🌱 Pekmez Taken Off Utica's Ballot + 3 Arrested At Utica Trouble Spot

Hello, Utica. I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m.. High: 88 Low: 62.
• Saturday: Clouds and sun; not as warm. High: 78 Low: 46.

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Here are the top three stories today in Utica:

1. Judge James McClusky in the State Supreme Court ruled that Mirela Pekmez, candidate for Utica's first district councilperson, be officially taken off the ballot. Katie Aiello, the current first district councilwoman, had filed a lawsuit alleging that signatures on Pekmez's petitions were forged. On Wednesday, May 31, Pekmez admitted that a constituent told her to sign for them via ring doorbell camera. Judge McClusky said, "From the very beginning we felt that there was fraud throughout the petitions, and the fact that there was more, so much fraud, and on so few petitions, was shocking, and that’s why we came to court." (CNY Homepage)
2. On Thursday, Jun. 1, Utica Police arrested three people in connection with drug possession at a "trouble-spot" in West Utica, a home located at 813 Warren Street. Recently there was a murder, a fatal drug overdose, and there have been drug trafficking complaints from neighbors. Steven Creaco, 41, and 40-year-old Christopher Velleto, both of Utica, and 39-year-old Iesha Dean-Welch, of Rome, face charges related to criminal possession of a controlled substance. (wibx 950)
3. Utica Police announced the arrest of 24 year-old Curon Jackson in connection to the 2022 murder of Kaeron Henderson. Jackson was found and arrested by the New York City Police Department Street Crimes Unit. Both Jackson and 19-year-old Jamel Baker were indicted for murder in the second degree, but Baker is still at large. If you have any information surrounding this incident or Baker's location call the US Marshal Service or Utica Police Department. (WKTV)

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Today and tomorrow in Utica:

Friday, Jun. 2

• Cait Devin At Bagg’s Square Brewing Company (7:00 PM)
• Girl Singer... A Tribute At Players of Utica (7:30 PM)

Saturday, Jun. 3

• 23rd Annual Wine in the Wilderness At Utica Zoo (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Saturday, Jun. 3, The Center in Utica will host a World Refugee Day celebration! Featuring family-friendly events that celebrate the city’s diversity, including music, dance performances, exhibits, and crafts. Islam Mohamed, a refugee who lives in Utica, hopes World Refugee Day will help to fight stereotypes. Celebrate from noon to 4:00 p.m. at Hanna Park in front of Utica City Hall. (WRVO Public Media)
• Halima Mohamed, 28, of Utica was arrested on Tuesday, May 30, for allegedly attacking a man with a liquor bottle. Mohamed was charged with one count each of second-degree assault, a class D felony, and third-degree possession of a weapon. (Rome Sentinel)

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Featured events:

• Music Workshop Series with Hospital for Special Sugery! (June 6)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all good 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.