Utica, NY –  The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office joined local leaders and community members last Thursday for Community Reader Day at Hughes Elementary School, part of the Utica City School District. Captain Reilly, Lieutenant Morgan, and Deputy Aldoori participated in the event, each visiting a different classroom to read with students and engage in meaningful conversations. Captain Reilly read to Ms. Aurigema’s class, Lieutenant Morgan joined Ms. Bohling’s students, and Deputy Aldoori spent time with Ms. Kenealy’s class. The event provided an opportunity for law enforcement officers to connect with young students in a positive and engaging setting, reinforcing the importance of literacy and community relationships. The Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the Hughes Elementary staff for organizing the event and making it a success.

On Tuesday, February 11th, the Syracuse Police SWAT team had the honor of attending a special event at the Ronald McDonald House of Central New York, where they dedicated the newly renovated 'Teen Room' in memory of our fallen brothers, Syracuse Police Officer, Michael Jensen, and Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, Lt. Michael Hoosock. Officer Jensen and Lt. Hoosock personify the qualities of courage, service, and sacrifice. Now, their legacy will live on in a space where young people facing challenges can find comfort and support. We are grateful to the Ronald McDonald House for this meaningful tribute and for all they do for families in our community.

Deadly Shooting in Mexico, NY: Suspect in Custody MEXICO, NY –  A deadly altercation in the early hours of February 15, 2025, has left one man dead and another behind bars. At approximately 2:54 a.m., New York State Police responded to a 911 call reporting a violent confrontation in the Tops parking lot on Main Street. Investigators say the suspect, arriving in a dark-colored Chevrolet pickup truck, exited his vehicle and engaged in a physical altercation with the victim. During the struggle, the suspect pulled out a firearm and fatally shot the victim before fleeing westbound. Authorities have identified the victim as 32-year-old Jacob Walsh of Mexico, NY . He was pronounced dead at the scene. Later that same day, police arrested Zachary W. Chilson, 31, of Mexico, NY , in connection with the homicide. Chilson has been charged with Murder in the Second Degree  and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree . He was arraigned on February 16 and remains in custody without bail at the Oswego County Jail. Unrelated Vehicle Thefts in the Area Just hours after the shooting, at approximately 6:04 a.m., Troopers responded to a report of a stolen vehicle in the same vicinity. Investigators later tracked another stolen vehicle and a suspect to Ogdensburg, NY. Following an extensive search, authorities arrested Kevin A. Doxtater, 32, of Oswego, NY , on charges of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree  and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree . While the timing raised initial concerns, officials have since confirmed that Doxtater’s alleged vehicle thefts were unrelated to the homicide investigation . He has also been arraigned and remains in custody. Investigation Ongoing New York State Police are continuing their investigation and urge anyone with information about the homicide to contact Troop D Headquarters at (315) 366-6000 . Further details will be released as they become available. Would you like any additional details or changes to the tone? Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/updated-new-york-state-police-investigating-shooting-tops-parking-lot

Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol has confirmed the death of an incarcerated individual at the Oneida County Correctional Facility after being found unresponsive in his cell on Tuesday afternoon. Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol has confirmed the death of an incarcerated individual at the Oneida County Correctional Facility after being found unresponsive in his cell on Tuesday afternoon. According to Sheriff Maciol, just before 3:00 p.m., a corrections officer discovered the male unresponsive in his assigned cell and immediately initiated the facility’s medical response protocol. Medical staff, along with several corrections officers, rushed to the scene and began life-saving efforts. Emergency responders from the Stanwix Heights Fire Department and Kunkel Ambulance also arrived at the facility to assist. Despite the rapid response, the individual was transported to Wynn Hospital in Utica, where he was later pronounced deceased. The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Officials have stated that additional details will be released as they become available. A full investigation into the incident is now underway, led by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, the New York State Commission of Corrections and the New York State Attorney General’s Office have launched independent investigations, as mandated by state law whenever a person dies while in the custody of law enforcement. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether foul play is suspected or if the individual had any known medical conditions. The Sheriff’s Office has assured the public that a thorough and transparent review of the circumstances surrounding the death will be conducted.

