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Ready for a change

The Millerton News has been a trusted source of news and information for our community for nearly a century. That’s at least four generations of readers who have turned to the paper for a weekly report on life in our towns, maintaining a tradition as a reliable go-to for news and information. And we’re still here, thanks to our readers, advertisers and donors.

It’s reassuring to realize that through all those decades — and all the necessary change that came over time — the many generations of reporters and editors have stayed the course, fulfilling our mission of providing in-depth news and arts coverage of the communities we serve.

Today, the paper once again is ready for a change — to hand over the reins to the next generation. John Coston, Editor-at-Large, who has spent a career in newsrooms — including The Millerton News and The Lakeville Journal since 2022 — will step back from the top editorial role in September. This week, we will launch the search for an Executive Editor who will work with Managing Editors Nathan Miller and Riley Klein, Arts & Lifestyle Editor Natalia Zukerman and the rest of the newsroom staff to lead the newsroom into the next era.

You, our readers, can be assured that through this transition, one thing that won’t change is our commitment to community-centered journalism. But it is an opportunity to build on the progress we’ve made — to expand our coverage, grow our digital presence, and continue finding new ways to serve and connect with our communities.

Our newsroom is stronger, even as we continue to tackle the challenges facing local journalism. Because of community support from our readers, advertisers, and donors, we have been able to bring on additional staff, making it possible to expand our coverage to give you a solid weekly report on what’s happening in your towns and across the region.

That continued support has also put The News on stronger footing, allowing us to plan for a change like this without missing a beat. As it has for generations, the paper will continue to evolve — not only to keep pace with the times, but to serve our communities with deeper, more meaningful coverage in the years ahead.

Latest News

Time for harvest

Time for harvest

Throngs of visitors crowd Amenia’s Main Street on Saturday, Oct. 17, for the town’s second annual Harvest Festival. The event filled downtown Amenia with vendors selling food, jewelry, trinkets, decor, books and art — and a stage on each end of the street filled the air with music.

Photo by Graham Corrigan

Throngs of visitors crowd Amenia’s Main Street on Saturday, Oct. 17, for the town’s second annual Harvest Festival. The event filled downtown Amenia with vendors selling food, jewelry, trinkets, decor, books and art — and a stage on each end of the street filled the air with music.


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Copake solar farm permit denied by state energy officials

The hamlet of Craryville in the Town of Copake, New York, will no longer be the home of a 42-megawatt solar farm following New York’s Office of Renewable Energy Siting denying a permit for the facility to Chicago-based Hecate Energy LLC.

Photo by Nathan Miller

COPAKE — New York State denied Hecate Energy LLC’s application for a more than 700-acre Shepherd’s Run solar project, pointing to two factors: floodplain and community protection issues and identification of and protection of wetland resources in this rural hamlet.

Jason Zehr, interim executive director of the Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission,issued the decision on Wednesday, Oct. 14, five days before the clock was to run out for the state to approve or deny the Chicago-based company’s application.

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Dutchess County towns explore regional EMS coverage model

Four northeastern Dutchess County communities are exploring a shared ambulance service that officials say could improve emergency coverage and reduce municipal costs.The proposed EMS network would include resources from Dutchess County, Empress Ambulance and Northwell Health, as well as local emergency services.

Under the proposal, ambulances would be allowed to move throughout the participating communities as calls come in, replacing an arrangement in which towns contract for dedicated coverage.

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State legislators allocate $400,000 toward North East’s new Town Hall

State Sen. Michelle Hinchey, left, Assemblymember Didi Barrett, center, and North East Town Supervisor Chris Kennan enjoy the scenes of fall south of Millerton on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the site of the new North East Town Hall.

Photo by Nathan Miller

MILLERTON — State Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblymember Didi Barrett have directed $400,000 in state funding to North East’s plan for a new Town Hall.

The money covers about 28% of the $1.44 million renovation estimate that will transform the former Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Route 22 into municipal offices.

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Dutchess County to cover Flock cameras despite Serino’s objections

POUGHKEEPSIE — A resolution to cover Dutchess County’s Flock Safety cameras will still go into effect, despite County Executive Sue Serino’s decision not to sign the measure. The resolution, which passed unanimously in the legislature, directs county personnel to cover any remaining license plate readers with opaque, non-damaging materials, so residents know the devices are no longer recording.

Serino argued that the resolution is unnecessary and could expose the county to liability if equipment is damaged. A formal demand was issued to Flock on Sept. 30 to remove its equipment by Oct. 30. If Flock misses that deadline, Serino said, the county will work with the district attorney and sheriff to take further steps.

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Millbrook Library receives money for roof repairs

From left, state legislators Didi Barrett and Michelle Hinchey visit the library with library board member Vicky Contino, library director Courtney Tsahalis, and board member Dann Kenefick. The library recently won $300,000 in state grants to help repair the building’s roof and update its HVAC system.

Photo by Graham Corrigan

MILLBROOK — The Millbrook Library has been awarded$300,000 in state capital grants to help fund roof repairs and heating and cooling upgrades expected to cost at least $2 million.

The grants, announced last week, were the result of advocacy by the offices of state Sen. Michelle Hinchey and Assemblymember Didi Barrett.

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