Thank you!
Your support is sustaining the future of local news in our communities.

North Canaan bears down on litter

NORTH CANAAN — An eye-opening volunteer trash pickup for Earth Day prompted North Canaan’s Board of Selectmen to consider a new dumpster ordinance in the Central Business District.

More than 70 volunteers participated in the town-led cleanup activity and removed litter from most neighborhoods in town, along with town parks and fields.

Selectman Craig Whiting set out with a team to pick up the year-old mess in the woods behind McDonald’s, which was caused by a bear breaking into the dumpster in 2023.

“We probably filled 12 to 15 bags of trash,” said Whiting at a May 6 meeting of the Board. “It was everywhere.”

He said there was “no reason” for the garbage to be left there for so long.

Whiting suggested the town implement an ordinance, which would create an avenue for holding businesses accountable.

“That’s something that we really have to look into especially now that the bear are out and active,” said Whiting.

Since the trash was picked up on April 27, the dumpster was once more ravaged by a bear. Whiting noted the McDonald’s staff, now under new management, picked up the new mess.

Affordable housing

First Selectman Brian Ohler announced at the May 6 meeting his plans to reconvene the town’s Affordable Housing Committee.

The committee, which began under the former administration, has become inactive. Ohler said the town needs to resume efforts on affordable housing and to do so, the committee needs to become active again.

He cited a 2022 town survey that showed, “74% of all respondents said that the cost of housing in town affects the town’s ability to attract and retain younger people or younger families,” and said businesses in town are struggling to find local talent to fill positions.

“We certainly have the workforce to give them jobs, but... housing is a big part of that formula,” said Ohler.

Ohler plans to begin the committee’s revival by contacting former chair Ashleigh Bergenty. He hopes to include Jocelyn Ayer, Director of Litchfield County Center for Housing Opportunity in future affordable housing discussions.

Creating a housing trust was also discussed as a way to tackle the issue.

“We need to hit the ground running,” said Ohler.

Riley Klein

Latest News

Maureen A. Moore

Maureen A. Moore

Amenia — Maureen A. Moore, 79, a longtime resident of Amenia, NY, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, CT. Maureen worked as a registered nurse at Taconic Developmental Disabilities Office in Wassaic, NY for 40 years retiring in 2008.

Born on August 12, 1947 in Poughkeepsie, NY, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence Quinlan and Jean (Martin) Quinlan. She was a graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes High School Class of 1965 in Poughkeepsie, NY and Villanova University School of Nursing in Villanova, PA. On October 5, 1975 in Hyde Park, NY, she married Norman Moore who survives at home.

Keep ReadingShow less

Frederick Reel Jr.

Frederick Reel Jr.

CANAAN — Frederick Reel Jr., 89, passed away on Oct. 5, 2026.

Fred was born on April 22, 1937, in Canaan, Connecticut, to Augusta Bagnaschi and Frederick Reel. Following Augusta’s passing, Fred and his siblings were raised by their aunt, Dorothy Wilson.

Keep ReadingShow less

Gary V. Ackerman

Gary V. Ackerman

ANCRAMDALE — Gary V. Ackerman, Jr., 60, of 233 East Ancram Road, died Monday morning Oct. 5, 2026, at Sharon Hospital.He was the husband of Camille M. Mastropolo. Gary was born Aug. 16, 1966, in Poughkeepsie, New York, son of the late Gary V. and Betty Jane (Wilbur) Ackerman Sr.

Gary had last worked in the maintenance department of the Indian Mountain School in Lakeville. Prior to that he had worked in the same capacity at the Maplebrook School in Amenia, New York for 30 years. Gary enjoyed cars and target shooting, in his spare time, and was a member of the Ancram Land-Owners Association.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Jam leaves Sharon, prepares for Salisbury opening

Jam leaves Sharon, prepares for Salisbury opening

Jam Food Shop’s future home at 19 Main St. in Salisbury. The shop ended service in Sharon on Oct. 3, but an opening date for the new location has yet to be set.

Patrick Stachniak

SALISBURY — Jam Food Shop has officially closed its Sharon location, with its much-anticipated standalone store still under renovation in Salisbury.

Jam Food Shop, previously operating out of the Sharon Farm Market, is in the middle of renovating its new location at 19 Main St. Construction crews are renovating the former Neo Restaurant and Bar space as locals await the deli’s opening.

Keep ReadingShow less
business

Dinner with the dog

Dinner with the dog
Georgie, enjoying a late-summer “pup cup” on the porch at Grassland Dessert Cafe in Lakeville.
Natalia Zukerman

Dog owners know the dilemma: You’re out for the day with your four-legged sidekick when hunger strikes. Fortunately, a number of area restaurants, cafés and breweries welcome dogs, mostly at outdoor tables. Policies and outdoor seating can change with the season, so calling ahead is always a good idea.

The White Hart and Provisions in Salisbury is particularly pet-friendly. The inn welcomes pets on request, and its front porch and sprawling lawn make inviting places to settle in with a canine companion. They even welcome well-behaved patrons — bipedal and quadruped alike — in the cozy dining area.

Keep ReadingShow less
pets

A day in the life of a rescue dog

A day in the life of a rescue dog

Marsala is eager to go home with you.

Jennifer Almquist

“It’s unbelievable that this sweet, loving boy hasn’t found his home yet,” said Tiffany Lemelin, shelter manager of The Little Guild, whose mission is to rescue, love and heal homeless cats and dogs. She smiled at the small dog wagging his tail. “This is one of the most deserving dogs you could ever meet, with so much love to give.”

Marsala is an energetic, 1-year-old, 45-pound black Labrador mix waiting to be adopted. He arrived March 25 as a stray named “Chicken” from Toccoa, Georgia.

Keep ReadingShow less
pets
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.