Solid ice returns to Rudd Pond

MILLERTON — This year’s harsh winter conditions made it possible for the Taconic State Park to bring back Rudd Pond’s seasonal ice skating and ice fishing.

“Last winter, there was no ice to speak of,” said Jim Campbell, whose home is located on the south side of Rudd Pond. “The last couple of years haven’t been anything at all. It’s probably been a couple of years since I’ve been out ice fishing or most anyone else for that matter.”

Abigail Leo, park manager at Taconic State Park, explained how the temperature must remain below freezing for over a week for staff members to begin monitoring the ice conditions on Rudd Pond. Then, according to Leo, if the pond is frozen solid, trained staff will take samples in different surface areas to ensure safety for the community.

“Core samples are taken in various areas throughout the pond to ensure that an average of 6 or more inches of ice thickness is maintained. If at any time the crew finds more than one ice sample that is less than 4 inches or low quality, unsafe ice conditions, the sampling is halted and the pond remains closed,” said Leo, “Retesting will resume in 24 to 48 hours if temperatures maintain below freezing. If the average of 6 inches is met and the ice conditions are favorable, then Rudd Pond will be open for ice recreation.”

The pond’s surface determines how long the process will take crew members to complete their testing. Leo explained a safety requirement is in place surrounding the crew. A minium of three persons goes out on the ice to take samples. The crew assigned to measure the ice are trained and equipped with the proper tools to ensure conditions are safe for usage.

“The length of the process is determined by the weather and operation priorities... We need below freezing temperatures for at least 5 to 7 days in order to meet the conditions that would make testing the ice safe for the crew,” Leo said. “The testing process takes about half a day if all goes according to plan.”

Near the state park entrance there is a sign noting the current ice conditions. On the sign, indicators fluctuate between green and red, same as a stoplight, to indicate safe or unsafe conditions. Jim Campbell noted that pond conditions can vary, depending on where one is situated.

“We’re on the south end of it, and that tends to stay frozen longer than the one on the north because of the wind. But once ours starts to freeze, it usually stays frozen there for a considerable amount of time,” Campbell said, “Last time I was out there, it was like 13 inches of ice out in front of my house. That’s a lot of ice.”

This year, many people have been able to enjoy the winter season with Rudd Pond freezing over. “They’ve been skating out there,” Campbell observed. “People have utilized it. This year, there’s been several people out ice fishing — and that’s really what it’s there for, and what it’s all about.”

Latest News

Employment Opportunities

LJMN Media, publisher of The Lakeville Journal (first published in 1897) and The Millerton News (first published in 1932) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization.

We seek to help readers make more informed decisions through comprehensive news coverage of communities in Northwest Connecticut and Eastern Dutchess County in New York.

Keep ReadingShow less
Pine Plains Bombers defeated at Section IX Regional

Giana Dormi, no. 3 of Pine Plains, and Michelle Blackburn, no. 12 of Pine Plains, put the pressure on Juliana Manginelli, no. 11 of Tuckahoe, as she tries to find a pass during the second round of the regional tournament at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, N.Y. on Tuesday, March 11.

Photo by Nathan Miller

NEWBURGH, N.Y. — The Pine Plains Bombers were knocked out in second round of the Section IX regional tournament after a hard fought game against the Tuckahoe Tigers on Tuesday, March 11.

The Bombers won the tip and got off to an early lead, but the Tuckahoe Tigers outpaced them quickly and finished the game 59-25.

Keep ReadingShow less
County comptroller releases special report on federal funding

Dan Aymar-Blair

Photo provided

POUGHKEEPSIE — Dutchess comptroller Dan Aymar-Blair released a special report early last week on federal monies and how they move through the county level, including the disbursement process in the county; how federal funding benefits Dutchess residents and whether any fiscal distribution issues have surfaced locally as a result of actions taken on behalf of the Trump administration.

According to Aymar-Blair’s report, federal programming represents roughly 10% of Dutchess expenditures, not including any COVID-19 assistance. As an illustration of federal- to county-level distribution and spending, in 2023, under the Biden administration, the county received approximately $65 million from the U.S. government with $25 million going toward direct aid in support of such programs as home energy assistance and food stamps. Federal monies were also disbursed — and continue to be directed — toward county-level agencies, programming and supports such as adoption, foster care and child care needs, emergency/disaster assistance, infrastructure development and maintenance, and workforce initiatives.

Keep ReadingShow less
‘Selected Shorts’ comes to Stissing Center

The Stissing Center was bustling just before the show on Sunday, March 9.

Photo by Alec Linden

PINE PLAINS — The Stissing Center was packed on Sunday for an afternoon performance of podcast and NPR series “Selected Shorts.” The sold-out show, which was recorded for national broadcast at a later date, brought a lineup of four accomplished actors and storytellers to the Pine Plains stage to recite a selection of short stories from award-winning authors.

“Selected Shorts,” a product of Manhattan-based performing arts powerhouse Symphony Space, features prominent actors who recite works of short fiction. The full program usually revolves around a theme; Sunday afternoon’s focus was “transformations.”
Comedian, writer and actress Ophira Eisenberg — or “renaissance woman of storytelling,” as Stissing Center Executive Director Patrick Trettenero introduced her — assumed hosting duties, warming up the crowd with jokes about Brooklyn egg prices and doctors with self-esteem issues — “I want a megalomaniac with a god complex and no hobbies.”

Keep ReadingShow less