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The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, and before him Renée Good, by federal agents in Minnesota is not just a tragedy; it is a warning. In the aftermath, Trump administration officials released an account of events that directly contradicted citizen video recorded at the scene. Those recordings, made by ordinary people exercising their rights, showed circumstances sharply at odds with the official narrative. Once again, the public is asked to choose between the administration’s version of events and the evidence of its own eyes.
This moment underscores an essential truth: the right to record law enforcement is not a nuisance or a provocation; it is a safeguard. As New York Times columnist David French put it, “Citizen video has decisively rebutted the administration’s lies. The evidence of our eyes contradicts the dishonesty of the administration’s words.”
Separately, law enforcement agencies across the country are expanding their capacity to watch the public. Here at home, as we’ve reported, Dutchess County’s Real Time Crime Center brings together feeds from automated license-plate readers, including systems provided by Flock Safety, allowing police to track vehicles across jurisdictions in real time. These tools collect detailed movement data on vast numbers of people who are not suspected of any crime, often with limited public discussion of safeguards or oversight.
When citizens document state power, they are told to step back or trust official explanations. When the state documents the public, continuously and at scale, it is framed as efficiency. One form of observation is treated as suspect; the other as routine.
What magnifies the alarm in the Minnesota shootings isn’t just the loss of life, but the response that followed. Federal force was used against members of the U.S. public, and officials responded not with clarity or accountability, but with statements that collapsed under visual evidence. That willingness to lie, and to do so reflexively, signals a deeper problem: an administration increasingly willing to treat truth as an obstacle rather than an obligation.
A democratic society depends on shared facts. The right of citizens and journalists to observe, record and document matters because it anchors truth in evidence, not authority. That right is not a threat to public safety. It is among the few remaining tools the public has to insist that power remains answerable to the truth.
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Military hardware as a signpost
Jan 28, 2026
It is hard not to equate military spending and purchasing with diplomatic or strategic plans being made, for reasons otherwise unknown. Keeping an eye out for the physical stuff can often begin to shine a light on what’s coming. – good and possibly very bad.
Without Congressional specific approval, the Pentagon has awarded a contract to Boeing for $8,600,000,000 (US taxpayer dollars) for another 25 F-15A attack fighters to be given to Israel. Oh, and there’s another 25 more of the F-15EX variant on option, free to Israel as well.
Meanwhile, many European countries have switched their purchases of the F-35 fighters to the French Rafale or the Joint European Fighter as well as Saab’s advanced concept fighter Gripen.Turkey and Airbus, meanwhile, have sold the Hurjet trainer to Spain and other countries over the US trainer. And France is about to begin laying the keel for a new aircraft carrier (though that will take almost a decade). Meanwhile, Airbus is now, since 2024, the primary supplier to all EU countries for military helicopters… Saab is making GlobalEye airborne aircraft for France, Italy and Germany… France’s Rafale Company is making and delivering Iron Beam high-energy laser weapons… Airbus has ramped up delivery to all its new EU customers of 18 new C295 tactical transports.
Some may wonder why EU leaders as well as the UK, have been so soft tongued when it comes to this Administration’s recent diplomatic transgressions over Greenland (oops, Iceland?). The reason is simple: For decades the US has been the cheapest and best supplier of the finest military hardware – planes, tanks, weapon systems, and defense capability. What every nation understood was that the US held the controls of the safe operation of those aircraft. For example, the electronics of every F-35 can be controlled remotely from the US. Go against us? We can pull the plug. That was never an issue before, where we had trust and mutual goals. The current rush to re-prioritize local EU manufacture and longer term self reliance in the EU is a direct consequence of this Administration’s changing of priorities and allied trust.
It is true that DJT can take credit for EU and UK increased military budgeting and preparedness, his actions have forced them to that reality. It is also true that his long term damage to American jobs and industry are just now becoming evident as less of our hardware is attractive to foreign buyers and our military oversight will be slowly eroded to a position where nations no longer feel the need for diplomatic or industrial reliance on America.
Peter Riva, a former resident of Amenia Union, New York, now lives in Gila, New Mexico.
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What’s with Greenland?
Jan 28, 2026
As I noted here in an article last spring entitled “Hands off Greenland”, the world’s largest island was at the center of a developing controversy. President Trump was telling all who would listen that, for national security reasons, the United States needed to take over Greenland, amicably if possible or by force if necessary. While many were shocked by Trump’s imperialistic statements, most people, at least in this country, took his words as ill-considered bluster. But he kept telling questioners that he had to have Greenland (oftenechoing the former King of France, Louis XIV who famously said, “L’État c’est moi!”.
