North Canaan selectmen fill vacancy at P&Z

NORTH CANAAN — At a meeting of the Board of Selectmen Dec. 2, Cooper Brown was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The appointment comes nearly a month after former chairman Tim Abbott resigned due to pressure from the developers applying for the River Woods subdivision.

Brown was previously an alternate member of P&Z and was one of two alternates to express interest in filling the vacant board seat. The other was Kathy Ducillo.

Ducillo was recommended by Chris Jacques, chair of the Democratic Town Committee.

In discussion with the two interested commission members, the selectmen inquired about relevant experience and qualifications.

Brown reported he had completed about six hours of land use classes as of Dec. 2.

Selectman Jesse Bunce expressed concerns of nepotism regarding Brown’s father, Peter Brown, who is actively serving as vice chair of P&Z and is expected to become the new chairman.

Bunce felt Ducillo would be a better choice due to having more experience as a P&Z member.

Following the discussion, a 2-1 vote elected Brown to the vacant seat. First Selectman Brian Ohler (R) and Selectman Craig Whiting (R) voted for Brown, and Bunce (D) voted for Ducillo.

Resident Trooper resigns

Trooper First Class Jeremy Ribadeneyra, the resident trooper in North Canaan, submitted his letter of resignation to Town Hall in November.

Ribadeneyra is moving on to a new position with the state police force. He agreed to continue in his current role during the transition to a new resident trooper.

At the Dec. 2 BOS meeting, Ohler reported a meeting has been scheduled with the Troop B lieutenant to discuss a replacement trooper. He expects a new trooper to be assigned around the new year.

North Canaan’s current resident trooper contract is in place until June 2025. In the 2024-25 town budget, $161,315 was allocated to the resident trooper.

Latest News

Housy boys defeat Shepaug 1-0 in BL tournament semifinal

The HVRHS boys rejoice around Jackson McAvoy after he scored the game-winning goal against Shepaug with just two minutes left to play.

Photo by Riley Klein

WASHINGTON — Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s boys varsity soccer team advanced to the Berkshire League tournament final after a 1-0 win over Shepaug Valley High School in the semifinal game on Friday, Oct. 24.

Jackson McAvoy scored the game-winning goal with just two minutes remaining.

Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - October 23, 2025

Help Wanted

Weatogue Stables has an opening: for a full time team member. Experienced and reliable please! Must be available weekends. Housing a possibility for the right candidate. Contact Bobbi at 860-307-8531.

Services Offered

Hector Pacay Service: House Remodeling, Landscaping, Lawn mowing, Garden mulch, Painting, Gutters, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Tree work, Brush removal, Fence, Patio, Carpenter/decks, Masonry. Spring and Fall Cleanup. Commercial & Residential. Fully insured. 845-636-3212.

Keep ReadingShow less
School spirit on the rise at Housy

Students dressed in neon lined the soccer field for senior night under the lights on Thursday, Oct. 16. The game against Lakeview was the last in a series of competitions Thursday night in celebration of Homecoming 2025.

Hunter Conklin and Danny Lesch

As homecoming week reaches its end and fall sports finish out the season, an air of school spirit and student participation seems to be on the rise across Housatonic Valley Regional High School.

But what can be attributed to this sudden peak of student interest? That’s largely due to SGA. Also known as the Student Government Association, SGA has dedicated itself to creating events to bring the entire student body together. This year, they decided to change some traditions.

Keep ReadingShow less