police

New Millerton police cruisers arrive to replace fire-ravaged vehicles

New Millerton police cruisers arrive to replace fire-ravaged vehicles

Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik shows off the new gear. Brand new police cruisers arrived last week.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Millerton Police Department has received two new patrol cars to replace vehicles destroyed in the February 2025 fire at the Village Water and Highway Department.

The new Ford Interceptors are custom-built for law enforcement. “They’re more rugged than a Ford Explorer,” said Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik, noting the all-wheel drive, heavy-duty suspension and larger tires and engine. “They call it the ‘Police Package.’”

Olenik worked with The Cruiser’s Division in Mamaroneck, New York, to design the vehicles.

“We really want to thank the Pine Plains Police Department for their tremendous support,” Olenik said. After the fire, “they were the first ones to come forward and offer help.”

The new police cruisers are outfitted with lights with automatically adjusting brightness to best perform in ambient conditions.Photo by Aly Morrissey

Since February, Millerton officers have been borrowing a patrol car from Pine Plains. With the new vehicles now in service, Olenik said he plans to thank Pine Plains officers by treating them to dinner at Four Brothers in Amenia and having their car detailed

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ZBA rejects bid to reopen long-running Cooper Road dispute

ZBA rejects bid to reopen long-running Cooper Road dispute

North East Zoning Board of Appeals members met on Thursday, Jan. 15, to hear a request from the Vitiello family, who own the property at 208 Cooper Road, to reconsider a 2005 ZBA decision that bars the residence on the property from obtaining a certificate of occupancy. The residence has been occupied for years despite a court injunction and an affirming appeals court decision in 2018 that ordered the house must be vacated.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — A decades-long dispute on Cooper Road returned to the spotlight on Thursday, Jan. 15, as a tense meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) concluded with members unanimously rejecting a request to reconsider a decision that was made more than 20 years ago — a move that would have reopened conditions tied to the property’s original approval.

At the center of the conflict is an illegal dwelling owned by Erasmo and Josephine Vitiello on Cooper Road that has never received a certificate of occupancy. Although the structure received a building permit in 2005, it remains illegal under the town’s zoning code. Litigation between the town and homeowners in 2018 resulted in an injunction requiring the property to be vacated. The home, however, remains occupied, prompting public questions about enforcement by the Town Board.

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government

The Little Flower Bar opens in Amenia, offering blooms and gifts

The Little Flower Bar opens in Amenia, offering blooms and gifts

In addition to fresh floral arrangements offered at The Little Flower Bar, a new business at 8 Old North Road in Amenia, owner Kelly Deneen offers an array of gifts in an attractive price range.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — Creativity and enthusiasm are flourishing at The Little Flower Bar, which recently opened in Amenia and is now serving fresh floral arrangements alongside an array of gifts.

Owner Kelly Deneen keeps the flower bar stocked with seasonal, locally sourced blooms that can be arranged on site as grab-and-go bouquets or purchased as individual stems. A wide selection of gifts complements the floral offerings, making the shop a destination.

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businesses

Edward Aparo

Edward Aparo
Edward Aparo
Edward Aparo

Edward Aparo passed away peacefully at his home on January 7, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

Edward was born on May 10, 1936 in New Britain, CT. He was the beloved son of the late Anthony and Rose Valenti Aparo and attended New Britain schools. On April 7, 1958 Edward married his school sweetheart Jean Ackerman beginning a devoted marriage that spanned 67 years. Together they built a life rooted in family, hard work and love.

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Vitsky Bakery turns local surplus into seasonal pastries

Vitsky Bakery turns local surplus into seasonal pastries
Ariel Yotive portions out dough for baked goods to be sold at Vitsky Bakery in Wassaic. Yotive has been baking since she was a child helping in her father’s Illinois-based Quality Bakery.
Langdon Speers

WASSAIC — Ariel Yotive has a motto, “Work with what you’ve got.” Her unique Vitsky Bakery in Wassaic has the fruits of that motivation flying off the shelves.

Literally, during apricot season, one of her neighboring farm orchards may be harvesting fresh-off-the-tree fruit that is transformed into danishes. Local hives supply honey for sweet toppings or chunks of honeycomb for a delicious and rustic garnish. “I use what is around,” said the baker.

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business