Sentinel Today

The Louis H. Van Slyke Grandstand at Rome Free Academy is roped off, and nobody’s calling it condemned—yet. Today, we unpack the engineer’s caution flags, the district’s demolish-and-rebuild debate, and the ripple effect on June’s graduation ceremony. Plus, what still needs New York State approval before students—and spect...

Rome’s Common Council approved a tax agreement with Chobani to support a new dairy plant at Griffiss Business Park, expected to bring jobs and long-term revenue; the council also addressed blight concerns, improved payment processing, and debated redevelopment plans on East Dominick Street.

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This week, we head to Boonville, where the Adirondack Central School District is celebrating a true legend. Ed Swiecki has spent 50 years teaching and coaching—so long, in fact, that generations of students, parents, and colleagues have stories to tell. Though he officially retired in 2015, Swiecki never really left. He’s still in classrooms, sti...

The third annual Utica Pride Festival brought hundreds to Utica University for a day of celebration, reflection, and unity. Organized by the County Pride Alliance, the event featured a pride march, live performances, vendor booths, and resources for the LGBTQ+ community. As attendance continues to grow each year, organizers and participants emphasized the importance of visibility, resilience, and s...

Since last fall, three branches of the County American Legion family faced off in a friendly fundraiser for Sitrin Health Care’s Military Rehabilitation Program. The team that raised the most would stay dry — the others had to take a plunge into the lake at Camp Sitrin. In the end, the fundraiser brought in $7,200 to support free services for veterans, and all three leaders took the plu...

After 18 months of construction and nearly $46 million in funding, Rome Health has officially opened its new main entrance, surgical suites, and intensive care unit. The centerpiece of the expansion is the Kaplan Center for Surgical Services, made possible by a $5 million gift from Charles and Florence Kaplan and contributions from over 100 first-time donors. Community members, local leaders, and d...

The Utica Zoo is saying goodbye to two of its most familiar residents—Axl and Ace, the Visayan warty pigs. These pigs weren’t just a staple of the zoo’s exhibits—they were part of its heart. At nearly seventeen years old, Axl and Ace were far beyond the typical lifespan for their species. And over the past year, their health had been steadily decl...

A gas leak at the Algonquin Apartments in Utica triggered an emergency evacuation this week and pushed the city to take swift action. The building—already under scrutiny for severe code violations—was condemned on the spot after officials found it filled with natural gas. In today’s episode, we trace how years of neglect, legal delays, and safety hazards led to this turning point....

At this week’s Rome Common Council meeting, Police Chief Kevin James is proposing a formal agreement with the Utica Police Department to streamline joint operations. The plan would allow for shared patrols, equipment, and emergency response, as well as coordinated investigations and forensic support.

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J.liam, a women’s boutique originally based in Barneveld, is relocating to the former Twin Orchards building in New Hartford for better visibility and year-round foot traffic. Owners Lisa and John Mack are renovating the space and plan to offer an in-person shopping experience focused on high-quality, stylish clothing. The move has been met with enthus...

Wolfspeed, a major player in silicon carbide chip production, is facing potential bankruptcy amid $6.5 billion in debt. As its stock plummets, the company is cutting costs, restructuring leadership, and banking on federal support to stay afloat, all while doubling down on its Marcy facility and the growing EV market.

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The Algonquin Apartments on Genesee Street have been plagued by problems for years, but recent inspections revealed conditions so hazardous that the city of Utica is now moving to shut the building down. With no heat, no water, and serious safety violations, officials are working with nonprofits to help the remaining tenants relocate. In this episode, we look at how the situation got this bad, what...

After years of planning and a $10 million investment, Utica’s Harbor Point is finally ready to reopen. This episode takes you behind the scenes of the revitalization project transforming the city’s once-underused waterfront into a vibrant public space. From new walkways and lighting to floating docks and expanded green space, we explore what’s been done, what’s coming next, ...