VERNON PROPERTY HEADED TO TAX AUCTION AGAIN, LOT #0061 Another local property is listed in the tax auction, this one located right in the Village of Vernon again. 📍 5261 E. Seneca Street, Vernon, NYLot #0061 The property is a two-story brown building located near the corner of Seneca Street and Verona Street and is currently classified as an apartment property. Here are some of the property details listed: • Municipality: Town of Vernon – Village of Vernon• Tax ID: 323.016-1-60• School District: VVS School District• Frontage: Approximately 32 feet• Year Built: 1900• Stories: 2• Property Class: Apartment (411)• Water: Public• Sewer: Public• Utilities: Gas and electric 💰 Assessment Information:Land Assessment: $3,000Total Assessment: $75,000Listed Full Market Value: $193,299 👇 What would YOU like to see happen with this property?Apartments? A restaurant or other new local business? OR simply torn down.. One of the problems we noticed is limited to no parking for tenants and looks to be in great disrepair 💬 Let us know in the comments. 📲 Follow CNYONLINE.COM Local News for more Vernon, Oneida County, and Central New York news and community updates.

On August 6, 2026, at approximately 11:54 a.m., a New York State Trooper conducting patrol on Interstate 81 in the town of Homer observed a 2013 Subaru Legacy committing vehicle and traffic law violations and initiated a traffic stop. An investigation determined that the Subaru did not have a valid inspection. Department of Motor Vehicle records showed the vehicle’s inspection had expired in 2024. However, the vehicle displayed what appeared to be a valid inspection sticker affixed to the windshield. Upon further inspection, the Trooper determined that the inspection sticker was fraudulent. The Trooper also determined that the operator’s driver’s license was revoked. The operator, Otis Lavon Tillie, 32, of Syracuse, was issued traffic tickets for Forged Inspection Certificate and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the 2nd degree, both misdemeanors. The Subaru was impounded. The inspection sticker on the left is fake, the one on the right is real.

MADISON, N.Y. — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a double murder-suicide after three adults were found dead inside a Town of Madison home on Friday, August 7, 2026. According to information released by authorities, deputies responded Friday morning to a residence at 7625 McCormick Road for a welfare complaint. The Sheriff’s Office said the first deputy arriving at the residence detected a strong odor of propane or gas in the area and could hear gas escaping from the home. While looking through a first-floor window, the deputy observed two adults who appeared to be deceased. Deputies subsequently entered the residence and discovered a third deceased adult inside. Identities Have Not Been Released Authorities had not publicly released the names of the three deceased individuals or their relationships to one another as of Friday night. Madison County Sheriff’s Lt. A.J. Silverman said investigators were still working to positively identify the deceased and ensure that next of kin were notified. The bodies were expected to be transported to the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office. Law enforcement remained at the McCormick Road property into Friday evening as the investigation continued. CNY Central reported that nearby residents said they were temporarily evacuated Friday morning because of concerns involving propane or gas at the residence. No Danger to the Public, Sheriff’s Office Says The Madison County Sheriff’s Office said the incident is believed to be isolated and there is no danger to the public. Additional details surrounding the deaths had not been released as the investigation continued. This remains a developing story. CNYOnline.com will provide updates as additional information is released by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

The New York State Police have arrested David Relyea Jr., age 40, of Blossvale, NY, following a months-long investigation into the theft of bronze cemetery plaques and memorial markers from multiple cemeteries throughout Oneida County. The investigation was conducted by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) at SP Oneida. Investigators reviewed salvage records, conducted interviews, and pursued numerous investigative leads that identified Relyea as a suspect. Records obtained from SIMS Metal Management in Rome showed that Relyea completed dozens of brass transactions between December 2025 and June 2026, selling approximately 1,470 pounds of brass. Investigators determined that the brass sold included stolen cemetery plaques and memorial markers removed from cemeteries throughout Oneida County. As a result of the investigation, Relyea was arrested and charged on August 6, 2026, for: Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree (Class D felony) Relyea was transported to the Oneida County Centralized Arraignment Part (CAP) for arraignment and released on his own recognizance. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Original Press Release April 28, 2026: The New York State Police are currently investigating a cemetery desecration incident that occurred at 5655 East Main Street in the town of Verona. During the investigation, it was determined that two bronze veteran plaques were forcibly removed and stolen from headstones within the cemetery. The plaques, which honor military service, are considered both historically and sentimentally significant.

Press Release: Arrest Blotter Oneida City Police Department August 1 - 6, 2026 · August 1, 2026: - Lana L. Lucero, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for assault second-degree: with intent to cause physical injury with a weapon (DF), reckless endangerment second-degree and disorderly conduct: fight/violent behavior. ------------------------------------------ · August 2, 2026: - Lawrence W. Chase II., of Vernon, was arrested on an arrest warrant for seven counts of grand larceny fourth-degree: credit card (EF). - Giannah D. Guiliano, of Rome, was issued traffic tickets for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration and speed in zone. ------------------------------------------ · August 3, 2026: - Cody M. O’Brien, of Oneida, was issued traffic tickets for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration and inadequate muffler. ------------------------------------------ · August 4, 2026: - Arabella M. Baker, of Clark Mills, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree and operating an uninspected motor vehicle. - Ericka L. Bielby, of Hamilton, was issued a traffic ticket for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration. - Paul J. Haley II., of Oneida, was issued a traffic ticket for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree - Izaya J. Miles was arrested for rape first-degree: oral sex by forcible compulsion (BF), rape first-degree: oral actor 18 or > with a person < 13 (BF) and endangering the welfare of a child < 17. - Sara L. Wean, of Oriskany Falls, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration. ------------------------------------------ · August 5, 2026: - Parish T. Gibson, of Oneida, was arrested on a bench warrant for criminal possession of a stolen property fourth-degree (EF). - Brian D. Farley, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for a local law charge of open burn. - Izaya J. Miles was arrested for endangering the welfare of a child and unlawfully dealing with a child first-degree: alcohol. - A Juvenile male was issued an appearance ticket for petit larceny. ------------------------------------------ · August 6, 2026: - James E. Cook, of Oneida, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree, unlicensed operator and no seat belt. - Matthew A. Gould, of Oneida, was arrested on an arrest warrant for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle: without owner consent. - Michael E. Saxe, of Rome, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree and operating an unregistered motor vehicle. - Stephen M. Turo, of Altmar, was issued an appearance ticket for petit larceny. ------------------------------------------ ***𝘋𝘐𝘚𝘊𝘓𝘈𝘐𝘔𝘌𝘙***: 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘢𝘸.