Since 1951, the U.S. has had a security agreement with Denmark giving it near total freedom to install and operate whatever military facilities it wanted on Greenland. At one point there were sixteen small bases across the island, now there’s only one. Denmark’s Prime Minister has told President Trump that the U.S. should feel free to expand its installations if needed. As climate change is starting to allow a future passage from thePacific Ocean to the Arctic, many countries are showing interest in Greenland including Russia and China but this hardly indicates an international crisis as Trump and his subordinates insist.
Researchers believe that, buried beneath the mammoth glaciers covering most of the land are rich deposits of various rare earth minerals including those needed for modern batteries and other hi-tech devices. Trump has already made a deal with Ukraine to supply them more arms in return for rights to its underground “rare earth” deposits. Some have called this extortion but to Trump it was business as usual. Greenland’s buried treasures could be a much bigger deal.
But perhaps Trump’s lifelong obsession with size is the dominant reason he feels he must have the world’s largest island; like his planned White House ballroom, for him this is essentially an ego trip.
The U.S. has lately lost moral authority in foreign affairs by its illegal invasion of Venezuela and the kidnapping of its President; a military invasion and takeover of Greenland, a territory of Denmark, one of its staunchest allies, would place us in a category with Putin’s Russia, an enemy of the Free World. And moreover it would encourage Russia, China or other authoritarian states to move against their neighbors in endless power grabs.
Greenlanders and Danes have made it clear from the beginning that they do not wish to become American and are not for sale, Trump’s subordinates have tried to advance a scheme whereby Elon Musk might buy a majority of the individual Greenlanders’ votes to sell their country to the U.S.; however Denmark has the last word and is not about to agree to selling Greenland to anyone.
Although Greenlanders have largely been in favorof eventual independence, since Trump’s intemperate demands they have locked arms with Denmark. Recently, large demonstrations in both places have expressed anger, but even more, sadness that their staunch ally would turn against them.
The reaction of Denmark’s NATO allies has been clear; at least eight, with likely others to follow, have denounced the U.S. stance and several have sent token national military forces to Greenland. This was immediately followed by Trump issuing severe specific tariff threats (even though the legality of even his existing tariffs is currently being adjudicated in the Supreme Court). All these actions could be a death blow to most current American alliances with Europe.
Other than Trump’s appointees those who support the President’s claim to Greenland are hard to find in the U.S. or elsewhere. While most Republican political leaders have avoided speaking out on the matter, a few have including Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina and former Majority leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, both condemning the possible “taking” in no uncertain terms . Seasoned diplomat, Michael McFaul has called Trump’s insistence on “owning” Greenland as “the worst idea in American history.”
After speaking to the assembled crowd of political leaders and industrialists at Davos, Trump began discussions with Mark Rutte, secretary General of NATO and others after which, in a striking turnaround,he announced that they had put together the basis of a “deal” regarding Greenland.
But neither Greenland nor Denmark had been involved in those discussions; both rejected the agreement’s proposal that the United States would have sovereignty over the military bases both new and existing. Another facet of the proposal giving the U.S. control of underground mineral rights may proveexcessive to both Greenland and Denmark.
Although everyone seems relieved that the crisis appears to be largely over, the rupture between Europe and the U.S. remains. Considering President Trump’s erratic state of mind (in his speech at Davos he referred to Greenland as Iceland at least 3 times), who knows what he may demand tomorrow?
Architect and landscape designer Mac Gordon lives in Lakeville.
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Legal Notices - January 29, 2026
Jan 28, 2026
Legal Notice
John J. Contracting USA LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with 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 Limited Liability Company Law.
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02-12-26
Legal Notice
Notice of Formation of Lady Hounds Farm, LLC. Arts. or Org. filed with SSNY on 8/25/25. Office Location: Dutchess County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Jane D. Watson, 33 Prospect Avenue, Amenia, New York 12501. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.
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Legal Notice
Notice of Formation of Max Cohen Design LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 11/07/2025. Office location: Dutchess County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Max Cohen Design LLC, 253 Benson Hill Road, Dover Plains, NY 12522. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.
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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.
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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Notice of Complete Application
Date: 10/28/2025
Applicant: TOWN OF AMENIA
4988 RTE 22
AMENIA, NY 12501
Facility: TOWN OF AMENIA 38 LAVELLE RD AMENIA, NY 12501
Application ID: 3-1320-00086/00010
Permits(s) Applied for: 1—Article 24 Freshwater Wetlands
Project is located: in AMENIA in DUTCHESS COUNTY
Project Description:
The applicant proposes disturbance to a NYS Regulated Freshwater Wetland associated with the removal of an existing pump house and the installation of a prepackaged pump house on approximately 50 cubic yards of crushed stone and concrete.
Availability of Application Documents:
Filed application documents, and Department draft permits where applicable, are available for inspection during normal business hours at the address of the contact person. To ensure timely service at the time of inspection, it is recommended that an appointment be made with the contact person.
