Latest News
Letters to the editor — Thursday, October 15, 2026
Millerton News
Oct 13, 2026
Roush will bring collaborative leadership
I write in support of Trevor Roush for Pine Plains Supervisor.Trevor, a busy farmer and businessman, wants to make our Town government work more effectively and democratically.His campaign literature points out that our Town Board should work as a team, and that he wants “to bring collaborative leadership to Town Hall, improve communication, and make sure every voice in our community is heard.”
Trevor’s push to improve communication and increase collaboration among Town Board members reflects the shocking lack of communication and collaboration that resulted in Brian Walsh, our current Supervisor, agreeing to a provisional arrangement (and planned expanded contract) with Flock Safety to install cameras in various places in our town.Brian Walsh’s high-handed and dishonest conduct in the Flock affair is now well-known by Pine Plains residents; it resulted in numerous calls for Walsh’s resignation – calls he did not heed.Forcing Walsh out of office would have been a time-consuming process, dragging Town government down even further than his behavior had brought it.Walsh nevertheless seems to think that he deserves to be re-elected.
As Trevor’s campaign material suggests, the Flock affair was the result of Walsh’s refusal to work collaboratively or even to communicate with the rest of the Board.Walsh’s lack of commitment to doing his job conscientiously is also reflected in his failure to attend any, or almost any, County-wide meetings of Supervisors.To make this failure worse, Walsh neglects to inform the other Board members of these meetings, so that no other Board member can attend in his place; our Town goes unrepresented.On many occasions, Walsh even fails to respond to other Board members’ emails seeking information.
I think it is clear that we need a new Town Supervisor --someone who will take seriously his responsibilities to work cooperatively with other Board members and to communicate with Pine Plains residents.Trevor has stated his intention to, if elected, not only increase communication and transparency, but also to “[h]old regular office hours and monthly workshop meetings . . . [and to] bring people together for community projects . . . “Trevor also plans, if elected, to create a town map highlighting local businesses, and to use vacant town property for a temporary community park.
In short, Trevor Roush has enthusiasm for doing the job and doing it with integrity and commitment to improving life for Pine Plains residents.Let’s do ourselves a favor and elect him Pine Plains Town Supervisor.
Amy Rothstein
Pine Plains
Affordable housing crisis needs a fighter
We face many issues in upstate New York, but one of the most significant is the lack of affordable housing. The housing crunch creates a whole range of problems for residents as well as for the health of the local economy.
Young people are leaving the area for other parts of the U.S because they can’t afford to rent or buy a house here. That is leading to a major brain drain of talented and often highly educated residents.
An entire generation is missing out on building home ownership equity – a key source of savings for all income groups.
Local companies and other employers are having trouble luring prospective employees to work here, which makes it tougher for them to stay in business much less expand.
That’s why I was heartened to learn that our congressman, Rep. Josh Riley, is a strong advocate of rural and affordable housing. He helped pass the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act in July, a bi-partisan law that promotes home construction by lowering costs, cutting red tape in housing programs, protecting housing in rural communities and restricting large institutional investors from buying up affordable single-family homes. The law also requires major federal agencies to coordinate environmental reviews regarding housing construction, increases housing density in government Opportunity Zones, and expands a rental- assistance program.
And more, Congressman Riley sponsored the Veterans Housing Promise Act, which remains pending.
While this isn’t going to end the housing crisis, it shows that Riley is fighting what to ease the crisis.
That is why I plan to vote to re-elect him on November 3.
Ellen G. Levy
Co-Chair
Hillsdale Housing Committee
Keep ReadingShow less
Playing koi
Leila Hawken
Oct 13, 2026
Fish selected during the koi harvest at Broccoli Hall Farm on Saturday, Oct. 10, are transferred to a holding tank by Liam Dugan, who assisted John Clark of Northeastern Aquatics of Rhinebeck, New York. The annual event at the home of Maxine Paetro sorts the fish to further her goal over the past twenty years to genetically encourage the “Elusive Kishusui” koi. In Japanese, “shusui” translates to “Autumn Sunset” and “ki” means “yellow,” a desirable coloration trait being pursued by Paetro.
Photo by Leila Hawken
Fish selected during the koi harvest at Broccoli Hall Farm on Saturday, Oct. 10, are transferred to a holding tank by Liam Dugan, who assisted John Clark of Northeastern Aquatics of Rhinebeck, New York. The annual event at the home of Maxine Paetro sorts the fish to further her goal over the past twenty years to genetically encourage the “Elusive Kishusui” koi. In Japanese, “shusui” translates to “Autumn Sunset” and “ki” means “yellow,” a desirable coloration trait being pursued by Paetro.
Judge calls for denial of Shepherd’s Run permit
John Coston
Oct 13, 2026
COPAKE — Two administrative law judges weighing the merits of Hecate Energy LLC’s plans for a more than 700-acre solar project in this rural hamlet have recommended that the state deny the Chicago-based company’s application.
