VERNON, N.Y. — Legendary rock band Jefferson Starship will bring its “Runaway Again Tour 2026” to Vernon Downs on Friday, August 21, for a special concert benefiting the Food Bank of Central New York. The concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., with tickets priced at $20 each. Tickets are available through the Vernon Downs Rewards Club and Ticketmaster. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Food Bank of Central New York. Jeff Gural, chairman of American Racing & Entertainment, has also pledged to personally donate an additional $20 for every ticket sold. The benefit concert gives local music fans an opportunity to enjoy a night of classic rock while supporting an organization that helps provide food assistance to families throughout Central New York. Jefferson Starship has entertained audiences for decades with a catalog of well-known rock songs and continues to perform for fans across the country. The event is sponsored by Pepsi. Event Details Who: Jefferson Starship When: Friday, August 21, 2026, at 8 p.m. Where: Vernon Downs Where can you get tickets: Tickets available now at the Vernon Downs Rewards Club (avoid the Ticketmaster fees) or Ticketmaster.com. Tickets: $20. Ticket Information: Vernon Downs Rewards Club and Ticketmaster Benefit: Food Bank of Central New York For more local news, community events and updates, visit CNYOnline.com.

VERNON, N.Y. — Families throughout the Vernon area are invited to celebrate America’s 250th birthday during a full day of music, food and patriotic activities at Bartholomew Park. The America 250 Celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the park, located at 8 Ruth Street in Vernon. Admission is free, and the event is open to the entire community. Live music will be provided by Prime Time Horns from 1 to 4 p.m. A chicken barbecue will begin at noon, with dinners available for $13. The celebration will also feature fire trucks, bounce houses, family-friendly activities and other patriotic attractions for guests of all ages. The event is being hosted by the Sconondoa Sherrill Masonic Lodge No. 814, the American Legion William Russell Post and the Village of Vernon. Community members are encouraged to bring their families, invite friends and enjoy a day of entertainment while commemorating 250 years of American history. Event Details Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Location: Bartholomew Park, 8 Ruth Street, Vernon, NY 13476 Admission: Free

On July 20th, 2026, at approximately 12:25 PM, Utica Police units were assisting Oneida County Sheriff’s Deputies with a sweep of a homeless encampment off of Burrstone Rd when they came upon an individual lying on the ground. As they approached closer it was immediately apparent that the individual was deceased and the Utica Fire Department was contacted for formal pronouncement. Soon after the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office was contacted and removed the body. At this time there is nothing suggesting any criminality associated with the death, however the Utica Police Department Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the incident. Additionally, we will be working with OCME officer for identification. If you have any information regarding the death please contact UPD CID at 315 223 3510.

On July 20, 2026, at approximately 11:45 a.m., New York State Police responded to the Pompey Rod & Gun Club, located at 2035 Swift Road in the town of Pompey, for a report of an unresponsive individual. The deceased, a 52-year-old male from Cazenovia, was found with a gunshot wound after another club member heard a single gunshot and went to investigate before calling 911. The Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene and transported the deceased for a post-mortem examination. The investigation remains ongoing. At this time, there are no signs of foul play.

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, on July 21st, 2026, at approximately 03:07 P.M., Deputies responded to a two-car motor vehicle accident that occurred at the intersection of State Route 365 and Greenway New London Rd in the City of Rome. On scene, Deputies determined that Karen Simons, of Verona, NY, was traveling South on Greenway New London Rd when she stopped at the stop sign at the intersection with State Route 365, and then proceeded through the intersection, in an attempt to turn onto State Route 365 in an eastern direction. C. Vanderhoof, of Verona, was traveling west on State Route 365 when Simons entered the intersection. Simon's Jeep Compass then struck Vanderhoof's Toyota Avalon head-on, causing damage to the front ends of both vehicles. All parties were evaluated on scene by medical personnel for non-life-threatening injuries. Simons was transported to Rome Memorial Hospital for further evaluation by AmCare Ambulance. Simons was issued traffic citations, returnable to Rome City Court at a later date and time. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office was assisted on scene by Rome City Fire Department, AmCare Ambulance, and Mike's Towing.

