community

Open studios

Open studios
Nathan Miller

Artists welcomed visitors into their studios at the Wassaic Project's first open studio day of 2026 on Saturday, Jan. 31. Below, Tilly Strauss of North East visits Ernesto Cabral's studio where he has been a part of the art organization's January 2026 residency program.

Nathan Miller

community

Latest News

County Legislator Chris Drago to host childcare forum in Pine Plains

County Legislator Chris Drago to host childcare forum in Pine Plains
The North East Community Center’s Early Learning Program shuttered abruptly last December after nonprofit leadership announced that significant financial strain required the program’s termination. NECC Executive Director Christine Sergent said the organization remains open to reconsidering childcare in the future.
Photo by Nathan miller

PINE PLAINS — Dutchess County Legislator Chris Drago, D-19, will host a public forum later this month to discuss ongoing childcare challenges — and potential solutions — facing families in Northern Dutchess. The discussion will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at The Stissing Center in Pine Plains and is free and open to the public.

Drago said the goal of the forum is to gather community feedback that can be shared with county and state stakeholders, as Dutchess County positions itself to benefit from $20 million in state funding as part of a new childcare pilot program.

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government

Proposed ICE facility in Chester faces regional opposition

Proposed ICE facility in Chester faces regional opposition
A Google Street View image of the former Pep Boys warehouse on Elizabeth Drive in Chester, New York, where the U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to
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A proposed deportation processing center in Chester, New York, has sparked widespread backlash from local residents and advocates across the Hudson Valley.

The Department of Homeland Security issued a public notice on Jan. 8 outlining the plan, which calls for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to purchase and convert a warehouse at 29 Elizabeth Drive in Chester “in support of ICE operations.” The facility, located in Orange County, is a former Pep Boys distribution warehouse that was previously used to store tires and auto parts.

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immigration

Extreme cold exposes warming center gaps in northeast Dutchess

Extreme cold exposes warming center gaps in northeast Dutchess

Millerton's American Legion Post 178 on Route 44. Bob Jenks, who is involved in leadership at the legion, said the building could operate as an emergency warming shelter if North East or Millerton officials reached out with a need for one.

Photo by Nathan Miller

Much of New York state was pummeled with snow in late January, followed by a prolonged stretch of below-freezing temperatures and wind chills dipping as low as negative 15 degrees, prompting cold weather advisories urging people to stay indoors.

Despite the extreme cold, there are few clearly designated warming centers in the rural areas of northern or eastern Dutchess County, leaving residents in need with limited nearby options.

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weather

Classifieds - February 5, 2026

Classifieds - February 5, 2026

Help Wanted

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.

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.

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