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Johnson City YMCA to use $1.2 million state grant to renovate swimming pool
JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. — The West Family Branch YMCA will use $1.2 million in state funding to renovate the branch’s pool to improve activities that

Crews complete work on Binghamton’s Murray Street railroad bridge project
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Murray Street in Binghamton has reopened to traffic following the completion of a major project to rehabilitate the railroad bridges between Clinton

SU women’s basketball coach to speak at CenterState CEO Economic Champions event
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University women’s basketball coach Felisha Legette-Jack will be the keynote speaker at CenterState CEO’s annual Economic Champions event on Oct. 29. It’s scheduled from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center at Oncenter. Legette-Jack, who also played for and graduated from SU, is a graduate of the Syracuse
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University women’s basketball coach Felisha Legette-Jack will be the keynote speaker at CenterState CEO’s annual Economic Champions event on Oct. 29.
It’s scheduled from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center at Oncenter.
Legette-Jack, who also played for and graduated from SU, is a graduate of the Syracuse City School District.
She guided the Orange women’s basketball team to back-to-back 20-win seasons in her first two years and made a postseason tournament both seasons. The team didn’t qualify the post season during the 2024-25 season.
CenterState CEO’s Economic Champions event acknowledges hundreds of businesses and organizations that are contributing to the growth of the Central New York economy. The contributions include new jobs, new business openings, expansions and investments, and company milestones.
During the event, Legette-Jack will share her own personal journey of recovery and rebuilding, and how it mirrors Syracuse’s current trajectory.
“I knew the city as a kid, came back for a time as an assistant head coach, and now, after twenty-two years away, I feel blessed to finally be home again,” Legette-Jack said in the CenterState CEO announcement. “In many ways, my own path of growth and recovery runs alongside Syracuse’s story. I’ve seen the loss of businesses and industry, but I also see the exciting possibilities that are ahead for our community. I see hundreds of businesses preparing to embrace the future of My City — Our City, and I’m simply here to celebrate that future with you.”
“Central New York is built on the spirit of turning challenges into fuel for progress. At a time of new growth and possibilities for our region, it’s important to recognize the collective impact and outstanding achievements—large and small—of the business community that are the foundation of that success,” Ben Sio, acting president and CEO of CenterState CEO, said. “We’re thrilled to have Coach Jack joining us as this year’s speaker, to share her enthusiasm and lessons in resilience, recovering from setbacks and preparing for the future, particularly as we look ahead as a region and rally forward toward event greater progress.”
The event will also feature remarks from CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson, and the presentation of the 2025 Community Visionary Award. The award is presented to an organization that embodies a vision of economic opportunity and is creating a significant impact on community prosperity.

Taste of Syracuse raised more than $24,000 for two local nonprofits
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The fundraising effort at this past June’s Taste of Syracuse event generated more than $24,000 for two local nonprofit organizations. Galaxy Media, which organizes Taste of Syracuse, on Wednesday presented checks totaling just over $12,000 to both David’s Refuge and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York. The money collected for
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The fundraising effort at this past June’s Taste of Syracuse event generated more than $24,000 for two local nonprofit organizations.
Galaxy Media, which organizes Taste of Syracuse, on Wednesday presented checks totaling just over $12,000 to both David’s Refuge and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York.
The money collected for the two charities was a joint effort between two Taste of Syracuse sponsors, including The Summit Federal Credit Union and Tops Friendly Markets.
“We can’t thank our partners enough for their tremendous support of the festival and for their generosity in regard to giving back to local charities,” Carrie Wojtaszek, COO of Galaxy Events, said in the announcement.
Taste of Syracuse — described as Central New York’s biggest food and music festival — attracted an estimated 200,000 people over two days.
“Being a caregiver can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with physical, emotional, and financial challenges. We are thrilled that we were able to highlight the work of these two organizations that do so much to support families and caregivers in Central New York,” Twanda Christensen, VP of marketing and community engagement for The Summit Federal Credit Union, said.
“Every year, we are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community and grateful for their willingness to give back to those in need,” Courtney Mailhot, community relations manager of Tops Friendly Markets, added. “Being able to shine a light on these two amazing organizations, who do so much for our neighbors each and every day, while helping to raise much-needed funds for their cause, truly embodies our Neighbors Helping Neighbors philosophy.”

Syracuse STEAM High School opens to first class of students
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Freshman students began their studies at the new Syracuse STEAM High School on Wednesday after local officials held a grand-opening event on

State funding awarded to farm and food businesses for equipment, infrastructure improvements
ALBANY, N.Y. — Farms, food processors, and distributors in Central New York, Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier, and the North Country are among 69 across New

UTICA, N.Y. — The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has awarded a $500,000 grant for an investigation ongoing at the Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI)

Five arrested for theft of golf carts from Millstone Golf Course
ELBRIDGE, N.Y. — The New York State Police say they have arrested five people in connection with the theft of three golf carts from Millstone Golf Course in the town of Elbridge. On Aug. 26, at 2:26 a.m., New York State Police from the Auburn station, along with Cayuga County Sheriff’s deputies and Auburn Police
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ELBRIDGE, N.Y. — The New York State Police say they have arrested five people in connection with the theft of three golf carts from Millstone Golf Course in the town of Elbridge.
On Aug. 26, at 2:26 a.m., New York State Police from the Auburn station, along with Cayuga County Sheriff’s deputies and Auburn Police officers, responded to a suspicious incident on Meadowlark Drive in the village of Weedsport in Cayuga County.
Upon arrival, responding police agencies located and detained five individuals, four of whom were juveniles and one an adult. The defendants had fled on foot from law-enforcement officers before being apprehended, State Police announced.
An investigation revealed that three golf carts had been taken without permission from Millstone, located on Route 5, near the Cayuga/Onondaga County line.
The four juveniles were each charged with criminal possession of stolen property-3rd Value, exceeding $3,000 (a felony). They were issued juvenile appearance tickets and released to their parents or guardians.
The adult defendant, Scott L. Evans, age 19, of Liverpool, was charged with criminal possession stolen property-3rd Value, exceeding $3,000, and endangering the welfare of a child. Evans was processed at the State Police Auburn station and transported to the Cayuga County Jail to await centralized arraignment.

Operation Oswego County announces details on The Summit: Oswego County Manufacturing 2025
FULTON, N.Y. — Operation Oswego County (OOC) says the event called The Summit: Oswego County Manufacturing 2025 will return next month. It’s scheduled for Oct.

Ensuring Employees Get the Mental Health Support They Need
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, depression symptoms disrupt daily functioning, including cognitive performance in the workplace for 87.9% of affected adults.
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.