The New York State Police are warning businesses that store used cooking oil on their property to remain vigilant following multiple recent attempts to steal used cooking oil. Troopers have responded to several incidents involving suspects siphoning used cooking oil from restaurant storage tanks. Investigators believe additional businesses may have been targeted but were never reported. Used cooking oil has become a valuable commodity because it can be recycled into products such as renewable fuels, making it an attractive target for thieves. On July 9, 2026, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Troopers from SP Deposit were dispatched to the River Run Restaurant on Faulkner Road in the town of Sanford for a report of a larceny. A male was observed in a commercial Ford Van with a green hose connected to the restaurant’s used cooking containers, pumping oil into the van. When Troopers arrived, the restaurant owner had blocked in the van from leaving the property. Troopers arrested Donaldo Jones Morel Castro, 30, of Bronx, New York, charging him with attempted Petit Larceny, a misdemeanor. Morel Castro was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Sanford Town Court on July 31, 2026, and released. July 18, 2026, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Troopers from SP Endwell were dispatched to Lupo’s Char-Pit on East Main Street in the town of Union for a report of two men attempting to steal used cooking oil. An employee confronted the two men who were in a rental box truck bearing New Jersey license plates. The men left the area but were stopped by Troopers and members of the Broome County Sheriff’s Department on Interstate 81 in the town of Binghamton. During the investigation, Troopers located large tanks containing used cooking oil inside the box truck, along with industrial hoses and a gas-powered water pump. Both men identified as Barry D. Charles, 26 of Newark, New Jersey and Nasir A. Bey, 29 of Newark, New Jersey. They were each charged with: Attempted Petit Larceny, a misdemeanor Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 5th degree, a misdemeanor Possession of Burglar Tools, a misdemeanor Conspiracy in the 6th degree, a misdemeanor Both men were issued appearance tickets to the Union Town Court on August 4, 2026, and released. Businesses that maintain cooking oil storage containers are advised to take steps to reduce the risk of theft, including: Installing cameras that monitor the storage areas Keeping storage tanks in well-lit areas whenever possible Using locks on containers Reporting suspicious vehicle or individuals on the property immediately by calling 911 Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/nysp-warns-businesses-about-thefts-used-cooking-oil

At a morning press conference held at the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Robert Maciol introduced the newest member of the Sheriff's Office K9 Unit. K9 "Billie", an English Black Lab, is an Electronics Storage Detection canine assigned to the Sheriff's Office Road Patrol Division. Billie is trained to find cell phones, tablets, laptops, USB drives, SD cards, and other electronic storage devices. The chemical that Billie is trained to locate is Triphenylphosphine Oxide (TPPO), a substance that is part of all electronic devices. Billie is also currently in training to track lost or missing people. Billie was originally born in the Netherlands and purchased from Vohneliche Kennels in Denver, Indiana. Billie was purchased with funding graciously provided by WB Payne Co. Inc. of Boonville, New York and Tolpa's Auto Parts in Remsen, New York. Both businesses were presented with plaques in recognition of their significant contributions that made Billie's arrival possible. Billie is named after both Bill Tolpa, owner of Tolpa's Auto Parts and two William Payne's that are & were part of the WB Payne Family. Billie recently celebrated her 1st birthday this past July 4th and she is assigned to Deputy Thomas R. Bronson of the Sheriff's Office Road Patrol Division. So far in her career, Billie has taken part in several search warrants, including one with our Sheriff's Office along with ones in both Oswego County and Otsego County- in which Billie found three cell phones that contained images that put a sexual predator back in jail that was on parole for a previous offense.

The Crescent features spacious guest rooms and suites, panoramic views, direct indoor access to Turning Stone’s amenities, a café and a retail store showcasing products and artwork from Oneida Indian Nation members. The hotel will also be home to Salt, a new seventh-floor fine-dining restaurant featuring seafood, steaks, a raw bar and elevated views of the surrounding region. It is set to open to the public on July 22. The Oneida Nation is also building an Expo Center that will double the event space to 225,000 square feet. The expansion is expected to attract additional visitors, conventions and special events to Verona while creating new employment opportunities and supporting businesses throughout Central New York. The Crescent is now welcoming guests at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona.

