COPAKE — There is an awesome exhibit at the Copake Town Hall — not to be missed. Fortunately, it is now a permanent display, welcoming all to the municipal building following a ribbon-cutting ceremony that was held Saturday, Aug. 13.
The exhibit brings an amazing history to light — expansive, curated in a manner that honors each important town event on its own, with photos and text that’s easy to read.
There are 24 panels to enlighten viewers about Copake’s 200 years of community history, painstakingly put together by Copake artist Nick Fritsch. He spent untold hours designing each panel, assisted by Town Historian Howard Blue and former Town Clerk Vana Hotaling.
The Copake Town Board pegged the project in early 2020. Blue wrote the texts and provided photographic images obtained from numerous Copake families; Hotaling served as a consultant. Fritsch did the artwork.
Town Supervisor Jeanne Mettler and many others in town also helped make the exhibit happen, and all were celebrated on the 13th.
Copake Town Hall is a light, airy structure, located at 230 Mountain View Road. It’s ideal for this type of exhibit.
Some of the historic events covered in the display include how five kidnapped Germans became leaders in Copake and how Chief Big Thunder (aka Dr. Smith Broughton) was arrested and given a life sentence during his anti-rent movement. Other panels depict local waterfall, Bash Bish Falls; the town’s ill-fated movie theater; and Elinor Mettler, founder and publisher of the former town newspaper, The Roe Jan Independent.
Former students from local elementary schools, some whose parents and possibly grandparents once attended school there, are among those featured in the panels. One highlights Howard McGhee, former U.S. post master and beloved coach.
Another panel answers the question if Winston Churchill had a Copake connection.
There’s information on Superman creator, Carroll Rheinstrom and his wife, Irene. The couple lived on a 1,000-acre plot of land in Craryville. The Rheinstroms were philanthropists who eventually willed their acreage to the Audubon Society.
Blue, a retired teacher and author, wrote about the superhero creator in the book, “Carroll Rheinstrom; the Man Who Sold Superman to the World.” He has done much research on these topics and more as the town historian.
Make sure not to miss two beautifully executed works by Fritsch that are hanging in the courtroom at the Copake Town Hall, behind the dais. The works are original. One depicts the “First Town Meeting, 1824,” the other is entitled, “Depot.” Both are on loan by Fritsch and not part of the permanent exhibit.
Those who visit the exhibit now will get to enjoy them, though, along with a large brass bell on display in the courtroom — a relic of long past days when horse racing and trotters were a part of life in Copake.
The display also includes enlarged postcards contributed by Robert Callahan; paintings on loan from William Clark Vreeland and Donna Louise Vreeland may also be viewed in the Rheinstrom Conference Room.
Many attended the grand opening on the 13th to enjoy the exhibit, with a great many were present from the Roe Jan Historical Society. So, too, was New York State Senator Daphne Jordan (R-43) and her staffer, Halie Northrup.
Funded by grants from the Rheinstrom Community Foundation and the Bank of Green County, the exhibit may be seen weekly, Monday through Thursday, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays, from 9 a.m. until noon.
Groups interested in viewing the exhibit may make arrangements through Town Historian Howard Blue at copaketownhistorian@gmail.com.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
The Northeast (Webutuck) Central School District, invites the submission of Sealed Bid Proposals to furnish materials and labor to complete the
Northeast (Webutuck) Central School District
Mechanical Alterations Project at:
Webutuck High / Intermediate School
Project No. 2022-141 PH3
all in accordance with the plans and specifications.
This work is to be bid under a SINGLE PRIME CONTRACT system in accordance with the Wicks Law Reform, covering the work of all trades under one (1) contract as follows:
Contract No. 2 - Mechanical Construction
Sealed Bid Proposals will be received until 1:00 p.m. prevailing time, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the
Webutuck Central School District
District Office
194 Haight Road
Amenia, New York 12501
Any bid may be withdrawn without prejudice prior to the official bid submission time or any publicized postponement thereof.
Complete digital sets of Bidding Documents, drawings and specifications, may be obtained online as a download at the following website: https://thebcgroup.biddyhq.com under ‘projects.’
Complete sets of Bidding Documents, Drawings and Specifications, may be obtained from REVplans, 28 Church Street; Suite 7, Warwick, New York 10990 Tel: 1-845-651-3845, upon depositing the sum of $100.00 for each combined set of documents. Checks or money orders shall be made payable to BCA Architects & Engineers. Plan deposit is refundable in accordance with the terms in the Instructions to Bidders to all submitting bids. Bidders wishing documents mailed to them shall include, in addition to the document deposit, a non-refundable check of $15.00 per set for handling and postage or a UPS/FedEx account number.
