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

Amenia board honors employees for service

Long-term town employees were recognized at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, June 12. Honorees pictured with Town Supervisor Leo Blackman, were Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the Town Garage, center, for her 35 years of service to the town and Megan Chamberlin, current Highway Superintendent, for 20 years.

Leila Hawken

AMENIA — Acknowledging the many years of service accumulated by town employees, the Town Board paused to honor that service at its meeting on Thursday, June 12.

“Thank you for making a difference,” said Town Supervisor Leo Blackman in recognizing Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the town garage, for her 35 years of service.

Keep ReadingShow less
Historic marker dedicated at Amenia Union Cemetery

In anticipation of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution in 2026, new historic markers are appearing at each of the local cemeteries where Revolutionary War veterans are buried. Unveiling the new marker at Amenia Union Cemetery on Saturday, June 21, were left to right, Town Historian Betsy Strauss, Jim Middlebrook representing the regional chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and Gail Seymour, President of the Union Cemetery Association.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — One by one, new historic markers are appearing at local cemeteries where Revolutionary War dead are buried. On Saturday, June 21, community members gathered to see a new marker unveiled at Amenia Union Cemetery on Leedsville Road.

A tent provided welcome shade for the attendees and refreshments as about 30 residents gathered for the unveiling and to share stories of local history with one another.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton Street Fair celebration June 28

Bee Bee the clown, face painters and a community wide scavenger hunt are among the activities planned for the Millerton Street Fair in Downtown Millerton on Saturday, June 28.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Millerton News, in partnership with the North East Community Center (NECC) and the Millerton Business Alliance, is hosting its first Street Fair on Saturday in a celebration of the town.

Rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, the fair will bring together local nonprofits and businesses, with live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, local eats, and family fun in Veterans Park, in front of the Millerton Inn, and beyond.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook Historical Society announces summer Quaker lecture series

The Nine Partners Road Quaker Meetinghouse, built in 1780, will be the site of two summer lectures sponsored by the Millbrook Historical Society.

Photo by Leila Hawken

MILLBROOK — Long in the planning, the Millbrook Historical Society has announced that it is sponsoring two lectures in observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Both lectures relating to Quaker history are to be held in the historic Quaker Meeting House on Nine Partners Road.

For the first talk, scheduled for Sunday, June 29, at 2 p.m., the historical society has invited Sarah Gronningsater, Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania, to talk on “Quakers, Anti-slavery, and the American Revolution.” The topic will explore the role that New York’s Quakers, especially in the Hudson Valley, played in the rise of the anti-slavery movement that followed the American Revolution.

Keep ReadingShow less