Mayor Herzog runs to be trustee once again
Mayor Michael Herzog Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe
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Sharon Audubon Center eyes major redesign
Alec Linden
Jul 07, 2026
Renderings from Wisconsin-based firm The Kubala Washatko Architects show an entirely redesigned Sharon Audubon Center, built with environmental consciousness and community engagement in mind.
Photo provided
SHARON, Conn. – After operating for 65 years from a converted 1920s home, the Sharon Audubon Center is closer than ever to a long-planned major renovation of its facilities on Cornwall Bridge Road.
The project, which has been in the works for well over a decade, will completely replace the 80 year old residence that has housed Northwest Connecticut’s chapter of the national bird conservation organization since 1961 with a modern, energy-efficient design that features a designated exhibit hall, classrooms for school programs and flexible meeting spaces.
The redesign will also move around some key facilities such as the wildlife rehabilitation clinic, which provides critical care for injured, sick and orphaned birds as well as its own resident birds.
A statement from the Audubon communications team said the project represents a necessary update: “Our aging, century-old buildings can no longer meet the needs of our growing programs or the birds we are called to protect.”
The revitalization effort, as the organization is referring to the project, was a key feature of Eileen Fielding’s eight-year tenure as executive director of the Center before she retired last Thursday, July 2.
“I’ve known this building for decades,” Fielding said a few days before she left the Center, “and it’s hard to think of it going away, but it’s time. It is really time.”
The idea began percolating in 2011 under the leadership of former director Scott Heth, to whom Fielding credits essential early momentum for the project. Now, with new renderings from Wisconsin-based firm The Kubala Washatko Architects and a healthy amount of the planning phase out of the way, Fielding said she is confidently passing the reins of the project to her team at Sharon Audubon Center to finish what she spent nearly a decade preparing for.
“If I’m not going to stay all the way to ribbon cutting,” Fielding said, “this would be a good time to go.”
Fielding said the motivation behind the rebuild was to prioritize environmentally sound design and a collaborative work environment in parallel with both Audubon’s central mission and the Center’s expanding programming and activities.
“It’ll certainly be a better space for the staff to work with young people,” Fielding said, explaining that the new Center will be able to host educational programs while keeping the exhibits open to the public, which the current space doesn’t allow for.
“It will also enable the volunteers to work in closer proximity to the staff,” she said. Workplace connectivity will be key to the open floorplan, which is intended to be easy to navigate for both staff and visitors alike.
“The building is so big and rambling,” she said of the current early 20th century design, “and our offices are at literally opposite ends of the building… it makes interaction and collaboration just a little more cumbersome.”
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E. Jean Carroll backs out of book-signing event at Hotchkiss Library for safety reasons
Aly Morrissey
Jul 07, 2026
The Hotchkiss Library of Sharon will host its annual Sharon Summer Book Signing event July 31 to Aug. 2.
Photo by Aly Morrissey
SHARON, Conn. – Facing threats of violence amid a public dispute with President Donald J. Trump, famed author and journalist E. Jean Carroll is no longer expected to attend a highly anticipated book-signing at The Hotchkiss Library of Sharon, though library officials said they have not received formal notice that she has canceled.
The meet and greet was originally scheduled for Aug. 1 as part of the library’s Sharon Summer Book Signing event – which will take place as planned – but Library Director Gretchen Hachmeister said July 2 that Carroll’s attendance is no longer expected. She said the writer is allegedly in an undisclosed location under police protection after receiving death threats related to a recent Supreme Court decision and the president’s subsequent posts on social media.
There is no known local threat at the library or in the surrounding communities at the time of the event, Troop B of Connecticut State Police confirmed.
Hachmeister said library officials are operating under the assumption that she will not join.
“We are disappointed, of course, but her safety is our number one concern,” Hachmeister said.
Ticket sales for Carroll’s signing and cocktail party have been paused on the Hotchkiss Library website until further notice.
Carroll was planning to promote her New York Times bestselling memoir, “Not My Type: One Woman vs. a President,” which was published in June 2025 and details her highly publicized legal battles with President Trump.
The ongoing dispute has received widespread attention over the past seven years after Carroll accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in a luxury department store in the mid-1990s. She filed two separate civil suits: a $5 million sexual abuse and defamation suit, and a second $83.3 million defamation suit in 2023 and 2024, respectively. She won both cases.
Trump has made claims that he never met Carroll, calling the lawsuit a “fake case.”
On Monday, June 29, Trump took to Truth Social — a social media platform he owns — after the Supreme Court declined to review his final appeal attempt of the 2023 decision.
