Sentinel Today
Sentinel Today is a weekday news podcast from the Daily Sentinel newspaper, covering local news, sports, and events in Utica, Rome, Herkimer, Oneida, and the wider Mohawk Valley region. Each episode provides a quick, convenient update on the day's top stories to keep listeners informed. The show also directs audiences to URSentinel.com for more detailed coverage.
Episodes
Wednesday October 14th: State Steps Up SNAP Support as Rules Tighten
New York is investing more than 26 million dollars to help families keep their SNAP benefits as new federal work requirements raise concerns about food assistance across the state.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday October 13th: State Guidance Sought in Whitestown Fuel Audit
Whitestown officials are seeking state guidance on a possible expanded audit after more than 172 thousand dollars in Highway Department fuel purchases could not be properly accounted for.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friday October 9th: Clinton’s Historic Fire Horn Sounds Again
After more than a year of silence, a familiar sound is returning to Clinton, thanks to a team of volunteer firefighters determined to bring a century-old tradition back to life.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thursday October 8th: Rome Rallies to Fight Hunger This Winter
In Rome, a community food drive is underway to help local families stock their pantries before winter arrives.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wednesday October 7th: New Ground Rules for the Remington Site
Ilion Mayor David Murray says future meetings with the owner of the former Remington Arms property will focus strictly on cleanup, safety and administrative issues, while any redevelopment plans, including a possible data center, must go through the village Planning Board and a formal public review process.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday October 6th: A Legacy of Courage at Stokes Elementary
A beloved former Rome student who faced cancer with extraordinary courage will soon have her name permanently displayed at Stokes Elementary, where friends hope Ayla Griffiths’ story will inspire generations of children to face life’s toughest challenges with strength, compassion, and perseverance.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio
Monday October 5th: New Leadership for Boonville Police
A familiar face is taking charge of the Boonville Police Department, with plans to strengthen enforcement, tackle staffing challenges, and build a closer connection with the community.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friday October 2nd: Utica Camping Ban Nears a Vote
A proposed camping ban in Utica is moving closer to a vote, but a debate over homeless encampments, personal belongings, and the role of police is prompting major changes to the plan.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thursday October 1st: A Cannabis Harvest With Nowhere to Go
Thousands of pounds of cannabis are sitting unsold in Oneida County, as Nonna Farms warns a prolonged battle with New York regulators could push the company to the brink of foreclosure.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wednesday September 30th: Holland Patent Teacher Earns Statewide Honor
Holland Patent agriculture teacher Megan Lamb has earned statewide recognition for her dedication to agricultural education, FFA, and helping students grow both in and beyond the classroom.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday September 29th: New K9 Honors Fallen Holland Patent Marine
Oneida County introduced Blaise, a new explosives-detection K9 named in honor of fallen Holland Patent Marine Lance Cpl. Blaise A. Oleski, who died while serving in Afghanistan in 2009.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monday September 28th: Bee Trouble in Frankfort
Residents of a neighborhood in Frankfort are asking town officials for help with an unusual problem: too many bees.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friday September 25th: Big Changes Ahead for Broad Street
Utica’s Broad Street could look dramatically different by 2028, as the city moves forward with a nearly 5.8-million-dollar transportation project aimed at making the corridor safer and easier to navigate.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thursday September 24th: What’s Next for the Remington Site?
Ilion is considering a temporary pause on major developments that require unusually large amounts of electricity, as officials weigh the future of the former Remington Arms complex.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wednesday September 23rd: Nearly $2 Million for Stevens Field
Rome is getting nearly two million dollars in state funding to transform Stevens Field into a new community park with an upgraded playground and recreational amenities.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday September 22nd: Herkimer’s High-Tech Heyday
Long before today’s tech boom, a small company in Herkimer took on IBM, employed more than a thousand people, and helped turn the Mohawk Valley into a miniature Silicon Valley.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monday September 21st: Sangertown Square Faces Foreclosure
Sangertown Square Mall in New Hartford is facing a foreclosure lawsuit after falling behind on its mortgage payments.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friday September 18th: Universal Pre-K Grows in Utica
Utica schools are preparing for a major expansion of full-day universal pre-kindergarten, as New York moves toward making the program available to every eligible 4-year-old.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thursday September 17th: A Memorial to Mayor Joseph Fusco Jr.
