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Building resilient local community food systems
Since the closure of the ill-fated Millerton Fresh Market in 2019 and the closure of the McEnroe Farm Stand and Eatery in 2024, Millerton and the Town of North East community have been deprived, until recently, of any local store to shop for produce, meat, and other food staples.
A recent article that appeared in The Millerton News updating residents on the ongoing delays faced by the Choe’s led with the statement “Millerton residents eager for new food market will have to wait a little longer,” and yet the article made no mention of the nutrient dense, locally sourced food available at the Tri Corner FEED Market. This omission has been made by other public figures — like Town of North East Supervisor Chrisopher Kennan — who also failed to make any mention of the opening of the market in his remarks about the food desert in Millerton at the North East Community Center’s Chef and Farmer Brunch this summer.
While it is understood that the community will benefit tremendously from the Choe’s market opening, the reporting fails to capture the importance of community supported agriculture and our efforts to strengthen our local food system. Tri Corner FEED offers a wide range of proteins, vegetables and dairy sourced from our local farmers that are healthy staples for everyone. A sliding scale pricing structure ensures all products are available to everyone regardless of their food budget.
It is important to recognize the efforts of the community to support one another and the reporting by The Millerton News and public statements by our civic leaders continue to reinforce that we are reliant on grocery stores that do not create resilience in our food systems and our communities. We need to understand the value of supporting our local farmers and expanding food access while creating a community space where everyone is welcome.
FEED, as the market is called, is located at 56 South Center Street in the heart of the town of Millerton and currently serves over 400 customers a week. I hope more people visit FEED and experience a local, community-based grocery shopping experience.
James A. Quella
Sharon
Support Hamm and Ahearn
I am writing this letter in support of Nicole Ahearn (R) for Amenia Town Board and Rosanna Hamm (D) for Amenia Town Supervisor. Even though these two candidates belong to different parties, they have worked collaboratively to do what is best for Amenia.
Rosanna and Nicole consistently speak up to get information on issues that come before the board. There is a lot to learn after getting elected, and they have put in the time to do that. But most importantly they are working for their community, not their party or their own agendas. And they have approached any issues as leaders and problem-solvers, after years of inaction on needed repairs.
As you go to vote, please resist those who ask you to support your party. Please support the candidates who you think will do their best for Amenia, and please vote!
Judy Moran
Amenia
Elect Kara Gerry for Dutchess County Court Judge
As attacks on the rule of law grow nationwide, Dutchess County needs judges we can trust — fair, steady, and independent. That’s why we need to support Kara Gerry for County Court Judge.
With 18 years of courtroom experience as both a prosecutor and public defender, Kara has a deep understanding of justice from every perspective. She’s the only candidate in this race who has stood on both sides of the aisle — experience that makes her uniquely qualified to deliver fair and consistent rulings.
Still in his first term, her opponent, Judge McLoughlin, is one of the most frequently overturned judges in New York State for unfair and excessive sentencing. These reversals have wasted taxpayer dollars and eroded confidence in the courts.One of those overturned sentences was imposed on Nikki Addimando, a domestic violence survivor.Her story raised important concerns about how our courts treat women and victims of abuse.
Kara Gerry will bring experience, integrity, and real justice to the Dutchess County bench. She will listen, understand, and apply the law with humanity and fairness. Let’s elect a judge who reflects our values: fair, independent, and accountable to the people.
Rich Stalzer
North East
No cannabis dispensary
It is not often that we are presented with a well-informed and knowledgeable candidate for Town Supervisor as Terrence McCauley. His leadership and writing ability are above average.
His communication skills are above average as well and his common sense approach to tasks are invaluable.
He is also against having a cannabis dispensary in town.
Be sure to read the back of the ballot and vote no to allowing any cannabis dispensary in our town.
If we want to have young families in our town, we do not need drug dispensaries of any kind here in Amenia.
Darlene Riemer
Amenia
Truitt deserves reelection
I am writing to offer my strong support of Will Truitt, a personal acquaintance, for Dutchess County Comptroller. Will has the right experience for the job. He graduated from Marist College with a degree in Accounting and Finance. He currently is a financial manager for a successful family-owned commercial construction company in southern Dutchess County.
Will was first elected to the Dutchess County Legislature ten years ago while a college student. Previously an intern for former County Executive Marcus Molinaro, Will rose to become Chair of the Budget Committee and in 2023 his fellow legislators elected him Chairman of the full County Legislature. As Chair he crafted a budget last year that garnered strong bi-partisan support by virtue of an unprecedented 23-2 vote, with eight Democrats joining the Republicans. One might think that our representatives in Washington could learn a thing or two from Will’s efforts!
