Welcome to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer.   This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

This episode is part of a series of end of the year episodes where Madison County Historian Matt Urtz and PIO Field look back at some of the bigger stories of 2025 here in Madison County.  

In this episode we sit down with members of the New York Power Authority and Canals about where the Madison Reservoir Dam Rehabilitation Project stands at the end of 2025.  We also look ahead to 2026 and the draw down and beginning of construction.  

For more information make sure to check out their website: https://www.canals.ny.gov/Operations-and-Public-Projects/Project-Work/Madison-Reservoir-Dam-Rehab 

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

Welcome to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer.   This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

This episode is part of a series of end of the year episodes where Madison County Historian Matt Urtz and PIO Field look back at some of the bigger stories of 2025 here in Madison County.  

Madison County Mental Health has truly thinking outside the box when it comes to mental health programs and services for our residents.  This includes the Helio Health Mobile Unit, School Clinics, Crisis Worker embedded with local police, and more.  We check in with the Director of Community Mental Health Services Teisha Cook on how things are going. 

Madison County is committed to a community where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered to seek help. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. You are never alone.

If you are in crisis, support is available 24/7.

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟯𝟭𝟱-𝟯𝟲𝟲-𝟮𝟯𝟮𝟳 (𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘁 𝟭)

 𝗧𝗲𝘅𝘁/𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟵𝟴𝟴, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

Welcome to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer.   This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

This episode is part of a series of end of the year episodes where Madison County Historian Matt Urtz and PIO Field look back at some of the bigger stories of 2025 here in Madison County.  

In this episode we sit down with Oneida City School District Superintendent Matthew Carpenter to talk about the flooding of Oneida High School on June 22.  How did the School District respond, recover, and how is the construction project going, as well as the school year. 

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

Welcome to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer.   This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

This episode is part of a series of end of the year episodes where Madison County Historian Matt Urtz and PIO Field look back at some of the bigger stories of 2025 here in Madison County.  

In this episode we sit down with Madison County Director of the Office of Emergency Management Dan Degear and Director of Madison County EMS Jenna Illingworth.  We discuss the changes this year in EMS and the County's response to the June 22 storm and flooding.  Make sure to listen for the tips given about how you can make sure you and your loved ones are better prepared for the next time an emergency happens.  

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

Welcome to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer.   This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

In this episode, Madison County Clerk Michael Keville joins the Milk House to talk about the great work the Madison County Clerk's Office and the Wampsville DMV do day in and day out.  Did you know that 10.7% of DMV fees stay in Madison County if you do your transactions in Wampsville?  This revenue helps offset property taxes.  

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Keville and his staff have come up with innovative ways to better serve our residents and all the customers of the DMV and Clerk's Office.  Listen how some of those ways are still in use, and how Madison County has maintained customers all these years. 

Keville also discusses deed and mortgage fraud, and what measures you can tak.  To sign up for Fraud Alert emails: https://searchiqs.com/fraudalert/?CC=NYMAD

To find out more information about the Madison County Clerk's Office: https://www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/174/County-Clerk

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

We welcome you to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer.   This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

Think about it, do you have that one person in your life that made an impact on you when you were younger?  Someone who believed in you or taught you something?  What if you could be that person for a youth?  Listen to this episode to find out more about Community Action Partnership of Madison County's (CAP) Mentor Program.  Cory Marsh, Youth Mentor Coordinator, and Erin Dutcher, Family & Youth Program Manager, join Samantha and Tina Louis, Director of the Youth Bureau, to talk about the program and its impact on the youth in Madison County. 

Fill out this form if you are interested in finding out more about the Volunteer Mentor Program. 

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

Welcome to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer.   This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

This episode of the Madison County Milk House is a discussion about what is going on with some of the buildings on the former Cazenovia College Campus.  Hear from Madison County Administrator Mark Scimone, Town of Cazenovia Supervisor Kyle Reger, Village of Cazenovia Mayor Kurt Wheeler, and Lt. Jonathan Morticelli from the Madison County Sheriff's Office.  

The discussion focuses on the purchase offer by Madison County to buy Reisman Hall and Sigety Hall, the potential uses for the buildings, and other questions that we have been hearing from the community.  

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

We welcome you to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer.   This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

This week I sit down with the new Director of the Madison County Historical Society Hunter McCullough. He gives us some insight into his love of history and what some of his first initiatives will be. 

Make sure to head out for the 61st Annual Madison County Craft Festival in Oneida on September 6 & 7, 2025.