Please note REVplans (https://thebcgroup.biddyhq.com) is the designated location and means for distributing and obtaining all bid package information. The Provider takes no responsibility for the completeness of Contract Documents obtained from other sources. Contract Documents obtained from other sources may not be accurate or may not contain addenda that may have been issued.
All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at https://thebcgroup.biddyhq.com. Plan holders who have paid for hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use and coordinate directly with the printer for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda.
The Bid Documents and Contract Documents may also be examined at the office of BCA Architects & Engineers, 31 Lewis Street; Suite 402; Binghamton, New York 13901.
PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF BCA Architects & Engineers AND MUST BE RETURNED IN GOOD CONDITION WITHIN THIRTY (30) BUSINESS DAYS AFTER AWARD OF CONTRACT OR REJECTION OF BIDS. The plan deposit for one set of Plans and Specifications will be refunded to bona fide bidders returning Plans and Specifications to REVplans within 30 business days after award of Contract or rejection of bids. A partial refund of the plan deposit, in an amount equal to the full amount of such deposit, less the actual cost of reproduction of the Plans and Specifications shall be made to non-bidders and unsuccessful bidders for the return of all other copies of the Plans and Specifications in good condition within 30 business days following the award of the Contract or the rejection of the bids.
Plan Deposit Policy, Plan Holders List, Pre-Bid Estimates, and a list of Addendums, if any, may be found at https://thebcgroup.biddyhq.com or www.thebcgroup.com/bidding.
A pre-bid conference and onsite review of the project areas will be conducted by the Construction Manager and Architect/Engineer on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, commencing at 3:00 p.m. at the Webutuck High / Intermediate School’s main auditorium, located at 194 Haight Road, Amenia, NY 12501.
Bids shall be prepared as set forth in the Information to Bidders, enclosed in a sealed envelope bearing on its face the name, address and phone number of the bidder and the title of the project.
Each bidder agrees to waive any claim it has or may have against the Owner, the Architect/Engineer, and the respective employees, arising out of or in connection with the administration, evaluation or recommendation of any bid.
The Owner further reserves its right to disqualify bidders for any material failure to comply with the Information for Bidders, General Conditions, and Special Conditions.
The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities or defects in such bid either before or after opening.
Each bidder must deposit with his bid, security in the form and subject to the conditions provided in the “INFORMATION FOR BIDDERS”. Attention of bidders is particularly called to the requirements as to conditions of employment to be observed and to the minimum wage rates to be paid under the Contract. No bidder may withdraw his bid within 45 business days after the date of the opening of bids.
ATTENTION OUT-OF-STATE BIDDERS
Please pay particular attention to the Form of Proposal and it related forms in the project manual. Out-of-State Bidders are required to complete the “Statement Concerning Authority to do Business in the State of New York for non-New York State Companies” located in the Form of Proposal package. There are three sections that must be completed. You must also have the Non-Collusion Certificate completed and signed and if you are a corporation, you must have the Resolution completed and signed.
No bid will be considered when opened unless accompanied by a certified copy of your Authority to do Business in New York State. This is not to be confused with a sales tax certificate. The Authority can be obtained by contacting:
New York State Department of State
Division of Corporations
162 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12231
(518) 473-2492
If the Certificate does not accompany the bid, the bid is not valid.
In the event you are of the opinion that you are not required to obtain the Authority To Do Business in New York state, and you are not a New York State Corporation, then you should complete the Statement Concerning Authority to do Business. You must complete two out of three sections. The top portion must be completed by all vendors needing to complete this document and then either the Individual Acknowledgement or the Corporate Acknowledgement, depending on the status of your business.
By Order Of:
District Clerk
Therese Trotter
02-13-26
Legal Notice
John J. Contracting USA LLC, a domestic LLC, filedwith the SSNY on 12/29/2025. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 364 Pumpkin Lane Clinton Corners NY 12514
Purpose: The purpose of the LLC IS TO ENGAGE IN ANY AND ALL LAWFUL ACTIVITIES FOR WHICH A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY MAY BE ORGANIZED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK Section 203 of the LimitedLiability Company Law.
01-08-26
01-15-26
01-22-26
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02-05-26
02-12-26
Legal Notice
Notice of formation of Glynevian Gundogs LLC. Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 9/25/2025. Office location: Dutchess County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Business Name and Address. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.
