The Observer-Dispatch

The Observer-Dispatch is the primary newspaper for the Utica-Rome metropolitan region in Central New York. It reaches readers in Oneida County, Herkimer County, and sections of Madison County. Located in Utica, New York, this publication is part of GateHouse Media.

Local

English

Newspaper

Outlet metrics

Domain Authority

Ranking

Global

#165410

United States

#33087

News and Media

#1496

Traffic sources

Monthly visitors

Articles

NY governor's race: Who could challenge Kathy Hochul's reelection bid? Who to watch

6 days ago | uticaod.com | Chris McKenna |Chris Mckenna

The first rumblings of interest started in November, right after Donald Trump won his comeback race and a full two years before New Yorkers will cast their next votes for governor. Rep. Ritchie Torres of the Bronx warned traumatized Democrats on social media that Gov. Kathy Hochul was their party's "new Joe Biden," vulnerable to a Republican challenger in 2026. He has peppered her with criticism in X posts ever since, making clear he was weighing a primary against her.
Mohawk Valley high school golf scoreboard

6 days ago | uticaod.com | Jon Rathbun

Tuesday, April 15 matchesat Holland Heights (par 36)POLAND (0-2): Connor Lowan 62; Rowan Pritchard 62. WEST CANADA VALLEY (1-1): Landen Brewer 47. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. DOLGEVILLE (2-0): Bryce Mosher 46. at Crestwood (par 36)SAUQUOIT VALLEY (3-0): Kamryn Yerman 41. ORISKANY (1-1): Ashton Ricci 47. at Mountain TopHERKIMER (0-2): Landon Ploss 49. SHERBURNE-EARLVILLE (1-0): Blaine Fleming 44; Raphael Olsen 44; Garret Winton 44; Tanner Eichler 47.
How much are teachers paid in Oneida and Herkimer counties? And what do the numbers mean?

1 week ago | uticaod.com | Amy Roth

The Utica City School District had the highest median teacher salary in Oneida County and the Oriskany Central School District the lowest. But data on median salaries for teachers and other data on salaries broken down by percentiles doesn't mean much, school finance expert Rick Timbs said. That's because so many variables affect median salaries besides a district's pay scale, including the relative experience and education of a district's teachers.
Upstate Medicare Advantage plans at risk: Helping hospitals led to another local crisis

1 week ago | uticaod.com | Amy Roth

Upstate health plans might have to offer fewer Medicare Advantage plans, offer fewer benefits in those plans or raise out-of-pocket expenses to cover an increase in how much they pay hospitals. The problem began when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services adjusted a rate that had led to low reimbursements for upstate hospitals for years. Medicare Advantage plans had to pay hospitals more as a result, but CMS didn't adjust how much it pays those plans.
Tax Day food deals 2025: Score discounts, freebies at Krispy Kreme, Burger King, more

1 week ago | uticaod.com | Gabe Hauari

is coming this week and restaurant chains across the country are offering customers freebies and discounts to celebrate the occasion. Whether you've already filed your taxes and are waiting on your tax refund, or need to file a tax extension, customers can get free or discounted treats at places like Burger King and Krispy Kreme, among others. Tax Day always falls on April 15 unless that date falls on a weekend or holiday. This year, the date falls on a Tuesday.
Sinkhole opens in Utica, closing part of Jefferson Avenue until further notice

1 week ago | uticaod.com | Casey Pritchard

The Department of Public Works is closing part of Jefferson Avenue between Mary Street and Bleecker Street, due to the size of the sinkhole. A large sinkhole has formed on the 500 block of Jefferson Avenue in Utica and vehicle traffic is closed until further notice, according to the Utica City Police Department. Lieutenant Michael Curley said public works is closing part of Jefferson Avenue, between Mary Street and Bleecker Street, due to the size of the sinkhole.
One dead after car struck bridge post and caught fire on State Route 12 in Deerfield

1 week ago | uticaod.com | Casey Pritchard

One person is dead after their car left the road and struck a bridge post on State Route 12 in the town of Deerfield, according to the New York State Police. At around 7:34 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, state police in Marcy responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash on State Route 12 at the Trenton Road overpass in the town of Deerfield, Oneida County. Upon arrival, troopers located a person deceased inside the vehicle.
Readers select New Hartford lacrosse player in athlete of the week voting

1 week ago | uticaod.com | Jon Rathbun

The New Hartford girls' top returning lacrosse scorer helped get the Spartans out to a strong start to their new season and topped the abbreviated voting by online readers of the Observer-Dispatch and Times Telegram for the area's first spring athlete of the week for the period ending April 6. Junior Natalia Viola recorded hat tricks in four games, including a 3-0 start for the Spartans with wins over Southern Hills, Homer and Cazenovia.
Mohawk Valley high school athlete of the week for March 31-April 6, 2025

1 week ago | uticaod.com | Jon Rathbun

With the weather slowly warming to the start of the spring schedule, welcome back to the Times Telegram and Observer-Dispatch reader poll for a top Mohawk Valley area high school athlete for the week of March 31-April 6, 2025. A first spring winner will be selected from seven nominations in a quick weekend vote with a new poll following Monday evening.
Oneida Indian Nation's Wáhta’ Maple Farm increases syrup production, teams with Utica Coffee

1 week ago | uticaod.com | Casey Pritchard

Over 108,000 gallons of sap were gathered to produce 1,400 gallons of maple syrup. Maple sap and syrup hold a special place in Haudenosaunee culture, and with Wáhta’ Maple Farm, the Oneida Indian Nation is able to share this tradition throughout the region. The Oneida Indian Nation’s organic maple syrup is available across its enterprises once again as Wáhta’ Maple Farm announces a 50 percent increase in syrup production over 2024.