Following an adjudicatory hearing held last month that was attended by more than 100 residents, the judges wrote: “Based on the evidence … adduced during the adjudicatory hearing process, we recommend denial of the siting permit based upon Hecate’s failure to demonstrate compliance with applicable wetlands laws and regulations.”
The judges noted that Hecate failed to meet “substantive provisions of New York’s wetlands laws and regulations.” They also recommended a permit denial citing evidence that Hecate also failed to “demonstrate compliance with Chapter 135,” a local town law that implements a federally approved program on wetlands regulations.
Maureen F. Leary and Dawn MacKillop-Soller, administrative law judges at the New York State Department of Public Service’s ORES office, also noted that in their Oct. 5 hearing report and recommended decision that since Hecate submitted its application for a 42-megawatt solar farm near the intersection of Routes 23 and 7 in Craryville there have been 1,173 public comments received about the project.
Noting that 164 acres of the 723-acre property is classified as regulated wetlands and includes a large wetland complex adjacent to Taghkanic Creek and its tributaries, the judges wrote: “Finally, we find that … additional wetlands are on the project site that have not been properly characterized and classified … and justify further investigation.”
In a criticism of Hecate, the judges wrote, “Hecate’s actions during the adjudicatory phase were not in good faith, particularly with respect to its failure to timely and adequately respond to the Town’s discovery requests and provide unimpeded access to the site.
“Hecate imposed unreasonable conditions to the Town’s access, including limiting access only to areas where wetlands had already been delineated. Moreover, access to the site was not provided until the day before the hearing (Sunday, Sept. 13) and was limited to only certain areas of the site.”
The ultimate decision to grant or deny a final permit will be made by state ORES’ interim executive director Jason Zehr, who was appointed in April.
Because of a time clock on the project, ORES has until Oct. 19 to grant a site permit or deny Hecate. If the application moves ahead, Hecate will then have to come to the town to get a permit before construction can begin.
Keep ReadingShow less
Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.
Haunted Barn and Monster’s Ball return to Wassaic Project
Graham Corrigan
Oct 13, 2026
WASSAIC — Every October, when the summer sun has set and the leaves start to fall, the Wassaic Project gets spooky. Its annual haunted house is a highlight of local Halloween celebrations, and this year, it gets a new home: the Luther Barn. It’s a weekend-long event, with a panoply of talented artists putting their skills to spine-chilling use on Friday, Oct. 23.
This year’s haunts include a mood swing by Judy K. Suh, a monster candy feast by Walker Mettling, a fairy tale forest by Rachael McArthur, a walking-themed shadow puppet show by Theodora Skipitares, a puppet installation and performance by Jane Catherine Shaw and students from the Wassaic Project Junior Varsity Art Club, a robot escape video installation by Chris Golub and Anna Yiaxi Savvidou, a giant moth installation made of Rorschach tests by Erin Perrazzelli, a dancing clown installation and performance around a fire by Brian Whiteley, a haunted petting zoo made of recycled materials by Isabella Schubert-Jones, a giant inflatable puppet created by Nicole Banowetz and Devin Reilly, an alien robot workshop by Jeffrey Repko, and a “coin-operated” haunted music box interactive installation and performance by WHOOP DEE DOO and students from the Wassaic Project Varsity Art Club.
And while some of the installations might be frightening for some, the Haunted Barn is a family affair. Rather than designed to be scary, the work on view is simply inspired by the season. “We’re letting the artists take the lead and make these amazing, never-before-seen pieces,” said Kasssandra Gonzalez of the Wassaic Project. “We really try to make all of the installations focused on children and their experience — but not so dumbed-down that adults can’t enjoy it.”
The event also celebrates public artworks by Liz Nielsen and Akeylah Wellington. Liz Nielsen’s installation in the Gridley Chapel takes the form of stained glass windows, while Wellington’s massive beaded tapestries are inspired by supernova, gas rings, and globular star clusters.
Since its inception, the Monster’s Ball has been an opportunity for the artistically-inclined to channel their creativity into Halloween costumes. Partygoers should take into account mobility, however — the DJ sets and dance floor are the stuff of legend.
Saturday Haunted Barn tickets are $10 for individuals and $20 for families. Friday and Sunday tickets are $8 for individuals, $15 for families. The barn operates on a timed-entry system, and Saturday afternoon is usually the busiest slot.
On Saturday, October 24 at 7 p.m., the action moves down the street to The Lantern, Wassaic’s most sinister bar and restaurant. In The Lantern’s garden, the Monster’s Ball will summon creative spirits for a raucous dance party and costume contest. Tickets are required in advance, and every attendee must wear a costume, lest they wish to be banished at the threshold. The Monster’s Ball has sold out ahead of the event every year, so prospective ghouls and goblins are encouraged to reserve a place before it’s too late.