01-15-26
01-22-26
01-29-26
02-05-26
02-12-26
02-19-26
Legal Notice
Notice of Formation of Cat Kin Willow LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the SSNY on 1/7/2026. Office Location: Dutchess County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: Cat Kin Willow LLC, 14 Poplar Ave, Pine Plains, NY, 12567. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.
02-05-26
02-12-26
02-19-26
02-26-26
03-05-26
03-12-26
Legal Notice
Notice of Formation of Your Mom’s Bush Native & Medicinal Plant Nursery LLC. Arts. Of Org. file with SSNY on 1/20/2026. Office location: Dutchess County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 3657 U.S. 44, Millbrook, NY, 12545. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.
02-12-26
02-19-26
02-26-26
03-05-26
03-12-26
03-19-26
NOTICE OF
PUBLIC HEARING
TOWN OF AMENIA
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Board of the Town of Amenia will conduct a PUBLIC HEARING on the 19th day of February, 2026, at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall, Town of Amenia, 4988 Route 22, Amenia, New York 12501, at which time all parties in interest and citizens shall have an opportunity to be heard on the Special Use Permit Application by Northern Red Oak, LLC to construct a recreational trail at 426 Old Route in Amenia, New York on lands comprising 470acres designated as tax parcel ## 352357, 725387 and 914323, which are situated in the Town ‘s Suburban Residential (SR) and Rural Agricultural (RA) Zoning Districts, Highway Commercial (HC) Zoning Districts and portions of which are in the Scenic Protection, Stream Corridor, Primary Valley Bottom Aquifer and Upland Aquifer Overlay Districts.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a copy of the Application is available for review and inspection at the Office of the Town Clerk during regular office hours, at the Town of Amenia Town Hall, 4988 Route 22, Amenia New York.
Dated: Amenia, New York
February 5, 2026
BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD
DAWN MARIE KLINGNER,
TOWN CLERK
02-12-26
PUBLIC NOTICE
TOWN OF AMENIA
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION
SUBJECT TO PERMISSIVE REFERENDUM
Notice is hereby given that the Town Board of the Town of Amenia, Dutchess County, New York, at a regular meeting thereof, held on February 5, 2026, duly adopted the following resolution, subject to Permissive Referendum:
RESOLUTION NO. 29 of 2026
RE:AUTHORIZING THE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT FOR THE SALE OF A PARCEL OF PROPERTY LOCATED ON DEPOT HILL ROAD, IDENTIFIED AS TAX GRID NUMBER 13200-7167-14-297367, TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY SUBJECT TO PERMISSIVE REFERENDUM
WHEREAS, the Town of Amenia is the owner of a .71 acre parcel of land located on Depot Hill Road, more particularly identified as tax grid number 13200-7167-14-297367; and
WHEREAS, Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County has proposed to purchase an approximate .57 acre portion of said property to be subdivided by the Town of Amenia for the purchase price of $30,000.00; and
WHEREAS, the proposed contract of sale will contain certain covenants and restrictions and a reversionary clause, in relevant part, guaranteeing that the property will be utilized in the future solely for the purpose of construction and sale and/or lease of workforce housing units in accordance with the requirements of Habitat for Humanity; and
WHEREAS, the Attorney to the Town has advised the Board that the sales price for the property may be less than the fair market value of the property if sold upon the open market, but the Office of the Attorney General of the State of New York has issued several opinions advising that the sale of property owned by the Town having no current or contemplated future use for municipal purposes may be sold to a not-for-profit corporation such as Habitat for Humanity to provide needed low income or workforce housing and would not be a violation of Article IX of the New York State Constitution; and
WHEREAS, the Attorney to the Town has prepared a Contract of Sale which has been reviewed by Habitat for Humanity and accepted by their attorney and Board of Directors.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that:
1.The recitations set forth above are incorporated in this Resolution as if fully set forth and adopted herein.
2.The Town Supervisor is hereby authorized to enter into a Contract of Sale for the subject property on the conditions of the Contract provided to the Town and to execute such other and further documents that may be necessary to consummate the said sale.
3.This Resolution is subject to a permissive referendum as required by Town Law § 64(2).
Motion made by C/Hamm
Seconded by C/Dietrich
The foregoing resolution was voted upon with all councilmembers voting as follows:
Supervisor Hamm Aye
Councilmember Ahearn Aye
Councilmember Doyle Aye
Councilmember Dietrich Aye
Dated: Amenia, New York
February 5, 2026.
