Sentinel Today

John Urtz, the former town supervisor of Lee, is being remembered as a deeply committed public servant whose impact on the community stretched across more than half a century. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Utica Comets rallied from a third-period deficit to beat Laval 2 to 1 in a shootout, with Nico Daws making 33 saves and setting the franchise wins record to keep Utica’s playoff hopes alive. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utica’s downtown peregrine falcons have officially kicked off the 2026 breeding season, and for local bird watchers, it’s a big moment. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rome’s Common Council is heading into a busy meeting this Wednesday, March 25th, and the biggest item on the agenda is a major sewer planning effort tied to the future Chobani plant. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utica’s restaurant scene is growing with six new eateries now open and a seventh expected to open soon. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utica’s Common Council approved a 2026–27 budget with no property tax increase after revising the plan with new state aid, but the vote exposed sharp disagreements over paving, firefighter gear, and the council’s limits on the mayor’s spending flexibility. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recovery Sports Grill in Verona has closed after 17 years, leaving longtime patrons mourning the loss of a beloved community gathering place known as much for its friendships and staff as for its food. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A month after the Boonville church explosion, the community has raised more than $40,000 to support the five injured victims as most recover at home and one continues to fight through a long recovery. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utica’s police union is condemning Mayor Michael Galime’s interim appointment of James Holt as deputy chief, warning it could worsen morale and retention. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shook, a new healthy eatery in Ilion founded by young entrepreneur Madison Conigliaro, offers quick customizable meals while supporting local community programs. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A small fire at Utica’s long-vacant historic Kempf Building was quickly contained Thursday morning, with officials saying squatters likely started it while trying to strip wire for scrap. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At a tense Lee Town Board meeting, officials debated sensitive town records being kept at a deputy supervisor’s home instead of town hall. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CAVA plans to open its first upstate New York location later this year in New Hartford’s Consumer Square. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Worthington Steel is marking 70 years in business and looking ahead to the Rome plant’s 100th anniversary in 2026, while highlighting its local impact, its push into electrical steel, and its plans for continued growth. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Central New York’s Red Cross depends on volunteers to respond to house fires and other local emergencies, providing immediate support to families in crisis when they need it most. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Hartford officials are fast-tracking plans for a Chick-fil-A and another unnamed fast-food spot at Avenue Plaza while focusing closely on traffic concerns and ongoing town financial cleanup. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bellamy Elementary posted the biggest year-to-year academic gains in the Rome City School District as the district reviewed ESSA accountability labels for 2025–2026, reset state intervention timelines, and outlined next-step improvement plans for identified schools. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rome City School District is building its next budget around the full tax-cap increase to protect student programs and operations, while it waits for final state aid numbers before sending the plan to voters in May. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utica firefighters condemned a councilor’s joking “hazard duty” remark during a budget discussion about replacing chemical-laced turnout gear, saying it trivialized cancer risks. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2025, Mohawk Valley Health System handled rising patient demand while expanding outpatient and preventive services, investing in staffing, navigating leadership changes, and planning further growth in 2026. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Symeon Tsoupelis Senior, founder of Symeon’s Greek Restaurant in Yorkville, has died, and his family vows to continue his legacy of Greek cuisine, warm hospitality, and community care. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York’s Central and Northern district lawmakers split along party lines after Trump’s State of the Union, with Republicans praising his economic, border, and security agenda and Democrats warning his policies are worsening affordability and undermining trust in elections. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York state awarded $9 million in tax credits and subsidies to help DePaul Properties move forward with the Columbia Square Apartments affordable housing project in Utica. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utica Anime-Fest returns to the Delta by Marriott Utica on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring vendors, artists, panels, special guests, and a 5:30 p.m. Sailor Moon concert, with $20 admission. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Cousins Pinball in Marcy has launched the CNY Pop Culture Monthly Marketplace, a once-a-month event bringing vendors selling comics, toys, cards, and other collectibles to the same building on River Road. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.