🌱 Local Woman Harms Family + Convicted Murderer Moves To Utica

Morning, friends! It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Utica Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in the community.

But first, today's weather:

Some sun, then clouds. High: 66 Low: 44.

Are you a business owner or marketer in Utica who wants to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales? If that's you, then I invite you to see how our newsletter sponsorships combine our local audience reach with your expertise to attract new customers. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Utica:

1. Utica resident Shelly L. Wilkes, 40, was accused of allegedly attacking family members in a moving vehicle on Route 49. Wilkes is facing multiple charges after attacking her daughter, sister, and niece in a moving vehicle on Route 49 in Rome, violating orders of protection. She is charged with three counts of first-degree contempt, three counts of second-degree harassment, second-degree reckless endangerment, and endangering the welfare of a child. (Subscription: Rome Sentinel)
2. A 22-year-old Utica man is facing drug charges after police allegedly found 70 grams of cocaine and over $8,300 in cash during a search of his home on Oswego Street. The man, Jamal Cochran, was arrested and charged with three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance after the police search, which took place on Apr. 26. The search and subsequent arrest are part of a lengthy investigation into the sale and distribution of drugs. (WKTV)
3. A former rapist and murderer has recently moved onto Bleeker Street in Utica after being granted parole. Carl Macedonio, 75, was convicted of rape and murder in 1971 and spent over 50 years in prison before moving to Utica. Macedonio is also a registered level three sex offender, and the police department has shared his address. (WKTV)

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.

Today in Utica:

• MVBN 2023 Annual Mini-Conference At Utica Public Library (9:00 AM)
• National Historic Marker Day At Oneida County History Center (5:00 PM)
• Big Band Concert/Dance At Jewish Community Center Association (6:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know a Utica student who’s making a difference in the community? We want to hear about them! Click here to nominate a student to be featured on Patch.

From my notebook:

• A new study by Bumper.com found that electric vehicle ‘charging deserts’ — places where charging stations and ports are in short supply — stretch across states, largely divided by economic and racial lines. On average in New York, there are 7.70 charge ports per 10,000 people. Learn more about EV charging rates in New York and nationwide at the link. (Bumper.com)
• The Utica Police Department responded to retail fraud at the Home Depot on Northport yesterday. The suspects took off in an orange hatchback westbound on Hall Road. (Macomb County Scanner via Facebook)
• Join the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley to experience the journeys of the YMCA's 2023 Determination Honorees! Ten recipients were honored at the Determination Celebration on Saturday, Apr. 22 at Vernon Downs Casino & Hotel. Watch a compilation of their accomplishments at the link. (YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Take better care of your bones – Join HSS for a new webinar on 5/3 (May 3)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! I'll see you around.

— 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.