As some Northeast gardens peak in July, growers are trimming plants, pulling spent vegetables, mowing lawns and managing an increasing amount of yard waste. Now is the ideal time to start a compost pile that can help recycle those materials and prepare households for the large influx of leaves that ...

The Connected Herkimer County Teams, representing Central Valley, Dolgeville, Herkimer and Mount Markham, are inviting families from across Herkimer County to join them for an evening of fun, connection and community at the Connected Herkimer County Carnival on Thursday, July 30 at ARC Park in Herki...

The Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA) is accepting nominations for its “Conservationist of the Year” award for 2026. Each year, OCCA awards the Conservationist of the Year to the individual, community group, nonprofit organization or business or government entity that has made an outstan...

Seniors are vulnerable to mental health issues. The World Health Organization says around one in five older adults experience psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety and dementia-related mood changes. While various therapies can help, seniors may discover volunteerism can be a surprising anti...

This time of year, refrigerators take center stage in our kitchens. Whether they are holding an extra case of soft drinks, bottled water or a frosty pitcher of fresh lemonade, our favorite summer appliance gets a lot of use. We grew up calling it the “icebox” because that’s what Mom and Dad and all ...

The “Best in Rural Writing” contest is open to everyone in the world. The work can have already been published (or scheduled to be published). By submitting, the author is agreeing to the possibility of the Milk House or the co-sponsor publishing or promoting their submission if it is selected as th...

The Utica Maennerchor will host its annual Bavarian Festival on July 17 from 5 - 10 p.m. and July 18 from 3 - 10 p.m. at the club, 5535 Flanagan Rd., Marcy. This event features great food, terrific entertainment and fun for the entire family. The festival starts on Friday night with the traditional ...

Few things can upset an otherwise beautiful and relaxing day spent in an outdoor living space more quickly than insects and pests. Whether it’s mosquitoes trying to bite homeowners and their guests, flies looking to land on food, or wildlife leaving trails of excrement throughout a yard, these unwel...

Dear Paw's Corner: I often see advice for humans about staying hydrated – by drinking lots of water, adding electrolyte supplements and so on. But I see almost no advice about keeping pets hydrated, and that’s so important. Is it enough to just give my dog water throughout the day? Are there electro...