On August 6, 2026, at approximately 5:06 p.m., the New York State Police responded to a fatal motor vehicle crash on Liberty Road in the town of Montague, Lewis County. The investigation determined that two UTVs were stopped northbound on Liberty Road due to one 2023 Yamaha being disabled due to a broken belt. The operator of the second UTV, a 2024 Polaris, turned around and attempted to assist with towing the disabled UTV. While doing so, the 2024 Polaris was struck by a northbound 2023 Ram pickup truck operated by Lucas J. Goutermout, 26, of Copenhagen, NY. The impact caused the UTV to spin and overturn. The operator of the 2024 Polaris, Michael E. Rounds, 61, of Carthage, NY, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Following the collision, the operator of the pickup truck attempted to veer left into the southbound lane and struck a third UTV, a 2017 Polaris, operated by John I. Failing, 80, of Pearl River, NY. Failing and Goutermout reported no injuries and remained at the scene. A Drug Recognition Expert conducted standardized field sobriety testing on Goutermout, and no signs of impairment were observed. The investigation remains ongoing. New York State Police were assisted at the scene by Lewis County Search and Rescue and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

CNYOnline.com | Local & New York News NEW YORK — New Yorkers are paying some of the highest residential electricity prices in the country, with newly released federal data showing the Empire State now ranks third-highest nationwide. According to the latest figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, New York’s average residential electricity price reached 29.93 cents per kilowatt-hour in May 2026. Only Hawaii, at 52 cents per kilowatt-hour, and California, at 33.25 cents, were higher. That means residential electricity prices in New York were higher than those in 47 other states during the month. The national residential average stood at 18.44 cents per kilowatt-hour, meaning New Yorkers were paying roughly 62% more than the national average. Electricity Costs Continue Rising in New York The latest numbers continue a trend highlighted by the Empire Center for Public Policy, an Albany-based public policy research organization that has closely tracked energy prices using U.S. Energy Information Administration data. The Empire Center reported earlier this summer that New York residential electricity prices averaged 29.45 cents per kilowatt-hour in April, approximately 56% above the national average at the time. The organization also found that New York electricity prices had increased nearly 68% since 2019. May's newly released federal data show prices moved even higher, reaching 29.93 cents per kilowatt-hour. In May 2025, New York's average was 26.69 cents, representing an increase of roughly 12% in one year. New York vs. Neighboring States The difference is especially noticeable when New York is compared with several neighboring states. In May 2026, residential electricity averaged: New York: 29.93 cents per kWh New Jersey: 23.27 cents Pennsylvania: 21.55 cents Vermont: 24.89 cents Connecticut: 27.37 cents Massachusetts: 28.82 cents New York was also substantially more expensive than large states such as Texas, where residential electricity averaged 16.44 cents per kilowatt-hour, and Florida, where the average was 15.17 cents. What Is Driving Higher Electric Bills? Electric bills are affected by more than the wholesale cost of generating electricity. What customers ultimately pay can include electricity supply costs, transmission and distribution expenses, utility infrastructure investments, taxes, fees and other charges. New York is also in the midst of a major transformation of its energy system as the state works toward its renewable-energy and emissions-reduction goals. The Empire Center has been critical of the state's energy strategy and argues that New York policymakers need to place greater emphasis on affordability and reliability. In July, Empire Center President Zilvinas Silenas said New York's electricity prices showed that the state's energy policies were not delivering affordable power, pointing out that consumers in many other states continue to pay considerably less. That represents the Empire Center's policy position rather than an independent determination of what is causing New York's higher rates. Electricity prices are influenced by a combination of regional energy markets, infrastructure, fuel supplies, utility investments, government mandates, taxes and regulatory decisions. The Impact on Central New York For families and businesses across Oneida County, Madison County and the Mohawk Valley, higher electricity prices can translate directly into increased monthly expenses. The effect can be particularly significant for households relying heavily on electricity for heating and cooling, as well as restaurants, manufacturers, retailers, farms and other businesses operating energy-intensive equipment. Higher operating costs can also have a broader economic impact when businesses are forced to absorb those expenses or pass a portion of them on to consumers through higher prices. The Numbers Tell a Growing Story The trend is difficult to ignore. New York's residential electricity price has moved from 26.69 cents per kilowatt-hour in May 2025 to 29.93 cents in May 2026, while the latest national average stands at 18.44 cents. With New York now ranking behind only Hawaii and California in the latest monthly federal residential electricity data, affordability is likely to remain a major issue for homeowners, businesses and state policymakers. CNYOnline.com will continue following New York utility rates and how rising energy costs are affecting families and businesses throughout Central New York.

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.