Honoring and remembering sacrifices: North Canaan
The Honor Guard from the Couch-Pipa VFW Post 6851.
Photo by John Coston
Latest News
Millerton trustees take up zoning changes; sets public hearing for a parking-related local law
Nov 12, 2025
The Millerton Village Offices on Route 22.
Photo by Aly Morrissey
MILLERTON — The Village Board of Trustees used its Monday, Nov. 10, workshop meeting to tackle long-discussed zoning reforms and parking pressures in the business district, while also advancing several infrastructure and policy items.
Much of the meeting focused on what trustees and residents described as “outdated” zoning code and a process that can be slow and confusing for applicants. The discussion was sparked by an idea raised by Zoning Board of Appeals Chair Kelly Kilmer to consider merging the ZBA and Planning Board.
The village attorney outlined three broad options under state law. One would eliminate the Planning Board entirely and give the ZBA authority over site plans and special permits. A second would give the ZBA most of those powers but keep some higher-level reviews with the Village Board. A third option would keep both boards, but rewrite the zoning code to reduce how often applications require formal board review.
Officials agreed the core problem goes beyond board vacancies, which were resolved for the foreseeable future with village trustees appointing two members and an alternate to each board with a renewed expectation of regular training and clearer procedures.
The Board also returned to a familiar complaint of the shortage of parking in the business district. The conversation related to zoning in that the code still requires spaces that often don’t physically exist. Officials noted that existing buildings frequently need variances to make modifications, which the board noted can lead to empty buildings or stalled requests.
To address that, trustees are considering a local law that would exempt existing commercial buildings in the business district from off-street parking requirements unless they expand their footprint. The Board voted to set a public hearing on the proposed parking law for Monday, Dec. 15, at 6 p.m. The measure will also be referred to Dutchess County Planning and Development for comment.
In her mayor’s report, Mayor Jenn Najdek said demolition at the damaged water and highway building is nearly complete. Engineers are finalizing plans for a permanent, no-frills water department building. Once plans are in hand, Najdek said “time is of the essence” to move quickly into construction.
In other business, trustees approved a franchise renewal agreement with Optimum/Altice securing, among other items, free WiFi at Eddie Collins Memorial Park and at Village Hall/Police Department for municipal use.
The Board also adopted a plain-language website privacy policy required for municipalities operating .gov domains, formally explaining how the village collects and uses online contact and payment information.
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Grace Cranmer Miller
Nov 12, 2025
CANAAN — Grace Cranmer Miller, cherished daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully at home in the early hours of Sunday, Oct. 26.
Grace was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on Sept. 16, 1939.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Robert, and her cherished daughter Sue Ann, who both held special places in her heart. She is survived by her two sons, Robert (Deb) and Rick Miller, who were a great source of love and pride in her life.
Grace and her husband owned and operated an antique store, Way Back When, in North Canaan for quite some time, where they shared their love of history and beautiful treasures with the community.Above all, she adored her family — her seven grandchildren, Tommy, Dara, Amanda, Samantha, Shanna, Rebekah, and Michael, and her sixteen great-grandchildren.
Grace was a true lover of cats and music — melodies were always playing softly in the background whenever you visited her home or her antique shop, filling the air with warmth and charm. She took great pride in her appearance, faithfully getting her hair and eyebrows done once a week and never leaving the house without wearing her finest jewelry and the perfect shade of lipstick. She carried herself with poise and style, a reflection of the beauty and care she brought to every part of her life.Grace will truly be missed.May she rest in peace.
Service details will be announced at a later time.
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Barbara A. Palmer
Nov 12, 2025
FALLS VILLAGE — Barbara A. Palmer, 71, of 312 Music Mountain Road passed away on Nov. 8, 2025, in the company of her loving family, at the Village Green in Bristol Connecticut.She was born June 24, 1954 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, daughter of the late Martin F. and Hazel (Markham) Palmer Sr.
From her early years at Wassaic State School to her most personal commitment, Barbara dedicated her life to others. She didn’t just retire; she embraced the full time calling of nurturing her beloved nieces and nephew. Her defining characteristic was the unwavering, lifelong support she provided to all members of her family.
Barbara was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Litchfield.
Barbara is survived by her sisters, Jane Martel and her husband John with whom she lived in Falls Village, Mary Ostrander of Massachusetts, and Cynthia Brown of Bristol; her brothers, Michael Palmer and his wife Susan of Falls Village, and Donald Palmer of Torrington.Barbara is also survived by her nieces, Lisa Lynch and her husband Harold of Falls Village, Tammy Martel of Canaan, Emily Downs and her husband Jeremy of Oakdale, Autumn Lynch of Falls Village, her nephew Matthew Lynch and Cassidy of Canaan and many other nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her brother, Martin R. Palmer and two sisters, Carol Tubbs and Diane Briska and half brother Martin F. Palmer Jr.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home, 118 Main Street, North Canaan, CT. 06018.Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Sand Road, North Canaan, CT.Calling hours will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:30 p.m.Flowers may be sent or memorial donations may be made to the Friendship Baptist Church, 441 Torrington Road, Litchfield, CT06759.
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Jesse L. Cooper
Nov 12, 2025
CANAAN – Jesse L. Cooper, “Coop,” 44, of 62 New Street, passed away Thursday morning, Oct. 23, 2025. He was the longtime companion of Amy Labshere. Jesse and Amy shared almost 20 years together.
Born in Waterbury, Connecticut on Aug. 15, 1981, Jesse was the son of Lee A. and Beth (Maxwell) Cooper. A graduate of Oliver Wolcott Technical High School in Torrington, he was a skilled mechanic and welder who worked for Tru-Hitch in Torrington. Jesse was an automotive genius with a rare gift for seeing potential where others saw only scrap. He could breathe life back into any engine and took pride in restoring what others had given up on. Finding old cars in need of care and turning them into something remarkable was not just a hobby for him—it was his passion, craft, and calling.
He loved spending time with his daughter, Jasey Chevelle Cooper, his companion, Amy, and their dog, Precious. Metal detecting, watching scary movies with Jasey, and time spent with his family brought him the greatest happiness.
In addition to his mother and father and his companion, Amy, Jesse is survived by his loving daughter, Jasey Chevelle Cooper of Canaan; his stepson, Tristan Soule of Kent; his two sisters, Ann Cooper of Ellington and Trisha Cooper of Thomaston; his grandson, Clayton Soule of Kent; his niece, Morgan; and nephews, Aiden and Silas.
He is also survived by his father-in-law, Layne Labshere; his sister-in-law, Jessie Laine, and her husband, Kristopher Laine, and their children, Laynie, Reece, and Gunnar; and his brother-in-law, Joshua Labshere, and his wife, Julie Labshere, and their children, Callie and Cohen.
Jesse will be remembered for his strength, resilience, humor, and willingness to help his family with whatever they needed. He faced life’s challenges with courage and grace and found his greatest happiness in the love of his family. His memory will live on in all who knew and loved him.
A celebration of Jesse’s life will be held on Sunday Nov. 16, 2025, at the Couch-Pipa VFW Post #6851 104 South Canaan Rd. Canaan, CT 06018 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. There are no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made in Jesse’s memory to the North Canaan Volunteer Ambulance Corps, P.O. Box 178, Canaan, CT 06018. Arrangements are under the care of Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home, 118 Main Street, Canaan, CT 06018.
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