Since his first election at age 20 in 2015, Will has for 10 straight years delivered for the residents of Dutchess County with property tax rate cuts, a healthy fund balance maintained year in and out, the highest county bond rating (AA+) in all New York State, and an emphasis on public safety through investment in the Sheriff’s Office. These are some of the reasons he is endorsed by the Teamsters Local #445 and the Hudson Valley Building and Trades Council.
So, the choice on merit, experience and contrast cannot be clearer. I am voting Will Truitt for County Comptroller. He has the right priorities and will continue demonstrating energetic and excellent service in the public interest.
David L. Smith
Fishkill
Aymar-Blair brings facts, efficiency
I’m writing to urge voters to reelect our excellent County comptroller, Dan Aymar-Blair. In his short time on the job, Dan has made real progress giving us a better sense of how our tax dollars are being spent. A man who prizes facts and efficiency, he is a perfect financial watchdog.A previous comptroller, Robin Lois, now deputy comptroller for the state, said upon Dan’s first election that he would do “a fantastic job.” He has, and will continue to do so. Dan said himself in this newspaper “I’m motivated by the belief that government can — and must — help out. People are hurting. People are struggling. The prescription is good management.” His priorities include an annual review of progress in increasing affordable housing in the County.
Dan worked for New York City Public Schools for 15 years in finance and operations, where as COO he oversaw a $600 million budget, the largest public-school budget in the U.S. While there, Dan implemented cost-saving measures, improved financial oversight, and strengthened accountability.
Dan is a sixth-generation New Yorker. His father was a Hudson River tugboat captain, his mother a nurse. He graduated from George Washington University, majoring in political science and government. He lives in Beacon with his wife and two sons.
Tom Parrett
Millerton
Positive change takes time, vote Dietrich
I am writing a letter of endorsement for Walter Dietrich for Amenia Town Board.Walter has been a friend and neighbor since he arrived in Amenia 8 years ago. I know Walter as someone who consistently goes out of his way to help his neighbors and community whatever the need. Walter has demonstrated great passion through his actions and involvement in the Amenia Planning Board, Wastewater Committee, and many local events. Walter understands what makes our small-town community great and has a vision for what it can become.
Positive change isn’t easy, it takes time, persistence, engagement, and regular outreach. Small towns are not a place for party politics.We need friendly people, with passion who have demonstrated through community involvement that they are in it for the long haul. I truly believe Walter has that passion and is that person.
Please join me in voting for Walter Dietrich for Amenia Town Board on November 4th.
Peter McCaffrey
Amenia
Doyle champions preservation of countryside
If there is a single issue that unites recent and longtime residents of northeast Dutchess County, it’s the urgent need to preserve our natural landscape and environmental resources. Not surprisingly, nearly every candidate seeking membership on the Amenia Town Board in the upcoming election has paid lip service to this concern as outside developers and mining interests threaten to degrade our vistas, farmland and streams. Among these aspirant office-seekers, only one, Vicki Doyle, has the background, credentials, and record that are hallmarks of a genuine environmentalist. During her two decades on the Town Board, Vicki consistently championed the preservation of our countryside in ways large and small. Beyond her diligent work on the Comprehensive Planning and Zoning Committee, she organized town-wide trash clean-ups (securing a grant for one of them), headed Earth Day events, and tirelessly maintained seasonal flower arrangements in the center of Amenia. The scenic extension that connects Wassaic to the Harlem Valley Rail Trail owes its existence to Vicki’s vision and persistence. As she seeks re-election to the Board, she continues to serve on groups that are centrally concerned with environmental protection: the Conservation Advisory Committee, the Enhancement Committee, and the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee. In her ongoing position at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Vicki works with conservation experts to ensure the protection of water and soil throughout Dutchess County.No candidate from either party who is running for the Town Board or Supervisorship approaches Vicki’s degree of knowledge, commitment and accomplishment.And no other candidate has shown her willingness to stand up to corporate aggressors and economic opportunists. At a time when our climate-change-denying president giddily abolishes federal conservation protections, it becomes increasingly incumbent on local communities to maintain and enforce our zoning codes and to hold violators accountable. If you share our exigent concern with the future of the beautiful area we call home, we urge you to vote for Vicki Doyle on November 4.
Philip Sicker
Diane Zahler
Amenia
Dietrich helpful, kind
Walter Dietrich is my next-door neighbor in Amenia.Walter is running for Amenia town board in this upcoming election.
