motorists. This can make outdoor advertising more affordable than purchasing a traditional static billboard for an extended period. Restrictions on new billboard construction could therefore affect more than the billboard industry itself. They may also limit future advertising options for local organizations that depend on affordable, highly visible community promotion. Digital Billboards Serve More Than Commercial Advertisers Modern digital billboards are frequently used for purposes beyond commercial advertising. Depending on the operator and location, billboard companies may provide space for emergency notifications, missing-person alerts, public-safety messages, weather warnings, road closures and community announcements. They can also promote county fairs, farmers markets, concerts, school events, nonprofit fundraisers, food drives, local festivals and tourism attractions. During emergencies, digital displays can update messages quickly without requiring crews to physically replace printed materials. This ability can make them a valuable communication tool for communities, law-enforcement agencies and emergency-service organizations. Local billboard companies also regularly donate or discount advertising space for charitable causes and community events that could not otherwise afford widespread promotion. Balancing Historic Preservation and Local Commerce The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway represents an important effort to preserve and promote New York’s history while honoring Tubman, abolitionists and the freedom seekers who traveled through the state. Supporters believe the designation will attract visitors, increase spending and create new opportunities for businesses located along the route. State lawmakers said the byway could potentially draw hundreds of thousands of visitors and possibly more than one million into communities connected to Underground Railroad history. At the same time, the restrictions connected with scenic byway status raise legitimate economic questions for outdoor advertising companies and the customers they serve. A balanced approach will require state and local officials to protect the historical character of the corridor while recognizing the important role that billboards—particularly digital billboards—play in helping local businesses, nonprofits and community organizations communicate affordably with the public. Existing billboard operators will need to carefully review their permits, property rights, municipal regulations and the specific highway segments covered by the new designation. Communities should also consider how official tourism signs, on-premise advertising, visitor-directional signage and existing legal billboards can work together to guide travelers toward local attractions and businesses. The new byway has the potential to become both a powerful historical resource and an economic driver. Ensuring that local businesses have practical, affordable ways to reach those new visitors will be an important part of turning that potential into lasting benefits for communities across New York.

138th Boonville-Oneida County Fair Kicks Off with Six Days of Family Fun BOONVILLE, N.Y. — The sights, sounds and flavors of fair season have returned to northern Oneida County as the 138th annual Boonville-Oneida County Fair gets underway. The longtime summer tradition opened Tuesday, July 28, and continues through Sunday, August 2, at the Boonville-Oneida County Fairgrounds, located at 222 Schuyler Street in Boonville. This year’s theme, “Showcasing Agriculture for 138 of Our Nation’s 250 Years,” celebrates the fair’s agricultural heritage alongside America’s 250th anniversary. Opening-day activities included children’s events, a spelling bee, the Kiddie Tractor Pedal Pull, a 4-H Dog Show, Clydesdale-drawn wagon rides and the annual fair parade. The Coleman Brothers Midway also opened with carnival rides, games and traditional fair food. Wednesday’s Schedule Includes Fireworks Fair activities continue Wednesday, July 29, with a Draft Horse Show beginning at 8:30 a.m., followed by several 4-H horse and dairy competitions. The Coleman Brothers Carnival opens at 1 p.m., followed by the Lightweight Horse Pull at 2 p.m. and the Heavyweight Horse Pull at 4 p.m. Evening entertainment includes East Coast Pro Wrestling at 7:30 p.m., live music from Tony “Long Toes” Levesque at 8 p.m. and a fireworks display scheduled for 9 p.m. Major Events Planned Throughout the Week Thursday will feature antique and out-of-field tractor pulling, livestock competitions, Sensory Day activities and the New York State Tractor Pull. Friday has been designated Children’s Day and Pink Out Day in recognition of breast cancer awareness. The schedule includes truck pulls, family activities, live music and Midnight Madness at the midway. Country music artist John Morgan will headline the grandstand Saturday evening, with the performance scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. The fair concludes Sunday with two demolition derby sessions scheduled for 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Agricultural exhibits, 4-H competitions, horse and livestock shows, carnival attractions, food vendors and live entertainment will continue throughout the six-day celebration. General admission is $6 for visitors ages 13 and older, $3 for adults over 60 and free for children ages 12 and younger. Daily parking is also free. Some grandstand attractions require an additional ticket. The fairgrounds are generally open from 8 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to review the official schedule before traveling because individual event times and admission requirements may vary.