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The Millerton News Editorial

When a community pulls together to help

Wed, 04/24/2019 - 9:39am

Losing a home, or in this case a farm, to fire can be devastating. The Miller family of Ancramdale, who lost two of their Millerhurst Farm dairy barns and 46 of their dairy cows last October, can well attest to that. But the electrical fire sparked more than actual flames — it ignited a community determined to support one of its own. And that is exactly what’s been done, as the Miller family started rebuilding last week.

Talk is good as Millbrook looks for EMS solutions

Wed, 04/17/2019 - 10:15am

Ever an issue in the Hudson Valley, and really, in small communities around the country, providing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is getting harder and harder.

The building blocks to better communities

Wed, 04/10/2019 - 9:21am

All hail Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). They are a lifeline for local municipalities needing money to fund important projects ranging from infrastructure improvements to updating Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance to creating affordable housing. Throughout the state — and right here in the Harlem Valley — block grant dollars have helped improve living conditions for those who need it most.

In the most recent round of grant awards, sidewalk improvements and ADA improvements were the focus. 

The plastic conundrum

Wed, 04/03/2019 - 9:21am

Living in this area — in the inarguably lovely Harlem Valley — it’s hard not to be an environmentalist of sorts. Even if not hard-core, most people around here appreciate the scenic beauty and natural resources found in our rural towns and villages. 

Rail Trail extension puts area on path to perfection

Wed, 03/27/2019 - 8:54am

At long last, shovel has hit dirt and work on the northward extension of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail has begun. There was much celebration as news spread that the county has started clearing the old railroad path for the construction of the 8.2-mile extension from the center of Millerton to Under Mountain Road in Ancram.

Gun control: Another look

Wed, 03/06/2019 - 10:27am

It’s an old argument — one that is deeply divided down party lines: gun control. Should there be stricter regulations when  it comes to purchasing a gun? And, if so, what should those regulations entail? Rarely have the two sides come together in consensus when debating this issue.

Dangers of crying wolf

Wed, 02/27/2019 - 12:08pm

In a time when we hear accusations of “fake news” come from the most powerful man in the world on a near-daily basis, we cannot afford to have people make up stories that could tear this nation apart.

That, however, is exactly what “Empire” star Jussie Smollett is believed to have done following his claims of a bias attack in late January. Smollett said he was brutally attacked by two men who made racial and homophobic slurs, beat him, threw an unknown chemical on him and placed a noose around his neck. 

Celebrating the FFA

Fri, 02/22/2019 - 12:58pm

From Feb. 16 through Feb. 23, students around the United States — and here in our neck of the woods — are celebrating National FFA Week. Once called Future Farmers of America, the FFA encompasses so much more than just farming these days.

Make no mistake about it — the agriculture industry is huge. It’s vitally important to our future, and to the health and wealth of our country. Right here, in the Harlem Valley, we’re especially in tune with ag-related businesses and lifestyles.

Reflecting on violence and mental illness

Mon, 02/18/2019 - 9:08am

Feb. 14, 2018. It was one year ago, and it was a very deadly day. Last Valentine’s Day was when accused shooter Nikolas Cruz walked into Marjory Stoneham Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., and fired at students and faculty alike. He wound up killing 17 and destroying many more lives.