Walter is a dedicated member of the community and cares a great deal about Amenia and its residents. He has long volunteered in Amenia and is a hard working member of the town planning board.
Walter lives in the village, walking distance to “main street” and downtown Amenia. He is focused on supporting the success of our small town and the business district and making Amenia an even better place to live.
Walter is also a respectful, helpful and kind neighbor. He is always happy to lend a hand or offer assistance.
Walter would be a great addition to the town board and would have a positive impact on Amenia.
I hope you’ll join me in supporting Walter Dietrich for Amenia town board.
Michael Brasher
Amenia
Vote yes for library
Our NorthEast-Millerton Library goes so far beyond being simply a building full of books. It’s a portal to a larger world, stuffed full of ways to explore truth, and fiction, with information that can be practical, thought- provoking, inspirational or data-driven. From stacks and cubbies, with books, digital resources, vast magazines, and music, to its programs, network, kids groups, Library of Things and public computers, we just need to get a Library card to explore this huge world beyond those walls.
The opportunity to invest in our Library, to sustain and enhance what it offers us as individuals and to help build a vibrant healthycommunity, is on the ballot on November 4. When you support that budget increase, you help build a stronger future for all of us! Vote yes on Proposition 2 on the back of theballot.
Holly J. Nelson
Millerton
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Volunteers with the Friends of Spencers Corner Burying Ground up-righted headstones on Saturday, Oct. 25.
Photo Provided
MILLERTON — In glorious sunshine, on Saturday, Oct. 25, a group of 13 volunteers gathered to up-right by hand some of the fallen grave-stones in a cemetery on Merwin Road.
The volunteer team was led by Jim Campbell and advised by experts George Beneke and Stan Scott who have carried out similar preservation maintenance projects in their own local cemeteries.
Armed with shovels, tampers, buckets and brushes, the team was able to up-right thirty stones in three hours and uncover many inscriptions that had been buried or lost over time. Bob Stevens from the Town Garage donated the special grit that was used to set around the stones once holes had been dug and the stones straightened.
Friends of Spencers Corners Burying Grounds, founded by Ralph Fedele of Millerton, has already created a grid map of the entire cemetery courtesy of Millerton’s Laurie Kerr. Using this, plus archival lists of those interned, the group will be able to match missing names and inscriptions with actual stones.
Going forward, it is hoped to assemble the team for an encore up-righting effort, possibly before the end of the year if the weather holds.
Friends of Spencers Corners Burying Ground are looking for more volunteers — especially those with muscle and tractors — to assist with the project. Applications are also being prepared for state and county grants to fund more extensive preservation work, especially on some of the larger obelisks and stones where heavy machinery will be required.
Please contact Claire Goodman for more information: wynnego741@gmail.com
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With Election Day approaching, attention turns to some of the county’s high-profile contested races. This week, we’re taking a closer look at the candidates for Dutchess County Comptroller and County Court Judge as the final campaign hours wind down.
Dutchess County Court Judge
Ned McLoughlin — Incumbent, Republican

Ned McLoughlin has served as Dutchess County Court Judge since 2015, presiding over some of the county’s most serious criminal and civil cases. A lifelong resident of Dutchess County, McLoughlin has spent more than three decades in public service, including 23 years as a prosecutor and a decade as a judge.
“I’m most proud that during my 10 years on the bench, I have delivered severe sentences to those convicted of violent crimes, while also helping defendants overcome the illness of addiction using the tools of the court, as well as a myriad of programs designed to get people back to a law-abiding life and strengthen their families,” McLoughlin said.
Community safety, combating addiction and providing access to mental health services are top priorities for McLoughlin. “The top three issues for the county are safety from violent crimes, confronting the scourge of addiction from fentanyl and providing greater access for those with mental illness who find their way into the criminal courts,” he said.
McLoughlin’s career combines extensive courtroom experience with community engagement. He regularly meets with constituents at their doors, hosts hundreds of jurors for trial selection and opens his courtroom to high school classes to provide students with insight into the criminal justice system. “I attend community events to always hear the voices of my community and their concerns,” he said.
McLoughlin spent more than two decades in the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office, handling felony prosecutions including homicides, assaults and robberies. As Bureau Chief, he supervised senior assistant district attorneys and oversaw plea negotiations, grand jury presentations and trials.
McLoughlin has also served as an Acting New York State Supreme Court Justice since 2017, presiding over civil cases ranging from medical malpractice to foreclosures. He is a longtime adjunct professor of criminal justice at Marist College and has coached high school mock trial teams.
