🌱 Police Standoff + Hotline 211 Operational Again + Missing Teen

Hello again, everybody. Nicole Fallon-Peek here with your fresh copy of the Utica Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Snow late in the afternoon. High: 39 Low: 30.

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Here are the top three stories in Utica today:

1. The hotline 211 is operational again after being down for a month. It is run by the United Way of the Mohawk Valley, connecting people with local resources for various needs such as food, rent, and health care. To access the service, people can dial 211, call 1 (844) 342-5211, or visit unitewaymv.org. (WKTV)
2. Following an incident at Oneida Health Hospital about 30 minutes away, a person was tracked to a home on Phelps Street, where they barricaded themselves inside, prompting a standoff. However, the situation ended peacefully with the suspect surrendering to the authorities without further incident. Oneida Police Chief Steven Lowell confirmed the events leading to the successful resolution of the standoff. (WKTV)
3. The Utica Police Department reported that Kaw Kee Lar, a 15-year-old girl, was reported missing by her family on Tuesday and is believed to be in the Syracuse area. Lar has a slender build and brown hair, but the police confirmed that they do not believe she is in any danger. If anyone has information on her whereabouts, they are advised to contact the Juvenile Aid Unit at (315) 223-3563. (Rome Sentinel)

From our sponsor:

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Coming up in Utica:

Friday, March 10

• Randal Bays - Concert & Workshop At Irish Cultural Center (2:00 PM)
• The Phantom Of The Opera At The Stanley Theatre (7:00 PM)

Saturday, March 11

• St. Patrick's Day Party At Polish Community Club (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Mayor Robert M. Palmieri announced that he will be delivering his final State of the City address on Apr. 4 at 10 a.m. The speech will take place at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Utica, located at 102 Lafayette St. (Mayor Robert M. Palmieri via Facebook)
• Mayor Robert M. Palmieri and the Utica Saint Patrick’s Day Parade celebrated Irish Heritage Month by raising the Irish flag at Utica City Hall on Wednesday. The green line will be painted down the center of Genesee Street in downtown Utica today, Mar. 10, as this is the tradition before the official St. Patrick’s Day Parade tomorrow, Mar. 11. (The City of Utica via Facebook)
• The Urban & Economic Development staff shared information about the City of Utica's 2023-2024 community planning and program budget on Wednesday night at the Empowerment Center. The staff also listened to the community's thoughts on how the budget should be allocated for different community services and programs. (The City of Utica via Facebook)

That's it for today! See you all soon for your next update.

— 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.