DAWN MARIE KLINGNER,
TOWN CLERK
02-12-26
TOWN OF PINE PLAINS TOWN BOARD
NOTICE OF
PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing shall be held on February 19, 2025 at 7:05 p.m. at the Town of Pine Plains Town Hall with regard to a proposed Local Law Amending Chapter 235, Taxation, of the Town Code; Rescinding Local Law No. 3 of 2025 and the current Article VIII of the Town Code; and Providing for a New Article VIII Titled “Exemption for the Creation of Accessory Dwelling Units pursuant to ÔøΩ421-p of the New York State Real Property Tax Law”. Amy person desiring to be heard on said Local Law shall be provided with an opportunity to do so at said public hearing. A copy of the said Local Law is available for public review on the Town’s official board and the Town’s website and copies of the proposed Local Law can be examined at the Pine Plains Town Clerk’s office during regular business hours. Dated: January 15, 2026.
BY ORDER OF THE TOWN OF PINE PLAINS TOWN BOARD.
MADELIN DAFOE
Town Clerk
02-12-26
Legal Notice
On-Center Contracting LLC filed an Application for Authority with the Secretary of State of NY on 11/14/2025.
Office location: Dutchess County.
SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.
SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to 183 Lake Rd, Warren, CT 06777.
The purpose of the LLC is contracting/carpentry. On-Center Contracting LLC can be reached at (860)-806-4934.
01-29-26
02-05-26
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03-05-26
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.
Lead-Accounting & Business Development (Lakeville, CT):, Duties incl: Maintain general ledger & prep GAAP-compliant financial statements; oversee payroll, payables/receivables, reconciliations, budgeting, forecasting, & financial reporting. Support audits, internal controls, & compliance. Lead junior squash program operations, incl. match play systems, event logistics, performance analytics, & stakeholder reporting. A Mstr’s deg in Biz Admin/Biz Mgmt/Accnting or other reltd field is req’d. Sal $87194.00/Yr. Send resume to Burnt Squash 22 Lime Rock Rd., Lakeville, CT 06830.
Weatogue Stables in Salisbury, CT: has an opening for experienced barn help for Mondays and Tuesdays. More hours available if desired. Reliable and experienced please! All daily aspects of farm care- feeding, grooming, turnout/in, stall/barn/pasture cleaning. Possible housing available for a full-time applicant. Lovely facility, great staff and horses! Contact Bobbi at 860-307-8531. Text best for prompt reply.
The Scoville Memorial Library: is seeking an experienced Development Coordinator to provide high-level support for our fundraising initiatives on a contract basis. This contractor will play a critical role in donor stewardship, database management, and the execution of seasonal appeals and events. The role is ideal for someone who is deeply connected to the local community and skilled at building authentic relationships that lead to meaningful support. For a full description of the role and to submit a letter of interest and resume, contact Library Director Karin Goodell, kgoodell@scovillelibrary.org.
Hector Pacay Landscaping and Construction LLC: Fully insured. Renovation, decking, painting; interior exterior, mowing lawn, garden, stone wall, patio, tree work, clean gutters, mowing fields. 845-636-3212.
PROFESSIONAL HOUSEKEEPING & HOUSE SITTING: Experienced, dependable, and respectful of your home. Excellent references. Reasonable prices. Flexible scheduling available. Residential/ commercial. Call/Text: 860-318-5385. Ana Mazo.
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Equal Housing Opportunity. All real estate advertised in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1966 revised March 12, 1989 which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color religion, sex, handicap or familial status or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All residential property advertised in the State of Connecticut General Statutes 46a-64c which prohibit the making, printing or publishing or causing to be made, printed or published any notice, statement or advertisement with respect to the sale or:rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, physical or mental disability or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.
FOR SALE: 39 Hospital Hill Road, Sharon. 1680 sq.ft. Two family, rare side-by-side units. 4 bed; 2 full bath, 2 half. Great investment, or live in one and rent other side. $485,000. Call/text Sava, 914 -227-4127.
Drivers should expect more police on the roads this weekend as law enforcement warns of ramped-up DWI check-points over Super Bowl weekend.
Law enforcement is expected to ramp up DWI check-points across the region this weekend.
Across Dutchess County, local law enforcement agencies will take part in a “high-visibility enforcement effort” during Super Bowl weekend aimed at preventing drivers from operating vehicles under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints are planned throughout the county from Sunday, Feb. 8, through Monday, Feb. 9.
In a statement, Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino emphasized the need for safe roads and thanked law enforcement who “work year-round to keep our neighborhoods safe.” She added, “Make the winning play during Super Bowl weekend and plan for a safe ride home.”
Nationwide, traffic fatality data indicates Super Bowl Sunday is one of the deadliest days of the year for impaired driving, with a significantly higher number of alcohol-related deaths than on typical Sundays.