The City of Rome is honoring the life and legacy of former Mayor Joseph Fusco Junior with a permanent memorial recognizing his years of public service and dedication to the community.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wednesday September 16th: Staffing Up Across Rome City Schools
The Rome City School District has significantly expanded its workforce over the past three years, adding 171 employees as officials focus on filling classrooms and support positions across the district.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday September 15th: Griffo Takes Issue With Mural Plan
A new statewide public art program is drawing criticism in the Mohawk Valley, where State Senator Joseph Griffo says the state should have chosen a local organization to oversee the region’s murals.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monday September 14th: 106 Years Old, Two Halls of Fame
At 106, longtime Rome art teacher and champion golfer Marge Hubbell is making history as the first person inducted into both the Rome Arts Hall of Fame and the Rome Sports Hall of Fame.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friday September 11th: Rome Remembers 9/11
Three Rome city officials who witnessed the September 11th attacks in New York City remember the tragedy, uncertainty, unity, and lasting emotional impact of that day.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thursday September 10th: Local Surgeon Pushes Opioid-Free Recovery
A Mohawk Valley orthopedic surgeon is leading a national campaign to reduce opioid use after hip and knee replacements by using alternative pain-management methods that he says allow most patients to recover without narcotic prescriptions.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wednesday September 9th: Fight at New Hartford Football Game
Three juveniles are facing multiple charges after police say a fight broke out during a New Hartford High School football game.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday September 8th: Never Forgetting Flight 93
Twenty-five years after the September 11th attacks, Clinton's Gordon Felt is still carrying the story of Flight 93.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friday September 4th: Crime Continues to Fall in Utica
Crime numbers are continuing to fall in Utica, part of a broader decline being reported across New York State.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thursday September 3rd: Utica Heads Back to Class
Utica students and families kicked off the new school year Wednesday with excitement, hopes for academic growth, and a focus on safety across the district.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wednesday September 2nd: Another Chobani Plant, but Rome Is Still a Go
Chobani is making another major investment in dairy manufacturing — this time in Pennsylvania. But officials say the move will not change the company’s plans for its massive new facility in Rome.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday September 1st: Turning Stone Opens The Grand Expo
Turning Stone Resort Casino has completed its $400 million Evolution expansion, opening "The Grand Expo" and becoming New York’s largest meetings and conventions resort.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monday August 31st: Clinton Art and Music Festival Reimagines the Old
The Clinton Art and Music Festival showed how creativity and community can give everything from fallen trees and scrap metal to old barns and historic buildings a second life.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friday August 28th: Court to Revisit Mower’s 1996 Murder Plea
New York’s Appellate Division has agreed to review Gordon Mower’s claim that ineffective legal counsel influenced his 1996 guilty plea in the murders of his parents.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thursday August 27th: A New Marine Honors a Fallen Hero
A newly graduated Rome Marine, PFC Brody Hanrahan, received the first "Lance Corporal Daniel J Geary Military Achievement Award", carrying forward the memory of the Rome Marine killed in Afghanistan in 2009.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wednesday August 26th: Butter Takes Center Stage at the State Fair
The 2026 Great New York State Fair butter sculpture uses 800 pounds of butter to celebrate New York traditions, dairy farming, and America’s 250th anniversary.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday August 25th: Utica’s Noonan Syndrome Breakthrough
Scientists in Utica are reporting a promising advance in the treatment of a serious heart condition linked to Noonan syndrome.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monday August 24th: A New Chapter for Arts at the Palace
Arts at the Palace is launching the Village Academy of the Arts this fall, offering semester-long music, dance, multi-arts, and mentorship programs for young artists in Hamilton.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friday August 21st: New Hartford Takes Up BJ’s Review
New Hartford is taking the next major step in reviewing a proposed BJ’s Wholesale Club at Sangertown Square.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thursday August 20th: Rome Rededicates Griffo Green
Rome has rededicated the renovated front lawn of City Hall as the Joseph Griffo Green, honoring the former mayor and current state senator for his decades of public service.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wednesday August 19th: Utica’s Flock Camera Debate
Utica’s continued use of Flock license plate cameras is fueling debate over whether their value as a police investigative tool outweighs concerns about privacy, data sharing, and potential misuse.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday August 18th: Constantino Video Draws Backlash
