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Court tests meaning of equal justice
Kathy Herald-Marlowe
Jun 16, 2026
“We want a Supreme Court which will do justice under the constitution – not over it. In our courts we want a government of laws, not of men.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt
John Roberts was nominated to replace Sandra Day O’Connor as a justice on the Supreme Court in July 2005 – three days later Rehnquist died and Roberts was nominated for Chief Justice as his replacement. The most vocal Democratic resister to Roberts’ confirmation was the new Senator Barack Obama who contested that though Roberts would be unquestionably qualified for 95 % of Supreme Court cases, he would be lacking for 5% of cases requiring depth and width of empathy – Roberts was for the strong over the weak. Roberts was confirmed 72 – 22. Four years later, January 20, 2009, Roberts bungled the Presidential oath of office at Obama’s inauguration, the oath was redone on January 21. Both men had been president of the Harvard Law Review – Roberts in 1978 and Obama in 1990.
In 2005 the Supreme Court enjoyed approval ratings over 60% - comfortable, respectable. In 2026, their approval rating is 42%, disapproval 57% - nearly a full reversal. The Court has lost the trust of a majority of the nation, 69% are in favor of term limits for Justices versus lifetime appointments. The stability of the law is in question. Many cases have been overturned, some cases have been decided with extraordinary outcomes for money in elections, for immunity from prosecution for the executive.
In 2010, the Supreme Court announced a decision, so contentious that it had to be re-argued, that overturned bans on corporate independent expenditures to favor unlimited corporate expenditures in elections. In 2016, total expenditures on Presidential and Congressional elections was up from $7 billion in 2008 to $18.3 billion boosted by super PACS and dark money whose donors were non-disclosed. Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission has transformed campaigns and impacted election outcomes. The Roberts Court ruled 5-4 with Roberts writing the opinion.
Voting rights have been struck down by three Supreme Court cases: Shelby County v. Holder (2013), Students for Fair Admissions v Harvard (2023) and Louisiana v. Callais (2026). The first decision eliminated requirements that certain states with histories of discrimination obtain federal preclearance before changing their voting laws. The Harvard case bans Affirmative Action for admissions. The final Louisiana decision limits the Voting Rights Act.
Roberts in his opinion in 2013 wrote: “The conditions that originally justified these measures no longer characterize voting in the covered jurisdictions.” The Roberts Court ruled 5-4 then 6-3.
Dobbs V Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned Roe v Wade reaffirmed by the Supreme Court on four occasions. The Roberts Court ruled 6-3 with a scathing majority opinion written, leaked by Samuel Alito. Abortion is favored by 80% of Americans.
The nation continues to reel as the Supreme Court ruled that all former presidents possess absolute immunity for their core constitutional powers and immune from all official acts. The decision is broadly opposed as it undermines the principle that no one is above the law. The Roberts Court ruled 6-3 with the majority opinion written by Roberts.
Supreme Court overturned decisions have also impacted guns as well as the separation of church and state. An unusually high quantity of case have resulted in “shadow docket” findings which have no vote by the Justices, no explanation, no opinion. Additionally, the Supreme Court has overturned a surprising number of lower courts decisions in favor of the current administration.
The conclusion of the 2025-2026 Supreme Court season is upon us. Expected is another major decision regarding birth right citizenship now guaranteed in Section 1 of the 14th Amendment. Unexpected may be the unfurling of a gigantic Trump poster on the Supreme Court’s 92-foot “greek-temple” on First Avenue in DC. The Trump poster currently on the DOJ is 88 feet long – so a duplicate fits here even though such a Trump image would cover the west facade’s declaration of“ Equal justice under law.” Not all would be bothered or even notice.
“Members of the Supreme Court have lifetime tenure because they’re not suppose to do politics.”
Ben Sasse
Kathy Herald-Marlowe lives in Sharon.
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Let's hear it — June 18, 2026
Olivia Montoya
Jun 16, 2026
This Week
Fireworks have long been part of Fourth of July celebrations, lighting up the night sky in towns across the country. But in recent years, drone light shows have become an increasingly popular alternative, as communities weigh safety concerns, fire risks, noise complaints, environmental effects and changing state and local regulations.
What do you think about this changing tradition? Should communities hold on to fireworks, embrace drone shows or find room for both?
Send your responses to publisher@lakevillejournal.com by Monday, June 22 at 10 a.m. or comment on Facebook or Instagram.
We’ll publish a selection in next week’s paper.
Last Week’s Question
How much does experience matter? What about independence, new ideas or a willingness to challenge the system? What makes someone an effective representative for your community?
“Im seeing some issues with how Hodge has managed some things but I’m more concerned about an elected official chairs an energy committee and accepts donations from energy companies and representatives.”
