Mileage, Roosevelt, school newspaper, educator

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

April 11, 1935

Mileage Bill Passes Assembly Measure Previously Approved by Senate

ALBANY-The Assembly has passed Senator Bontecou’s bill amending the judiciary law and the code of criminal procedure to provide for the payment of mileage of not more than four cents per mile to trial and grand jurors in Dutchess County residing outside the city of Poughkeepsie. The Senate had previously passed the measure, leaving only the Governor’s signature required to make it law.

No Tax Rise For Painting, Says Mayor

An impression said to be prevalent among property owners of Millerton that tax assessments would be increased if buildings were painted or the property otherwise improved, was discounted today by Mayor Brewer. Speaking on behalf of the Village Board, Mr. Brewer pointed out that this idea was entirely erroneous, and at the same time encouraged home owners to paint or make other improvements to the beauty of the village.

Mrs. Roosevelt Is Hostess To Scout Group

The sustaining membership appeal committee for the annual budget campaign of the Dutchess County Council, Boy Scouts of America, was informed of the program for the current drive at a meeting held Monday night at the home of Mrs. James Roosevelt, mother of the President, at Hyde Park. Mrs. Roosevelt is co-chairman of the committee with Dr. James T. Harrington of Poughkeepsie.

Although unable to remain for the meeting because of having to return to New York City for the funeral of her nephew, Warren Delano Robbins, Mrs. Roosevelt greeted committee members who arrived early and led them into the spacious parlor. Dr. Harrington presided at the session, conveying Mrs. Roosevelt’s regrets and her sincere wishes for the success of the drive. An outline of the work to be carried on by the committee of thirty-six men and women in the next two weeks, Interviewing more than 300 persons on the matter of enrolling as sustaining members of the council, was given by Dr. Harrington.

April 8, 1976

READY, SET, GO

[photo caption] Laura Conklin of Millerton takes off with her cart at the Millerton Super last Saturday. Laura’s mother, Alice Yankowski, won the Lions Shop-er-ama and Laura did the 3- minutes of shopping at Lions’ cost. She did just fine, garnering $672 worth of food.

Webutuckers Have Hit With School Newspaper

The News isn’t the only paper in town; the March edition of Webutide ‘76 is hot off the mimeograph machine and almost 200 copies have been sold around school for a dime apiece and if the New York Times isn’t looking over its shoulder, the Webutuck Elementary School newspaper is doing just fine.

In its 2nd year, Webutide ‘76 is published monthly by some 15 4th, 5th and 6th graders at Webutuck. Rose Barer, a 4th grade teacher, is the advisor for all the young William Hearsts and she spends a lot of her time helping round up writers, editors and artists. When asked who does end up contributing to the paper, Rose said, “Anyone I can nab or buttonhole.”

The editors of Webutide ‘76 are mostly 6th graders and they all said the paper is going pretty well. What do the kids around school like best about the March issue? “The cover. They like just drawing on the cover,” responded 1 editor with a slight frown.

Parts Store Burglarized

The Columbia Auto Parts store on Main Street in Millerton was burglarized early in the morning of Thursday, April 1, but the thieves escaped with little that was worthwhile; 2 defective stereo speakers and a few cans of paint in damaged cans.

The N.Y. State Police reported that entry was gained through the side door of the building at approximately 1:45 a.m. Thursday morning. Store manager Michael E. Wells said the culprits didn’t take much: “More damage was done to the door than to anything else.”

Klippel Buys Ayrshire Cow

William Floyd Klippel of Millerton, recently made an initial purchase of one registered Ayrshire cow from Maurice F. Downey of Millerton, according to the Ayrshire Breeders’ Association secretary, David Gibson Jr., of Brandon, Vt.

The transaction was recorded in the national office of the association, where complete registry records on all purebred Ayrshire dairy cattle in the United States have been maintained since 1875.

April 12, 2001

Giant Among Educators Gone: Millerton Loses Gene Brooks

MILLERTON - It is a rare gem of a man who can travel through this world encountering people from all walks of life and still be able to positively affect each and every one.

Mr. Eugene “Gene” Brooks was such a man.

“Ask a teacher, a custodian, a bus driver, a secretary, a cook — everyone had the same reaction to Gene. His smile, his laugh, his way with people could only make them love him,” said Justine Winters, a friend and co-worker of Mr. Brooks’.

Those fortunate enough to have met Mr. Brooks now mourn his absence; Mr. Brooks died April 7, causing a veil of sadness to envelop the community.

After coming to Millerton, Mr. Brooks continued in his educational endeavors, working for both Webutuck and Housatonic Valley Regional High School during the past 36 years.

Mr. Brooks impressed friends, students and co-workers with his overwhelming capacity for understanding and his ability to relate with children.

“As principal of a school, you get called upon to do a lot of unpleasant things,” said Mr. Rindsberg. “But Gene, through it all, maintained his love for children.”

“Gene has a way with children,” said Brad Rebillard, the Millerton Lions Club President. Mr. Rebillard related a story concerning Mr. Brooks’ dealings with a group of mischievous boys.

“Gene could make a difference,” concluded Mr. Rebillard. “You can bet each child remembers that.”

P.O. Expands Recycling Effort

MILLERTON - Residents with post office boxes may have noticed they now have a place to put unwanted recyclable paper. Postmaster Martin Cavally has established a provisional recycling station within the Millerton post office as a personal effort to help the community.

“Anything that helps the environment is good for all of us,” said Mr. Cavally.

“We’re in the beginning phases now, and we’ll have to see how it pans out before we make any changes.” said Mr. Cavally, commenting on the current set-up.

Mr. Cavally has an additional reason to be concerned and willing to make a difference: “I’ve got a granddaughter, and she’s going to have to live in this world.”