🌱 Correction's Officer Suspended + Oneida County Launches Lawsuit

Hey, everybody. It's Monday in Utica and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 84 Low: 52.
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High: 84 Low: 53.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Utica today:

1. Jacob Mayo has been suspended without pay by the Oneida County Sheriff's Office as he was arrested this past Wednesday for lying about checking on prison inmates and falsifying paperwork surrounding these falsely reported checks. After an investigation, it was shown that he had been lying about conducting tours and logging fake reports in written statements in the system. Surveillance footage shows he never went on the tours he logged. He is now being charged with falsifying business records and has been given an appearance ticket from Whitestown Court. Mayo has been working as a corrections officer since 2019. (syracuse.com)
2. Oneida County has launched a lawsuit against for ownership of three airliners that have been abandoned on the southwest side of the Griffiss International Airport. The three airliners were set to be sent over to a scrapyard previously but have since been sitting there without any use. If Oneida County wins the lawsuit and gains ownership of the airliners, they plan to have them scrapped and take the space back. (WKTV)
3. Last week, State Senator Joe Griffo made an appearance at the New York State Legislature Correspondents Association Show in Albany with 10-year-old Ben Kidwell from New Hartford to make the Republican rebuttal. Ben helped the Senator show his creative side as he played Allentown by Billy Joel as Griffo sang his own lyrics poking at Governor Hochul and Albany politics. This is very similar to when Albany politicians used the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner to have some fun. Governor Hochul also did give the Democratic rebuttal at the show. (WKTV)

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Today and tomorrow in Utica:

Monday, May 29

• Memorial Day Parade In Utica, NY (9:00 AM)
• Maker Monday: Teen Program At Jervis Public Library Rome, NY (4:00 PM)

Tuesday, May 30

• Story Time At Kirkland Town Library, Clinton, NY (10:30 AM)
• Chicken Barbecue At Schuyler Commons (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Rescue Mission of Utica is currently looking for a Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee to join its cause in making a positive difference in people's lives. If you or someone you know may be a great fit for this position or wants to learn more, please check out the website or come in to learn more. (Rescue Mission of Utica via Facebook)
• Utica Zoo's fun animal fact of the day: Bearded dragons change the color of their "beard" based on their mood. When the lizard is in a good mood, the beard is normally lighter. When it is darker, the animal is normally upset. Utica Zoo is open to the public 363 days a year from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (Utica Zoo via Facebook)
• If you're looking for a delicious and refreshing drink to set off your morning smile, stop by Utica Coffee Roasting Company for a Cinnamon Roll Latte. Don't miss out on this Spring Menu Drink treat, as supplies are limited and the season is coming to an end. (Utica Coffee Roasting Company via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll catch up with you bright and early soon with your next update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.