“I believe my 23 years as a successful prosecutor, having never lost a trial in county court, along with my 10 years on the bench – providing safety and help for defendants and victims – prove that I have the proper experience to continue in my role,” McLoughlin said.
A lifelong Dutchess County resident, McLoughlin lives with his wife of 33 years and they share four children.
Kara Gerry — Democrat

Kara Gerry is running for Dutchess County Court Judge, bringing a career spent entirely in the county’s courts and a lifelong connection to the community. She grew up in Dutchess County, attending Our Lady of Lourdes, Marist College and Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law. She and her husband, Niles, are raising their three children locally.
“I’m a lifelong Dutchess County resident,” Gerry said. “Professionally, I’ve spent my entire career in our courts — first as a prosecutor, and now as a public defender. That experience on both sides of the courtroom has shown me the importance of balance — holding people accountable while also understanding the circumstances that lead them there.”
Gerry said she is running because she believes justice should be both fair and compassionate. “I’ve seen where our system works and where it fails, and I want to help build a court that keeps people safe while addressing the root causes of crime,” she said.
Community safety is a central focus for Gerry, who also emphasizes fairness in sentencing. “People deserve to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods,” she said, adding that fairness and equality in sentencing is another priority. “No one’s background, race or income should affect the outcome in court.”
Gerry is also advocating for stronger access to treatment and rehabilitation programs. “Mental health, addiction services and education reduce repeat offenses and strengthen families,” she said. “Courts should be part of a solution, not just a system of punishment.”
Her professional experience sets her apart from her opponent, Gerry said. “My opponent was only ever a prosecutor before he took the bench. I’ve been both a prosecutor and a public defender — I’ve seen justice from every angle. That balance matters.” Gerry has worked directly with victims, families and people struggling with addiction and mental illness and says she will bring fairness, compassion and accountability, and “not ideology,” to the bench.
Gerry said transparency and public trust are critical. “Judges can’t take political positions, but they can listen. The public deserves a judiciary that reflects its values — fairness, accessibility and respect. My goal is to make justice something people can see and trust in every courtroom,” she said.
Dutchess County Comptroller
Dan Aymar-Blair — Incumbent, Democrat

Dan Aymar-Blair is the Democratic incumbent serving as Dutchess County Comptroller. Elected in 2024, he began his first term in January 2025 and brings more than 20 years of experience managing government budgets, including 15 years overseeing financial operations at the New York City Department of Education.
Most of Aymar-Blair’s previous experience was in financial operations, managing not just budgets, but also human resources, facilities and other aspects of operations. Additionally, he served on the Beacon City Council for four years where he advocated for housing policy reforms, electrification initiatives and better public safety and emergency response capabilities.
Aymar-Blair said his motivation for running for Comptroller stemmed from a lifelong commitment to public service combined with his professional expertise. “This job brings those together. It’s rewarding work, and I’m blessed to have an amazing team that shares that mission,” he said.
Since taking office, Aymar-Blair has focused on increasing transparency and public engagement. He said his office’s reports have been read five times more than any previous reports from the department, and he has hosted 11 town halls around the county to listen and educate residents on budgets and county operations. “I’ve always envisioned this office not just as a tool for improving government, but also for educating the public. People have been very responsive to that,” he said.
Aymar-Blair said his independence allows him to approach issues objectively. Unlike his opponent, he says, “I haven’t been in the county legislature for 10 years making policy, so I can look at everything through clear eyes and total objectivity. I don’t have to pull any punches because of alliances or past commitments. I can just do the work freely, unencumbered by politics.”
Key priorities for Aymar-Blair include housing affordability, cost-of-living concerns, efficiency in government and oversight of large real estate projects. He is also monitoring how the county uses artificial intelligence, ensuring privacy protections are in place for residents.
“A big part of my job has been to demystify the Comptroller’s Office — to help people understand what it is, why it matters and how it can be an agent of change,” he said. “Every day my office is auditing claims. We’ll kick back a payment for $1.5 million if it’s not appropriate — and we’ll do it with the same zeal for a $12 payment. It’s all about accuracy and accountability.”
For Aymar-Blair, the role is about serving the community first. “Partisanship doesn’t matter here. My job as Comptroller is to ensure that the work is nonpartisan,” he said. “Dutchess County is almost a microcosm of the United States — you can be in downtown Poughkeepsie and half an hour later be in the rolling hills of northeastern Dutchess. It’s absolutely gorgeous. I’m proud to help it run well for the people who live here.”
