Rabid fox confirmed in Dover

DOVER — On Wednesday, July 10, the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) confirmed reports of a rabid fox that was caught on Monday, July 8, on Anderson Road in the town of Dover. 

According to County Health Commissioner A. K. Vaidian, MD, the fox was sent for testing on July 9 and the test results were confirmed on July 10.

The DBCH advises anyone who is aware of any contact between a fox and any person or domestic animal within the past two weeks to contact the department at 845-486-3404 Monday through Friday during normal business hours or 845-431-6465 after hours.

It was the second rabid fox discovered in Dover this spring. Another was seen on Sand Hill Road in May.

If left untreated, rabies can be fatal to humans and other animals, according to health officials, who warn people not to approach non-domesticated animals, especially animals that may be acting strangely.  

According to a DBCH press release, residents are warned that in addition to foxes, “other animals can carry and transmit rabies, including raccoons, bats and skunks, as well as domesticated animals like dogs, cats, ferrets and livestock. Any exposure to a potentially rabid animal through either a bite or its saliva should be reported to the department… Steps should be taken to safely capture the potentially rabid animal for follow-up.”

According to Vaidian’s office, “in Dutchess County, nearly 70 individuals undergo rabies post-exposure treatment annually. Rabies is a serious illness and is fatal if not treated. Don’t delay evaluation if you think you have been exposed to rabies.”

Latest News

Wastewater Committee defers wastewater project

Amenia Town Hall on Route 22.

Photo by John Coston

The Wastewater Committee elected officers and discussed priorities for the coming year at its regular meeting on Thursday, Feb. 6.

Unanimously re-elected to serve as chairman was Charlie Miller and John Stewart was re-elected to the position of Secretary.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rondout defeats Millbrook at season-end home game

The Millbrook girls varsity basketball squad put up a solid fight against Rondout in the first three quarters of the Wednesday, Feb. 19, game at Millbrook High School. The score was close until the last quarter when Rondout put up 18 points to win 37-23.

Photo by Nathan Miller

MILLBROOK — The Millbrook varsity girls basketball squad hosted Rondout High School Wednesday, Feb. 19, for the final home game of the regular basketball season.

The at-once competitive match ended in a Rondout blowout of 37-23 after the Rondout girls went on an impressive scoring run in the final quarter.

Keep ReadingShow less
Donna Aakjar

CANAAN — Donna Aakjar passed away peacefully on Feb. 20, 2025 at Noble Horizons. Born on Dec. 14, 1941, at Geer Hospital in Canaan to Maybelle Voorhees and Louis Peder Aakjar, Donna’s life was a testament to education, service and a deep love of the arts.

She attended North Canaan Elementary School and the Housatonic Valley Regional high before graduating from Southern Connecticut State College. Donna began her career teaching fifth grade at Sharon CenterSchool. While teaching, she earned a master’s degree in Library Science and became the first librarian in the newly renovated basement library. Later, the library was relocated upstairs and, several yearsthereafter, was completely redesigned under her guidance.

Keep ReadingShow less
North East Board discusses drafted zoning definitions

North East Town Hall on Maple Avenue in Millerton.

Photo by John Coston

MILLERTON — On Tuesday, Feb. 18, the Town of North East held a special meeting with Town Board members and Zoning Board of Appeals chair Edith Greenwood to discuss some definition adjustments on the drafted zoning amendments.

The board members went through a handful of the defined terms to be changed, added or fully eliminated. A few examples of changes that were made varied from swapping out the expression “maid” to “housekeeping” and deleting “sanitarium” and “sanatorium.”

Keep ReadingShow less