UTICA, N.Y.  – Today, Utica celebrates 193 years  since officially becoming a city on February 13, 1832 . Over nearly two centuries, Utica has transformed from a small settlement into a thriving hub of culture, industry, and community pride. A Rich History Rooted in Growth and Resilience Utica’s story begins in the late 18th century as a crucial stop along the Mohawk River , growing rapidly with the construction of the Erie Canal  in the 1820s. The canal brought commerce, industry, and people, shaping the city into a key center for manufacturing and trade. Throughout its history, Utica has been known for its resilience. From the Industrial Revolution  to economic shifts in the late 20th century, the city has continually evolved, adapting to new industries and embracing cultural diversity. A City Built on Community and Diversity One of Utica’s greatest strengths is its diverse population . Known as the “City that Loves Refugees,”  Utica has welcomed thousands of immigrants and refugees from around the world, enriching its cultural landscape. From Italian and Polish immigrants in the early 1900s to Bosnian, Burmese, and Somali communities in recent decades, Utica’s diversity is a testament to its spirit of inclusion and renewal . Modern-Day Utica: A City on the Rise Today, Utica is experiencing a renaissance. The city’s downtown has seen significant revitalization with new businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Projects like the Mohawk Valley Health System’s Wynn Hospital , the expansion of the Utica University Nexus Center , and investments in infrastructure are paving the way for a new era of progress . Utica is also home to a vibrant food scene , including the world-famous chicken riggies, tomato pie, and Utica greens . Its parks, museums, and local events continue to bring people together, celebrating the city's rich heritage and promising future. Looking Ahead: Utica’s Next Chapter As we commemorate 193 years , we also look forward to the future. With growing opportunities in technology, education, and small business development, Utica is poised for continued success. The city’s ability to adapt, innovate, and embrace change  ensures that it will remain a vital part of New York State for generations to come. Join the Celebration! Whether you’ve lived in Utica all your life or recently made it your home, today is a day to celebrate! Share your favorite memories, explore local history, or simply take a moment to appreciate the city’s journey. Happy 193rd Birthday, Utica!  🎉🎂 Here’s to many more years of growth, community, and success!

UTICA, N.Y.  – The Utica Elks Lodge honored local heroes once again by hosting its annual "Thank a Veteran Breakfast" , serving 280 meals  to veterans and community members. A Morning of Gratitude and Giving From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. , attendees enjoyed a hearty breakfast of sausage, bacon, eggs, home fries, and pancakes . As a gesture of appreciation, veterans dined for free , while non-veterans could purchase a meal for $10 . Cory O'Connor, one of the event organizers, expressed his enthusiasm, saying he "loves seeing all the veterans getting together." Community Support in Action Local students and volunteers played a significant role in making the event a success. Students from Central Valley Academy  and Boy Scouts Troop 111  were on hand to assist with serving meals and greeting guests. Additionally, residents from the House of the Good Shepherd  created heartfelt thank-you cards , which were proudly displayed throughout the lodge. “The Utica Center of Development and Veterans Outreach  work tirelessly to support our veterans, but they can’t do it alone,” O’Connor said. “This event helps raise funds to give back and support their vital programs.” Growing Impact This year’s breakfast was even more successful than the last, with 30 more meals served than in 2024 —a testament to the community’s unwavering commitment to its veterans. With strong participation and support, the Utica Elks Lodge continues to ensure that veterans receive the recognition and care they deserve.

(NewsUSA)  - Every 2 seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, and a single donation can save lives. Shortages in the nation’s blood supply can happen any time. Donors, especially those who donate regularly, keep our blood supply stable. Blood transfusions are essential for some patients undergoing surgery, or who’ve had serious injuries or are dealing with certain medical conditions. While everyone is impacted when there are shortages of blood and blood products, people living in communities with higher numbers of patients with rare blood types or diseases are disproportionately affected.       Take those with sickle cell disease (SCD), a condition that affects more than 100,000 people in the U.S., the majority of who are Black or of African ancestry. Many people with SCD need blood transfusions throughout their lives but often find it difficult to get the type they need. That’s why Black or African American blood donors are so vital, as 1 in 3 are a match for people with SCD. While it may seem outdated to think of blood in terms of race – the practice of segregating donated blood by race was discontinued shortly after World War II – scientific studies have found that to reduce the risk of transfusion complications, some people do require blood or blood products from donors with the same racial or ethnic background. Most people can give blood, but only 3% of Americans donate each year. If you are in good health, at least 16 or 17 years old (depending on the state), and weigh at least 110 pounds, consider donating. A diverse blood supply ensures that every American has equitable access to blood and blood products. You can make a difference in your community by donating blood and by encouraging others to do the same. Learn more by visiting the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Blood Diseases & Disorders Education Program . Callout: Diversity in Blood Types Most blood types fall into one of the four major groups: A, B, AB, O. Blood donations from all types are always needed. However, some people have rare blood types. Some of the rare blood types for African Americans include U- and Fy (a-b-). For these patients, the U.S. blood supply must be more diverse. The best blood type match for patients with rare blood types often comes from donors of the same race or similar ethnicity. Article Link https://about.newsusa.com/how-donating-blood-saves-and-improves-lives-in-your-c…

New York State Police have taken a suspect into custody in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred early this morning in the parking lot of Tops on Main Street. Authorities have confirmed that more details will be released as they become available. Incident Details At approximately 2:54 a.m. , Troopers responded to a 911 call  reporting an altercation at 3385 Main Street  in the Tops parking lot. According to the initial investigation, the suspect—who arrived in a dark-colored Chevrolet pickup truck —exited his vehicle and engaged in a physical altercation with the victim. During the confrontation, the suspect fired a weapon, fatally shooting the victim. After the shooting, the suspect fled the scene, last seen heading westbound on Main Street  in the same pickup truck. Witnesses described the suspect as a white male wearing a green camouflage shirt  with a hunting tag on the back . Victim Identified The victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene, has been tentatively identified as 32-year-old Jacob Walsh of Mexico, NY . Ongoing Investigation State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities have confirmed that the suspect has been located and taken into custody. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.