Disability advocates are calling on New York congressional candidate Anthony Constantino to apologize for a 2024 video using a disability slur, while Constantino and comedian Ricky Berwick defend the video and say the backlash is politically motivated.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monday August 17th: A New Mural at the Clinton Cider Mill
Local artists Tim Rand and Maria Vallese are finishing a 1,300-square-foot mural at the Clinton Cider Mill celebrating agriculture, community growth, and the business’s upcoming 100th anniversary.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friday August 14th: Rome Moves Downtown Plans Forward
Rome’s Common Council unanimously approved a $150,000 Canal Street property purchase tied to downtown redevelopment, a revenue-sharing agreement with the new Copper City Chiefs hockey team, and several other local measures involving internships, traffic, property sales and dog-license fees.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thursday August 13th: Chobani Reaffirms Plans for Rome
Chobani’s Rome plant is moving forward, with construction expected to begin between 2027 and 2028.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wednesday August 12th: Old Problems Persist at Mary D. Buck Apartments
Residents of the Mary D Buck Memorial Apartments in Whitesboro are under new management, but village officials say many of the building’s old problems remain unresolved.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday August 11th: Rome Mourns Couple Killed in Murder-Suicide
A double murder-suicide in Madison County has claimed the life of a longtime Rome businessman and community supporter, along with his wife.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monday August 10th: Court Clears Deerfield Housing Project
A judge ordered Deerfield to approve PathStone’s 65-unit affordable housing project, ruling the town acted arbitrarily by delaying it over speculative infrastructure concerns tied to unrelated future development.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friday August 7th: Voters to Weigh Staley Demolition Plan
Rome school voters will decide in December on significant capital project that will include demolishing the former Staley Elementary School.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thursday August 6th: Route 46 Project Divides Opinions
A Rome business owner says Route 46 safety upgrades near Ridge Mills Elementary School could worsen traffic by removing road shoulders, while state officials argue the new sidewalk, curbs, and crosswalks will better protect pedestrians.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wednesday August 5th: State Fair Food Earns National Praise
The New York State Fair ranked fourth nationally for festival food, celebrated for its mix of affordable classics, creative indulgences, and diverse international offerings.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday August 4th: Utica Expands Police Residency Rules
The Utica Common Council unanimously approved a five-year suspension of the city’s police residency requirement, allowing new officers to live in the county or neighboring counties in an effort to address recruitment shortages.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monday August 3rd: Whitesboro Stages Full-Scale Emergency Drill
Whitesboro Central School District held a realistic, multi-agency emergency drill simulating a chlorine gas leak to test response plans and improve student safety.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friday July 31st: Utica Recognizes Judge Hurd’s Service
After 35 years on the federal bench, Judge David Hurd will be honored with the naming of Utica’s federal courthouse for his lifelong service, landmark rulings, mentorship, and commitment to preserving justice in the region.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thursday July 30th: Utica National and the Buffalo Bills Join Forces
Utica National Insurance Group has become an official Buffalo Bills insurance partner, marking its largest corporate sponsorship and expanding its visibility, growth opportunities, and community impact.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wednesday July 29th: Vernon Studio Earns Top National Award
"Star Performance Dance Centre" in Vernon earned "Studio of the Year" and numerous other national honors after 66 dancers delivered standout performances at the "Elite Dance Challenge" in Providence.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday July 28th: Utica School Board Places Employee on Paid Leave
The Utica City School District Board of Education held a brief but significant special meeting Monday evening, ending with a unanimous decision to place a district employee on paid administrative leave.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monday July 27th: Rome Celebrates America at 250
Rome celebrated America’s 250th anniversary with a patriotic parade, concert, and fireworks that brought thousands together to honor freedom, history, veterans, and community.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friday July 24th: FedEx Restructuring Hits Oriskany
FedEx closed its Oriskany facility under its Network 2.0 restructuring, affecting 31 employees and redirecting customers to nearby drop-off locations.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thursday July 23rd: Utica Debates Police Residency Requirement
The Utica Common Council is weighing a proposal that could change where newly hired police officers are allowed to live, as city leaders continue searching for ways to address staffing challenges.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wednesday July 22nd: Leadership Changes Ahead for Utica Schools
The Utica school board voted not to renew Superintendent Christopher Spence’s contract, while extending Acting Superintendent Kathleen Davis’s agreement and addressing concerns about leadership, communication, student services, and union negotiations.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday July 21st: A First Look at Frontier Roads