State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Determination
Project is not subject to SEQR because it is a Type II action.
SEQR Lead Agency None Designated
State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA) Determination
The proposed activity is not subject to review in accordance with SHPA. The application type is exempt and/or the project involves the continuation of an existing operational activity.
Availability For Public Comment
Comments on this project must be submitted in writing to the Contact Person no later than 11/20/2025 or 15 days after the publication date of this notice, whichever is later.
Contact Person
FRANK J BENEDETTO, III NYSDEC
21 S Putt Corners Rd
New Paltz, NY 12561
(845) 256-0208
01-29-26
TOWN OF AMENIA PLANNING BOARD
RE-NOTICE OF
PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Chapter 105 of the Town of Amenia Code, the Planning Board of the Town of Amenia will hold a public hearing on the application by SILAND Recreational Facility (the “Applicant”) for site plan amendment to add lighting to a preexisting stie plan (the “Application”) on the property located at Parcel # 132000-7066-00-910219 situated at 4391 NYS Route 22 in the Town of Amenia (the “Project Site”). The Project Site is located in the Rural Agricultural zoning district and the Resort Development and Scenic Protection overlay districts.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Planning Board will hold the public hearing on the Application on February 25, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Amenia Town Hall, 4988 NYS Route 22, Amenia, New York 12501.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a copy of the Application is on file in the Amenia Planning Department Office for public viewing and inspection by appointment only. The Application can also be viewed and downloaded from the Town’s official website at www.ameniany.gov.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Planning Board will hear all persons interested in the Application at the public hearing noticed herein. All persons may appear at the hearing in person or by agent and may also submit written comments to the Planning Board at or prior to such hearing by emailing comments to Planning Board Secretary Judith Westfall at jwestfall@ameniany.gov.
Dated: January 22, 2026
Robert Boyles, Jr., Chairman
Town of Amenia
Planning Board
01-29-26
TOWN OF AMENIA PLANNING BOARD
RE-NOTICE OF
PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Chapter 105 of the Town of Amenia Code, the Planning Board of the Town of Amenia will hold a public hearing on the application by Amy and David Cocheo (the “Applicant”) for special permit approval to convert the existing bank into a coffee shop (the “Application”) on the property located at 5086-5094 Route 22 (Parcel # 132000-7167-00-340765), in the Town of Amenia (the “Project Site”). The Project Site is located in the Highway Commercial (HC) Zoning District. The balance of the property, which is currently undeveloped and for which no development is proposed, is in the Hamlet Mixed Use (HM) Zoning District. The property is also impacted by the Stream Corridor Overlay (SCO) Zoning District and the Priority/Primary Valley Bottom Aquifer (PVBA) Overlay District.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Planning Board will hold the public hearing on the Application on February 11, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Amenia Town Hall, 4988 NYS Route 22, Amenia, New York 12501.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a copy of the Application is on file in the Amenia Planning Department Office for public viewing and inspection during normal business hours by appointment only. The Application can also be viewed and downloaded from the Town’s official website at www.ameniany.gov.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Planning Board will hear all persons interested in the Application at the public hearing noticed herein. All persons may appear at the hearing in person or by agent and may also submit written comments to the Planning Board at or prior to such hearing by emailing comments to Planning Board Secretary Judith Westfall at jwestfall@ameniany.gov. Dated: January 22, 2026
Robert Boyles, Jr., Chairman
Town of Amenia
Planning Board
01-29-26
TOWN OF AMENIA PLANNING BOARD
RE-NOTICE OF
PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Chapter 105 of the Town of Amenia Code, the Planning Board of the Town of Amenia will hold a public hearing on the application by Silo Ridge Ventures, LLC (the “Applicant”) for Subdivision approval for a lot line realignment, consolidating Lots LL-15 (Parcel # 132000-7066-02-803711) and LL-16 (Parcel # 132000-7066-02-801701), into one (1) larger parcel on lands located within the Silo Ridge Resort Community at 4651 NYS Route 22 in the Town of Amenia. The Project Site is located in the Rural Agricultural zoning district, as well as the Resort Development and Scenic Protection overlay districts.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Planning Board will hold the public hearing on the Application on February 11, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Amenia Town Hall, 4988 NYS Route 22, Amenia, New York 12501.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a copy of the Application is on file in the Amenia Planning Department Office for public viewing and inspection by appointment only. The Application can also be viewed and downloaded from the Town’s official website at www.ameniany.gov.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Planning Board will hear all persons interested in the Application at the public hearing noticed herein. All persons may appear at the hearing in person or by agent and may also submit written comments to the Planning Board at or prior to such hearing by emailing comments to Planning Board Secretary Judith Westfall at jwestfall@ameniany.gov. Dated: January 22, 2026
Robert Boyles, Jr., Chairman
Town of Amenia
Planning Board
01-29-26
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.
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