Will Truitt — Republican

Will Truitt is a Republican candidate for Dutchess County Comptroller, seeking to bring a decade of experience in county government and private sector financial management to the office. A lifelong Dutchess County resident, Truitt has spent the past 10 years serving in the county legislature while simultaneously managing finances for Metzger Construction and several small water utility companies for the past eight years.
“I’m a lifelong Dutchess County resident. I’ve lived here all 30 years of my life,” Truitt said. He attended FDR High School in Hyde Park and went to Marist College, where he studied business finance and accounting and minored in economics.
Truitt said his interest in public service started early. As a freshman at Marist, he interned in County Executive Marc Molinaro’s office, learning how the county’s now $631 million budget is crafted. At just 19, Truitt ran for the legislature against an incumbent and won, beginning a decade-long career in county government.
“Once I graduated from Marist, I began full-time work at Metzger Construction in Hopewell Junction.” Truitt describes the company as a small, family-owned business doing multimillion-dollar work each year. “I manage money for a living. Between that private sector experience and my 10 years of public service, I believe it’s the perfect blend to be our next county comptroller,” Truitt said.
Truitt added that he is running to serve all residents and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. “There’s no way to serve as a Republican or Democratic comptroller,” he said. “You’re in that office solely to keep a watchful eye over taxpayer dollars. A comptroller who’s looking to push a political agenda would not be in the best interest of our county.”
Key priorities for Truitt include sustaining Dutchess County’s strong financial footing, maintaining its double A-plus bond rating and analyzing contracts to ensure emergency medical services remain efficient amid declining volunteer numbers. He also emphasizes supporting small businesses and tourism, which make up a large portion of county revenue.
“My father was a police canine sergeant in Hyde Park and was always involved in the community. I think that’s where my interest started,” Truitt said. “I’ve knocked on over 7,000 doors across all of Dutchess County’s towns, cities and villages. People should know who is representing them. When you meet people face to face, you get to learn their big concerns and that gives you the insight to do the job better.”
Truitt said his campaigns have always been grassroots-focused. “Regardless of the outcome of the election, I’m proud that I’ve been able to serve Dutchess County for the last 10 years.”
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201 Beilke Road built in 1957 on 0.8 acres was originally listed for $425,000 and sold on August 28, 2025 for $365,000 including in ground pool, deck and garage.
Photo by Christine Bates
MILLERTON — Monthly county recordings of property transfers offer an objective look at what is actually selling in any town. In August and September, the Town of North East and the Village of Millerton recorded 10 transfers: six residential properties and four small parcels of land. Four of the homes sold for under $500,000, well below the 12-month median for September of $495,000, while one closed for more than $6 million.
Homes currently listed for sale present a very different picture. Of the more than 20 residential properties on the market, eight are listed at above $1 million and only five are priced below $500,000. The million-dollar-plus homes have been on the market for an average of more than eight months.
August transfers
84 Beilke Road — 4 bedroom/1 bath home built in 1954 sold to Evan Cooper.
895 Route 83 — 3 bedroom/3.5 bath home on 45 acres built by architect Gilbert Schafer sold to Mick & Sadie LLC for $6,180,000.
Route 22 (#075387) — 2.7 acres of vacant land sold to Right Time Properties for $8,720.
September transfers
19 Dutchess Ave. — 3 bedroom/2 bath home on .1 acres in the Village of Millerton sold to Leah McCloskey for $420,000.
5884-5886 Elm Ave. — multiple dwellings on .41 acre in the Village of Millerton sold to 5884 S.Elm LLC for $310,00.
784 Smithfield Road — 2 bedroom/1 bath contemporary home built in 2000 sold to Ardian Hasko for $575,000.
201 Beilke Road — 3 bedroom/1 bath home on .8 acres sold to Carrie-Ann Dance for $365,000.
Rudd Pond Road (#620671) — 1.05 acre residential lot sold to Robert P. Wright for $69,000.
Quarry Hill Drive (#500970) — 2.89 acre residential lot in Boston Corners sold to Bart Schwartz Trustee for $100,000.
Silver Mountain Road (#922295) — 5.01 acre vacant parcel sold to Bradley Butts for $50,000.
*Town of North East and Village of Millerton property transfers from August and September 2025, are sourced from Dutchess County Real Property Office monthly reports. Details on property from Dutchess Parcel Access. Actual parcel numbers indicated by (#___) are included for properties without specific street address. Note that transfers may lag the date of closed sales. Market data from OneKey MLS and Inforsparks. Compiled by Christine Bates, Real Estate Advisor with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, Licensed in Connecticut and New York.
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