In the post, Trump said the New York Adult Survivors Act — which temporarily allowed survivors to come forward and file civil suits against abusers despite expired statutes of limitation — was “tailormade” to “nab” him.
“I will continue the fight against this Weaponization and Lawfare Case against me, including the ridiculous claim of Defamation, with all of my power and strength,” he wrote.
Carroll was one guest in an extensive lineup of authors scheduled to attend The Hotchkiss Library’s 28th annual Sharon Summer Book Signing, which draws authors from across the region to the Northwest Corner.
The event is scheduled to take place July 31 through Aug. 2 and will once again feature book signings, author dinners, a summer reading kids carnival and brunch with New York Times food columnist Melissa Clark. The event will also continue its second annual Page to Plate event, which brings cookbooks to life in an immersive culinary-literary experience.
Tickets are available at hotchkisslibraryofsharon.org.
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Let's hear it — July 9, 2026
Millerton News
Jul 07, 2026
This Week
Millerton is celebrating its 175th anniversary this summer, a reminder that every town and village is built from generations of stories, traditions, businesses, gathering places and everyday moments.
What is a favorite memory from your community? It could be a person, a place, a local business, a school event, a parade, a neighborhood tradition, a moment on Main Street or something small that captures what your town or village means to you.
Send your responses to social@lakevillejournal.com by Monday, July 6 at 10 a.m. or comment on Facebook or Instagram.
We’ll publish a selection in next week’s paper.
Last Week’s Question
Are you feeling patriotic for this year’s 250th Fourth of July? How do you plan to celebrate or observe the holiday?
“We spent our first independence day on the east coast in millerton ny and loved all the patriotism displayed in our mighty village. We stayed in but we sure showed our patriotism by cooking American classics for dinner and lunch and watching the patriot movie and fireworks on the TV later on that night all while dressed up in our most red white and blue clothes and waved our flags proudly . So thankful we live here.”
— Chloe Rems, Millerton
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Denison etchings, human bones, police
Millerton News
Jul 07, 2026
The following excerpts from The Millerton News were compiled by Kathleen Spahn and Rhiannon Leo-Jameson of the North East-Millerton Library.
July 11, 1935
About Millerton
Clarence McGhee of New York City has been vacationing at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs George McGhee.
Mrs. James T. Pine and daughter, Dorothy, of Port Chester are visiting Mrs. Pine’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Dakin.
Harry Killmer has resumed his duties at the Community Market after being incapacitated for several days by a lame back.
Acquire Denison Etchings
Mr. and Mrs. Worthey J. Pulver of Millerton and Dr. and Mrs. Glee Cheesman of Canisteo, N. Y., have each recently acquired several etchings from Harold Denison of Boston Corners. Among the etchings was his well-known print, “Contentment,” which has been acquired by many art museums.
Human Bones Unearthed By Steam Shovel
Discovery Made Last Week On Doyle Farm Near Millbrook
Special to THE NEWS
MILLBROOK - A box of human bones were unearthed by a steam shovel last week in a secluded apple orchard on the Doyle farm which adjoins the vast estate formerly owned by the late Charles F. Dieterich. A skull, leg and arm bones and part of the pelvic bones, believed by Assistant Medical Examiner Carpenter to be those of a man dead many years, were uncovered by the shovel. They were buried in a wooden box bearing the trade mark and slogan of the Arm and Hammer Soda Company. Both the bones and the box were badly decomposed.
After a brief examination, Dr Carpenter said that the skull appeared to be fractured, probably by the blow of an instrument. The size of the bones led him to believe they were the remains of an adult, probably a man, Dr. Carpenter said. Authorities were of the opinion that the bones were part of a dismembered body in view of the fact that the torso bones were missing. District Attorney Schwartz stated that further digging would be done to learn if there are other bones buried in the orchard.
Sheriff Hiram C. Carroll was directed by the district attorney to confer with the owners of the property to find if any history of the farm would throw light on the discovery. Sheriff Carroll feared the bones were so old, however, that any attempt to solve their presence would prove futile. Dr. Carpenter was unable to determine the age of the bones, but said that they had been buried a long time.
The steam shovel was operated by John Schaintz and Harold Christiana, both of Poughkeepsie, who are employed by Vernon Christiana, sand and gravel contractor and road builder. They were digging gravel for the Shunpike reconstruction project. Upon discovery of the bones, they stopped work immediately and notified the sheriff’s office.
The Doyle farm is situated on a little used gravel road leading from the state highway between Millbrook and Mabbettsville. It is said to be in the hands of Miles Kennedy, New York real estate agent.
July 8, 1976
Village Board Will Discuss Cop Hiring
The Millerton Village Board will discuss hiring a new police officer at its meeting on Wednesday, July 14. Mayor John Hermans reported Tuesday that 13 or 14 people have applied for the job.
