Measles epidemic; Town plan finalized; goats in Village

The following excerpts from The Millerton News were compiled by Kathleen Spahn and Rhiannon Leo-Jameson of the North East-Millerton Library.

June 7, 1934

‘Epidemic Of Measles At Dover Plains’; Twenty Cases Reported In Outbreak; Not To Close Schools

A report that twenty cases of measles had developed in Dover Plains was confirmed last weekend by Bertrand E. Roberts, district health officer, who revealed that fourteen cases had broken out in May and six others had been reported since June 1. He said that the outbreak is in epidemic form and warned parents of younger children that they should watch for severe colds or other symptoms of the malady.

June 5, 1975

‘Town Comprehensive Plan To Be Finalized’; North East Comprehensive Plan will be finalized at a meeting to be held June 25 in Town Hall, it was decided last Wednesday night, May 28, at a Comprehensive plan meeting.

Planning Board Chairman Harry Schroeder told The News that Town maps would also be prepared on June 25 and the planning group would begin to formulate a Millerton Village plan. For 18 months the Town’s Planning Board and members of the Dutchess County Department of Planning have worked on a new zoning plan for North East and Millerton.

‘Letters To The Editor’; Goats In Village Called Worthwhile Project

We were amazed by the article in the May 22nd edition of The News reporting on the Village Board meeting at which a number of residents on Dutchess Avenue complained about the odor and noise of goats being kept by one family in that area.

Either these complainers must really have a very vivid imagination or a remarkable sense of hearing and smell.

We do not claim to be experts, but we have had considerable experience with goats over the past 3 years. At present, we own 25 goats.

There is no odor from the does, kids nor wethers (castrated bucks). The only goats which have any odor are the bucks, particularly during the August through March breeding season.

The people on Dutchess Avenue who have goats do not own a buck so we cannot understand why anyone should be complaining about odor. We had occasion to visit these people and, even inside the building where the goats are housed, we noticed no offensive odors.

Instead of complaining, people should be glad to have such a nice family for neighbors. We would welcome them, including their animals, as neighbors.

Wilbur & Esther Cook, Millerton

June 1, 2000

‘Water Tower Painting Presents A Challenge’; MILLERTON - The village is accepting bids from companies to paint the water tower on Church Street in June, but the interior painting itself won’t be as difficult as keeping the tower empty while maintaining proper pressure in the system, according to village officials.

Once engineers settle on a plan, said Millerton Mayor Michael Cawley, the county Health Department will run tests of the procedure, and then the work can commence.