Mike Jaquays, Daily Sentinel Journalist Profile

Articles

Meet Dylan LaFave, the state FFA reporter from Munnsville

1 week ago | romesentinel.com | Mike Jaquays

MUNNSVILLE — The New York FFA state officer selection process has been one of Stockbridge Valley FFA president Dylan LaFave’s favorite experiences as a member. “To be working with so many other candidates with shared passions and getting to know them and their FFA stories was extraordinary,” said LaFave, who was recently announced as the NYFFA reporter for 2025-2026. LaFave explained that at the state level of FFA, candidates don’t run for a particular office position.
Rome school board lauds artists, chefs, thespians & coach

1 week ago | romesentinel.com | Mike Jaquays

ROME — Accolades were offered Wednesday for students, faculty and staff across the Rome City School District and Madison-Oneida BOCES by the district's board of education and Superintendent of Schools Nerlande Anselme. Board member Jennifer Campos began the board's regular meeting with kudos for the district Art Club's recent show, calling it "amazing.""The talent all the kids in the district have is quite impressive," Campos said.
5 entertaining things to do around the Mohawk Valley

1 week ago | romesentinel.com | Mike Jaquays

If you love rock 'n' roll, or salsa, or hymns, or eggs, there is much to do from Thursday, April 17 through Sunday, April 20 around the greater Utica-Rome area. Click on the link for more information.
Rome Free Academy grad recalls 'More Cowbell' show premiere

1 week ago | romesentinel.com | Mike Jaquays

ROME — Rome Free Academy Class of 1965 graduate Sandy Roeser remembers her mom, the late Nancy Nasci, calling her late the night of Saturday, April 8, 2000, from her Rome home. Nasci told her to turn on the "Saturday Night Live" TV show right away. But Sandy's husband, Donald Roeser, knew immediately that it couldn't be the real Blue Oyster Cult performing on the live show that night ... since he is also known as Buck Dharma, the lead guitarist, main songwriter and often lead vocalist for the band.
Seeds of knowledge planted in new greenhouse in Little Falls

1 week ago | romesentinel.com | Mike Jaquays

LITTLE FALLS — A new greenhouse just installed at Benton Hall Academy will likely grow an interest in science and nature for students from pre-K through fifth grade. "We are planting that seed ... literally," STEAM Specialist Tracy Young said. Little Falls Central School District Superintendent of Schools Keith Levatino said the elementary school's principal, Joe Long, initiated the building of the greenhouse, located adjacent to Benton Hall Academy's STEAM Center.
Gas flaring at National Grid in Oneida nearing completion

1 week ago | romesentinel.com | Mike Jaquays

ONEIDA — A closely monitored flaring process at the National Grid facility at 1265 Union Street — causing both excitement and concern from area residents — is nearing completion. “The flaring is necessary as part of our federally mandated in-line inspection process to ensure the safe, reliable operation of our gas system,” said National Grid Strategic Communications Manager Jared Paventi.
Screaming Nurse rocks for the rescue pets in Vernon

2 weeks ago | romesentinel.com | Mike Jaquays

VERNON — Screaming Nurse will take live music fans back to the 1980s — while helping area pets in need — as Rock for the Rescue returns from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, April 13 at Nothin’ Fancy Country Rock Saloon, 10 Ruth St.Joining Ray in Screaming Nurse are Debbie Gorton Simone on vocals; Ann Weider on vocals; Kristen Marie on sax, drums and vocals; Cal LaClair on lead guitar; Spencer Spells on rhythm guitar; Bambi Rowland on bass; Sarah Mullen on keyboards; and Jenny Towns on drums.
Donkey basketball game in Munnsville a fundraiser for FFA

2 weeks ago | romesentinel.com | Mike Jaquays

MUNNSVILLE — Stockbridge Valley FFA alumni will play against current members in a hilarious game of Donkey Basketball at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 13, at Stockbridge Valley Central School, 6011 Williams Road. “It has been many years since we have hosted this event,” said event spokesperson Tracie Nolley. “The last time I remember this event being hosted at Stockbridge Valley was in the mid 80s.”Spectators will see two teams play a game of 3-on-3 basketball while riding donkeys.
Pre-apprenticeship gives Utica students hands-on experiences

2 weeks ago | romesentinel.com | Mike Jaquays

UTICA — Several Utica City School District students saw rewards for their labors Thursday during a special support services presentation, celebrating their work in the Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Sommer Edwards, project director at the HMO Workforce Development Board, made the presentation at the Construction and Trades Center, where the students have classes.
5 entertaining things to do around the Mohawk Valley

2 weeks ago | romesentinel.com | Mike Jaquays

Whether you cut loose to the "Footloose" musical, rock out for shelter pets, hear intimate behind-the-scenes filmmaking details, explore the origins of the Boilermaker, or kick back to some Americana music, there is much to do from Thursday, April 10 through Sunday, April 13 around the greater Utica-Rome area. 1. RFA thespians present 'Footloose'This year's Rome Free Academy musical is "Footloose" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, April 10-12 in the RFA Auditorium, 95 Dart Circle in Rome.