🌱 Local Man Charged With Menacing + Street Named After Utica Pastor

Good morning, Utica! I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Humid with heavy t-storms. High: 80 Low: 65.
• Tuesday: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 78 Low: 65.

From our sponsor:

Today’s Utica Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Utica Patch newsletter possible.

Here are the top three stories in Utica today:

1. According to Utica police, 43-year-old Joseph Arsenault has been charged with menacing and criminal possession of a weapon. Police confiscated eight swords from a North Utica hotel room after receiving a call from a man claiming he had been in an argument and altercation with Arsenault. Reportedly, Arsenault also threatened the man with a sword. (WIBX AM 950)
2. Proctor seniors at the Midtown Utica Community Center are helping to create and grow the new trend of cap decorating, involving sequins, stickers, and other accessories. They met at the center to decorate their graduation caps. The center expects 15 graduates to join this year and hopes to grow the cap decorating tradition in the future. (WKTV)
3. Father Joe Salerno, a longtime pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, had a street named after him at a surprise party outside of the church in Utica. The street, named Father Salerno Way, is now part of Barton Avenue. Dozens gathered, including Utica's mayor, on Friday to unveil the surprise. (WKTV)

🏘️ Looking to differentiate yourself from other real estate agents in Utica? Partner with the Utica Patch and gain access to a targeted, engaged audience through our premium newsletter sponsorships. Click here to learn more.

Today and tomorrow in Utica:

Monday, June 26

• Utica Roadrunners Blood Drive At American Legion Utica Post 229 (1:00 PM)
• (PAL) Parents Of Addicted Loved Ones At The Good News Center (6:00 PM)

Tuesday, June 27

• Compeer Nature Walk At Utica Marsh Trail Head (10:00 AM)
• Women At The Well At The Good New Center (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Swim lessons are now being offered with signups starting on today (Jun. 26) at the Parkway Recreation Center. Three pools are open: Addison Miller in West Utica, Buckley Pool in East Utica, and Seymour Pool in North Utica. Open swimming is Monday-Saturday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with swimming lessons on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; senior swim is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Seymour Pool. (WKTV)
• Public Service Announcement! With New York facing heavy rain and flooding for the next few days, the NYSDOT is urging residents to be smart and stay safe during major storms. Avoid traveling during major storms and turn around if water is covering a road. (NYSDOT via Twitter)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward live in Syracuse! (July 15)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday off right! See you soon for 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.