— Darrick Spears
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Millerton Moviehouse to shore up structure with $99K grant
Graham Corrigan
Jun 16, 2026
Wooden beams fashioned from tree trunks support the Moviehouse structure above. Grant funding will pay to support those beams with steel and pave the dirt floor.
Graham Corrigan
MILLERTON — The Moviehouse is getting a new round of renovations after being awarded a grant earlier this month from the New York State Council on the Arts.
The Millerton Moviehouse received $99,000 as part of a grant provided by the New York State Council on the Arts that will pay to renovate and stabilize the 120-year-old building.
The money will be going straight to the basement: poured concrete will replace the existing dirt floor, and steel support beams will be installed to bolster timber beams that are original to the building. “This work is long overdue,” said David Maltby, Vice Chair of The Moviehouse Board. “The support from NYSCA has made it possible for us to continue to preserve and improve The Moviehouse.”
This latest award follows a $150,000 grant given last year via State Senator Michelle Hinchey’s office. That money was allocated towards HVAC repairs.
The building and its iconic clock tower were built in 1903, originally as a grange hall and community center. Renovations are a going concern: when Carol and Robert Sadlon bought the building in 1977, they added heat, air conditioning, and a second screening room. In 2012, they replaced the 35mm projection systems with a digital system. When the current Moviehouse co-chairs David Maltby and Chelsea Altman took over in 2021, they initiated a massive overhaul that included redesigning both floors and adding an elevator. They also replaced the signage, and upgraded the seating this past April.
Now it’s time to show the basement some love. “It’s pretty common in this area for basements to have wooden support beams that are literal tree trunks,” said Jeremy Boviard, the Moviehouse’s general manager. “Sometimes even with the bark still on it.”
But as the building ages, Boviard said the Moviehouse’s stewards are dedicated to modernizing the facilities. Renovating the basement will improve the building’s stability and make it easier to regulate the temperature. While the project’s timeline is still tentative, Boviard says they aim to begin construction in late summer or early fall.
When they do, there’s no telling what they’ll find. “When we’ve done basement renovations in the past, we’ve found hundred-year-old press clippings,” said Boviard. “There was an old beer bottle that was found in the wall — I have no idea how it got there.”
The Moviehouse converted to a nonprofit arts organization in 2022, and has since expanded its cultural offerings to include work from local filmmakers, educational events, and community gatherings.
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After painter’s death, friends reflect on a life rebuilt
Christian Murray
Jun 16, 2026
LAKEVILLE — Friends and coworkers say Michael Moore spent years rebuilding his life.
Now, they are grappling not only with the loss of a friend and employer, but with the loss of a father whose life had come to revolve around his 7-year-old son, Lucian.
The 40-year-old painting contractor was killed June 1 in Ashley Falls. Authorities allege that fellow painting contractor Cole Bushnell was responsible. Bushnell, 41, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder and is being held without bail.
Friends say Moore had overcome addiction, regained custody of his son and built a business that employed people who, like him, were trying to get back on their feet. He was also talking about marriage after more than six months in a committed relationship.
For many who knew both Moore and Bushnell, the allegations remain difficult to reconcile. The two men had known each other since their days at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, worked together for years and remained close friends.
“They were best friends,” Moises Reyes, a painter who was employed by Moore, said.
Friends say Moore and Bushnell spoke daily, shared workers on larger jobs, consulted one another on estimates and occasionally helped each other financially when business slowed.
One friend and fellow painter, who has known both men since childhood but didn’t want his name disclosed, said Bushnell served as a mentor to Moore as the younger contractor built his own business.
“Cole was like a mentor to him,” the friend said. “Whatever job one got, they would run it by the other.”
Friends said it was not uncommon for the two men to loan each other money when cash flow tightened, a reality of running small contracting businesses.
“I saw it both ways,” the friend said. “Mike would help Cole. Cole would help Mike.”
That history has left many searching for answers.
“I don’t understand how it happened,” the friend said.
Rebuilding his life
Those closest to Moore acknowledge that he struggled with addiction during his younger years and had several encounters with the criminal justice system. But friends say those challenges became the foundation of a turnaround.
After becoming sober, Moore focused on rebuilding his life, establishing his own business and gaining sole custody of Lucian nearly four years ago.
“He got clean. He got his son back,” said Joey St. John, who worked for Moore but had been friends with him for nearly a decade.
Friends describe that achievement as one of Moore’s proudest accomplishments. They say much of what he did in recent years revolved around creating stability for his son. Lucian’s mother, they said, had her own personal struggles.
A father first
By all accounts, Lucian was the center of Moore’s life.
Friends describe him as a single father whose daily routine revolved around his son. He dropped him off at daycare in Winsted most days and picked him up at the end of the day.
Friends say Moore worked hard to regain custody of Lucian and was devoted to raising him.