Hermans said that the Board will also talk about the Millerton Comprehensive Plan which “has to be ready to go in the fall.”
A third item on the agenda will be codification of the Village laws and regulations. “We’re really thinking seriously about it,” said Hermans. “We’ll probably go ahead and do it.”
The Board meets the second Wednesday of every month at 7:30p.m. in the Village Clerk’s office on Simmons Street.
Denny Pool Begins Day Camp Program
The Day Camp program at the Denny Memorial Pool in Millerton has begun. Sport activities, games and playground facilities are available to all those who participate.
The day camp staff this week urged all children who are interested to come and join the program, which lasts from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., although all swimming lesson schedules have been filled to their capacity.
This Friday’s activities at the Day Camp include tug-o’-wars, relay races, 3-legged races, parachute games, and any other types of activities which the children might suggest.
“All parents are invited to come and watch, or even to join in the fun,” said Day Camp Director Gina Canevari.
Adult swims at the pool have also begun. They are being held from 7-9 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday nights. Anyone wishing to register for adult swimming lessons can come at any of these times and sign-up, but people must be 16 or older. Also, an adult swim is held at 4 p.m. on weekdays, until 4:15 p.m. for those 18 and over.
Pool hours are now from 1-7 p.m. on weekdays and from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekends.
“All non-swimmers who are in the large pool must be accompanied by a parent or an adult who can swim,” said Canevari. And children must not be left in the kiddie pool unattended.
Lentz Finishes Training
Joseph Lentz III, an Amenia resident, has completed 12 weeks of Marine Corps Recruit Training at Parris Island S. C.
Lentz is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Lentz II of Amenia. A former graduate of Webutuck High School, Lentz will be attending Engineering Equipment Repairman School for 17 weeks at Camp Lejeune, N. C.
July 12, 2001
Sheriff’s Department Investigator Sees Herrington’s Link to Other Burglaries
MILLERTON — Investigators have told The Millerton News that the June 20 burglary at Herrington’s lumber and hardware store may be linked to other similar crimes in Dutchess, Putnam and Columbia counties.
Investigators from the Dutchess County sheriff’s department are looking into possible links with burglaries in the Putnam County town of South East and in the Columbia County town of Livingston.
“Over the past four years or so, there have been a considerable amount of burglaries at construction sites and stores similar to the Herrington’s burglary,” Detective Robert Harpp Jr. said.
Of particular interest is a burglary at the construction site for a new Home Depot store along Route 312, near Independence Way in SouthEast. “About $14,000 in power tools were taken between June 29 and 30. Wire cutters from the Herrington’s store may have been used, but tests will need to be taken to confirm that,” Mr. Harpp said
Another crime that could be related to the Herrington’s heist occurred between July 2 and 3, at Keil Equipment on Route 9 in Livingston. Chain saws, leaf blowers and trimmers amounting to nearly $17,000 were taken in that overnight break-in.
“These are all very organized, clean crimes. These people know what they are doing. We are following a lot of leads, but we do not think the crimes were done by locals,” Mr. Harpp said.
Herrington’s Burglary Details Released
The burglary at Herrington’s was a highly-planned and well-organized crime, according to Mr. Harpp. “The intruders climbed a fence at Herrington’s, slipped in through an open window and then cut the lock on the gate with wire cutters taken from within.”
According to police records released July 6, $9,898.02 in merchandise was taken from Herrington’s, including 64 gallons of paint. “These people knew what they were looking for. They took only premixed paints and left the base paints that needed mixing,” Mr. Harpp said. Also taken were “high end” brand named power tools, including “multiple types of Power Cable, Mikita, DeWalt, Senco and Bostitch, which were worth several hundred dollars each.”
He said the tools were loaded into a Herrington’s van and taken to another location “where it was probably loaded into a second vehicle and removed from the area.” The van was recovered the next day on Park Street in Millerton near Taylor Oil.
Similar, Not the Same
Sheriff’s detectives are continuing their investigation of other recent crimes in Millerton, including the May burglaries at Taro’s Restaurant and Oblong Books.
“Although those crimes also occurred at night, we do not think they are directly related to the Herrington’s burglary,” Mr. Harpp said. He added that there are similarities, but also some major differences.
“Both Herrington’s and the Oblong burglaries were fairly neat and involved stolen vehicles. But the products taken were very different. Both were committed by professional thieves and may be linked to frequent other similar incidents,” he stated.
Taitt Wheeler, chief operating officer at Herrington’s, agreed. “Millerton is not a place you normally see something like this,” he said, adding, “I just hope the authorities are successful.”
