🌱 Overdose Spike Alert In Utica + Annual Jewtica Festival Returns

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new copy of the Utica Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: An afternoon shower. High: 75 Low: 51.
• Tuesday: Cooler with a shower or two. High: 63 Low: 49.

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Here are the top three stories today in Utica:

1. On Friday, the Oneida County Overdose Response Team released an overdose spike alert following three fatal drug overdoses on Thursday. The substances involved in each of the three West Utica incidents appeared different from each other, suggesting multiple supplies in the area. Authorities suspect the presence of fentanyl, an opioid-like substance, and are urging the public to access free resources — like Naloxone and Fentanyl test strips at the new public health kiosk in Utica — to help prevent further tragedies. (WKTV)
2. Utica is gearing up for the second annual Jewtica Festival on Jun. 11. The celebration of Jewish heritage and culture will take place on the front lawn of the Jewish Community Center (JCC). The JCC welcomes people of all faiths to attend and enjoy kosher food, live music, games and educational activities for the kids, and more. (Free: Happening Next; Subscription: Rome Sentinel)
3. A Utica man has been arrested for alleged sexual contact with a female child under the age of 11 in March of 2022. Matthew J. Laufer, 33, faces charges of first-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child; he was granted release from the Oneida County Jail upon posting his $10,000 bail. The victim has been offered an order of protection against Laufer, as well as support services from the Child Advocacy Center. (CNYcentral.com)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Utica:

Monday, June 5

• Movie Monday: Knock At The Cabin At Utica Public Library Gallery (5:30 PM)

Tuesday, June 6

• Cottage Lawn Farmers' Market At Madison County Historical Society, Oneida (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Saturday afternoon, five individuals were injured in a crash on North Genesee Street, with one requiring extraction from their vehicle with the "Jaws of Life" hydraulic rescue tool. All five were hospitalized for non-life-threatening injuries. (WKTV)
• Oneida Dispatch has announced that Kelberman's 2023 Walk for Autism, held on Apr. 29 at The Fitness Mill, raised upwards of $160,000 for autism services in the community. (Oneida Dispatch)

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Featured events:

• Northern Nurseries Stone & Design Open House (June 10)
• Add your event

That's it 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.