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

We welcome you to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer.   This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

This week I sit down with Henry Howard, the Executive Director of Arts at the Palace.  Arts at the Palace in Hamilton is Madison County’s destination for artist empowerment through mentoring, workshops, and collaboration.  They have a wide variety of events happening all summer for artists and community members of all ages.  

- Thursdays on the Village Green: every Thursday in July and August.  Kids activities are 5:00 - 6:30 PM, Live Music starts at 7:00 PM.

- Village Art Walk: evening of live music, local art, and community connection. Next date is August 8 and then September 12

- Hamilton International Film Festival: July 21-27

Check out Arts at the Palace to find out all of what they have going on, and find out why Madison County is an excellent destination for artists and those who enjoy the arts.  They are connecting art and the community, why we need each other to thrive. 

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

We welcome you to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer.   This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

Summer is here and that means Open Farm Day is just around the corner.  We sit down to talk about what to expect this year with Katie Livingston, she just started her role as Local Foods Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County.  Open Farm Day will be July 26 and this year there are 28 farms you can visit across Madison County. Open Farm Day is a free, family-friendly event where you can tour local farms, meet the people behind your food, see animals up close, and explore the world of agriculture.

Make sure to get your passport, take part in the Goosechase interactive scavenger hunt, dress for the weather and bring cash! 

Also, the Madison County Fair begins July 23, running through July 27.  Make sure to check out all of the great things the 4H kids have been doing.   

CCE is hosting Adventures at the Fairground for youth ages 8–15! Join us for a FREE day of fun, learning, and agriculture at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Brookfield, NY on July 24!  When you sign up it includes Fair admission, transportation, and Food Bucks for lunch at the Fair Board Food Booth! Please register by July 20.

Also, for those who don't have a green thumb like this host, or even if you do.  If you have any questions about gardening contact the Master Gardeners Hotline at 315-684-3001 ext. 119.

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

We welcome you to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer.   This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

Now that the New York State Budget has been passed,  state offices are able to announce funding opportunities.  We sit down with Melissa Davis, the Deputy Director of CNY Regional Economic Development Council, which is committed to the vitality and economic development of Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego Counties.  Over the next few weeks (May - June 2025) CNYREDC is hosting several Central New York’s Consolidated Funding Application Information Sessions.  

If you are a small business owner or a municipality in Madison County, you want to make sure you attend one of these sessions.  Find out what funding is out there,  how it can help your dream, and make those connections today. CNYREDC is here for you! 

- May 28: Virtual session
- May 29: Virtual Session
- May 29: In person at Onondaga County Community College
- June 17: In person at Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum

For the full list of sessions and how you can sign up to attend go to: https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/central-new-york/resources?type%5B71%5D=71

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

We welcome you to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer.   This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

Wanderers' Rest Humane Association (WRHA) is the only open admission shelter in Madison County.  Wanderers’ Rest serves hundreds of animals every year.  The organization accepts the lost, homeless, and surrendered animals from the local community and beyond. 

Their facility is in desperate need of renovations and repairs so they can better serve our furry community.  Those renovations include septic, HVAC system, kennels, and more.  Sarah Murdie, Executive Director of WRHA, joins the Milk House to talk about their Capital Project Plan, the funding needed, and some great programs they have coming up. 

Click Here to Donate Today! 

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

We welcome you to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer.   This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

Delphi Falls County Park was purchased in 2018.  Since then, Madison County has worked hard to make the park a destination that all can enjoy.  As we get closer to the park being fully open to the public once again, take a journey with us to learn more about its past.  

Jerome "Jerry" Mark Antil spent many years of his youth growing up at Delphi Falls.  The majestic two tiered water fall played a huge role in his life and the Antil Family built the original home and barn that used to be on the property.  Jerry's time at Delphi  Falls inspired him, he wrote several books about the area, including the Delphi Falls Trilogy and The Boy and the Big White Rock.  

Delphi Falls County Park has wrapped up the final phase of construction, and the new event hall at the lower falls will be open to the public Summer 2025.  We hope everyone takes a chance to walk the rim trail to the upper falls and enjoy a picnic by the base of the lower falls.  

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

We welcome you to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer.   This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.
 

"I've got a mule, and her name is Sal.
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
She's a good old worker and a good old pal.
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal"

~ Low Bridge, Everybody Down by Thomas Allen

We sit down to talk about the past, present, and future of the now 200 year old Erie Canal.  Take a journey with  Madison County Historian Matt Urtz, Assistant Director of Planning Jamie Kowalczk, and Senior Planner Jessica Geary as we travel the historic Erie Canal here in Madison County.   Learn how the Erie Canal shaped Madison County to be what it is today and how we can celebrate this engineering marvel all year round. 

