New streetlights save Millerton thousands

The Village of Millerton completed a streetlight replacement project on Thursday, Dec. 19. Mayor Jenn Najdek said the lamps save the village about $2,300 every month in electricity costs.

Photo by Nathan Miller

New streetlights save Millerton thousands

MILLERTON — The Village of Millerton has completed the multi-year conversion of all 138 village street lamps to LEDs.
On Thursday, Dec. 19, the Village of Millerton was fully lit with LED street lamps, instead of the old high pressure sodium vapor lamps. The new LED lamps were implemented to help lower the electric bill for the Village.

According to Mayor Jenn Najdek, the Village will be saving about $27,000 a year with the new fixtures. The Village’s monthly Central Hudson bill is now $600, down from $2,900 per month before the project.

The new lights have an average lifespan of 25 years compared to the average five and a half year lifespan of the former sodium vapor lights. A feature these fixtures have is being dark sky compliant, meaning the lenses project light directly down instead of scattering into the surroundings.

Thanks to the research and work done by volunteers Christine Bates, Laurie Kerr and Jennifer Dowley, the Village found the most effective way to save money and the environment.

Climate Smart has a significant impact on this project, saving the Village an estimated 22,300 kWh, equalling about 40,000 miles driven by a gas-powered car.

Latest News

Pine Plains Bombers take home Section IX title

Michelle Blackburn, no. 12 of Pine Plains, helped lead the Bombers to victory over S.S. Seward Institute as point guard for most of the Section IX Class C tournament finals at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, N.Y., on Wednesday, March 5. The Bombers took home the title after winning the hard-fought game 55-42.

Photo by Nathan Miller

NEWBURGH, N.Y. — The Pine Plains girls varsity Bombers won the Section IX Class C girls tournament Wednesday, March 5, at Mount Saint Mary College.

The Bombers took an early lead against S.S. Seward's Spartans and didn't let off the throttle for the rest of the night, wining the game 55-42.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sign-ups encouraged for 2025 Webutuck Little League

Ben Coon, 10, on the “mound,” practiced his pitching on Tuesday, March 4, in the Webutuck Elementary School gym, with Coach Colby Dunlop, left, giving pointers.

Photo by John Coston

AMENIA — The 2025 Webutuck Little League season is around the corner and the League said players are still needed to fill out teams for games to be played in Millerton and Amenia.

Registration remains open for T-ball, majors, minors, seniors and girls’ softball teams. Some scholarships are available to cover costs.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lent: Time to consider social gospel movement

We are entering the annual Christian season of Lent this week.With its 40 days of contemplation and “little Easter” Sundays, it is a time to remember the healing ministry and the sacrifice of Jesus.During this season, we are invited to think deeply about our role as agents of grace and love in our hurting world.

There is a long history of making sacrifices and commitments for Lent, modeling our discipleship and hopes for a more heavenly world. It is through this lens that I invite you to join us in considering what gifts and services the community needs that we can commit to bringing forth in the weeks leading up to Easter.While many lean into solitary introspection during Lent, it may be particularly advantageous to use our meditations and sacrifices for the greater good this year.

Keep ReadingShow less
Social Security funding cuts to impact Poughkeepsie office

POUGHKEEPSIE — In a letter directed to Lee Dudek, acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration, on Feb. 27, New York State attorney general Letitia James emphasized the consequences of downsizing services at their Poughkeepsie office.

On the heels of the news at the Poughkeepsie location, the social security office in White Plains is scheduled to close. Westchester officials have been weighing a plan to offer a county-owned location in a bid to preserve the office.

Keep ReadingShow less