During the Jan. 29 Village Board meeting, trustees voted to sign the annual STOP-DWI agreement with Dutchess County, part of a statewide effort to keep dangerous drivers off the roads. Similar efforts also take place around Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving and during the December holiday season.
Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik said his department typically participates in all DWI check-points, but will not this weekend because of staffing issues. He said that does not mean county and state police will not be active in the Millerton area.
Students wore black at Housatonic Valley Regional High School Friday, Jan. 30, while recognizing a day of silence to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
FALLS VILLAGE — In the wake of two fatal shootings involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota, students across the country have organized demonstrations to protest the federal agency. While some teens have staged school walkouts or public protests, students at Housatonic Valley Regional High School chose a quieter approach.
On Friday, Jan. 30, a group of HVRHS students organized a voluntary “day of silence,” encouraging participants to wear black as a form of peaceful protest without disrupting classes.
The idea was spearheaded by junior Sophia Fitz, who said she wanted a way for students to express their concerns while remaining in school.
“What really inspired me was that I was feeling very helpless with these issues,” Fitz said. “Staying educated with what’s going on in not only our country but globally can be very stressful as a teenager. Kids right now are feeling very hopeless and want to do something, but don’t know how.”
Teachers Peter Verymilyea and Damon Osora were on board with the idea early on, describing it as a peaceful and respectful way for students to express their beliefs.
Assistant Principal Steven Schibi also backed the effort, emphasizing the importance of student participation.“I think it’s important for us to listen to students,” he said. “And they have to learn how to have a voice in such a way that it’s not disruptive.”
After discussions with Superintendent Melony Brady-Shanley and Principal Ian Strever, school administrators agreed that participation would be optional and that students could choose whether to wear black or not.
Schibi, along with several staff members, participated in the movement by wearing black themselves. Math department chair Kara Jones was among the participating teachers. “Everybody deserves their voice, so I’d rather do the day of silence than everybody stay home,” she said.
Among HVRHS students who supported the protest, at least one cited concern for friends affected by immigration enforcement.
Sophomore Peyton Bushnell said he felt anxious, fearing for the safety of friends and acquaintances. “I think it’s all really messed up,” Bushnell said. “I have a lot of Hispanic friends, and I worry if there’s ICE in Great Barrington, if they came here [and] deported my friends. I can’t even imagine.”
Bushnell said Fitz’s initiative encouraged him to speak more openly about the issue.
Senior Molly Ford echoed that sentiment. “I think it’s a peaceful way to protest and I think it’s the best way to do so,” Ford said.
Many students wore black to show support, and senior Victoria Brooks shared her thoughts on what it meant to her. “It means following along in a form of advocacy alongside other students,” Brooks said.
Some students declined to comment when asked about the protest. Others said they were unaware the protest was taking place. Three seniors interviewed during lunch said they would have participated had they known, calling it a “neat idea.”
Not all students were convinced of the protest’s impact. A group of juniors questioned whether it would make a difference.
“I think that it is good that we’re trying to do something,” one student said. “But I’m not sure how much the silence aspect of it will help, but I think that it’s good that we’re trying.”
Some students questioned the efficacy of the protests, including a group of seniors who offered their opinions. They expressed the belief that the protests were “pointless,” and that President Donald Trump probably didn’t even know that HVRHS existed.
“I just don’t think it’s the best way to go about it. Like, what is us being silent and wearing black gonna do,” one of the seniors said.
Senior Cohen Cecchinato voiced his opposition to the protests in another interview.
“The staying silent, I think, is for the lives that were lost, which I agree with,” Cecchinato said. “But I think that wearing black, like the movement that it’s behind, the people that are putting it into place in our school are doing it because it’s like the ‘F ICE’ movement or the abolish ICE movement, which I think is just wrong.”
Other students said they believed political protests don’t belong in school.
“I just don’t think we should bring politics into school,” one senior said. Another added, “I think it’s causing … a really big divide and people are using it to be advantageous to themselves and their own beliefs.”
However, one senior expressed a sharply critical view of the protest. Senior Ashton Osborne dismissed students who chose to wear black or participate in the demonstration and criticized organizer Sophia Fitz. He also said he strongly supported the federal immigration agency and added that if he were old enough, he would want to work for ICE.
The comments reflected a minority viewpoint among students.
Mia DiRocco, Hannah Johnson and Peter Austin are seniors at Housatonic Valley Regional High School and participants in The Lakeville Journal’s student journalism program, which produces HVRHS Today.