On February 6, 2025, State Police in Watertown arrested Shane L. Kirkby , age 43, for (1) count of Assault 1st degree (B-felony), (1) count of Assault 2nd degree (D-felony), (2) counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd degree (D-felony) and (2) counts of Menacing 2nd degree (A -misdemeanor), stemming from an assault that occurred on November 16, 2023 in the Town of Rutland. Search warrants that were conducted on Shane Kirkby’s cell phones subsequently led to additional charges of (1) count of Unlawful Surveillance (E-felony) and (1) count of Obscenity 3rd degree (A -misdemeanor) stemming from an unrelated incident that also occurred in the Town of Rutland. Shane Kirkby was arraigned on all charges in Jefferson County CAP Court and remanded to jail on $250,000 cash bail/ $500,000 secured bond/ $1,000,000 partially secured bond. Kirkby was issued a return court date of February 18, 2025, in the Town of Rutland Court.

In the early hours of Tuesday, February 13, 2024, a tractor-trailer crash led to significant traffic disruptions on State Route 8 in the Town of Paris. According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, deputies responded to the scene at approximately 1:32 AM following reports of a property damage accident. The crash occurred when Eric Wise, a driver from Saint Clair, Pennsylvania, lost control of his 2021 Mack tractor-trailer while traveling northbound. Officials determined that the combination of slippery road conditions and excessive speed for the weather caused the massive truck to slide off the roadway and into a ditch. The impact forced authorities to shut down northbound traffic at Oneida Street, while the southbound lane was also temporarily closed to allow emergency crews to safely remove the vehicle. Despite the severity of the crash and the challenges posed by icy conditions, no injuries were reported. Emergency responders worked efficiently to assess the situation and coordinate cleanup efforts. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office received assistance from multiple agencies, including the New York State Department of Transportation, the Clayville Fire Department, the Sauquoit Fire Department, and the New York State Police. A heavy-duty tow truck from Clinton Collision was brought in to remove the damaged tractor-trailer from the scene. Crews worked for several hours to clear the wreckage and ensure the roadway was safe for travel. By 5:25 AM, officials confirmed that Route 8 had been fully reopened, restoring normal traffic flow. This incident serves as a reminder for all drivers to exercise caution during winter weather conditions. Authorities urge motorists to reduce their speed and remain vigilant, especially when road surfaces become slick and visibility is reduced.

According to the Oneida County Sheriff, Robert M. Maciol, a Rome man was arrested after an investigation into a domestic dispute that occurred in the Town of Verona. On February 13th, 2025, at approximately 09:40 pm, Road Patrol Deputies were dispatched for a reported domestic dispute on Kelly Ave in the Town of Verona. Upon arrival, Deputies determined that the suspect, Robert Francis Young III, had arrived at the residence of his former intimate partner and started an altercation with the parties inside. After being told to leave the property, Young punched a window of the residence, causing it to shatter. Young also engaged in a physical altercation with a family member of the former intimate partner, who was on the scene at the time of the incident. Three children were on the scene and witnessed the incident take place. Deputies arrested and charged Young with (1) count of Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree- a class A Misdemeanor, (3) counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child- a Class A Misdemeanor, and (1) count of Harassment in the Second Degree- a violation. Young was transported to the Kurt B. Wyman Law Enforcement Building for processing where he was ultimately turned over to the Oneida County Jail pending his arraignment. Child Protective Services was contacted on behalf of the children. Deputies were assisted on the scene by the New York State Police.

According to Oneida County Sheriff, Robert Maciol, two people were sent to the hospital following a two-car motor vehicle accident on St Rt 13 in the Town of Vienna. Deputies responded to the accident at around 09:00 AM on 02/13/2025 and determined Jerry Miller of Camden, was operating his Ford F150 in a northern direction on St Rt 13.  Miller had lost control of his vehicle due to the slippery road conditions and was unable to recover, subsequently crossing into the southbound lane of travel, where he collided with an unmarked Oneida County Sheriff's Office vehicle, driven by David LaPlante.  Both LaPlante and Miller were transported to Rome Health for evaluation of non-life-threatening injuries.  Miller was issued a citation for Failure to Keep Right, returnable to Vienna Town Court at a later date. The Sheriff's Office was assisted on the scene by members of the McConnelsville Fire Department, Amcare Ambulance, Camden Fire Department, The Shop Collision, and Kirk's Auto.  Lieutenant Michael Gibbons #56 Oneida County Sheriff's Office