New Pine Plains Herald

08/31/2025

Many urologists refer to summertime as “kidney stone season“: Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, case numbers surge — up to 30% higher than in winter months.

Many urologists refer to summertime as “kidney stone season“: Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, case numbers surge — up to 30% higher than in winter months. Sun exposure and […]

08/29/2025

At its Aug. 21 meeting, the Pine Plains Town Board confronted the potential financial strain of its planned new Town Hall, with board member Kevin Walsh saying the town does not yet know how it will cover the cost of the estimated $4.5 million project.

Planning continues on a $4.5 million Town Hall on North Main Street, but questions over how to finance it remain unresolved.

08/29/2025

The Stanford Planning Board granted conditional approval of a subdivision of property belonging to the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent DePaul at 177 Sisters Hill Road at its meeting on Wednesday, Aug 27.

The historic religious organization is selling their Hudson Valley retreat, but likely retaining Sisters Hill Farm.

08/29/2025

Stissing Mountain High School halls may be more boisterous when classes resume on Wednesday, Sept. 3. Because of a new state law banning cellphones, students will be chatting directly with one another, instead of texting.

While cellphone use had been restricted already, students, parents, and teachers will have to adjust to the more stringent, bell-to-bell ban.

08/29/2025

The reopening of State Route 199 between Schultz Hill Road and Chase Road has been pushed back to mid-September after weather-related setbacks delayed construction, according to the New York State Department of Transportation.

Pine Plains officials set Sept. 12 as the target reopening date.

08/29/2025

A funeral and celebration of Van Tassel’s life will be held on Aug. 30 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ancram. A reception will begin at 10 a.m. and funeral services will begin at 11 a.m.,followed by a graveside ceremony at the Ancram Union Cemetery.

Ronald Bailey Van Tassel of Ancram died on Aug. 23. He was 87. Van Tassel was born on May 15, 1938, to Arthur and Bessie (Madison) Van Tassel of Hillsdale […]

08/24/2025

With the first day of school approaching, the Pine Plains School Board finalized its policy to mitigate extreme classroom heat and reviewed plans for the stricter cellphone ban at its Wednesday, Aug. 19, meeting.

Nine classrooms at Cold Spring Early Learning Center need cooling; Facilities Director Richard McKibben recommends purchasing mini-split AC units.

08/24/2025

County Executive Sue Serino announced the creation of an online hub, Cultivating Dutchess, that would gather resources for farmers in one place, including information on agricultural districts, farmland protection, and county-backed grant programs.

At the county’s annual agricultural forum, officials announced Cultivating Dutchess, a new resource center to support farmers and highlight the industry’s $45 million impact.

08/24/2025

Two separate motorcycle crashes occurred in Pine Plains last week. Both riders survived.

Separate accidents on Route 82 and Hicksville Road send riders to hospitals.

08/22/2025

The century-old Pine Plains grocery store has been sued in federal court by a food distributor seeking more than $80,000. With a court ruling pending and shelves thinning, owner Don Peck said he is considering the store’s next steps.

08/21/2025

The Dutchess County Fair has returned, celebrating the agricultural traditions of towns across the county, including Pine Plains, Stanford, and Milan whose many farms, animals, and businesses were are on full display at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. The fair runs through Sunday, Aug. 24.

08/20/2025

Alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of developing at least seven types of cancer — colorectal, breast, esophageal, liver, mouth, throat, and larynx.

An urgent advisory issued by the Surgeon General in January focused on the alcohol-cancer link and urged Congress to update the warning labels on bottles.