Sentinel Today

Utica will begin its annual roadway improvement program on June 15th, with paving, repairs, micro-paving, and maintenance planned across dozens of streets to improve safety and extend road life. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

History comes home to Utica this weekend, with a look at one of the city’s most powerful, and most combative, political figures. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Special Olympics New York State Summer Games are coming to Utica University on June 5th and 6th. The Games are expected to bring more than 1,200 athletes with intellectual disabilities to the area for two days of competition, celebration, and community support. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utica leaders recognized Pride Month with proclamations, Pride displays, and messages of inclusion, even as debate continues over the city’s ceremonial flag-raising policy. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utica’s Cornhill neighborhood came together Saturday for a celebration centered on pride, connection, and a new piece of public art. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For half a century, generations of Uticans have come to Cafe Daniele for tomato pie, catered family gatherings, and familiar faces behind the counter. Now, one of the city’s longtime Italian food staples is entering a new era. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utica's mayor vetoed a Common Council flag-raising ordinance over First Amendment concerns, leaving the city’s broader flag policy dispute unresolved even as Pride Month recognition continues. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Copper Easel in Rome will close at the end of June after seven years. The owner, Adam Chrisman, is citing rising expenses, declining sales, debt, and other pressures. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A classroom in Herkimer was transformed into a Holocaust museum this spring, giving Pathways Academy students a more immersive way to study history. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Communities across the Mohawk Valley are marking Memorial Day with parades, wreath layings, rifle salutes, and ceremonies honoring the men and women who died while serving in the United States military. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22 brass grave markers honoring fallen Rome firefighters were stolen from local cemeteries before Memorial Day, prompting the fire department to seek their return and replace them at its own expense. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 45-year-old Marcy Correctional Facility inmate, Terry Demonstoy, suffered life-threatening injuries after state police say he was severely beaten by another inmate Friday night. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utica preservationists are restoring the historic Schuyler Street Tower, a rare surviving railroad control structure that once protected West Utica crossings and now stands as a reminder of the city’s industrial past. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chobani founder and CEO, Hamdi Ulukaya, has been named to New York’s Future Works commission, which will recommend how the state can use AI to grow the economy while protecting workers. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local filmmaker Dennis Dewey’s sci-fi feature “2051: The Return Project,” about a scientist whose consciousness is digitally preserved and awakened in the future, will premiere May 21st in Utica. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clinton boys basketball coach, Mike Hayduk, says he was told he won't be retained after next season, prompting strong community support and a petition calling for his reinstatement. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First Presbyterian Church in Rome has completed roof repairs nearly two years after a July 2024 tornado badly damaged the building, and crews are now rebuilding the sanctuary with new drywall, HVAC, electrical systems, entrance work, and a balcony. The church is still raising funds to replace its steeple, which could cost more than $1 million, while services continue at Zion Episcopal until reopen...

Whitesboro Central School District marked its 90th anniversary by burying two time capsules at the middle school, filled with school memorabilia to be opened by a future generation in 2051. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crust Kitchen and Bar opened its second location in Utica’s Bagg’s Square, bringing the same made-from-scratch sandwiches, sides, and bourbon-focused menu that made its Rome restaurant popular. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rome teacher and mom of two Tory Ferlo made a strong bodybuilding debut April 18 at the OCB Big East Natural in Syracuse, placing in all four Bikini Division categories. She trained for about six months, dialing in intense workouts and strict macro-based nutrition that she says was the hardest part of prep. Turning 40 helped motivate her to push herself, and she plans to compete again June 20 in R...

Rome is looking for public feedback through May 19th on a draft Parks, Open Space and Trails Master Plan that proposes major upgrades, pool changes, new splash pads, a possible regional park, and an indoor sports arena. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rome Planning Board conditionally approved two new four-story hotels, a commercial building, and two property subdivisions, with some items still requiring Zoning Board review. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utica City School District’s proposed $310 million budget would keep staffing and programs intact, hold the tax levy flat, and go before voters on May 19th. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Hartford Public Library is celebrating 50 years since 10 local women founded it in a converted school basement shower room, growing it into a community hub for books, programs and connection. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Central New York’s indie game developers are building a growing local scene through showcases, meetups, college programs, and self-made projects that prove serious games can come from outside major industry hubs. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.