“Lucian loved his daddy more than anything,” said Jacklyn Evon, whose husband grew up with Moore and was a friend.
Her husband, Bryan, attended Kellogg Elementary School in Falls Village with Moore in the 1990s, when there were only about 10 children in the grade, with just three being boys.
“They were like brothers,” she said, noting that Moore gave a lively speech at their wedding.
Following Moore’s death, friends and family members have rallied around Moore’s son.
Evon launched a GoFundMe campaign noting that Moore was Lucian’s sole caregiver, provider and primary source of support. The fundraiser seeks to help cover counseling, educational expenses, daily needs and long-term financial support for the boy.
“No amount can replace Michael or erase the pain of this loss,” the fundraiser states. “However, together we can help ease some of the burdens that now lie ahead for Lucian.”
The GoFundMe had generated about $18,000 in a week, with about 150 contributors.
Evon said that Lucian has a strong foundation but there is uncertainty ahead.
Moore’s death has also left his workers grieving and uncertain about the future.
Many of the people Moore employed were themselves rebuilding their lives after addiction, incarceration or other setbacks.
Reyes said Moore gave him an opportunity after he completed rehabilitation in 2025 and began trying to turn his life around.
“He uplifted me,” Reyes said. “He pointed me in a better direction. I am completely heartbroken by this.”
Reyes said Moore believed in him and helped him develop skills that allowed him to earn a better living. Reyes was working at Burger King in Torrington before Moore hired him.
“If my motivation went down, he would help me,” Reyes said.
Today, Reyes is still trying to process the loss.
“It’s hard to wake up in the morning and concentrate,” he said, who now has to find a new job. “Every 30 minutes I feel grief.”
Meanwhile, St. John was also recovering from addiction and needed a job. “He’s like, ‘I’ll give you some days, come work for me.’ I said: ‘All right.’”
St. John said he became friends with Moore through their shared love of music and Moore’s passion for playing guitar.
Fernando, who didn’t provide his last name but worked for Bushnell, said he is struggling to process the alleged homicide and is now in therapy. He was the employee who was allegedly shown Moore’s body by Bushnell on June 1.
St. John, who had planned to spend the summer working for Moore, has been making deliveries through DoorDash while searching for another job.
Others remain uncertain about what comes next.
Coworkers say Moore looked after his crew, bought lunch, solved problems and treated employees with respect.
Remembering the man they knew
Many of Moore’s friends say his death came at a time when he appeared to have found a path forward.
They said the timing of his death was tragic, since he had got back on track and had rebuilt his life around his family and work.
“He poured all of his energy into his son,” Evon said. “And whatever he had left, he put into his business.”
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Washington median home prices edge higher over past year
Christine Bates
Jun 16, 2026
Sold after just 27 days on the market, 269 Milewood Road offered buyers 2,464 square feet of living space, an insulated and heated three-car garage, and more than five acres.
Photo by Christine Bates
WASHINGTON — Home prices in the Town of Washington continued to trend upward through May 31, 2026, with the median sale price reaching $735,000 over the past 12 months despite a housing market marked by low sales volume and limited inventory.
The $735,000 figure is 11% higher than the $661,370 median recorded for the 12 months ending May 31, 2025, and 49% higher than $492,500 for the comparable period ending May 31, 2024.
Since the beginning of 2022, annual sales of single-family homes in Washington have remained at low levels. A total of 32 single-family homes were sold in the 12 months ending May 31, 2026, compared with 37 sales in the period ending May 31, 2025, and 27 sales for the 12 months ending May 31, 2024. The busiest year occurred during the 12 months ending in October 2021, when 64 homes were sold during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the beginning of June, the number of all listed residential properties remained level at 34. All residential properties on the market, including condos and multifamily homes, remained weighted toward the high end, with almost half over $1 million. Four properties were listed above $5 million, 12 between $1 million and $5 million, another 17 between $500,000 and $1 million, with only two homes under $500,000. Eight homes are now listed below the current median price of $735,000.
Of the eleven rentals available, eight are on an annual basis with half under $3,000 per month. There are only three large parcels of land listed from $995,000 with 23.5 acres to $5 million for 332 acres.
May sales
269 Milewood Road — 3 bedroom/2.5 bath home built in 2009 on 5.1 acres sold for $725,000.
3985 Route 82 — 4 bedroom/2 bath home built in 1938 on 2.5 acres sold for $580,000.
279 Milewood Road — 3 bedroom/2 bath home built in 2005 on 8.8 acres sold for $550,000.
*Town of Washington recorded real estate sales from May 1 to May 31, 2026 from First Key MLS and market data from InfoSparks. Private transfers will be added when they become available. Details on each property from Dutchess Parcel Access. Current listings from One Key MLS. Compiled by Christine Bates, Real Estate Advisor with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, Licensed in Connecticut and New York.
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