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🌱 Patch AM: Why Swifty’s Utica pub is still dark while others reopen

Make time for Family Board Game Saturdays on the Utica Patch calendar

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Good morning to you Utica! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Swifty’s Utica pub is still dark while others reopen
  • Why are seven Utica residents now banned from Sangertown Square?
  • Which rising prospects are suddenly driving the Utica Comets’ offense?

Also on today's calendar: Hoilday Train Display at the Oneida County History Center and 1 more event.

Find out what's happening in Uticafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I used to work in a doughnut shop. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Uticafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Wednesday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 36 and low of 24 degrees.
  • Thursday: Cloudy; breezy in the p.m., temps: high: 36, low: 4. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Friday: Colder; afternoon snow, 1-2", with a high of 19 and low of 14 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Swifty's reopens in Albany area; Utica location remains closed (cnyhomepage.com) — Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub locations in Colonie and Delmar have reopened, but the Genesee Street location in Utica is still closed after a state tax seizure earlier this month. The owner admits mistakes over unpaid taxes and says he’s contacted staff, while state officials say reopening depends on good-faith efforts to resolve the debt.
   

2. Eight charged in November Sangertown Square Mall brawl (cnyhomepage.com) — Several Utica residents are facing charges after a late-November brawl at Fun Nation Action Park in Sangertown Square, where police say about 10 people were fighting. New Hartford and Oneida County officers broke up the disturbance, later charging eight people, including seven from Utica, with second-degree riot. All eight have been banned from the mall and will appear in New Hartford Town Court.
   

3. New Jersey Devils Prospect Update: Squires Scores First Goal of the Season as Malek and the Comets Win in Shootout (allaboutthejersey.com) — Utica hockey fans just saw the Comets edge Wilkes-Barre in a 3-2 shootout, powered by strong goaltending from Jakub Malek and first goals of the season from Cam Squires and Josh Filmon. The piece highlights how several young Devils prospects in Utica, especially Lenni Hameenaho, are heating up as the team tries to climb the standings heading into the new year.
   

4. Explore Utica Marsh Wildlife Area: 'First Day Hike' on Jan. 1 (wktv.com) — Start the new year with a guided “First Day Hike” at Utica Marsh Wildlife Management Area, offering a four-mile walk through Erie Canal-side wetlands on Jan. 1, 2026. Participants will meet in nearby Marcy, are urged to dress for winter, register in advance, and can even bring leashed, well-behaved pets.
   

5. New York State Police Enforce 'Drive Sober' Campaign Until January 1 (wktv.com) — State Police based out of Utica are stepping up DWI checkpoints and patrols through Jan. 1, 2026 as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Holiday travelers from Utica will also see suspended lane closures, expanded Move Over Law enforcement, and free coffee at Thruway service areas on New Year’s Eve night.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Good morning North Utica Friends & Neighbors,
    From the facilitators of the North Utica Neighborhood Association, sending you warm wishes for a Christmas filled with treasured moments. May the… (Nextdoor North Utica)
  • I'm looking for a live in aide/nanny in Syracuse area.
    Must have References and must be able to pass a Cori check and get fingerprinted. Communication skills is a must Must be Reliable & Honest (Nextdoor West Utica)
  • Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Utica. Apply here.
  • Sodexo, Inc. posted a job opening for Food Service Worker in Utica. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Utica here.

Ok Utica! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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