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New York manufacturing index turns positive in October
The general-business conditions index of the Empire State Manufacturing Survey climbed 19 points to 10.7 in October, representing its third positive reading in the past

Broome County places first fully electric buses into service
VESTAL, N.Y. — Broome County Transit’s first fully electric buses are now in service, transporting the public. Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, BC Transit Commissioner Greg Kilmer, and Marie Therese Dominguez, commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation, gathered for Tuesday’s event announcing the deployment of the electric buses. Broome County sees it
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VESTAL, N.Y. — Broome County Transit’s first fully electric buses are now in service, transporting the public.
Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, BC Transit Commissioner Greg Kilmer, and Marie Therese Dominguez, commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation, gathered for Tuesday’s event announcing the deployment of the electric buses. Broome County sees it as a “major milestone in the county’s efforts to modernize its public transportation system, reduce emissions, and strengthen sustainability,” per its announcement.
Federal and state grants primarily paid for the six new 40-foot GILLIG battery-electric buses, with nearly 95 percent of the $10.4 million total project cost supported by outside funding sources, Broome County said.
The project received $3.25 million through the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Vehicle program, $4.3 million in federal formula funding, $1.54 million from the New York State Truck Voucher Inventive program, and $754,000 in state capital funding.
Broome County contributed just over $540,000, representing only about 5 percent of the total project cost, the county said.
“Broome County depends on BC Transit to connect our residents to work, school and essential services every day,” Garnar said in the Broome County announcement. “This investment allows us to modernize our fleet while protecting taxpayers. Nearly 95% of this project was funded through state and federal grants, helping us bring cleaner, quieter, and more reliable transit to the people of Broome County.”
The new zero-emission buses replace older diesel models.
To support the new fleet, BC Transit has installed six Heliox/Siemens 180 kW chargers featuring a retractable arm system that keeps charging cables safely overhead inside the transit depot. Charging-infrastructure design and construction was led by PlugIn Stations Online, with site management by the New York Power Authority. Additional plans call for solar panels and on-site battery storage at the Vestal Transit Center by 2027, ensuring service continuity and energy resiliency, the county said.

Onondaga County Legislature approves 2026 county budget with 11 percent cut in property tax rate
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Onondaga County Legislature on Tuesday approved the 2026 county budget. The spending plan includes an 11 percent cut in the property

SRC delivers 100th Gryphon R1540 radar panel
CICERO, N.Y. — SRC, Inc. on Tuesday announced it has delivered its 100th Gryphon R1540 radar panel, “marking a milestone that underscores the system’s proven

National Grid New York president to speak at SUNY Oswego on Oct. 24
OSWEGO, N.Y. — Sally Librera, president of National Grid New York, will be the featured guest during SUNY Oswego’s second annual Sheldon Lecture on

Naturally Lewis names nominees for membership awards, seeks votes
LOWVILLE, N.Y. — Naturally Lewis has announced the nominees for its 2025 Naturally Lewis Membership Awards and is accepting votes from the public on them through Oct. 24. It’s a chance for community members to have their say and help recognize Naturally Lewis member businesses and organizations that have made significant contributions to the community
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LOWVILLE, N.Y. — Naturally Lewis has announced the nominees for its 2025 Naturally Lewis Membership Awards and is accepting votes from the public on them through Oct. 24.
It’s a chance for community members to have their say and help recognize Naturally Lewis member businesses and organizations that have made significant contributions to the community this year.
The nominees for this year’s awards have demonstrated “exceptional dedication” to the growth and prosperity of Lewis County, Naturally Lewis said. Each nominee has met the criteria set forth by Naturally Lewis, demonstrating their commitment to revitalization, job creation, quality of life, and tourism. All nominees are active Naturally Lewis members.
Naturally Lewis will announce the winners at its Membership Awards Night on Nov. 19.
Voting for the 2025 Naturally Lewis Membership Awards programs is available at: naturallylewis.com/events/membership-awards-night.
Awards and nominees
The Naturally Lewis Business of the Year Award honors a business that contributes to greater economic growth and development in a variety of ways (i.e. increasing the tax base), getting involved in the community, and continuously improving itself to remain competitive. Those nominated are:
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes an entrepreneur whose vision and leadership have not only achieved substantial business success, but have also significantly contributed to economic growth and development in Lewis County. Those nominated are:
The Discover Tug Hill Award is for tourism-based members that promote Lewis County to residents and tourists alike as the ideal place to live, work, and play. The winner of this award should bring visitors from over 50 miles away to Lewis County, provide opportunities for Lewis County residents, and promote Lewis County as a recreation destination. Those nominated are:
The Community Excellency Award recognizes a standout project or program led by a Lewis County community organization that demonstrates exceptional commitment to serving and enhancing the community. Those nominated are:

Downtown Farmers Market to conclude 2025 season on Tuesday
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Downtown Farmers Market, which has operated on Tuesdays since June near Clinton Square in downtown Syracuse, will finish its 53rd season

NOCO installing energy-efficient lighting at 45 Tops Markets stores
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — NOCO says its Energy Solutions team has been working with Tops Friendly Markets to install energy-efficient lighting at 45 of its grocery

Upstate Medical University is part of the new SUNY Brain Institute
ALBANY, N.Y. — Upstate Medical University in Syracuse is among the SUNY campuses that are part of the new SUNY Brain Institute. Gov. Kathy Hochul

SUNY Poly expands graduate offerings with master’s degree in civil engineering
MARCY, N.Y. — SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) this week said it’s starting a master of science (MS) degree program in civil engineering. It’s designed to “prepare the next generation of engineers with the advanced expertise and leadership skills required to address pressing infrastructure and sustainability challenges,” the university said. “The launch of SUNY Poly’s
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MARCY, N.Y. — SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) this week said it’s starting a master of science (MS) degree program in civil engineering.
It’s designed to “prepare the next generation of engineers with the advanced expertise and leadership skills required to address pressing infrastructure and sustainability challenges,” the university said.
“The launch of SUNY Poly’s MS in Civil Engineering program reflects our commitment to preparing engineers who can rise to today’s most urgent challenges, from infrastructure modernization to climate resilience,” Abdullah Eroglu, dean of the College of Engineering, said in the school’s announcement. “Our graduates will be uniquely equipped to lead in this vital field.”
The new 30-credit MS in civil engineering offers both full-time and part-time options, accommodating working professionals, recent graduates, and international students, SUNY Poly said.
Students may choose between the Thesis Track, which includes a 9-credit master’s thesis, offering the chance to conduct original research in a specialized area of civil engineering. The other option is the non-Thesis Track, which includes a 3-credit master’s project or an additional course, enabling students to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges.
In its announcement, SUNY Poly says civil engineering is “more than just bridges and buildings — it is the foundation of modern society.” As one of the oldest and most impactful engineering disciplines, it spans fields such as structural, geotechnical, transportation, environmental, construction, and water-resources engineering, the university added.
SUNY Poly is currently accepting applications for the spring 2026 and fall 2026 semesters. Ideal applicants hold a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Application information is available on its website.
The application fee is waived for military veterans, active-duty service members, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and their spouses and dependents; SUNY Poly alumni; current matriculated students; and graduates of the EOP, HEOP, and SEEK opportunity programs, the school said.
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