🌱 Oneida Board Facing Lawsuit + Two Teenagers Charged With Murder

Hello, neighbors. It's Monday in Utica and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in the community today.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Breezy in the afternoon. High: 70 Low: 45.
• Tuesday: Partly sunny and breezy. High: 76 Low: 36.

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Here are the top three stories today in Utica:

1. An investigation is ongoing regarding the death of an eight-month-old infant who passed away last week in nearby Steuben. Troopers arrived at a home on Fuller Road after receiving a call about an unresponsive child and attempted life-saving measures that were ultimately unsuccessful. The baby was transported to St. Luke's Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. The cause of death has not yet been determined, but an autopsy is scheduled. (Oneida Dispatch)
2. The Oneida County Board of Elections is currently facing a lawsuit from a candidate who is taking action against the board. Michael Hennessy, who was running for Oneida County Executive, will have his case heard this Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at the State Supreme Court in Utica. The case questions the board's decisions to deem 585 of Hennessy's signatures invalid, leaving him short of the 1,000 needed to be eligible for candidacy. (WKTV)
3. Two teens were charged with murder in connection with a January 2023 shooting that killed 25-year-old William Morris of Utica. The incident occurred on Jan. 2 on the 1200 block of Seymour Avenue. Patrol officers in the area heard the shooting and responded to the scene, where they reportedly a green van driving "suspiciously." When officers attempted to pull over the vehicle, the driver tried to flee the scene. Officers were able to capture one of the suspects in the vehicle without incident, as well as secure a loaded handgun. The driver was later identified and both were charged with murder. (CNYcentral.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Utica:

Monday, May 15

• Story Time - Dunham Public Library Whitesboro, NY (10:00 AM)
• Utica City School District Budget Presentation - John F. Kennedy Middle School (6:00 PM)

Tuesday, May 16

• Preschool Story Time - Utica Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Utica Zoning Board Of Appeals - Utica City Hall (5:00 PM)
• Pilgrim: A Course for the Christian Journey - Grace Church (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Join the Rescue Mission of Utica on Jun. 15 for the 16th Annual Rescue Mission of Utica Golf Tournament at the Twin Ponds Golf & Country Club. Registration information and sponsorship opportunities can be found at uticamission.org. (Rescue Mission of Utica via Facebook)
• The Utica Zoo wished all mothers a Happy Mother's Day, including the zoo's newest mother Snowflake, who just gave birth to her new baby Gibbon. In honor of Snowflake's baby, the zoo gave free admission to all mothers on Sunday for a great family celebration. (Utica Zoo via Facebook)
• This week the Utica Coffee Roasting Company is presenting some fresh brews for coffee lovers in the city. Visit their Facebook post to learn how to order your favorite cup of joe. (Utica Coffee Roasting Company via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today. 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.