Farmer fleeced; reservoir hazard; new HVRT leg

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

Sept. 21, 1933

‘Farmer is Tricked Out of $2,000’; An alarm was set from State Police headquarters at Albany last Thursday for an automobile carrying two gaudily dressed women who had tricked a Columbia County farmer into giving them $2,000. The car was described as having western New York license plates.

The farmer, who begged state police not to disclose his name, gave the two women “magicians” a bag containing $2,000 to be “blessed.” He was told to open it in three days and he would find $4,000. Instead, he found a roll of newspaper clippings.

‘Search for Dover Murder Clues Fails’; Undersheriff Martin Hicks and three deputies made an all day search last Thursday of the John I. Baker estate on Chestnut Ridge where the green Hupmobile coupe driven by an unknown slayer who fatally wounded Otto Schwarzwalder…was found in a thicket last Sunday night, but no clues were uncovered which would aid in apprehending the gunman…The automobile was abandoned in an impenetrable thicket on a high embankment near the country road, Undersheriff Hicks said, and the car was not found sooner because it was not visible from the road. The bandit had to cross three fields in order to reach the thicket where he left the coupe…

Sept. 19, 1974

‘Village Reservoir Labeled Health Hazard by State’; The New York State Department of Health has ordered the Village of Millerton to take immediate action regarding the health hazard of its open storage water distribution reservoir located west of the village on Winchell Mountain.

The Board, undecided on a solution, has agreed to meet with a state official.

Daniel E. Serrell, senior sanitary engineer for the Bureau of Public Water Supply of the New York State Department of Health, made a number of recommendations… “Clearing vegetation from around the sides of the existing pond, and reconstruction along the sides to insure little to no surface water coming into the drinking water reservoir. Construction of a manproof fence to prevent vandalism and the swimming of man and animals in the water.”...He further reported that the “water in the distribution reservoir must be considered polluted and unfit for consumption without disinfection”... The board was unaware of the reservoir hazard because water samples, tested by the Department of Health, are taken from village tap water which mostly comes from two wells. The Village has had excellent rating on its water sample…One citizen…who inspected the reservoir along with state health officials and Jack Dean, Village superintendent of public works, suggested that the board appoint committees of citizens to “look into various aspects of it, rather than hire an engineer.”... The board, however, preferred to seek professional advice and will consult with the state’s representative on possible proposals… Board Member Kent Kay responded, “We should set up long range planning. Sooner or later we’ll have to get sewers.”

Sept. 16, 1999

‘Cross Country Starts Off Right’; Webutuck – On a lovely day for running, the Webutuck cross-country team laced up for a meet with Highland and Rondout Valley. Tom Grega is the new coach this year, after Dave Reagon stepped down.

Senior Brandon Casey finished the 3.1-mile run in 22 minutes, 30 seconds. He felt he started on the right foot.

“It was good,” he said. “But I’m hoping to improve as the season progresses.”

Brandon Nocera finished with a time of 23 minutes, 41 seconds.

Freshman Melissa Lounsbury has impressed her coach:“Melissa moved up from the modified program,” Grega said. “And she did well.”

Overall, the coach was pleased with the team’s development, “I think they did OK,” he said. “But this is the opening meet. I’m sure they will do better.”

‘Notables Break Ground for HVRT Section’; Millerton – Dutchess County Executive William Steinhaus visited the village Sept. 9 to announce construction of a new segment of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail.

“This phase will double the length of the trail open to the public,” Mr. Steinhaus said.

The first portion of the trail runs from Mechanic Street in Amenia to Coleman Station in North East, a distance of about 4.6 miles. The extension from Coleman Station to the Village of Millerton will add an extra 3.6 miles. Mr. Steinhaus said…

After completion of the Millerton segment, the next phase of the rail trail will be the connection extending from Amenia south to Wassaic. The county applied for additional federal funds to complete the final 18 miles of the trail from Millerton to the Copake Falls….

“If all goes as planned, we will have the entire trail completed in less than 24 months, “the county executive said.

All of this was good news for Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association Chairman Dick Hermans.

“It’s going to make the village more attractive to visitors,” he said. “I’m a little stunned that it’s actually happened.”…

Mr. Hermans said it was a positive development when Millerton is crowded on weekends. “If the town is full that means everyone is doing well,” he noted.