Farmer fleeced; reservoir hazard; new HVRT leg

From the Archives Sept. 19, 2024

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.

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Millerton News and The News does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

Latest News

Classifieds - February 26, 2026

Classifieds - February 26, 2026

Help Wanted

PART-TIME CARE-GIVER NEEDED: possibly LIVE-IN. Bright private STUDIO on 10 acres. Queen Bed, En-Suite Bathroom, Kitchenette & Garage. SHARON 407-620-7777.

The Salisbury Association’s Land Trust seeks part-time Land Steward: Responsibilities include monitoring easements and preserves, filing monitoring reports, documenting and reporting violations or encroachments, and recruiting and supervising volunteer monitors. The Steward will also execute preserve and trail stewardship according to Management Plans and manage contractor activity. Up to 10 hours per week, compensation commensurate with experience. Further details and requirements are available on request. To apply: Send cover letter, resume, and references to info@salisburyassociation.org. The Salisbury Association is an equal opportunity employer.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

To save birds, plant for caterpillars

Fireweed attracts the fabulous hummingbird sphinx moth.

Photo provided by Wild Seed Project

You must figure that, as rough as the cold weather has been for us, it’s worse for wildlife. Here, by the banks of the Housatonic, flocks of dark-eyed juncos, song sparrows, tufted titmice and black-capped chickadees have taken up residence in the boxwood — presumably because of its proximity to the breakfast bar. I no longer have a bird feeder after bears destroyed two versions and simply throw chili-flavored birdseed onto the snow twice a day. The tiny creatures from the boxwood are joined by blue jays, cardinals and a solitary flicker.

These birds will soon enough be nesting, and their babies will require a nonstop diet of caterpillars. This source of soft-bodied protein makes up more than 90 percent of native bird chicks’ diets, with each clutch consuming between 6,000 and 9,000 caterpillars before they fledge. That means we need a lot of caterpillars if we want our bird population to survive.

Keep ReadingShow less
Stephanie Haboush Plunkett and the home for American illustration

Stephanie Haboush Plunkett

L. Tomaino
"The field of illustration is very close to my heart"
— Stephanie Plunkett

For more than three decades, Stephanie Haboush Plunkett has worked to elevate illustration as a serious art form. As chief curator and Rockwell Center director at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, she has helped bring national and international attention to an art form long dismissed as merely commercial.

Her commitment to illustration is deeply personal. Plunkett grew up watching her father, Joseph Haboush, an illustrator and graphic designer, work late into the night in his home studio creating art and hand-lettered logos for package designs, toys and licensed-character products for the Walt Disney Co. and other clients.

Keep ReadingShow less
Free film screening and talk on end-of-life care
‘Come See Me in the Good Light’ is nominated for best documentary at this year’s Academy Awards.
Provided

Craig Davis, co-founder and board chair of East Mountain House, an end-of-life care facility in Lakeville, will sponsor a March 5 screening of the documentary “Come See Me in the Good Light” at The Moviehouse in Millerton, followed by a discussion with attendees.

The film, which is nominated for best documentary at this year’s Academy Awards, follows the poet Andrea Gibson and their partner Megan Falley as they are suddenly and unimaginably forced to navigate a terminal illness. The free screening invites audiences to gather not just for a film but for reflection on mortality, healing, connection and the ways communities support one another through difficult life transitions.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.