Frontier Roads, a new family entertainment park in Westmoreland featuring food, shopping, games, live music, and future attractions, will celebrate its grand opening on Thursday, July 23rd.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monday July 20th: Rome School Board Hears Community Concerns
The Rome school board meeting balanced praise for student-centered graduation events with community concerns over staffing, special education services, communication, and several upcoming leadership changes.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friday July 17th: Whitesboro Advances Public Safety Plans
Whitesboro village leaders are moving forward with several public safety decisions.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thursday July 16th: Wolfspeed’s Patent Fight With Navitas
Wolfspeed has sued Navitas Semiconductor, alleging that several gallium nitride and silicon carbide products infringe five patents central to its power-semiconductor technology.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wednesday July 15th: Utica-Rome Honors a Racing Legend
Utica-Rome Speedway will honor one of its most successful drivers tonight with the Dale Planck Memorial.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday July 14th: Rome’s Hidden History
Rome author Frank Pape’s new book uses historic maps and local research to reveal the canals, forts, landmarks, and forgotten history hidden throughout the city.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monday July 13th: A Son’s Tribute on Race Day
Ilion native, Keith Willner, completed the Boilermaker 15K in honor of his late father, continuing a cherished family tradition.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friday July 10th: Discrimination Claims Rock Utica City Schools
Utica Superintendent Christopher Spence alleges the school board discriminated and retaliated against him after he raised concerns about its conduct.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thursday July 9th: How Utica Prepares for Race Day
Utica is coordinating city departments, residents, and businesses to clean, inspect, and prepare roads, public spaces, and race areas ahead of the annual Boilermaker Road Race.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wednesday July 8th: The Merci Train Rolls Into Union Station
New York’s historic Merci Train boxcar, a 1949 gift from France thanking Americans for postwar aid, has been moved from Whitesboro to Union Station in Utica for continued preservation.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday July 7th: Inside This Year’s Munson Arts Festival
Munson’s Arts Festival returns July 11th through the 19th in Utica, with a packed week of art, music, dancing, family activities, and special museum events.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monday July 6th: Utica Marks America’s 250th
Utica marked Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with its annual Fourth of July parade down Genesee Street, featuring local groups, first responders, officials, and community celebrations continuing later at Harbor Point.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friday July 3rd: Weekend Jail for Father of Officer Jensen’s Killer
Joseph Murphy, the father of the man who killed Syracuse police officer Michael Jensen and Onondaga County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Michael Hoosock, was sentenced to weekend jail time for an unrelated illegal gun possession charge, as Jensen’s family spoke about the lasting impact of Michael’s death.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform
Thursday July 2nd: Vintage Wedding Rings Found After Pipe Repair
A Rome homeowner discovered a vintage engagement ring and matching wedding band, worth about $5,000, after a basement pipe repair at her 1857 home.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wednesday July 1st: Independence Day Across the Mohawk Valley
Across the Mohawk Valley and surrounding areas, Independence Day weekend will bring parades, fireworks, festivals, and family-friendly celebrations as communities mark America’s 250th anniversary observance.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday June 30th: Fatal Stabbing Case Gets Final Court Delay
A judge granted one final delay in Gregory Mignot Jr.’s Rome murder case, moving his next court date to July 20 as he faces charges in the fatal stabbing of Michael Brown.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monday June 29th: Bellamy Harbor Hosts Symphony & Drone Show
Rome will host a free July 11th community celebration at Bellamy Harbor Park featuring activities, food vendors, an Albany Symphony Orchestra concert with an original piece about the city, and a closing drone show.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friday June 26th: Utica Glass begins a new chapter
Utica Glass has relaunched under new owner and CEO Kola Aina, with plans to preserve its local legacy while expanding its commercial glazing capabilities and regional reach.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thursday June 25th: Boilermaker Founder Leaves Board
Boilermaker Road Race founder Earle Reed is retiring from the Board of Directors but will remain involved after nearly 50 years of shaping one of Utica’s signature community events.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wednesday June 24th: Cazenovia Official Charged Federally
Cazenovia school board vice president, Travis Longo, is now facing state child endangerment charges and federal child pornography charges.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday June 23rd: 100 Guinea Pigs and Counting
A Utica woman’s guinea pig population grew from two misidentified pets to about 100 animals, prompting rescues to step in as many needed medical care and some may now be pregnant.Support the show: http://URSentinel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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