A raccoon has tested positive for rabies in Whitesboro. The raccoon was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing on July 15, 2026, and positive results were reported on July 16, 2026. Two humans were exposed to the raccoon. Signs of rabies include: • Animal acting strangely • Animal acting mad •Animal acting shy • Animal getting unusually close • Drooling or foaming from the mouth If you see an animal, wild or stray, with these signs, do not approach it and stay away. If any animal is acting strangely, call your local animal control officer for help. Additional resources include: • Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator: Licensed by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) • Wildlife Rehabilitator: Licensed by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) • Department of Environmental Conservation at 1-844-332-3267 • Environmental Conservation Officer Rosters • Local police department Per NYS Public Health Law, all dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies by 4 months-old and then one year following the initial dose. Dogs and cats need to receive a booster dose every three years following. Ferrets must receive booster doses annually. For the safety of pets and the convenience of county residents, the Oneida County Health Department offers Rabies Vaccination Clinics throughout the year in various community locations. The next two clinics are taking place in Rome and Trenton • August 3, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Rome Kennedy Arena • October 9, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Town of Trenton Offices For more information on rabies prevention, visit oneidacountyny.gov/rabies. If you have questions or are concerned about a possible rabies exposure, contact the Oneida County Health Department at 315-798-5064 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

The New York State Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred on Friday, July 10, 2026, at approximately 10:04 p.m. on State Route 3 in the Town of Wilna, Jefferson County. The preliminary investigation determined that 21-year-old Damon S. Intorcia, of Carthage, was operating a 2005 Harley-Davidson motorcycle westbound on State Route 3 when he exited the north shoulder of the roadway, struck a guide wire, and was ejected from the motorcycle. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and pronounced Intorcia deceased. The Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded to the scene and conducted an investigation. No evidence of foul play was identified, and the investigation has been closed.

UTICA, N.Y. Thousands of runners, volunteers, and spectators came together across the Mohawk Valley on Sunday, July 12, for the 49th running of the Boilermaker Road Race. The annual event once again transformed the streets of Utica and surrounding communities into a celebration of athletic achievement, local pride and community spirit. All of the 2026 races sold out, including the internationally recognized 15K, which had a capacity of 11,000 participants, and the 5K, which was capped at 4,500 runners. The 5K began at 7:15 a.m., followed by the wheelchair race at 7:45 a.m. and the 15K at 8 a.m. International Athletes Claim 15K Titles Kenya’s Alex Matata captured the men’s 15K championship, crossing the finish line in 42 minutes and 24 seconds. Ethiopia’s Tsigie Gebreselama won the women’s division in 47 minutes and 29 seconds, setting a new women’s course record. The previous record of 47:33 had been established in 2023. The elite athletes were followed by thousands of runners of all ages and abilities, many of whom trained for months to participate in one of Central New York’s most celebrated traditions. In the 5K, Thomas Rivier, a Colgate University track and cross-country athlete from Carlisle, Massachusetts, was the top male finisher with a time of 16:19. Dorcas Huang of Philadelphia was the top female finisher, completing the race in 18:06. More Than a Race The Boilermaker course carried runners through Utica, New Hartford and Yorkville before ending near the F.X. Matt Brewing Company on Varick Street. Crowds lined neighborhoods and major roadways throughout the course, offering water, encouragement, music and homemade signs to keep participants moving toward the finish line. For many runners, the Boilermaker is not simply about finishing with the fastest time. It represents months of preparation, personal goals, family traditions, and the determination to complete the challenging 9.3-mile course. The event also highlights the work of thousands of volunteers, law-enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, medical teams, public-works employees, and community organizations that help keep participants and spectators safe. A Major Weekend for the Mohawk Valley Boilermaker Weekend brings visitors from across the United States and around the world into the Utica area. Local hotels, restaurants, stores, gas stations, and other small businesses benefit from the increased activity surrounding the race, Health and Wellness Expo, and post-race celebration. The race has become one of the Mohawk Valley’s most recognizable events and an annual opportunity to showcase the region’s hospitality and community pride. From the elite runners competing for a championship to the everyday participants working toward a personal milestone, the 2026 Boilermaker once again demonstrated why the event is considered much more than a race. The milestone 50th Boilermaker Road Race is scheduled for Sunday, July 11, 2027. CNYOnline.com Local News Your source for news and community stories from across Central New York.

On July 9, 2026, at approximately 11:36 a.m., the New York State Police responded to Interstate 81 southbound in the town of Cicero for a property damage crash involving a tow truck and a bridge. The investigation determined that Adam P. Mullings, 34, of Syracuse, was operating a 2002 yellow International flatbed tow truck southbound in the right lane of Interstate 81. The tow truck was transporting a 2019 Ford F550 on its flatbed when it attempted to pass beneath the Taft Road bridge. The vehicle being transported struck the underside of the bridge, causing damage to both the Ford F550 and the bridge. The New York State Department of Transportation was notified of the bridge damage. No injuries were reported. Mullings was issued multiple traffic tickets. Source Troop D state Police