• Boat Float n’ Folk Festival: https://chittenangolanding.org/boatfloatnfolk
• The Central New York Erie Canal Explorer's Guide: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58a49985f7e0abcffc492b20/t/67d04992cad3b44fc2552b24/1741703571333/11+x+22+draft+Final.pdf
• Ways to explore and experience the Old Erie Canal: https://www.tourthetowpath.com/
• Link to more events around NYS: https://eriecanalway.org/explore/events

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

We welcome you to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer.   This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.
 
This Women's History Month, we discuss with Madison County Historian Matt Urtz women in Madison County history from the Suffrage movement in the mid 1800s to today. Currently, in Madison County there are 6 female Supervisors on the Board, this is the most women on the Board at one time in history.  Many of Madison County's community organizations and  not for profits today are lead by women who are some of the best in their fields.  Come with us as we celebrate and learn more about the women of Madison County.  

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

We welcome you to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer.   This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.
 
Avian (Bird) Flu is something we keep hearing about, but what is Avian Flu?  Is it an illness found in humans or just birds?  Is there a vaccine? We know many people in our rural agriculture community have questions so we sit down with Nicole Jusko, Epidemiologist for Madison County Public Health, and Larkin Podsiedlik, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County, to help answer some of those questions.   

Cornell Cooperative Extension Madison County:
- Frequently asked questions about bird flu in New York State
- Contact: (315) 684-3001

Madison County Public Health
- Avian (Bird) Flu
- Contact: (315) 366-2361 option 2

How to report suspected cases of avian flu:
- NYSDEC for reporting Wildlife 
- Farm flock - contact CCE Madison County at 315-684-3001

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

We welcome you to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer.   This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.
 
Since President Donald Trump took office again on Jan. 20, federal law enforcement, especially U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), have been tasked to detain and deport undocumented immigrants.  We have been hearing about Raids, mostly in larger cities, of agents arresting individuals who are undocumented or here or illegally.  What role does Madison County law enforcement, such as the Madison County Sheriff's Office have in working with the federal government?

Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood discusses the role of the Sheriff's Office and what our residents should know.  

Madison County CCE has been sharing with our agriculture community information they may want to know as well as to action they should take to be sure your business and employees are as prepared as they possibly can be for any immigration enforcement. 

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

We welcome you to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County, NY Public Information Office.    This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.
 
Did you know that the first wind turbines in New York State were in Madison County?  They went online in the Town of Madison in 2000.  Since then multiple wind farms and solar farms have popped up across our rural landscape.  There are more projects on the horizon.  

On the Milk House this week is a panel of members and leaders in our community who are concerned about how New York State is dealing with renewable energy.  They are asking the State to give municipalities their right to "home rule" once again, and to slow down and take a real look at what zero emissions truly means for our communities.  

Take a listen to our panel about what the true issues are for our rural  community when it comes to renewable energy projects and how they impact you, your home, and your wallet.

Panel: 
- James J. Cunningham, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors and Town of Nelson Supervisor
- Dave Jones, Town of Fenner Supervisor
- Matthew Roberts, City of Oneida Supervisor
- Nadine Bell, Attorney for many Madison County municipalities
- Sue Yaulis, Town of Fenner Planning Board

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

We welcome you to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County, NY Public Information Office.    This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.
 
The Holidays are here!  So what events are happening locally, what about gift ideas?  Madison County Historian Matt Urtz and Samantha sit down with guests from all over Madison County to talk about the spirit of the holidays.  There is an event or gift for everyone on your list.

Do you know someone who loves the Wizard of Oz or Wicked?  Allison Lehr, the Museum Manager for All Things Oz joins us to talk about the upcoming Wicked Premier and some special items you can see at the museum and purchase at the museum.  Did you know L. Frank Baum did not just write books about Oz, but about Santa Claus as well? 

Get ready for the Madison County Historical Society's Christmas Open House on December 8.  Executive Director Gina Stankivitz talks about how you can shop for that person in your life that loves history and hear live music and see beautiful holiday decor. 

We talk with new Historic Site Manager Paul Nazca and Interpretive Programs Assistant Jackie Roshia about the 50th Anniversary of Christmas at Lorenzo.  Visit the past and experience the beauty of 13 fully decorated rooms.  This annual holiday celebration will feature a tour of the decorated mansion, refreshments, live music, and horse-drawn sleigh/wagon rides.