Keep ReadingShow less
Pine Plains dedicates field hockey pitch to longtime coach Richard Meilinger
Graham Corrigan
Oct 13, 2026
Field hockey players from past and present gather to celebrate Richard Meilinger’s success as a coach at Stissing Mountain High School on Sunday, Oct. 11.
Photo by Graham Corrigan
PINE PLAINS — The Pine Plains field hockey pitch was renamed Meilinger Field this past week in honor of Richard Meilinger, who coached the team for 26 years before retiring in 2012.
Meilinger built the program into a powerhouse, compiling a career record of 324 wins, 102 losses and 49 ties.
Under his leadership, Pine Plains won 15 league championships, nine sectional titles and three New York State regional championships. The team also recorded 50 consecutive wins between 2003 and 2008.
Meilinger was honored on Sunday, Oct. 11 with an alumni game and dedication ceremony attended by over 100 family, friends, and former players. Meilinger, in his signature white bucket hat, received a plaque and tributes from Pine Plains alumni and field hockey coaches Sarah Beam, Nanette Simione, Carrie Williams, and Miranda Bower.
They emphasized Meilinger’s kindness, compassion, humor, and support throughout the years.
His daughter, Missy Meilinger, spoke about how her childhood coincided with the passage of Title IX, which prohibited discrimination based on sex in education programs and athletics.
“It wasn’t all that long ago that most girls never got a chance to play at all,” she said. “I’d like to think that today’s women athletes were standing on the shoulders of my generation, and that we were lifted up by people like my dad.”
Finally, it was Coach Meilinger’s turn to speak. Choking back tears, he shared memories from his decades coaching, and shared what he saw were the keys to being a successful coach and mentor.
“I always believed a team plays better when they’re having fun,” Meilinger said. “I don’t remember the scores, but I remember the people. The girls who played, the parents who showed up in the rain and the cold. So this field may have my name on it, but it really belongs to all of them — every coach, every assistant, player, and their parents who dedicated their time and effort.”
This is the first field dedication in Pine Plains athletics history.
Richard Meilinger, left, addresses the crowd after receiving recognition for his 26 years leading the Pine Plains varsity field hockey team.Photo by Graham Corrigan
Keep ReadingShow less
Amenia home prices level off as sales slow
Christine Bates
Oct 13, 2026
The 1,862-square-foot home at 86 Tinker Town Road that was built in 1920 was sold recently for $125,000.
Photo by Christine Bates
AMENIA — The median sale price of a single-family home in Amenia leveled off at $381,000 for the 12 months ending Aug. 31, 2026, above the medians for the same periods in 2025 and 2024.
The median, which excludes sales in Silo Ridge, was up 18% from $322,500 a year earlier and 12% from $339,500 in 2024. It remained below the peak 12-month median of $430,000 reached in 2022.
Over the past five years, the median has fluctuated between approximately $325,000 and $430,000.
Sales slowed, with 23 single-family homes changing hands outside Silo Ridge during the 12 months ending Aug. 31, compared with 36 in the previous 12-month period and 30 in the corresponding period in 2024.
August transactions included a multimillion-dollar home at Silo Ridge and one home sale elsewhere in town.
Land transfers ranged from more than $3 million for less than half an acre at Silo Ridge to a government purchase of 125 acres on Bog Hollow Road for $1.15 million.
By mid-October, 17 traditional single-family homes were listed for sale, including five priced below the August median of $381,000.
Four were listed for more than $1 million, including a $16.5 million home on Tower Hill Road with 138 acres, and a home in Silo Ridge.
Land listings ranged from $79,000 for 1.5 acres to $8.9 million for 422 acres. Rental properties were also available, with several having been listed for more than three months.
August transfers
86 Tinker Town Road — 4 bedroom/1 bath home transferred to Victoria Rosado Cedeno for $125,000.
514 Wood Turtle Lane — 4 bedroom in Silo Ridge on .31 acres sold to CeliaSutherland Trust for $7.5 million.
Club Meadow Drive (#655917) — 0.49 acre lot in Silo Ridge sold to JNA Woolworth Properties for $3,012,000.
Club Meadow Drive (#662927) — 0.47 acre lot sold to Pavitra LLC for $3,012,000.
Bog Hollow Road — 125 acres of land sold to the United States of America for $1.15 Old Route 22 — 6.73 acres of land sold to JP Farm in Amenia LLC for $135,000.
* Town of Amenia property transfers are supplied by Dutchess County Office of Real Property. Details on each property from Dutchess Parcel Access. Current market data from One Key MLS and Infosparks. Compiled by Christine Bates, Real Estate Advisor with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, Licensed in New York.
Keep ReadingShow less
Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.
loading