The vehicle used in the Oblong burglary was found a couple of days after the theft along the Taconic State Parkway in Columbia County. It was damaged and authorities said it may have been linked to other crimes during its disappearance.
Taro’s a Different Story
Mr. Harpp said the Taro’s theft was not linked in any way to the other two. But, he said, the sheriff’s department is “very close to making an arrest” in that case.
According to Peter del Cantaro, owner of Taro’s, the intruders broke down the basement door for entry. Mr. del Cantaro reported that not only was a large amount of beer and wine stolen, but also the cash register, containing about $500 in cash. Mr. del Cantaro estimated the business’ total loss was around $2,000.
Mr. Harpp said the Taro’s theft was different because the items taken were beer and cash. He thinks the crime is more typical of one committed by locals and was not the work of professionals like the other two crimes.
Police Need Help
Anyone with any information regarding these incidents, or about anyone trying to sell paint or power tools is asked to call the sheriff’s department at the Dover substation….
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A sovereign wealth fund could help solve America’s financial issues
Bill Schmick
Jul 07, 2026
Critics dismiss a federal sovereign wealth fund as a ‘solution looking for a problem’. We can’t afford one, they say, we are already in too much debt. The real solution is to cut spending and raise taxes.
How has that solution been working for you? My argument is that buying stakes in our companies, especially in strategic areas, by a U.S. government fund will only improve our financial position. Not only within our own country, but also in our ability to compete globally.
Investments in areas like artificial intelligence could generate far more cash and profits in the future than we could imagine. Those profits could be used to pay down our debt, reduce deficits, and fund the country’s needs in areas like healthcare, alternative energy, clean energy initiatives, and social programs.
Unlike some advocates who argue that the government should hold a large stake (20% or more) in companies, I believe this would be excessive and would impede companies’ ability to operate efficiently in competitive markets. Japan, for example, limits its holdings in that country’s equity markets to no more than 7-8%.
What will it take to convince Congress and the public to establish such a fund? Unfortunately, I suspect it will most likely occur during a financial crisis. Crisis, what crisis, you are probably thinking. The markets have shown they are just too resilient for that to occur. That was my attitude until last month.
That is when I heard Former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, who navigated us through the Great Financial Crisis of 2008, warn of a potential “doom loop” in the bond market. He worries that demand for U.S. government debt could collapse soon.
This, he said, could trigger a cycle of lower bond prices, higher yields, and rising inflation. There is more than an element of truth to that since our government’s Treasury market underpins everything from mortgage rates to corporate borrowing to equity prices. He urged policymakers to prepare an emergency plan and have it ready when demand for U.S. government debt falters.
While his comments did not elicit much comment from the media, his warning, by no means, should be taken as just ‘off the cuff’ remarks. In my experience, Paulson, like any ex-Treasury chief, doesn’t just start spouting off about a debt crisis unless it’s vetted. To me, it was a clear trial balloon well-crafted by the Fed and the U.S. Treasury. The ‘when’ of such an event is difficult. If his doom loop is correct, sometime next year might be a good guess.
In the meantime, I believe legislation to establish a federal sovereign wealth fund will be passed with bipartisan support. It will be part of this “on the shelf” emergency response plan that Paulson urged the administration to work out now.
A crisis, as he suggested, would leave the Federal Reserve as the lone buyer of our treasuries. Realistically, that would mean the government could be forced to “print” money in one form or another. That would trigger a fresh round of inflation, eroding valuations across most asset classes, including equity.
This could cause a large (30%+) decline in the stock market. That most certainly creates a crisis. If so, it would be an ideal time for a newly established federal U.S. sovereign wealth fund to enter the market. The fund could establish substantial positions in a wide range of companies at bargain-basement prices. Not only would that be ideal from a price perspective, but it would also establish a floor under the stock market. That would shift investor psychology from ‘the Fed has our back’ to ‘the fund has our back.’
Readers may dismiss my observations as little more than a pie-in-the-sky daydream (or nightmare), especially given a stock market at record highs. However, this administration has taken great pains to offer added incentives to more Americans to enter the equity and bond markets via tax-deferred retirement accounts. Some argue this may only be a prelude to dismantling Social Security.
They may be right.
However, if that were true, as the number of Americans involved in the financial markets broadens through retirement accounts, there is an added incentive by the government to ensure that, in the event of another financial crisis, retirement savers do not lose their shirts. What better way than through the support of a sovereign wealth fund that has our back?
Bill Schmick is a founding partner of Onota Partners, Inc., in the Berkshires. Bill’s forecasts and opinions are purely his own and do not necessarily represent the views of Onota Partners Inc. None of his commentary is or should be considered investment advice.
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