We travel a little further south to our neighbors at the Chenango County Historical Society and with the Earlville Opera House about some great holiday events they have coming up.  Chenango County Historical Society's Parade of Trees begins December 1.  Earlville Opera House has events through the end of the year including their Annual Holiday Sale beginning November 27. 

This year shop and visit local places for the Holidays. 

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

We welcome you to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County, NY Public Information Office.    This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.
 
This week we sit down with the Madison County Planning Department to get an update on Delphi Falls Count Park.  Our Phase II construction project of the visitors center and trail to the lower falls is on schedule to be completed in the next few weeks.  Take a listen to hear about when the lower part of the falls will reopen to the public. 

Make sure to check out all three of Madison County's beautiful parks. 

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

We welcome you to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County, NY Public Information Office.    This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.
 
This week we sit down with Sarah Murdie who is the Director of Wanderers' Rest Humane Association, the only animal shelter in Madison County, and the Director of the Madison County Veterans Service Agency Ron Raymer.  The two organizations were brought together by Town of Lincoln Supervisor Melissa During, and have been doing amazing things ever since. 

Take a listen as we discuss their collaboration to create Karma's Kompanions which unites veterans with shelter animals, and how the program creates a mutually beneficial relationship. 

Karma's Kompanions: https://www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/3122/Karmas-Kompanions
How to donate: https://wanderersrest.org/donate/

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

We welcome you to the Madison County Milk House.  Hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County, NY Public Information Office.    This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.
 
Come out and walk in the steps of hundreds of abolitionists as they made their way from Canastota to Peterboro in 1835 to meet and establish the New York State Anti-Slavery Society.  The Abolition Road walk is now in its 3rd year.  It celebrates unity and shines a light on a largely unrecognized, pivotal moment in history of the abolition movement. We talk with Marilyn Higgins, a volunteer with the Erie Canalway National Corridor, who helped create the Abolition Road walk.

Also, joining the conversation are Madison County Historian Matt Urtz who will be speaking at the walk.   

Please join the event on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 10:00 AM.  You can learn more and register by going to www.abolitionroad.org. Take the time to walk in the steps of history and learn more about the "grandest revolution the world has ever seen".

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

We welcome you to the Madison County Milk House.  Hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County, NY Public Information Office.    This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.
 
Madison County has a lot to offer in the Fall, not only the beauty of the changing leaves, or apple picking or pumpkin picking, but also events.  The Fall means that the Madison County Historical Society's Craft Festival and Hop Fest are here! 

Take a listen to Gina Stankivitz, the Executive Director of the Madison County Historical Society as she talks about the 60th Annual Craft Festival on Cottage Lawn in Oneida coming up September 7 and 8.  As well as dive into the history of hops and why we celebrate our agricultural history with Hop Fest on September 14 and 15.

You can learn more about the events and purchase your tickets by going to www.mchs1900.org.

Link to Cazenovia Blacksmith History https://www.cazblacksmith.org/ 

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

We welcome you to the Madison County Milk House.  Hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County, NY Public Information Office.    This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.
 
 For many Emancipation Day signifies the day enslaved people were emancipated by their country or state, but for Peterboro, NY and those who know the hamlet’s history, it is a time to honor not only when New York emancipated enslaved peoples in 1827 but also great works of men and women such as Gerrit Smith.
 
 Take a listen to Alden Max Smith, Co-chair of the Emancipation Day Celebration as he tells us about the ceremony and the significance of Peterboro's role in the Civil War and the emancipation.
 
 Also, joining the conversation are Madison County Historian Matt Urtz and Colgate Fellow Chase Canty 

Please join the event on Saturday, August 3rd,  at 10:00 AM the Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark will host the 14th Annual Peterboro Emancipation Day. www.GerritSmith.org The event commemorates the families that came from enslavement by replicating the Emancipation Days held by the generations of the 1920s and 1930s. 

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

We welcome you to the Madison County Milk House.  Hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County, NY Public Information Office.    This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

Disclaimer: This episode was taped on June 12, 2024 prior to Town of Lenox Supervisor Joseph J. Pinard resigning as Chairman of the Board.  However, the information regarding the solid waste management program is still accurate.

During this episode we will hear from Madison County Solid Waste Director Greg Gelewski, Madison County Solid Waste and Recycling Committee Chairwoman Melissa During, and Madison County Administrator Mark Scimone.  Where do things currently stand with the solid waste management programs?  Why did tipping fees need to be increased?  And much more.  

If you have a question you would like answered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.