Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How Utica police connected three armed robberies to one suspect
Happening soon: Jay Medal Soirée on the Utica Patch calendar
Hey there, Utica! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How Utica police connected three armed robberies to one suspect
- What Utica businesses must do now under Oneida County's kratom ban
- Who's joining Oneida County's Hall of Fame this October in Utica?
Also on today's calendar: Jay Medal Soirée and 1 more event.
Today's riddle: What is full of holes but still holds water? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Friday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 81 and low of 58 degrees.
- Saturday: Partial sunshine, temps: high: 83, low: 63.
- Sunday: A shower and t-storm; humid, with a high of 77 and low of 60 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Armed robberies reported in Utica (newportdispatch.com) — Utica police have arrested an 18-year-old city resident in connection with three armed robberies over three consecutive days at a deli, a delivery stop, and a smoke shop on Mohawk and Broad streets. Investigators linked the incidents through surveillance footage and Crime Analysis Center photos before spotting a suspect on Mohawk Street and bringing him to the Utica Police Department for questioning and charges. 
2. Oneida County law signed to officially enact local kratom ban (uticaod.com) — Oneida County has officially banned the sale of kratom and kratom-derived products, with enforcement already underway and fines starting at $500 per violation for any business in the county, including Utica. The same update notes Utica is seeking project proposals for its NY Forward planning committee, giving city stakeholders a chance to help shape upcoming revitalization efforts.
3. Announcing the Historical Hall of Fame and Living Legends Class of 2026! (iloveny.com) — Utica residents are invited to celebrate the 2026 Historical Hall of Fame and Living Legends honorees at the Irish Cultural Center on October 8, recognizing figures like Utica's first kindergarten founder and a beloved WKTV anchor. The Oneida County History Center's fundraiser supports exhibit upgrades, digital archives, and even winter snow removal, helping preserve and share local stories. Tickets are on sale now with member and table pricing options.
4. Man arrested on weapons charges in Chenango (newportdispatch.com) — A 30-year-old Utica resident was arrested after a traffic stop in Chenango, where state police say they found multiple illegal handguns and discovered he was driving with a suspended registration and no valid license. He now faces several felony weapons charges, including possession of loaded firearms and a defaced "ghost gun," and was taken to Broome County Jail for arraignment. The case involves multiple specialized law-enforcement units.
5. Finch Flies In Utica-Rome Sportsman Go (speedsport.com) — Race fans near Utica get a detailed recap of the recent DIRTcar Sportsman Championship Series stop at Utica-Rome Speedway, where Tony Finch II capped SummerFAST with a dominant feature win. Young driver Bodie Marks held on for second despite tire issues, while first-time Utica-Rome racer Cody Manitta charged from eighth to finish third. The full 30-car finishing order highlights many regional drivers.
📸 Around Utica
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Utica
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Jay Medal Soirée →
Jay Estate, 210 Boston Post Rd, Rye
5:30 pm
Saturday September 19
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Board of Education Regular Meeting
Utica City SD Utica, NY 13501
6:30 pm - Utica R.I.S.E. Second Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser →
Stonebridge Golf & Country Club, 2430 Graffenburg Rd, New Hartford
9:00 am - Walk and talk →
Clinton Arena, 36 Kirkland Ave, Clinton
6:00 pm
Tuesday August 25
Sunday August 30
Monday August 31
📣 Utica Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Tech Time with Jim →
Dunham Public Library, 76 Main St, Whitesboro
10:30 am - Fall Sports Begin
Oriskany Csd Oriskany, NY 13424 - Modified, JV & Varsity Practices/Tryouts Begin
Clinton Csd Clinton, NY 13323 - Technology for Beginners →
Dunham Public Library, 76 Main St, Whitesboro
2:00 pm - Cardio Drumming Exercise Program For Adults →
Dunham Public Library, 76 Main St, Whitesboro
5:15 pm - Wigglers Story Time →
Kirkland Town Library, 55 1/2 College St, Clinton
10:30 am - Regular Board of Education Meeting, Comets Library
Clinton Csd Clinton, NY 13323
5:30 pm - Board Meeting
Sauquoit Valley Csd Sauquoit, NY 13456
6:00 pm - Board of Education Meeting (If Needed)
Oriskany Csd Oriskany, NY 13424
6:00 pm
Saturday August 22
Monday August 24
Tuesday August 25
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Anyone looking to get their car detailed??
I have 3 spots open for tomorrow and Friday !! (Nextdoor South Utica) - You do not want to miss the Zonta Club Fundraiser.
Music, food, and fun, fun, fun! Get your tickets now!!! (Nextdoor West Utica)
- Mohawk Valley Health Systems posted a job opening for *Food Service Worker-RNC- Part Time - Variable Shifts in Utica. Apply here.
- PriceRite Marketplace posted a job opening for Price Rite - Night Crew Clerk - Part Time (PRRC NY, RI) Salary Range $16.75 - $21.00/hr in Utica. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Utica here.
Ok Utica! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A sponge (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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